The world knows there was a time when Key West was the cigar capital of the world. Cuban cigars!

In 1900, the cigar business was booming. The average weekly cigar output was over 1.5 million. Big business! On this day in December 1900, the steamer Lampasas sailed for New York. Its cargo 1,846,000 cigars.

Cigar business no more. Except for the solitary old Cuban on the street hand rolling them for tourists.

The only remnants from the successful days gone by are some old factory buildings that have been converted to other uses. Like the Gato building on Simonton. Now a County office building. Also, the tiny Conch houses that were built by the cigar factory owners to house the immigrants who worked for them. Those houses today selling for $1 million plus.

The weather man was correct. Woke this morning to 65 degrees. The high today 68. Not even 70!

I turned the heat on when I woke.

A Key West life. Julia La Congo.

Julia died this day in 1930 at the age of 110. God bless her!

Julia initially was Queen of a tribe in Africa. She was captured by slavers and sold into slavery in Cuba. At some point, she was freed.

She came to Key West. Met her man and married. She and her husband operated a grocery store till World War I.

Guy deBoer ran a series of pictures in this morning’s KONK Life E-Blast. The subject the C. W. Colts Backyard Concert Series. Four band members. Three men and a woman. The woman the vocalist.

I never heard of the group before. Means nothing. There are so many vocal groups in Key West. Whatever, I will try to find out more about the group and let you know.

Many a movie has been filmed in Key West. Many the star that has made films here.

In December 1997, A Mast of Crows was filmed. Its star, Academy Award winning Cuba Gooding, Jr.

I have in Key West for 30 years. Sort of makes me a local.

Change and death are the two certainties in life. Key West has experienced change.

The Key West of 30 years ago is not the Key West of today.

Its change has been too fast and too dramatic. I doubt Key West will ever know another Jimmy Buffett and Cheeseburger in Paradise.

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice  published a comment by a person I assume has been a Key Wester a long time. He said he agreed with the negative Key West articles which pop up on occasion.

He wrote, “Sadly, our city government and the TDC are marketing a false narrative of ‘paradise of a bygone day.’ Overpriced, dirty, and in no way what Buffett sang about.”

I agree with the comment, except for the “dirty” part. I don’t see it.

Key West has changed dramatically the past 5 years. Especially, the last 2. Primarily the TDC is responsible. A tourist organization. The group has done its job well in advertising and attracting tourists to Key West. Too well. Tourists arrive from all over the world.

There was a time when they came during the “season.” Like January to April. Summers dead. There was a saying a person could throw a bowling ball down Duval and not hit anyone.

Today, summers are almost as busy as season.

Sad. The Key West of yesterday will never return. A gem disappearing.

Trump is in London today. Participating in the NATO conference.

The past 2 years, he has knocked the hell out of NATO. Not this trip. I watched him on TV this morning. He is kumbaya. Loves most attendees. Speaks positively about things.

What a change! Part of a devious plan I suspect.

His selected foe this trip is France’s Macron. Macron has no fear of Trump. Stands up to him, where and when necessary.

Trump does not like that.

Last week, Macron was interviewed by the Economist Magazine. Macron commented about the “diminished state” of the NATO alliance. He said the same was occurring because of the “brain death of NATO due to lack of American support.”

Trump wasn’t going to stand for France knocking NATO. Trump the person who has been saying all sort of adverse things about NATO for almost 3 years.

Trump needed a scapegoat to beat up on. His way of doing things. He picked on Macron.

Trump decried Macron’s comments, said they were “very very nasty…..very disrespectful…..very insulting.”

Would you believe!

Respectfully, the man is a whore. A two faced one.

Trump also announced he was seriously considering new tariffs to be imposed on French imports. Like champagne, cheese, handbags, and porcelain. Trump is going to punish Macron for saying nasty things about NATO. I assume also Trump thought beating up on Macron would bring most of the other nations of NATO to Trump’s side. Our man! How can he be unaware most Europeans dislike him?

Trump does not understand human nature. You beat up people, you defecate on them, and they are going to retaliate. A don’t tread on me attitude.

French Finance Minister Bruno LeMaire said the Eurounion would strike back against the U.S. Trump made a mistake in thinking that there would be no retaliatory action. Even more, he failed to recognize that the Eurounion would retaliate.

The result would be a trans Atlantic trade war.

Trump needed more than his adverse comments re Macron as an excuse to impose these new tariffs on France. He found one.

France recently imposed digital services taxes. On U.S. companies such as Apple, Facebook, and Amazon. Done for no other reason than a business one.

Trump is using the digital tax imposition as the “real” reason he is going to be difficult with France.

Trump failed to do his homework once again. France is late to the game in taxing U.S. companies providing digital services. Austria, Italy and Turkey have been doing it for some time.

Trump was unaware and the word now is the U.S. may investigate Austria, Italy and Turkey for purposes of determining the appropriateness of such digital taxes.

Another example of Trump doing something without doing the necessary homework. Trump announced he would be imposing tariffs on Brazilian and Argentine steel and aluminum exports to the U.S.

It appears the tariffs could boomerang on American steel makers. They need semi-finished products exported by Brazil in order to operate their mills.

Some things are right and some things are wrong.

There is a saying that the child should not be made to pay for the sins of the father. I would adjust the statement a bit. A wife should not be made to pay for the sins of the husband.

First Lady Melania Trump recently spoke at an opioid awareness event at the University of Maryland in Baltimore. The event titled the B’More Youth Summit on Opioid Awareness.

She was booed when introduced, during her opening remarks, and sporadically during her talk. The boos were described as “resounding.”

The audience was comprised primarily of middle school and high school students.

The First Lady took the booming in stride. She said afterwards the U.S. is a free country and people have a right to express themselves.

Husband Donald tried to smooth things over by announcing he was donating one quarter of his $400,000 salary to combat the opioid crisis.

Tonight, my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A half hour of me ranting and raving about what I like and don’t like, what I think is good and what I think is bad. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

A Morning Stew Day. All kinds of topics, issues, etc.

The Chart Room last night. Did not expect to see anyone. I was surprised! Jean Thornton! She had returned the day before.

Jean, one of the finest people I know. We chatted away. One of the items was how to cook sausages.

The post low fat high carb pancreatitis diet a pain to deal with. Tried some chicken sausages I had purchased at Publix. First went to the internet to see how to cook them. Then did it.

Jean thought I did well. Her admonition…..Cook well! Must beware of bacteria.

There was a time I might have talked to a woman about sex. No more.

This week the beginning of what might best be described as a disgraceful political war. The House Judiciary Committee and the next step in the impeachment inquiry. The Republicans are ready. Hopefully to draw blood. They will act as thugs in attacking the Intelligence Committee Report.

A pox on the Republican house. Leave well enough alone. Let the inquiry take its natural course. Let the chips fall where they may. Object where you must. However be statesmen and not animals off the street.

Trump will be in London today for the beginning of the NATO meeting. Seventieth anniversary of NATO. It has stood strongly until Trump became President. His goal is to destroy NATO. An act that would make his friend Putin happy.

Trump does not understand the “mutual security” NATO provides. Probably because he will stand with Putin and other dictators/despots in the event of a confrontation.

His failure to know or understand history contributes. He fails to realize Hitler, Mussolini and Tojo were the tough guys leading up to and at the beginning of World War II. The Allies stood together, provided mutual security to each other. The good guys won!

Strange things happen.

A woman needs an ass amputation after shots to enhance her derriere.

Courtney Barnes is a 22 year old model. Two years ago, a club dancer. The dollar bills were not readily forthcoming when she performed. A fellow performer told her she needed a larger butt. She needed “more booty if she wanted to make more money.”

Her friend knew just the person to do it.

Injections the method to purportedly give her a larger back end. Done at Courtney’s home. The results horrible!

Her butt grew. Beyond normal proportions. Looks worse than no butt at all. The injection areas leak. Her cheeks full of dimples.

All the result of $8,000 worth of illegal injections.

One of Trump’s toys to punish or get what he wants from another nation are tariffs.

Two years ago, Trump imposed a 25 percent steel tariff and 10 percent aluminum tariff on many nations. He exempted Brazil and Argentina from the tariffs. They were “our friends.”

No more. At least from Trump’s perspective.

Both nations have been experiencing economic problems. They weakened their currencies to survive.

Trump claims that as a result, American farmers are being hurt.

Such bullshit! He always blames something he is responsible for on others.

It is without dispute that Trump’s tariff war with China is hurting American farmers. As Trump killed farm sales to China, China had to look elsewhere.Especially for soybeans, corn and wheat. Soybeans the most important.

The Chinese could not wait for Trump to make up his mind as to when the tariff war would end. Note it is still ongoing 2 years later.

The Chinese wisely began buying soybeans, etc., from Brazil and Argentina.

The Chinese tariff war is killing American farmers. Badly! An election next year. Trump does not want the blame, though he is without question responsible. So he does what comes naturally. He lies.

He blames Brazil and Argentina and supports it with a bogus reason.

One thing that can be said of Trump is he is a “class” President.

Soon after taking office, Trump discovered that 2 FBI personnel shared negative tweets about him. Nothing more than he would in effect make in a lousy President. It also turned out the 2 were having a relationship.

Trump had them canned. He used the event to begin the “deep state conspiracy.”

Lisa Page was an FBI attorney involved in the tweets with her then boy friend.

Last month on October 11, Trump was at a rally in Minneapolis. He resurrected the Lisa page story. In referring to her, he enacted her having an “orgasm.” He made orgastic noises and contorted his body.

A real gentleman.

Lisa is fighting back. The first time she has spoken publicly since the tweets were discovered.  She says the straw that broke the camel’s back was Trump’s “demeaning fake organism” of her.

Trump considers her tweets with FBI agent Peter Strzok to somehow have been involved with criminal activity. Lisa says, “There’s no fathomable way I have committed a crime at all.”

A federal investigative report is expected in 2 weeks which is expected to support Lisa’s position and exonerate her from any wrongdoing.

Trump claims there is no climate change. He refuses to support climate change advocates.

In the meantime, the world, which includes the U.S., is going down the drain.

A 2 week climate conference began yesterday in Madrid. Twenty nine thousand expected to participate. It is a COP25 conference. U.N. Chief Antonio Guterres was one of the first to speak. He said,  We are at the “point of no return…..the end is in sight.”

The northern cold hits Key West this afternoon. Presently 78 degrees. It is projected the temperature will drop to 63 degrees tonight.

Wow! Cold! Definitely turn the heat on!

Two great football teams were embarrassed over the weekend. Alabama and the New England Patriots. Both defeated.

Such is life. Difficult to accept if you are a fan.

Trump should put the U.S.’s money where his mouth is!

Today is World Aids Day. Trump tweeted he and the First Lady have “support for those living with HIV/AIDS and mourn lives lost.”

His words meaningless. Trump’s proposed 2020 budget slashes funding for global HIV programs by $1.35 billion. A 30 percent cut.

An American hero. A civil rights hero. She did it alone!

I refer to Rosa Parks.

Sixty four years ago yesterday, she refused to give up her seat on a public bus to a white man. Her refusal changed the world.

“John Brown’s body lies a-moldering in his grave…..”

On this day in 1859, John Brown was hung having been found guilty of treason, murder, and insurrection.

It was October 18, Brown and his group had seized Harpers Ferry, a federal installation. The battle did not last long. Brown was defeated.

The U.S. forces were a group of U.S. Marines led by Col. Robert E. Lee and Lt. J.E.B. Stuart. Both would later become Civil War generals.

The day of Brown’s execution was 16 months before the outbreak of the Civil War. The morning of his execution Brown said, “The crimes of this guilty land will never be purged away but with blood.”

Enjoy your day!

Whenever it is “really” cold up north, it is felt in Key West. Key West temperatures drop into the 60s, 50s, and occasionally the high 40s.

The big storm soon to arrive up north will hit the northeast.

The local weatherman advises that by tomorrow afternoon, winds will come in from the northwest at 20-25 mph. The temperature will be in the low 60s. For the first time this winter.

Means cold!!!!!

The weather man had good news, also. The cold spell will last only a couple of days. Then back to at least 75 degrees.

I know little about coral reefs. What I do know is that they are in serious trouble. There is a huge reef near Key West that is ailing and dying. The pattern for coral reefs everywhere in Florida waters.

Causes purported to me many. Climate change a major one.

When a coral reef is dying or dead, most of the the fish leave. A ghostly quiet ensues.

Contrasted to when a coral reef is vibrant and alive. When so, coral reefs are noisy places: “The crackle of snappy shrimp and the whoops and grunts of fish.” Such combine to form a dazzling tropical soundscape.

A group of scientists have suggested a way to bring the fish back. Music! Not precisely. However close to. A symphony of the shrimp crackling and fish whooping and grunting is placed underwater near the reef. Man made underwater sound.

Tests have established that the number of fish that remained is up by 50 percent and the different species by 50 percent.

More study being done.

The “music” assistance just that. Assistance. Not enough to totally correct the sick coral reef problem. However an unquestionable plus in working towards a solution.

Rising water levels a problem in many parts of the world. Key West waters have been rising slightly each year. Street flooding worse each year.

I sense the problem will be an acute one in 10-20 years.

Venice a today problem. At the moment, close to 7 feet of water covering the place. The water continues to rise and will probably soon exceed 7 feet.

Water has reached its highest peak ever this month (November). Residents are leaving. Tourists still coming, however. A local joke is the increased tourists may cause Venice to totally sink beneath the water.

Venice’s problem simply stated: The water is rising and the population is falling. No one knows what Venice’s future will be.

Venice is set in a lagoon. Referred to as the Venetian lagoon.

Many Venetians believe the problem has a cause in addition to climate change.

In the 1960’s, excavation for a deep canal was done. Its purpose to accommodate oil tankers. Many believe irreparable damage was done to the lagoon’s delicate ecosystem at the time.

Few merchants remain selling medieval goods. They have and are being replaced with stores selling the cheapest possible goods. Generally, Chinese made.

The next few months are going to be horrible for me. I see it coming. My Syracuse! Another basketball loss friday night. To Penn State 85-64.

I extend my condolences to Jean Thornton. An Alabama grad, she lives and dies for the football team. Alabama got beat for the second time this season saturday.

Even the mighty fall!

Thus far Jared Kushner’s governmental career has not impressed me. Donald has given him too many tasks. The Middle East one wherein he has failed, except for that which he did for Israel.

Yesterday it was reported that his father in law gave Jared responsibility for the wall. Jared says he wants 400 miles of additional new wall completed by the end of 2020. He has already had meetings. Biggest issue is where will the money come from. He plans to use eminent domain to take properties immediately.

The eminent domain thing a major problem in the making. Jared does not understand anything other than the government can take real property for whatever reason. The wall qualifies.

The process not that simple, however. I know well.

Back in the 1960’s, the U.S. went crazy with Urban Renewal. I enjoyed 2 different experiences during those years.

First, I served as a judge in hearing cases as to what was “fair market value” for a property taken. “Judge” not the accurate term. I was a Commissioner. The process was to have 3 persons appointed to listen to the proof and make a decision.

Long cases. Took forever. My Commission consisted of 2 attorneys and a realtor. The cases were heard in a courtroom. We sat on the bench.

The Commission jobs were not intended to be full time. We sat evenings and saturdays.

Following my Commissioner time, I handled many eminent domain  cases as a private attorney.

Problems that will arise with the wall takings include dispossessing businesses and families that have owned a property for years. Families who have worked the land 3 or 4 generations.

The government will low ball the offer. Thereby necessitating  lawsuits by property owners. All this takes a number of years.

When Trump has pitched the wall, I do not recall ever hearing what the cost of taking was to be. The billions of dollars we hear are for the construction phase of the wall.

What about the cost of government attorneys to take and defend the cases brought by the property owner? What about hearing officers? What about courtroom space to hear these cases? What about civil servants to follow these cases, keep records, etc.

The dollar number will be in the billions. Note again in addition to the actual construction cost of the wall.

There are instances where the government location for the wall may not meet governmental guidelines. A longer and bigger lawsuit.

If Trump received from Congress the money to construct, the government can take title to the lands forthwith. Again assuming a staff is available to do the necessary paperwork and court appearances.

The political consideration has to be considered. Many who lose their properties will not be Trump fans in 2020. “You took our home” will be the cry.

I doubt Trump and Kushner can build the 400 miles by the end of 2020. Assuming the money is available. Too many other problems involved.

I might add Trump and Kushner being builders and realtors does not provide the necessary experience to accomplish the task. It is a different ball game!

Ronald Reagan is credited with “Trust but verify.” A wise statement. However first spoken by Vladimir Lenin.

Lenin said, “Doveryai no proveryai.”

Enjoy your day!

A Key West day.

The hurricane season ends today. It was a good year for Key West. No significant problems.

Key West has a tradition. One of many. All hurricane flags are burned on the last day of the hurricane season. November 30.

The Conch Republic is in charge of today’s burning. The event will take place at 4:30 at the USCG Ingham Museum at the Waterfront Park.

Guaranteed, there will be a large crowd.

I have frequently written the past few years that Key West will kill the goose that lays the golden egg.

I refer to tourism. Better each year. Hotels and bars making a ton of money.

In the meantime, the flavor of the town is changing. Change expected, but not as rapidly as it is coming.

Increased tourism means everything crowded during the season. Sidewalks, streets, etc. Parking next to impossible. Prices shooting through the roof.

Eventually, tourism numbers will begin to die off. An inevitable happening. Visitors will find the crowds and prices too much. The goose will die.

My motivation in writing about tourism again is a recent report which noted tourism is up for all the Keys thus far this year, except for September.

Suicides a world wide concern today. “A major health concern.” On the rise. Up 24 percent from 1999-2014. The CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reported 47,173 suicide deaths in the U.S. in 2017.

Key West has had its share. Some years more than others. It has organized to help those considering suicide.

There is a walk today to further community concern with the problem. At 10:30 this morning. Begins at the Amphitheater. The walk labeled Out of the Darkness Walks.

This morning’s KONK Life E-Blast carries a picture of the Bull and Whistle as it looked in 1963.

Not known as the Bull and Whistle then. It was The Gallery Lounge Tavern.

Some differences between the 1963 and today’s business could be noted.

The 1963 bar had shutters/covers on the windows. There was no wrap around balcony on the second floor. What existed were 3 smaller balconies.

Most significant, there was no “third floor” or roof top activity indicated. The Garden of Eden not yet a thought in anyone’s mind.

Climate change important to the world. Extremely important to those who live in the Keys. Higher water levels and extreme heat two of the more serious problems to be faced.

No one has been sitting on their asses in the Keys.

An example the Regional Climate Leadership Conference sponsored by Monroe County and certain communities, including Key West. A 3 day conference. It will take place at the Casa Marina Resort 12/3-12/5.

Enjoy your day!

Report on Thanksgiving dinner yesterday. A feast! Lisa outdid herself.

The conversation excellent. Robert and Ally are old enough to participate in everything. We spent quite a while discussing Trump. None of us like him.

Ally is more beautiful every time I see her. I came across a picture of my mother the other day. A photograph she had given my father when they were courting.

A beautiful woman.

Ally looks like her! The high cheekbones and nose the same. I can’t wait to see Lisa’s expression when I show it to her.

Bisexuality has the capacity to involve humans, animals and other forms of life. Not always practiced in the same fashion.

Great white sharks. The males. Bisexual. Not as we understand bisexuality.

When a white male reaches a certain size, he may become a female. It just happens! Not with all. Where it does occur, nature takes its course and the male’s body transforms to that of a female.

Great whites are a diminishing breed. Scientists believe that is why the transformation takes place. The sex switch ensures survival by allowing the largest, most experienced sharks to give birth to young.

King Tides a growing problem. Many areas of Key Largo flooded.

King Tides result when the moon’s gravitational pull causes tides to be higher than usual.

Key Largo is in its 81st day under increased water levels. Whole streets flooded. Some sufficiently that cars cannot traverse. Others left in driveways because owners believe the salt war will corrode the underside.

Average tide levels are up this year all the way down the keys.  The average King Tides street levels in Key Largo for example in recent weeks were as high as 18 inches. Today, 8-9 inches. Those levels in front of homes.

Climate the problem. Too much carbon dioxide in the air.

Exceptional heat another problem resulting from climate change. Temperatures increasing every year. Soon may be too much to handle. Heat stroke sets in when the body can no longer cools itself, stops sweating.

Phoenix a right on example.

Last year 155 died as a result of heat strokes. Authorities have labeled what is happening as a “public health crisis.” The State of Arizona is working on how to deal with the problem.

Preparation comparable to that which Key West undergoes for an anticipated hurricane. Preparation for extreme heat.

An example of what happens when a person is affected by heat stroke. A 14 year old Phoenix boy was mountain climbing. The heat got to him. He collapsed from a heat stroke.

When he arrived at the hospital, his body temperature  was 108 degrees. The hospital buried his body in ice. The hospital also removed his blood by machine, cooled it, and then returned it to his body.

Heat stroke nothing to screw around with!

It is unfortunate Trump does not take climate change seriously.

A little road rage in the lower keys this week.

A 32 year old Big Pine man the aggressor. The victim a 63 year old male Hollywood resident.

The 32 year old was tailgating close and then getting closely in front of the 63 year old man’s car.

The 63 year old pulled into No Name Pub. The aggressor followed him. A fight ensued. The 32 year old broke the 63 year old’s leg. He had to be flown to Miami where he underwent surgery.

The 32 year old was arrested.

No other facts available.

A Teacher of the Year was arrested for having sex with 2 teen age male students separately in October.

When I was a young practicing attorney and did some criminal work, school teachers having sex with students always involved the male teacher as the perpetrator. I cannot recall handling or hearing of a case where a female teacher was involved.

The story not the same today. Most teacher/student sex cases appear to involve a female teacher.

Randi Chaverria is a 36 year old Texas high school teacher. She has admitted to having sex in a classroom in October with 2 different boys. Each a separate event involving one of the young men.

Ironically, the teacher was selected as the School District’s Teacher of the Year in May.

Three Trump mentionables.

Trump spent Thanksgiving in Afghanistan with the troops. Well done!

He announced the Taliban wanted “to talk” again. He said a meeting would be held soon to resolve the differences between the 2 countries.

It has been 24 hours since Trump made the Taliban statement. No word yet from the Taliban as to whether Trump represented truly what is going on.

One of Trump’s talents is he knows how to make friends and influence people. He leaves monday for a NATO conference in London. He announced yesterday he was cutting the U.S.’s contribution to the NATO General Fund by 6 percent. Down from 22 percent.

It is anticipated Germany will pick up the 6 percent.

Trump can’t help it. He is telling other world leaders in advance the tough guy is coming, don’t screw with me. London will be Dodge City for a few days.

When Trump plays these games, I wonder what would happen if the U.S. were attacked. Would our NATO allies stand with us? Have 70 years of mutual trust and cooperation gone down the tubes?

The Kurds and northern Syria my final Trump observation.

Trump deserted the Kurds. The troops he sent back in to protect the oil are doing just that. Not helping the Kurds against the Turkish onslaught.

It was reported yesterday that Kurd hospitals and medical centers caring and housing the wounded are under attack by the Turks. Especially by air. The videos on TV horrific.

Our Kurd friends are being decimated by the Turks all because of Trump. No one can argue the point. Trump opened the door and gave the Turks the ok to go into the north. The next day Trump announced the withdrawal of all U.S. forces.

It is said God helps those who help themselves. Syracuse did not help itself wednesday night in its game against Oklahoma State. No help was coming from the Almighty either. Syracuse lost 86-72.

I sense an erratic basketball season ahead.

Enjoy your day!

History books forget that which might be considered not socially acceptable.

The first Thanksgiving. In October, not November, 1621. As popularly represented. Though not correct. There had been several Thanksgivings in Virginia before beginning in 1607.

The Pilgrims had arrived in 1619. Things were tough for them the first 3 years. The weather, inadequate housing, lack of food, sickness. Nearby lived the Wampanoag Indians. The Pilgrims and Wampanoags not the best of friends.

The Pilgrims were in desperate need of food. They would sneak into Wampanoag tents, take food, and leave beads behind in payment. This did not rest well with the Wampanoags.

The third year brought fair crops to the Pilgrims. They decided to have a day of Thanksgiving. Their number down to 53. To begin the day, guns and canons were shot by the Pilgrims. The Wampanoags thought the Pilgrim,s were attacking them. They battle geared up and ran towards the Pilgrims.

The problem was readily solved. No attack. A celebration to take place. Why don’t you join us?

The Wampanoags saw the table was next to bare. Little food. They returned to their village and brought their food to share with the Pilgrims. Most of the food eaten that day was provided by the Wampanoags.

Understand that at that moment, things were not kumbaya between the 2 groups.

The menu was not as historically represented. There was no turkey. Perhaps fowl or geese. No cranberries. Sugar a luxury and the Pilgrims were in poor supply.

One thing is true. There was a pumpkin dish. Whether merely a vegetable or pumpkin pie unknown.

More and more settlers arrived in the new world. These followers were primarily Puritans. Religious zealots. To the extreme in most instances.

There were no fences in the new world. The Indian tribes never used them. The Puritans assumed no fences meant the land was free and available to anyone who wanted it. The land was public domain.

The Pilgrims first and then the Puritans had no respect for Indians. The problem existed in 1621 at the time of the purported first Thanksgiving and continued for many many years thereafter.

The 1630’s represent one of the worst times for the Indians.

Note that the cry of the white man in the West in later years was the same, though not precisely as mentioned. “A dead Indian is a good Indian.”

The settlers attacked and continued to attack Indian tribes. Consuming lands which later became known as Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Virginia. Generally by force.

The settlers needed the lands for expansion, farming, community development and the like. Agreements were entered into between the government and respective Indian tribes. As in later years in the West, the white man kept none of the agreements. Which led to conflict between the 2 sides. Wars.

The Pequot War an example. The War 1634-1638.

One of the bloodiest battles took place near what is now Groton, Connecticut.

Seven hundred Pequots had gathered for their annual Green Corn Festival.

The settlers had a practice of not only seizing Indian land, but also capturing the young for slaves, and killing the rest.

In the pre-dawn hours while the Indians were sleeping, the camp was surrounded by English, Dutch and their Indian supporters. Most were clubbed to death. The women and children were placed in an Indian longhouse and burned to death.

Governor Bradford was thrilled with the result. He wrote that “for the next 100 years every Thanksgiving Day ordained by a Governor was in honor of this bloody victory, thank God the battle has been won.”

The Governor said in addition, “It was a fearful sight to see those frying and the fire…..horrible was the stink and scent thereof, but the victory seemed a sweet sacrifice, and they gave the prayers thereof to God, who had wrought so wonderfully for them.”

Another sick war involving the Pequots took place near Stamford, Connecticut. The Indians were attacked and man’s worst tendencies exhibited. During the fighting, Indian heads were hacked off. Then kicked around the streets like soccer balls. A chief was beheaded and his head impaled on a pole for 24 hours.

The preceding occurred in less than 20 years following the Pilgrim landing. The Puritans the worse sickies. Motivated by their God given faith.

As the settlers became in subsequent years the United States of America, the atrocities continued for many more years as regards the treatment Indians in the West. In every instance, motivated by greed.

So the story goes.

It seems that things rarely change. Can you sense certain today leaders, countries and groups behaving similarly? Not necessarily precisely, but they’re out there!

Before concluding, permit me to wish each and every one of you a Happy Thanksgiving! May you have the good fortune to celebrate the day with family or friends.

God bless you all!

A busy morning ahead. So much to share. Ergo, a Morning Stew.

Trump had a rally last night in Sunrise, Florida. A typical Trump rally.

Two observations.

Good taste and manners appear to be a thing of the past with Trump supporters. To be expected. Trump is lacking in good taste and manners.

The crowd constantly yelled out “bullshit” as far as the impeachment proceedings were concerned. One can be anti-impeachment and pro-Trump and keep a civil tongue.

“Lock her up” back in business. Crowd chanting it when Trump returned to the 2016 election and talked about Clinton.

Toilet tongue! Toilet tongues!

Cannabis is making many rich since its legalization. There are some unanticipated problems however which negate the previous sentence. One involves California.

The cannabis industry is in trouble. The legal industry can no longer compete with the illegitimate. Personal dealers can sell cheaper. No regulations to follow, no taxes and fees to pay.

Impeachment proceedings have moved to the Judiciary Committee headed by Representative Jerry Nadler. Hearings will be held before the Judiciary Committee beginning 12/4.

Trump has been invited in writing to attend and, if he so desires, question witnesses.

The message simple. You are free to attend and participate. If you opt not, stop complaining about the proceedings.

Syracuse plays Oklahoma State tonight at 7 in the Carrier Dome. Channel ESP2.

There is no joy in Durham, might Duke got beat last night!

Stephen F. Austin beat Duke 85-83 in overtime.

A David and Goliath battle. David won!

Thanksgiving as a holiday has had an up and down career. A little history re Thanksgiving and what it commemorates.

Thanksgiving is the oldest holiday in the U.S. The Pilgrims and Indians in 1621 you say. No. Thanksgiving was celebrated earlier in Virginia in 1607 and 1610.

George Washington proclaimed a day of Thanksgiving. Thomas Jefferson ignored it.

Thereafter the holiday was sporadically celebrated till Abraham Lincoln. It was 1863 and Lincoln was pleased in the Fall of the year with the Union forces’ success in the Civil War. Lincoln introduced a new Thanksgiving and named it a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.

Lincoln declared the last day of November would be celebrated as Thanksgiving.

So it went till 1939-1941. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was imposed upon by the Retail Dry Goods Association and the Secretary  of Commerce to move the celebration to an earlier date. They felt Thanksgiving was too close to Christmas and conflicted with Christmas sales.

U.S. citizenry were upset. They wanted the holiday to remain where it had been for many years, to wit: The last thursday in November.

The people won out! To make sure it would so remain, Roosevelt signed a bill into law making it so.

An independent study has been released which indicates the U.S. is paying for the trade war, not China. American consumers are paying for Trump’s tariff war.

Others support the premise. In fact, on monday the New York Federal Reserve supported the premise the U.S.was paying the bill.

Think about what I suggest next. The Republican Party is turning into a cult. A group that needs deprogramming. The cult leader, better described as a “destructive” cult leader, is Donald Trump.

The scenario bridging on Jim Jones and his followers.

A message of warning to Trump’s followers: Don’t drink the Kool-Aid!

Did you ever wonder why Muslims do not like Christians? Simple. The First Crusade. Muslims are like elephants. They do not forget. They have not forgotten.

In 1095, Pope Urban II was having “political” problems within the Catholic Church. He needed the support of the people. He decided on a crusade.

Urban called on all Christians in Europe to war against Muslims to reclaim the Holy Land. The Turks at the time were in control of Jerusalem and were preventing Christians from visiting the Holy City.

Urban used such to rabble rouse and call for the crusade.

While calling Christians to the battle, he denigrated Muslims, exaggerated stories of their anti-Christian conduct, and promised absolution and remission of sins to all who died in Christ’s service.

Enjoy your day!

Left the house a little late last night. On my way to Aqua’s Dueling Bartenders followed by La Trattoria.

Never made either.

As I was walking to Dueling Bartenders, I passed Tutu’s. Tutu’s is a relatively new bar on the side street side of Aqua. Small. Tiny. A half dozen people and the bar is crowded.

There appeared to be a half dozen people inside.

I heard “Louis!” Came from Tutu’s. Went inside.

Ever run into someone you have not seen in awhile and cannot remember their name? My problem last night. Stayed about an hour chatting away with those in the bar. Never learned anyone’s name. Good time, nevertheless.

Came 8 o’clock and I was hungry. Went to Mary Ellen’s. A while since I was last there.

Specialty of the house grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Two grilled cheese sandwiches for me. No tomato soup. Not a fan.

Then home.

Cockfighting. A favored sport for many years in the lower keys. Less and less exhibitions. Outlawed. Last time I heard of one about 5 years ago.

Though a dying sport in the Key West area, cock fighting has continued in popularity in Puerto Rico. Such will end December 20. Congress passed a bill ending the practice in U.S. territories.

Though personally not a fan of cockfighting, many are. Another old time sport comes to an end!

Over the centuries, Key West employment has changed like the weather. In 1890, the two biggest employers were those making  cigars and sponge fishermen. The cigar makers employed 2,000, the sponge fishers 500.

Neither exist today.

President Kennedy visited Key West this day in 1962. He was here to review military installations and troops that had been part of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Do you realize Christmas is less than a month away? One day less. Today, November 26.

Trump on the receiving end of another adverse court decision.

All federal employees who have claimed executive privilege will probably end up testifying.

A federal court ruled late friday that former White House Counsel Don McGahn must testify before the House of Representatives. The court ruled there is no blanket immunity available to those working for the President. The court clearly indicated “Presidents are not kings.” Authority for the position James Madison and Alexander Hamilton.

Trump continues to get himself embroiled in matters that are not  his direct business. Reference the Navy SEAL matter involving Eddie Gallagher.

Trump saved Gallagher’s ass initially by granting him a pardon for a war crime he committed. He had been found guilty of one by a military court.

SEAL’s wear on their arm what is referred to as the Trident Pin. Only Seal’s wear it. The world knows immediately that the person wearing it is a special warrior.

Navy Secretary Richard Spencer prohibited Gallagher from wearing the Trident Pin.

Trump got involved again. Said Gallagher could wear it. He was ordering it.

Though commander in chief, I do not know whether a President is allowed to get into this tiny item involving Naval authority. He claims he is the “power.” He had promised a strong military and his actions re Gallagher represented a partial fulfillment of his word.

Spencer disagreed and resigned. He felt Trump had gone beyond his scope of authority.

The United Nations issued a bleak report re climate change. Warned that drastic action is required. Advised the world is behind in working at the problem and had to play catch up. The solution to drastically cut greenhouse gas admissions.

Otherwise, Armageddon.

Armageddon on the way. Evidenced by recent devastating hurricanes, relentless wildfires, and crippling heat waves.

Another U.N. report came out yesterday. The report indicated globally averaged concentrations of carbon dioxide reached record breaking 407.8 parts per million in 2018. Surpassed 2017 which was the previous hughest year.

To the U.N., such reflected there had been no slow down in greenhouse gases.

Thanksgiving is always the fourth thursday in November. We have Franklin Delano Roosevelt to thank.

Prior to his signing a bill officially establishing the fourth thursday, the holiday was celebrated on different days every year.

Casablanca is considered one of the greatest movies ever made. Some list it as #1, the best.

Casablanca opened in movie theaters across the country this day in 1942. Starred  Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.

The movie has some great lines which are still remembered to this day. Recall, “Here’s to you , kid.” Or, “Round up the usual suspects.” And my favorite, “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

We all recall December 7, 1941. The Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

This day in 1941 was important to the Japanese fleet involved in the bombing. Six carriers and other vessels left Japan for Pearl Harbor. The fleet arrived 11 days later on December 7.

Dracula! What historical figure formed the basis for Dracula? From whence did Dracula come?

His name Vlad III. He was the ruler of Wallachia. A part of what became Romania.

A warrior, his excessive cruelty made him famous. He “impaled” his enemies.

Vlad is most famously known for his patronymic name: Dracula. Vlad inspired the name of the vampire Count Dracula in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel “Dracula.”

Tonight, my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A fast moving interesting half hour. I rant and rave about this and that. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

No question, a day or two can make a difference in some instances.

I was out and about friday night. A bit of Duval and the Chart Room. Both dead.

Yesterday around 3, I was out again.

Drove down Duval. People falling off the sidewalks.

Drove to Harpoon Harry’s for a late lunch. Could not find a parking place. The streets and the huge parking lot across from Harpoon Harry’s full.

Key West loading up for Thanksgiving week.

No sense driving around to find a place to park and grab a sandwich. Drove to Publix instead.. Picked up a few things I needed and then proceeded home for lunch. One of the breasts from the broiled chicken I bought.

The cashier at Publix said the day had been busy from early morning. Thanksgiving shopping.

Remained in last night. Some reading, TV and then early to sleep.

Tonight will be my usual monday. Dueling Bartenders and La Trattoria. Not hard to take.

Flooding becoming a problem. Water flooding some Key West Streets even when no rain. Attributable I assume to King Tides and rising sea levels caused by climate change. Plus, the full moon where applicable.

Key West flooding at the usual places. Parts of Flagler, intersection of Eaton and White. Also the intersection of Front and Duval.

Front and Duval can get a bit deep. The water there was 5-6 inches friday night. I had to stop for the light. Volkswagens ride low. I was concerned water would get where it should not be in the car.

Key Largo has been experiencing flooding for a long time. One neighborhood for 82 days. Some have stopped driving their cars for fear the salt water will cause corrosion.

The water level is rising. Properly stated, has been rising. A little bit at a time. Which means beaches and oceanfront homes may be in danger sooner than anticipated. No one really seems to be concerned at this time. The problem a tomorrow one. The issue is when. It might be sooner than anyone thinks.

Came across a Hemingway line I believe might have some applicability to Trump: “You can wipe out your opponents. But if you do it unjustly you become eligible for being wiped out yourself.”

Enjoy your day!

This is a follow up to yesterday’s blog wherein I questioned whether ticket sales were a rip off where locals are concerned. A situation not benefiting locals whose tax dollars built the Amphitheater.

Tickets advertised for the Willie Nelson show at $69 and $99 a piece within minutes were only available from $244 for the cheapies and as much as $300 to $400 for reserved.

Comment responses were interesting. I refer you to them.

I believe this is a problem that has to be dealt with. Key West is not New York City or Nashville. Prices should be what locals can bear, not what money hungry scalpers seek.

My suggestions at the moment three fold.

First, on the date and at the time tickets first go on sale, locals may only purchase them during the first 4 hours on sale. Either by standing in line and proving residency or paying via the internet with a credit card having a Key West address.

Second, locals should be permitted to purchase only up to 4 tickets. Don’t want locals to turn into scalpers.

Finally, there has to be an arrangement between the city and whoever holds the contract to operate the Amphitheater to check following the show to determine if those operating the Amphitheater locally are benefitting in any way via a kick back from scalpers. I am not insinuating any wrongdoing by those holding the contract or operating the Amphitheater. However from a business perspective, a system of checks and balances is required.

Key West has had a history of getting stuck on construction jobs re overruns and paying a lot more more money in the end. Such has occurred too often in many other ways also. Elected officials…..It is your responsibility to protect residents and taxpayer dollars.

I was at the Chart Room friday night. John bartending. Steve and Cindy at the bar.

Steve and Cindy go back to the Key West of the 1970’s. Steve successfully ran several businesses. Cindy was Jimmy Buffett’s secretary.

Each knows much about the Key West of yesterday. Interesting people to chat with.

Syracuse sports yesterday!

Won one, lost one.

The basketball team beat Bucknell 97-46. Obviously, a good victory.

The football team as usual did not do well. Lost to Louisville 56-34. Now, 4-7. A lousy season!

I grew up in New York’s Mohawk Valley. Named after the Mohawk Indians. The Mohawks were part of the Iroquois Nation which consisted of six separate tribes.

During the Revolutionary War, the Iroquois generally fought on the side of Britain. They were unhappy with the colonial settlers who they considered to be encroaching on their ancestral lands.

Leading the Iroquois Nation was Mohawk Chief Joseph Brant. Brant was Indian by birth, though a white man in every other respect. Well educated. He studied with Eleazar Wheelock at Moor’s Indian Charity School. The parent institution of Dartmouth College.

Brant successfully led Indian troops against the colonials in many battles.

One battle proved not to be successful. The Battle of Oriskany. One of the bloodiest battles of the Revolution. The colonials were able to delay the Indian and British troops from reaching Saratoga in a timely fashion. As a result, the colonials beat the combined Indian and British forces at the Battle of Saratoga.

Saratoga was significant since it proved to certain European nations the colonials could win. Money poured in. Especially from France.

I mention Brant and the Battle of Oriskany since I grew up with both of them. Our grammar school history books spoke of Brant and the Iroquois Nation. It spoke loudly of the Battle of Oriskany.

Even more significant re the Battle itself, is that Oriskany where the battle was fought is a mere 12 miles from my hometown Utica.

A Washington monument type edifice stands in remembrance of the Battle. Though significantly lower than the Washington one. About 30 feet in height.

A small wrought iron fence surrounds the monument.

It always bothered me that no one stopped at the monument, except on the day commemorating the Battle. A handful that day to pay homage to those who died in assuring the United States would have a chance to be born.

President John Kennedy was killed on November 22, 1963. Lee Harvey Oswald was captured and charged with the shooting.

Oswald was being held in the Dallas jail. Two days after the shooting, Oswald was being moved to another location.

What occurred next, I recall specifically. It has remained in my mind since that day. I was sitting in my mother in law’s living room watching television.

It was announced Oswald was to be moved. A parking garage was beneath the Police Station. A concrete ramp led up from the garage to street level.

Oswald was being led up the concrete ramp on foot. Police surrounding him. Newsmen pressing in. Spectators all over the place.

I thought to myself how stupid! Someone could easily shoot Oswald. As the thought crossed my mind, Jack Ruby walked up to Oswald, put a gun  to his stomach, and killed him.

Ruby was a local nightclub owner. Later established a bit off mentally.

The flu season is upon us. Going to get worse. Anyone above 6 months recommended to get a flu shot.

So recommended by all federal health agencies.

One place flu shots are not being given. The Trump Administration again. No flu shots to those detained by the Border Patrol. Undocumented immigrants.

On any given day, there are 3,500 undocumented immigrants at undocumented immigrant detention facilities. Not a bad number. Down from 20,000 earlier in the year.

Trump’s people apparently don’t care about the health of these immigrants. Strange. Several years ago, the U.S.Supreme Court ruled jailed persons were entitled to the “best medical care.” Why not undocumented detainees?

Another thought crossing my mind is what if certain of these detainees come down with the flu and pass it on to other persons and eventually the flu germ spreads outside detention walls.

Typical Trump judgment re undocumented immigrants. Deny them. Make their lives hard. Cause them all kinds of pain and suffering.

Today, Sunday. Time for a treat. A shower and then to Harpoon Harry’s for eggs benedict.

Enjoy your Sunday!