COLD FRONT HITS KEY WEST

 

It started yesterday afternoon. A cold front came in. A damp one. It will be with us through monday. High 60s by day, very low 60s by night.

Get out the long johns!

The Key West Lou Legal Hour this morning. Great TV and internet viewing. Topics like Burlusconi saying Germany’s Merkel had a fat ass, the Oreo and Walmart, Bud Beer allegedly watered down, Exxon winning again in court, the Keystone Pipe Line, use and abuse of 911, a lawyer locked in jail, and more.

The show is at 10 this morning my time. It can be viewed on TV on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19 from Key West through Miami-Dade County. It is also available world wide on the internet. www.tvchannel19.com.

My yesterday began with a visit to Lori for a haircut. She trimmed my beard a bit, also. All five chairs in her beauty parlor were filled. Another sign Key West is experiencing a very good season.

Then to the dentist. For only a five minute adjustment. Or so I thought. I spent 1.5 hours in the chair. No pain. All mechanical. I have another appointment scheduled for tuesday. When will it end?

The diet ended a month ago. However, I have been watching what I eat. As a result, I have lost an additional  4-5 pounds. The effort has been to avoid fats. Blew it yesterday at lunch time!

I have been dying for a Cuban cheese toast with tomato. All that delicious melted butter. Cuban bread made from pork lard. What a marriage of ingredients!

I did it! Magnificent! It had been four months since my last one. If I am to maintain my present body shape, it will have to be four months before I have another.

Bocce last night. Turned into a weather disaster. The cold front moved in dramatically just as we were to start playing. It rained. Lightly, then heavy. You could see the water starting to pool on the clay courts.

The rain was cold. The dampness ate through to the bone. About 15 of us were huddled under a tree with room for five before the games were called.

Everyone went to Don’s Place. Where else? It is like a private club.

I was hungry. Did not eat prior to leaving for bocce. Decided on Hogfish. The rain had stopped.

Hogfish packed also. Another sign the season is upon us.

I grapped a newspaper and sat at the corner of the bar. The lobster bisque is the best. I ordered a bowl to warm up. It was lobster night for me. I followed the bisque up with a lobster roll.

I knew no one. I spoke with no one. I was content with the newspaper.

Again, please watch my show this morning. You will be entertained!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

 

OUTBACK RIP OFF

 

I generally eat at Outback once a week. I have always considered Outback good food at a good price. Last night I discovered the food is still good. However, the price is not. Outback has raised  prices regarding certain items. Perhaps deviously.

I generally order a prime rib. The middle priced cut. Like $16.95. Two vegetables or sides came with it at no additional charge. I always ordered steamed vegetables and a baked potato.

Last night, the steamed veggies and potato cost me an extra $7.95. An $8 increase basically. I was required to order them seperately. What previously had cost $16.95 was now $25. A thirty per cent jump in one shot.

Outback had a new menu. Items had been moved around. I discovered the change/increase before ordering. Was I to beat on the young waitress? I ordered and paid. However Outback has lost me as a regular customer.

Previous to Outback, I had been at Don’s Place and the Chart Room.

The remnants of Wednesday golf were still at Don’s. Don, Tom and Boomer. Hershel, also. We chatted. Bocce primarily. Bocce season is upon us once more. We play tonight. It will be my first time in the new season. I missed last week because of the grandkids and Wizard of Oz.

The Chart Room walls were splitting. So many people! No question. It is the height of the season.

I talked with Peter and Emily.

I spent the afternoon writing next week’s KONK Life column. The Resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. Written from my perspective. Suggesting the whys involved. My premise was to the effect that the Catholic Church is presently facing its own hell.

Sequester/sequestration is all over the news. When does it actually go into effect? Today at midnight? Tomorrow at midnight?

Neither.

I researched the question. Turns out the answer is two pronged. It involves the President signing and a fixed time for his signature.

Sequestration goes into effect when the President signs a document so stating. The President is required by law to sign the document no later than 11:59 friday evening.

Interesting.

The Republican and Democratic leaders are meeting with the President tomorrow during the day. Last minute again. Even if they agree to something, I assume it will have to be approved by the House of Representatives and the Senate. Can’t be done prior to 11:59 friday night. Most of them are not in Washington. They are home. Our legislators only work three days a week. Tuesday through thursday.

A contemporary died yesterday. Van Cliburn. He was 78. I am 77.

No one had heard of Van Cliburn till he won the 1958 Moscow Competition for concert pianists. He was 23 at the time. A big deal winning. The U.S. and Russia were at each other’s throats. It was surprising an American won.

Van Cliburn received a ticker tape parade up Broadway when he returned home to the United States. Though his modus operandi was conservative piano playing, he acquired rock star status world wide.

I sometimes think I am losing it mentally. In yesterday’s blog, I said Syracuse was playing Connecticut last night. Syracuse did not play Connecticut. They did not play anyone. There was no game scheduled.

Tomorrow the Key West Lou Legal Hour. My TV/internet show. Ten in the morning my time. Join me. As usual, it will be terrific. Such modesty! But it is good!

Another crazy week. I shall be hitting on sequestration and the Pope, of course. Plus the hot air balloon accident in Egypt, Michelle Obama, the results of the Italian election, the Walmart employee who ate one bag of Oreos and has been charged with a felony, E. Howard Hunt’s death bed confession, the claim Budweiser being watered down, and more.

Please join me.

The show is available on television from Key West north through Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. Also on the internet world wide. www.tvchannel19.com.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

A PROUD GRANDPARENT

 

I saw them last night! Robert and Ally. Playing munchkins in the Key West High School production of the Wizard of Oz.

They were absolutely magnificent! For real! They sang and danced like pros.

What impressed me before and after the show was how calm they were. Taking everything in stride.

There is a third component to the grandkid thing. Cameron. Cameron is not young, however. He is a high school senior. Off to college in September.

Cameron played the Straw Man. He was the best performer by far. I was impressed.  He should seriously consider pursuing dramatics as a career.

Needless to say, Lisa and Corey were proud parents..

My day yesterday started with the dentist once again. When will I finish?

Then to the Plantation Coffee House. The lovely Diane working.

I enjoy reading newspapers. Especially free ones. I spent about two hours drinking coffee and plodding through various newspapers.

Show time this morning. At 10 my time. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. In addition to topics already shared with you, I am going to comment on this week’s Time article on how medical costs are killing us. The article is an outstanding piece of investigative journalism.

My show is available on television and the internet. It may be viewed on TV via Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19 from Key West through Miami-Dade County. World wide on the internet. www.tvchannel19.com.

Join me for an interesting and fast moving hour.

Ran into an old friend yesterday. One I had not seen in several months. She looked terrific! Where have you been, I asked. I had a stroke, she replied.

We never know.

Celebrities keep popping up in Key West. Last week it was Robin Roberts. Half of the host team on Good Morning America. She was diagnosed with cancer several months ago. Had some heavy treatment. Including bone marrow transplant.

She was vacationing in Key West prior to returning to work this week. She was back on Good Morning America this past monday morning.

Good for her!

Remember my show at 10.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

I’M OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD…..

 

Tonight the theatrical debut of Robert and Alley. On the big stage at the Key West High School. Playing munchkins in the high school’s Wizard of Oz production.

I will be third row center with the rest of the family watching. Proudly so.

Another bocce season starts tonight. Nothing is more important than bocce. Except the grandkids. I will be missing bocce this evening.

After running a few errands yesterday morning, I decided to treat myself to lunch. Hogfish!

I forgot to bring newspapers with me. Found an old local one to read. The hostess Debra saw me reading it. She came over and handed me the day’s Key West Citizen and Miami Herald. Thank you, Debra. You made my lunch!

Although I have been off the diet 3-4 weeks, I continue to lose weight. Another 5 pounds. I attribute it to not eating. I am watching myself. Lunch for me was a lobster roll and french fries. Ate the lobster. Left the bread. Ate about 5 fries. And spent two hours reading the newspapers.

Syracuse basketball last night. Stopped at Don’s on the way to the Sports Pub. Don said he wanted to join me at the game. Off we went to the Big Ten Sports Pub.

Syracuse won easily. 84-59. The first easy win in a while.

I was hungry. Don said he did not want to eat. I ordered a sandwich and french fries. Fries come with everything in Key West. Don became hungry as soon as he saw my food. He ate half the sandwich and most of the fries.

Met an interesting couple at the bar. Gary and Jennifer McAdams. Gary is one of Key West’s premier realtors. Nice people. I hope to run into them again.

The last game of the regular season for Syracuse is Georgetown. A rivalry going back to around 1980 when the Big East was formed. The rivalry has been a blood war.

I have enjoyed many Syracuse/Georgetown games.

Syracuse is leaving the Big East at the end of this season. Syracuse and Georgetown will never play each other again, except in some tournament play off game.

It was announced by Syracuse yesterday that the Syracuse/Georgetown game in a couple of weeks at Syracuse is a sell out. More tickets have been sold than for any other basketball game at the Carrier Dome. In excess of 35,000. Everyone wants to see the last game in what has been a thrilling series.

I continue to be a busy beaver. Tomorrow my television/internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. Ten in the morning my time. Available on television through out the Keys and Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. World wide, on the internet. www.tvchannel19.com.

Interesting topics. Like women earning more than men in Key West, a $50 million diamond theft, a 104 year old woman and her Facebook problem, some interesting 911 calls, rabbits damaging the Denver International Airport, a new born baby declared dead who cried 90 minutes later, sequestration, Pope Benedict XVI, the conclusion of the Florida python hunt, China stealing American business secrets via hacking, and more.

Interesting subjects. Join me for a fast moving hour.

Enjoy your day!

 

GAS PRICES UP…..AGAIN!

 

Nothing changes. History repeats itself. What goes around, does come around.

The price of gasoline is up again!

I filled the tank yesterday. $4.15 a gallon. Terrible! A newspaper article this morning said gas has gone up dramatically in the past 30 days. The article also stated the national average was $3.75 a gallon.

Not in Key West!

Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou made its evening debut last night. The number of listeners was better. Much better. Like 500 per cent better. However, no one called in to chat with me. What is the problem? I do not mind doing a blog radio show where only I speak. I would like this show to have some give and take, however.

Hershel, where were you? You are into politics as I am. I thought sure you would be there. We would have had an interesting conversation.

I got into Syracuse basketball. Thought maybe I would hear from Bob Marks in Las Vegas and Tom Dixon in Buffalo. Die hard Syracuse fans. Nothing.

Hershel, Bob and Tom, I mentioned the three of you on the show last night also. Asked where you were. Since no response, I assume you were not able to listen in. Hopefully you can get together with me next week. And any one else who would like to call in and chat. I get lonely.

My blog talk radio show is archived immediately. It is also splashed all over the internet. Facebook, Twitter and the like. A total of 8 social media sites. Click on and listen. The January numbers for those listening to the archived shows were significantly higher than those listening to the show itself.

Other than the show last night, I spent the day writing two short stories. I am prodding along. Definitely a book this year.

Sloan was here at 4 for a couple of hours. She understands machinery. I do not. A generational thing. She has taught me much and continues to do so. I appreciate her assistance.

Syracuse basketball tonight. The Orange play Providence. Syracuse should win. This season however it is difficult to project the outcome of any college basketball game.

I will be at the Big Ten Sports Pub at 8 to watch the game.

Friday is almost here again. Two days away. Friday morning at 10 my time the Key West Lou Legal Hour on TV and the internet. A good show in the making once again. The show is available on television from Key West northward through Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. It is also available world wide via the internet. www.tvchannel19.com.

My interest and concern with Europe continues. See what the two months last summer in Europe did!

Italy is a mess. Financially and politically. Only Greece is worse.

Elections are this sunday. Italy has a coalition style government. The political war is between Berlusconi and Monti. It was thought Berlusconi was going to make a come back. Now it is not certain. Monti seems to be favored. The Communist Party has thrown its support behind Monti.

As with the Greeks, Italians are extremely upset with Germany. One of my Italian friends e mailed me and said, “Germany has found a modern way to kill people, making them die at home instead of in concentration camps.”

The lack of jobs and higher taxes are contributing to a poorer and poorer Italian society with each passing day.

Permit a moment concerning Greece.

Things are worse in Greece. Yesterday, another strike. A one day strike. This one covering all of Greece. Tens of thousands demonstrating in Athens.

People are complaining about low wages and high taxes. In austerity to pay what is owed the Germans, employers cannot afford to pay the salaries they were. Salaries continue to be slashed. Some employees do not get paid for weeks. In the meantime, taxes of all sorts continue to go up.

The people are down to a basic necessity. Food. They cannot afford it. Families are next to starving. It was reported that one of the demonstrators, a woman, said the feelings and demonstration were all about food. Many do not have money to buy any.

Everyone joined in the strike. Hospital workers, doctors, ferry boat workers, subway workers, taxi drivers, bank employees, dock workers, and more.

I wrort a column in this week’s KONK Life. Greece A Tinderbox? The match could be struck igniting a war.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

GUESS WHO SENT ME A VALENTINE CARD

 

This world of high tech is amazing. I received an e mail Valentine message yesterday from Silvio Berlusconi. Former Prime Minister of Italy and probable Prime Minister again after the next election.

I have never met Berlusconi. I have mentioned him several times in this blog. I speak of him often on my television/internet show. Many Italians follow the blog and TV/internet show.

Whatever, however, my name is now apparently on his e mail list.

The Valentine greeting was in Italian, of course. I do not speak Italian. But the jist of the message was understandable. Greetings, I love you, vote for me!

A very busy day yesterday. Started with the dentist. I think we are getting close to resolution. Then the Plantation Coffee House. Chatted briefly with Diane. Tammy for a manicure. Her 5 year old son had gotten sick in school. He was sent home. He was running around the salon having a good time. A fast recovery! Publix for some groceries. Then spent the balance of the day fine tuning today’s Key West Lou Legal Hour.

With all modesty, today’s show is terrific! Especially my discussion of the minimum wage issue. You will love it!

The Key West Lou Legal Hour is available at 10 this morning my time. On  television all the way through Miami-Dade County via Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. World wide via the internet. www.tvchannel19.com.

Join me!

Peter, Paul and Mary were from my distant past. All of a sudden, Paul is a part of my present. I learned yesterday via the Key West Citizen that Paul, aka Noel Paul Stookey, has become a Key West snow bird. Has recently been spending one month during the winter in Key West. A couple of days ago, he did a fun musical thing with the high school kids. Some to honor him, dressed as hippies and carried signs stating Peace Not War.

Syracuse basketball tomorrow night. Play Seton Hall. Eight in the evening.

John Lukas is throwing a party for Syracuse fans. Free appetizers. Come enjoy the game with me at John’s Big Ten Sports Pub.

Big evening tonight! Jenna and I are having sushi at Ambrosia. Good company and good food!

Enjoy your day!

 

OH SYRACUSE MY SYRACUSE…..

 

It has been a tough season for this Syracuse sports fan! Syracuse basketball has been up and down. Last night down.

Connecticut beat Syracuse 66-58. We did not look like a Top Ten team. Connecticut was by far the better team.  Syracuse never made one of its fabled runs. Nor did it control the backboards or make its 3 point shots.

My heart has been in my throat every game.

Syracuse plays Seton Hall saturday night. At 8. It is a Pay View game so not available to most fans on TV. Unless you are at a sport bar.

I watched the game last night at John Lukas’ Big Ten Sports Pub. John sat and watched with me.

John wanted to do something for the Syracuse fans. He will be doing it saturday night.

Saturday’s game will have the special VIP rooms open to Syracuse fans. Additionally, there will be appetizers. Butler style, John says. Served throughout the game. Free!

There is no decision to be made. Join me saturday night at John’s place for the game.

Key West weather continues to be phenomenal! Eighty again yesterday. The quality of the weather is reflected in the quantity of tourists. Tons of them. All over the island. Everyone happy and having a good time.

As it should be.

The weeks go by swiftly. Tomorrow is my friday television/internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. Ten in the morning my time. Broadcasting on television throughout the Florida Keys and Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. World wide via the internet. www.tvchannel19.com.

Another good show! In addition to the topics described yesterday, I will be talking about Senator Lindsay Graham, the hula hoop, German co-op banks, the minimum wage, O’Hare Airport, and the battleship Maine.

Join me! You will enjoy the show!

I have to move on. A busy morning. A haircut, dental visit and hopefully a manicure. A retired person’s life!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW…..

 

It is all about Oz! The Wizard of Oz!

Key West High School is presenting the show next week. Grandson Cameron has a lead role. Strawman. Grandkids Robert and Ally are all excited. Practicing away. They are munchkins. I am excited. Cannot wait to see them perform!

I stayed in last night. State of the Union time.

The State of the Union has become ritualistic. The President comes before both houses of Congress and spells out his agenda for the year. He also comments on the health of the Nation. Congress sits and listens. The President’s party smile. The opposition look grim. Contrast Boehner and Biden last night behind the President.

The best part of the State of the Union from my perspective is the gate keeper who enters the Congressional Chamber and speaks in a loud voce, just short of yelling…..The President of the United States!

What did I learn last night? The President’s program is ambitious. He needs only to accomplish a small part for it to be a great year. Jobs are key. I am for infrastructure. I wish the Republicans would bend on  this point. It is a sure way to jobs and positive cash flow.

The Republicans have to give some. Being the opposition does not mean opposing everything. On occasion, cooperation for the good of the country is required.

Senator Cruz was making news on all the TV channels this morning. A new Senator. He has the good fortune of being on the Committee passing judgment on Hagel. Cruz went a step too far in tuesday’s discussions. He accused American war hero Hagel of cozying up to Iran. Not just absurd. Stupid! Even McCain came to Hagel’s defense.

Comcast is in the news big time this morning. My favorite internet provider. Said with tongue in cheek. Comcast bought out GE’s 49 per cent interest in NBC and Universal. Comcast now owns all 100 per cent of NBC. Comcast is also the largest provided of internet services. They became the same in 2002 when they bought AT&T Broadband.

Two thoughts.

First, I hope Comcast does not screw up NBC as it has its Key West internet service. Sometimes top management becomes too distant from its people in the trenches.

Second, is this purchase a step too far? Corporations like Comcast get larger and larger. Just like the banks did. At some point too big to fail? I sometimes think banks and major corporations are our shadow government.

Friday is two days away. My TV/internet show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour. The show is developing well. Interesting topics. Like the Pope’s resignation, the State of the Union message, wrestling and the Olympics, a Vienna Museum nudist showing, an Akron police chief and DNA, and more.

Join me friday morning at 10. I guarantee you will enjoy!

Syracuse basketball again tonight. Seven o’clock. It is being carried on ESPN. I am not sure whether I will be watching from bed or John’s Big Ten Sports Pub.

I hope Syracuse wins. I am not sure this season. Every game is a nerve wrecker.

Enjoy your day!

OH, THE PAIN!

 

I told you yesterday that my implant problem kept me in the dentist’s chair three hours. No problem, however. No pain. All mechanical.

I was kidding myself!

Oh, the pain! Last night, all night. I was back in the dentist’s office this morning at 8. I think everything is ok now. I hope.

It is 9:30 my time now. The Key West Lou Legal hour starts at 1o. Watch, if you can! I prerecorded the show wednesday.

The show can be seen on television throughout the Florida keys and all of Miami-Dade County on Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. Also available world wide via the internet. www.tvchannel19.com.

If you miss the show this morning, no problem. It is now available on You tube 24 hours a day. Just click on You tube and type in Key West Lou Legal hour.

My only stop last night was the Chart Room. The while world was there! It was fun time. Except for my mouth. As I was sitting there, my mouth, jaw and ear started hurting. Bad! Like bang my head against the bar time.

I left and headed home. Two aspirins and to bed. Aspirins no help. I fell asleep after a while.

What a college basketball season! Another #1 ranked team has fallen. Indiana got beat by unranked Illinois 74-72. The #1 spot is turning out to be a bad luck place to be.

Some years in some leagues, all the teams are basically good. It is called parity. Is parity extending to collegiate basketball nationally?

Enjoy your day!

 

THREE HOURS IN DENTIST CHAIR

 

I am very late with today’s blog. I am starting it at 2 in the afternoon. Sorry.

I had to be at the TV studio at 8 this morning. Need producer Jenna and engineer Krystal to do  my show. The Key West Lou Legal Hour is normally broadcast live at 10 on Fridays. This weekend presented a problem. Krystal is leaving tonight for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Ergo, my show had to be recorded this morning for viewing tomorrow morning.

Show recorded. Then hurried to a 10 am dental appointment. My implants were not working again. I spent 3 full hours in the dentist chair having them worked on. Thank God the problems were mechanical. No pain and suffering involved.

I did not have the time to do this blog before I left for the studio. It is now 2 in the afternoon and I am getting to it. I was in the dentist chair till one.

Spent yesterday afternoon writing another short story. Malocchio. A southern Italian version of the evil eye.

Last night was the Chart Room first. Emily, Che, Peter, and David at the bar. We were like at each other’s throats last night. Each a little edgy. Even Emily. I would give David a pass. He is incapable of speaking harshly to anyone.

The comments were sometime biting. We concluded at the end of the evening that we were a bit out of sorts and that we still loved each other.

I had to eat. Where? Did not want much. But craved real food! The diet hangs over me like a black cloud.

I went to 5 Guys. Did good. Ordered one cheeseburger with some veggies on it and a diet Pepsi. No fries, no peanuts.

I ate the cheeseburger by itself. No roll. Pushed it to the side.

Afterwards I thought….. What a good boy am I!

Please watch the Key West Lou Legal Hour tomorrow morning. Ten my time. Televised through out the Florida keys and Miami-Dade County via Comcast Channel 87 and U-Verse Channel 19. Available on the internet world wide. www.tvchannel19.com.

Since I have already done the show, I can guarantee it is a good one! From Super bowl to Mickelson to Mc Cain to a young female defendant who gave a Judge the finger and told him f–K you to an analysis of Greece’s today problems to the illegality of women wearing pants in Paris to a German Cardinal announcing that new morning after pills were ok for German Catholic women to take in the event of a rape to more. All good stuff. Even a touch of the French and Indian War.

A major announcement. I am finally and definitely on You Tube. I verify it. I saw me myself.

You tube is carrying my friday TV/internet show the Key West Lou Legal Hour. Go to You tube and type in Key West Lou Legal Hour. The last two weeks are already in. Tomorrow’s show will allegedly be posted after the show’s scheduled completion. The shows will be aired 24 hours a day. So if you miss a friday or have not been able to watch at 10 friday mornings, You tube is available to you.

The You tube material has some kinks. Not many. All curable I am told. My show is done in five 8 minute segments. The show has been posted with each segment appearing separately. When Krystal returns from Mardi Gras, her first assignment is to make the show one segment.

That’s it for today!

Enjoy your thursday!