Trump lies. Nothing new. Everyone knows it.

Politicians have a way of saying things which help their reelection.

Social Security and Medicare always an issue.

Saturday (a mere 3 days ago) Trump tweeted his new $4.8 trillion budget would be forthcoming soon. He was clear there would be no cuts to Social Security or Medicare: “We will not be touching your Social Security and Medicare in the filed 2021 budget.”

Nothing could be clearer.

Contents of the proposed budget were revealed sunday. Yesterday, the budget was forwarded to Congress for its review and approval.

The proposed budget contained “steep reductions” in social programs. Included were cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.

The “do nothing” Republican Senate has announced it will not hold hearings on the budget.

The Democratic House will, without question. I am assuming the cuts will never become law. It is inconceivable the House would permit cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

The noted columnist Dana Millbank in an Opinion piece in the Washington Times yesterday made some interesting observations. He opened with: “The budget reveals a tremendous fraud.”

The budget was spelled out to the press by Acting Budget Director Russell Vought.

He began with: “Promises made, promises kept.” Cheerfully said.

Now came what was involved from Trump’s perspective. Not. cuts. Actually the purpose was to “remove certain parts of the program, and once those pieces are no longer called “Medicare,” it would moderate their growth with reforms.”

In simplified verbiage, the removed portions would no longer exist so nothing was really reduced.

Difficult to understand! Cut it out, no longer there, so no reduction in benefits! Wow!

Another approach to justification is simpler and equally as strange.

Spending on Social Security and Medicare will be higher because of increasing enrollment. Means increasing costs. So actually no cuts even though amount received by beneficiaries would sharply drop. Ergo, not a cut.

Another Wow!

Vought was of the opinion that “cuts are good government reforms.”

My admonition to seniors who voted for Trump in 2016: Beware. You were misled initially. Don’t let it happen again. Vote Trump out of office!

Millbank made an interesting observation in his column. He was of the opinion that the Democratic primary candidates are missing the point: “Democrats should be shouting this from the mountain tops. Instead, they are bickering over who has the purest form of Medicare for all.”

A lie is a deliberate mistruth, deceitful, and false. Yet the American people continue to buy the snake oil Trump peddles. Wake up! A lie is a lie! Especially when it affects your pocketbook!

My evening last night began with Kate Miano’s birthday party at the Gardens. Big crowd! As would be expected.

Love Kate!

Then to Dueling Bartenders. No Dueling Bartenders. Don’t know why. The bar was empty. Not one soul. Not even Rick Dery.

Drove over to the Chart Room. Glad I did.

Met the new bartender who is replacing John. Jason. Seems to be a nice guy.

I was actually excited because David was there. I have not seen him in at least 2 months. Spent an hour with him. His warped sense of humor always amusing.

There was a woman sitting to my left at the bar. Fiftyish. From Marco Island. She was with what I thought was her husband. Not. Her boy friend.

The boy friend lives in Key West. She comes down periodically to visit him. Her husband remains home on Marco Island. He is aware.

The world turns. Changes. People probably did this 50 years ago. However back then they did not openly brag about it.

Time to eat. Opted for Antonia’s. Nicolle bartending.

Nicolle has now lost 34 pounds. Into new clothes. All excited. I wish her well. Whatever her goal, she will make it.

Today is tuesday. Means Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9 tonight my time. A quick half hour of Louis ranting and raving. Guaranteed you will enjoy. Does not mean you will necessarily agree with me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

My daily podcast What Bugs Me Today will be on again today and every day. Join me. A quick few minutes on one topic. Today obviously will be Trump’s proposed cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

What Bugs Me Today can be found on my Key West Lou site. If you cannot get it, it is because we are not “friends.” Ask to be my friend so the podcast will be available to you.

Tino time!

Extra/silent actor.

Today 2 pictures of him from the Empire series.

Tino gets to play all kind of characters. Yesterday, a man in a tuxedo. The day before a politician sitting next to a mayor. Today, a beat up run down type.

Enjoy your day!

Today is Kate Miano’s birthday. One of the finest persons in Key West. Loved by all.

Kate is the proprietor of the Garden’s Hotel. The Gardens reflective of Kate’s qualities.

Happy birthday dear friend!

A Civil War sea battle was fought saturday as part of Civil War Heritage Days. The battle took place near Fort Zachary Taylor.

Two schooners involved. The Union’s America and the Confederate Jolly Rover.

Union soldiers in Civil War attire joined viewers watching along the shore.

Key West’s roaring 1970’s. Wish I could have seen and tasted the days.

Another world. Nothing like one sees today.

One of the most popular establishments was the Monster. A bar and disco. A wild place! Frequented by gays, hippies, and visitors.

No longer exists. Gone like Atlantic Shores.

The Monster opened on Front Street in 1975. An instantaneous hit with gays and straights. The original Monster opened in 1970 on Fire Island. A jolly gay environment. Even today.

The Monster closed at 2 am. Those inside shed their few remaining inhibitions. Clothes also if so inclined. Partied till early morning.

Celebrities frequented the Monster when in Key West. The likes of Devine, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Diller, and Leonard Bernstein.

Word has it Acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and wife recently visited Key West. His father and mother own a condominium at 1500 Atlantic.

Secret Service were seen about.

Poor Mulvaney was stung by a man of war.

April is around the corner. The starting time for repairs to the Cow Key Bridge.

Oh, the pain and suffering it will bring!

May Johnson’s diary. This day in 1896.

May was at a social at the Parsonage. Miguel came for her. They took a carriage to Las Brisa where May said, “We had a most delightful evening.”

Miguel again. May’s mother does not like Miguel. A storm is coming.

The formal Tino today. In a tuxedo. Second from the left. Tino tells me he is often portrayed in a tuxedo while working as an extra.

Lynda Frechette’s Aqua Idol wednesday night. Six to 7:30. Suggest you arrive at 5 to be sure to get a seat.

The show spectacular!

Enjoyed the Academy Awards last night. One of the event’s finest shows.

South Korea had a big evening. Won 4 major awards, including Best Picture.

The New Hampshire Democratic Primary tomorrow night. Trump doing a rally in New Hampshire tonight. Not sure if he is in a Republican primary race.

If he is not, he should not be in New Hampshire tonight. It’s Democratic time. He wants to draw publicity away. Also, it is his way. Do anything to screw up the opposition.

I recall a movie starring James Cagney and Doris Day. An oldie. Cagney played a tough hood type guy. Day her sweet typical self.

Cagney was without taste. Somewhat like Trump.

Cagney and Day were having an argument. She told him he had no “couth.” He responded she should tell him what it was and he would get a truck full.

That’s Donald!

Trump’s proposed budget is being revealed today. Big. $4.8 trillion.

The proposed budget does not touch Social Security or Medicare.

An election year gimmick. If reelected, Trump will be for cutting both next year.

Giuliani back in the news. Once an outstanding prosecutor and the nation’s Mayor, he has reappeared back in the gutter. He announced yesterday he has the “smoking gun” re Hunter Biden. Three witnesses willing to testify and “name names.” Their testimony will result in “total vindication” for Trump.

The news this morning reported Giuliani has opened a “back door” to Attorney General Barr.

Disgusting!

Sounds like another Bangladesh to me.

On this day in 1936, Nazi Germany’s Reichstag passed a law investing the Gestapo with absolute authority, exempt from legal review.

Are we headed in a similar direction?

There is a place where the government provides everyone with food, housing, and healthcare. Prison.

If government can do it for the worst of us, why not for the best?

I ask the question. However I do not subscribe to the thought.

A Biblical quote. Psalm 27. “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

I don’t know anymore.

Enjoy your day!

Max Yasgur was a farmer who will forever be known because of Woodstock. It was the summer of 1969. He rented his farm land for 1 week to Woodstock’s sponsors.

The sponsors had been trying for some time to find a site to hold what would become a musical event never to be forgotten. They sought a central New York place for the event.

The area small town America. City fathers and residents were not in favor.

Finally, the sponsors discovered Max Yasgur. He owned a farm in Bethel, N.Y. He agreed to rent 600 acres of his farm for 1 week. The rental fee not certain. Most suspect it was $75,000.

Max was approaching 50 at the time. He was a pro-Vietnam War political conservative. Believed in the right of free expression. Respected people with lifestyles and beliefs different from his own.

Once word got out re Yasgur’s renting of his farm, his neighbors became aroused. Most were unhappy. Yasgur not only grew produce,  he was a dairy farmer. Signs suddenly went up around Bethel: “Don’t buy Yasgur’s milk.”

Fifty thousand were expected. Five hundred thousand showed up.

Everything was insufficient. Crowd control, toilets, water, food being examples.

Some neighbors sued Yasgur after the event for damage to their properties. Yasgur sued the sponsors for failing to do whatever was necessary to control the event. Everyone sued everyone. In the end, the lawsuits amounted to next to nothing.

Yasgur’s neighbors gradually returned. They threw him a dinner to show their renewed love for him. Except for the proprietor of the general store. Yasgur and his wife remained persona non grata.

Yasgur purchased a vacation home in Florida. In the Keys. Marathon to be exact. He moved to Marathon full time following the sale of his Bethel farm.

Yasgur died in Marathon in 1973.

Rolling Stones published obituaries. Only musicians were given the honor of a full page obituary. Rolling Stones opted to give Yasgur a full page. Though not a musician, he was recognized as having played a vital part in Woodstock.

Key West has many musicians residing here. I am confident a number were at Woodstock. I am only aware of two. My friends Larry Smith and Chrstine Cordone. They had to be kids back then.

Larry often talks about Woodstock.

Last night was Syracuse basketball. Syracuse beat Wake Forest by 2 points 75-73.

A typical Syracuse game this season. Syracuse had a 12 point lead in the first half, 10 at half time, and then had to work hard to come out on top by 2.

A win is a win, however. Syracuse keeps crawling back.I think they have won 7 of their last 9 games.

Today busy. Sloan at noon. Hot Dog Church later in the afternoon. Followed by Kate Miano’s Gardens.

Shoestring Weekends ran an interesting blog this morning. Made reference to the Last Chance Saloon. Not a Key West bar. Rather located just south of Florida City at mile marker 126.7. The “unofficial official” entrance to the Florida Keys.

The significance of the Shoestring blog was a sign on the outside of the Last Chance Bar: Inside Toilets.

Brought to mind a Stock Island bar that was the place to be for fun and rowdiness in the mid 1900’s. Its name I cannot recall. The sign on the front of its building I can: Free Beer Tomorrow.

I have begun the podcast show I stopped doing 2 yeas ago. Renamed it. Now: What’s Bugging Me Today.” Found on my Key West Lou page.

The podcast short. Yesterday’s 7 minutes. Today’s will be less than 1 minute.

Tino time again.

Tonight, the Academy Awards. There should be an award for best “extra.” Tino would win.

Yesterday he played a political hack. Today, a mail man.

Talented.

Enjoy your Sunday!

God punishes!

So many believe that most wrongs inflicted on the human race is God punishing sinners. Perhaps. I don’t buy it, however. God responsible for a child developing brain cancer? The holocaust?

Does not make sense to me.

Even today, certain religious leaders subscribe to the belief.

Let’s zero in on earthquakes.

In 1750, England suffered two severe earthquakes. One February 8 and the other one month later on March 8.

A pornographic novel had earlier been published. The Memoirs of Fanny Hill aka Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure. Authored by a John Cleland.

Cleland was in prison and in need of money. Such drove him to write Fanny Hill.

Fanny Hill was the “first original English prose pornography, and the first pornography to use the form of the novel.” It has become one of the most prosecuted and banned books in history.

At the time of the two earthquakes, science was of the belief that such were caused by air pockets beneath the earth’s surface.

Thomas Sherlock was Bishop of London. He did not buy science’s reason as to the cause of earthquakes. Especially the two mentioned. He believed it was God punishing man for man’s wrongdoings.

In this instance, Fanny Hill. He considered Fanny Hill a “vile book, the lewdest thing I ever saw.”

The novel’s “heroine” Fanny Hill was a 15 year old girl in a London brothel. In a series of letters, she describes her life. One she liked. She wrote fondly of her experiences.

I read Fanny Hill. When I was in college. A copy of the book was floating around the dorm. By the time I got a hold of it, the pages were worn. I struggled through it.

An experience to have read! Especially at 19! Fanny’s activities could have caused an earthquake or two!

Lisa, my Lisa. I am proud of her. All the time.

She has created her own podcast. Kick In The Yes. kickintheyes.com.

Real stories of successes in life, love, and business. Sort of a “you can do it” thing.

Watch the podcast. You will enjoy and learn.

Family day. Want to mention my grandson Robert.

Robert is a tennis player. A sophmore at Key West High School, he is the team’s #1 player. So ranked. Remarkable for a sophmore.

The school played its first matches yesterday. Robert won all that he played in. Singles and doubles.

My grandson!

To something I have written and talked about frequently.

Irma blew through the lower keys September 10, 2017. Some 2 1/2 years ago. Recovery no where complete. In some areas, people still living in tents, without water, toilets, etc.

The federal government under Trump never completes what ever assistance it promises to provide. Which it is obligated to provide.

The State steps in. Florida in this instance. Even slower.

One and a half years ago, Florida announced an $812 million program. The money was appropriated. Its purpose to help people rebuild.

Thus far, only 10 properties State wide have been completed. In the keys, none have even been started.

Of the $812 million, only $21 million has been spent.

What the hell is the State doing with the money? Get it out! Put it to use! There are people still crying out and in need! Why isn’t “Help Me!” being heard?

I wrote recently how Keys spiny lobster fishermen are suffering because China has canceled its import of spiny lobsters due to the coronayvirus epidemic.

As a result, a lot of spiny lobsters remain unsold.

Another spiny lobster tale of woe. With an opposite effect, however.

A 400 pound goliath grouper is sitting off Key West shores in 12 feet of water. Eating spiny lobsters. “Like popcorn.”

Part of Key West’s history involves Ernest Hemingway. On this day in 1964, the Hemingway House was formally dedicated as a museum.

In many of its earlier days, Key West was replete with whore houses. Fishermen, salvagers, and sailors providing the business.

Mom, her name otherwise unknown to me, operated 3 houses of ill repute in the 1930’s and 1940’s. Two in Key West and 1 on Stock Island.

Busy day and night.

The authorities kept closing Mom’s down. The local authorities did it. Reluctantly so, however. It was the U.S. Navy that pushed them to do it.

The Navy considered places like Mom’s neither popular nor proper with the “good people.” The Navy was also concerned with the venereal diseases its doctors had to deal with because of the establishments.

One of Mom’s working girls was not a happy camper. Why, I do not know. However, on this day in 1941 she overdosed and died. An apparent suicide.

Her name Cecelia Thompson Trunks.

Tino time.

Tino played an extra in a TV show that took place in either a U.S. Mexican neighborhood or Mexico itself. Tino played the part of a street peddler with cart selling polita. Mexican ice cream.

The New Hampshire Democratic Primary Debate last night.

The 7 participants all good. My sense is Sanders and Mayor Pete will come out 1 and 2. Not sure in which order.  Biden did well. Very well. However, I am not sure he can overcome the down slide he has been experiencing.

The moderators impressed me. ABC. They gave the candidates the opportunity to speak. Did not cut them off. When a topic, such as health care, was on a run, they let the candidates play it out. The moderators did not interrupt or cut the candidates off for any reason.

ABC treated the 7 candidates for what they were. Persons seeking the Presidency of the United States. Respect was shown.

I don’t want a President who is revengeful. Trump is. Too much so.

Yesterday, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman was walked out of the White House. His brother a Lt. Col. also.

Ambassador Gordon Sonderland was called back from Europe.

In a sense, I cannot blame Trump. These persons spoke out against him. Did not support him. Did not lie for him.

I would want them out also if I were President. But do it with dignity and class. Two attributes Trump is lacking, however.

Whose head falls next?

Trump had a medal placed on Russ Limbaugh during the State of the Union. Wrong move! Vindman should have received the medal, not Limbaugh.

Syracuse/Wake Forest at 8 tonight.

Enjoy your day!

Hopefully, I am back! Long Sloan hours, more dollars to platform people, and everything should be A-OK. This blog will tell the story.

The problem boiled down to the blog having become too big. My blogs longer and comments increased.

I missed doing the blog. I know from comments received over the internet elsewhere that some of you missed reading it.

My frustration knew no end.

I have decided to add to that which I do. Recall for a while a couple of years ago, I did a short daily podcast about 1 or 2 items.  Then for whatever reason, I stopped.

The podcast is returning today. Short. Thirty to sixty seconds. Generally, one topic.

Titled: “What Bugs Me Today.” It will be found on my Facebook Key West Lou site.

Iowa a disgrace for the Democrats. Couldn’t have come at a better time for Trump. What a week he is having!

Trump’s State of the Union Address a disgrace. Lies upon lies upon lies. What bothers me is that 50 percent of the U.S. believe Trump’s lies.

The man truly a Pied Piper.

Yesterday’s religious breakfast and Trump’s acquittal address at noon also disgraceful. Disgraceful seems to be the word for the week.

Vengeance is mine sayeth the Lord. No one told Trump. His words at both events clearly reflect his thinking that he is the Almighty.

His reference to political adversaries as evil, corrupt, dirty cops, leakers, and liars show he believes himself to sit in judgment.

I loved his statement that the impeachment experience “never, ever happened to another President, ever.” All in his head!

Clinton was beat up for oral copulation  and a lie concerning the same. What Trump was charged with was far worse. He deserved the same pain and suffering that Nixon and Clinton went through during the investigations against them.

Trump apparently believes that which he says. Like those pursuing his actions were acting “almost like they want to destroy our country.”

Trump had it wrong. He is destroying our country.

As to his family: “We’ve been treated very unfairly.”

He apologized to his family “for having to go through a very phony rotten deal by some very sick people.” The pot calling the kettle black?

Trump is evil. Donald Jr. compared Nancy Pelosi to the devil: The “likelihood of Nancy Pelosi praying for Trump is about the same as the likelihood of Satan running around quoting the scriptures.”

Romney was the only Senator on the Republican side of the aisle to vote his conscience, to recognize his oath as a juror. Whatever you may think of Romney, he is a man of character. He has always been. His Mormon faith is deeply rooted in him.

Trump besmirched Romney. Referred to him as a “failed Presidential candidate” who “used religion as a crutch.”

Trump was acquitted out of fear. The Republican Senators to a person, except for Romney, “feared” him. A journalist wrote, “How in the world can these Senators walk around upright when they have no backbone? ”

The best laid plans of mice and men…..

I thought I had the “new” blog down to a science. Apparently not.

At this point, I wanted to add a picture of Tino sitting next to a Chicago Mayor. Tino portraying a political hack. I could not, cannot!

Means Sloan will be back over the weekend to “teach” me again.

A comment re the Super Bowl halftime performance. I thought the show was excellent! The music, beat, dancing, singing, etc. Did not consider it profane or dirty in any fashion. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira were wearing more clothes than the cheerleaders.

Did you notice?

The religious got involved.

Franklin Graham said the show lacked moral decency. It was a sexual exploitation.

Another referred to the halftime show as “Satan’s danced troupe.”

Then there was the Catholic nun in California. She considered the show “outrageous.” “Immoral.”

Catholic religious should not adversely comment till they clean their own house. From pedophilia, rampant homosexuality in the Vatican, nun involvement in sexual shenanigans, etc.

I could not help but think with all the bad things going on in the world that some people were complaining about a halftime show.

Time to remember His words…..Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

I live and learn. Were you aware those starring in a Super Bowl half time show are not paid. Yes, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira were not paid for their performances. Props, etc. are covered.

Forbes says the reason therefore is that the show “is the biggest promotional vehicle for a music star on the planet.” A one hundred million audience.

The economic benefit to a star’s Super Bowl performance in the days following the show dramatically surge upward. So much so  that the NFL has under serious consideration charging acts that appear.

So the world turns.

Issur Danielovich is dead. Kirk Douglas. At age 103.

A great actor!

May he rest in peace.

Glad to be back! Can’t wait to figure the pic problem out. Don’t forget to look for my Key West Lou podcast later today re What Bugs Me!

Enjoy your day!

Lost several days last week because of platform problems. Thrilled to be back!

So many thoughts left unwritten. I have picked out those that still have interest and share them with you today in a Morning Stew presentation.

Per the usual, there is no order in which they appear. I write as the topics appear in my notes.

Syracuse/Duke last night. Syracuse lost 97-88. A good first half. Syracuse began sliding in the second half.

Syracuse played well in January. Won 6, lost 1.

Syracuse lost last night for 2 reasons. They were unable to control their offensive backboards. Also, Duke’s in your face defense prevented Syracuse’s 3 point game.

Occasionally, I have written re myths surrounding George Washington. Like…..He did not chop down the cherry tree, he did not meet with Betsy Ross in 1776 re creating an American flag.

Another myth involves Washington’s teeth. Poor. Down to nothing at some point in his life.

Story has it Washington’s teeth were made of wood. False! His false teeth consisted of 3 sources: The teeth of slaves, filed down teeth from animals, and those fashioned from ivory.

Mark Twain was not always an author. The Civil War got him into writing.

Mark Twain his writing name. His real name Samuel Longhorne Clemens. In the years immediately prior to the Civil War, Clements was a qualified pilot on the Mississippi River.

Commercial traffic on the Mississippi ceased when the Civil War began in 1861. Clements went to Nevada and California hoping to strike gold and silver. No luck.

He turned to writing. Took the professional name Mark Twain. Wrote much about the Mississippi River. Became recognized as one of America’s greatest authors.

Tino as an extra. A homeless person. Tino says he is selected to play a homeless person often.

On this day in 1931, Pauline Hemingway was out fishing with husband Ernest. She caught a 7′ 1″ sailfish. The sailfish set a season record.

Bolton did not get to testify. Trump and the Republican Senators successfully barred the truth from the trial.

A trial is not a trial without witnesses and document exhibits. I know. I tried cases for 46 years.

A trial without witnesses and exhibits amounts to a cover-up and sham. Should not even be called a “trial.” In this instance, the Senate “trial” defrauded the American people.

The truth will out in due course. Before the November election. Hopefully it will affect the judgment of voters at that time.

Get rid of Trump!

Today a big one in American history. Groundhog Day!

The world’s most famous weather predictor.

The first groundhog event occurred on February 2, 1887. The groundhog’s name Punxsutawney Phil. Today’s groundhog still so named.

The crowds gathered this morning immense.

Punxsutawney Phil emerged at 7:28 am. A light snow falling. He did not see his shadow. Means an early spring.

Many things are broken in the U.S. The federal government one. Especially the Presidency and Republican Senate.

Another is the criminal justice system.

A 36 year old Pennsylvania woman with advanced cancer a perfect example.

The lady stole $109.63 in groceries from a supermarket. She wheeled the cart out without paying.

She was arrested. It came out prior to and during the proceedings that she had about 1 month to live. Advanced uterine cancer and cervical cancer. She required immediate surgery to remove her uterus and tissue around it. A last ditch effort. Her doctor told her, “If you don’t get this done, you will die. It is eating you up inside.”

She was sentenced Monday. That same day she had an appointment with her doctor to make final arrangements for the surgery.

The judge sentenced her to at least 10 months in jail.

The woman had a record of petty thievery and drug addiction.

Should not have been an issue under the circumstances.

The supermarket says it had nothing to do with it. The authorities are responsible. Pennsylvania’s Lt. Governor has gotten involved. Said he was going to the supermarket and pay the bill himself. The supermarket said again out of their hands.

The United States of America. Doesn’t sound like it. Or, maybe it does. We seem to be in a steady decline in all respects.

Appears Trump will be acquitted of Impeachment on Wednesday. So be it. I hope American voters will remember all the deviousness involved in the proceeding and vote Trump and whatever Republican Senators they can out of office in November. Throw out the Republican Congresspersons also.

We need a clean slate!

The Trump tragedy we are experiencing did not begin with Trump’s election. It goes back to 2010 when the U.S. Supreme Court decided Citizens United v. FEC Rulings. The decision determined a corporation was a “person” and could contribute funds in an election.

Major corporations are contributing mega-bucks.

Money can and does buy elections. It is happening. Trump a benefactor. The 100 plus federal judges McConnell has successfully appointed to the bench another example.

It is the money that controls. Not Trump or McConnell. They are merely the beneficiaries and tools of the rich.

Pete Buttigieg’s husband Chasten Buttigieg was in Key West Wednesday evening for a fundraiser.

Stock Island was once famous for its dog track. One was built in 1953. Took all of 6 weeks to build. Opened with a crowd of 4,000.

How times have changed. Can’t build anything of significance today in 6 weeks. The soon to start repair work to the Cow Key Bridge an example.

The Key West Citizen continues to publish May Johnson’s diary. From 1896.

May a 19 year old school teacher.

I mentioned last week my suspicion that May’s Mom did not like Miguel. Miguel appears to be May’s boy friend.

The newspaper’s Citizens’ Section printed a comment in yesterday’s paper: “Inquiring minds want to know when May and Miguel hook up. Can’t wait.”

China is the worst hit by the coronavirus epidemic. The Florida Keys are also affected. though not by the virus itself. Rather by the huge number of spiny lobster shipments Chinese brokers have cancelled.

China loves spiny lobsters from the Florida Keys. Import them big time.

The Chinese New Year celebration last week was cancelled. Crippled Keys’ sales.

Last year at this time, spiny lobsters were selling for $20 a pound. Three weeks ago, down to $10 a pound. Now, $6 a pound.

Primarily because of China cancelling orders.

You do not have to get the bug itself to suffer.

Today, Super Bowl. Tonight at 6:30. Most of America will be watching.

An exciting event!

There was a time I attended Super Bowl religiously. Eleven consecutive ones till I retired to Key West. Key West replaced the Super Bowl trips for me pleasure wise and fun wise..

The most memorable Super Bowl in history involved the New York Jets and Baltimore Colts. The AFL and NFL.

The AFL was relatively new. NFL teams were the powerhouse.

Super Bowl III was played January 12, 1969.

Joe Namath was quarterback for the New York Jets. Considered a loud mouth at the time. The AFL second rate.

The Colts were projected to win decisively. Namath did not agree. Three days before the game he said, “We’re gonna win the game. I guarantee it.”

The Jets won 16-7. Namath was correct. Eventually became respected as one of the great professional quarterbacks of all time.

Enjoy the Super Bowl!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Say hello to Faustino Gonzalez. Nickname Tino. Tino to everyone who knows him.

First however, some remarks re my absence for a few days. My platform was not functioning properly. Pure aggravation.

I thank the many who not knowing the actual reason, nevertheless commented their get well wishes, etc., thinking I was sick. All appreciated.

Then there were those few who never understand anything.

My blog. So if I want to throw a few jabs. My prerogative.

Those who made “sick” comments about my condition were it illness, do me a favor and go read someone else’s blog. You are the sick ones.

Then there are those who for example think I should get an editor to do my work. Not understanding I do the blog because I enjoy it. In spite of the aggravations sometime involved.

I retired at 70. Now, 84.

I found when I retired I was spending most of my days in bed. Not healthy. I also discovered I was lacking mental stimulation. Something that was a part of my entire career.

I had to do something. Began the blog 14 years ago. Had no idea what a blog was. Came across a story about blogs on the internet and was off and running.

Loved it! Still love it! The blog pops up on 14 different sites and has 70,000 subscribers worldwide.

I do the blog the same time I got up mornings during the 46 years I was a lawyer. No later than 6 in the morning, I am at my desk researching and writing that day’s blog. Takes roughly 5-6 hours.

Keeps me out of bed!

I also do a podcast tuesday evenings. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Requires 5-6 hours preparation. A fun trip however.

Every now and then I do local radio show. Fill in, help out.

In the meantime, I have published 2 books and presently am working on 2 others. One for 4 years. The Italian one.

Am I mentally stimulated? You better believe it! So  why would I want someone else to do the writing for me?

Sure I complain. Who does not in this world. I get frustrated also. Who does not. Such is life.

I honestly believe that if I were not so engaged at 84, I would be sitting in a wheel chair in a nursing home with my tongue hanging out.

My limitation at this stage is my health. Nothing I can do about it. I try to watch things. See many doctors. Perhaps too many. Always concerned.

My health now limits my evening activities. Can’t do 6-7 nights a week anymore. Lucky to get 2 in.

That’s the way it goes.

Having vetted a bit, on to Tino Gonzalez.

Met Tino years ago in Key West. He and his lovely wife Maria were snowbirds. Owned a home in Key West for 10 years.

Originally from Chicago, they decided to sell and spend most the year in Chicago near the grandkids.

Tino is now 72. A relatively short guy. Tough acting as most short persons are. Masks his warm heart.

Tino is third generation Mexican. Grew up in Chicago’s Italian neighborhood. Still lives there. Bridgeport. Known as a “cops and robbers” neighborhood in his early years.

A political stronghold. The area rich in patronage. Home to many police and fire officers.

The name ‘”machine” is sometimes applied to the neighborhood. The first Mayor Daley lived there 21 years. His son, Mayor Daley #2, 22 years.

The neighborhood has a very large Italian-American club. The Old Neighborhood Italian American Club. Six hundred members strong. The building an edifice.

Many TV shows and movies are filmed in Chicago. Most in Bridgeport.

Five years ago, Tino noticed people were being hired as “extras.” He started going each day and waiting to be selected. Five years later, he is in great demand as an extra. Plays every possible part. Never speaks however. Extras do not talk.

Paid well, however.

Tino much in demand. He is doing 70 plus shows a year. He has appeared in Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Chicago Justice, the Batman TV Series, and many more.

Tino in his other life was a career Air Force member. Had the misfortune of crashing while in a helicopter.

His new life interesting. So much so that I want to share it with you. The game plan is to run a pic or two of Tino while performing. Together with a very few words as to who he is playing and in what show.

Initially, the pics might be from shows 2 years old. As Tino and I work out a system, they will hopefully be current. I may be able to provide the name, date and TV outlet for the show.

Today’s pics are of Tino having been beaten by a bunch of thugs and chained. The second pic is of the police treating Tino.

You will be amazed as this series of pics develop as to the many parts Tino plays. A man of diverse talents.

Enjoy your day!

Trump’s record regarding women is well known.

Trump appears to enjoy and respect the company of totalitarians. One being Turkey’s Erdogan. Both reflect anti-female sentiments. Erdogan far worse.

Turkey is moving towards the passage a Marry Your Rapist law. Controversial. Expected to pass.

Muslim women in most Islamic countries are poorly treated. Definitely second class citizens. Even worse.

The Marry Your Rapist bill helps protect men accused of having sex with underage girls. The men would be able to escape punishment by marrying their victims.

Far out!

Most Turkish families are poor. The rapist would be able to “buy out” of punishment by making a financial deal with the girl’s parents.

Should not be a surprise. Endrogan has been known to say a woman who did not bear children was “incomplete.” He is well known for his statement that women’s equity with men is “against nature.”

Obviously sex and women treated differently where a man is concerned. For example, Turkish clerics insist girls as young as 9 are ready for marriage.

Grocery shopped at Publix yesterday. Ran into Dink. I have not seen him in several months. He has been ill.

Dink’s Dad was a close friend of Ernest Hemingway. He was his driver and fishing companion.

Dinner at Roostica last night.

An interesting experience.

A pleasant woman sat next to me. A local. Enjoyed our conversation.

When she was ready to leave, she took her napkin and wiped her plastic straw. Then she took a plastic bag out of her purse and placed the straw in it.

She saw I was looking at her with a strained expression. I asked why, pointing to the plastic bag and straw.

Her explanation simply was this was her way of protecting the reef and contributing to climate control.

All I could think was a little bit here and there can go a long way.

As I frequently comment, Key West is going to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. The City Commission is money hungry. Pigs when it comes to raking in more dollars to the City’s coffers.

Someone commented to this blog recently that in recent years, parking at Smathers Beach was free. No more. Pay station kiosks.

Four dollars an hour! Four hours at the beach costs $16.

Terrible!

Syracuse won again yesterday. That makes 5 victories in a row. All against ACC opponents. Syracuse beat Pitt 69-61.

Go “Cuse!

Our country is on a march to madness. Caused by Trump and his Republican supporters. Trump screws everything up and the Republicans blindly follow him.

California has passed an abortion coverage mandate. Newly found supporter of anti-abortion and now a pro-lifer Donald Trump says if California does not change its position, he is going to cut off some federal funding to the State.

Roe v. Wade is still the law of the land. Has been for 47 years. All must have respect for the law. Not Trump, however.

Reagan and the 2 Bushes were pro-life. None however threatened or cut off funding because some State took an action consistent with Roe v. Wade.

The Republicans owe us a good President down the road. This one has been bad!

Recall a few weeks ago the Iran retaliation to Soleimani’s assassination. Missiles fired at 2 U.S. air bases in Iraq.

Trump announced no American personnel injured. Several days later, we learn 7 soldiers were injured. Brain concussions. They were sent to hospitals in Kuwait and Germany for treatment.

Now we learn that the total injured is 34. All with traumatic brain injuries. Some are being treated at Walter Reed Military Hospital in Washington, others at their home bases.

My question simply is why lie about the number injured. From 0 to 11 to 34. Does anyone tell the truth about anything in Trump’s administration?

Trump is about to benefit Israel again probably to the detriment of the Middle East.

Trump announced yesterday he has a Middle East Peace Plan. It will be announced either before monday or on monday. Netanyahu will be in Washington for the announcement. His political opponent Gantz has been invited also.

The plan is purportedly the brainchild of Jared Kushner. It primarily resolves the Israeli-Palestinian situation. So claims Washington. The Palestinians have already said no, suggesting it aids Israel over them. The Palestinians will not be at the meeting.

The Plan is being touted as “the deal of the century.” Trump said, “I love doing deals.”

I sense another screw up in the making.

Hollywood keeps making Jesse and Frank James movies. All good. Reflect part of America’s history..

Each movie has their mother being killed when the Pinkerton men threw flares in the window of the house she was in. They thought the James brothers were inside. They were not. Only their mother and half brother.

Truth is their mother was not killed. Both her arms were blown off. Their half brother was killed.

Whatever, the result was bad.

The U.S. Congress passed the 18th Amendment in December 1917. Prohibition was the law of the land. Liquor outlawed for 15 years.

Many believe the 18th Amendment was the first attempt at prohibition anywhere in the U.S. It was not. The first was a law passed by Tennessee on January 26, 1838. It made selling alcoholic beverages in taverns and stores illegal. Misdemeanors.

Drinking not prohibited, merely sales. I assume the Tennessean frontiersmen continued making their own hooch.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Major financial institutions have been talking about a “cashless society” for several years. They want it. Desperately.

One has to begin with the premise that banks will screw you if they can. A bank is no different than any other type corporation. The bottom line is what is important. Those who help create the bottom line not.

The 2008 recession an example. The banks turned mortgages into stock and traded them in bundles.

The government bailed the banks out. No one has gone to jail for the wrongdoings which occurred. Millions lost their homes in the process.

A cashless society is as it sounds. No more cash! Neither paper nor coin. Everything done with a card. Similar to using a debit card.

In addition to the banks, Visa and Master Card are obviously pushing for the cashless society. How their businesses would boom!

You do not want a cashless society. Unless of course you wish to give banks license to grab your money.

The primary reason the banks want a cashless society is to protect themselves from a “run on the banks.” The economy turns bad. People fear a great depression. Run to the banks to withdraw their funds. Cash is king!

Banks go broke in days. They do not have sufficient funds to cover the deposits. Banks close their doors. They ran out of money. Depositors screwed.

Banks are aware that a run on them would destroy them in a matter of days. Better the depositors hurt rather than the banks.

Some background so to better understand how the bank justifies pressing a button and electronically closing all accounts world wide.

Once a person deposits into a checking or savings account, the money is no longer theirs. Title passes to the bank. Yes. For real. The bank owns your dough once you deposit it.

By law. Banks have more influence than people.

The depositor “surrenders” title. The money placed in the bank is a “deposit.” Legally described as a “liability” owed by the bank to the “depositor.” The “deposited” monies become an “asset” of the bank. The bank as a practical matter has “borrowed” the money and is legally obligated to pay it back.

Computers have sophisticated banking. If a cashless society were in place and the bank feared a run or some other action adverse to the bank’s interest, the bank would only have to press a button and all accounts would be frozen shut.

A few governmental entities have addressed the problem and formally moved to reject the cashless society concept. San Francisco, Philadelphia, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

The issue recently came before the New York City Council. It opposed the adoption of cashless banking by a 43-3 vote. A loud no!

Tibetan monks have been in Key West the past few days. Part of an annual visit.

St. Paul’s Church on Duval has been their place to exhibit themselves and their wares. The monks chant and work on art. To them, “sacred art.”

On the alter floor of St. Paul’s, they have worked in sand on a large colorful “mandala.”

They will continue the art work till 2 this afternoon. Then they will march and chant as they carry the mandala to the Simonton Pier. Continuing to chant, the mandala will be allowed to flow out into the ocean.

Dan Reardon walked out of the Key West hospital yesterday afternoon. Doctors found nothing. He passed all the tests.

The Key West Citizen continues to publish daily copies from May Johnson’s 1896 diary. May is a 19 year old school teacher.

She appears to have the growing pains that today’s young people experience. Except ours begin around 12 with Mom doesn’t understand me, etc.

I am beginning to think May’s Mom does not like Miguel. May and Miguel seem to be together most days.

Time will tell.

The Key West Commission approved sidewalk seating along Duval for the rest of the year. Seating must be cafe style and only on the sidewalks. Permits are required.

I did not like the weekend mall that the City experimented with this past year. Must be the Commission thought it was a success. Ergo, the recent approval for sidewalk dining.

Key West has Fantasy Fest. New Orleans, Mardi Gras.

Key West now has its own Mardi Gras.

I believe this will be the fifth annual one.

It will be held saturday February 8 at the Key West Amphitheater. Dress Mardi Gras style.

Dinner, music, dancing, etc. One hundred sixty five dollars per person.

Fantasy Fest is free. This Mardi Gras event costly. Makes me wonder how successful the event will be. Will it take hold?

Eugene Robinson is the much read Pulitzer Prize winning columnist for the Washington Post. He and his wife spend the month of February in Key West each year. Eugene reads, writes and walks around town. His wife an artist. She is involved with Studios of Key West.

Robinson’s most recent column was titled: Trump Prefers Servile Minions Who Will Do What He Wants. Robinson’s opening paragraph: “How on  earth does President Trump find them? All the worst people in the world.”

The Battleship Maine entered Havana Harbor this day in 1898 after having left Key West.

On February 15 at 11 am, it exploded and sunk. The Spanish- American War resulted.

Many Americans were killed. A good number are buried at the Key West Cemetery. A large memorial overlooks their final resting place.

Respect is still shown these American heroes. Each year a memorial service is held at the Cemetery. A touching remembrance.

Syracuse/Pitt noon today. Both teams with basically similar records. I obviously hope Syracuse wins. It will give them a 5 game winning streak. All ACC wins.

Enjoy your day!

The people of the United States are fortunate to have so intelligent and wise a man as Donald Trump as President. There is no one smarter anywhere.

Speaking at the Davos meeting yesterday, Trump uttered words in support of his America First ways. One reason was to protect American inventors and inventions.

Trump told the economic leaders of the world, “You know we have to protect Thomas Edison and we have to protect all these people that – came up with originally the light bulb and – the wheel.”

Americans invented the wheel! I did not know. You did not know. The economic leaders of the world did not know. No one knew, except Donald.

Most historians agree that the first evidence of “wheel movement” was found in the form of miniature clay wheels north of the Black Sea before 4000 B.C.

Stopped at the hospital on the way into town last night. Dan Reardon was in the hospital. Chest pains.

Tests all negative through last night. He is undergoing a stress test at the moment.

Dan was in a cheerful mood. Had not had a pain since arriving at the hospital in the morning. It’s always that way!

His wife Lisa arrived as I was leaving. I think it is always tougher on the spouse.

Instead of going south into Key West, I decided on a Hogfish evening.

My concern as I drove was I would not be able to find a parking place or there would be no place at the bar. Always that way this time of the year.

The gods were with me. A parking place waiting for me right in front. An empty seat at the bar.

Enjoyed a Key West meal. Lobster bisque and hogfish sticks. The sticks appeared to be 2 large pieces of hogfish cut up. Indicating a large catch yesterday.

Juan sat next to me. Good guy, good company. Fortyish. Of Mexican extraction. He has lived in Key West some 20 years. In construction. As most Key Westers, he works 2 jobs. The second 2 nights a week at Santiago’s.

We chatted about everything. It was a pleasant evening.

This morning’s Key West Citizens’ Voice had an interesting and true comment: “Bum Farto is our Jimmy Hoffa.”

Amazing. The stories of both men end the same way.

Iguanas should be eliminated from the face of Florida! The damage they wrought!

The City of West Palm Beach announced iguanas had caused $1.8 million damage. The damage was to a seawall that controlled water flow into City reservoirs.

The iguana problem may be beyond relief. We may have reached the point as Florida did with pythons. Started paying attention to the “problem” too late. Now the python problem can only controlled, not eradicated.

Florida announced last year iguanas were a “problem” and something had to be done. They would study the problem.

Yesterday was the 75th anniversary of the Holocaust’s end. Six million Jews killed. A handful in comparison survived.

At a commemorative event attended by Putin and Pence, Mier Lau spoke. A Holocaust survivor. Now 82. A rabbi.

He entered a concentration camp for the first time at the age of 7. From that time forward, he had no name. Only a number. His family killed.

He said, “I cannot forgive.”

I can’t blame him.

One of the outstanding journalists of the 20th and 21st centuries was Jim Lehr. He died yesterday at 85.

Most of Lehr’s professional career was spent with PBS. He was PBS anchor for 36 years, a founder of the PBS News Hour, the moderator of 12 Presidential debates, wrote novels and plays.

A distinguished life. May he rest in peace.

Word is slipping out of world economic centers that the world economy would collapse if banks stopped laundering money. A sad state of affairs if true. It would not surprise me if it is.

Insanity prevails. Good guys are bad guys. The story of a Euclid, Ohio police officer. Solomon Nhiwatuiva, age 34.

The officer was driving a police car. A seventh grade girl was standing waiting for the school bus. He stopped and asked the girl if she wanted a ride. She said no. He drove a short distance and parked the police car.

Walked back to the girl and exposed his genitals. Then urinated on her head, upper body, and legs.

While so doing, he filmed the whole incident on his cell phone.

The police officer has been sentenced to 4.5 years in jail.

Punishment enough? The seventh grade female victim is mentally screwed up as a result. From an excited seventh grader prior to the incident, she is now a depressed recluse who draws pictures of people committing suicide.

Three years ago, I wrote about the Defense Department not being able to find some $300 billion. No one knew where the money went.

No mention has ever been made since as to where the $300 billion went.

In 2019, the Defense department made $35 trillion in accounting adjustment/changes. The $35 trillion number is larger than the U.S. economy and underscores the Defense Department’s continuing difficulty in balancing its books.

The problem existed in 2017 and 2018 also. In 2018, adjustments had to be made to the tune of $30.7 trillion. In 2018, $29 trillion.

Re the $30 trillion a Pentagon budget expert said, “Within that $30 trillion is a lot of double, triple and quadruple counting of the same money as it got moved between accounts.”

No excuse. We are required to balance our check books. Generally without assistance. The Defense Department has thousands working on the books. There is no excuse for the books being screwed up as they are.

Trump tells us the economy is good. The numbers support him. I do not buy it, however. The lower echelons are hurting economically. Wages suck.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released information to the effect that wages today still do not match 1970 levels.

I buy it.

I have been predicting a recession for quite a while. Thought it would occur last year. I was wrong as to timing. Still believe it is coming. Has to. Trump has screwed up the economic stability of too many countries.

Adam Schiff continues to impress me. He is Presidential timber. Not this year as he is not even in the primary race.

He would make an excellent Vice-President candidate. Will not happen. Assuming a white man heads the Democratic ticket, the Vice Presidential candidate will have to be a woman or person of color or both.

Enjoy your day!