Amazing the path life experiences take us.

Valentine’s Day, for example.

Born of pure unadulterated sex. The ancient Roman festival Lupercalia. Pagan fertility rites and the pairing off of women by lottery.

At the end of the fifth century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day.

The poet Chaucer in the Middle Ages was the first to link St. Valentine with romantic love.

Today, lovers express their affection with greetings and gifts.

I recall vividly my early grammar school years. St. Valentine’s Day was a big deal! We exchanged little love cards and candy. It was exciting. I can recall sitting at the kitchen table the night before deciding which of my female class mates would receive a card from me. Wondering whether each would give me a card the next day.

A day dedicated to love! Making your special one feel even more valued.

A few love lines remembered by all. Aristotle’s…..Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies. Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s…..How do I love thee, let me count the ways.

In researching this morning, I came across an extremely sensitive  love statement. Surprisingly spoken by Judy Garland…..For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul.

The face of Tino.

Tino is an interesting person. Seventy seven, still active, and earning money. An art photographer saw Tino while he was performing as an extra. He asked to take Tino’s picture. A black and white photo solely of Tino’s face.

The photographer advised Tino he would be showing the photo shortly in an exhibition. I can understand why. The photo reflects character and strength. It can be said to touch one’s soul.

My yesterday began with haircut time. As always, Lori most enjoyable. She looks fine. A few months ago she had to take 2 months off. She was sick. Appears to have fully recovered.

While Lori was cutting my hair, I noticed a young boy having his hair cut on the opposite side of the room. I could only see the back of his head. He was relatively short, his hair blond and short also. A boy’s haircut.

Seemed like the hairdresser was working on the young man forever. A haircut is a haircut!

I asked Lori why the haircut was of the young boy was taking so long. She quietly laughed and said it was no boy, a woman! In fact, a mother. Her little girl was standing to her front.

When I was leaving, I could see the “young boy’s” face. Absolutely beautiful!

Then to Harpoon Harry’s for lunch. Chatted with some locals.

The cupboard was bare and so it was off to Publix for groceries.

I do not take the cane into Publix when shopping. The cart is more than enough support.

About one third through my shopping, I suddenly became tired. Extremely so. Thought I was going to pass out. Left the cart in the middle of the aisle and walked out of the store.

Sat in my car a while. Though still a bit groggy, started for home. I figured my car was like a horse of old and could find its way home.

Laid down for a while. Remained exhausted.

Dorothy Downs is an old friend. I was to meet her at 6:30 at the Chart Room.

Dorothy is an author. Her husband of many years died 2 years ago. She lives in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area. She retains the Key West home she and her husband had, also.

She had called in the morning to say she had written another book and wanted to know if I would read the transcript. The book not published as yet. I agreed.

Dorothy has written 3 previous novels. Art of the Florida Seminole and Miccosukee Indians, Patchwork: Seminole and Miccosukee Art and Activities, and Canoe Back in Time.

She inferred the transcript she wanted me to read was different from her prior works.

It was 4 o’clock and I continued to be exhausted. Called Dorothy and begged off our meeting for last night. It has been rescheduled for this evening.

I continued to be tired and slept off and on till 9 in the evening. Have no idea why I was so tired.

I think this good living might be too much for me!

The great whites are getting bigger! Climate change?

A 20 footer was seen a mile off shore from the Breakers in 55 feet of water. Eleven scuba divers were in the water at the time. They spotted the great white beneath them.

All reported how excited they were. None spoke of fear.

Barr’s rebuke tweet of Trump yesterday interesting. A stunning surprise. The two were and perhaps still are attached.

Questions arise. Was the tweet merely to cover Barr’s ass professionally? Was Trump aware it was coming? If Barr should be gone, can Trump function without an Attorney-General who does his bidding all the time? Was the tweet an act of insubordination?

Finally, many who were close to Trump have eventually left or been fired. Is Barr on his way out?

Trump lies in an unending fashion. Were he Pinocchio, his nose would have fallen off by this time caused by the sheer weight of the lies.

In November, Trump denied sending Giuliani to the Ukraine to discover damage information re Biden. Yesterday, he admitted he did while being interviewed by Geraldo Rivera.

How does Trump keep track of his lies? Has he reached a point where he cannot remember what he said previously? Or is it that he is emboldened by his acquittal and doesn’t care?

Donald has a tough life in this regard.

“I knocked on Hell’s door.” The words of a recovered 21 year old coronavirus victim. He fortunately has recovered.

He resides in Wuhan where the epidemic began and is at its worst.

The young man also said, “I suffered from high fever and pains that tortured every part of my body…..I was coughing like l was going to die.”

Stay healthy!

Enjoy your day!

It’s the little things that are important. Paving Simonton street beginning February 18 is one.

Simonton is a major Key West thoroughfare. I travel it every time I go to the Chart Room.

For several years, it has been a mess. Not potholes like up north. The road merely sinks in spots. Just as bad as a pothole.

I have complained off and on for several years. Fix Simonton! To no avail. My voice one in the wilderness.

Finally, it will begin. I am thrilled. Excited. That is  how much the repair work is needed and how happy I and others will be.

The ultra right continues to insult those on the left. Demean and speak poorly of liberals.

Ann Coulter’s “liberalism is a mental disorder” is on the move again.

An informal survey was done by an outfit called Slate Star Code. More than 8,000 surveyed. The survey found left wing thinkers more likely to have been diagnosed with a mental disorder.

Like having been “formally diagnosed with depression, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.”

Wowie! I have been a nut all my life!”

The survey further revealed 38 percent of those questioned identified politically as Marxists.

The ultra right qualify as crazies to the nth degree.

Sick people. The survey itself sick.

They forget who there leader is. Donald Trump. Can anyone be further out? How many of the mental conditions mentioned define him?

Me thinks Republicans should look in their own backyard before criticizing liberals in such fashion.

History speaks of many tyrants. How they gradually obtained control, conducted themselves while in power, and the ultimate ruination they brought to their country.

There are more than Donald Trump.

He has been compared to Adolph Hitler in the 1930’s. I worry that Trump will leave the U.S. looking like Berlin when the Allied troops entered.

It could happen. It has happened before.

Attorney General Barr has agreed to appear before the House Judiciary Committee March 31. Roughly 6 weeks hence.

Why so long? He is involved in many things requiring immediate attention. Six weeks is too long to wait. Things have been moving since Trump’s “acquittal. What next? How many more “wrongs” have to be committed?

There definitely will be many more in the next 6 weeks.

A patient bleeding internally requires immediate attention. Otherwise, the patient could be dead in 6 weeks.

I was raised to pay my bills. Bill paying was an obligation. I suspect most of you were so raised.

Student debt is a major continuing problem. Placing a hold on moving ahead in life while paying the bill post-education.

Many bills in excess of $100,000.

Student college debt today exceeds $1.7 trillion. Thirty percent of that amount is in default or delinquency. Student debtors exceed 44 million.

Former students are revolting. Refusing to pay. Screw you their attitude. They have gone on “strike” in refusing to pay.

An organization called Debt Collective has been formed  which encourages them to avoid payment. Composed of a group of activists who met during Occupy Wall Street 10 years ago.

My generation and those that immediately followed had no where to borrow. Loan money for education was unheard of.

So those of us who did not have parents who could afford to pay for our educations worked.

Two to three jobs constantly in addition to classes.

None of us considered it an imposition or tough. It was something that had to be done in order to get an education. We made it and graduated owing no one anything.

I must admit had a loan program been available, I would have been first in line to borrow.

Something has to be done to help those presently burdened with near impossible of repayment loans. The Democrats are talking about it. Hopefully no matter who is elected, a solution will be arrived at.

Whether a solution becomes available, there will remain one unquestionable problem. These kids now young adults will never understand the propriety and necessity of pay back.

Staying with debt for a moment, the Federal Reserve Bank reported U.S. debt exceeds $14 trillion for the first time. Borrowing has increased for 22 consecutive quarters.

Debt can be somewhat comparable to part of the marriage vow: Till death do us part. As to debt: Until debt tears us apart.

The saga of May Johnson continues. On this day in 1896, May wrote in her diary that after dinner she went to La Brisa with her “Mama.” La Brisa was a resort at the end of Simonton on the Atlantic.

They returned home. May combed her hair and returned with Charlie to La Brisa. Apparently Miguel was not there. May wrote, “My how I did miss Miguel.”

Three years later of February 13, the Key West Electric Street Railway operated its first car on Duval Street. Carried almost 500 passengers the first night.

The street car went to the Atlantic. Simonton was one short block from the end of the street car line. People began using the line to get to the La Brisa Resort. May Johnson’s favorite place.

The Keys Electric people were smart. They also owned La Brisa. Smart in the sense that the street car line could deliver La Brisa customers to the resort.

Finally though not the least important…..Tino. This time performing as a flower street peddler. Amazing the many diversified parts Tino can perform.

Enjoy your day!

Title says it all! We are in trouble! Trump does not know when to stop.

Problem is Trump thinks as President he is almighty, all powerful. He is not. Everyone knows it but him. If he read more and thought American, he would be aware.

Trump is interfering with the Judicial part of out government. A separate and distinct body in every respect, including power.

Four Americans stood up to him. The 4 Justice Department attorneys handling Roger Stone’s case. Per custom and law, they had submitted to federal Judge Amy Berman Jackson the government’s recommendation as to sentencing. Seven to nine years.

Trump had the Justice Department recommend a revision of the sentencing recommendation. The Justice Department in this instance being Barr himself.

The 4 attorneys withdrew from the case immediately. One even quit his position at the Justice Department.

During the past few days as this scenario was unfolding, Trump was tweeting all sort of nasty things about Judge Jackson and others involved.

Barr stepped in and said he was taking over. Forthwith he was going to be handling all cases the President had a personal interest in.

None of Barr’s business.

Trump is going to learn a lesson in this matter: Don’t screw with a federal district court judge! They are the most powerful in our governmental system and under the Constitution. Even more powerful than a President.

The wrath of the federal trial bench will befall him. Some judges may become blind in cases in which Trump is involved. What goes around, comes around!

If “justice” does not prevail in this matter, we are a step closer to becoming a tyrannical state.

Hillary Clinton in a tweet yesterday wrote: “Intimidating judges is the behavior of failed-state fascists.”

My day yesterday began early. Eight in the morning. Blood work.

Spent the rest of the day home till dinner time working on my Tuesday Talk blog radio show for last night.

Ran out for dinner. Shana Key. Good food, good company.

Twenty minutes of Tuesday Talk was eaten up with the Social Security/Medicare budget issue. Important enough to have taken that much time.

The show went well. Social Security, Medicare and Trump’s veracity close to my heart.

Big night ahead! Aqua Idol. Six o’clock at Aqua. Lynda Frechette’s fundraiser for the Waterfront Playhouse.

Not to be missed. Extremely entertaining!

Tino plays all sort of extra parts. Today, he is a prisoner. Third from right in photo. His back to us. Prisoner shirt, stubby, salt and pepper haired.

The New Hampshire primary was interesting. The mix moved a bit.

Sanders won. Buttigieg a close second. Klobuchar a strong third.

Sanders may be on borrowed time. His best states may be behind him. Klobuchar a flash in the pan. Buttigieg keeps moving ahead.

Biden and Warren may be yesterday’s news. However, there is still Nevada and Super Tuesday.

This whole thing may change dramatically once Bloomberg is in.

Key West loves Judy Blume! Judy and her husband must love Key West or they would not have settled here. Actually, settled has more than 1 location. They also have homes in New York City and the Hamptons.

Judy was born this day in 1938. Happy birthday, Judy!

Judy the famous author of children and young adult books. An occasional adult themed one along the way. Among others, she has authored Are You There God?, It’s Me, Margaret, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Blubber, and Forever.

Her books have sold 85 million copies world wide. They have also been translated into 30 plus languages.

Judy can be found daily at her special Key West love: Books & Books at the Studios of Key West.

The diary of May Johnson published daily in the Key West Citizen continues to garner interest. Especially her relationship with Miguel.

Continues to appear May’s mother does not like Miguel. May does. Yesterday’s February 11, 1896 entry has May visiting people and “then to Miguel’s.” Today’s entry: “Out for the evening: Miguel and I had it all to ourselves for a while. Ah much!’

Young love and a disapproving mother.

Things never change.

Cemeteries are wonderful places. Peaceful. The tranquility can be felt. Historical, also. Headstones tell stories.

The Key West Cemetery is beat up. The sun and salt air contributing factors. Then there are those stones/plots not cared for because the deceased’s families no longer reside in Key West.

Mayor Johnson has appointed an Historic Key West Cemetery Restoration Committee. Its mission a fact finding one. Determine how to restore the cemetery while maintaining its historical significance.

One of Key West’s more notable citizens in days gone by was Bum Farto. Key West’s fire chief, drug dealer, pimp, etc.

A checkered career.

The drug thing got him in trouble with the federal authorities. On this day in 1976, Bum was found guilty of 3 drug violations.

Bum faced 31 years in jail. He disappeared prior to sentencing. A Jimmy Hoffa type disappearance. Never seen since.

Bum and his story still available to locals and tourists. T-shirts. In Duval stores. Emblazoned on the front: Where Are You Bum Farto?

Trump is going to find out his “friends” may not be so. I refer to the birds of a feather thing. Though whose thinking and traits are similar.

The Philippine’s Duterte. In the process of proving that what goes around, can come around.

The situation arose when Trump had the visa of a Philippine senator revoked. Duterte waited a while. The visa was not returned.

Duterte took action.

The U.S. has a security agreement with the Philippines. Permits U.S. forces to be on the islands and train U.S. forces there.

Duterte unilaterally revoked the agreement. Sent a Notice of Termination to the U.S. Embassy. With the admonition that the agreement would not be reinstalled unless terms were “favorable” to the Philippines. The agreement would also be required to be of  “mutual benefit to both countries.”

Both sides can play the game!

Voltaire’s words have meaning in today’s society where the hand of Trump is becoming heavier: “If you want to know who controls you, look at who you are not allowed to criticize.”

Enjoy your day!

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!