Carol Channing died thursday at age 97. A great talent taken from us. To spend eternity as a brilliant diamond in the night sky.

Channing won 4 Tony awards. The first for Hello Dolly! She was the original Dolly Levi.

I was fortunate to have seen her on Broadway in Hello Dolly! An inspiring performance.

Even more of a thrill was seeing her perform in Key West sometime in the mid 1990’s.

My wife and I were staying at the Sheraton Suites. A perfection location. A suite, great pool, good food, and Smathers Beach across the street. All for $85 a night!

We were heading out for Duval one evening when we heard this great singing. I immediately recognized it as Carol Channing. Went outside to the pool and there she was! Blowing everyone out with her unique singing voice!

The chaise lounges had been removed. Tables set up with white table clothes and candles. Everyone dressed. She was probably doing a special appearance at some corporate function.

My wife and I headed over to the pool bar. Open to he public, though not many seated there. Grabbed 2 stools, ordered drinks, and watched her perform.

The beauty of it all was that Channing’s microphone and the spot from which she was performing was all of 5 feet from us!

We never made Duval. The best of everything was at Sheraton Suites that evening.

Never left the house yesterday. Spent the day finalizing my podcast show Tuesday Talk with Key west Lou.

Show went unusually well.The reason great topics. A crazy week. What with the shutdown, Barr’s testimony, tariff wars, opioid crisis, how Trump’s attorney fees are being paid, etc. Plus the touching video/story of the 11 year old baby who heard for the first time.

Sleeping after the show a problem. I get so worked up while doing the half hour show that I do not sleep tuesday nights. I will nap all afternoon today to compensate.

American society is upside down in many ways. One is criminal sentencing. We are all aware.

Let me provide you with an example that is stomach turning. Two police officers involved in child porn getting off with light sentences.

Dean Worthington a sergeant with the Columbus, Ohio police department. He was caught participating in and contributing to a child pornography ring. Children engaged in sex acts with adults.

Charged with 4 counts. Plead guilty. Received a 90 day sentence.

El Paso Deputy Sheriff Donald Fair even worse. He got no time. His crime involved sexually exhibiting a young boy, creating child porn, and exhibiting the porn on the internet.

Ten years probation his punishment.

On yesterday’s date in 2009, Sully Sulenberg made history. He will be remembered for all time.

A U.S. Airways pilot, his Airbus 320 had just left LaGuardia Airport. A bunch of birds blew his engines. He could not return to the airport. He put the plane down on the Hudson River without the loss of one life.

A miracle on the Hudson.

We have heard of tsunamis and water floods taking many lives. Only once a molasses flood.

It was 1919. The place a plant in Boston. The plant used crude molasses in what ever it processed. A 58 foot tank was in the plant’s building loaded with crude molasses. 2.5 million gallons worth.

The tank exploded. An 8 foot wave shot out. Swept away inside parts of the plant building including walls and doors. Made its way to the street. Pushed over beams holding tracks for elevated trains.

Twenty one persons killed, many more injured, huge property damage.

More than 100 lawsuits resulted. A special auditor appointed. Total settlements $1 million. A lot of money in 1919.

William Barr. Trump’s nominee for Attorney General. Testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday.

My impressions and comments. May be a bit long.

Barr is 68. Retired. Was Attorney General under Bush 41. Attorney General during the Iran-Contra affair. Reagan was President during the “wrong doing.” Bush’s name came up in the investigation while he was President for something that occurred while he was Vice-President.

Barr distinguished appearing. Preppy. Horn rimmed glasses. Right out of the 1980’s.

I did not like his testimony.

Ask first, why would a retired man want to go back to the Washington swamp in his senior years? Not for money. What else, if anything? Think about it.

Two points in his testimony bothered me.

He agreed he would permit Mueller to complete the investigation. Fine. However, he wanot sure whether he would make all, a part, or none of Mueller’s report available to the public or Congress. He claimed it was his decision to make under the special counsel law.

He was correct in that regard. However after the time and importance involved, one hundred percent transparency is required. The people not only have a right to know, they need to know.

Then there is the issue of recusal. Last year, Barr wrote a 19 page report explaining Presidential supremacy as regards investigations and that a President because of it could neither be impeached nor removed from office.

Barr claims the report was unsolicited and he wrote it merely to express his feelings at the time. He also stated it was being misinterpreted and did not reflect what I have set forth in the previous paragraph.

Jeff Sessions recused himself. Barr should also. Barr said not necessarily in effect. He would submit the situation to the Ethics Committee. If the Ethics Committee said he should recuse himself, he would not. His reason being that he considered recusal to be his alone to make.

Some other parts of his testimony bothered me.

He praised Sessions for how he handled the border problem and the issues it raised. Suggested he concurred in removing children from parents.

He claimed thousands were coming over the border. Totally factually inaccurate.

He is for a “barrier.” Did not say wall.

As to voter suppression, he has a concern. Problem is the concern did not appear with people of color and the poor who were finding it increasingly difficult to vote. His concern was for those purportedly voting illegally. Like blocks of votes showing up in a district in excess of the number of people eligible to vote.

My gut feeling is that under Barr, the Mueller investigation will have been a waste. Its pertinent parts will never see the light of day.

My friends, we are losing our government!

Not done with the Barr issue yet.

The United Stats is a nation of laws, not men. It is the underlying principle of the American legal and political system.

Trump and those who support him do not believe in a government of laws. Believe power in the people (certain persons) controlling. Trump himself an example.

Such a group becomes a “ruling class.” Hopefully to be followed in time by a transformation to an “aristocracy.”

John Adams strongly supported and proclaimed the U.S. was a nation of laws and not people. He saw the evils of an aristocracy. He said “aristocracy is a monster to be chained.”

I believe Barr leans towards ruling class as opposed to a nation of laws.

When he was Attorney General under Bush, Barr is reported to have said to Bush: “I’ve had an itchy finger.”

When the Iran Contra problem reared its ugly head as concerned Bush, Barr was for firing special counsel Larry Walsh. Shades of the night Nixon wanted to fire the special prosecutor.

The problem with the Barr nomination is that it is a refection of what is happening to our country. The rich have tried for 50 or more years to take over. To become a nation of people rather than laws. They have succeeded with the Supreme Court. Succeeded with Trump.

They are marching ahead to victory. Unless those who believe in the basics of American democracy take a stand as strong as the ruling class have and oppose this affront to our way of life.

Sorry for being so long winded on this issue.

Enjoy your day!

There is a video on the internet of an 11 month baby girl laughing. Laughing uncontrollably because she is hearing for the first time.

When Scarlet Benjamin was 3 months old, she suffered a bacterial infection. Scarlet was treated with antibiotics. The antibiotics caused her to lose most of her hearing. Enough so that she could not hear everyday sounds.

A special hearing aid was devised. Tried yesterday for the first time. Scarlet on her mother’s lap. Her older sister began talking to her.

Scarlet looked at her strangely, then began to laugh uncontrollably. Non-stop.

Scarlet’s mother joined in. Scarlet continued her laughing. Mom of course began crying.

The video is titled “Best Days of Our Lives.” Filmed by Natalie Newport, National Curator of WAPT 16 ABC.

Don’t miss it! Have a tissue in hand as you watch.

In the course of 72 hours, Syracuse played its worse game of the year and then its best.

Syracuse lost to George Tech. Looked terrible! Last night, Syracuse played #1 Duke on Duke’s home court. Syracuse looked terrific. Won 95-91 in overtime.

Both teams played well.

Interestingly, Syracuse was down 12-0 at the beginning of the game. I was moaning. It was going to be that kind of night! They came back, however. And beat the mighty Duke!

Chris from Syracuse e-mailed me. He suggested Syracuse only play top 20 teams. Syracuse wins! Play lesser talent and Syracuse loses.

Tonight, Boys’ Night Out. Seven at Guy deBoer’s home 3732 Flagler Ave. If it was not tuesday, I would go. Never have been. Tuesday night my podcast. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

The show 9 my time. I have so much material to vent over. Amazing! It has been an active week.

Join me for a fast moving half hour. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

One of Key West’s leading figures Lynda Frechette is now doing a column for a New York City publication. Cabaret Hot Spot. www.cabarethotspot.com.

Lynda will be reporting re the Key West area.

Her first column has already appeared. Terri Smith and Terri’s recent appearance for several evenings at the Little Room Jazz Club.

You can only appreciate Crystals and Coconuts if you visit the store. Stop in and chat with owner Angie Gilligan. The store sits at 803 Whitehead. Can’t miss it.

Strange winter weather this year. Hot and cold back and forth. The past 2 days 80. Today and tomorrow in the 60’s. Night and day.

The southern border is going to be even more crowded. A new caravan has left Honduras headed our way. Six hundred strong.

Simultaneously, it has been announced that the U.S. military at the border has had their deployment extended to September. I worry that at some point, bullets will fly. Something neither the migrants nor soldiers want.

As I write, I can hear the TV set in the background. William Barr is being sworn in. He is the nominee for Attorney General. A Senate committee is doing its advise and consent.

Barr concerns me because of a report he wrote a few years ago supporting executive power and indicating that a President was beyond prosecution, etc. With the Mueller investigation coming to a head, that memo and whatever his position is today becomes of extreme importance.

Enjoy your day!

Amy Hawkins and Jeffrey Wasserstrom in a recent Atlantic article made a keen observation. In the United States and most western nations, children are banned from movies that depict nudity. However, there are no age limits on touring museums where the same nudity is on display.

My sunday began with Sloan. Minor mechanical problems with the computer and cell phone. Resolved.

Later in the day, Hot Dog Church. Big crowd. About 40 women. And me. The only man.

Chatted with several of the ladies. My lesbian wives present. Sat with Donna. Terri off in an easy chair “watching” the Patriots game. Whooping it up!

More women than usual. Laurie told me it’s because the season is beginning. The crowds will get bigger over the next few weeks.

Then to the Chart Room. Just John and me again. Strange. Most nights packed. Two this week not.

I enjoy talking with John so it was of no matter to me. Probably to John. No customers, no tips.

Stopped at Publix on the way home. Cupboard bare again.

Food terribly expensive! Prices goosed upward frequently in small amounts. Customers unaware of the price increases.

I don’t know how families afford it. Most are pretty much limited to food and gas. Not enough left for much else.

Tonight normally would be Dueling Bartenders for me. Terri White guest performer. Not this evening. Syracuse playing Duke at 7. I plan on watching the game from home.

Duke ranked #1, Syracuse unranked. Duke a 17 point favorite.

Cheryl and Roger Keast back! There home some strange sounding community beginning with a K. A suburb of Chicago. I have never learned to spell it correctly so the K has to suffice.

Enjoy their company. Look forward to seeing them this week. Probably dinner one evening.

Automobile accidents the primary cause of deaths in the United States for years. No more. Now, opioids. The National Safety Council reported that 2017 found opioid deaths exceeded those from car accidents. For the first time!

The report stated one of the reasons for the increase in opioid deaths was an increase among growing children and adolescents.

The opioid epidemic is overwhelming the U.S. We are not effectively addressing it. Too much money involved. Graft rampant. In excess of 100 persons per day dying.

Sad! A black mark on our society!

Beware! Freedoms can be lost through back doors.

It bothers me that I can criticize my government, but not Israel.

There is an attempt to reenact a law in existence when Trump took office which he has failed to renew.

Trump an anti-Semitic. No question.

Israeli money has been pouring into the hands of out politicians for years. Quietly. Congress reacted to the dollars as expected. Danced to the tune of he who paid the fiddler.

For years there has been a law appointing an anti-Semitic envoy whose responsibility was to monitor criticism of Israel. The law has not been renewed under Trump.

A powerful Israeli PAC has been spreading its dollars around to get it passed by the new Congress. Swiftly.

The new House of Representatives recently did. By a vote of 411-1. Now before the Senate.

The present bill stronger than the old law, which dates back to 2004, in that it provides the envoy with Ambassador status.

I have to believe the new House members knew not what was before them. I doubt any would vote for a law that makes it a crime to do something which with regard to our own country is legal. Referred to as freedom of speech.

Why is Israel receiving this strange protection? What about Great Britain, France, Canada, etc.?

Israel under Netanyahu has become war mongering. Expect everything from the U.S. Protections and assistance they do not require any longer. Our friend Israel is taking advantageous of us.

Netanyahu is an autocrat. He is meddling all over the face of the Middle East.

The Israeli people are our friends. Netanyahu not.

Whatever, the proposed law not a healthy one for American citizens.

Enjoy your day!

Much furor yesterday. The news that Trump was under investigation by the FBI well before the Mueller investigation. The issue Trump’s alleged chumminess with Russia.

Depending how this development plays out, it could make Benedict Arnold look like a patriot.

I attended David Wolkowsky’s memorial service yesterday. Held at the Custom House. The perfect venue for a farewell greeting to a man committed to art and history.

The event well attended. Standing room only by the time I arrived.

The love and respect for David evidenced on the faces of those in attendance. Everyone laughed and some had a tear in their eye as David’s life unfolded.

I consider my relationship with David to have been rare. Yesterday’s event was rare.

Stopped at the Ocean Key pool early in the afternoon. Wanted to say hello to my dear friend Fran Dixon who is in from Buffalo. Knew she would be by the pool. Always is.

A beautiful woman working on her tan. Sleeping. My hello woke her.

First time in the pool area at Ocean Key. Never went inside the fence. What a place?! Well done, large, a bar, etc.

Made arrangements to meet at 6 at the Chart Room to watch the Syracuse/Georgia Tech game with her husband Tom joining us.

Then to the Pier House Beachside Bar for lunch. Packed. Tourists. Some beautiful women prancing around in their bikinis. One less than a bikini. A thong.

Good for this old man to see and remember.

Game time at 6. John had the corner TV set up for the game. The three of us sat at the round table and lamented. Syracuse sucked! Lost 73-59.

Georgia Tech threw up a tight zone defense. Syracuse could not penetrate. The 3’s were not falling in sufficient number. Buddy Boehiem looked better. Made three 3’s.

Syracuse plays Duke Monday night. Duke ranked #1 nationally. I fear Syracuse is going to get killed!

Fran a true friend. Concerned that I am well, have enough to eat, etc. She brings me goodies each trip.

Always sauce and meat. This trip 5 Ball jars with pieces of pork and sausage buried in the sauce. Two loaves of protein bread. She knows I eat low carb bread. She has a Canadian source that provides a protein bread with only 4 carbs per slice.

The best her lack of concern for my health when she handed me several small bags of home made chocolate candies.

Dan and Nancy at the bar. Canadians. Met them in September when they were visiting. One of them is involved with Dow Chemical.

I could not talk long. The Syracuse game was beginning. Dan and Nancy will be here a week. We will have an opportunity to chat hopefully before they leave.

Today, Sunday. Means Hot Dog Church and the Gardens.

Toni Tarracino is the daughter of the infamous and well liked Captain Tony. I wrote a bit yesterday about shrimp boats. Toni commented something this morning I did not know.

I was under the impression the shrimp boats were docking at Stock Island. Toni says not that many any more. Recent Stock Island developments took away the docks. Now when a storm approaches, the shrimp boats anchor off shore.

Key West has a tendency to jump into new things. Not particularly wise. Significant consideration should be given when dramatic changes are suggested.

Sunscreen the issue.

Apparently there are 2 ingredients in most sunscreens that are harmful to coral reefs. So say certain authorities. Then there are those that claim the 2 ingredients are not harmful to coral reefs and that failure to incorporate them into the sunscreen would leave users susceptible to skin cancers. The 2 ingredients are those that best block bad sun rays.

The issue re the 2 ingredients relatively new. Only 2 places have barred the sale of sun screens containing the ingredients feared. Hawaii and Palau.

The choice simple. Human health v. coral reef health. Death could very well be the outcome from both perspectives.

My suggestion to the City Commission is take your time. Look before you leap. Study the issue well before you decide.

I am not impressed that because 2 places have determined death to coral reefs that the rest of the world should be quick to accept the findings. Especially where human health is involved.

I like Angie Gilligan’s store Crystals and Coconuts. It reflects her special taste and beauty. Stop by and take a look. 803 Whitehead Street.

Enjoy your Sunday!

A few months ago, Key West’s premier citizen David Wolkowsky passed on. Today, his life is being celebrated.

There will be joy. David made it to 99. He led a good and successful life. Performed wonders for his community and its citizens.

Acquired the title Mr. Key West along the way. I personally labeled him the Father of Modern Key West. What exists today would not have been without his vision and efforts. He envisioned Key West as a funky fun tourist attraction and made it so.

The Celebration begins at 12:30 at the Custom House.

Jean and Joe Thornton leave Key West today to spend some time at their home in Birmingham and to travel abroad. They will be missed.

We enjoyed dinner together last night at Berlin’s. Better company not to be found.

New Hampshire’s Joanne and David showed up. Good people. Their tenth visit to Key West. I never met them before and here have run into them 3 nights in a row.

First time for me at Berlin’s since the sale. I was upset smoking had been prohibited. I could only stay away so long. The food, staff, and Bria Ansara’s singing too good to avoid.

Walked over to the Chart Room afterwards. Packed. Chatted with John a while. Also with Rich. Rich is husband to Carrie. Carrie the La Trattoria bartender who saved my life a year ago. I was choking. She was over the bar and giving me the Heimlich in seconds.

Buffalo’s Tom and Fran Dixon have returned. Let the canons roar! Love them! Hopefully we will get together this evening to watch the Syracuse/Georgia Tech game together.

Fran has been away too long. She is concerned for me. Makes sure I am well fed. She cooks meatballs and pork and places them in Ball jars buried in sauce. Freezes the jars. Brings several to me each trip.

Makes for great meals. I am well taken care of.

The Syracuse/Georgia Tech game is at 6. Syracuse underdog by 6 points.

Love Angie Gilligan’s jewelry!

Angie is the proprietor of Crystals and Coconuts at 803 Whitehead. She features some of the finest hand made jewelry from both Key West and distant places.

Finally, some success with a cosmetic shop. Cosmetic store ERA Ageless at 617 Duval has closed. For good!

Congratulations to the citizens who took it upon themselves to picket and otherwise harass a business that was screwing around with credit card bills, etc. Elderly visitors the target.

Sam Kaufman is a local attorney. I have never met him. He has an excellent reputation. He is also an elected City Commissioner.

He has not impressed me with regard to 2 recent matters he has been discussing.

The first is Mt. Trashmore. He thought it time to consider the property for use as an affordable housing site. He was ill advised. The property not economically feasible for housing or any major development. Removal of the landfill itself estimated at $70-150 million.

Not the way to start.

My other concern is his raising of what he perceives might be an anti-Semitism situation. I believe him far off base on this issue.

His concern begins with the cosmetic shops. They are Israeli owned. He fears public resentment might be a reflection of anti-Semitism.

I have been in Key West some 30 years. Not one time have I ever seen, heard, or noticed the slightest anti-Semitism. We are One Happy Family.

I fear Kaufman’s raising this issue and not dropping it is going to open a non-existent wound. He is being a trouble maker in the pursuit of the issue. He is seeing shadows where none exist.

To place matters in perspective, the David Wolkowsky being honored today was of the Jewish faith. The event will be well attended and many sincere expressions of love shared.

“A city on a hill…..A shining city upon a hill.” Metaphors coming down to us from a portion of the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew 5:14.

Other than Jesus first expressing them, the words were not publicly used till 1630. John Winthrop was a clergyman on the vessel Anabella. He spoke them while exhorting future Massachusetts Bay colonists to the task before them.

Two great Americans spoke the phrase in public addresses. John Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. Bush 41 also in a home made version. Kennedy and Reagan quoted as their source John Winthrop. Bush quoted no source.

We are no longer the shining city on the hill. In 2 years, Trump has destroyed our position in the world.

The wall thing makes the U.S. a laughing stock worldwide.

Besides leaving many federal employees without sufficient funds, Trump has come up with another idea where to get the funds to build a wall few want or deem required. Transfer funds from Army Corps of Engineering monies already authorized for natural disaster assistance. Moneys waiting use for Maria caused devastation in Puerto Rico, Michael Panhandle damage, recovery monies long overdue in the Keys because of Irma, and moneys to assist California because of the fires.

Yes, there are still moneys to be spent and/or owed in the Keys. Especially the southern portion. People still living in tents and shacks.

Trump makes me laugh. People still seriously hurting from natural disasters. He does not spend all the money authorized. He has been greedily hoarding it for a rainy day. The wall must be the rainy day.

Trump has an army of attorneys to defend him re the various investigations. It recently was announced that White House Counsel Cipollone had hired 17 more attorneys to assist in Trump’s defense. I do not know the total number.

Donald Trump, Jr., Jared Kushner, and Vice President Pence also are making use of White House Counsel in investigation matters.

Guess who is paying this bill? You got it! The taxpayers!

A 1993 opinion stated the President when sued in any matter is entitled to have the government pay legal expenses. Under the use and observation of the White House Counsel. The opinion applies to certain staff, also.

What a deal! Commit crime or wrongdoing and get someone else to pay your attorney fees.

This situation is similar to that which Congressmen had for years providing them a special benefit. A Congressperson who had sex charges levied against him was permitted the use of tax dollars to pay any settlement. Terrific! Sex for free! Sex without consequence!

The President, etc. also have outside counsel. I could not figure out if they are being paid personally by the client or from the Presidential slush fund described.

I end today with shrimp boats. Love that 1950’s tune…..Shrimp boats are a’coming, their sails are in sight……

Shrimp boats on the horizon beauties to behold. Never appreciated the song till I came to Key West and saw them first hand.

From the 1950’s to the 1970’s, the shrimp fishing business flourished. Some 300 boats. All harbored in Key West. Average catch per day 2,500 pounds.

Nothing is forever. Farm raised shrimp came into being. Key West’s shrimp industry close to being totally destroyed. The shrimp bats moved to Stock Island. Only a handful. The catch minimal.

Sad.

Enjoy your day!

Today, strictly Key West. So much to share re our lovely island.

The weather first. Only because the past 2 days found Key West undergoing a cold spell. Temperature at night in the low 60’s. Yesterday in the mid 60’s. I am writing this blog at 9:30 this morning. Temperature 63.

Heat on!

Today’s high 74 and low 69. Tomorrow, a return to normalcy.

Manicure and haircut yesterday. Followed by lunch at Fernandy’s. Sandy’s renamed indoor restaurant on White Street.

Four found me on Laurie Thibaud’s station 107.5 FM radio show. We chatted more than an hour. Topics included the government shutdown, people going without pay, female CEO’s, and Wounded Warriors.

Fun. Laurie was born to do the show.

Walked across the street following the show to the Chart Room.

A Christopher wrote several days ago that he was going to stop in the Chart Room every evening till he caught me. He wanted his copy of Irma and Me signed and share with me an Irma experience. I wanted to save him time. Told him meet me thursday at 6.

I was there from 5:30 to 7:30. No Christopher.

Enjoyed a most interesting conversation with Tim and Madison. Visiting from South Jersey. A young couple. Tim a farmer. By choice. Not a family business. He saw it as a business to get into. Raises soybeans, corn, and barley.

The tariff wars are killing him. He cannot sell at all. Nothing. Fortunately, he is able to store his crops. What they will bring when marketable again, he does not know.

Not a happy camper with Trump.

Madison is a physical therapist.

Both love Key West. Tim’s second visit, Madison’s first.

Joann and Dave in the Chart Room again. Met them the other night. Friends of Jean and Joe Thornton. The were waiting for Janine. The 3 were having dinner at Hot Tin Roof.

Joan and Dave are from New Hampshire. This their tenth year visiting. Stay at the Pier House each visit.

Stopped at Blue Macaw on the way home. Not many people. Cold!

Spent some time with Angie. A lovely person. Inside and out.

She is the proprietor of Crystals and Coconuts across the street at 803 Whitehead. Born in the Philippines. Moved to Japan. Somehow got to Key West.

Her store a place of beauty. She sells handmade treasures such as jewelry, painted coconuts, painted buoys, and other souvenirs. Some clothes. T shirts made from the softest fabric to be found. Fisherman wrap pants.

Angie’s store off the beaten track. If you can find Blue Macaw, you can find Coconuts and Crystals. Her store is across the street from Blue Macaw.

Key West is full of writers this weekend. Many highly skilled professionals. The annual Key West Literary Seminar began thursday and continues into sunday. Certain of the more famous writers will be doing readings.

A good place for writers new and old to meet and share thoughts.

The event is being held at the San Carlos on Duval.

The little bridge that connects Mallory Square to Margaritaville is closed. Under repair.

Two projects underway at one time. The Key West Aquarium suffered damage to its seawall as a result of Irma. Being attended to at the same time that the mooring dolphin which was damaged by a cruise ship is being repaired.

Simonton, Greene, Whitehead, and Fleming names of prominent Key West streets. Named after former owners of the whole of Key West.

The year 1829. Four men owned Key West. John Simonton, Pardon Greene, John Whitehead, and John Fleming. On January 11, 1829, the four entered into an agreement whereby the island was divided into 4 parts.

The last 2 days, the name Angie Aparo has come up. Made me wonder who he is. Turns out many regard him as a great unknown musician. He has been described as “the greatest musician you have never heard.”

A legend in certain circles.

He performed many years ago at Irish Kevin’s. He returns sunday to First Flight Island Restaurant.

My sense is there will be a large crowd.

New Irma information.

Irma resulted in a population drop. The University of Florida conducted a study. Discovered every key, city and unincorporated area lost local residents between 2017 and 2018.

The loss just under 3,000. Present number of inhabitants 73,940.

Tennessee Williams resided in Key West 30 plus years. His home 1 1/2 blocks from my daughter Lisa’s.

Williams is often quoted. One that fits right into today’s happenings: “The only thing worse than a liar is a liar that’s also a hypocrite.”

Me thinks Trump wears both shoes.

Tonight dinner with Jean and Joe Thornton at Berlin’s. My first visit since the new owners decided to prohibit smoking.

Enjoy your day!

A visitor yesterday. Per agreement, we met at Louie’s Backyard. We had a drink and chatted for 1.5 hours.

Her name Claudia Tenney.

Claudia from my hometown Utica. Mid 50’s. A lawyer. Her Dad was a State Supreme Court Justice. I tried many cases in front of him.

Claudia best described as an attorney, publisher and politician. Her political life began with her election to the New York State Assembly. She recently completed her second term as a member of Congress. Defeated. Taking time off. Visiting friends in Florida and elsewhere.

We had a most enjoyable conversation. The amusing part is we really did not know each other. We are a generation apart. Did not practice in similar fields. Did not socialize. My best recollection is the only time we spoke was when I congratulated her at her wedding reception.

After drinks at Louie’s, she left for the airport. Her next stop Washington to visit friends.

Hurried to Sons and Daughters of Italy dinner meeting afterwards.

The important part of the day came next. No disrespect to Claudia or the Sons and Daughters of Italy. The Syracuse/Clemson game. Scheduled to watch it with Don, Chris, Dan, Lisa, and John at Jack Flats. I hustled over to Jack Flats.

We were there saturday. The Syracuse game that day was blacked out. Same problem last night. I said screw this, good night to my friends, and went home. Where I was confident I could get the game on my home set.

I did. Syracuse defeated Clemson 61-53.

Jack Flats needs a new TV reception system.

A busy today. Manicure with Tammy later in the morning. Followed by lunch at Sandy’s. Then a haircut with Lori. The fuzz on top of my head growing.

At 4, I do a guest hour on radio station 107.5 FM with Laurie Thibaud. Always an interesting experience. Laurie and I do well together.

I am meeting a Christopher at 6 at the Chart Room. First time. A loyal blog reader. Visiting Key West. He has his copy of Irma and Me with him. He wants me to sign it.

I will probably finish my evening off at Blue Macaw.

Key West cold last night and today. Mid 60’s. I have the heat on.

Key West can correctly be described as the island of authors. Many great ones spent some portion of their lives here.

One, the famous Tennessee Williams.

On this day in 1969, Williams became a Roman Catholic. He was baptized at St. Mary of the Sea Church on Truman Ave.

I am into births for some reason.

Yesterday, I reported out of wedlock births in the U.S. today are at a 40 percent high. Compared to 10 percent in 1970.

Another bit of birth information. The U.S. birth rate is down. America is not making enough babies to replace ourselves.

Fertility numbers for 2017 interesting. Lower in every State. Color immaterial, except where there was an increase. Black numbers were up in 12 States, Hispanics in 29 States. In no State were White numbers up.

Word of advice to those who fear people of color are taking over in the U.S. Probably already have number wise. If not, definitely in 20 years. My recommendation if the situation is of concern to any whites…..Have more sex!

Some consider the new younger female members of Congress brazen and outspoken. I view them as a breath of fresh air. The windows of the Chamber have been opened.

Two new young ladies were recently criticized for words they spoke. Racida Tisb said, “Trump a motherfucker who should be impeached.” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez answered “no question” when asked if Trump was a racist.

Complain not. They were merely saying out loud what many think.

The shutdown a disgrace. I continue to hold Trump responsible. When will it end? Democratic Senators have implemented a Senate rule which prohibits any bill being voted on till a shutdown vote takes place.

Donald picked the war. Donald will lose the war. As he has most if not all that he has instigated.

Another example of the President screwing things up is Syria. He said he was pulling U.S. troops out and would do so right away. Then realized he may have created a problem. The Turks would attack and destroy the Kurds.

Trump sent John Bolton to Turkey to talk with President Erdogan. Bolton wanted Turkey’s assurances they would not attack the Kurds if the U.S. pulled out.

Erdogan in effect said up yours. Don’t tell us who we can invade and who we cannot. We will fight our battles as we see fit. He backed up his position yesterday by announcing that if the U.S. pulls out of Turkey, he definitely would attack the Kurds.

A typical Donald Trump result.

Enjoy your day!

A strange happening.

Christopher Columbus had been at sea too long.

He was sailing near the Dominican Republic. Saw 3 “mermaids.” He became excited. His crew became excited. Columbus wrote in his log the sighting of the mermaids.

Not mermaids. Manatees. Fooled Columbus. Believing the manatees to be women, he wrote they were “not half as beautiful” as they should be “as they are painted.”

A long boat ride with solely men not the way to travel!

I spend my tuesdays preparing for my podcast show in the evening. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Generally do not leave the house.

My show is at 9. The President opted to speak to the nation at 9 last night. Probably took most if not all of my listeners away.

I watched the President later in the evening on a rerun. Unimpressive. Totally.

He referred to the southern border as a “growing humanitarian crisis.” I agree. However, he failed to note that it is totally of his making. He is responsible for all the bad occurring.

His 9 minute presentation was totally lacking. He said nothing of any value. The shutdown continues.

Key West is a major Coast Guard station. I was surprised to learn the Coast Guard is not being paid during the shutdown. Persons who save lives and are the U.S.’s first line for interdicting drug smugglers.

Trump complains the migrants are bringing drugs into the U.S. That the opiate problem is of their making. Yet he fails to make sure those who are on the front lines combating the drug problem get paid.

Why no pay for the Coast Guard? The Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force are being paid. Simple. These service people work under the Department of Defense. For some reason, the Coast Guard was placed under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security when it was formed.

Note the Coast Guard personnel must work. They are deemed “essential.”

Key West can be the wrong place to become seriously sick. Yes, there is a hospital. Well staffed. Professional. However can only do do much. Serious problems require medical personnel with specialized training.

Which means Miami.

The County provides a helicopter service. Two helicopters. Available to residents free. Medical personnel on the helicopters specially trained. I am not sure whether non-residents are required to pay.

In any event, a 47 year old man staying at Boyd’s on Stock Island suffered a massive heart attack January 2. The County’s Trauma Star air ambulance transported him to Miami. He coded 5 times. He was resuscitated 5 times.

Thanks to the helicopter’s availability and the medical personnel working thereon, he is alive today. On January 7, the medical team met with him at the University of Miami Hospital. He is on his way to total recovery.

Trump won with the slogan Make America Great Again. The people bought it. They failed to realize America was still great. Trump has made it less so in 2 years.

There is a movement to Make The Catholic Church Great Again. The National Catholic Reporter carried an article recently on the subject.

The writer wrote there never was a time when the Roman Catholic Church was “great.” He wrote: “It has always been simultaneously holy and sinful because it is composed of imperfect, weak and ordinary human beings like you and me and everybody else.”

I don’t buy it. There was no reason for the Spanish Inquisition of yesterday nor the pedophilia of recent years. Religious people are supposedly better. They are held to a higher standard because of it. There is no excuse for improper conduct.

Rome has failed several times in the history of the Catholic Church. Extremely bad things occurring at the top of the hierarchy and among its priests and nuns.

Pedigree is important. Luke 12:48 tells us “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.”

I agree.

On this day in 1776, Thomas Paine published Common Sense. We are taught from the earliest grades that the desire for American independence was influenced by his writings. Many believe Common Sense moved the colonists to war. The American Revolution.

In reality, Paine was a troublemaker. Revolution his thing. Disrupt existing governments.

Sounds familiar as regards some who came to Washington with Trump.

Paine moved to England in 1787. There he wrote words of encouragement for change regarding the monarchy. A particular publication the “Rights of Man.”

England neither liked nor agreed with his thoughts. He had to leave. He fled to France.

It was the best of time, it was the worst of time for Paine to arrive in France in 1790. Revolution was brewing. The Revolution occurred 1791-92.

Paine’s political expressions at some point offended the new government He was arrested for his political opinions.

Paine returned to the U.S. in 1802 where he died in 1809.

Big day ahead. Meeting an old fried for drinks at 4 at Louie’s Backyard. Sons and Daughters of Italy at 5:30. Syracuse basketball with Don, Chris, Dan, Lisa, and John at 8 at Jack Flats.

Enjoy your day!

What a game! Clemson destroyed Alabama 44-16. Destruction the proper description.

There is no joy in Mudville this morning!

I know many Alabama fans. No Clemson fans. Perhaps now there will be many Clemson fans.

I am sure my Alabama friends are despondent this morning. Poor Jean Thornton. She lives and breathes Alabama, her alma mater. David Hecth, also. He attended Alabama.

The Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Could not have played a better game. A pure freshman. Nineteen years old. Played high school football last year. Would you believe?

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said it correctly: “Tonight we conquered a mountain that ain’t ever been conquered.”

My game plan was to watch the game with Jean Thornton at the former Irish restaurant on Duval near Truman. I forget its new name. Jean was having dinner first at Prime. I knew she would not get to the game on time. She wrote this morning that she did not make it till the beginning of the second half.

Decided to abandon Jean. Decided on Aqua’s Side Door. The Side Door’s TV screen almost the size of a movie screen. Could not get in. Ran into Laurie Thibaud. Aqua was closed to everyone except employees. Their Christmas party.

Decided to try the Chart Room. If it could get the game, I would watch it there.

Chart Room packed when I arrived. About an hour before game time. John bartending. Said he could get the game on both sets. No voice, however.

Chatted with a foursome from Cleveland. Had met them the night before. Affiliated in one fashion or another with Cleveland Clinic. Having a great time!

Ended up sitting at the bar next to Tom Sibbald. Mid 70’s. A Marco Island resident these days. His wife passed on last year. They had lived many years in Vail.

Nice guy. Enjoyed his company. We talked about everything.

The game began. Within minutes, everyone left. It was just John and me. The quiet of the Chart Room overwhelming. A new experience.

We watched the first half together.

I then decided to hurry home and watch the second half from my bed.

My podcast tonight at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. The President is addressing the nation at 9. I can’t win!

Trump advised his appearance will be 7-8 minutes. Mine goes a half hour. Join me after you listen to the President. Unfortunately not having heard his talk, I will not be able to specifically criticize it.

Join my show at some point. I will be venting. About this, that and every thing. What ever concerns me at the moment. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I suspect Trump will lie tonight. Lies to justify a wall not needed.

The shutdown is beginning to be felt. I saw one federal employee crying this morning on TV because he needed his pay to simply take care of his family of 4. A check to check survival.

Trump does not care about him or anyone else. His concern is for his wall so he does not lose face with his followers.

I read this morning that those who receive food stamps will soon feel the crunch.

The Department of Agriculture is responsible for the food stamp program. They service 39 million people. Money will begin running out early in February. Then what?

I continue to be on the federal government’s ass for failing to do the necessary for hurricane and fire victims. Where is FEMA? Where are the federal funds? Trump goes on TV following each disaster and assures everyone the government will take care of them. He says, “There is enough money.”

I suspect there has never been enough money. Going back even to Katrina.

Michael did a number to Florida’s Panhandle. Some communities total destruction. Help continues on a very limited basis. Most communities small.

Marianna one such community. Seven thousand people. Hit directly by Michael. Looks like a nuclear bomb was dropped on the city. Federal assistance limited. Very much so. City Manager Jim Dean recently said, “The government is pulling out of rural America.”

Mr. President…..Screw the wall! Take care of your people!

A little Key West history. On this day in 1828, the Territorial Council passed an act incorporating Key West. Love it…..Territorial Council. Sounds like the Old West and Indians. Probably the same. Local Indians frequented Key West.

Note the word “frequented.” They came and used our little island as a dining place. Cooked, ate and left. They were cannibals.

Finally, Harry Truman.

Harry Truman loved Key West. Key West loves Harry Truman. Eleven visits to Key West totaling 175 days during his Presidency. This is the place he escaped to for rest and relaxation.

The Key West Truman knew was old and funky. Today, new and funky.

Truman once said, “If I hadn’t been President of the United States, I probably would have ended up a piano player in a bawdy house.”

Enjoy your day!

God is good confuses me.

The Bible replete with references to the term.

Ta’liyah Baldwin is 5 years old. She has been battling inoperable brain cancer since November 2017.

She is under the care of the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Her treatment limited to chemotherapy. The treatment leaves her lethargic and causes her to have trouble walking.

Little children often have a specific thing to which they become attached. In Ta’liyah’s case, it is mermaids. Her mother says she constantly talks about them.

Her mother contacted the Make-A-Wish Foundation re a mermaid experience for Ta’liyah. The Foundation came through.

Last saturday, the Foundation sent Ta’liyah and her family to the Boca Beach Club in Boca Raton. Two women dressed as mermaids greeted them and played with Ta’liyah all day. A pair of custom fitted fins had been prepared for Ta’liyah. She was able to splash around the pool all day. Her Mom reported Ta’liyah had “the time of her life.”

Some will say God is good because Ta’liyah is receiving the best medical care and enjoyed the special mermaid experience. I ask if God is good, why did Ta’liyah get an inoperable brain tumor in the first place?

The question has perplexed me my entire adult life. Every time a major disaster affected someone I knew or became aware of.

Forget the answers of the Church and theologians. They are not responsive to “why” bad things happen, especially to a young and good person like Ta’liyah.

Sloan and I worked together for 2 hours yesterday. I have a mechanical dependency. I am not technologically adept. A generation thing. Sloan compensates and keeps me going.

Last night, the Chart Room. Missed Hot Dog Church and the Gardens. Got out too late. Went directly to the Chart Room.

John bartending. A good guy! An excellent bartender.

Local night initially. Chris and Don. We chatted a while before they left for dinner. Jean and Joe there, also. Love them! My saviors when Irma hit. Hopefully, I will be with them tonight at 8 when Alabama and Clemson play. Jean and Joe both Alabama grads. Fanatical.

I have been a steady customer at the Chart Room more than 15 years. Four to five evenings a week. The number of people I have met definitely in the hundreds. Probably exceeds a 1,000. Perhaps more.

I enjoy chatting and engaging with locals and visitors. I consider the Chart Room the cross roads of not only the U.S., but also the world.

We chat about everything. Including politics. The discussions always cordial. Even where we might not agree.

Last night, I met 2 individuals who can only be described as assholes. The issues not political.

Three from Detroit. Two young ladies and a man probably in his mid to late 30’s. First time Key West visitors.

He got into Irma. How bad could it have been? Saw nothing bad. No building damage. Trees all up.

His tone decidedly offensive. The know it all type.

Even after I explained that Irma was more than a year ago and the community had recovered, he still did not understand. I let the issue go and turned to an elderly gentleman seated on my other side.

He was even worse.

From Tampa. He had been listening to my previous talk with Detroit. His first words to me, before any other utterances, was to the effect that the people of Mexico Beach City were suffering because most failed to have insurance.

Michael leveled Mexico Beach City. Located in the Panhandle, took a direct hit at 155 mph. A small community. Working class people. No elaborate beachfront homes. By the time Michael left, very few homes were standing.

People in the Panhandle region have been complaining. Places like Panama City and Mexico Beach City. They feel they have been “forgotten.” They have. The federal government is failing to provide necessary assistance. Most persons eating off the back of food trucks. Their homes gone. Live in tent cities and shacks built from lumber left on the ground. Water and sewage remain major problems.

I did not interact with the man. Impossible to argue with a person who is convinced Mexico City Beach people are suffering because they failed to have insurance.

Stopped at Publix on the way home. An Atkins sale. My breakfast every morning is a small bottle of an Atkins chocolate drink. Contains 15 grams of protein and only 3 of carbohydrates. Bought 16 bottles.

The Duval Street cosmetic shops have been a problem for at least 2 years. Price gougers. Especially of elderly visitors to Key West.

The City of Key West is finally doing something about it. New regulations which will make it illegal to do some of the things the shops have been engaged in while ripping people off.

The first reading of the proposed law passed 5-1. The dissenting vote was by Commissioner Sam Kaufman.

The shops are owned by Israelis. He felt the new law might be viewed as anti-Semitic.

His vote does not make sense to me. True, anti-Semitism is on the rise world wide and in the United States. However, I have not sensed it in Key West. We have enough problems on our plate. No room for anti-Semitism nor should it even be made an issue.

We are One Happy Family.

Deal with the real issues. Traffic, bicycles, parking, affordable housing, etc.

Back to Panama City and the Panhandle.

Little things mean a lot. True statement.

As previously mentioned, Michael knocked the hell out of the Panhandle. Michael considered the third strongest hurricane to hit the United States in recorded history.

Tim West and his 13 year old daughter traveled to Panama City with food and supplies for a family friend. The friend’s home gone, mold all over, no water and sewer.

Tim and his daughter noticed there were many tree stumps. Most of the trees had snapped, leaving only the trunk portion.

They took yellow paint and painted happy faces on some of the stumps. Brought smiles to many faces. They somehow got more yellow paint and continued to paint happy faces on tree stumps all over Panama City.

Tim West and daughter good people!

Today an important one in U.S. history. On this day in 1789, George Washington was elected the first President of the United States.

Not as we do it today, however.

Washington’s election was not by the popular vote of the people. Ordinary citizens were not to be trusted. It was believed men of wealth should control Presidential elections.

The system at the time required voters to cast ballots to elect “state legislators.” The legislators then cast their vote for President.

The right to vote carried 2 requirements. Only men could vote and the men who voted had to own property.

We have come a long way re voting. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go.

Impeachment continues to be in the air. Today of historical significance re Presidential impeachment.

On this day in 1999, the impeachment trial of Bill Clinton began. Before the U.S. Senate. The Constitution then and now required the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to preside over the trial and the Senate to sit as jurors.

Christmas has passed. Its aura remains, however.

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer the topic.

The 1824 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas mentioned Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen. No Rudolph.

Rudolph the most famous reindeer of all did not arrive on the public scene till 1947. And then only as a coloring book. Soon followed by a story book. Montgomery Ward responsible. The Company wanted something Christmasy for kids.

The song not even written in 1947. No song till 2 years later.

In 1947, my boyhood western hero was Gene Autry. The original Singing Cowboy. He had become a radio legend. He recorded the new Rudolph song.

An instantaneous hit! Sales hit 2.5 million the first year. The song became the most successful Christmas recording in history after White Christmas. Remained so until the 1980’s.

Enjoy your day!