CRAZIES AT IT AGAIN

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Every several years, a group comes out clamoring about the evils of Fantasy Fest. It is that time again. This morning’s Key West Citizen front page banner headline announced the story.

I thought the Citizen was wrong in giving the issue the front page attention it did. Report the story, yes. It is news. But the headline?

It is a morality issue. Nudity and lewd behavior denounced. It is more than that, however. It is a small group of persons attempting to impose their moral standards upon everyone else.

The group wants a 3 year hiatus of Fantasy Fest so a proper festival might be developed, a public referendum on the issue, and other non sensical items.

Fantasy Fest has been tested and retested, developed and redeveloped, for the 25 years plus it has been in existence. I worry that the squeaky wheel draws attention. This is a small minority clamoring for attention on an issue that is none of their business since apparently they neither enjoy nor participate in Fantasy Fest. Or, perhaps a few do. I cannot believe that some do not venture to the festival and sneak a peek at the bare breasts or what have you.

Hypocrisy at work.

To the group I say…..Get a life!

My yesterday began with a visit to Dr. Jackie Lefferts. I did fasting blood work recently at the same time I was on doctor prescribed double water pills. Of course my results had to be all screwed up. New blood work has been scheduled.

I read the morning papers and enjoyed a cup of coffee at the Double Tree Hotel. The Hotel is doing a big business. I was surprised as it is out of the way, so to speak.

Yesterday was tuesday. Tuesday means Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I did my blog talk radio show last night. Loved doing it! Hope people enjoyed listening. They must. A significant number listen weekly.

Post show comment indicates two Middle East items garnered the most interest.

One had to do with ISIS fighters not being necessarily engaged in the conflict because of religion. ISIS leaders are running a new type army. They provide their followers with sex and money.

The other Middle East issue involved Afghanistan and opium. Two wars are/were being fought in Afghanistan. One military, the other drug. The US has spent billions of dollars the past several years trying to kill opium farming in Afghanistan. It was announced recently that last year’s production of opium was at a record high level. $3 billion. The opium eventually finds its way to our streets.

Enjoy your day!

 

PERFECT WEATHER

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The weather has been absolutely perfect the last two days. As good as the weather generally is in Key west, this was better. Unique. Bright sunny days, blue skies, temperature in the mid 80s, and cool. It is the cool that made the two days different. You could actually feel the coolness from the moment you rose in the morning.

My day ran at its normal pace yesterday. A lengthy business meeting in the morning, a pleasant lunch at Geiger Key, and worked on this evening’s blog talk radio show all afternoon. Topics developed for the show include 400,000 rape kits sitting on shelves not being tested, Frankenstein returns-GMO animals being created, the question whether ebola is natural or lab created, and the man who called a suicide help line and ended up being shot to death by a police SWAT team.

The show is at 9 this evening my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou. Join me. I guarantee you will enjoy.

My bed broke! In the middle of the night, the front mattress end collapsed. I was doing nothing at the time. Sleeping. No claim to fame here!

The bed broke not last night, but the night before. I called Keith and he came over before supper yesterday to fix it. It was not a bed board. My 16 year old bed’s frame side board and front board became separated. Keith repaired it.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reports that Starbucks will soon begin work on its new place on North Roosevelt Boulevard. It will be where the former Checkers was located. Opening will be some time next year. I look forward to it. I enjoy a good coffee house and Starbucks is one of best. The one in La Concha downtown does not appeal to me. Too small. Claustrophobic.

I have become a poor Syracuse fan. Disappointed in the football team, I have not paid attention. I did not notice till this morning that Syracuse lost 16-6 to Clemson saturday. Clemson was ranked #22 nationwide. The score represents a victory for Syracuse.

This saturday Syracuse plays North Carolina State. Syracuse is a 3-4 point favorite. North Carolina state has lost its last four games. Syracuse four of the last five.

I do not know if I will be watching. There are enough things in life which make me unhappy. I do not need to add to the burden.

Everyone takes photos. The cell phone has opened a new era of fun for all. Many persons exchange nude pics of themselves. Not a good thing!

A young lady was arrested on a DUI charge in California. While being booked, a police officer went through her cell phone pics. He removed her nude pics. The cell phone had nothing to do with the charge or arrest. The police officer showed the pics to other police officers.

Turns out a number of police officers at the station did the same thing. They referred to it as a “game.” Another example of police power abuse.

Enjoy your day!

 

PARROT HEADS COMING

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Regarding opportunity, it is said that when one door closes another opens. The saying applies in other areas also. Fantasy Fest 2014 closed down yesterday. Wednesday, the Parrot Heads begin arriving. This coming weekend is Parrot Head time!

Key West gave birth to Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy Buffett gave birth to the Parrot Heads. They are Jimmy Buffett followers. Loyal fans all these years. Thousands will arrive this week.

They are different from Fantasy Fest visitors who might be described as a bit out of the norm, hell raisers, etc. Parrott Heads are more representative of a quieter conservative America. They think they are raising hell. However comparatively speaking, no way in comparison to Fantasy Fest participants.

The buzz on the street always is whether Jimmy Buffett will show. Every 3-4 years he does. For 2-3 hours. Flies in, does his thing on Duval, flies out.

They are called Parrot Heads because many wear caps that look like a parrot head. And proudly so!

I walked Duval early yesterday morning. Not to exercise. I do it every year. To see how the cleanup the morning after the parade is going. Well, as usual. It is amazing how the City clean up crews get the job done swiftly and properly. When finished, you would never know that 70,000 people stood there 15 hours before watching the parade..

Sloan showed up later in the morning. We are trying to come up with a musical introduction to my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Only 5-6 seconds. Tough! Larry Smith is my musical genius. We aren’t there yet. It is back to the drawing board and Larry. It is not Larry’s work that is the issue. It is my likes and dislikes. Unfortunately, I am not sure yet what I like.

Lisa and family came over for a while in the afternoon. Needed to store something in my garage. Storage space is non existent in Key West.

Late in the afternoon, I sat down to watch a little TV. I came across a rerun of Rich Man, Poor Man. Old. A 12 or 13 series show. One hour each week.  All 12-13 shows were running consecutively yesterday. I got in early. Stayed glued to the TV till after midnight. It took me back. I watched the series when it was originally presented in 1976.

The significance of the series is that it made Nick Nolte. Back then he was an unknown. He was given the secondary lead position. The star was Peter Strauss who had already gained some fame. Nolte dominated the series and went on to become a major Hollywood figure. Strauss faded into the sunset.

The Boca Chica Naval Base has been busy this past month. Carrier pilots arriving to train. The training goes on for another month. A new group will be arriving this week. By sunday, it is estimated 500 sailors will be at Boca Chica participating in the air to air combat training.

Parrot Heads and sailors this weekend in Key West!

Janet Yellin is the Chair of the Federal Reserve System. She announced this past week that the average net worth of 62 million households in the United States is $11,000. Sad, disgusting and terrible! Not a national pride item.

Enjoy your day!

 

FANTASY FEST ALMOST OVER

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All good things come to an end. This is the last day of Fantasy Fest. A children’s party this afternoon. The grand finale is a tea party at La Te Da. Called this year It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over.

Last night was the major event. The Fantasy Fest Parade. Fifty some odd floats making their way down Duval. Exciting!

I did what has become my normal Parade evening. I no longer stand for a couple of hours to watch the parade and get tousled around. I do what I call The Marty Leshaw evening.

Marty is a dear friend who spent many years in Key West. He has been away so long now it is beginning to feel like many years also.

Marty had had it with the Parade. As many of us after a while. On parade evening, he used to go to Marquesa and enjoy a long slow dinner at the bar while the parade was moving along. I joined Marty on occasion.

Marquesa is one block off Duval. I still had the itch to see some of the parade, feel the atmosphere. etc. After dinner, I would leave Marty for a short time and walk to Duval to see some of the floats and people.

I did that routine again last night, except no Marty at Marquesa.

I watched 20 minutes of the parade. The floats were fantastic. Those on the floats jovial. Thousands of people on the sidewalks. Most costumed. Many bare breasts.

It rained big time most of the week. Not last night, fortunately. The rain did not dampen the spirits of visitors. Not in the least!

Babysat yesterday afternoon. Don’t know why I use the term babysat. Ally and Robert are 9 and 10 respectively. Their Mom and Pop were costumed and downtown working the Montessori booth. Fundraising for the grandkids’ school. Both looked terrific.  They spent two hours selling jello shots, beer and water. Said they did well.

I had things to do. The grandkids were stuck doing them with me. First was Publix. I needed a lot of things. Took time to shop. Robert and Ally were bored. I felt bad.

Then to Pier 1 to look at some lamps. Pier 1 has great lamps. I thank the person who suggested Pier 1 to me. I bought none. Merely shopped. I will return tomorrow to purchase. I am sure I will be buying a table lamp. All lamps are on sale. Beautiful and reasonably priced.

Robert remained bored. Ally brightened up. She helped me select a lamp. She had a comment for each of the 20 odd we looked at.

Sloan is due soon this morning. We have work to do. I have to hustle.

Enjoy your Sunday!

FICKLE WIND

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There was a time when I sailed frequently. Generally off the north shore of Long Island. Sometimes in the Tampa area. A few times off Key West.

I learned that wind is fickle. It blew this way for a bit and then changed suddenly. The bottom wind went in one direct. Ten feet above in another direction.

Tropical Depression Nine broke up over the Yucatan yesterday. That should have been the end of it. Apparently not. Weather reports suggest it could regroup and turn into a hurricane. The amusing question being where is Nine going next.

This is funny! Some believe it will end up in the Pacific Ocean. Others, that it will end up between Cuba and Key West. A wide range. Never saw one reported that far apart.

If it turns into a hurricane and ends up between Cuba and Key West, Key West will be in trouble. So far, no one is concerned. After several years of living here, one becomes expert re hurricane predicting. I am not concerned.

The big parade tonight. The Fantasy Fest Parade. Some fifty floats covered with party goers. Most of the females close to nude. Seventy thousand people standing on both sides of Duval cheering and begging for beads. A good time!

Weather should be ok. Weatherman says mid 70s. Which means at least ten degrees warmer. The body heat at times is oppressive.

I am not sure I am going. This afternoon I babysit. Lisa has to work at a Fantasy Fest Montessori fundraiser from 2-4 somewhere. I have to drive and pick her up. There is no parking anywhere. Whatever, I will have a happy afternoon with Robert and Ally.

I miss WeBeFit. My trainers. Especially, Albert. I was his charge. My torn rotator cuff negates any gym type activity for a while.

Albert and his wife Jill had their first child wednesdy. Angelina. Congratulations!

I came across a couple of interesting pieces of information yesterday.

We fought a war in Afghanistan. A military one. Spent billions of dollars and lost many American lives. We fought a second war. One to combat opium growth. Afghanistan’s opium ultimately finds its way to our streets.

Recent figures indicate the United States has spent $7.6 billion on the drug war. At the same time, recent figures indicate opium production at a record high. 516 planted acres last year yielding $3 billion.

I was under the impression that people joined al Qaeda and ISIS for religious reasons. Maybe for al Qaeda. Not ISIS.

ISIS is attracting members because of sex and aggression. Not religion. Most are young men. They join to fight. Youthful aggression finds a way out. Sexually, not a bad deal either.  If a young girl is other than an Iraqi, she can go to to a center where she signs up to marry one of the fighters. If the fighter does not want a wife, a sex slave is provided. Generally from captured Iraqi women.

ISIS also pays its soldiers.

These fighters have it made. They have frequent sex, give vent to their natural fighting aggressions, and get paid besides.

Enjoy your day!

A FEW BAD DAYS

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I have not felt well the past few days. It all started three weeks ago with the sciatica attack. Doctor put me on steroids. Worked! Pain disappeared almost immediately.

The problem is I have a few heart problems. One is edema. Water around the heart on occasion which eventually reflects the problem in enlarged water filled ankles. Steroids have a large sodium residue. It happened! My ankles swelled.

The doctor had me on a water pill. One week later, the ankles were still swollen. Would not even go down at night. Doctor put me on a super dooper water pill. In addition to the regular one. One week later, the ankles are down and this morning I feel fine. I pissed my brains out, got rid of the water.

I got rid of so much water that I became dehydrated. Which affected my mind. It was difficult to think. Especially the last three days. I could not do next week’s KONK Life column because of it yesterday.

Whatever, it is a new day and my mind appears to be functioning this morning.

Toga Party was last night. This morning’s Key West Citizen had a couple of pictures of toga at Sloppy Joe’s. Mild. Extremely so. Few people. Had to be taken early in the evening. A hurricane itself would not have resulted in poor attendance. Toga people do not miss the party!

A major Fantasy Fest event is Masquerade Parade. It is today. This is an event that many locals come out for also. People dress. The parade starts at the cemetery. Initially, the parade went up Fleming to Duval. Several years ago, another street was added.

Participants walk up the streets in mass. All costumed. Most drinking. Everyone carries their own.

Observers watch from parties held on porches of homes along the routes. I have never marched. However, I have done a number of porch parties. Fun!

Several years ago, a new party was established. The Pimp and Ho Party. The title is self explanatory. The party tonight at the Bottlecap.

A star attraction is Ron Jeremy. Amazing! The guy is a porn star whose career started in the 1960s. He is not very attractive. However, his male member is purportedly large.

Jeremy has to be old! My age. Around 80. Apparently still going strong. I admire him! No, I envy him!

Sissy Spacek’s new TV show has completed filming here in the Keys. The title is Bloodline. A Netflix presentation. Thirteen episodes can be seen on TV beginning March 15. Sam Shepard co-stars.

Enjoy your day!

 

A PEEK AT FANTASY FEST

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I have done very little Fantasy Fest this year.  Goombay the first night. Goombay is not really Fantasy Fest, however. A family event. Beginning sunday is when the adult stuff comes into play.

Due to the weather, I have not done Duval street yet. Last night however, while having dinner at the bar at Tavern ‘n Town, I got my first glimpse. The bar was pretty packed. In walks a 60ish man with a young lady in her 20’s.

My first thought was how lucky he was. That was only seeing her face. Then came a break in the crowd. I got it all! She was wearing a black thong. Less than a thong if there can be such a thing. Topped by a tiny thin black leather brassiere.

The man was dressed Key West fashion. Shorts and a sport shirt.

They had a drink and left. Probably to one of the parties downtown.

The rain directed me to Tavern ‘n Town last night. It was pouring. I went from my garage to the Marriott Beachside parking garage. I did not have to deal with the rain.

The rain is limiting some events. The Pet Masquerade and Parade got cancelled. Sad because it is an event adults and children alike enjoy. It is not being rescheduled this year.

It seems these several days of rain are the result of what has now been labeled Tropical Depression Nine. Must have been labeled by the Mexican government. US names are simpler.

Anyhow, Tropical Depression Nine is off the coast of Mexico. It will be crossing the Yucatan peninsula today. Then head for the west coast of Cuba. It is anticipated Key West will only suffer heavy rains.

The usual streets and intersections are flooding. A foot or more in some places. Tourists not discouraged. They wade through wearing toe or crocs. Ponchos also, of course.

Tonight is the test as to whether the rain will keep party people off Duval. Tonight is Toga Party at Sloppy Joe’s. Inside and out on the street. I suspect few will miss the event. The ladies will show their wares in exchange for beads. The more beads, the more one gets to see.

I do not plan on going. It will be wet and sloppy. My eyes have seen enough over the years so it will not matter if I miss a year.

I asked yesterday for help in finding decent lamps in Key West. I thank those who responded and gave me direction. Hopefully today I will find what I am looking for. If not, I have located a site on the internet.

Enjoy your day!

TUTU PARTY

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I was at Goldman’s for a late lunch yesterday enjoying a pastrami sandwich. A friend walked in. Came over to say hello. A big guy. Probably a lineman on a football team in his younger day. Bearded.

He was all excited. He was going to a tutu party last night. I am old and retarded. I did not know what a tutu party was. As he talked, I figured it out. Men in dresses.

As I later found out, tutu dresses are short, generally chiffon, perhaps with a bit of crinoline so they flair out. He had the dress. Even a brassiere, which he was going to stuff. He was going to be the Bearded Lady.

He said I should try it next year. I can’t see me doing it. Something does not set right in my mind. Additionally, I doubt I would look good in pink chiffon.

Less I be misunderstood, this guy is perfectly straight. Straights dressing as women is not uncommon in Key West for party purposes. A tutu party is one example of life in Key West during Fantasy Fest.

I hope my friend did not get his hair wet. It poured like hell all day yesterday. It will rain today and tomorrow. Some kind of tropical storm developing off Mexico. The rain is supposed to let up saturday during the day. I hope so. The big parade is saturday night. Sixty thousand people will be lining Duval watching the parade. I do not know where they all sleep afterwards. There are not 60,000 beds in Key West. Not even close.

The weather will only minimally detract from festivities. The parties are mostly inside. Everyone has at the least ponchos. No one will permit the weather to dampen their spirits.

I went shopping for two new lamps yesterday. I need a floor lamp and a table lamp. Pickings were slim. I went to K Mart, Ross, Home Depot, and Sears. Found nothing I liked. Stock was limited.

I don’t know anywhere else in Key West to buy a lamp. If you do, let me know.

Fine tuned my blog talk radio show in the late afternoon. Hosted the show at 9. I thought one of my better shows. It did not matter. Audio was cut off after two minutes. I did not know. Kept going in my usual excited manner. It was only after the show that I learned I was the only one who heard me.

The problem was at the Blog Talk people’s end. Sloan is trying to figure out why this morning.

In between prep and doing the show, I watched the Crist/Scott debate on TV. A disgrace. Too much personal mud slinging. What ever happened to issues?

I had not seen Scott before. I was not impressed.

There are two Fantasy Fest events which I especially enjoy. Toga Party and the Pet Masquerade Parade. The Pet Parade is this afternoon at Casa Marine. The Toga Party thursday at Sloppy Joe’s.

The Pet Parade will have pets galore. All dressed in costumes. Beautiful! Most of the owners dressed also. I will talk about toga tomorrow night. Not a family event.

There are times when the powers to be in Key West do things the wrong way. This time it is price gouging. The City parking garage on Caroline will have a flat rate rather than an hourly on friday and saturday. $30. The City is copying the hotels who jack their prices for special events. Key West biting the hand that feeds it.

Enjoy your day!

 

HEADDRESS BALL OR TUESDAY TALK

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A major event this evening as part of Fantasy Fest is the Headdress Ball. I have attended several times over the years. Under a big tent, always a fun event.

My blog talk radio show is also this evening. I will not be at the Headdress Ball. I will enjoy what I will be doing, however. Hosting Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

Half the show will be dedicated to everyone’s friend, Monsanto. Some items you already know. Some not yet. The discussion will be revealing.

Other topics include the Putin/Berlusconi relationship, why bank systems are being hacked, the Catholic Church’s synod which rejected a more friendly relationship with gays and divorcees, and more.

The show is at 9 my time. Join me for a fast paced one half hour. www.blogtalkradio/key-west-lou.

Fantasy Fest is in full swing. A ton of events this evening. Many risqué. I have already suggested the Headdress Ball, which does not fall into the risque category. There is also Capt. Tony’s Plaid Party. Don’t bring your mother. Also, a relatively new event. I think it started last year. The Men of Labare Whitey Party. It is at Bare Assets. Instead of women stripping, men will be doing it. An evening for the ladies to whoop it up.

My favorite candidate for Queen won. ML was instrumental in helping to raise $235,000 for AIDS Help. ML’s real name is Mary-Lynne Price. Probably only a handful are aware. She is well known in the Key West community as ML.

Last night was dinner at Roostica with Jennifer and Keith. Two great young people. Hard workers.

We all screw up. Whether our fault or some other person’s. President Obama was in New York City last month. He and Michelle were having dinner at a fancy restaurant. When the bill came, Obama attempted to pay with a credit card. His credit card was rejected! The card is seldom used. The President’s residence is Washington and it was being offered in New York City. The company thought a fraud was being perpetrated.

Michelle’s card was good.

Enjoy your day!

 

UNHAPPY WITH CATHOLIC CHURCH

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I walked outside on rising this morning. What a day! Spectacular! Bright sun. Sky perfectly blue. The weather cool. A God is in His Heaven, all is right with the world day.

However, it is not such a day. The Catholic Church has screwed up once again! Yesterday a world wide synod of bishops meeting in the Vatican stopped an attempt by Pope Francis to correct what he perceives as Church errors.

Pope Francis had proposed a welcoming of homosexuals and divorced Catholics be permitted to receive Communion. A two-thirds vote of the synod was required to approve. The correction/amendments to Church doctrine failed. More than half the bishops voted in favor. However as with the U.S. Senate on occasion, a two-thirds vote was required.

An open insult to the Pontiff. An open insult to Catholics world wide. I do not believe Catholic bishops are in tune with their flock.

Many opposing the Pope’s will were Catholic bishops. Catholic bishops have become like U.S. Senate Republicans. Similar mentalities. Catholic bishops joined with the  U.S. religious right several years ago. The two groups stand shoulder to shoulder.

I am a fallen away Catholic. Interestingly, I have been considering a return to the Church of my birth. Pope Francis the motivating influence. He was opening the windows of the Catholic Church for the first time in more than 50 years. A breath of fresh air long overdue.

Catholic Churches are empty these days. In my youth, it was difficult to get a seat at Mass. Catholic schools have closed. Only a small percentage remain open today. Churches themselves are closing. Two or three parishes joining together to make one. Poor attendance means fewer dollars to support a parish. Significantly fewer young ladies are becoming nuns. Young men not opting for the priesthood.

It will continue that way unless and until the Church recognizes what Pope Francis seeks to accomplish and support him in his endeavors. The two that failed and the more that will come. We are all God’s children.

I hope those who voted against the Pope are happy with the result. They have embarrassed their leader publicly. God’s man on earth.

Yesterday was a football day for me. Syracuse in the afternoon and the Florida State/Notre Dame game in the evening. Syracuse won! I did not expect it. Handily. 30-7. Florida State won one of the finest played college games ever. Both teams at the top of their game. Could have gone either way. Decided in the last ten seconds.

In between games, Tim Reynolds and Keith came over to set up my new flat screen TV. In the bedroom. Wow! What a picture! It was a pleasure watching the Florida State/Notre Dame game on it.

The Asia-Europe Meeting was held in Milan this past week. Interesting what happened and did not happen. Putin was to meet with Merkle. He was four hours late. He had to stop to watch a parade in some satellite country. Merkle was upset.

Later that evening, like one in the morning, Putin met with former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. They met at Berlusconi’s Milan home. Berlusconi is under house arrest for either his dalliance with a 17 year old female or income tax evasion.

The two men were together till 3:45 in the morning.

Turns out Putin and Berlusconi are friends. Close friends. For years. Putin bought a vacation home some where in Europe next door to Berlusconi’s. They have visited each other’s homes many times over the years. Their families are close.

Berlusconi remains an influential figure in Italian politics. Berlusconi is also an extremely rich man. He and Putin have large holdings in a Russian oil company. It is reported Berlusconi will be investing in further Russian oil ventures.

Fried dough. I have not enjoyed fried dough in years. I consider it an Italian delicacy. Lisa made fried dough this morning.

Robert and Ally helped. One rolled the fried dough in a bag of sugar, the other in what was thought to be a bag of powdered sugar.

Ally was the first to taste the cooked dough. She opted for the powdered sugar one. It was not powder sugar. It was flour. Someone screwed up. The incident added to the festive mood of the breakfast.

Enjoy your Sunday!