My Mother. So many years gone. We all love and miss our mothers when they are gone. Whether 1 day, 1 year, or 35 years as in my case.

Certain things bring Mom to mind. A dish she cooked. A meal I ate last night.

I stopped at Shana Key for dinner. Knew what I was going to order before I even arrived. Liver and onions. I had them at Shana Key for the first time a month ago.

My Mom infrequently cooked liver and onions. Each time however, oh so good! I don’t think I had liver and onions in the 35 years my Mother has been gone till Shana Key a month ago.

Just as good! Mom in my mind as I enjoyed the meals.

Continue to miss her dearly!

Before Shana Key, it was Aqua. For Aqua Idol.

A full house. Great performers. I enjoyed.

Bria Ansara one of the performers. Each time I hear her sing, I enjoy her even more!

Bria is a professional entertainer. Sings fridays and saturdays at A & B Lobster Houe. Bourbon Street on monday and tuesday evenings.

Teaches school by day. Taught Robert and Ally art at Montessori. They loved her!

Some coronavirus updates.

The time may come when we will be quarantining ourselves in our homes. Authorities are starting to tell us to prepare. Special foods, etc.

Amazing! Just like preparing for a hurricane. We in the Keys will have no problem getting ready should the necessity arise.

Money becoming an issue. Bills. As we all are aware, money is “dirty.”

Funny because last night that is exactly what passed through my mind as I was watching Aqua Idol. I had a pile of bills in my hand. To place in pails indicating support for various performers. The thought occurred dollar bills could be a virus carrier.

An article on the internet this morning advised the virus could live up to 9 days on paper money.

The People’s Bank of China last month began disinfecting currency deposited at their banks. Bills were first placed under ultraviolet lights. Then “quarantined” for one week before being released back into circulation.

The banks for years have been pushing “digital” money. I have opposed it in this blog the same number of years for reasons not important at this moment.

The banks may finally win. Digital cash in effect is the use of a credit card. We become a “cashless” society.

Assume for the moment that coronavirus impacts the U.S. big time. Will we do what China did? Declare martial law and place people in full blown concentration camps?

The thought is the concentration would not fly. Certain experts believe that finally the NRA will have proven of some value. Their thoughts are so many American are armed that they will oppose any effort to quarantine them in concentration camps.

Notice how Trump tries to minimize the coronavirus danger. Nothing worse than the flu, will be gone on its own in April when the weather gets warmer, etc.

Doesn’t fly. The numbers clearly indicate the risks should not be minimized. The flu kills 1 in 1,000. Coronavirus will kill 1 in 30.

Mentioned yesterday the Centennial Bank on Whitehead had been robbed tuesday. The perpetrator has not yet been caught. The police and FBI continue their search for him.

Turns out Biden won Maine, also. California not yet decided. Only 55 percent of the vote counted.

The tabulation so far is 10 states for Biden, 4 for Sanders.

Winston Churchill will forever be remembered. England’s strength during World War II. He had to deal with the Soviet Union thereafter.

Churchill made his famous Iron Curtain speech following the war at Westminster College in Fulton Missouri. His words historic. Never to be forgotten.

“From the Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an Iron Curtain has descended across the continent.”

Enjoy your day!

If you are in Key West this evening, be at Aqua at 6 for Aqua Idol. You will hear some of the best unknown Key West singers in the process of being discovered. One and a half hours of exceptional singing. No charge. Merely a dollar or two in a water pail if you like a certain performer.

Aqua Idol continues to be Lynda Frechette’s baby. For 14 years. Her vehicle to raise money for the Waterfront Playhouse.

Join Lynda, me, the singers and an overwhelming crowd tonight.

Coronavirus has brought to our attention the need for certain items. N95 face masks, hand sanitizer, and gloves. One more item we in the U.S. were not aware is a necessity.

Toilet paper.

There is a major shortage of toilet paper in Australia. Toilet paper referred to as loo paper there. People are hoarding because of the virus. Panic driven. Supermarket shelves empty. Loo paper available on the internet for more than $100 per roll. Public bathrooms without toilet paper. Stolen. When a truck arrives at a supermarket with toilet paper, people fighting in the streets to get some.

I am curious. Why have we not been made aware of the need for unusual amounts of toilet paper?

What a joke if toilet paper were suddenly needed and the White House were without. Donald would have to make do like the rest of us.

Key West is not a big crime town. Relatively little crime of consequence.

Till yesterday.

A bank robbery.

A man walked into the Centennial Bank on Whitehead, implied he had a weapon, demanded money. Took the money and walked out.

The police have not disclosed the amount stolen.

My yesterday full. Moved at a good pace. Did my blog in the morning. Spent the afternoon preparing for last night’s Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Watched Syracuse beat Boston College 84-71. Did Tuesday Talk. Spent the next several hours into the early morning watching Super Tuesday results on TV.

“Where is Bum Farto?”

Bum Farto is a part of the Key West legend. Years back, he was Fire Chief. Also, a drug dealer and pimp.The authorities arrested him on drug charges. He was convicted.

While awaiting sentencing, he left his home one day never to return. His wife took several weeks to report to authorities that he had disappeared.

He has never appeared anywhere since. Some think the mob may have been involved and he went the way of Jimmy Hoffa.

His reputation does not die. T-shirts sold daily for years in Key West. Emblazoned with: “Where Is Bum Farto?”

Super Tuesday yesterday extremely interesting. Biden, like Lazarus, rose from the dead. He won big! Won 9 states to Sanders 4. Ahead of Sanders now in the delegate count.

Christ like. Took Jesus 3 days to rise from the dead. He was interred on friday and rose on sunday. Took Biden 3 days, also. From saturday to monday.

Biden won South Carolina very very big. Then received several major endorsements.

This morning Bloomberg announced he was withdrawing from the race and throwing his support to Biden, also. In addition to $1 billion.

Last week, Sanders could not lose. Today, it appears he will have a difficult time winning.

Biden won without money and staff. Sanders had both big time. Sanders believed he was unbeatable. He said, “We’re putting together an unprecedented grass roots multi-generational, multi-social movement.”

Apparently not enough.

The word was Sanders had the young blacks. They attended his rallies big time. They failed to vote, however.

Trump did it again! Entered into an arrangement with a foreign power. The agreement is falling apart in less than a week.

Last week, the U.S. and the Taliban entered into a peace agreement to end the 20 year old Afghanistan war. A signed agreement. described as “an historic peace deal.”

I wrote before the agreement was even signed that it would fail. Not because I am a genius of sorts. Rather because it was obvious.

The Taliban is not the government of Afghanistan. Afghanistan has its own separate government. The government was neither party to the negotiations nor a signatory to the agreement.

Al-Qaida still involved. Al-Qaeda not a party to the negotiations  or signing, also.

The agreement provided for an initial 7 day period. If there was “little” conflict in those 7 days, the U.S. and the Taliban would sit down to work out a more permanent deal.

Trump was thrilled with the signing. Reminded me of Chamberlain when he returned from Munich…..Peace in our time!

Trump got bullshitted again. Also, Pompeo who led the negotiations for the U.S.

The first problem arose almost immediately. Afghanistan holds 5,000 Taliban prisoners of war. The Taliban wants them released immediately. Afghanistan said not. We have nothing to do with your agreement with the U.S.

No violence as Trump assumed…..Forget it! Since saturday, the Taliban has committed 76 attacks on 24 Afghanistan provinces. The U.S. also engaged militarily. The U.S. has conducted its first air strikes after an 11 day lull. The U.S. claims they were “defensive” air strikes.

I’m glad Trump knows how to negotiate.

Enjoy your day!

Time again for a morning stew!

Topics shared in order as they appear in my notes. No special arrangement.

Read a platitude re Trump recently. A slogan Trump appears to live by: Fake it till you break it, then blame someone else.

A Dr. Falchi observation re coronavirus yesterday: “It is breaking out” in “epidemic proportions.”

Today the day! Super Tuesday. Interesting to see what the results will reveal tonight.

Joe Biden has had a meteoric 2 days. Last week, he was dead. South Carolina result unexpected. Buttigieg and Klobucher pull out and tell the nation they now support Biden. O’Rourke comes out last night in Dallas and says the same thing.

It could not be better for Biden. Lets see if it is enough.

Pence and Agar did the Sunday media tour. Topic coronavirus. Their comments not really directed at the virus. Rather in protection of Trump. A spin exercise by both to explain the “hoax” comments.

U.S./Afghan peace deal already falling apart. I said it would not last Monday when it was signed. Trump will find a way to make it and himself look like a winner. Probably blame the Taliban and the Afghanistan government.

One of my better nights on the town last evening.

On my way to Dueling Bartenders. Walking past the Side Bar. Heard “Louis!” shouted. Knew it was David.

Went inside and spent some time with David. One of the nicest guys in town. Love his company.

Then around the corner to Aqua for Dueling Bartenders. A good night to be there. Besides Rick Dery, Bobby Nesbitt was performing. Bobby the best of the best.

Ran into Kay and Ted. Met them a week ago at the rib place on Grinnel where Terri was performing. New friends!

I had made reservations for 2 at Antonia’s for 7. Intended taking Mary. We generally run into each other at Dueling Bartenders. No Mary. So it was me alone at Antonia’s bar for dinner.

Lovely Nicolle bartending. She has now lost 36 pounds. Keep going, Nicolle!

Nicolle now refers to herself as “Tuesday Nicolle.” Because I only mention her the day after I have dinner with her bartending at Antonia’s. I have made a mental note to mention her once more before next week. Hope my memory is good.

My meal superb. Fit my diet perfectly. A tuna tatare appetizer and broiled lamb chops.

Great company at the bar, also. Two couples from the Jersey Shore. Live very few miles apart. Never met before.

Jan and Dick from Avalon, Pete and Kathy from Stone Harbor.

There is nothing like the Jersey Shore. If you have never been, try it this summer. The beaches are exceptional.

In years gone by, I spent a couple of weeks every summer in Stone Harbor at Frank and Lois Paladino’s summer home on the intercoastal.

As usual, the cupboard was bare. Stopped at Publix on the way home to pick up a few things.

The nation hears little of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. He is one the best! As good as, if not better, than his father.

He has instituted special help to the public during the coronavirus crisis: Receiving a formal emergency room test without payment. He had New York initiate a ruling that insurance companies are required to waive co-pays for those tested. In effect, the ruling paves the way for all to receive free testing. Whether insured or not.

I commend Cuomo. This is an example of “thinking outside the box” to get something beneficial quickly accomplished.

Today, Tuesday! Big day for Louis. My blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

A quick half hour of me raving and ranting about whatever. A lot of “whatever” this past week!

I restarted my daily podcast 2 weeks ago. On Facebook. Key West Lou. Call the show What Bugs Me Today!

I rant and rave on this show, also. Except only for 2-3 minutes about one topic.

Both shows run forever. Tuesday Talk is intermediately archived. What Bums Me is there in today’s comments on Facebook and runs continuously.

Enjoy your day!

Information is shared with the American public in drips and drabs. The whole picture not being shared. Transparency lacking.

The Trump administration only wants the public to know that which it wants to share. Embarrassing information withheld.

A CDC lab has been manufacturing coronavirus test kits for quite a while. .Timothy Denzel is an official with the FDA. He is Director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health.

Coronavirus test kits are produced at a CDC lab. There was a delay in them getting to market. Denzel went to Atlanta to determine why. He was “alarmed” by what he saw: “Inappropriate procedures and possible contamination.”

He made the visit February 22. This information leaked March 1. I am not sure as to the source.

The decision was made to have an outside vendor produce the kits.

The CDC has only made available 459 kits thus far. The outside vendor is expected to make 10,000 available by the end of this week.

The WHO has provided test kits to 57 countries. The U.S. declined to receive any. Indicated it would produce its own.

Money involved here. Since Trump took office, he has cut the CDC and WHO budget allocations dramatically.

I get nervous when there is too much God in government. I am a firm believer in separation of Church and State. History has shown that religion can screw things up big time.

There is a photo moving about the internet showing Pence and what I assume are members of his coronavirus team in a room getting ready to work. Fifteen persons in total. Some sitting, others standing. I could recognize Pence, Mulvaney and Azar.

All 15 had their heads bowed and their individual fists clenched in prayer.

Scares me. Especially with Pence leading the group. The prayer to open their work session had to be at the direction of Pence. A religious fanatic.

Recall Matthew 6:5. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.”

One of yesterday’s comments to this blog which is applicable to the present coronavirus situation: Coronavirus “seems like Katrina 2005 in New Orleans all over again.”

The 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic has some bearing today.

An expert re the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic wrote a piece 2 years ago on lessons of why the total outbreak in the U.S. was so deadly. His conclusion was government officials desperate to keep morale up during World War I, didn’t tell the truth. And because the government lied, more people died.

It was announced yesterday that New York has its first case of coronavirus. The woman had traveled to Iran. She has been quarantined in her home.

Notice how Trump and Pence keep saying the handling of this crisis is a state matter. Not exactly in those words. They say it is the responsibility of state and local governments. The federal government will work closely with them.

Passing the buck if a disaster occurs? Creating the scenario for it?

Handling a crisis such as coronavirus should be the primary responsibility of the federal government. Plainly and clearly stated!

One last coronavirus observation. Applies to Key West and the whole of Florida. Spring Break coming this month. The probability one or more of the kids will bring the virus to our communities.

The first state to abolish slavery? Pennsylvania. On March 1, 1780. Applied to newborns only.

Another recent comment to this blog: The Democrat Primary “March Madness.”

It fits.

I admire and respect what Pete Buttigieg did last night by suspending himself from the race. The correct thing to do at the right time. Proof once again that he has a head on his shoulders. He lives to fight another day. In the meantime, he will probably come out in support of and campaign for Biden.

Irma brutally damaged certain areas of the lower Keys on September 10, 2017. We who live here will never forget.

I periodically in the past year have written and spoken of the delay in reconstructing that which was destroyed. The answer evident. Money. The federal and state governments fail to timely perform because they did not have sufficient bucks and/or were reluctant to arrange for monies to be available.

Bahia State Park is one of the loveliest such parks in the lower Keys. Beautiful! Welcoming! A special day any day spent on its beaches.

Bahia received a “knock out punch.”

A notice was received from the State of Florida last week that the state was ready to proceed with the final restoration and renovation. Expected to take 210 days and be done by the end of the year.

At least it is finally getting done!

There are still Floridians living in tents, without running water or toilet facilities. Most have given up hope. They are doing the best they can with their own efforts and help of neighbors.

The same story with other hurricane damaged areas, Puerto Rico, etc. The government seems ill equipped to handle natural disasters. I hope such is not the case with the coronavirus crisis.

Who is the best Conch Shell Blower in Key West?

The Annual Key West Conch Shell Blower Contest will be held monday, March 7, at the Oldest House in Key West on Duval Street at noon.

An important Key West event. Many participants each year. The winner proud to have succeeded.

Worthy of watching.

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman.

On this day in 1951, the President arrived in Key West for a 3 week vacation.

An example of why government is not always to be trusted.

On this day in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed a law granting Puerto Ricans citizenship.

A significance involved. Wilson knew the U.S. was going to enter World War I in a month. He was also aware the U.S. did not have enough soldiers. On top of which he knew a compulsory military service act would follow soon after the the U.S. entrance into the war.

Two months after making Puerto Ricans citizens, the draft law was adopted. Twenty thousand Puerto Ricans were drafted to serve in World War I.

Tonight, Dueling Bartenders!

Enjoy your day!

White House motivated assistance with the coronavirus crisis is self-serving. Trump’s image seems to be the major concern. Not the health of the American people. Health of the people second in line.

The most recent example supporting the premise is the U. S. Surgeon General’s concern about face masks. Yesterday, he stated Americans should stop buying face masks. He fears the supply will run out.

If such occurs, there will not be sufficient masks available for the medical professionals. They who are at the highest risk for disease transmission.

Something strange here. What about me and you? If the medical people need to be protected, we do also. How dare any one in government suggest we go without!

The government has come up with numbers. I do not trust any figures set forth by the Trump administration. Let me share them, however. Trump’s people claim 300 million N95 masks are needed, only 30 million are in stock.

A simple solution. The factories and manufacturing facilities are in place to put out N95’s. Put them to work overtime! Add additional workers! Add shifts!

We are confronted by a national emergency. Use manufacturing facilities already in place to grind out what ever is necessary to fight the virus.

What it boils down to is what is important. The answer life. Ours as well as the medical people.

Finally to the point. No one yet has told us the importance of the masks. It seems they are need to protect the wearer. Not so. They protect others. We sneeze, cough, etc. The wearing of the masks is to prevent someone coming down with or already having the virus from passing it on.

A different set of facts. Again, not one shared wit the public yet.

The disease slowly but surely is moving into and across America. Where will we be in 2 weeks to a month?

An Illinois resident tested positive for the virus yesterday. The person earlier afflicted in Washington died.

The economy will be involved further. Not just the stock market. The hospitals themselves. Another issue not discussed.

Many who will become sick are uninsured. The hospitals will still care for them. Bernie Sander’s Medicare for all will grow in popularity.

Anthony Yainz is a respected Key Wester. He had an interesting comment on Facebook yesterday. Something to the effect that the real danger is moronavirus in the White House.

A big day for the Cow Key Channel Bridge yesterday. A special Cow Key Bridge run. Zero K. The bridge a mere 300 feet long.

This month the bridge will undergo renovation. Expected to take 1.5 years. Good luck! Nothing the State does construction wise is concluded on time.

Yesterday’s run was titled Udder Run in honor/view of the anticipated repairs.

Note the bridge is the ONLY way in and out of Key West for vehicle traffic. The present 4 lanes will be no more than 3 during the renovation.

Hundreds came to enjoy the occasion. All dressed in comic fashion. Many with their dogs also so attired.

Health wise, the run very safe. No participant even raised a sweat.

Some Tennessee Williams.

Williams spent a significant portion of his life living in Key West. In 1949, he purchased a home on Duncan Street. Still stands today.

Duncan at the time was the end of Key West. The home was on the edge of a large salt pond. One of the reasons Williams bought the home was that he enjoyed swimming everyday and the opportunity to walk out his front door to swim appealed to him.

The house also gave him a quiet place to write.

Williams said, he bought the house “at the edge of the end of the world.” Again, there was no other place between him and the water.

Lisa today lives in a home on Duncan a block down from the Williams home. The government began filling in “across the street” from the Williams home in 1953. I don’t know how long it took. At some point in time, homes started being erected. One would be Lisa’s.

In fact, the filling in extended to the Atlantic. Today the distance between the Williams home and the ocean is several blocks.

Syracuse played North Carolina late yesterday afternoon. Syracuse lost 92-79. Not the best of years for Syracuse.

The game was the last one that will be played in the “old” Carrier Dome. It is to undergo major renovations, including a new roof. Next season’s basketball will be played in the “new” Dome.

Under the circumstances, it was a big afternoon at the Dome.

John Wallace is a yesteryear Syracuse star. His #44 jersey was retired at halftime.

Celebrities attended the game. The Patriots’ Tom Brady and Julian Edelman. Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, also. They sat together in front row seats.

Also Syracuse stars from another era. David Bing and Larry Moten.

I watched the game at Shana Key. Enjoyed dinner at the bar afterwards.

I can remember when the Dome opened. It was September 20, 1980. A football game. The first of the season. I don’t recall the opponent.

The Carrier Dome was a big deal. Especially for a fan as fanatic as I was. The Dome had private boxes. Sixteen movie type seats. A bar and refrigerator. A significant standing area behind the seats.

Alcohol and food during the games. Extra of course. Syracuse had a catering service.

They rented, not sold. A ten year term for $50,000. How could I pass it up!

With the box also went 12 seats on the floor for basketball. My 12 in the first row immediately behind the Syracuse bench. Sixteen seats for football. Fifty yard line, 15th row.

The floor seats required payment in addition.

I did it all. Entertained everyone for 10 years.

I would be remiss if I did not share my first game experience.

Carrier manufactures air conditioning. Its primary plant in Syracuse. Carrier made a big donation and the Dome was named after the company.

The Dome however was not air conditioned. It had an air filtration system that was supposed to do the job. It failed on opening day. It was like 80 degrees outside and 120 inside.

Those watching from a box dressed. Proprietor and guests alike. Me in a sport jacket, shirt, tie, slacks.

Sweat!!! I was sitting on one of the steps inside the box, jacket off, tie undone, a couple of shirt buttons open thinking…..$50,000 for this!

The box was a wise investment. Besides an excellent write off, it was a family affair. My grandchildren grew up crawling on the box floor and basketball floor. They made friends. Most of my grandkids and their friends ended up going to Syracuse. Syracuse became a family thing for all of us.

I am glad Biden won and won big in South Carolina. Hope he does well Super Tuesday. The country wants moderation. Sanders not the person.

The pundits tell us Sanders will do the best Super Tuesday. He has already spent $15.5 million in those states whereas Biden only $600,000. The bucks have not been coming in to Biden.

Tino was an extra in a World War II movie. Took place in occupied France. Tino’s face in the pic is probably why he gets so many extra parts.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Key West lies within Monroe County. There is a County Health Administrator. His name Robert “Bob” Eadie. His title Administrator of the Florida Department of Health-Monroe. He has been so employed since 2007.

He recently spoke at a public meeting where the subject was coronavirus. I consider his comments/views pure unadulterated bullshit. Insanity at its best.

He said, “We consider chances of the disease showing up here to be very low. So, any rumor to the contrary is just that.”

He added some local plans are being put in place, but he is playing a waiting game for the virus to peter out on its own or become a declared global pandemic.

Would you believe!

He further claimed that the fact Monroe County is dependent on tourism doesn’t make it risky. Visitors from overseas already are screened at American airports. Cruise ship passengers undergo screening at U.S. ports.

Eadie’s conclusion, “The chances we’ll see a case in Monroe are very small…..the possibility of it coming here very slight…..not impossible, but very improbable.”

As to personal preparedness, he advised surgeon masks a waste of money, only N95-type respiratory masks will protect.

I have seen pics of the N95. Look like a typical face mask. Not expensive. Problem is people have already bought them up like crazy. Walmart and Amazon have no more for sale.

Eadie claimed the best protection was washing your hands, cover your mouth if you cough, stay away from sick people, and avoid unnecessary contact.

My research suggests Purell is the best hand sanitizer to purchase. Problem similar to the N95 exists. Stores have run out. As of last night, Walmart and Amazon were sold out. This morning a special e-mail from Walmart advised they now had a supply. I ordered big time.

I sense from Eadie’s words those of a politician. Trump and Eadie seem to minimize the coronavirus danger.

They should both get off the political merry-go-round! Better safe than sorry. The danger if it hits overwhelming based on what is occurring in other parts of the world.

The politicians are covering their asses for the moment. What will they say in 2 months or less if the virus finds a home here in Monroe County?

Some coronavirus observations.

Trump appears to be fearmongering. Mulvaney claims, “We know how to handle this.” Trump said at a rally that coronavirus is a “hoax.” He also said, corononavirus is the Democrats “new hoax.”

The stock market took a nose dive this past week based on coronavirus reports. The entire economic world is concerned. The Dow dropped 3,583 points. A 12 percent drop in one week.  Amounts to $5 trillion. The worst decline in a similar time frame since 2008.

Trump’s son Donald Jr. made fearmongering and irresponsible comments friday in an interview with FOX & Friends: “But for them (Democrats) to take a pandemic and seemingly hope that it comes here, and kills millions of people so they could end Donald Trump’s streak of winning, is a new level of sickness. You know, I don’t know if this is coroonavirus or Trump derangement syndrome, but these people are infected badly.”

A dog tested positive for coronavirus in Hong Kong this past week. Medial authorities advised the dog thus far is a carrier. The dog has not come down with the disease itself.

Pope Francis is still sick. His problem continues not to be revealed. An official announcement from the Vatican said the Pope cancelled his official audiences for the second straight day.

The U.S./Taliban peace agreement is to be signed this morning.

The Trump administration makes it sound like it is the end of the 18 year Afghanistan War. In reality, not.

Taliban is not the Afghanistan government. There is a separate Afghanistan government. The government has not been a party to the negotiations nor the signing of the peace agreement.

Al-Qaeda still involved in Afghanistan. Not a party to the agreement.

The number of prisoners of war to be released already in dispute. The Afghanistan government wants all their people released. The U.S. says no.

If the war were actually ending, It would be expected that all U.S. troops would be removed. Not so. Presently 13,500. U.S. troops are only to be reduced to 8,000.

The peace agreement is a “test” of sorts. Good for 7 days up front. If peace “sort of” exists for that period, then the parties will discuss further moves to be part of a full agreement. If not, the agreement is nothing but a worthless piece of paper.

What actually is involved from the U.S. end is that Trump wants to tell the American people in this election year: “I settled the Afghanistan War!”

Tino’s photograph today has him dancing with a woman. The shot is from the TV series “Work in Paradise.”

Tino sent me a note with the pic: “Hey Lou, they pay me for this stuff!”

May Johnson must be one beautiful and talented lady!

Today her leap year in 1896.

She received a proposal of marriage in a letter from a Dr. F. A. Feta. He wrote he was wealthy enough to buy 1/2 of Key West. Also, his Aunt in Germany was 88 years old. If he would agree to join her in Germany, she would give him $100,000 of the $300,00 she had.

May rejected the Doctor.

Enjoy your day!

On this day in 1953, the Islander Drive In Theater opened on Stock Island. The first drive-in in all of Monroe County.

Brought to mind my recollections of the drive-in and how it impacted my life.

While in high school and college, it is the place young couples went to park and neck. Rarely watched the movie.

Then came marriage and children. Young couples with children got a night out by going to the drive-in. The children sleeping in the back seat with pillows and under a blanket. This time we watched the movie.

Stock Island is Key West’s northeasterly neighbor. Leave Key West, pass over Cow Key, and you are on Stock Island.

Legend has it Stock Island got its name from livestock that were kept on the island way back. Photographs exist from the 1930’s showing cows grazing.

Historians are not sure such is how Stock Island acquired its name. Some believe it could have come from the last name of an early surveyor of the island.

The beard I presently wear is the second of my life. I like the beard. Plan is to keep it.

Coronavirus may prevent it.

The CDC has advised that facepiece respirators will not function properly if placed over a beard. Proper air flow will be prevented. CDC says beards will have to go if it becomes necessary to wear one.

Coronavirus is doing a number on the stock market. Down!

Market fell another 1,191 points yesterday. The largest 1 day drop ever.

The President is sweating. He relies on the stock market for reelection. For Trump, the market represents the success of his economy.

Trump should put his reelection thoughts on the back burner. A medical crisis looms. More important than anything else. Trump’s leadership is required to make sure we swiftly move under the black cloud approaching.

Trump has already made several bad moves. A major one is placing Vice President Pence at the head of a Task Force. All medical professionals are to report to Pence and he will decide what to do next and what is to be reported to the public.

Pence inept for the position. Cannot be trusted. His religion, politics, and allegiance to Trump stand in his way.

A medical professional experienced in contagious epidemics should lead. His hands should not be tied. He should be free to report truth as he sees it directly to the the public. Trump should not be permitted to politicize that truth.

Trump cannot be believed when it comes to coronavirus. He has already began lying all over the place. “It’s going to disappear…..one day like a miracle.”

When Mr. President will it disappear? Before or after a number of us are dead?

Italy is under attack by the virus. Especially the northern part where 400 have been afflicted.

In Rome, only 3 have been diagnosed with the virus.

Pope Francis is sick. I am not saying he has coronavirus. However there is concern.

On Ash Wednesday, he was publicly coughing and blowing his nose. Yesterday, he didn’t go to work. Remained in his quarters. The Vatican announced he had a “slight illness.”

Enjoy your day!

This is one of the most disgusting stories I have ever reported.

The event took place on September 19, 2019 at the Lucois and Emma Nixon Academy Charter School in Orlando. The victim a 6 year old black first grade girl. Her name not released by authorities because of her age.

Involved was Orlando police officer Dennis Turner.

The young lady threw a “tantrum.” The policed report claimed she “battered 3 staff members by kicking and punching them.”

There was an episode. The school authorities apparently opted not to deal with it on their own. The police were called. Officer Turner arrived.

By the way, there is a full video of what transpired. Turner’s body cam recorded the whole thing.

Turner handcuffed the 6 year old. Used zip ties. She can be seen on the video crying and screaming for him not to do anything to her. Don’t arrest me, don’t put me in the police car.

The girl cried throughout. From the time Turner arrived, through the handcuffing, being led to the police car, and being placed in the police car. Screaming for help.

“Help me, help me please!” She continuously begged for help.

She was mug shot and fingerprinted.

Charges were not pursued. Officer Turner fired. Fired for arresting a child under 12 without a supervisor’s approval. He had detained another 6 year old earlier in the week.

The 6 year old girl now attends another school.

What mental trauma, if any, will she carry with her for years or life?

I wonder if the police officer would have acted differently were the girl white instead of black.

One other group perhaps worthy of bearing the mantle of poor judgment. The school staff. We all went to the grade. And other lower grades. Some one at some time got out of hand. The teacher always handled the situation. I do not recall police ever being called.

Johnny Mercer brings me back to my high school and college days. A song writer. The lyricist. His songs that I danced to included Moon River, Accentuate the Positive, Days of Wine and Roses, On the Atcheson, Topeka and Santa Fe, and In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening.

A box of his never produced works were found in Key West. The box in the custody of the well known Ellen Steininger. Ellen good friends with one of Key West’s top vocalists Bobby Nesbitt.

Ellen brought Bobby into the picture.

The music was written by Ellen’s late father in law Franz Steininger.

Bobby had the tapes digitized. The music was clear.

The Mercer/Steininger material discovered included a musical. The Arabian Knights. Sinbad, Ali Baba and Aladdin its leading characters. Bobby sang some of the songs at a recent public performance by him.

You never know what will be discovered in a box locked away for many years. Recall one of Hemingway’s wives who returned years after his death to a room at Sloppy Joe’s containing boxes of Hemingway writings and paraphernalia. Hemingway jewels.

Yesterday a disaster for me. Absolutely, without question.

My car not derivable. I had Lisa’s. A half hour into wherever I was going and I had a flat. Called AAA. My membership canceled. No problem. They let me renew and covered me for yesterday’s flat as part of it. Took a half hour to accomplish.

Tire changer could not get to me for 1 1/2 hours. Pouring outside. Thank God for cell phones. Did my podcast show while siting in the car.

AAA man showed up. Lisa’s spare was flat also.

That is how the day began. That is how the rest of the day ran. I will not bore you with further details.

I had a late dinner at Shana Key. Cheated! Even had a drink. Needed it.

Chatted with Ruthie, one of the waitresses.

Recall last year, I lost 62 pounds. A big deal!

Then came pancreatitis. Doctor told me to get off Atkins diet and eat carbs. Or, so I thought. I gained 35 pounds quickly eating carbs.

Very discouraging.

Last week when I saw the doctor, I told him carbs and me never got along. He wanted to know why I was eating carbs. I said you told me! He said no. I’m sure he did. Whatever, he wanted me to go back on an Atkin’s type diet. High protein.

Now I am dieting again. Ended the first week today. Lost 5 pounds. This is going to be a pain in the ass. I am not a happy camper.

There was joy later in the evening. Mighty Casey did not strike out. Syracuse beat Pitt at Pitt 72-49. A long time since Syracuse enjoyed such a decisive win.

Watched Trump at 6:30 in his “news conference.”

He bullshitted us. No problem. He has everything under control. He took big steps (he stopped certain flights) which have prevented the virus from hitting the U.S. He was proud to report no one had contracted the virus locally. All had contracted it outside the U.S.

He spoke too soon. Late last night, it was reported a Californian was diagnosed with the virus. He had not been out of the country. Got it here.

Last night, the New York Times in an Opinion piece described the disease as “Trumvirus.”

Learned something new last night about the President. Trump considers shaking hands “barbaric.” He has aides following him around whose sole purpose is carry a sanitizer for his use.

He’s personally going to love coronavirus if it hits the U.S.!

Another thing about Trump. Read last week he does not sleep on the plane when he takes long trips. He will only sleep in what he describes as his “own beds.”

Trump looked very tired last night. He mentioned several times how long the India trip was. He probably never slept the whole way to and back.

This is turning into a Trump blog. Did not plan it that way. The observations being shared are just coming out one after the other.

A last Trump observation. The Democrat Debate was tuesday night. The market suffered its major falls monday and tuesday. Both before the Democrat Debate.

Trump said at least 2 times last night one of the reasons the market went down is because the people had seen the nuts who were on the stage in the Debate, one of whom might run the country.

Love the guy! He fits the facts to what ever he wants the story to be. Truth  has nothing to do with anything.

I close with Bernie Sanders.

He can’t win if the Presidential candidate. Too radical.

The young are his major supporters. No wonder. He keeps ranting about all the things he will provide free.

There are not enough taxpayer dollars to pay for all the freebies.

The freebies include free college, wipe out all student loan debt, wipe out all medical bills, Medicare for all, free homes to those who cannot afford one, etc.

He’s crazy! Sincerely intended. His whole life. However his goals neither practical nor sustainable.

Enjoy your day!

It appears coronavirus is going to impact our lives. If you think not, you are avoiding the truth. Look at China, Japan, Italy and Iran. What is coming may be comparable to the plague and the the 1918 influenza epidemic.

Yesterday the head of the CDC said, “Not if, but when” in discussing the virus. Certain at some point it will be here.

Trump avoids the truth. He is sugar coating the problem. Creates alternative facts/falsehoods. Like the problem will go away in April when it gets warm. The source of his information is not medical experts. It is from President Xi of China. A person not to be relied on at the moment in view of what is happening in his country.

Another problem concerning China and the U.S. at the moment. We have no vaccine for the virus. No one has. The composition of drugs for viruses and other maladies normally come from China. In other words, the raw materials.

Trump has not rallied his troops. The problem requires a Czar with a free hand.

Trump is unaware what his administration’s experts have been saying while he was in India. WE HAVE A PROBLEM! If Trump is consistent, he will probably fire them because they are contradicting what he is saying

Trump has asked for $2.5 billion. Initially, he was going to ask for $1 billion. Medical experts said he needs $3 billion.

The Democrats are playing a stupid game. Politics. Saying $2.5 billion is not enough. Everyone knows it. Even $3 billion is not enough. Get the $2.5 billion and get started. Then come back for more. Coronavirus should not be a political issue.

Back to the CDC. In the past 48 hours, they have said there is no vaccine for the virus. Once work starts, it will take 2 months to create one for testing purposes. The earliest one would be available for public use is 1 year. Could be longer.

In the meantime, containment is the short term assistance. We have not begun to plan how to deal with that facet of the problem yet.

Our hospitals are not ready. Medical staff are unprepared.

Legislate the money and lets get going. Time is of the essence. If it hits our shores hard, days will be vital. Look how fast the numbers moved up in Italy.

In the meantime, take a look at what Trump has done recently (before anyone was aware of coronavirus) re money. He proposed cutting funding for the World Health Organization by 50 percent. Wanted a 16 percent cut in CDC funding. An 8 percent cut in funding to the National Institute of Health.

My recommendation is the President forget about the wall and transfer those funds immediately to get the coronavirus program going. The President is quite astute at moving funds from one account to another.

Coronavirus is affecting the stock market. Big Time! Down more than a 1,000 points monday. Over 800 tuesday. When last I looked this morning, it was up 380 points.

Over the next week, the market will be down overall. Such is my prediction.

The virus is affecting the economy. China is finding it difficult to do business. Airlines are curtailing flights to certain areas. Cruise ships cannot get customers.

We live in a global society. Industry works with global products. They will soon cease moving. There will be a time when every country will be extremely cautious in accepting goods and people from other lands.

Trump is scheduled to speak tonight re the virus. I hope he speaks truth. I doubt it. He will continue his don’t worry, I have everything under control talk. He will also blame the Democrats for not permitting him to move faster.

Conoravirus moves swiftly. In one month, the U.S. could have hundreds of cases and hundreds of deaths. Perhaps even thousands of cases. The time to move is now!

A side note. South Korea is heavily affected by the virus. As of yesterday, 977 cases and 11 deaths.

A civil servant working on the problem for the South Korean Ministry in charge of controlling the virus committed suicide. He jumped off a bridge in Seoul.

No word yet as to whether his suicide was connected in any way with coronavirus.

Enjoy your day!

The world is moving! Major events occurring. I am limiting today’s blog to 2 topics. Detail makes each long.

First however Tino.

My friend has appeared in the Batwoman movie and TV series. Amazing!

Two photos today. Tino in Gotham City.

Tino a homeless person. Seems to play that part a lot. He is sitting in front of the Chicago City Hall. The building has been prepared for the shooting. Covered in graffiti. A homeless camp in front.

Tino told me it cost a fortune to prepare the site for shooting.

Trump has what he and its members consider a personal military force. Shock troops. The Border Patrol. The Border Patrol works in tandem with ICE.

Having observed Trump’s development of ICE the 3 years he has been in office, I have written and spoken of ICE as Trump’s Gestapo. Border Patrol has been in the news in recent months. I have joined them with ICE in being a part of what can be viewed as Trump’s Gestapo.

Trump’s 2021 budget contains billions of dollars to expand his system of detention centers, build more of his wall, and deploy more ICE, Border Patrol and other paramilitary forces.

Border Patrol forces are considered “elites.”

Last week, the Trump administration announced the Border Patrol would be deployed to sanctuary cities to assist regular ICE agents. Such should be viewed as Trump’s next step in his campaign of violence, threats, intimidation, harassment, and brutality against non whites, emigrants, immigrants, and refugees.

The Border Patrol has its own way of thinking. ICE’s attitude similar. They do not believe they are “civilian” law enforcement agencies. They believe they are kin to the Marine Corps. They believe they are not accountable to Congress. Which is probably why they had no problem with lying before Congress, even while under oath.

Would you believe?

There is more.

They believe they are only accountable to the President. And, only President’s like Trump.

Even more.

They do not believe they are answerable to local police, FBI, CIA, or any other law enforcement agency. They claim to be the “premier” law enforcement agency, superior to all others.

Their intent is to become a “national police force.” To be used by a President to enforce laws even among U.S. citizens.

Why haven’t we heard this?

It is claimed that last year there was an announcement re certain tasks the Border Patrol and ICE would be performing together. Their training involved facilities designed to stimulate the buildings they might encounter in American cities and towns.

They have been and are being trained in tactics, strategies and weaponry used by special forces and other commandos.

Yesterday’s evils long thought banished from civilized societies are reappearing with alarming speed. Concentration camps for Uighurs in China (the largest mass detention center since the Holocaust) to migrant detention centers in the U.S. at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Fort Sill is an Army post. Historically, it was used as a reservation for dispossessed Native Americans. Then as an internment camp for Japanese-American citizens during World War II. Planned to next be utilized as a “holding pen” for migrants. Infers people are animals.

A banality of evil in the making. Chilling in effect. Beware!

Now to the “recession.”

What recession? Is the big one here yet?

I have been prophesying for 2 years that the U.S. was headed for a recession. A big one! Bigger than 2008. Similar to the 1929 Big Depression if world wide.

No such recession yet. In spite of the tariff wars, manufacturing and retail businesses cutting back or closing down. I sometimes think Trump by words, not deeds, is keeping the stock market up. Always the best economy ever, look at the market!

A new acute problem has come from left field. Coronavirus. Appears to be a world wide epidemic in the making.

The market dropped more than 1,000 points yesterday. The third worse one day drop in 124 years. The drop amounted to 3.56 percent.

This morning, the market opened wit a tepid rebound before returning to yesterday. A 388 point drop. At the moment, it is 275 points. The market is struggling to come back as it usually does.

Not sure it will succeed. If it does, the resurrection will be short lived. Bad days ahead.

The immediate cause is coronavirus and how it is and could affect the world. China an absolute disaster. Italy all of a sudden on the rise. Iran reporting the virus.

Compounding the problem are Trump’s tariff wars. They were leading us to a recession. Coronavitus has accelerated the pace.

Coronavirus is affecting commerce. Airlines are cancelling flights. Cruise lines likewise.

Coronavirus and the tariff crossed paths. Married. A union not made in Heaven.

I do not blame Trump for coronavirus. Though he will be responsible for its handling in the U.S. His preparation for the disease’s onslaught lacking in many respects. I plan on addressing this issue in tomorrow’s blog.

I do blame Trump for the tariff wars. No explanation required.

Enjoy your day!