No blog today. Finished rough draft. Interesting. Chest pains. Doctor wants me in the hospital. I am on the way. I will finish the blog tomorrow. Hopefully.

After 1 in the afternoon as I begin today’s blog. Medical tests this morning took longer than expected.

Some idiot wrote in Citizens’ Voice this morning that iguanas should be treated better than they are. Key West is overflowing with iguanas. The writer thought it wrong that Key Westers run around with guns shooting them.

I am unaware of anyone ever shooting iguanas with real bullets. Bebees yes.

If you are local and fortunate to live in the keys, one of your worst enemies is the iguana. They do not bite. You can walk up to one and it will not move.

They can be germ carriers. Salmonella.

The biggest problem is they destroy gardens and landscaping. They also defecate in your pool.

You may think so you plant new flowers. New plantings expensive down here. Many flower gardens extensive. My home for 23 years in Key Haven had large floral areas. The iguanas feasted on them 2 or 3 times a year. Even greenery.

They defecated in my pool on 2 occasions. The pool was large, had to be emptied and refilled with special chemicals added.

The flowers and pool replacement activity expensive.

I am for killing the iguanas in mass. A genocide is in order.

Crazy I am not. New York City and Hawaii consider them exotic pets and prohibit their existence or being kept. Hawaii tough on iguanas and anyone who might keep them for pets or otherwise. The penalty 3 years in jail and up to a $200,000 fine.

I read several months ago that the State was concerned by the growth of the iguana species in Florida. They wanted to take hold of the problem so it would not get out of hand as the pythons have.

I think the iguanas are already out of hand. Florida has waited too long.

The article mentioned that iguanas now could be killed. By a bebe to the head or crushuing the head. Apparently a humane manner of doing away with the iguanas.

Makes me laugh. From a handful of pythons in 1992 when Hurricane Andrew hit Homestead, there are now in excess of 1 million pythons in Florida. The State admits the situation is out of control. Never will pythons be totally eradicated. The hope is to control their number.

The State soft pedaled with the pythons as it is with the iguanas. They can only be killed by crushing their skulls or shooting them in the head.

Twenty years ago, my  friends and I began seeing a strange new species on the golf course. Relatively small. A foot long at best. Most green. Sitting in trees.

It was the beginning of the iguana invasion.

Now they are generally 1.2-3.3 feet long. Some grow as large as 5-6 feet. Look like miniature dinosaurs.

Iguanas are native to Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. A food in each place. Supposedly tastes like chicken. Described as “chicken of the trees.”

I have never met anyone who has eaten one.

My advice once again: Kill them all! Before the problem is out of hand as with the pythons.

There is a new butcher’s shop in town! At 1202 White Street. Named the Local Butcher and Market.

It will be the only butcher market per se in Key West. Fausto’s has 2 small supermarkets. They sell good beef. Expensive, however. I am not aware how expensive the new market will be.

I know this. Publix and Winn-Dixie’s beef and other meats are not worth the money we have to pay.

Speaking of meats, scientists are predicting that there may be an extreme shortage of protein available a year from now. The swine flu the cause.

It is rampant in some areas of the world. No cure available. One quarter of the world’s pigs have already been wiped out. Not a problem in the U.S. yet.

It is anticipated people will go to other meats when pork is not available. The problem then is the price of non -pork meats will rise dramatically. The law of supply and demand.

I read one of the finest magazines I have ever seen this morning. Keys Woman. Outstanding!

Generally directed to women, it covers a multitude of items affecting them but rarely considered.

I live and learn. Womankind ran an ad. The ad mentioned: “Did you know your ear lobes are supposed to line up with your nipples?”

Obviously directed to women. I checked my physical features. Looked in the mirror. For my ear lobes and nipples to line up my head would have to be at least one half larger.

A few ads are directed to men. Perhaps because women might indirectly benefit from the treatment offered. An ad by a male doctor specializing in erectile dysfunction.

The magazine is free throughout the keys. Look for it where free weeklys are found. I discovered my copy at the Marriott Beachside.

This weekend the Race World Offshore Key West World Championships. From 11/3-11/10.

Wild!

Great boats. Huge cigar types. High speeds. In excess of 100 miles per hour. Helicopters zoo0ming over. The loudness makes you think you are in a war zone.

The boats owned by the very rich. An expensive sport. The owners come in with crew members and required mechanics. Not a cheap sport.

I met Tara last night. Tara of Gone With the Wind. Just as lovely. However much nicer. A sweet woman.

Tara and her husband Gerry were staying at the Pier House. I ran into them at the Chart Room.

A great couple! I enjoyed their company tremendously.

Married 3 years ago. Second marriages for both. Each has 2 children in their 20’s.

Tara and Gerry live in Nags Head, North Carolina.

Both have interesting occupations.

Tara went out of her way to tell me she had been a math major in college. A tough major! I could not handle the math in high school and college. Not my forte.

Today, Tara is a bigwig in the banking/investment world. She provides IT support for the entire east coast for an American financial group.

Gerry in an interesting field also. He is a realtor dealing in shopping centers and other large commercial developments.

They have a side business called Destination Venue. They organize and plan weddings, corporate meetings, etc. world wide.

Spur of the moment people. Know how to live. They had checked out of the Pier House yesterday and were waiting for Uber to take them to the airport. While waiting, decided they wanted to stay in Key West another night. Went back inside and reregistered for the extra night.

Tammy was at her usual best last night. All excited! She was on a float for Fantasy Fest. The Princess. They came in 2nd for Best Float. Won $2,500.

I asked how they split the money. They did not. They are saving it for next year to help finance a bigger and better float.

I enjoyed last night.

ISIS announced it had selected a new leader to replace Baghdadi. He was not identified.

My concern is where and how ISIS will retaliate for Baghdadi’s death. Wherever, however, will not be good.

Enjoy your day!

I have not worn pajamas in 50 years. I have not thought about pajamas in that time either. Someone in Key West did, however. A reader asked in this morning’s Key West Citizen in the Citizens’ Voice column why pajamas have breast pockets.

Not necessarily the most earth shattering topic. However it piqued my curiosity.

The question was not asked properly. It suggests all pajamas have breast pockets. Not so. Must distinguish between female and male.

The ladies pj’s are without pockets. The reason being pajama designers feared the pocket itself or the pocket with something in it would ruin the beauty of the body covered. In other words, screw up the appearance of the breast line.

Men on the other hand have breast pockets. One. Considered a problem, however. Some men might put the pj’s on several hours before bed. During those hours put a pen in the pocket. Or, some upty men might add a handkerchief to the pocket. Considered unsightly.

Other than children, does anyone wear pajamas today?

On this day in 1946, the final paperwork was signed for the construction of the Kress Building. It would be located on the corner of Duval and Fleming.

Today, the first floor is a CVS.

For many years however it housed Key West’s finest department store. Fast Buck Freddy’s. A beauty inside and out. The window displays Fifth Avenue.

On the roof was a penthouse. Created for David Wolkowsky. Mr. Key West. The father of modern Key West. The person without whom Key West would not be as it is today.

David died a little more than a year ago. We were friends. I had the opportunity to visit his home in the sky on occasion. His parties the best in Key West.

Fast Buck’s is gone, David’s rooftop home empty. Sad. A certain best of Key West is no longer.

Halloween tonight. Ghosts and goblins everywhere.

Exciting.

Halloween is also known as All Saints’ Eve and All Hallows’ Eve. Tomorrow is the the Catholic Church’s Holy Day of Obligation. Known as All Saints’ Day. Halloween the precursor/prelude to the religious holiday.

As with many holidays, Halloween has pagan roots. The ancient Celtics enjoyed harvest festivals on what is now Halloween evening. Debauchery, drink and wanton behavior.

This evening will be a macabre one. Witches, skeletons, ghosts, cobwebs and headstones.

The trick or treat evening.

May the children enjoy!

Stayed in last night. The seventh and final game of the World Series. Washington beat Houston 6-2.

An enjoyable evening. Munched on some food I should not have. Too bad I no longer drink. I would have enjoyed a couple.

The California fires like something we have never seen. Damage beyond comprehension.

The Reagan Library is in the heart of one of the conflagrations. God was looking out for the former President’s Library.

Reagan’s daughter Patti Davis said, “My father’s library will likely survive the fire, but the California of my youth is gone.”

Recall all the noise re the Keystone Pipe Line several years ago. Certain Indian tribes were especially  concerned. Their ancestral burial grounds were in the area. They and others were worried about the pipe leaking.

The Keystone people said in effect worry not, it will not leak.

Guess what? It is leaking. In North Dakota. The pipeline owner has shut the pipeline down. The group trying to find the cause and remedy it.

In the meantime, the leak area is 1,500 feet long by 15 feet wide.

October 29, 1929, a bad day in American history. Remembered as Black Tuesday. The stock market crashed. The worst in U.S. history. The 2008 recession kid stuff in comparison.

Men threw themselves off roof tops and out of windows.

Enjoy your day!

I was bald for more than 10 years. A month ago, I decided to grow hair again. To go with the beard I was growing.

The hair grew for a month. An absolute disaster! Was coming in every which way. Probably would have straightened out in due course. I could not wait. It was bothering me.

Yesterday, I had Lori take it all off. I am back to pure bald. Love it!

The beard is coming in well. I have a feeling it will be with me quite a while.

American Airlines announced a direct flight Boston to Key West. For a limited time. Once a week beginning  February 15, 2020 and ending May 2, 2020. Saturdays only.

American is looking for the in season crowd. A good business move. The tourists will enjoy and Key West will benefit.

My blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Covered 3 topics. California fires, problems in Syria, and Key West.

A good show. Enjoyed doing it.

The demise of the Volkswagen Beetle has been announced for the second or third time in its history. The 2019 model is the last one that will be rolled out.

The model returned to the market after a brief non -manufacturing period in 2011. I have one. A convertible. Bought the model in its first year. Still own it in its last year.

In the auto resale business, cars that come out for the first time the year of purchase are worth extra dollars on resale. So too with cars owned the year manufacture was terminated.

My Volkswagen has both ends of the spectrum. Curious to see what it will bring when sold.

ISIS leader al-Bagadadi was buried yesterday. His body dropped from an airplane into the ocean. As Ben-Laden’s was. Winners do not want the body of a losing leader to be buried where his followers can pay homage to the memory of one that was considered evil, corrupt, etc.

There are 2 wars that never seem to end. The wars on terrorism and drugs. Think how many years the U.S. has been waging both.

Too many American lives lost. Too many lives in general lost.

Trump and the U.S. lie. Putin and Russia lie.

At issue, the oil in Syria. The oil that Trump says he has sent U.S. tanks and troops to protect. The next day, Putin announced he was sending tanks and troops in to protect the oil.

Both men are accomplished liars.

They both claim the oil at the present time. Oil that was little mentioned till the past week.

The Russian Defense Minister yesterday published evidence that the U.S. had been and was smuggling oil out of Syria. Air high photos were shown of U.S. trucks and military troops protecting the oil as it was being driven out of Syria.

Whenever there was a problem in the U.S. oil carrying trucks being disturbed, U.S. military aircraft were called in for protection.

Russia claims the U.S. controls a company called “Sadcap.” The company is engaged in the export of the oil. Russia further claims the income from the oil’s sales goes to personal accounts of U.S. PMCs and Special Forces.

One barrel of smuggled Syrian oil is worth $38 a barrel. Russia claims the U.S. has been taking in income in the amount to $30 million a month. Russia further claims the Pentagon and Langley have and are ready to defend the oil fields from “mystical hidden IS cells.”

True or false?

My suspicion is Russia is lying. How could the U.S. have been moving all that oil and no one knew about it.

Time will tell.

James S. Sherman died this date in 1912. He was Vice-President of the United States at the time.

I mention Sherman because he was born and raised in my hometown Utica. Represented the Utica area for many years in Congress. Maintained his personal residence in Utica at the time of his death.

I enjoy walking through cemeteries. Not because I enjoy the dying. Rather it is the history that can be learned. Wording on tombstones reveals a lot about an area.

One of Utica’s larger cemeteries is Calvary. On one on my walks, I thought I saw a tombstone in a heavily worded area. I made my way through the foliage.

There sitting was one of the most beautiful stones I had ever seen. Sitting on the edge of a rise overlooking Utica. Could not be seen from that side for the same reason it could not be seen from the back. The overgrown foliage of the years.

It was Sherman’s stone. Majestic. I knew even before I read what was on the stone that it had to be over the grave of an important person.

After Tuesday Talk last night, I watched the World Series. Excellent game. Tonight, I will watch the World Series again. The last and deciding game. Should be exciting.

I am not a baseball fan per se. Too slow for me.

I have probably attended every major sporting event in the U.S. Except for one. The World Series. Proof the game fails to turn me on. However, I enjoy watching a game or 2 of the World Series each year. On TV, not in real life.

Enjoy your day!

Birds of a feather! Mussolini and Trump. Both know it alls. Not open to advice. Listened/listen to no one.

On October 28, 1940, Italy invaded Greece. Turned out to be a disastrous military campaign for Mussolini’s forces.

Mussolini surprised everyone with the invasion. Even Adolph Hitler. Hitler told Mussolini to not invade Greece. Mussolini assured Hitler he had no such intention.

On the very day Mussolini invaded, Hitler is reported to have told him it was “a major strategic blunder.” Hitler wanted Mussolini to concentrate on Africa. Mussolini already had his “major victory” in Ethiopia. Hitler wanted the Italian forces to continue onward to Egypt and the Suez Canal.

Mussolini was accustomed to doing things his own way. He thought he knew everything. He failed to even advise his military Chief of Staff he was invading Greece. His Chief of Staff found out from news releases following the invasion. Mussolini’s generals warned against the invasion. He failed to heed their advice.

Mussolini was convinced he could defeat Greece in a matter of days. Militarily and for another reason. He had set aside millions of lire to bribe Greek politicians and generals.

The Greeks pushed Italy out of their country in one week. Back to Albania from whence Mussolini had commenced the invasion. Mussolini spent the next 3 months trying to stay alive in Albania.

During the same time frame, half the Italian fleet was crippled at Taranto by a British carrier based attack.

Mussolini was humiliated. Hitler was pissed. He had to change his war plans. No longer could he depend upon Italy’ fighting the African battle. He had to send his own troops in. Troops he had planned to use elsewhere.

What follows is not intended to reflect on Trump. I merely wish to show how authoritarian figures could end up.

On April 18, 1945, Mussolini, with his lady friend, was attempting to escape to Switzerland. They were caught. Italian partisans shot and killed them both.

Their bodies were taken to Milan. The dead bodies were hung upside down from a metal girder at a gas station in the Piazzale Loreto. The Italian people spit, beat, abused, and shot at the bodies.

Two days later, Hitler committed suicide in a bunker in Berlin.

The day after Tump announced ISIS leader Bagadadi had been killed, I wrote the Devil should be given his due. Trump should be congratulated. He had finally accomplished something of value.

Since that time, I have become uncertain. Is Bagadadi really dead? His underwear and a blood sample allegedly taken from the site of his death to test for DNA could have been acquired from another place/source.

Trump has reported Bagadadi was crying as he ran down the tunnel. Why? Death he could not have feared. If he was killed, there were some 21 virgins waiting for him. The number I am not sure is accurate. You are all aware however that Muslims fighting for their religion do not fear death. Their heaven will be a glorious one.

Trump has generally failed to tell the truth in the past.

There are 5 previous instances where Bagadadi’s death has been reported: Killed in a U.S. airstrike 6/12/16, killed in a Russian airstrike 5/28/17, killed in a Syrian attack 6/11/17, an Iranian leader reported “he’s definitely dead” 6/29/17, a Syrian Observatory for Human Rights confirmed his death 9/11/17. He has been reported killed most recently 10/26/19.

Not that their word is any more reliable, Russia announced yesterday it was not aware of Bagadadi’s death. The Russian Defense Ministry said Trump’s report was merely propaganda.

Tough when you tend to believe neither Trump nor Putin. Both are liars. Putin the better and more successful.

I continue to accept Trump’s announcement of Bagadadi’s death, though my belief is waning.

Trump’s announcement that he was sending in U.S. tanks and troops to protect the oil amusing. Two weeks ago, he purportedly pulled all U.S. troops out. After a few days, it appeared he had done so. He sent them to Saudi Arabia to be used if necessary.

Now Trump is back in Syria. In the north, in Kurdish lands.

Lives had been destroyed and persons displaced because of Trump’s concession in a telephone call with Erdogan on a sunday night that he would pull U.S. troops out of Syria.

Trump’s acton in that telephone call and since reflect a mental attitude similar to Mussolini’s as set forth earlier.

Russia announced they had tanks and soldiers going into Syria to protect the oil a couple of days ago.

I have written and spoken in the past 6 months that the Syrian conflict was over oil. I was right. It is. Trump and Putin are racing in to protect the oil. Iran and Turkey expect some if not all of the oil. Trump suggests a deal might be made to share.

Good luck! I cannot see Russia, Iran or Turkey wanting the U.S. as a partner in the oil. In the next 2 weeks there probably will be an interesting confrontation re the oil.

One final point re the oil. The U.S. does not need it. Oil from shale has put the U.S. on top of the world productionwise.

Everyone has forgotten the Kurds in the coming oil dispute. They will want a piece of the action.

Enough of Trump and world events for today. Time for Key West.

CBS reported 60,000 at saturday night’s Fantasy Fest Parade. I talked to some I know who attended. They thought the crowd was smaller than normal, the 60,000 figure not correct.

The Parrot Heads will be in this weekend. From thursday through saturday. Their 28th anniversary.

The Parrot Heads are Jimmy Buffet lovers. Could be described as a fan club. Referred to as Parrot Heads because of the goofy hats they wear.

They represent another breed of America. The opposite of Fantasy Festers. You will find none of them bare assed or bare boobed. Nor heavy drinkers. Conservative Americans all.

A great white shark has been reported off Key West shores. A 2,200 pounder 15 feet 5 inches in length. The shark was tagged with a tracker last year. That is how Key Westers know it is out there.

Not sighted yet, however.

Note I have pics for the first time. Sloan worked it out for me.

In 2 of the pics, Buffalo’s Fran and Tom Dixon. In the third, I do not know who she is. She was body painted and as I walked by admiring the goods, she asked if I wanted to take a picture with her. I was pleased to do so.

Tonight, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My blog talk radio show. Nine my time.

Join me. So much to talk about. I have not decided yet what I will be ranting and raving about. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

I saw a different Donald Trump on TV this morning. He was announcing the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last night.

U.S. military personnel on a special mission in North Syria successfully attacked and killed the leader of ISIS.

The Trump I saw this morning was humble. Modest. I would have expected the Trump we have all come to know.

He was reading. From a screen that must have been directly in front of him.

How this raid in north Syria ties in with all we have heard in the past 2 weeks with the U.S. in and out of Syria, I do not know. Confusing.

The death of the ISIS leader was a major accomplishment for Trump. As he himself described, it was “very big.”

The Masquerade March was friday night. A traditional Fantasy Fest event. Different from other events.

Thousands of participants. Al costumes. Mostly locals. Costuming the direct opposite of toga party and other events this past week. Clothes on rather than off.

My hairdresser Lori participates every year. She, her husband, and friends dressed as the Village People. They had music playing. The recording sang and they sang.

The marchers festive though sedate.

The march begins at the cemetery. Goes up Fleming. Not sure where after.

There are parties galore along the way. Porch parties. Drinking and whooping it up. Cheering the marchers on.

I have never marched. I have participated by attending several porch parties over the years.

The Fantasy Fest Parade was last night.

I did not attend. It is not just age, parking a big problem. I live one island up. Need to drive in. No matter how early I got to the parade in yeas past, it did not work for me. I had to park a mile away and walk or parked somewhere that my car was towed. Towed 3 times. Cost over $200 each time to get my car back.

The last time, it ws 2 in the morning and pouring. My car gone. Called Donna. Got her out of bed. She drove me to Stock Island to recover my car.

The cost was $225. I gave the guy a credit card. He said we don’t take cards. I said I only have a $100 on me. He said, no problem. We’ll take the $100.

Rip off?

Sandy Feet is a commenter to this blog. This morning she wrote the crowd not as big this year. Does not surprise me. I suspect Fantasy Fest in general is receding as time goes by.

I was on a float one year. Howard Livingston’s.

First and last time for me. Bead throwing too much work! I and my fellow floaters were exhausted by the time the parade ended. We threw out 23,000 beads. Maybe 10 of us.

There is an exceptional thrill during the parade. The floats come down Front Street. as soon as the turn is made onto Duval, it is a different world! Thousands of people. As far as the eye can see. An overwhelming feeling. All screaming at the top of their lungs.

Who to throw beads to? Everyone yelling with raised arms for beads to be thrown to them.

I went a different route.

I noticed early on there were many people in wheel chairs. Up front. But could not move around to get beads. they were being cheated.

So I made it my responsibility to throw them beads. Most of the beads I threw were to the wheel chair persons. I would get their eye and aim. Generally the beads ended up right in their laps.

Halloween is 4 days away. I enjoyed Halloween when my children were young. I enjoyed it with Robert and Ally as they were growing.

My kids are all in their 50’s and early 60’s. Robert and Ally are now 15 and 14. They don’t want to walk with Poppa while they do trick or treat. Or whatever they do at their present age.

A major joy in my life is no more.

An adult event Halloween can be found from 6-9 at Mary Ellen’s on Applerouth. Three hours of viobrator races. Worth seeing. Betting involverd. The receipts go to charity. A significant amount has been raised in the 2 years the races have been held.

Yes, “Vibrator” means vibrator. The sexual toy.

Olga hit Louisiana with heavy rains yesterday. Pablo now a tropical storm in the Gulf. Around the Azores at the moment. Will not be a danger to Florida.

Spoke with Lori yesterday. Hate my hair! The gel, also! We’re going back to a bald head. The only hair on my head will be the beard.

She laughed. I did, too. My appointment is tuesday at 3:15.

Heinz makes ketchup and mayonnaise. Heinz has combined the 2. Called “Mayochup.” Described by one who tried the new product as a “total gastronomic protonic reversal.” Whatever that means.

Our freedos keep getting eroded. An example is a debtor’s prison situation. Debtor’s prisons are illegal in the U.S. Everywhere in the U.S. No exceptions. Or, supposedly so.

A Philadelphia Court involved.

Maurice Hudson is 29. He received 2-4 years on a burglary charge in 2009. Served his time.

The Judge a Genese Brinkly. She keeps calling him back to court.

Attached to Hudson’s sentence was $1, 941 in court costs.

He served his time. He never paid the court costs. The Judge wants the costs paid. Each time Hudson appeared re the court costs, he told the Judge he is a “struggling father.” He is raising “two kids with special needs.” He works a part time job as a janitor for which he is paid $150 a week.

The Judge recently told Hudson she was sick of his excuses. She sentenced him to state prison for 1 1/2 – 3 years for not paying the court costs. The Judge said, it was “absolutely necessary to vindicate the authority of the court.”

What happen to debtor’s prison being illegal?

Someone estimated the cost of incarcerating Hudson to 3 years in jail for failing to pay the court costs of $1,941. It will cost taxpayers $180,000.

As Forrest Gump said, “Stupid is as stupid does.”

Mighty Casey struck out again yesterday. Syracuse lost to Florida State 35-17. There is no joy in Mudville! Probably won’t be the rest of the season.

Syracuse played its first exhibition basketball game last night. Beat Daemen 90-71. An exhibition game.

Small schools play the larger ones at the beginning of the season for more than experience. The larger school is more affluent than the little one. The bigger school pays the small one six figures to come and get beat.

Sloan coming over at 1. Big afternoon ahead. Much to do.

Enjoy your Sunday!

I have wondered over the years where those watching the Fantasy Fest Parade sleep afterwards.

Sixty thousand to 70,000 will line the sidewalks watching the Parade. There are not accommodations to provide sleeping in all the keys for that number. Even if they sleep on the beaches and 10 to a room, still not enough space.

The thought occurs every year how the little island of Key West handles that number of visitors. I suspect that some year, Key West is going to slowly sink into the ocean the evening of the Parade from the sheer number of persons watching.

The Parade is 40 years old. Interestingly, the first Parade was on this day in 1979. It had 26 floats and 10,000 observers. Recent years reflect the Parade’s growth. Anywhere from 50-70 floats, anywhere from 60,000-80,000 observers.

People standing along Duval as the Parade passes by. Yelling and screaming for the beads being thrown off floats. Some actually begging. Some women actually life their blouses/tee shirts to expose their breasts. I know. I was on a float once throwing beads.

Some sell their soul to the country store. Tonight all will sell their souls for beads!

I kid you not.

Burger King on the Boulevard took a beating during Irma. I suspect Burger King was looking for a reason to leave the spot. It seemed to always be doing little business.

Popeyes is replacing Burger King. The sign went up yesterday. Not officially open yet, however.

I love Popeye chicken. Better stated, used to. I have not had it in 20 years. Every summer for many years, we would drive to the South Jersey Shore. Stone Harbor. On the way down and on the way back stopped at a Garden State rest spot for lunch. They served Popeyes chicken. To die for!

I look forward to the new one being opened in Key West.

An interesting side note. Popeyes is not named after Popeye the Sailor Man. Recall the movie The French Connection. Popeye Doyle is one of the detectives. Popeyes named after Popeye Doyle.

Everyone knows B.O.’s Fish Wagon on the corner of Caroline and William Street. Most think such has always been B.O.’s location.

Not so.

Bo’s was originally located on Duval. For many years. B.O.’s was required to move. Its building (the shack) and everything that went with it were moved on this day in 1994 to its present location.

Business still good,if not better, than when on Duval.

A diver got a bit screwed up thursday. Call put in that the man had not returned. He was found soon thereafter safe and clinging to an electricity pole. No other information available.

The toga party thursday night was enough Fantasy Fest for me. I stayed in and watched the World Series. Houston beat Washington 4-1. Washington leads the series 2-1.

Earlier in the day, stopped by Lori’s for a haircut.

My beard is coming in well. The little hair on my head has not been well for years. Lori and I talked a couple of weeks ago. The decision was made to let my hair grow.

It has been 2 weeks. Looks like hell! Grows every which way.

Lori says it will take time. She gave me a jar of gel to use. She put it on.

I frequently looked in the mirror all day and night. Horrible! Hair flat. However still in every direction and the grease obvious.

I am waiting for 10 this morning to call Lori. Get me in as soon as possible. We are going back to a bald head!

Wanted to have lunch after the “haircut.” Cuban Coffee Queen the destination. Good luck! Nowhere nearby to park. It’s Fantasy Fest! Drove home and made myself a sandwich.

War was in the air this day in 1962. Between the U.S. and Cuba. More likely, the U.S. and Russia.

A U.S. Army missile battalion arrived in Key West. The Casa Marina Hotel was emptied. The Army moved in and made it their command post.

Still the storm season. Olga has arrived. A tropical storm. Developed in the Gulf of Mexico. Not expected to be a threat to Florida. Will make landfall in Louisiana.

Shootout at O.K. Corral. How many movies and different stars have we seen of the event. It’s a part of the U.S.’s western history.

The shootout occurred this day in 1881. In Tombstone. A name we have all heard. Wyatt Earp, his brothers and Doc Holliday. The bad guys the Clanton-McLaury gang.

The shootout took all of 30 seconds. Several dead. Wyatt Earp’s group won.

The United States is turning into a battlefield. Some believe “We the People” is becoming “We the Police State.” Especially under Trump.

Think about it.

Two days ago, it was announced the U.S. was sending tanks and troops into Syria to protect the oil fields. Yesterday, it was announced Russia had tanks and troops moving into Syria to protect the oil fields.

I have been reporting for at least 6 months that at the heart of the Syria problem was oil. No one was talking oil at the time. This past week is actually the first time oil has been prominently mentioned.

Oil is gold! Iran wants a piece of the oil fields also.

Trump is unhappy with the reporting of the New York Times and the Washington Post. They are on top of his every move and report accordingly.

Trump apparently has had enough. He issued a directive yesterday that no federal department/office could subscribe to either paper. All subscriptions were to be cancelled.

Sort of like an unhappy kid taking his football and going home.

Trump associate Kellyanne Conway has come up with another beauty. It has been a while since we have heard from her.

She claimed during an informal press conference yesterday that Trump cannot be held responsible for what he says. Nothing. Her reasoning is we do not know what is in a person’s heart, mind or soul. Only Trump knows what is in his.

Save me!

Enjoy your day!

A night of nights! Toga Party on Duval!

Even wore half a toga!

The evening was enjoyed with Fran and Tom Dixon. From Buffalo they have been visiting Key West for 40 years 3-4 times a year. Always avoided Fantasy Fest. Fran’s idea. She did not approve of the nudity.

Fran capitulated this week. I suspect her turning 69 next week had something to do with it. She is portraying a what the hell attitude this week.

We met at the Chart Room first last night. Tammy bartending.

Tammy showed us her toga. She was going to hit Duval when the Chart Room closed at midnight.

Fran, Tom and I dined on the deck at Pier 1. Fran showed me some pics of their week so far. Fran is making up for the years lost. She first showed me a picture of herself taken wednesday night.

I was shocked! Could not stop laughing! She went all the way. Bare breasted on Duval. Only 2 pasties covering.

She looked terrific! Should have done it years ago. Breasts to be proud of.

I was told of “our” game plan for toga party last night. Fran had bought 3 togas in the afternoon from Sloppy Joe’s. One for each of us. I moaned not me, as did Tom.

In any event, at the end of dinner Fran left to go across the street to change. When she returned…..WOW! She looked terrific in her toga.

She also brought the togas for Tom and me. Fortunately, we both were dressed. We slung the toga over one shoulder to make Fran happy.

Duval Street was magnificent! Especially in front to Sloppy Joe’s. Everything galore! Not just boobs. Many ladies wore nothing but a spray paint job. Even over their most private part.

The voyeur in me had a spectacular time! Good for the eyes, good for the soul!

This was my first toga party in a few years. Two noticeable changes. Very few wore togas. Bare or next to bare the costume of the evening. The other change was in age. Back when, most participants were young. Twentyish. Last night, older. Primarily 30’s to 50’s.

I had my picture taken several times with Fran and Tom. Even with one of the spray painted totally nude ladies. I plan on sharing them. Probably monday. Need Sloan to put them into the blog for me.

So much for toga party.

Wednesday night was the Fantasy Fest Pet Parade. An annual event.

Two cats won. Dressed as Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton.

In the Keys History section of the Citizen today is a photograph of Elena Hoyos. When she was alive at 17. An attractive young lady.

Elena is the young woman who died of tuberculosis in Key West. A Count Carl von Cosel had fallen in love with her. Two years after Elena died, he stole her body from the cemetery and brought the body to his home.

He slept with her for several years till the authorities became aware and separated the two.

The story of Elena and the Count remains one of Key West’s strange yet true happenings.

The Charge of the Light Brigade. An Alfred, Lord Tennyson poem. A recitation of a battle in the Crimean War in 1854. Between Great Britain and Germany.

On this day in 1854, the Charge occurred. The charge defied death. The odds overwhelming against the Brits.

The poem has always been one of my favorites. I have mentioned and repeated portions of it in other blogs over the years. I do so again today: “Half a league, half a league onward, / Half a league onward, / All in the valley of Death / Rode the six hundred….. / Cannon to the right of them, / Cannon to the left of them, / Cannon in front of them….. / Boldly they rode and well, / Into the jaws of Death, / Into the mouth of hell…..”

Syracuse/Florida State tomorrow afternoon at 3:30. Florida State a 10 point favorite.

It was a tough night in one respect for Tom and me. We are both die hard Syracuse fans. We discussed the unexpected poor year Syracuse football is experiencing. A knife to our hearts would be easier to take!

The Trump administration continues to cause me great concern. Trump is diabolical, never wrong, and always seeks revenge.

The Justice Department announced yesterday the inquiry into the reasons for the Mueller/Russia investigation was now an official one. Funny. The Department of Justice investigating itself.

I trust not decisions made by the Trump administration. This type investigation is scary. A witch hunt in reverse. This type investigation does not occur in a democracy. The U.S. supposedly a democracy. The title being lost under Trump. He continues to make the U.S. look like a third world country.

Beware, my friends. This type conduct could lead to ICE knocking on your doors in the middle of the night. Similar to Hitler’s Gestapo in the late 1930’s in Germany.

Trump lacks consistency. Syria one example. Three weeks ago in a singular telephone conference, Trump announced U.S. troops were being pulled out of Syria. Immediately. All of them.

It has been confusing ever since. Initially they were not pulled out. Then the number being pulled out changed almost daily. The right hand did not know what the left was doing. Yesterday, I thought we were all out. Could be. However the Pentagon’s announcement later in the day was to the effect that tanks and troops would be going into eastern Syria. Described as “additional forces.” To fight along side of the Kurds in protecting the oil fields in eastern Syria.

Strange. Once the U.S. dumped the Kurds, they made a deal with Assad. They do not need the U.S. any longer. Additionally, how does the oil field statement purport with Trump’s announcement the U.S. was getting out. Yes, the U.S. has gotten  out. However, only for a few days.

This oil field thing should not surprise you. I have been reporting on it for 6 months. My position has always been that Turkey, Russia, Iran, and the U.S, were primarily interested in Syria’s large deposits of crude oil.

It’s all about the oil!

Enjoy your day!

Tonight, tonight, won’t be just any night….

Toga Party!

At Sloppy Joe’s and the street outside.

My favorite Fantasy Fest evening. I am a voyeur at heart. Love to watch the ladies prance around, negotiate for beads, and exhibit their private parts.

A bad boy am I!

I shall be enjoying the evening with my friends Tom and Fran Dixon from Buffalo. They have been visiting Key West 3-4 times a year for 40 years. Never for Fantasy Fest. This year a first.

We are meeting at the Chart Room followed by dinner at Pier One. Then at 9:30 onto Duval. One block over to Sloppy Joe’s.

The toga party has become a fun ritual in modern society. Especially at college parties. The 1978 movie Animal House responsible.

Some look down upon toga parties. Considered by them a sexually deviant experience. Too bad, they know not the fun they miss.

A President held a toga party in the White House. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The party to celebrate his 52nd birthday.

It was January 30, 1934. The wheel chair no hindrance to Roosevelt enjoying himself. He, his friends and close politicals were members of an informal organization the “Cuff Links Gang.” They were the attendees at the party.

Even Eleanor attended. In a toga!

The President was attired in a toga as were all other persons at the party.

Marian Wisherman was a well know suffragette and Eleanor’s friend. She wore a muslin toga garment. Her toga rests today for all to see in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Strange though it may seem, the story a true one. Google FDR and toga party. Many photographs, most with the President in the middle.

Naked female breasts will be a part of the evening tonight.

Kokomo comments to this blog frequently. His response to something I wrote recently involved breasts. Kokomo quoted Bill Engvall who said, “God was having himself a good day when he made boobs.” When He completed making Eve, He told her to turn around. Something was missing. He added breasts.

I looked Bill Engvall up. A successful stand up American comedian. Also, an ordained minister.

Masturbation next. Seems to be a sex day.

Several years ago, I published in a local newspaper an article concerning the subject. Both humorous and sad. I will be republishing it as part of the blog one day next week.

Today a quote on the subject. Thomas Szasz, a fellow at the American Psychiatric Association, wrote in one of his papers: “Masturbation is the primary sexual activity of mankind. In the nineteenth century it was a disease; in the twentieth it is a cure.”

The article to be republished next week deals with the 19th century.

“Human scum!”  Love Trump! He sets a high standard for the children of America.

The entire phrase he uttered was “Never Trump Republicans are human scum.”

He has to whip his followers up in any fashion he can. Soon, they will begin drifting.

The 25-30 Republican House members who improperly and illegally entered the room where the hearing was taking place were wrong. It was against the law for them to be there and to also bring in cellphones.

The “men” behaved like babies. Cry babies.

They delayed the hearing 5 hours.

There were 2 security officers. Capitol Police. They should have arrested all of them. You fight fire with fire.

They were not arrested because Chairman Schiff decided to wait them out rather than have them arrested.

Chairman Schiff: Next time arrest them!

No one seems to respect the law in Washington. First, the President. Now a number of Republican House members.

It seems Republican are more prone to stretch and break the law than Democrats.

Abraham Lincoln is a person who became a Republican. When he was elected President, he was a Republican. Prior thereto, he was a Whig. The new Republican Party consisted of many former Whigs.

Young Lincoln was not reluctant to break/stretch the law. He did so in somewhat of a radical fashion on December 5, 1840.

Lincoln was a member of the Illinois Legislature. His vote important. It was in opposition to whatever the other side wanted to do. A quorum was needed for the vote.

The opposition had had the doors to the Chamber locked.

To avoid voting, Lincoln and 2 of his fellow legislators jumped out a second floor window.

Smile. Good ole, Abe. However what he did was wrong. He broke the law. His ass was required to be in the legislative chamber, not flying out a second story window.

The 25-30 Republican House members who in effect took over the Committee Room did not belong there. They broke a couple of laws.

The Quinnipiac Poll came out yesterday. Fifty five percent of the people support the impeachment inquiry. Up 4 points from last week.

Forty eight percent were for impeachment and removal.

Enjoy your day!