Some 15 years ago, I wrote my first column for KONK Life. Sharia Law.

Though centuries old, only then had Sharia begun to receive notice in the U.S. Most U.S. citizens were of no concern. It was the religion of the Muslims. Islamic law. Based on precepts of Islam found in the Quran and Hadith. Did not affect us.

I thought differently.

Sharia Law had come up a few times in State cases. In certain instances, the judges applied Sharia Law rather than the law of the U.S. or the State in which the case was being tried.

Sharia Law was tough. Totally inconsistent with our laws. There was another consideration. My belief at the time and even today, if you wanted to live in the U.S., you live by U.S. law. If not, go home from whence you came.

Many at the time thought I was unreasonable. They were blind to the future.

Today, many Muslims reside in the U.S. Most, good citizens. Some still live their lives under Sharia Law. In the dark, a Sharia Law system exists for those who prefer such to U.S. laws.

All this a prelude to what has been happening in Brunei. Brunei is a small Muslim nation in East Asia.

In 2014, the Sharia law was codified and introduced as law at the national level. Many provisions alarming. Scary. Like those who engaged in gay sex and/or adultery were to be stoned to death.

Wow!

They stoned for various reasons back in the days of Christ and before. Recall the story of Jesus who came upon a woman about to be stoned. Christ said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”

A protest cry arose immediately in 2014 in Christian countries and the U.N. Total opposition. Not in this day and age was the cry.

Pressure has been building for 5 years. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah recently announced that the law would not be enforced.

Better than nothing. Still leaves me uncomfortable. Throw it off the books so discretion cannot be claimed as a reason to use it some time in the future.

That is where the stoning punishment remains at the moment. In abeyance, in Purgatory. Not Hell.

To fully appreciate the harshness of Sharia Law, consider what happens to a thief. First offense, his right hand is amputated. Second offense, his left foot.

Brunei’s law applies to children and foreigners. Even if not Muslims.

My admonition: Don’t engage in illicit sex if visiting Brunei. The possible penalty for a few minutes pleasure not worth it.

Two other situations involving those of the Muslim faith in the news.

Today is the beginning of Ramadan. A holy Muslim time. One month long. All Muslims must abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. The purpose to bring worshipers closer to God.

There is another area of denial. Sex. No sex at all for one month.

Now to China.

Only 2 years ago was it discovered that China has internment camps for Muslims. Can be described as concentration camps.

It is estimated 1-2 million Muslims are so confined and subject to all kinds of abuses.

The world little complains. The media relatively silent. Sounds like what was happening in Germany in the late 1930’s and to the mid 1940’s.

The 3 Muslim stories provided for informational purposes. The world should know. More should be aware.

Yesterday began with Hot Dog Church around 5. Not many were in attendance. About 8 ladies. Included were Donna and Terri. Laurie bartending. Enjoyed a couple of drinks and then went to dinner with my lesbian wives at La Trattoria.

Tiffany bartending. Dink stopped by to say hello. A very nice guy!

Michael showed up. I have not seen him in years. He was already a Key West native when I started coming 30 years ago. I knew him from Atlantic Shores. Now gone. Today a part of the Southernmost Complex.

Atlantic Shores was a motel and beach bar. The deck holding the beach bar easily held 100 people. Most bare assed. Totally nude.

I am a voyeur by nature. Visited almost daily. However, kept my bathing suit or shorts on. A coward!

Michael was there daily in his sunday suit. Always a deep brown tan. Hair always long. An athlete’s body.

Donna knew him at Atlantic Shores back then. Though I did not know Donna at the time. She cavorted with nothing on.

When they speak of old Key West, Atlantic Shores was a part of the flavor.

While dinning at the bar, I saw what might be my future. The bar was full. An elderly couple came in around 7:30. Asked Tiffany how long for seats. She said at least an hour. There were already others waiting.

The man told Tiffany they couldn’t wait. They would take a table. “We have to be back to the nursing home by 9:30.”

Whether you like Karl Marx, agree or disagree with his political views, it cannot be denied he has been an influential figure in world history.

Marx was born May 5, 1818. He wrote the Communist Manifesto, the basis of Marxism. He was the first true Communist.

The last 2 sentences of the Communist Manifesto drove Communism for close to 2 centuries: “Workers of the world, unite. You have nothing to lose but your chains.”

Great Britain rejoices this morning! Most of the world also! Meghan Markle, an American married to Prince Harry, gave birth to a baby boy. He will be seventh in line to the throne.

Meghan delivered at home. By prearrangement. Her desire.

Tonight will find me at Dueling Bartenders. One of Key West’s best events.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Sunday!

My day began in different fashion this morning. Instead of up at 6 and at the computer to do the blog, I showered and went out for breakfast. My body was calling for a change of pace.

Shot down to Harpoon Harry’s. Sat at the bar enjoying eggs benedict when in walked David. Love David! One of Key West’s best people!

Enjoyed breakfast together. Sat drinking coffee afterwards and chatting.

Eggs benedict and David an enjoyable way to start a day.

Decided to watch the Kentucky Derby at the Chart Room. Got there around 5:30. Post time 6:50.

The race’s outcome an example of the inequities of life.

Initially, Maxim Security came in first. Two challenges were presented. Twenty two minutes later, Maximum Security was dropped to 17th. Country House who had come in second, moved up to 1st.

Country House paid $132.40 on a $2 bet. The odds were 65-1.

Maximum Security’s “wrongdoing” was unintentional. Coming around the last quarter post, Maximum Security drifted into the path of 2 other horses. Caused them to pull up slightly to avoid collision. Maximum Security’s jockey corrected the situation. However, the second or two was sufficient to move Maximum Security out of the winner’s spot.

An unintentional error resulting in months of work and money being obliterated. For #2 Country House, a just reward for similar effort.

Interestingly, Maximum Security’s drift in no way affected Country House.

It was a sad day for some/many at Churchill Downs and a glorious one for others.

One of those coming out on top was Tino Gonzales, a frequent visitor to Key West. A golfing and bocce friend for many years. Lives in Chicago. Attended the Derby.

Tino ran a picture of his “winning ticket” on Facebook. His ticket for the 65-1 winner Country House. He thanked the judges.

Watched the Derby with many friends. Some old, some new. Fun time!

After the race, ran into Jim and Debbie Maroney. Visiting from Rhode Island. Jim a loyal blog reader. Thank you, Jim!

We chatted a while.

Jim and Debbie live near Block Island. We talked long about Block Island. One of my favorite places for summer fun. Spent several summers there. Winter a no no. Cold, cold, cold!

Jim and Debbie retired state employees. Enjoying their retirement.

Jim and Debbie were with Kevin and Denise. Kevin and Denise live in Brooklyn or Brooklyn County, Connecticut. Never knew there was a Brooklyn in Connecticut.

Jim an electrician. Denise a special education administrator.

Key West’s Shoe Lady Stephanie Kapel had a great 2 days this week. She drove the Real Housewives of Orange County around town. Stephanie a lucky person! However also the best one for the job. Her personality right on!

A little politics to complete today’s blog.

An old saying. What goes around, comes around. Also, every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

Trump calls everyone names. Always not nice. The man has the tongue of a serpent.

Few if any counter. Joe Biden did this week.

Trump has been referring to Biden with several less than tasteful names. Biden retaliated only one time. Referred to Trump as a “clown.” It fits.

I trust Biden will very infrequently throw a name out in retaliation to Trump’s name calling attacks. Trump enjoys the mud. I am sick of a President who does. Biden should let the name calling slide off him and retaliate with the facts. Like Trump’s lies, wrongdoings, etc. More than enough available.

Enjoy your Sunday!

The world is moving fast. Sometimes too fast for me.

The newest change is using a deceased’s body as compost. Yes, turning the body into dirt and plant shrubbery, flowers, etc. with it.

Even worse, the justification is that decomposition is environmentally sound.

The Governor of Washington State has a bill on his desk awaiting his signature. Once law, it would legalize the composting of deceased humans.

Washington State has reached a point where a high percentage of bodies are cremated. Those supporting the bill point out that cremation results in carbon emissions. Composting cuts down on carbon omissions.

Even in death the option is afforded to save the environment!

Money could be involved. The cost for composition is $5,500. Comes with a guarantee that the composed remains will be used to plant a tree.

The technical name for the procedure is natural organic reduction. Sounds like basting a turkey!

The process takes a few weeks. Finally, the body turns into dirt. Soon to be used as compost.

This one bothers me! Somehow lacking in respect for the dead. Some will say cremation is the same. Never thought about it in any fashion till now.

An example of the world moving on!

Last night, a quiet one for me. Decided at the last minute to stay in. Read and watched some TV. Fell asleep early. Feel great this morning!

Kentucky Derby today! I will watch it either at the Gardens or Don’s Place.

I do not follow the horses. However a gathering to watch the race is always a cheerful event. The ladies’ hats, the mint juleps, etc.

Toppino is a highly respected name in Key West and the Florida Keys in general.

A family business involving several generations.

The business was started back in the 1930’s by Charles P. Toppino. Known to everyone as Charley.

I write about the elder Mr. Toppino because it was on this day in 1958 that he died. His children, grandchildren, great grandchildren run the business today. Actually a conglomeration of businesses. The Toppinos are into most phases of construction.

Mr. Toppino was born in Italy. He brought to the U.S. with him an unparalleled work ethic and desire to succeed. Succeed he did. If I recall correctly, it was the construction of U.S. 1 that brought Mr. Toppino to Key West. He was involved in the project.

He came, saw opportunity, and remained.

His reputation outstanding. Those running the business today the same.

A good man, a good family!

Never underestimate Trump. The man continues to amaze me.

We all know he lied when representing the Mueller Report to the people. It did not exonerate him. A good portion clearly indicates something stinks in Denmark. He will get his come up ins in due course.

Most recently, I am impressed with Trump’s audacity in telephoning Putin yesterday. A whole hour! Friends again. Probably always were.

Trump does not have anyone recording his conversations with Putin. Putin on the other hand does. Putin being a step smarter than Trump.

The two are not on the same wave length regarding what was said to each other re certain major items.

One being Venezuela.

Trump reported Putin said Russia had no interest in Venezuela. If so, why has Putin had planes and troops on the ground in Venezuela?

Russia’s response to Trump’s representation clearly indicated
Trump’s version not accurate. Putin said only the people of Venezuela can determine their future. Should be accomplished politically without outside interference.

Both men probably lying.

As I have been saying for quite a while, the bottom line is oil. Venezuela has the largest oil reserve in the world. Russia wants it. The U.S. wants it. Putin is working to once again out fox Trump.

A George Orwell quote appropriate at this juncture. Orwell wrote, “During time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.”

Enjoy your day!

Big week for celebrities visiting Key West.

Venus Williams and The Real Housewives of Orange County!

Venus’ visit especially noteworthy. Wednesday night, she, her boy friend and our own Laurie Thibaud sat together at Bobby’s Monkey Bar chatting, drinking and singing the evening away.

Lauri reports Venus and her boy friend very friendly to other customers and Venus a noteworthy singer.

Venus and friend are staying at Sunset Key.

Venus’ week began in Miami. She is reported to have danced “all night long” 2 nights in a row. All night means till 5 in the morning. Then shot down to Key West for a few days of sun and fun.

The Real Wives of Orange Country have been in Key West since wednesday. Flew to Miami. Drove Maserati convertibles down U.S. 1 to Key West.

They will be filming while in Key West.

Wednesday night found one of them at Bourbon Street Pub and 801. The “Original Gangsta” Vicki Gurvalson. The others remained in their hotel re-energizing. The ladies are booked into one of the new hotels on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

Bria Ansara was performing at Bourbon Street. Vicki and Bria got along famously. Took some selfies.

At some point early morning, Vicki moved across the street to 801.

Jeeps were rented for the ladies for thursday. Whatever the filming may be, it involves them driving Jeeps round town. They also visited some of Key West’s haunted homes.

The big event for today is attending a key lime pie eating contest. Where, I do not know.

An exciting few days! Venus and The Housewives!

I had my excitement yesterday afternoon when I guested on Lauri Thibaud’s radio show Party Time at 107.5 FM, WGAY FM. Laurie could not wait to share her evening with Venus Williams.

Thn to the Chart Room. Chatted with 4 men from the Portland, Oregon area. Fishermen. Came cross country to fish Key West waters.

Nice guys. We chatted about many things. One into politics as I am. Especially enjoyed his company.

They went out on Keys waters for the first time at 7 this morning.

A short article at page 3 of this morning’s Key West Citizen was titled: Pity The Fools Who Miss This Turtle’s Release.

Turtles loved in the Keys. Great concern for them. The Keys even has a Turtle Hospital in Marathon. A world wide reputation. Sick turtles are flown in from every where.

Mr. T ended up in the Turtle Hospital in early February. Mr. T a 200 pound adult male loggerhead sea turtle. Pretty sick.

He was discovered off  Tavernier. Floating. A fishing hook with trailing logged in his mouth. An endoscopy revealed Mr. T had a tear in one lung.

Mr. T was operated on. The hook removed and a blood patch applied to repair the lung tear.

Mr. T is ready to return wednesday to his home in the sea. He will be released tuesday at 3:30 on Sombrero Beach in Marathon. A couple hundred people will be there to see him off.

John Bolton is one of Trump’s henchmen. A war monger. Always looking to start a war.

Teddy Roosevelt said, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” Adjusting the verbiage a bit to fit Bolton: “Walk ARROGANTLY and SWING a big stick.”

Kurt Nimmo recently wrote: “Bolton and the neocons now infesting the White House are all about war, mass murder, starvation, and the engineered immiseration of millions.”

Pompeo and Bolton are birds of a feather. They are looking for a war. Any war. Presently attempting to push the U.S. into one with Venezuela.

Trump generally acts in an adverse fashion. He is a bully. Uncaringly hurts people. An evil man.

It bothers me that few Republicans stand up to him. They seem more concerned with politics rather than doing the right thing.

John Kennedy quoted Edmund Burke in a speech: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

So true.

Republicans get off your asses! Do something. Do not permit Trump to continue going unbridled.

We fail to recognize the extent to which robots are taking over. In the very near future, significantly fewer human jobs will exist because robots will have replaced the workers. Government is failing us. There are few, if any, retraining programs as yet.

Robot use has developed even further than most are aware. Certain robots now decide who gets a job, continues working, or gets fired. With no human intervention!

Such robots primarily involved with low paid workers. Software and algorithms deciding who continues working.

Amazon.com already utilizing robots in such a fashion. The robot tracks the productivity of employees and regularly fires those who under perform, with next to no human intervention.

Another example involves industrial laundry services. Robots are used to track seconds in the pressing of a shirt.

Friday. Looking forward to tonight. Have nothing to do as yet.

Enjoy your day!

Strange name!

I was sitting at the end of the bar in the Chart Room at 7 last night. Another fellow at the other end of the bar. Tammy bartending.

In walked 2 couples. One of the guys yells Louis. I tuned and looked. A stranger. Roberto Pasta Pantaleo. We hugged. As we embraced, I recalled Theo had written and said his artist friend from Islamorada would be coming down to meet me. I had forgotten. Thank God I opted to go out last night.

An absolutely fabulous evening! We laughed our way through 2 hours.

Background.

Roberto’s first name is Roberto. His second, Pasta. He goes by Pasta. Born in Italy, grew up in Brooklyn. School not his thing. Quit while in high school. Urban Brooklyn not the happiest place for the Pantaleo family. They moved to Florida.

His friends used to call each other by their last names. Pantaleo was difficult for some. Pasta’s older brother used to call him “Pasta Fazul.” A traditional Italian dish of pasta and beans.

Everyone began calling him Pasta.

Pasta’s younger years found him riding motorcycles and hot rods.

Oh, the life it was!

Pasta was painting a bit. A friend asked if he would customize a new van he had purchased by pin striping it. Van came out terrific!

Pasta began airbrushing. By the late 1970’s, he had become a class airbrush painter.

His break as a painter came in 2001. He did some image branding for a professional fishing tournament. Quality work. His phone began to ring!

Today, Pasta is a recognized world wide artist of sea and sea life. Primarily prints. I viewed some on the internet. Bright! Brilliant!

His gallery is located at mile marker 89.5 in Islamorada. In the very heart of Islamorada. Named the Pasta Pantaleo Signature Gallery.

The gallery a beauty. An historical 1937 Red Cross House. A “must see.”

Man does not succeed alone. He needs a woman. Angela is Pasta’s wife. She helps with the promotion end of the business. A charming woman in her own right. Enjoyed her company immensely.

Pasta and Angela came with Tim and Carla. Carla a woman with a special trait. She found a reason to toast not every other drink, every other sip. Well, almost.

Tim and Carla from Wisconsin. Their Keys home in Marathon. Work together. Business consultants. They help companies settle claims with the U.S. government.

Theo, you did good! Thank you for bringing Pasta and I together.

Tammy was bartending. A wreck. she is moving this weekend. She has some lovely furniture pieces. Rain is predicted.

My recommendation was she hang a set of rosary beads outside her door. An old tradition to ward off anticipated rain on a wedding day.

Tammy is correct in being concerned. We have received a tropical storm warning for the weekend. Apparently storms and hurricanes are unaware that the hurricane season still is not yet to arrive for another month.

The storm may or may not turn into a tropical one. Never the less, rain. If it hits proper numbers and is awarded a tropical storm rating, it will be named Andrea.

My admonition: Rain, rain, go  away, little Tammy wants to MOVE!

This afternoon I guest on Laurie Thibaud’s radio show Party Time. 4 to 5:30. Radio station 107.5 FM, WGAY FM.

We chat about everything. Whatever turns us on at the moment. Join us.

The yellow building that has been under construction on Flagler soon to be occupied by a charter high school. Somerset Island Prep.

Great concept. Two of the 4 years of  charter high school involve college credit courses. When the student moves on to college, only 2 additional years is required to obtain a Bachelor Degree. A great money saver, as well as time saver.

Student enrollment limited. One hundred per year.

College costs today astronomical! Off the wall! A disgrace!

Recall the recent news re a Rick Singer who was able to get children of the wealthy into college. A fraudulent scheme. Big bucks involved. Many already arrested.

The most recent news involves Yusi “Molly” Zhao. From Beijing.

In 2017, her parents paid Singer to get Molly into Stanford for $6.5 million. I would have been happy to home teach her for half!

Anyhow, she was admitted because of her sailing abilities. She was described as a “sailing prodigy.”

Word on the street is the Blue Macaw has been sold. To the Rams Head Group.

A lot of high end commercial properties being sold this year. Corporate America obviously has faith in Key West.

The Rams Head Group recently was awarded the contract to operate the new Truman Amphitheater.

Theo and Dina, my condolences.

Theo and Dina made an artist friend in Key West. Ray Bolton.

I knew Ray only slightly. He occasionally would be at Blue Macaw and we would chat.

Ray was born in British Guyana. Settled in Key West.

Tennessee Williams. Made Key West his home for 40 plus years.

On this day in 1955, Williams received the Pulitzer Prize for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

Watched much of William Barr’s appearance before the Senate Committee yesterday.

My observations: He sunk deeper into moral quicksand, left no doubt he was Trump’s man, made Jeff Sessions look good, qualified himself as a liar.

The Democrats on the Committee were ready for him. They had done their homework. Especially, Senator Kamala Harris.

Caught Hillary Clinton on one of the talk shows yesterday.

Recall how Trump went on TV during the campaign asking China to get Clinton’s 30,000 e-mails? Clinton hit back with humor yesterday. She asked, “China, if you’re listening, why don’t you get Trump’s tax returns?”

I finish with Venezuela.

Yesterday’s coup failed. The generals remained with Maduro. I predicted the coup would fail and the generals would remain with Maduro.

Pompeo an ass in this whole thing. He and Bolton have rabble roused Trump. War the cry! War with Venezuela!

Ain’t going to be a war. Russia already in Venezuela with planes and troops.

Trump’s argument is that Venezuela has become a humanitarian cause. Where was he 5 years ago when the people of Venezuela killed their pets for food?

It’s all about oil. Venezuela has the largest oil reserves in the world. The U.S. and Russia want the oil!

Enjoy your day!

My intent was to do a change of pace blog today. Lift the burden of the world off our shoulders. A historical piece zeroing in on whether Brutus was Caesar’s son. Might have been.

However, too much happening. My good intention waylaid to the extent of 2 additional items. One involving sex in Paradise/Key West. The other, Attorney General Bar’s lying to the Senate and inferentially the American public.

An only Key West happening. Sex in Paradise.

A homeless man and an intoxicated woman were engaged in having sex on the sidewalk in front to the Key West Police Station. The man’s pant’s were down. The woman was without panties or pants.

The man arrested for indecent exposure. The woman not.

Such does not occur  in front of the Police Station even during Fantasy Fest.

I found the Barr memo hard to believe and Barr’s conduct thereafter suspicious. Something not right. Additionally, I have been condemning Rosenstein. Especially recently. Seemed over time to have been in bed with Trump. Appears to have been Trump’s mole within the privacy of the Mueller investigation.

Last night, the Washington Post reported bad shenanigans on Barr’s part. He is turning out to be Trump’s Roy Cohen rather than Attorney for the people of the United States.

Significant is the revelation of a letter from Mueller to Barr and a subsequent telephone call wherein Mueller expressed his displeasure with Barr’s 4 page Memo. Followed up with Barr’s lying to the Senate re any contact with Mueller following his receipt of the Mueller Report.

Barr is in trouble.

Another example of an otherwise good man who joins the Trump team and becomes dirtied.

The unraveling scenario is like a dying dike. A hole appears in the wall. A child’s finger plugs it. Then several more holes. More and bigger fingers required. Now cracks.

The dike has to give. Cannot withstand the pressure being applied to it. Similar to Humpty Dumpty sitting on the wall and falling down. No one could put Humpty Dumpty together again.

Now for what was to be my sole literary contribution to the day. Interesting. Uncertain as to truth. I will lay the facts out for you to decide.

Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March. March 15, 44 B.C. Brutus was one of the conspirators knifing Caesar.

It is claimed Caesar seeing Brutus exclaimed, “Et tu Brute.”

Shakespeare interprets/portrays the words as “And you Brutus.” The words have been misinterpreted since then to “You too, Brutus.”

One hundred fifty years after the slaying, the Roman historian Suet Onius claimed the translation involved incorrect. His position was Caesar said nothing or said, “You too, child.”

Which brings to attention the question of who was Brutus’ father. Many historians believe Caesar fathered Brutus. Initially difficult to accept. Caesar was only 15 years older than Brutus.

On the other hand, plausible.

When Caesar was young, he was enamored with a young woman. Servilia. Servilia was Brutus’ mother.

There is further evidence.

In an early war against Caesar, Brutus fought with the opposition. It is claimed that Caesar gave orders that Brutus was not to be killed or injured. Under any circumstances.

Brutus was neither killed nor wounded. In fact, he escaped capture. Following which he wrote a letter to Caesar begging forgiveness. Caesar forgave him. Even giving him a position of authority within his government.

You may wonder how this interpretation problem arose. Turns out the history of Caesar’s death was first written in Greek. I could not determine if writings were initially made in other languages.

The Greek phrase involved is “Kaiou tekvov.” My Greek spelling may be a bit incorrect. I am not familiar with the Greek language.

“Kaiou tekvov” translated is “You too, child.”

Enjoy your day!

Never met a ghost. Not sure there are ghosts, and, if so,  good ghosts and bad ghosts. I do have a “good” Key West ghost story to share, however.

Her name Maria Valdez de Gutsens.

Maria a warm giving professional nurse. Worked with hose who had no money. Ran a hospital, knocked on doors for money and food, gave comfort to all who needed her.

The Mercedes Hospital. Formerly the home of one of Key West’s earliest cigar makers. A man of wealth. Eduardo Gato.

He built the home for his family. Moved at some point. The house physically moved or he built a new one. The new home at 1209 Virginia Street.

Eduardo’s wife Mercedes died. Eduardo donated the house to charity to be used as a hospital. He conditioned the gift on the naming of the hospital after his wife Mercedes.

Mercedes Hospital was born.

Maria almost immediately took over management. She made herself responsible for every detail involved in the hospital’s operation.

Maria was a short squat woman. Hair in a bun. Daily wore a gray dress with long sleeves and a high collar laced on top.

She worked hard till 1941 when she died.

The hospital closed down. Mercedes Hospital was no more. The 2 story building fell into disrepair. Windows broken. Its yard used for cock fights.

Sometime in the late 1950’s, the building was renovated. Turned into an apartment house.

Maria returned. Or, perhaps she had never left.

Tenants over the years swear they have seen her, been touched by her. They have identified her from old photos. Even a Dr. Fogarty who is in some of the photos.

Maria is buried in Key West Cemetery. Periodically she is seen walking the rooms and halls of the Gato House. All persons who have seen and identified her are reported to have been of sound mind.

Maybe she is a for real ghost.

It is a story I sort of believe.

Last night a fun time. Shared it with Buffalo’s Fran and Tom Dixon. Aqua first for Dueling Bartenders. Then La Trattoria for dinner at the bar. Carrie bartending. Dink seated on his usual corner stool.

Mary was at Dueling Bartenders. We chatted briefly.

Today was to be Venezuela’s big day. The bogus President announced military support and that he would officially be ousting Maduro and taking over.

Knew it would never work.

He who controls the military controls Venezuela. The military a group of whores and thieves. Maduro keeps them well fed, their coffers full, etc.

Already on TV this morning 100,000 demonstrators were marching. The claimed new President leading them.

The only problem is the people of Venezuela lack the balls to fight for what they want, for what they believe is theirs. They forget that God only helps those who help themselves.

In the meantime, Trump is tweeting and Pence has been on TV saying we support you, stand with you, etc. The U.S. military some 3,500 strong has been sitting on the Venezuela/Columbia border for days waiting to go in.

It will not happen. Trump will not go in unless the military dump Maduro. Which will not happen.

Another reason is that Russia supports Maduro. Putin has had planes and men in Venezuela itself for days.

Another example of Trump’s bullshit and bravado not working.

Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein announced yesterday he will resign effective May 11.

Rosenstein goes out “dirty.”

Three big reasons. First, he wrote the letter providing the excuse and recommendation that Comey be fired. Second, he has become a Barr supporter. Finally and most important, it appears he was a mole in the Mueller investigation reporting to Trump.

It has been announced Pope Francis has arranged for a $500,000 contribution to help the Central American migrants stranded along the border as they try to reach America.

The contribution has been described as a “shot across the bow of President Trump.”

Francis fears no man. Many believe the contribution is retaliation by the Pope against Trump because Trump recently cut off all U.S. aid to Guatemala and Honduras last month.

Trump tweeted in return that the Pope should have spent the money helping U.S. poor and homeless.

One more Trump story.

The Washington Post Check Finder announced today that Trump has passed the 10,000 marker re lies. The telling of false and misleading claims.

Trump likes to be #1. No question he has to be the President with the most lies ever.

He should be ashamed.

Nine tonight. My podcast show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. A fast moving fun half hour. Listen to me rant and rave about this and that. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Early in 1968, I was 33 years old. On business in New York City. A close friend and Police Lieutenant Bobby Mazza had driven me to the City. Business took longer than expected. We spent an extra evening in New York.

Decided to see a show. An off Broadway one. Hair. Playing at an old movie theater in the east Village.

The play had received a number of positive reviews both for the show’s music and subject matter. A few negatives for the subject matter.

It was a time of cultural change in the U.S. Anti-war, drugs, sex, a youth revolution. A tribal rock musical, the song Aquarius was the heart of Hair. Let the sunshine in!

Era defining. A cultural phenomenon.

At the end of the first act, the entire cast appeared on stage. Bare assed! Exhibited front and back sides to the audience to see.

A never before. Nudity of this nature not acceptable.

The audience exhibited a noisy calm. Then a rising grumbling. Followed by a standing shouting ovation.

America was accepting of the changes taking place.

Several months later, Hair made it to Broadway.

A noted New York Times critic at the time wrote: “For an escapist dose of the sweet sound of youth brimming with hope that the world is going to change tomorrow, you listen to Hair and let the sunshine in.”

I ended up watching a couple of old movies yesterday afternoon. Did not get out till 7. Meant my only stop would be the Chart Room.

John bartending. Kevin and Holly at the end of the bar. Their son in law Ken with them. We chatted a while.

Soon the bar was empty. Only John and me.

There was a guy going out the door. John told me it was too bad he and I had not had the opportunity to talk. The fellow was from Astoria, Oregon. The home of another Chart Room. He took a number of pics of our Chart Room before he left.

Did a little digging this morning. Turns out Astoria had 2 Chart Rooms for a number of years. One closed in 2011 after a long run.

The one that remains looks like the Pier House’s Chart Room size and design wise. That is where it stops, however. Our place is a dungeon. Loved in its aged form. The one still operating in Astoria is polished bright and in every respect.

The difference between our Chart Room and the present day Astoria one is yesterday and today.

For those who some day might make it to Astoria, you have a place to seek out, to enjoy, while comparing notes with Key West’s Chart Room.

The Chart Room began filling again. Met Jack from Cudjoe Key. We got into Irma and its impact on Cudjoe. Devastating!

Many lost their homes. Older. No insurance to rebuild. Or  the question whether wise when elderly to spend insurance money on rebuilding.

Monroe County recently came up with a proclamation. Set a time period whereby those presently living in RVs may have to build homes or leave. Or something to that effect. Confusing. Whatever, Irma’s pain still with us and will be for a number of years to come.

Things will be even worse if Gd forbid another hurricane of consequence hits in the next few years.

Stopped at Publix on the way home. Late night shopping the best. Very few customers. In and out in minutes!

Conch Republic Days are over. The Conch Republic, seceded, battled the forces of the U.S., and won! Thirty seven years of consistent winning!

I continue to learn. I was unaware that in addition to the Conch Republic Army, Navy and Air Force, it also has a women’s contingency. The CIA. Short for “Cuties in Action.”

Saw photos of them in today’s Citizen as they were marching in thursday’s Duval Street parade.

Tonight, Dueling Bartenders. Then dinner at La Trattoria. Game plan to meet Tom and Fran at Aqua. Kevin and Holly might even show.

Jennifer Jones was one of the great movie stars of the 1950’s and 1960’s. Won 2 Academy Awards. Starred in such films as Song of Bernadette, A Farewell to Arms, and Love Is A Many Splendered Thing.

She and producer Davod O’Selznick arrived in Key West this day in 1946. Spent some time vacationing here. Stayed at La Concha.

Poway, California suffered the past two days. The worst type experience. A 19 year old decided to shoot up the Chabad Synagogue.

One parishioner killed, 3 others injured.

One of these injured was Rabbi Goldstein. He and the woman killed were the first to confront the shooter. The Rabbi had a finger shot off on one hand and was shot  in the other hand, also.

Fortunately, the shooter’s gun jammed. The Rabbi bleeding ran into the filled adjoining room and shouted “RUN” to this in the room.

I watched the Rabbi on TV. Moving! He crying! I was crying! Many watching had to be crying!

Climate change and cheap power go hand in hand to a certain extent. Climate has something to do with energy creation. Wind and solar 2 examples.

Not enough, however. There is another step. The power created must be stored. Gigantic batteries probably.

Whatever, big battery testing has been ongoing for 2 years in Australia.

I have been writing about new found Greek friends Theo and Dina the past few days. Theo owns a Greek company. One of its major involvements is with air conditioning. Before arriving in Key West last week, Theo had been in Japan. Something to do with air conditioning.

Enjoy your day!

The life blood of Key West is tourism. Key West’s sole industry.

Not consistent. Has its highs and lows. Busy as hell and then suddenly quiet for a period.

The longest busy time is known as the “season.” January 15 through Easter Sunday. Bodies, cars, bicycles, golf cart vehicles, baby carriages, etc. all over the place.

As quickly as the season arrives, it leaves. The Monday after Easter Sunday people depart Key West in droves. Tourists as well as snowbirds.

Today marks one week since Easter Sunday. The season group down 60-70 percent. More will leave this week.

The absence of tourists and snowbirds obvious. Everything slows down. As a water faucet to a slow drip.

A much needed rest begins. Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day will see a resurgence. Then Fantasy Fest followed by Christmas week. And it will be season again!

The slower pace, the fewer people, provide locals with the opportunity to recoup. A reset every now and then hurts no one.

A busy Chart Room last night. Met my Greek friends Theo and Dina at 6. A good bye drink together. They leave for northern Florida today. Will be questing at Mar a Lago beginning Wednesday.

Buffalo’s Tom and Fran at the bar. They have guests from the Syracuse area. Love Tom and Fran! We have been friends for at least 10 years. I was quick to ask and Fran quick to advise she brought me more sauce and meat. Plus, low carb bread.

She worries about my health.

I left for Donna and Terri’s at 6:45. Dinner at 7 at their home.

Donna cooking. A great meal! Some kind of chicken dish and pasta.

Donna and Terri both looking good. Vibrant. Even Bear.

I was home and in bed by 9:30. There was a time when I had not even gone out yet for the night at 9:30.

Sunday down to basics. Hot Dog Church, the Gardens, and the Chart Room. Maybe dinner at La Trattoria.  I suspect I only will make Hot Dog Church and the Chart Room.

Key West is known for many things. Would take pages to list them all. Three prominent ones include the sunset, authors, and artists.

The sunsets draw people from all over theworld. Something mystic about standing at Mallory Square and watching the sun dip over the horizon.

Oh, so many authors! Too many to list at one time. The better known include Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost, and Judy Blume.

Artists galore! Key West’s Bohemian atmosphere attracts them.

The soul of our Nation is wounded. Our political differences a knife in the chest. Resolution required.

The Catholic Mass has a part known as Agnus Dei. Latin for “Grant Us Peace.”

We need some Agnus Dei.

Shrimp boats are a comin’, their sails are in sight…..

A popular song published in 1951.

On the rare occasions I hear the tune these days, it reminds me of another coming. Not a religious one. Not a boat.

Robots!

Every day, more and more.

Recognize that as robot workers increase, the human work force decreases. Jobs will be less. People will really be hung up for work.

The situation a major problem around the corner. No one seems to be worrying about it.

Robots will result in consumer goods being cheaper. What value if consumers do not have the money to buy less expensive goods?

Enjoy your Sunday!

Time to recognize what our government has become. CORRUPT! At the highest echelons.

Trump dirties everything he touches. Honorable persons become tainted.

The Department of Justice has always been beyond reproach. Trump has been telling us for 2 years how corrupt it is. He’s correct. Not because Justice basically was. Trump did it. He corrupted the best of Justice.

Attorney General William Barr a recent example. He should go to jail, not Hillary.

The other, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein based on the news that broke yesterday. Rosenstein has been a secret Trump stooge from almost day one.

I suspected something was wrong with Rosenstein  when he wrote a report recommending Comey be discharged for what appeared to be bullshit wrongdoing. I gave him the benefit of the doubt at the time. Justice works under stringent rules and perhaps Comey had overstepped those bounds.

However based on yesterday’s news release re Rosenstein cavorting with Trump from almost day one and Barr recently, it is obvious that he is lacking in character. He has continuously stated how honorable he is. I suspect he speaketh too much to the issue. The man is a hypocrite.

Rosenstein sucked up to Trump and back stabbed his friend of many years Bob Mueller.

This cannot go on. The time is now to take steps to chastise and hopefully remove Trump. Impeach now. Not when all the facts have been investigated as the Democrats are saying. Actually, the Democrats are fearful of an impeachment proceeding backfiring on them politically. Such should not be their concern. Such is doing wrong as the Republicans have been doing the past few years.

Bring Trump down now! Not when it will be too late. Not when he will have convinced enough Americans that he is Simon pure and it is too late.

Last night was special. The Conch Republic Great Sea Battle and dinner with friends Theo and Dina. Mary joined us.

We watched the Battle from the upper deck of the Pier House followed by dinner downstairs on Pier 1’s outside deck.

Th evening excellent. Theo and Dina wonderful people.

They leave tomorrow. Eventually to return to their home in Greece. We are meeting tonight at 6 for a last drink.

Tom and Fran back. Buffalo friends. It has been a long time between visits. Missed them last night. They were out on a boat watching the Battle. Tonight, I may run into them for a drink. At 7, I am due at Donna and Terri’s for dinner.

Enjoy your day!