A change of pace blog today. No politics or heavy stuff. What better subject to begin with than sex.

A few old wives tales revisited.

Masturbation will make you blind, hairy or cause you to have a weak brain.

Source old time religion. From centuries back.

No negative effects. If true, the whole male population would need walking canes.

Nosebleeds mean uncontrollable sexual arousal.

The theory being that “pressure” during sex causes a build-up in blood. Semen not involved in the theory. Japanese in origin. Totally false.

Can’t get pregnant if you have sex in the water.

The reasoning is that water flushes out the vagina and “floods sperm.” Poor drowning sperm cannot make it to the cervix, uterus or fallopian tubes.

Wrong! Sperm are very good at what they do. Last 3-5 days in the vagina. Swim like hell to get to their goal.

Big feet and hands mean a big penis.

Science has proven over and over such is not the case. A man with size 16 shoes does not guarantee 10 inches anywhere else. A University of London study in 2002 found no correlation between feet/hands size and penis size.

So much for sex.

Never got out last night. Spent the evening watching old movies. Third day of Greta Garbo flicks on Turner Classic Movies. A beauty. Even better, an outstanding actress. Watched Garbo involved with Napoleon. Napoleon played by Charles Boyer.

Started my yesterday at 4:30. Rose early because I had a full day ahead of me. Had to get the blog out before I went out.

Research and writing of blog completed by 10:30. Quick shower. Haircut at noon with Lori. Manicure at 12:30 with Tammy. Followed by grocery shopping at Publix. Home at 3. With groceries yet to be put away.

I had no energy left. Remember, my day began at 4:30. Took a nap.

Tonight dinner at Donna and Terri’s. Donna cooking. No doubt it will be an exemplary meal.

Then home to watch the Final Four. Will probably miss the first half of the first game.

I had the good fortune of attending 3 Final Fours. Two where Syracuse played. One I went to just for the fun of it.

A Final Four exciting! Like a Super Bowl. Hard to believe, but I attended 11 consecutive Super Bowls.

The Super Bowls were easy. I was in a position to do a major favor for a Vice-President of  one of the professional football teams. His younger brother needed assistance.

The V-P never forgot. Every year thereafter he sent 2 Super Bowl tickets. Great seats all the time. I assume they are still coming and my son is using them.

The V-P reciprocated also in another fashion. My oldest granddaughter Sara graduated from college some 15 years ago. He gave her a job in his marketing operation. She is still with the pro football team.

The Schooner Western Union was launched in Key West on March 7, 1939. It was the last large schooner built in Key West.

The Western Union is still around. Sitting dockside near Schooner Wharf. Needs a ton of work. Needs a ton of money to do the work.

The Western Union has been a problem for years. Always needing repair work. Several groups have tried to take care of the situation. Generally however, a band-aid solution.

A not for profit presently responsible for the boat. Looking for money.

The schooner must be self-sufficient. Whoever is caring for the vessel this time should work it out along those lines. Otherwise, let it go. I hear too many people who are no longer sympathetic because the vessel always needs more money.

A few days ago, I wrote about the Vietnam War and the Vietnam War Veterans Day in Key West. Unfortunately, an unpopular war. People were not happy with it.

Several comments have been received. I want to share 2 with you.

“I lost my brother in Vietnam and to this day I don’t know for what or for why.”

Another by a wife. The government had 2 programs. One a 2 year draft. The other a 3 year voluntary sign up guaranteeing you would not serve in Vietnam.

Her husband opted for the 3 year offer. At some point after he was in, the government reneged and sent him to Vietnam. She commented, “I know that one was my husband and he never came home. We never got to have daughters, Lou. I wish I too had done what your wife did. In the end, you did the right thing.”

I have several times written and spoke regarding the theft of Social Security funds by the federal government. Funds borrowed, never to be paid back.

One of these instances was a blog I wrote on November 5, 2015 titled The Theft of Social Security. You might want to find and read it. Eye opening. Go to www.keywestlou.com. Right hand column has my blogs listed by month and date. Go to November 2015 and scroll down to the second 11/5.

When I wrote in November 2015, the national debt and intergovernmental debt totaled $18 trillion. The intergovernmental portion was $5.1 trillion.

Intergovernmental is taking money from one agency and loaning it to another. Includes the federal government dipping into the Social Security Fund since Reagan’s days and never paying back.

The intergovernmental loans are set up so there is no legal obligation to repay. The federal government gives the equivalent of an IOU in return for the money. You can’t take an IOU to court or to a bank.

Since the intergovernmental will never be paid back, it should not be considered a debt. However the federal government does for accounting purposes.

In 2015, I subtracted the intergovernmental debt from the national debt. To me, and to you it should also, represent actual dollars owed. Not make believe ones that will never be paid back. Subtract $5.1 trillion from $18 trillion and it is $13 trillion the government actually owed.

The $5.1 trillion in 2015 included $2.7 trillion owed to Social Security.

Works the same way  today, except the numbers are bigger.

The last generated figures are for 2018. The national debt was $22.2 trillion. Of the total, $5.9 trillion was owed to intergovernmental agencies. Monies that did not have to be paid back. A total of 230 agencies involved.

Subtracting the intergovernmental from the national debt leaves a “for real” debt of $16 trillion. Not the $22.2 trillion the federal government always talks about.

Social Security is not insolvent. Won’t be for a number of years. Would not be threatened if the federal government paid back the monies borrowed in full or over a period of years.

Every day Social Security takes in more than it pays out. What a deal! The federal government borrows daily and never worries because it knows it will never be legally required to pay back.

I took the time to spell all this out because someone asked in a comment how much I thought the federal government’s real debt today was.

What really pisses me off is that most of our Senators and Congressmen do not even know about this sweet borrowing deal and theft. They actually believe Social Security  is going insolvent. Too many old age free loaders getting paid from Social Securty. They further forget the old foggies are being paid out of monies they paid in.

Again, read my November 5, 2015 blog The Theft of Social Security. You will say at the end…..For real?

On this day in 1917, the U.S. formally entered World War I. The war to end all wars!

A joke! Count the number of wars we have been engaged in since 1917.

My personal feelings are that men love war. Thrive on it. Macho men. Otherwise, there would not have been so many wars since World War I nor in all of history.

Enjoy your day!

The shortest run/race/marathon in the world takes place sunday. The challenge the Cow Key Bridge in Key West. The Bridge connects Key West with Stock Island.

The Run referred to as a 0K. The zero operative. The race is a mere 300 feet.

More than 1,000 will participate. They have been training the past few days. Will continue tonight. Consuming as much alcohol as they can. A lot of shots involved.

Uniforms a bit different. Most will dress in some sort of cow costume. Some will be pushing their little ones in carriages. Others riding bikes.

The best time so far 23.1 seconds. Most will take 2 minutes to cross the bridge.

Some runners will play music, others dance their way over the bridge. A few ladies will be in heels. Some will mock/make believe they are running.

Not Fantasy Fest. Breasts covered. Some men will carry signs reading “Show Us Your Teats.” It will get them nowhere.

Party time following the parade. All day. On the Sunset Green Lawn behind the Gates and 24 North hotels.

The athletes will cool down with beer, etc. There will be a full bar. Also, food trucks, door prizes and Run prizes. The after party not named. Should be. I would call it the Cow Ball.

The beauty of the Run is one does not have to get up early. The Run is at noon. No one will raise a sweat doing the 300 feet.

I wrote briefly yesterday in response to a comment in Citizens’ Voice. Someone described the Run as “ridiculous.” Of course it is. Quirky, also. This is Key West! Many are retired here because living in Key West is to return to one’s youth. Play games, wear costumes, act goofy.

Love it!

Saw orthopedist Dr. Perry yesterday morning. Remember my fall 5 weeks ago where my left elbow swelled to the size of a grapefruit. Fluid. Not all of it went away. Still had a golf ball sized water bag on the elbow. Hurt when accidentally placed on the arm of a chair. Did not look normal either to have something like that hanging.

Doctor took a large cylinder container. About 6 x 1 inches. Put a big thick needle, which was also a bit long, on the front. Sucked out the fluid. Shot some steroid into the space.

Doctor said it will not all disappear. Some will remain..

It did not hurt. I did not cry. I did not get a sucker afterwards.

I ended my year long diet in October. Sixty two pounds. Held off any weight return till Christmas. Then blew it! Have been eating ever since. Gained 15 pounds.

Decided to lose the 15 before it became any more. Back to the diet. Basically, starvation. Minimal food each day. Lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks.

The diet was tiring me out. No fuel. I decided to eat yesterday. Lunch and dinner. Feel better today.

A busy noon ahead. A haircut with Lori. Then a quick trip down Flagler to Lee Nails and Tammy for a manicure.

Stopped at the Chart Room early in the evening. Ran into Rochester’s Debbie and Eric. They return home saturday. Eric’s face red. He is sunbathing without a sun screen. Wants to go home tanned. Burned may be more like it.

Doug showed up. Had not seen him in weeks. Doug my friend from the Hemingway House.

Suddenly hands on my shoulders. I could tell from the touch and perfume it was a woman. I did not feel my space was being violated. In fact, I enjoyed it.

The lady was Charlotte.

Charlotte lived in Key West several years ago. Among other things, she is a long distance runner. Does marathons all over the country. She is in Key West for the Cow Key Bridge event sunday. An easy one for her.

Charlotte and I enjoyed a leisurely dinner outside at Pier 1. She was scheduled to meet friends after dinner. One showed up early. Met Dave Jackson, Program Director at 104.9 FM.

I always seem to be learning. Was chatting with Dave at the Chart Room wednesday night. We were into Irma. He mentioned that Big Pine was hit with 9 tornadoes the same time Irma was going over the area.

No wonder so much damage to Big Pine. A category 4 hurricane and 9 tornadoes all at once!

The past few days, Trump has claimed windmills cause cancer. He’s serious. He also does not believe in exercise. Obvious.

I briefly discussed the Vietnam War in saturday’s blog. The country was not pleased with our involvement.

Vietnam in the news today. On this day in 1969, 100,000 anti-war demonstrators marched in New York City. Thousands marched also in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and other cities.

Even the Quakers got in the act. They held sit ins at draft boards and committed acts of civil disobedience in more than 30 cities.

Enjoy your day!

An unhappy voice this morning. On the second page of the Key West Citizen. The Citizens’ Voice column. People write in to air the good and bad of our community.

The writer was unhappy with gridlock. Yes, we have it. However the writer hit on the issue where it is not that disruptive.

The person’s unhappiness has to do with 3 major events being scheduled on the same day. The Islamorada Island Fest, Seven Mile Bridge Run, and the Cow Key Bridge Run. The events occurring miles apart.

My concern is with the writer’s description of the Cow Key Bridge Run. Calls it “ridiculous.”

I feel for the person. Suggest he/she get out on the streets and walk Key West. Happy people abound. Key West is Paradise! You ain’t going to find better in the U.S.

It is difficult to comprehend gridlock as concerns the Cow Key Bridge Run. The bridge is only 300 feet long. The race takes about 5 minutes. Runners up front do it under 30 seconds. Others take it less seriously. Dressed like cows. Push costumed babies in carriages as they walk across. Some ride decorated bikes. People of all sizes make the run. More than one thousand. Mostly locals. A fun time. A time to play dress up and act like a kid. One of the things that makes Key West great.

Writer friend, a suggestion. Ease up and smell the roses. Life is short.

I have been dieting again. Lost 10 pounds in 3 weeks.

Recall I ended my one year diet in October. Knocked off 62 pounds. I was ok till the Christmas holidays. Did not watch what I consumed. Ate it all!

I have gained 15 pounds since Christmas. Decided to try knocking it off.

I eat little. Less than that. Getting to me. Tonight, a meal!

Last night, the Chart Room. Glad I stopped in. Jean Thornton has returned! The island a better place when she is here.

Dan was sitting next to Jean. Dan from Birmingham and Fort Lauderdale. During my Irma escape to Jean’s home in Birmingham, he provided us evacuees with a home cooked Mexican meal.

David and Sheila. They were there. I see neither that much lately. Me thinks they have found another spot to enjoy a drink or two.

Met Amy. For the first time. Lovely lady. A decided accent. From Dublin. Has been in Key West 3 months. Works at the Saint.

A small world. Amy is living next door to Lisa on Duncan. They have already met.

Matt Babich is one terrific guy! Always the gentleman. Always a kindly hello.

Matt and I arrived in Key West about the same time. Matt 31 years ago. During that time he has had one job. Managing the Southernmost facilities. General Manager first at the Southernmost Motel. Then the Motel’s successor, the Southernmost Beach Resort.

Matt and his wife were especially good to Lisa.

Lisa had been in Key West a few years. She had been Development Director first at the Custom House. Then, Mel Fisher. Her next position was with Southernmost. She blossomed while there. Gained the experience to do what she does now in her own business from her home.

Matt is retiring. Enjoy!

My neighbor in Key Haven for 20 years was Andrew Lippi. Owned the MTV house across the water. One of the nicest guys I have ever met.

Andrew turned the MTV house into a mini-resort. Calls it Real World. A successful venture for years.

Andrew has been involved in some large real estate matters over the years. His most recent the Knight property called Thompson Island. Bought it for $8 million. A magnificent property on the water on South Roosevelt Boulevard.

Looks like a million dollar property from the road. It is. Though more. Eight million dollars.

Andrew plans on initially living there.

The saturday/sunday night Mall on Duval  is apparently working. The City commission extend its life to July 14. The merchants supported the move.

With something new, unanticipated problems arise. Regarding the Mall, the cost to Key West. The expense $5,200 per night. Effort is underway to figure how to pay the tab.

When the Barr memorandum came out, I said I was “uncomfortable” with it. Did not feel right. More recently I have been concerned that Barr on 2 occasions mentioned that Rosenstein and Mueller were helping with the reductions in Mueller’s report before sending it to Congress.

My gut feeling Barr had something to hide by mentioning these 2 were assisting him. Sounded like a cover. If evil was being done, he was not alone.

Now appears something stinks in Denmark. It was reported yesterday that certain unidentified Mueller investigators were unhappy with Barr’s memorandum. Did not tell the whole story. Trump apparently did not come out looking lily white. Succinctly stated, the investigators felt that Mueller’s findings as reported by Barr were understated.

Going to be interesting how this all plays out.

Congress is going after Trump’s tax returns. They eventually will get them. The law permits it.

Trump is not the only candidate who has failed to supply tax returns. Several Democrats specifically. The primary one Bernie Sanders. He did not supply tax returns last year. He has promised for the past 5 weeks to supply them. The world is waiting!

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

Sanders is and has always been an Independent. An aggressive one. I have always admired his grit.

The National Democratic Party announced a couple of months ago that the Dems would not participate in any debates sponsored by FOX News.

Understandable.

It was announced yesterday that Sanders is going to appear in a “town hall” sponsored by FOX News. Brings to mind the adage that if you go to bed with dogs, you wake up with fleas.

I have to move my ass. A 10:45 doctor appointment. I started this blog at 5:30.

Enjoy your day!

There was a time. Women were second class citizens. No more. The ladies have made and continue to make significant progress re equality with men.

Total success not yet achieved. More glass ceilings to break. And the big one, pay equality.

Each will come soon. The women’s movement is on a roll.

I feel compelled to write about women and an example of their second class status because of the Biden mess.

Note we have a President who subscribes to groping women and frequently speaking poorly of them. Additionally, there are men who compel/force sex upon prospective female employees.

Most are meeting justice.

Joe Biden did not grope. Nor did he force himself sexually upon any woman. He merely embraced them as a friend or in a supportive fashion.

We all could use a hug on occasion.

Hugging, a kiss on the back of the head, these are not things the #MeToo movement should be concerned with. Invading a woman’s space is a far cry from abuse.

Back off ladies. You are placing the mark of Cain on Biden. He neither warrants nor deserves it.

Which brings me to today’s story. One you may not believe.

I write about The American Plan.

Sounds wholesome. Was not.

The Plan had its beginnings in 1918. It’s purpose the mass imprisonment of women believed to be sexually immoral. The program initially one of federal encouragement. Encouragement to state and local governments to legislate and make arrests based on the Plan.

A long time program. From 1918 into the 1970’s. Still exists in some states, though not enforced. Doubt anyone knows it is on the books.

The initial concern was the military. Too many soldiers were getting STI’s. Sexually transmitted infections. More today. Few back then. However the few a real problem. Infections rampant.

The two biggies were syphilis and gonorrhea.

The Plan resulted in the detainment of over 100,000 women over the years. In every state, in  most big and small cities.

A follow the money situation. The federal government paid local governments a stipend for every conviction obtained. States and local governments went gung ho over the years in making arrests. Most had “moral squads.” Their sole purpose to apprehend prostitutes.

The Plan resulted in a mass deprivation of civil liberties. The founder of the American Civil Liberties Union, Roger Baldwin, did not oppose the Plan. In fact, he sent a memorandum to ACLU local offices to cooperate in its enforcement.

Once arrested, the ladies were subjected to mandatory STI testing, highly questionable medical treatment, forced labor, and forcible sterilization.

The American Plan is forgotten. Probably because it was not enforced federally. Ergo, no data repository.

In addition to the ACLU’s founder Roger Baldwin, other prominent figures supported the Plan. John D. Rockefeller, Jr. one of the biggest. Prominent physicians and anti-vice crusaders. The likes of William F. Stone, Richard M. Olin, and Thomas Parran.

Syphilis and gonorrhea had been a sexual fear for centuries The two became rampant in the early 20th century. The underlying currents of Victorian morals, pseudoscience, racism, and misogyny created the motivation to confront the problem. And confront it the Plan did.

Statutes were broadly worded. Permission to detain suspects on the flimsiest of pretexts. Women were arrested for wearing provocative clothing, walking down a street alone, dining alone, looking like a prostitute, changing jobs, and for no reason at all.

Testing was required to establish syphilis or gonorrhea. Generally at some point such testing occurred. If negative, the ladies were free to leave. Some women initially protested the testing. They were threatened with Scarlet Letter shaming. Red lettered signs placed on their homes.

Testing results not always correct. Many false positives.

The Plan’s goal was to get loose women off the streets. Most of he women arrested were working class or African-Americans.

There was no penicillin. Penicillin became available in the 1940’s. Prior to that time, the ladies were treated with mercury or arsenic.

So many ladies were arrested in certain communities that detention hospitals had to be established.

Prominent persons supporting the Plan also included New York Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. He made special speeches lauding the Plan. California Governor Earl Warren personally spearheaded enforcement in his State. Warren later became Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

So it was!

A rough day yesterday. Felt lousy all day. Nothing specific. Took me 2 extra hours to complete the blog. Neither prepared nor did Tuesday Talk in the evening.

Today, no problems.

Enjoy your day!

Florida judges are unionizing. Would you believe? Understandable. They feel overworked and unloved.

In those respects true.

Overworked. Florida judges do not have the staff State judges in other states have.

Underloved easy to understand. Recognition for a job well done comes via the pay check. Florida judges are underpaid. However, most civil servants in Florida are.

This is what the judges want: Better working hours, better working conditions, better pay, and to be treated with respect. They claim they are no different from men and women hauling their lunch pails into a factory every morning.

The desires of the judges are based on the complaints that follow.

Many court houses are old. Many cluttered with asbestos. Pillars obstruct the view of litigants.

Judges do not by law have a specified number of vacation days. Their pay is set by a Legislature that values them little.

They are vilified on the media. Accused of legislating from the bench.

They are required to sit for long hours listening to bad lawyers who earn much more money than they do.

Finally, judges are attacked on blogs for being self righteous, pompous, and incompetent. Most are.

What to do? It’s a tough life.

The truth be told, becoming a judge is retirement for a lawyer. He/she will no longer work anywhere as hard as he/she did while practicing law. The pay might not be great, but they knew it before they went on the bench. It was their choice to work less and easier in lieu of making the big bucks.

I am glad I am retired. My conclusions would bring me nothing but aggravation for a long time from judges.

Spent a few hours at the Chart Room last night. Quiet.

Chatted the whole time with Debbie and Eric from Rochester, and John.

The Pier House has named John Employee of the Month. He received a trophy and $100. I was not aware till last night. Debbie and Eric told me. I congratulated John. He is deserving. He was embarrassed by the whole thing. I would expect that from John. Reflects the type of person he is.

Woke during the night and could not get back to sleep. Watched an old movie on TV. Wild Orchids starring Greta Garbo. A silent film made in 1929.

I usually do not like silent films. Need voice interaction. This movie seemed to be different. As I watched it, I kept thinking…..Terrific!

Researched the film this morning. “Silent” not exactly correct. It was a “non-talking  silent film.” The difference was an orchestra score that could be heard, as well as sound effects.

I suspect the movie was made and yet to be released when talking films came out. The studio probably threw in the orchestra and sound effects. Voices themselves would have been too hard to incorporate.

Per the usual custom, dialogue was still via title cards.

Whatever, watch the film if you can. Thoroughly enjoyable.

We all are aware Florida’s Panhandle was destroyed by Hurricane Michael. Recovery efforts have been slow. The primary reason the federal government is slow with the bucks.

Residents of the Panhandle believe they have been forgotten.

They have.

Trump fails every time a natural disaster occurs. He can find the bucks to build a wall that will never be. However, he can’t find the monies to help American citizens.

Saturday, the Panhandle had a forest fire. Like California, except on a much smaller basis. The fire cause the dead trees not yet cleared. Michael trees. Twelve homes had to be evacuated.

My podcast tonight. Tuesday talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9. I guarantee I will be ranting and raving about some perceived injustice. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

A new month, a new cause. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

Today is Equal Pay Day.

The numbers clearly indicate women still have a long way to go.

U.S. workers age 16 plus…..women earn $32,000 to a man’s $42,000. Legal occupations…..women earn $59,000 to a man’s $107,000. Physicians…..women earn $61,000 to a man’s $102,000.

The only place where equal pay for equal work appears close is in the food preparation and service area. Like McDonald’s. Women earn $13,000 to a man’s $16,000.

A decided gulf at top jobs. Close but not equal at the poorest paying jobs.

Virginia Slims has a long way to go re equal pay.

Enjoy your day!

In 2020, the State is going to repair Cow Key Bridge. A disaster in the making. The repair will be several months of aggravation. Forget inconvenience. It will eat at most of us each day as we travel US 1 in and out of Key West.

There has to be a better way. I appreciate the State has already cut the repair time in half. Our local governmental leaders are thrilled.

Thrilled too early. Not enough yet done from the State’s end. Again, there has to be a better way.

I live on the golf course. Have been avoiding early morning and late afternoon trips in and out of Key West because of traffic. This morning, I had no choice. A stupidly planned 7 am meeting in town.

The traffic into Key West horrible! Sit and wait. Move slowly. Will be worse when we are down from 4 to 3 lanes during the repair period.

My return trip was at 8:30. No better. Definitely dangerous.

I was traveling north on US 1. My intention was to take the first left onto College Road at the light. Traffic backed up big time. Cars backed up into the passing lane half way onto the bridge.

I could see that US 1 beyond College Road was clear all the way up to McDonald. After checking behind for traffic, pulled out and traveled up the passing lane.

I was proud of myself. Had the problem licked. My celebration short lived.

I was heading to the second College Road entry to the north. No traffic light, however. Cars must wait till southbound traffic eases up and the turn can be made.

I was half on the grass and half in the passing lane for a distance longer than the first one earlier. I would estimate 20 cars.

It took forever to cross over. At least 20 minutes. Cars speeding southward. Traffic heavy.

This is an area where accidents will occur during the repair. To make the left onto College Road at 8:30, one has to determine he can make it and then shoot across the road. Neither comfortable nor safe.

I am not a voice in the wilderness. Cow Key Bridge is an item of concern and discussion among locals.

I repeat, there has to be a better way.

Watched Michigan/Duke yesterday. Another great game! Michigan won by a point 68-67. The game went back and forth down to the wire.

Today is April Fools’ Day. One children and adults alike enjoy.

The Key West Citizen for many years has run an April Fools section. Terrific!

About 25 years ago, it was a gotcha moment for me. I believed what I read, having forgotten it was April Fools’ Day.

The major front page article had to do with the City Commission having banned smoking on Key West Streets, beaches, and other open air public places. I spouted off to those with me, they can’t do this! It’s not legal!

Someone then pointed out to me what I was reading. The April Fools’ edition.

No April Fools’ Day section today. The Key West Citizen advises it is the result of changes having occurred recently at the newspaper. No time to get it out.

I suspect money is involved also. Newspapers have been experiencing hard times in recent years. Cash flow. Remember, the paper is no longer printed in Key West. Now, Miami. No longer a separate edition on saturday and another on sunday. One publication covering both days.

Responsibility lies with the times in which we live. The newspaper industry is taking a beating. Changing. Sad. I enjoy sitting back with a newspaper or book in my hands. Not on a screen.

Irma destroyed Key West’s fishing industry. The industry is returning, though slowly.

The spiny lobster season closed yesterday. Reportedly, a banner season. Keys’ gross $35 million. Key West generating 90 percent of the amount.

The Key West Garden Club is involved in all sort of matter horticulture.

This thursday at 1:30, John David will be speaking at the Club’s meeting at West Martello. The subject matter bee keeping.

So what’s the big deal with bee keeping?

West Virginia in days long gone by was involved in coal mining. A dying industry. Trump said he was going to bring it back. Didn’t think the problem through. Few industries are fueled/powered by coal these days.

Most West Virginia workers waited before Trump and since Trump’s election for the coal industry to turn around. Never will.

Some persons in West Virginia, whether political leaders or a group of interested citizens, thought it was time to retrain the unemployed working force.

I have been talking about retraining for years. In all businesses. Robots were and are arriving.

Though robots not the problem, the unemployment situation had to be resolved. Trump’s plan, whatever it may have been, was not working.

Which brings us back to bee keeping. West Virginia is blessed with a lot of useful bugs. For some hundred years, bee keeping has been a  budding business.  Overshadowed by coal for years. Now moving to the forefront.

Newly formed not for profits driving the move. They are retraining Appalachian coal miners who lost their jobs. To be bee keepers. At no cost to those being retrained. And at the end of the retraining, each “graduate” receives free the necessary equipment to begin their new profession.

The new bee keepers will obtain honey from the bees and thereafter sell the honey. That’s it. A bit dangerous. The bees and bee hives require constant attention.

Again, not for profit operated. No government involvement.

The Key West Garden Club’s lecture is timely.

We live in a time where our country is undergoing all kinds of problems, Finances, immigration, medical care, cost of college, infrastructure, etc. So too the rest of he world.

It was announced last week that the U.S. national debt had exceeded $22 trillion. The first time it crossed $22 trillion. Last year, it exceeded $21 trillion.

The increased debt and the swiftness of it indicates a continued deterioration of U.S. finances. Most economists belief the deterioration is unsustainable.

A reflection of the U.S.’s increasing debt is the interest the U.S. pays on the $22 trillion debt. One billion dollars a day!

Recession inevitable. The question not whether. Rather, when.

Enjoy your day!

Morning Stew time again!

Yesterday was National Vietnam Veterans Day. Opted to write about my neighbor Homero “John” Lopez. Now 83, came to the U.S. early in life as an immigrant. Joined the Marines. Fought in Vietnam. Rose to the rank of Major.

Seemed appropriate to skip my usual blog format and talk about John on Vietnam Veterans Day.

Which means I have a jumble of notes for today’s blog. I am going to go through them in the order they appear in my notes. Information generally not related.

The Regal theater reopened this past week. Finally! It took a beating during Irma. Roof off, insides floating around, etc. Took a long time to repair.

Can’t wait to go!

The Key West Citizen daily carries page excerpts from William Hackley’s diary in its History Section. Thursday took readers back to 1831. Hackley played piquet with the Judge.

Piquet? Never heard of it.

Did a little digging. Piquet was a 16th century trick taking card game. Very popular. Two players, 32 cards. A piquet deck was 7 to Ace.

Piquet’s popularity dropped off with World War I. Replaced by gin rummy, a game most of us do know.

I wrote about Batman a couple of the days ago. It was his 80th birthday. He first appeared in a comic book in 1939.

Comic books cost a dime back then. I remember. I purchased a lot of them. My generation was first educated by comic books.

An auction of one of the first Batman comic books was sold in 2010. In pristine condition. Sold for $1,075,500.

Friday night found me at the Chart Room.

As I walked in, a lovely lady came up to me. Holding Irma and Me in hand. Her name, Debbie. With husband, Eric. From Rochester, N.Y.

We had met last year at the Chart Room. Debbie purchased Irma and Me and carried it to Key West to have me sign it.

Chatted a while with them. They have 2 grown children and 2 grandchildren.

They are here for a week. Hope to run into them again. Good people.

Met Sandi. Visiting Key West for a week. From Nova Scotia. First time in Key West.

Sandi is here with a girl friend. The girl friend likes Key West’s live theater and was at a show. Sandi prefers the bars and so we met in the Chart Room.

Sandi has an interesting background. A career in the military. Followed by working for the Halifax Police Department afterwards in an administrative position.

I was scheduled to have dinner with Ted. Turns out he knew Sandi. They had met the evening before at Smilin’ Tuna.

Ted is a retired Court Clerk from Madison County, New York. Spent his entire legal career as a Court Clerk. An important job. As I have written before, clerks are the brains behind the judges.

Ted now lives in Cazenovia. A beautiful hamlet on Lake Cazenovia, Also in Madison County.

Ted and I had dinner at Hot Tin Roof. Enjoyable conversation. An enjoyable evening.

Ted left this morning to return to Cazenovia. God willing, he will be back next year. He spends one month a year in Key West. Stays at Banyan Court.

I came across a quote by Erasmus friday. Desiderius Erasmus. “Man’s mind is so formed that it is far more susceptible to falsehood than to truth.”

Made me think of Trump’s solid 35 percent followers. Those who hang on his every word. Believe everything he says. Their Pied Pipper. He leads, they follow.

Erasmus was also known as Erasmus of Rotterdam. His field of expertise religious and Renaissance philosophy. A great scholar.

The Middle Ages died off in the mid to late 1400’s. The Renaissance replaced it. Erasmus one of it leaders.

Erasmus found much wanting with the Catholic Church. Not much different today from those times. He called for reformation of its abuses.

The following an act of sheer stupidity.

The Key West Police reported some one or more persons vandalized 12 cars. By spray painting on them. The vehicles were parked in the New Town and Mid Town areas.

Saturday a strange one for me. Normally, I enjoy being out and about saturday evenings. Was not that way yesterday.

Mid afternoon got a call from Guy de Boer. Come over and have cocktails with me.

I was on my way. Guy’s home palatial. Sits on the Riviera Canal. Its best, the trees and shrubbery between the house and canal.

We enjoyed a couple of drinks together.

Guy is in the process of acquiring a radio station. Wanted to know if I would do a show for him.

Of course. My plate is getting full again. However, I absolutely love doing the shows.

Guy was the first person to give me a shot at doing radio. Ten years ago. It as instantaneous love between me and radio.

Guy taught me a few things. Jenna Stauffer even more. Jenna was working with the station. Though young, she was educated and had previous experience in radio and TV. She became my teacher.

Left Guy’s trying to decide whether to go home or out. I opted to go home. Barbara left me with a refrigerator of all kind of good food she had prepared.

I enjoyed a meal of satisfying foods. Beans and greens followed by a delicious meat loaf.

While consuming this food from the gods, I watched the Texas Tech/Gonzaga game. The winner would go to the Final Four. Gonzaga the #1 seed, Texas Tech #3.

What a game! Texas Tech won 75-69. It will be Texas Tech’s first Final Four in the 94 years of its basketball program.

Texas Tech was decidedly the better team in the second half. Though with a minute to go, only 2 points separated the teams.

Texas Tech’s defense primarily responsible for the win. Caused 16 Gonzaga turnovers. In addition, Texas Tech scored when it had to. Especially with 3’s.

I was fed and happy. Had enjoyed one of the best basketball games ever. Decided to remain home the rest of the evening and watch old movies. Which is what I did.

The Beach Boys are coming to Key West. Thursday, April 4. They will be performing at Sunset Green.

The Beach Boys big time stars back when. An iconic American rock group.

There will be some gray hair watching. Musical fans of yesterday. Listening and watching a group from their time. The Beach Boys will return them to yesteryear.

The diseases of my youth have returned. Measles first. Now, the mumps.

There were no vaccines when I was a kid. You got immunized by getting the disease and living. Some died. Even for my children, all vaccines were not yet available. I recall my children and I getting the chicken pox. A pox on the pox! Not at the same time, of course.

Temple University is experiencing a sudden mumps epidemic. One hundred eight cases so far. Thousands of students voluntarily being vaccinated. Wednesday alone, 2,285. Even if previously vaccinated, getting booster shots.

Today a combination vaccine given on 2 separate occasions over a period of time has been known to take care of measles, mumps, and rubella. Some of the Temple infected never received the super dooper shot.

The shot is 3 in 1. Excellent in protecting against measles and rubella. Only “really good” against mumps.

A long blog. Sorry. Catch up time.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Yesterday was National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Vietnam was a strange war. The American people were against it. Prospective draftees were running off to Canada to avoid the draft. Families were encouraging their children to do so.

People marched in the streets in opposition. It was the first time I saw such demonstrations. Clergy, doctors, lawyers, college students, all elements of society.

We had honored World War II veterans. Even those of the Korean War. Vietnam was strangely different.

When the veterans returned, they were not met with bands and all types of honors. They just dropped back into the normal daily routine. Back to work, home with family, some off to college.

Vietnam veterans were disrespected.

In 2013, Key West erected a Vietnam Living Memorial at Bayview Park. I attended the dedication.

I have always felt guilty that I never served. Korea was over when I graduated high school. When Vietnam was heating up, the remorse returned. I was a young lawyer. My practice was starting to produce decent money. We had purchased a home. We had 4 young children.

I went home after work one evening and sat my wife down at the kitchen table. I have something to tell you, I said. She never expected what I hit her with: “I want to join the Marines.”

Her response was immediate and loud. She stood up over me and yelled, “ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR F—ING MIND?”

That was the end of the Marines.

I attended the Vietnam Memorial dedication in May 2013. There were a large number of former military standing around. All older, of course. Some with bellies. Others, long hair. Even some beards.

Most wearing something to signify that they were Vietnam Veterans. A cap, a jacket, whatever.

All stood proud, except those that could not stand. All had sharp salutes at the appropriate time during the dedication.

It was their time. Their country was finally respecting their service.

Yesterday, there was another service at Bayview Park. The day dedicated in Key West and the entire U.S. to honoring Vietnam veterans. Those who served. Dead and alive.

I stopped by. Though I did not serve, I always felt Vietnam was my war.

Some 200 in attendance. Long retired military. Some with family. Marines among them. Once again, all proud. You could see it on their faces and in their eyes.

Recognize the last U.S. combat troops left Vietnam March 29, 1973. Forty six years ago.

I live on the golf course in Key West. My next door neighbors are Homero “John” Lopez and his wife.

One of the speakers at yesterday’s ceremony was my neighbor John. I had forgotten that he was a retired major from the Marine Corps. Did more than one tour of duty in Vietnam.

A conversation John and I had almost a year ago came back to mind.

We were outside our homes chatting as neighbors do. My memory tells me John and I are the same age. Eighty three. I might be off a year or 2 regarding John.

Somehow we got into a portion of John’s life. An important and proud one to him.

John joined the Marines. A young man. Not a U.S. citizen. He was born in Cuba or Mexico. The Marines became his life.

Vietnam erupted. John was shipped to Vietnam. A corporal or sergeant at the time. He received a battlefield commission as a second Lieutenant. The fight went on. He kept receiving battlefield promotions. By the end of the war, John was a major.

John wanted to stay in the Marines. He could not be a major, however. Battlefield commissions  are removed when a war is over. John’s rank dropped to sergeant.

Not dismayed, he was the best sergeant the Marines had. He continued to do well and moved up in the ranks. All the way back to major.

John had been in the service 32 years. He had to make Lieutenant Colonel or he would be retired. He did not make it. John was retired.

At some point in his career, John became a U.S. citizen. He was in Hawaii at the time. John is proud of his American citizenship. He and his wife return annually to Hawaii to celebrate the event.

Children and grandchildren brought John and his wife to Key West. The desire to be near family.

Their home next to mine is immaculate. Trees and foliage always trimmed. Not one branch even slightly out of line. The private walled back area blooming with all kinds of growth. Even bananas. John offered me a bunch one day. The bananas were overgrown and he had to cut some away.

An American story.

Recall, John was an immigrant. A dirty word to some today. He dedicated his entire adult life to the service of protecting “his country.” He fought in war. Put his life on the line.

Not like some who tend to criticize the immigrants of today. John had no disease, no criminal record, nothing to prohibit his entry.

Enjoy your day!

A photo of the Oldest Bar and Cistern Room at 428 Greene Street was taken on March 29, 1963. It appears in this morning’s Key West Citizen in its History Section.

The photo was taken at the time of the formal opening of the Bar on March 29.

The Bar has a special significance. It was the first “semi-open” gay business in Key West. Captain Tony Tarracino owned the Bar at the time.

The picture motivated me to dig a bit and check the history of the building itself which today is named Captain Tony’s.

The first written history to be found is 1842. The building was used as an ice house. In the 1890’s, it was both an ice house and city morgue. Makes sense. The ice was used to preserve bodies for a period of time.

In the 1890’s, the building was further utilized as a wireless telegraph station.

Came 1912, the building was a cigar factory.

Following which it became a bordello and bar. A popular place with U.S. Navy personnel. The Navy at some point forced the business to close down. The Navy throughout its years in Key West never looked favorably upon prostitution.

The building reopened and housed several speakeasys. The last the Blind Pig. The Blind Pig specialized in gambling, women, and bootleg rum.

In the early 1930’s, Hemingway’s friend Joe Russell rented the bar and named it Sloppy Joe’s. Russell moved out to Sloppy Joe’s present location on Duval in the mid 1930’s.

The next 20 years found the bar having several different owners.

In 1958, Captain Tony Tarracino purchased the bar. He operated it till 1989 when he sold it to its present owners. The bar today continues to be named after Tarrracino. Captain Tony’s. A popular spot with locals and tourists.

Yesterday aftenoon spent time with Laurie and her radio show on Station 105.7 FM. My weekly 1.5 hour gig with her.

Every week, we become a better duo. Our exchanges interesting. Join us next thursday at 4 in the afternoon. You will enjoy.

Then to the Chart Room.

The charming Tammy bartending. Met a Georgia carpet maker. Milford Morgan. He was with William.

Morgan visits Key West at least twice a year. One of those weeks Christmas week. We talked about hotel prices during that week. Out of sight!

I envy Morgan. He first visited Key West in the 1970’s. The old Key West. Key West’s history during the 1970’s a rich one.

Elaine came in. Have not seen Elaine in a couple of weeks. She joined us. Looked terrific.

On the way out, ran into Al. A Key Wester. I have met him before at the Chart Room.

At 11 this morning, a special event. Remembrance of Vietnam. Vietnam Veterans day. I plan on attending. Though I did not serve, Vietnam was ongoing during my middle adult years. The War’s impact changed the U.S. Its effect with us even to today.

Big weekend at Boca Chica. The Blue Angels. Performing saturday and sunday. Aerial showtime. Jets flying all over.

The Blue Angels must have been practicing yesterday. I could hear them coming in low over my home. Can’t imagine the noise several would make simultaneously in war time.

Traffic has reached the crazy stage in Key West. Especially during season. Too many cars for too few roads.

I have come up with a new name for Key West roadways: Mad Ways. No question about it.

Some things bothersome whether you are Democrat or Republican.

Trump and his people demean opponents with silly names and sayings. Arouse the basic instincts of those attending rallies. Recall Hillary Clinton: Lock her up!

Donald Trump, Jr. came up with a new one at a Grand Rapids, Michigan rally yesterday.

AOC sucks!

AOC a woman. A newly elected Congressperson from New York. Her name Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Suck has more than one connotation. How would the Trumps feel if the Dems had a similar rallying cry re the President: Trump sucks!

Cuts 2 ways.

The Clinton “lock her up” cry is losing its vigor. Trump needed a new villain and a new rallying cry. He has apparently found it in the Congresswoman.

Trump has suggested retribution/retaliatory action against those who supported the collusion theory. He has referred to their conduct as treasonous.

Especially the media.

The next step could very well be the arrest of certain members of the media.

Philippine President Duerte ordered the arrest of a Philippine journalist yesterday. Maria Ressa.

Duerte refers to the media as “spies” and “sons of bitches.” Trump nicer. The news they report he refers to as “fake news.”

Whatever words used, Trump and Duerte are birds of a feather. Both like and respect each other. Both despots, bigots and mentally unbalanced.

Enjoy your day!

Luminaries visit Key West often. From all walks of life.

Brandi Love is visiting. A rest and relaxation trip. At the Pier House.

Brandi is an American pornographic actress. A star. Nominated 12 times for significant awards. Won 3. In 2013, for Best Cougar/MILF Performer. Two times in 2018. For MILF Performer of the Year and Best Actress.

Brandi’s real name is Tracey Lynn Livermore. Age 45. Looks 25. Resides with her husband and daughter in Raleigh, North Carolina.

There was a buzz on the streets yesterday re her visit. The buzz continued into the Chart Room where I heard it again.

Yesterday spent writing and laying around. Left the house around 4. First a meeting with a realtor. Then to the Chart Room.

Tammy bartending. The lady a charmer. A great bartender. The customers love her.

A whole family came in. Senior mother, 2 daughters and one son in law. The mother and I chatted.

She is presently living on Ramrod Key. First came to the Keys in the 1970’s. Her husband was with the Navy. Later, they started coming with regularity. They owned, then sold, and were renting.

Her husband died recently from cancer. He had a difficult time.

She returned with her children this week to straighten things out. As she told me, she was never alone before. She indicated she was on a learning curve.

I was sad for her. Joyful however that the kids were looking after her.

Some people were talking about Brandi Love. Two gentlemen at the end of the bar. Apparently they had seen her at the pool.

We also conversed about Captain Tony’s and Irma. One of them mentioned that following Irma, some parts of Captain Tony’s were blown into the street.

The walls and ceilings of Captain Tony’s were filled with dollar bills. Some were blown out onto the street. No one knew what happened to them thereafter.

I am not sure if that dollar bill story is accurate. I wrote this morning to Captain Tony’s daughter Toni to see if she knew anything about it.

I told the story of Manuel Cabeza a few days ago. The World War I veteran who was murdered by the Klu Klux Klan. The Klan was unhappy Cabeza was living with a mulatto woman. They beat him. Then tied and dragged him from the rear bumper of a car. Finally hung him from a tree on Flagler. Shot him full of bullets as his body hung from the tree.

Wow, you may say. This happened in Key West?

Yes.

Cabeza was killed Christmas eve 1921. Key West was a Klan stronghold in those days. The heads of the police, sheriff and fire departments were members. Key West’s representative to the State Legislature a member, also. In addition to which he was the Grand Dragon of the Florida Klan. He ran the Klan out of his home on Eaton Street.

Florida Keys Community College conducts a VIP series. On wednesday April 3 at 7 pm, a a group will speak re the Klan and Key West. The presentation will be led by award winning author and historian Arlo Haskell.

I have heard Haskell speak. He is interesting.

This afternoon, Laurie and Louis. I join my good friend Laurie Thibaud on her talk show Party Time. From 4-5:30. Station 105.7 FM, WGAY FM.

A good time!

When will Trump learn? When will his staff learn?

Betsy De Vos is Education Secretary. She was testifying before a Congressional Committee yesterday. The subject the Education Department’s proposed budget.

The federal government helps the Special Olympics. The Olympics for those with afflictions that deny them enjoying life as others do. The Olympics provides the opportunity.

The budget listed $17.6 million for the Special Olympics. De Vos had removed the entire amount from the budget.

Hard to understand.

In Washington, dollars in the millions are a drop in the bucket. You have to get into the high billions before any one becomes concerned.

The same budget has Trump seeking a few billion for his unneeded wall. He is also moving money from other accounts to help pay for the wall.

Keep in mind also, the huge Trump tax cut given to the rich last year. Generally described as $1 trillion.

And Trump and company want to take a mere $17.6 million from those who really need what it can do for them.

De Vos’ background will help you understand the people Trump has in place helping him. In this case, a most heartless person.

Betsy is married to Richard De Vos, former CEO of Amway. He presently is one of the owners of the Orlando Magic professional basketball team. Betsy’s brother is Erick Prince, the founder of Blackwater. He has made millions with Blackwater successor companies that provide contract soldiers, border guard assistance, housing for the children taken from parents at the border. He may also own some privatized jails. If he does not, he has been trying to get into that field also.

The De Vos family is estimated to be worth $5.3 billion. The 88th richest family in America. They are part of the 1 percent who have all the money.

Ten yachts are owned by the family. Spread all over the world. One a 163 foot yacht that is moored on Lake Erie.

Betsy De Vos who has much obviously has little care for those who have significantly less than her. Actually, nothing.

A form of Medieval martial law has been imposed in Rockland County, New York. The measles epidemic has hit the County hard. One hundred fifty three confirmed measle cases.

The County Legislature has declared a 30 day State of Emergency. Any unvaccinated person under 18 is prohibited from being in any public place.

Things are that bad.

The swamp has gotten larger and deeper since Trump went to Washington. The swamp he was going to clean up.

The major contributing problem is Trump appoints persons lacking in character and morality.

He recently nominated Stephen Moore to the Federal Reserve Board. Apparently Moore was either not vetted or improperly vetted. He owes the IRS $75,000 for the tax year 2014.

Failure to pay taxes brings to mind Michael Avenatti. The Los Angeles Times and HIVE recently reported Avenatti has not paid taxes since 2009, that he owes taxes of $570,000 for 2009 and $282,000 for 2010. In addition, he has not filed a tax return since 2010.

Finally, a Powerball winner! Not me. Not you, unless you are the person in Wisconsin who had the correct numbers. The total amount $768 million.

I rarely play. Blew $20 on lottery tickets yesterday. Worth it. My mind kept repeating…..Just maybe!

Enjoy your day!