BOSTON MARATHON

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Afghanistan and Iraq visited a Boston street yesterday. Two homemade bombs. Three dead, 154 injured.

An 8 year old boy killed after congratulating his father for completing the race. Two brothers standing next to each other each lost a leg. Many of the 154 injured face multiple operations.

Insanity.

Will there ever be peace?

It is doubtful. Men have been killing each other since the beginning of time. Violence appears inherent in man’s nature.

Tonight is Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My weekly blog talk radio show. Nine o’clock. I am sure what happened yesterday in Boston will be discussed. Join me. Share your thoughts with me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

 

CHE’S 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

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Che was 80 years old yesterday. An impressive number. An impressive accomplishment reaching that number. Che is the epitome of good health. A lucky man!

The party was at the Chart Room. Che and Peter did the basic cooking/preparation. Guests brought plates of this and that. Sheila baked a cake.

We sang Happy Birthday! Che beamed as he blew out the candles. Only eight. Apparently some one did not want Che to strain himself.

Che is an interesting name. It is his nick name. I do not know Che’s real name. Though I have known him for years. That is the way it is in Key West.

Che’s name suggests he was a Cuban rebel. He was not. He is a Jew from New York City transfixed to Key West.

The thought crossed my mind…..Too bad Marty is not here. Marty and Che most evenings would stand at the end of the bar and argue. Over everything and nothing. After a while, no one listened to them. Their battles were their own.

I finally got together with Don and Chris. They are in Key West for a long weekend. We met at Che’s party. Good people!

I watched the end of the Masters with Don and Chris. A terrific finish! Adam Scott did himself proud. As did Angel Cabrera. I was especially moved by the hug Cabrera gave Scott when the match ended. Not a normal occurence.

Instead of going home after the party, I dropped into the Wine Galley. Sunday night is the Larry Smith Showcase. I am glad I did. Larry’s guest was a young lady from some small upstate New York town. I never got her name. I did get her singing. A great voce! An equally charming personality!

I wrote of avalanches yesterday. Chamonix, France and Washington State. After the blog was written, there were two more in Washington State. At different times. A half mile apart. One woman dead.

Greece is in the news again. The Euro banks have agreed on a plan to keep Greece going. The Euro banks will loan Greece additional bailout monies to meet Greece’s pension and wage obligations. Conditioned, of course. There is always a condition where a bank is involved. Greece must lay off 150,000 state governmental employees between now and 2015. They are further required to hire 15,000 young people to replace them.

Germany continues to be behind all this pressure crap. They call it austerity. It is destruction. It can only go on so long. At some point, the Greek people are going to say enough is enough to the Germans, Euro banks and their own government. Then rebellion and/or war with Germany. Keep in mind that Greece is not the only country Germany is squeezing.

Tomorrow night at 9 my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me for an interesting half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

The show is in its third month and growing. The number of listeners increases each week. Generally, I have a fixed list of topics to discuss. However world events are moving so fast that I have given up on any sort of script. The show is an evolving one. Whatever tickles my interest or yours at show time is what will be discussed.

Enjoy your day!

AVALANCHES

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There was an avalanche in Washington State yesterday. Three persons injured. One dead.

Why am I writing about an avalanche as I sit here in Key West basking in 80 degree weather? It has to do with Chamonix.

You will recall I spent two days last summer in Chamonix. Chamonix is in France. The village sits in a valley beneath Mont Blanc. Mont Blanc is the highest peak in the Alps and all of Europe. I was impressed. Majestic. Even in the summer, the top third of Mont Blanc was covered in snow and ice.

Two weeks ago, there was another avalanche. In Chamonix. Three killed.

Both avalanches reported a similar cause. Melting spring snow. Avalanches occur. The ground  surface snow opens creating huge craters.

People either get buried in the snow as it passes over them or they drop into one of those never ending openings. And die, unless fortunate to merely be injured.

Avalanches have become more recent the past ten years.

Scientists attribute that fact to global warming. The temperature at the higher levels has been steadily increasing. The snow melts faster. Avalanches become more frequent.

The problem remains a minor one, however. There is agreement that global warming will not become extremely dangerous regarding avalanches for at least another fifty years.

There is still time.

I had a be good to Louis day yesterday. Layed around the pool a bit. Watched the Masters from my bed. Napped.

I felt bad for Tiger Woods. A two stroke penalty. I agree, better than disqualification.

Today is the final round of the Masters. At least a dozen players can win. It will be interesting.

I did get out last night. Hogfish. Enjoyed a hogfish meal. Hogfish stuffed with crab. Oh, so good!

I have a birthday party to attend at 6 this evening. At the Chart Room. Che is 80 years old!

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

ANTHRAX SCARE

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Lazy me. Just got out of bed. After 10. The blog is really late this morning!

Sorry.

A wild afternoon in Key West yesterday. A scary one. An anthrax scare.

The place was the main Post Office. A letter to Key West postal authorities said there was anthrax in the envelope. A white powdery substance was observed.

The authorities were immediately called. Police, fire and federal people. Properly described as…..the hazardous material team.

Everyone appeared trained and knew what to do. The reaction was prompt to this first time Key West danger.

All this began around one in the afternoon. It was reported there were 15-25 people in the building at the time. Employees and customers.

Following is what I have been told by several sources. The media as yet has not covered this aspect of the situation. The decontamination of the humans involved.

Those in the building were taken outside. They were required to disrobe. Small plastic swimming pools, the kind kids use, were strewn on the lawn. They were told to  stand inside and then were hosed down. What happened with their clothes, I do not know. Some peoplewere  taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure.

The entire clean up took four hours.

Preliminary tests of the purported anthrax suggest the white powder was not anthrax and was a hoax. Let us hope that is the final determination. The authorities have already determined that the envelope was sent from a confined Maryland prisoner. Not his first rodeo. He did the same thing once before.

Yesterday’s TV/internet show was fun. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. For whatever reason, I especially enjoyed doing yesterday’s show. At the end, I felt like I had gone 4 for 4 at the plate.

Post show comments indicated everyone liked a bit of this and a bit of that. No one issue particularly stood out.

It was me and Krystal alone doing the show. Jenna was having her hair done. We did it! No problems.

Anna has been my housekeeper for 8 years.

Anna came over from Poland many years ago. Works hard. She is living the American dream. Her own home and car. Money in the bank. A one month trip every other year to Poland.  With husband and children. To complete the scene, she is on her second or third husband.

Anna brought me a bag of fresh tomatoes yesterday. It was obvious they were not store bought. Nor from any farm in the Keys where there is no room for farming. She said they were from the Florida City or Homestead area. Made sense. They sit on Florida proper as the last two cities before persons enter the Keys.

Home grown/farm grown are not like the ones you buy in Publix. No shine to them. These were Mother Nature’s natural offspring. Dull colored with a dark line here and there.

I look forward to tasting one today.

I was tired tired in the afternoon. It had been a busy week for me. I climbed in bed and slept for three hours.

Spent some time at the Chart Room last night. Everyone there. Peter, Che, Frankie. David, Sheila and Jean. Also, Mike. From Michigan I recalled. We met last year. He was down this year with 9 other high school buddies. They were celebrating their 50th birthdays. Mike and I talked about Michigan basketball. Actually the events of the Final Four. Mike was not happy Michigan lost to Louisville. He was convinced Michigan would win it all next year.

I intended to meet Don and Chris at the Chart Room. My Syracuse friends texted me earlier in the week that they would be in Key West friday night. If they are in Key West, you can be sure they will be at the Chart Room.

Not last night. I got stood up. They went first to Seven Fish for dinner. They texted Emily they would be over soon and I should wait. I said tell them no. My feelings were hurt! Not really. It was just that I had been drinking for two hours and needed to eat. Soon!

I started my drive home. Stopped at Tavern ‘n Town and enjoyed a steak at the bar.

Key West’s popularity is amazing. Every one wants to visit or actually become a Key Wester. I can understand. When I was in Greece last summer, every one wanted to be an American. So it is.

Utica is my home town. Last night a Key West party was held in Utica. It was called Key West Fest. At the Holiday Inn on Burrstone Road. The party was sponsored by radio station 92.7 FM The DRIVE.

They ate and drank Key West style. Key West music in the background. A temperature of 34 degrees outside. The party was held to warm every one up.

Enjoy your Saturday!

 

BOCCE LAST NIGHT

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Bocce last night. We did not do well. Only won 1 out of 3 games. Fun nevertheless.

My friend Pati was on the opposing team. She started playing  bocce last year. Last night, she killed us! Played terrific! Hate you Pati!

Larry Smith’s mother Helen watched Larry’s team play. Her husband and Larry’s father passed away a few weeks ago. Helen is now living with Larry and Christine.

Got through my day yesterday. Haircut, Coffee Plantation House, hospital, worked on this morning’s show, etc. I will get the echocardiogram results April 26.

Fine tuned this morning’s TV/internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. A wild week! Great topics! Like the gun bill, banks, China and cybercrime, morning after pill, and Egypt and the Christians. Plus more.

Join me at 10 this morning my time. TV and internet via Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. Via the internet world wide. www.weyw19.com.

I was hungry after bocce. Stopped at Stick ‘n Stein. If I recall correctly, the second time in 15 years.

I went for two reasons. Jen is now bartending there. Keith told me on tuesdays and thursdays wings were ten cents a piece.

Stick ‘n Stein is a big place. At least a dozen pool tables. Several bars.

Last night was pool league night. As soon as I walked in, I saw Eddie. Eddie is a premier Key West pool player. I had not seen Eddie for a couple of years. We shook hands and hugged. I watched him shoot a bit. He was good! He could run the table.

Way back before Corey, Lisa and Eddie went out for quite a while. I once thought Eddie was going to be my son in law. Eddie’s mother also daily babysat Robert and Ally when they were baby babies. Good people.

Jen was bartending. Poor Jen. From 7 in the evening till 4 in the morning. A long time.

Keith came in and joined me.

I enjoyed 10 wings. Cost me all of $1! They were absolutely delicious! I recommend the ten cent wings. You can beat neither the price nor the quality!

I have to hustle. Must review my show notes, then shower and get to the studio to do the Key West Lou Legal Hour.

Enjoy your day!

 

PISCES

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Got a phone call early last evening. Get dressed! I am taking you to dinner!

It was Dee.

I am not one to turn down a free meal. Especially with a beautiful lady.

Two hours later, the doorbell rang and we were on our way. Pisces was our destination. Dee’s choice.

Pisces is a top Key West restaurant. I had not been there in four years. Don’t know why. I have never disliked it. The only excuse I can think of is that Key West has so many exceptionally fine reataurants, it is difficult to eat in them all.

The meal was outstanding! Caviar and Maine lobster for me. The caviar washed down with ice cold vodka. For real. It was poured from a block of ice.

An enjoyable meal, an enjoyable time. Yes, Dee paid. I am beholden.

Yesterday started with a visit to Lisa. She fell last week. Hurt her back. It still hurts. Will not see a doctor. She is waiting for the pain to go away on its own.

I have decided Jake is scared by my deep baritone voice. It places him in a defensive mode. I have to remember to speak quitely around him.

Then to Publix. The cupboard was bare again.

I spent the afternoon working hard. On tomorrow’s Key West Lou Legal Hour tv/internet show.

This has been a great week for news! Everything happening. My task was to decide which topics to discuss and organize them. I will be talking about things as mundane as the common safety pin, the Salk vaccine, bad guy banks from several perspectives, the euro, Germany’s economic stands continuing to place the world in jeopardy, Putin and some bare breasted women, a mother who left her baby on the side of a road during a snow storm to freeze, today’s Senate vote on a gun bill, and more.

The show runs live friday mornings at 10 my time. It is available on television from Key West north through Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse channel 19. Seen world wide on the internet. www.weyw19.com.

Join me for what I believe will be a most interesting show!

If you are unable to watch friday morning, the show is rerun by the station on saturday at 4:30, sunday at 3, and wednesday at 6. It is also You Tubed and available there any time.

I still have at least another three hours to spend fine tuning tomorrow’s show. It will absorb a good chunk of my afternoon.

A busy day ahead. My plate already full. A haircut with Lori at 11, an echocardiogram at 12:30 at the hospital, work on the show, and bocce in the evening.

Enjoy your day!

 

CROCODILES

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The Keynoter reported this morning a crocodile was discovered in a canal behind a Marathon home. Georgiana Hosek’s home. Georgiana was attempting to launch her kayak off a ramp into the canal. Surprise! The crocodile! The kayak will remain unused till the croc moves on or is removed.

Crocodiles are rare in the Florida keys. Wildlife experts belief that the crocodile might have layed eggs near the ramp. They are investigating the situation.

The crocodile is 6 feet 7 inches long.

I did a little research into crocodiles after reading the Keynoter article. Came across Nile crocodiles.

Nile crocodiles have healthy appetites. For humans! Very dangerous to our species. Florida never worried about  Nile crocodiles till the past year. The reason simple. The Nile crocodile was native to Africa. Florida is not a Nile crocodile habitat.

Recently three Nile crocodiles have been observed in Florida.

For once the government acted properly and immediately. The Nile croc is an endangered species. As such cannot be killed. The federal government decided better the Nile crocodiles die rather than humans. In August of last year, the federal authorities issued a shoot to kill order. Highly unusual. Evidences the concern the government has regarding this predator.

I suspect Florida and the federal government are worried that the Nile crocodile will become a problem similar to the python one.

I did my blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. An informative half hour.

Yesterday in and of itself was an interesting day. It was reported there will be a Senate vote thursday on some phase of the gun bill. Then there was the Texas community college stabbings.

I additionally had time to chat a bit about the drug company game which screws purchasers and a recent example of why we do not want Sharia law in the United States.

The half hour went by fast.

Today is April 10. My father would have been 99 today. He died last year at 98. Happy birthday Dad, where ever you are!

Which brings up my grandfather. My dad’s father. Grandfather Louis died at the age of 94. May I be so lucky!

I wrote about Annette Funicello yesterday. A former Mouseketeer and 1960s movie star. She was originally from my home town Utica. Several people have contacted me since the blog was published yesterday to tell me my grandfather and Annette’s were best friends/pals. I never knew. They arrived in Utica from the old country at the same time.

Key West weather continues to be summer like. I can feel the humidity as I write this blog. It feels good. Not too heavy yet.

Enjoy your day!

THE EGGS AND I

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I did not get home till one this morning. I was at Don’s Place watching the Louisville/Michigan game. I was hungry. Opened the refrigerator door to see what I could pick on.

A dozen eggs fell on the floor! I had them sitting in the carton on a shelf in the door. Opened the door too fast and they went flying.

What a mess! Eleven broke. One survived. The floor for a 10 foot radius had yolk and egg white splattered all over. The carton had a couple of broken eggs in it. When I went to move the carton to the sink, it dripped all over the cupboard. Another mess.

What did I learn?

Take the eggs out of the carton when you get home from the market. Place each egg in those little round egg holders in the door.

Egg whites are sloppier than yolks. Much. Most of the yolks remained intact. It was the slimy clear stuff that got all over.

Egg whites do not easily clean off the floor. It took several attempts with paper towels before the job was properly done.

Bottom line…..I should not have been eating at one in the morning!

The game was fantastic! One of the best I have seen! Both teams are to be congratulated.

I watched the match at Don’s Place. With Don, David and Angus. I do not know how, but Don and David ended up with Louisville and Michigan in the pool. Don, Michigan. David, Louisville. David had to spot Don the 4 point line. $800 at stake. The two guys were very much into the game. David was thrilled to be the winner. Louisville came out on top by 6 points.

Angus is a die hard Michigan fan. Like I am with Syracuse. He was very unhappy at the end of the game. Got up immediately and walked out of the bar.

A little known story about Pitino and Boeheim. They are best buddies. Have stood up for each other at marrying time. Godfathers to each others children. Pitino spent his first two years coaching as an assistant to Boeheim at Syracuse.

Gas has been hovering at $4.05 a gallon for a couple of weeks. Last night, $3.95. The first time in a long time it has been under $4 in Key West.

Today is tuesday. Tuesday is blog talk radio time. Join me this evening at 9 on your computer. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Subjects that may be discussed include the banks again, how the pharmacy houses are screwing the American public, the beauty of Sharia law, the Final Four, and whatever turns you on. Your topic does not have to be one I have under consideration.

David surprised me last night. David ia a working man. He is unable to watch my tv/internet show friday mornings. He could not wait to tell me he caught the show sunday afternoon. He was flipping the dial and came upon me pontificating.

The Key West Lou Legal Hour is being rerun saturdays at 4:30, sundays at 3, and wednesdays at 6. If you cannot watch friday morning, perhaps you might watch one of those times.

Annette Funicello. Her passing away is a sad moment. For many of us. She was part of our lives back when.

Annette was a Mouseketeer in the 1950s. I was in college four of those years. Every week day at 5, my dorm floor would gather in the wreck room. To watch the Mickey Mouse Club on TV. We all sang in unison…..M I C K E Y  M O U S E! Mickey Mouse!

Annette was there with the other mouseketeers. For whatever reason, she stood out from the rest. We all knew her back then. And into the 1960s when she starred in beach movies.

There is a connection with Annette. She was born in my home town of Utica, NY. Most stories about her always add on…..of Italian parents. Why, I do not know. Funicello is as Italian as you can get. Annette’s name was never changed. It might be because anti-Italian prejudice still existed in those days big time.

I never met Annette. Did not know her personally. She left Utica for Los Angeles with her family when she was 4.

Enjoy your day!

MTV HOUSE A BEAUTY

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A glorious Key West morning!

I decided to walk early this morning.  I walked the neighborhood. My neighborhood. Key Haven.

I can see any time of the day the MTV house across the water from me. Beautiful! My neighbor Andrew recently had it painted. A bright yellow with purple and green pastel trim. A beauty! Especially in the morning when the rising sun shines upon it.

Andrew is rarely in Key West to enjoy it. He has a live on the property caretaker who watches things. Andrew spends most of his time in Sweden, with occasional side trips to Thailand and Key West.

Andrew’s youngest son is 2 year old Kai. He refers to me as Kai’s grandfather. Sometimes godfather. Andrew is Italian.

It has suddenly become summer in Key West. Low 80s by day. Humidity now during the day. In a couple of weeks, the evening also. Air conditioning will be required.

I noticed the last two days that the heat has become so heavy you can see it sitting on the roadways in the distance.

Sequestration is being felt in Key West. Surprisingly, early.

Recall the Key West revolution against the U.S. back in 1982. As a result, the Conch Republic was born. Passports and all. Each year the Great Sea Battle is replayed to remind all of that memorable day. The Coast Guard has a cutter participate. The Navy a couple of jet planes. The Conch Republic 2-3 pirate ships and a World War I bi-plane. Interaction occurs.

The Coast Guard cutter sprays sea water on the pirate ships with hoses. The pirate ships return fire in the same fashion and also throw cabbages, tomatoes and eggs at the Coast Guard.  The bi-plane skirmishes with the jets. The bi-plane also bombs the Coast Guard cutter with rolls of toilet paper.

Not this year.

It was announced that due to sequestration, the Coast Guard cutter Sawfish would not be participating. The event is scheduled for April 26. The reason given was budget cuts because of sequestration.

The Conch Republic has not heard from the Navy yet. I hope they do not withhold the jets.

Dion’s is a famous small chain of gas stations and attached grocery marts in Florida. I believe 12. Two are located here. One on Truman Ave. in Key West and the other on Stock Island.

Dion’s is best known for its fried chicken. A weekly staple in many diets. Absolutely delicious! Deep fried in oil, tender, and smells good! Great for the cholesterol.

Dion’s founder died recently. He was 91. He started Dion’s back in 1948. Called it Dion’s Oil Company. Dion will be forever known as the creator of Dion’s fried chicken! The popularity of his chicken will never diminish.

The morning news advises England’s former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher died. The first woman Prime Minister of Great Britain. Hers was a distinguished career in the 1980s. She and President Reagan were best pals. Thatcher is being compared this morning to Winston Churchill. I am not sure. Good, but perhaps not that good.

May she rest in peace.

Spent a lot of time at Lisa’s yesterday. It was Jake time. Before I arrived, the family had taken Jake to the beach for the first time. Fort Zach beach.

He was good. I am surprised. Did not get excited or chase after any one. No barking.

Jake went in the water. Corey said Jake was able to swim. Jake however did not appear to enjoy the water and beach that much. He will have to. Lisa’s family is a beach family. Every week. One of the benefits of living in Key West.

Jake and I were playing. I suddenly lunged at him. Never again. He was up and barking at me big time. It took a while to calm him down.

Mad Men returned last night. Two hours. I really enjoy the show. Probably because the show is set in the 1960s. I was a young lawyer back then. The clothes, both male and female, the hair of both, words used, the smoking and drinking, were all very familiar. That’s the way it was!

Tomorrow is tuesday. Tuesday is Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My blog talk radio show. Nine in the evening. Join me for a quick half hour chat concerning current world problems. Topics tomorrow night will include banks again and how they have title to our money once it is deposited, how brand name and generic drug companies work together to screw the American public, and a bit about the Egyptian Muslims attacking Christians. A little Final Four talk, also. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

REQUIEM AETEMAM DONA EIS, DOMINE

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Requiem aetemam dona eis, Domine. Grant them eternal rest, O Lord.

Syracuse.

It is all over. Syracuse lost to Michigan last night in the Final Four 61-56. It was Michigan all the way. Syracuse was down 11-12 points at one time. Came back. Could not win. The last two minutes were bad for Syracuse.

Syracuse’s fabled defense was good. The offense not so good. Especially where 3 pointers were involved. Michigan made 8 to Syracuse’s 3.

Overall, Syracuse went far. This has been a season of ups and downs. The team crested well at the end. Made it to the Final Four. A never give up team all the way. Coached well once again by Jim Boeheim. Congrats to team and coach.

Michigan fans were less than pleasant. A bunch of arrogant asses from my perspective. There were many Michigan fans at the Sports Pub. Few Syracuse fans. I had to move around because of the crowd. Sat near two different groups. The Michigan fans were out for blood. They were in your face with their lack of friendliness during and when the game was over. Not nice at all. I attribute their attitude to the fact that Michigan has not gone this far in the Big Tournament in 20 years. They did not know how a winner behaves.

I am glad the Syracuse basketball season is over. It was not good for my heart!

Louisville looked good in the second half of their game. Their full court press hurt Wichita State. Wichita played poorly the last five minutes. Stupid turnovers. I attribute Wichita’s poor playing at the end to a lack of experience, also. They had not been that far in the Big Tournament since the 1960s. There is something to be said for having been there. The next time a team generally is smarter and does not make the mistakes that cost them an earlier game.

Friday’s USA Today had a listing of the top ten donut places in America. Key West was #1. The place is called Glazed Donuts of Key West. I have never heard of it. The shop is purported to be located at 420 Eaton street. I cannot see it mentally. I intend to search it out.

Key West is handicapped for 2-3 years with big time boulevard construction. It takes me 15 minutes longer to get into town and 20 minutes longer to get home. A mess! Now a year old. We have learned to live with it and make do.

Key West City fathers do not always make the right moves. I sometimes think they have their heads up their asses. An example is Duck Ave. Duck Ave. is a collateral route when traveling Flagler. Flagler is generally the way out of town. Some have discovered Duck Ave. It goes the same direction as Flagler, runs parallel to Flagler. Some of us use Duck Ave. to avoid for a part of the way the heavy Flagler traffic.

It was announced front page in the Key West Citizen that a major renovation was soon to to be done to Duck Ave. Terrific! The city fathers must think this is the right time. Get it done before the boulevard construction is completed!

Enjoy your day!