I saw a different Donald Trump on TV this morning. He was announcing the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi last night.

U.S. military personnel on a special mission in North Syria successfully attacked and killed the leader of ISIS.

The Trump I saw this morning was humble. Modest. I would have expected the Trump we have all come to know.

He was reading. From a screen that must have been directly in front of him.

How this raid in north Syria ties in with all we have heard in the past 2 weeks with the U.S. in and out of Syria, I do not know. Confusing.

The death of the ISIS leader was a major accomplishment for Trump. As he himself described, it was “very big.”

The Masquerade March was friday night. A traditional Fantasy Fest event. Different from other events.

Thousands of participants. Al costumes. Mostly locals. Costuming the direct opposite of toga party and other events this past week. Clothes on rather than off.

My hairdresser Lori participates every year. She, her husband, and friends dressed as the Village People. They had music playing. The recording sang and they sang.

The marchers festive though sedate.

The march begins at the cemetery. Goes up Fleming. Not sure where after.

There are parties galore along the way. Porch parties. Drinking and whooping it up. Cheering the marchers on.

I have never marched. I have participated by attending several porch parties over the years.

The Fantasy Fest Parade was last night.

I did not attend. It is not just age, parking a big problem. I live one island up. Need to drive in. No matter how early I got to the parade in yeas past, it did not work for me. I had to park a mile away and walk or parked somewhere that my car was towed. Towed 3 times. Cost over $200 each time to get my car back.

The last time, it ws 2 in the morning and pouring. My car gone. Called Donna. Got her out of bed. She drove me to Stock Island to recover my car.

The cost was $225. I gave the guy a credit card. He said we don’t take cards. I said I only have a $100 on me. He said, no problem. We’ll take the $100.

Rip off?

Sandy Feet is a commenter to this blog. This morning she wrote the crowd not as big this year. Does not surprise me. I suspect Fantasy Fest in general is receding as time goes by.

I was on a float one year. Howard Livingston’s.

First and last time for me. Bead throwing too much work! I and my fellow floaters were exhausted by the time the parade ended. We threw out 23,000 beads. Maybe 10 of us.

There is an exceptional thrill during the parade. The floats come down Front Street. as soon as the turn is made onto Duval, it is a different world! Thousands of people. As far as the eye can see. An overwhelming feeling. All screaming at the top of their lungs.

Who to throw beads to? Everyone yelling with raised arms for beads to be thrown to them.

I went a different route.

I noticed early on there were many people in wheel chairs. Up front. But could not move around to get beads. they were being cheated.

So I made it my responsibility to throw them beads. Most of the beads I threw were to the wheel chair persons. I would get their eye and aim. Generally the beads ended up right in their laps.

Halloween is 4 days away. I enjoyed Halloween when my children were young. I enjoyed it with Robert and Ally as they were growing.

My kids are all in their 50’s and early 60’s. Robert and Ally are now 15 and 14. They don’t want to walk with Poppa while they do trick or treat. Or whatever they do at their present age.

A major joy in my life is no more.

An adult event Halloween can be found from 6-9 at Mary Ellen’s on Applerouth. Three hours of viobrator races. Worth seeing. Betting involverd. The receipts go to charity. A significant amount has been raised in the 2 years the races have been held.

Yes, “Vibrator” means vibrator. The sexual toy.

Olga hit Louisiana with heavy rains yesterday. Pablo now a tropical storm in the Gulf. Around the Azores at the moment. Will not be a danger to Florida.

Spoke with Lori yesterday. Hate my hair! The gel, also! We’re going back to a bald head. The only hair on my head will be the beard.

She laughed. I did, too. My appointment is tuesday at 3:15.

Heinz makes ketchup and mayonnaise. Heinz has combined the 2. Called “Mayochup.” Described by one who tried the new product as a “total gastronomic protonic reversal.” Whatever that means.

Our freedos keep getting eroded. An example is a debtor’s prison situation. Debtor’s prisons are illegal in the U.S. Everywhere in the U.S. No exceptions. Or, supposedly so.

A Philadelphia Court involved.

Maurice Hudson is 29. He received 2-4 years on a burglary charge in 2009. Served his time.

The Judge a Genese Brinkly. She keeps calling him back to court.

Attached to Hudson’s sentence was $1, 941 in court costs.

He served his time. He never paid the court costs. The Judge wants the costs paid. Each time Hudson appeared re the court costs, he told the Judge he is a “struggling father.” He is raising “two kids with special needs.” He works a part time job as a janitor for which he is paid $150 a week.

The Judge recently told Hudson she was sick of his excuses. She sentenced him to state prison for 1 1/2 – 3 years for not paying the court costs. The Judge said, it was “absolutely necessary to vindicate the authority of the court.”

What happen to debtor’s prison being illegal?

Someone estimated the cost of incarcerating Hudson to 3 years in jail for failing to pay the court costs of $1,941. It will cost taxpayers $180,000.

As Forrest Gump said, “Stupid is as stupid does.”

Mighty Casey struck out again yesterday. Syracuse lost to Florida State 35-17. There is no joy in Mudville! Probably won’t be the rest of the season.

Syracuse played its first exhibition basketball game last night. Beat Daemen 90-71. An exhibition game.

Small schools play the larger ones at the beginning of the season for more than experience. The larger school is more affluent than the little one. The bigger school pays the small one six figures to come and get beat.

Sloan coming over at 1. Big afternoon ahead. Much to do.

Enjoy your Sunday!

I have wondered over the years where those watching the Fantasy Fest Parade sleep afterwards.

Sixty thousand to 70,000 will line the sidewalks watching the Parade. There are not accommodations to provide sleeping in all the keys for that number. Even if they sleep on the beaches and 10 to a room, still not enough space.

The thought occurs every year how the little island of Key West handles that number of visitors. I suspect that some year, Key West is going to slowly sink into the ocean the evening of the Parade from the sheer number of persons watching.

The Parade is 40 years old. Interestingly, the first Parade was on this day in 1979. It had 26 floats and 10,000 observers. Recent years reflect the Parade’s growth. Anywhere from 50-70 floats, anywhere from 60,000-80,000 observers.

People standing along Duval as the Parade passes by. Yelling and screaming for the beads being thrown off floats. Some actually begging. Some women actually life their blouses/tee shirts to expose their breasts. I know. I was on a float once throwing beads.

Some sell their soul to the country store. Tonight all will sell their souls for beads!

I kid you not.

Burger King on the Boulevard took a beating during Irma. I suspect Burger King was looking for a reason to leave the spot. It seemed to always be doing little business.

Popeyes is replacing Burger King. The sign went up yesterday. Not officially open yet, however.

I love Popeye chicken. Better stated, used to. I have not had it in 20 years. Every summer for many years, we would drive to the South Jersey Shore. Stone Harbor. On the way down and on the way back stopped at a Garden State rest spot for lunch. They served Popeyes chicken. To die for!

I look forward to the new one being opened in Key West.

An interesting side note. Popeyes is not named after Popeye the Sailor Man. Recall the movie The French Connection. Popeye Doyle is one of the detectives. Popeyes named after Popeye Doyle.

Everyone knows B.O.’s Fish Wagon on the corner of Caroline and William Street. Most think such has always been B.O.’s location.

Not so.

Bo’s was originally located on Duval. For many years. B.O.’s was required to move. Its building (the shack) and everything that went with it were moved on this day in 1994 to its present location.

Business still good,if not better, than when on Duval.

A diver got a bit screwed up thursday. Call put in that the man had not returned. He was found soon thereafter safe and clinging to an electricity pole. No other information available.

The toga party thursday night was enough Fantasy Fest for me. I stayed in and watched the World Series. Houston beat Washington 4-1. Washington leads the series 2-1.

Earlier in the day, stopped by Lori’s for a haircut.

My beard is coming in well. The little hair on my head has not been well for years. Lori and I talked a couple of weeks ago. The decision was made to let my hair grow.

It has been 2 weeks. Looks like hell! Grows every which way.

Lori says it will take time. She gave me a jar of gel to use. She put it on.

I frequently looked in the mirror all day and night. Horrible! Hair flat. However still in every direction and the grease obvious.

I am waiting for 10 this morning to call Lori. Get me in as soon as possible. We are going back to a bald head!

Wanted to have lunch after the “haircut.” Cuban Coffee Queen the destination. Good luck! Nowhere nearby to park. It’s Fantasy Fest! Drove home and made myself a sandwich.

War was in the air this day in 1962. Between the U.S. and Cuba. More likely, the U.S. and Russia.

A U.S. Army missile battalion arrived in Key West. The Casa Marina Hotel was emptied. The Army moved in and made it their command post.

Still the storm season. Olga has arrived. A tropical storm. Developed in the Gulf of Mexico. Not expected to be a threat to Florida. Will make landfall in Louisiana.

Shootout at O.K. Corral. How many movies and different stars have we seen of the event. It’s a part of the U.S.’s western history.

The shootout occurred this day in 1881. In Tombstone. A name we have all heard. Wyatt Earp, his brothers and Doc Holliday. The bad guys the Clanton-McLaury gang.

The shootout took all of 30 seconds. Several dead. Wyatt Earp’s group won.

The United States is turning into a battlefield. Some believe “We the People” is becoming “We the Police State.” Especially under Trump.

Think about it.

Two days ago, it was announced the U.S. was sending tanks and troops into Syria to protect the oil fields. Yesterday, it was announced Russia had tanks and troops moving into Syria to protect the oil fields.

I have been reporting for at least 6 months that at the heart of the Syria problem was oil. No one was talking oil at the time. This past week is actually the first time oil has been prominently mentioned.

Oil is gold! Iran wants a piece of the oil fields also.

Trump is unhappy with the reporting of the New York Times and the Washington Post. They are on top of his every move and report accordingly.

Trump apparently has had enough. He issued a directive yesterday that no federal department/office could subscribe to either paper. All subscriptions were to be cancelled.

Sort of like an unhappy kid taking his football and going home.

Trump associate Kellyanne Conway has come up with another beauty. It has been a while since we have heard from her.

She claimed during an informal press conference yesterday that Trump cannot be held responsible for what he says. Nothing. Her reasoning is we do not know what is in a person’s heart, mind or soul. Only Trump knows what is in his.

Save me!

Enjoy your day!

A night of nights! Toga Party on Duval!

Even wore half a toga!

The evening was enjoyed with Fran and Tom Dixon. From Buffalo they have been visiting Key West for 40 years 3-4 times a year. Always avoided Fantasy Fest. Fran’s idea. She did not approve of the nudity.

Fran capitulated this week. I suspect her turning 69 next week had something to do with it. She is portraying a what the hell attitude this week.

We met at the Chart Room first last night. Tammy bartending.

Tammy showed us her toga. She was going to hit Duval when the Chart Room closed at midnight.

Fran, Tom and I dined on the deck at Pier 1. Fran showed me some pics of their week so far. Fran is making up for the years lost. She first showed me a picture of herself taken wednesday night.

I was shocked! Could not stop laughing! She went all the way. Bare breasted on Duval. Only 2 pasties covering.

She looked terrific! Should have done it years ago. Breasts to be proud of.

I was told of “our” game plan for toga party last night. Fran had bought 3 togas in the afternoon from Sloppy Joe’s. One for each of us. I moaned not me, as did Tom.

In any event, at the end of dinner Fran left to go across the street to change. When she returned…..WOW! She looked terrific in her toga.

She also brought the togas for Tom and me. Fortunately, we both were dressed. We slung the toga over one shoulder to make Fran happy.

Duval Street was magnificent! Especially in front to Sloppy Joe’s. Everything galore! Not just boobs. Many ladies wore nothing but a spray paint job. Even over their most private part.

The voyeur in me had a spectacular time! Good for the eyes, good for the soul!

This was my first toga party in a few years. Two noticeable changes. Very few wore togas. Bare or next to bare the costume of the evening. The other change was in age. Back when, most participants were young. Twentyish. Last night, older. Primarily 30’s to 50’s.

I had my picture taken several times with Fran and Tom. Even with one of the spray painted totally nude ladies. I plan on sharing them. Probably monday. Need Sloan to put them into the blog for me.

So much for toga party.

Wednesday night was the Fantasy Fest Pet Parade. An annual event.

Two cats won. Dressed as Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton.

In the Keys History section of the Citizen today is a photograph of Elena Hoyos. When she was alive at 17. An attractive young lady.

Elena is the young woman who died of tuberculosis in Key West. A Count Carl von Cosel had fallen in love with her. Two years after Elena died, he stole her body from the cemetery and brought the body to his home.

He slept with her for several years till the authorities became aware and separated the two.

The story of Elena and the Count remains one of Key West’s strange yet true happenings.

The Charge of the Light Brigade. An Alfred, Lord Tennyson poem. A recitation of a battle in the Crimean War in 1854. Between Great Britain and Germany.

On this day in 1854, the Charge occurred. The charge defied death. The odds overwhelming against the Brits.

The poem has always been one of my favorites. I have mentioned and repeated portions of it in other blogs over the years. I do so again today: “Half a league, half a league onward, / Half a league onward, / All in the valley of Death / Rode the six hundred….. / Cannon to the right of them, / Cannon to the left of them, / Cannon in front of them….. / Boldly they rode and well, / Into the jaws of Death, / Into the mouth of hell…..”

Syracuse/Florida State tomorrow afternoon at 3:30. Florida State a 10 point favorite.

It was a tough night in one respect for Tom and me. We are both die hard Syracuse fans. We discussed the unexpected poor year Syracuse football is experiencing. A knife to our hearts would be easier to take!

The Trump administration continues to cause me great concern. Trump is diabolical, never wrong, and always seeks revenge.

The Justice Department announced yesterday the inquiry into the reasons for the Mueller/Russia investigation was now an official one. Funny. The Department of Justice investigating itself.

I trust not decisions made by the Trump administration. This type investigation is scary. A witch hunt in reverse. This type investigation does not occur in a democracy. The U.S. supposedly a democracy. The title being lost under Trump. He continues to make the U.S. look like a third world country.

Beware, my friends. This type conduct could lead to ICE knocking on your doors in the middle of the night. Similar to Hitler’s Gestapo in the late 1930’s in Germany.

Trump lacks consistency. Syria one example. Three weeks ago in a singular telephone conference, Trump announced U.S. troops were being pulled out of Syria. Immediately. All of them.

It has been confusing ever since. Initially they were not pulled out. Then the number being pulled out changed almost daily. The right hand did not know what the left was doing. Yesterday, I thought we were all out. Could be. However the Pentagon’s announcement later in the day was to the effect that tanks and troops would be going into eastern Syria. Described as “additional forces.” To fight along side of the Kurds in protecting the oil fields in eastern Syria.

Strange. Once the U.S. dumped the Kurds, they made a deal with Assad. They do not need the U.S. any longer. Additionally, how does the oil field statement purport with Trump’s announcement the U.S. was getting out. Yes, the U.S. has gotten  out. However, only for a few days.

This oil field thing should not surprise you. I have been reporting on it for 6 months. My position has always been that Turkey, Russia, Iran, and the U.S, were primarily interested in Syria’s large deposits of crude oil.

It’s all about the oil!

Enjoy your day!

Tonight, tonight, won’t be just any night….

Toga Party!

At Sloppy Joe’s and the street outside.

My favorite Fantasy Fest evening. I am a voyeur at heart. Love to watch the ladies prance around, negotiate for beads, and exhibit their private parts.

A bad boy am I!

I shall be enjoying the evening with my friends Tom and Fran Dixon from Buffalo. They have been visiting Key West 3-4 times a year for 40 years. Never for Fantasy Fest. This year a first.

We are meeting at the Chart Room followed by dinner at Pier One. Then at 9:30 onto Duval. One block over to Sloppy Joe’s.

The toga party has become a fun ritual in modern society. Especially at college parties. The 1978 movie Animal House responsible.

Some look down upon toga parties. Considered by them a sexually deviant experience. Too bad, they know not the fun they miss.

A President held a toga party in the White House. Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The party to celebrate his 52nd birthday.

It was January 30, 1934. The wheel chair no hindrance to Roosevelt enjoying himself. He, his friends and close politicals were members of an informal organization the “Cuff Links Gang.” They were the attendees at the party.

Even Eleanor attended. In a toga!

The President was attired in a toga as were all other persons at the party.

Marian Wisherman was a well know suffragette and Eleanor’s friend. She wore a muslin toga garment. Her toga rests today for all to see in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum.

Strange though it may seem, the story a true one. Google FDR and toga party. Many photographs, most with the President in the middle.

Naked female breasts will be a part of the evening tonight.

Kokomo comments to this blog frequently. His response to something I wrote recently involved breasts. Kokomo quoted Bill Engvall who said, “God was having himself a good day when he made boobs.” When He completed making Eve, He told her to turn around. Something was missing. He added breasts.

I looked Bill Engvall up. A successful stand up American comedian. Also, an ordained minister.

Masturbation next. Seems to be a sex day.

Several years ago, I published in a local newspaper an article concerning the subject. Both humorous and sad. I will be republishing it as part of the blog one day next week.

Today a quote on the subject. Thomas Szasz, a fellow at the American Psychiatric Association, wrote in one of his papers: “Masturbation is the primary sexual activity of mankind. In the nineteenth century it was a disease; in the twentieth it is a cure.”

The article to be republished next week deals with the 19th century.

“Human scum!”  Love Trump! He sets a high standard for the children of America.

The entire phrase he uttered was “Never Trump Republicans are human scum.”

He has to whip his followers up in any fashion he can. Soon, they will begin drifting.

The 25-30 Republican House members who improperly and illegally entered the room where the hearing was taking place were wrong. It was against the law for them to be there and to also bring in cellphones.

The “men” behaved like babies. Cry babies.

They delayed the hearing 5 hours.

There were 2 security officers. Capitol Police. They should have arrested all of them. You fight fire with fire.

They were not arrested because Chairman Schiff decided to wait them out rather than have them arrested.

Chairman Schiff: Next time arrest them!

No one seems to respect the law in Washington. First, the President. Now a number of Republican House members.

It seems Republican are more prone to stretch and break the law than Democrats.

Abraham Lincoln is a person who became a Republican. When he was elected President, he was a Republican. Prior thereto, he was a Whig. The new Republican Party consisted of many former Whigs.

Young Lincoln was not reluctant to break/stretch the law. He did so in somewhat of a radical fashion on December 5, 1840.

Lincoln was a member of the Illinois Legislature. His vote important. It was in opposition to whatever the other side wanted to do. A quorum was needed for the vote.

The opposition had had the doors to the Chamber locked.

To avoid voting, Lincoln and 2 of his fellow legislators jumped out a second floor window.

Smile. Good ole, Abe. However what he did was wrong. He broke the law. His ass was required to be in the legislative chamber, not flying out a second story window.

The 25-30 Republican House members who in effect took over the Committee Room did not belong there. They broke a couple of laws.

The Quinnipiac Poll came out yesterday. Fifty five percent of the people support the impeachment inquiry. Up 4 points from last week.

Forty eight percent were for impeachment and removal.

Enjoy your day!

It happens. You reach a point in life where the most common recurring thing is falling.

I am motivated to write about seniors falling because of Jimmy Carter. He is 95. He has fallen 3 times in recent months. The first resulted in a hip replacement. The second 14 stitches to the head. The third a few days ago. Fractured his pelvis.

I am no stranger to falling.

Seven years ago, I began falling. Doctor sent me to physiotherapy. Did it 3 times a week for 6 months. I had to learn to walk again and watch where I was stepping. Especially where steps were concerned. Seniors seem to miss steps both on the way up and on the way down.

I was ok till a year ago. Started falling again. Everywhere. For no reason at all. Just fell!

The past few months have introduced a new fall to me. Backwards. I am walking and all of a sudden go down in reverse.

Don’t laugh. Can be dangerous. Most seniors take blood thinners. The blood thins. Extreme bruising common. Two months ago, I fell backwards in my kitchen. My head bounced twice on the tile floor. Took me 20 minutes to get on my feet.

Doctor was concerned I might have a brain bleed. No skull fracture. However if there was a leak within the skull, it had to be treated immediately. Could die after 3 days. Treated immediately is brain surgery. A hole drilled in the skull and the leak taken care of. Referred to as a subdural hematoma.

So it was off to the hospital for a CAT scan or MRI of my head. Can’t recall which. Fortunately, I was ok. No leak.

I talked about the senior falling problem on my blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. There was a specific reason. I repeat that  reason here.

Doctors treat the symptoms from a fall. What about the cause?

The medical profession seems to think differently about the elderly. When you are old, everything that happens is blamed on age and treatment is limited. I have been told more than once that I have outlived the books.

The cause must be determined.

It would also be a money saver for Medicare and health insurance plans were a cause discovered and treated so not to return again. Or, for a long time.

Irma was a little more than 2 years ago. The pain and suffering continues. Problems remain to be resolved. The reason always money. The federal government promised and has failed to meet their promises. Understandable. Not enough money to go around.

There will be a “mini celebration” thursday at canal #197 in Marathon. Avenue D off Coco Plum Drive.

The event to celebrate the last canal having been drenched. The canals had to be cleaned out. Parts of homes, boats, trees, etc. ended up in the canals. Boats could no longer travel the canals nor humans use them for swimming.

Monroe County responsible. The County to be congratulated. Estimated cost was $45 million. The County completed the work for $30 million. And, finished the job ahead of schedule.

One problem. The federal government owes tremendous amounts of money for the canal cleanup and other recovery activities. I doubt there will ever be a proper reimbursement.

Fantasy Fest continues.

Each day brings a slew of more events. Too many to list here. Let me share some of today’s better ones with you.

An out of the ordinary event is the Pet Parade at the Amphitheater. If you love dogs, this is for you. For people things, Lucy’s Blue Party, Smokin’ Tuna’s Homemade Bikini Contest (always a favorite), and the Air Sex Championships at First Flight (new, sex based).

Everything is sex. Cowboy Bill’s has the Sexy Bull Riding Contest, the Desire Male Fetish Party (for men only) at the New Orleans, and the Dungeon of Dark Secrets at the Bourbon Street Bar.

Something for everyone.

Trump seems to know not what he is doing. First, he gives the Kurd portion of Syria away. Turkey brings Putin in and gives him a small piece. Putin the new kid on the block. The leader! Out in the open, not in the background.

Trump announced yesterday he might want to send troops back in. To protect the oil.

I have been writing for months that the primary reason for the Syrian War was its crude oil. They have a huge supply source. Trump wanted it. As did Putin. Turkey wants a piece as does Iran.

Except for the U.S., they will all receive that which they seek.

No way would Syria and Russia agree to the U.S. returning or the U.S. getting a piece of the oil action.

In the meantime, the effects of Trump stabbing the Kurds in the back are obvious. Whole communities destroyed. People do not have shelter. Nor personal goods. Clothes all destroyed at the same time their homes were. Food a problem. Where to go a problem.

Our close friends the Kurds now dislike us. Hate a better word.

I saw on TV yesterday a Kurd mother with 2 small children. She told the reporter she and her children had nothing left but the clothes on their backs. The reporter asked how she felt about the U.S. Her response…..They are “like rats, running away.”

The Kurds are throwing potatoes and tomatoes at the U.S. troops as they leave.

The U.S. the most noble of nations so treated. Unfortunately did not have to be. Though the insults are deserved. Trump with one telephone call turned friends into enemies.

Enjoy your day

A Morning Stew!

I have some medical tests later in the morning. Ergo, Morning Stew. No organization. Material set forth in order it appears in my notes.

Enjoy!

Last night Dueling Bartenders. Terri White singing. Rick Dery accompanying her. Nothing could be better!

Expected to meet Jean Thornton. We planned on having dinner later at La Trattoria. Jean waiting. Not alone. With Buffalo’s Tom and Fran Dixon. They had arrived in the morning for a week’s stay.

Love ’em!

Fran worries about me. Brings food to keep me going. Home made sauce in jars with chunks of pork, high carb bread, special cookies, etc. All things I no longer can eat. We decided a donation was in order. To Lisa to feed the family.

The three of us made plans to spend thursday night together. Dinner followed by Toga Party in front of Sloppy Joe’s. Tom and Fran have never seen! I am taking them down the path to hell and perdition.

Dinner with Jean at La Trattoria followed. Finally, people! Tons of them! It is Fantasy Fest Week and they are coming in. Many waiting for tables.

It was about 10 when we left. A hug and kiss. Jean went one way to get her bike. I the other to get my car.

Walking over Duval, I saw my first set of naked breasts. Against the law, but what the hell! I doubt the police would arrest this couple.

Appeared 60ish. Midwesterners. Clad in regular everyday clothes. Bodies out of shape.

Woman about 5 foot. Wearing shorts. Period! Walking with her aged breasts exposed. A smile on her face, a smile on her husband’s face.

I see this every year. People from a small town somewhere who would never engage in any risque activity come to Fantasy Fest. The group referred to generally older. Church goers I am sure. Have been itching to do something “bad” for years.

Last night was this woman’s time. She had a bright smile. Her husband looking at her with pride.

God bless them!

My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Tons to talk about from Key West to Washington to Syria to Iraq. A quick moving half hour. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

The Syrian “cease fire” ends today. I expect the cease fire to immediately be rekindled.

The Kurds have one idea how little land they are giving up. The Turks much more.

Another screwed up deal arranged by the Trump Administration.

What I find difficult to understand is how this “misunderstanding” could occur. Ineptness and lack of preparation most likely.

The war will recommence. Thousands of Kurds, both military and civilian, slaughtered. Brutal execution of Kurds roadside.

Good job, Donald!

Wow! A recent article re a housing boom scary. There is no housing boom. No rising prices. Prices stagnant. Except in Key West.

Buyers are lacking. In spite of low mortgage rates. Except in Key West.

Could be a prelude to a recession.

I loved New York City museums!

When I was a practicing attorney and had business in New York, I always left time for Louis to visit one or more museums. One was MOMA. It reopened yesterday after being closed 4 months to complete a $450 million renovation.

Another the Guggenheim. The third of my favorites. Not because of the art. Rather the construction of the building.

The building looks like an inverted cupcake from the outside. Inside, there are no floors per se. Rather there is a revolving walkway. An incline or decline depending which way you were going.

Hard work walking up. Easier coming down. The Guggenheim had an elevator. I would take the elevator to the top and walk downhill in effect.

The third my favorite. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Especially the Impressionist wing. Blew my mind! I would sit on a bench and just look.

Robert has his learner’s permit. Youngsters are permitted to get one at 15 in Florida.

A couple of days ago, his father took him out for his first lesson. They returned with a large dent in a front fender.

Lisa’s a wreck! Out of concern for Robert, not the car.

Austin, Texas has come up with a plan that hopefully will help its homeless problem. The homeless are hired to clean the City. Fifteen dollars an hour. Not a paltry sum. They are also provided free lunches and transportation to and from work.

The game plan is not to be benevolent. It is to get the homeless back to work and self supporting. The plan is they go from the City job to another in the work place. Gets them off the “homeless rolls.” Saves the City monies.

Hopefully it will work. Time will tell.

Midwest farmers can’t win. First Trump’s tariff wars. Especially with China. Has hurt the farmers badly economically. Now came the “historic midwest blizzard” this past week. Two feet of snow in several states. Drifts up to 5 feet.

The storm came just before harvest. Wheat, corn, and potato fields destroyed.

Many farms will be lost to banks, prices for wheat, corn, and potatoes will go up. A bad scene all around.

Many of us in Key West now have a new “movie star” friend. Chicago’s Tino Gonzalez.

Tino and his wife Maria were snowbirds for many years. Owned a place in Old Town. Sold it a few years ago and returned to be near family in Chicago. Tino is a retired federal agent.

Tino is working as a movie/TV extra in the Chicago area. His most recent involvement the 10/20/19 Batwoman show.

Go for it Tino! An Academy award or Emmy. We love you!

This year’s Fantasy Fest King and Queen were crowned friday night at the Truman Waterfront Amphitheater. Ryhan Acker and Karen Fran-Noli.

They will be leading the parade saturday night in a float made for a King and Queen.

Francis D. McCorkle once lived in Key West. A well known children’s book author.

His home in Key West no more. It was Houseboat Row on South Roosevelt Boulevard. His houseboat Sea Dog.

McCorkle’s houseboat the first on Houseboat Row.

McCorkle died in 1960. He never knew the furor between the State and Houseboat Row that would ensue many years later. The State wanted the houseboats moved. Houseboat Row owners refused. The lawsuits took years. Finally, the State won.

A movie was filmed in Key West beginning on this date in 1974. Ninety Two in the Shade starring Peter Fonda.

The withdrawal of American forces from Syria disgraceful. A stain on America’s soul. The Kurds and U.S. worked hand in hand for 5 years to defeat ISIS. Now because of Trump’s stupid move pulling U.S. forces out, the Kurds face death in large numbers. Displacement. Executions. Eleven thousand ISIS fighters released from prison.

The Kurdish people are very unhappy with us. As represented by U.S. troops pulling out the past 2 days. U.S. troops were pelted with potatoes and tomatoes. People were shouting “No America” and “America liar.”

Great move, Donald!

Trump said he was going to bring our troops home. A few days later he announced they were being sent to Iraq to be available in that region if needed.

One problem. The U.S. cannot stay in Iraq forever. Iraqi permission not given for a permanent deployment in Iraq. What happens when Iraq says, Go!

Another screw up by the President. Didn’t anyone know our troops could not stay forever or any significant length of time? Is anyone knowledgeable about these things in the White House?

Parachute jumping might be thought by many to have been a World War I or II invention. Not so. Parachute jumping goes back to 1797. Andre-Jacques Garnerin the man! Dropped from a hydrogen ball 3,200 feet in Paris.

The parachute was a 23 foot canopy attached to a bucket with suspension lines.

He dropped many times. His highest in 1802. From a height of 8,000 feet.

Fantasy Fest activities growing in number and interest. Today a Beach Bash at South Beach, Cocktails for Animal Tails at Rick’s, Tutu Pre-Party Walking Parade (bar crawl beginning at Mary Ellen’s), Captain Tony’s Party in Plaid (sexual inference), and Men of Labare Tighty Whitey Party at Bottle Cap.

Enjoy!

And enjoy your day!

A bit out of the norm today. Maybe the Fantasy Fest influence. Perhaps not. I have not participated as yet.

Whatever, enjoy.

I inadvertently came across an interesting article yesterday: “14 Ways to Pee Outdoors for Women.” I hit a wrong key. Up came a series of off beat articles. One was the peeing one.

Curiosity got the better of me. I read it.

Interesting. I recommend it to the ladies. Even the men. There are some bits of information that might prove helpful to a man.

The article was published in Exploring Wild 3/30/19.

The writert a female. An explorer. She was hiking and biking in a remote region of Patagonia. I did not know where it was either. Looked it up. Located in a remote region of Chile. Popularly known as the Southern Highway.

The author’s 2 week trip gave impetus to the pee article.

Remote was remote. Necessity became the mother of invention.

Worth reading. I am not going to delve into the details. Some ways I would never have thought of. Perhaps not all women either.

The article’s beginning spells out the 14 ways. Though graphic, not disgusting.

Various positions involved. Names distinctive. “Squat” seems big. Like squat, assisted squat, half squat, no squat. Even a guy style and a climber style.

Cleanliness is next to Godliness. A special concern of women especially. The how to’s following whatever left the body interesting. Toilet paper obviously. Air/drip dry, squirt bottle, left hand, skier/snowboarder methods, also.

The author (whose name does not appear with the article) claims, “I am now housebroken…..I’ve tried them all.”

Still with the human body.

Fantasy Fest is in bloom. Tonight more activities than last night. As it will be each succeeding evening.

Tonight, the 24th annual Kinky Carnival. At First Flight on Whitehead. Formerly, Kelly’s.

The ad for the party clearly says: No Kinky Costume, No Entry.

Ten years ago, I went to my one and only such party. When the place was Kelly’s.

Blame Donna!

Donna called me that evening. What are you doing tonight? Nothing, staying home. I have a party to go to. You come with me. Ok, I said.

She did not tell me the type of party or what I was to wear.

It was a house party. About 20 people. All dressed BD/SM. I knew about half the people. I noticed that the women were attired as dominatrixs, the men submissives. Everyone was playing the style out. Men being paddled by their wives/girlfriends. Some with collars around their necks and the woman holding the chain attached.

I came in khaki shorts and a dark blue tee shirt. I definitely was out of place. Told Donna I was leaving. She said don’t worry.

Donna was dressed for the night and the week. She had her chest spray painted that afternoon. A black leather like vest. Boobs and nipples obvious of course.

After a while, it was decided to go to the BSD/SM party at Kelly’s. Ok, I thought. When in Rome do as the Romans do. Also, I had never seen a BD/SM party and was curious.

The night began at Kelly’s door. They would not let me in. I was not properly attired. The girl handling the door was a pain in the ass. Finally, I told her Kelly and her husband were my neighbors in Key Haven and I wanted to see the husband. Sorry, his name escapes me at the moment. I knew Kelly was out of town.

My knowing the owners was the key. The young lady said Ok. But, you have to do one thing. Take off your tee shirt and hang it over your belt. Go in bare chested.

No problem. I complied.

A mistake.

The place was packed. Up and down. Very few female breasts covered. Some women walking around totally bare ass. Men generally wearing leather. Some nothing except a 2 inch by 6 inch piece of cloth covering their genitals.

Crosses everywhere. Men and women hanging on various ones. Each being beaten/whipped by the opposite sex. A few by the same sex. Lines in front with people waiting their turn to be hung.

A crazy place!

All of a sudden, I was being attacked. A lovely young lady came up, grabbed my bare nipples, and twisted them. Hard! She smiled and left. Quickly, 2 others did the same thing.

The procedure hurt. I was neither thrilled nor turned on.

As a fourth young lady approached, I saw the glint in her eyes. I said screw this to myself. As her hands went up for my nipples, I grabbed hers and twisted them. Was she upset!

I did this to 2 others and my problem was solved. No one dared touch my nipples the rest of the time I was there.

I stayed only an hour. Lost Donna. Knew few people. Mostly tourists in attendance. Could not get a drink. The bar 5 deep.

My evening over, I went home.

There are many parties tonight in addition to the BD/SM one. One at 24 North, an Awake the Dead Zombie After Party. A Beatles Tribute at the Green Parrot, at Sloppy Joe’s a Comic Capers Party. For the guys, Tops or Bottoms underwear party at the New Orleans House and Pool Bar.

The Zombie Bicycle ride was yesterday. The photo in this morning’s Key West Citizen reflected easily thousands participating. Riding bikes and tricycles. Participants painted and costumed.

It’s a small world! I referred yesterday to Burt Lancaster’s 2 connections to Key West. I was wrong. There are 4.

Charlene Chapman is a blog reader. Thank you, Charlene. She wrote her 2 sons are related to Burt Lancaster. Lancaster is their great uncle. His second wife Norma Anderson was the boys’ grandmother’s sister Dorothy Anderson Hall. Sort of complicated. Read it again slowly.

Though Charlene’s sons never met the star, their father did. He stayed at Lancaster’s home in California.

Charlene’s sons remain in Key West. One works for UPS on Duval. The other, a bartender at The Perry.

The cry of war is a definite impetus to get things done quickly.

It was Cuban Missile time.

On this day in 1962, there was need for a “temporary airport control tower” at the Key West Airport. It was built overnight. Speed!

A photo in this morning’s Citizen shows the building was no small edifice. A lot of people had to work overnight to get the job done.

My first taste of Fantasy Fest tonight. Dueling Bartenders at Aqua, then dinner at La Trattoria. Along the way will be revelers.

Enjoy your day!

Amazing how some statements no matter how brief remain in our memories.

It was on October 20, 1944 that General MacArthur returned to the Philippines. He led the invasion force which landed on Leyte.

MacArthur was a bit of an actor. Which in no way diminishes his capability as a warrior. On the first day of the invasion, MacArthur came onto Leyte beach in a landing barge. The front dropped and there he was! Majestic in appearance. He walked off the barge into knee high water.

A microphone was waiting for him on the beach. He said, “People of the Philippines, I have returned!”

Dramatic. Soul striking. Especially to the Filipinos who had suffered under Japanese occupation for almost 3 years.

President Roosevelt ordered MacArthur out of the Philippines when Japan invaded. He did not want MacArthur captured. He needed him to direct the Pacific war ahead.

MacArthur was reluctant to leave. Before he got on the PT boat to begin his escape journey, he announced via radio to the people of the Philippines, “I shall return.”

A promise made. A promise kept.

Many times people do not remember as I do. Only because I have lived longer and lived through people and experiences they have not.

I will mention names and many will give me a blank look. They know not of whom I speak.

I mentioned Neville Chamberlain recently. He was Prime Minister of England in the late 1930’s. Robert Dennard wrote back that he and I might be the only ones who recall Chamberlain.

I understood.

Now comes Burt Lancaster. Many times sitting on my stool in the Chart Room, I will mention Burt Lancaster and his ties to Key West. Not one person has ever recalled him. One of the greatest actors of all time.

I write about Lancaster today because it was on this day in 1994 he died.

Lancaster has 2 Key West connections.

His first movie was The Killers in 1946. Starred with Ava Gardner. The movie was based on Ernest Hemingway’s short story of the same name.

Years later, Lancaster actually visited Key West to make a movie. The movie of Tennessee Williams’ play The Rose Tattoo.

The venue of the movie was Key West. The house they filmed it in was 2 doors from Williams’ home. Lancaster actually slept in Williams’ home and changed for scenes in the house.

The Williams home is on Duncan Street. My Lisa lives on Duncan. A mere 1 1/2 blocks away.

Anna Magnani starred in The Rose Tattoo with Lancaster. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress as a result of her performance.

Lancaster made 70 movies. He won an Academy Award for Best Actor in Elmer Gantry.

A few of his other movies include Jim Thorpe, From Here To Eternity, The Swimmer, and Sweet Smell of Success.

He starred with Kirk Douglas in Gunfight at OK Corral. Douglas and Lancaster were close friends. Always joking and going off script when appearing on some TV shows.

Lancaster’s later life was not the best. He suffered some illness. May have been a severe stroke. He ended up in a wheelchair for the rest of his life looking straight ahead and knowing no one.

Douglas visited him often. When asked how the visits were going, Douglas would respond not good and he did not want to talk about them.

Goombay last night. The second and last evening of the event. I did not make it last night either.

I was writing and the words were flowing. Does not frequently happen.  Wanted to stay with it. Stopped at 9:30. Too late to shower, dress and go downtown.

I am not unhappy I missed. I have attended at least 20. All fun. All the same.

There is always next year.

Today is the first day of the for real Fantasy Fest. A calm day nudity wise, though there will be some. The events funky and fun.

A big zombie day!

The Zombie Bike Ride. A family event. Hundreds if not thousands participating. Dressed to scare.

La Trattoria Oceanside is having a Zombie Brunch. Smokin’ Tuna a Walking Dead Contest. Official Zombiefest sites following the Bike Parade include Tiki House, Bagatelle, Sloppy Joe’s, Irish Kevin’s, Mangoes, and the Green Parrot.

Key West a wonderful place to live. Doctors good. The hospital fine. However for major problems, it’s Miami. A 4 hour drive. Less than an hour by helicopter.

A very much needed and used service. Lives saved!

Few have the money or insurance to pay. Key West is in Monroe County. It was announced this week that the County had purchased its third helicopter this past week. The volume of the medical needy requiring it.

The plane used. A 2001 Sikorsky S-76C+1. Its former owner in Sweden. The helicopter cost $1.2 million. With necessary configurations came to $2.4 million.

The beauty of it all is that if you are a resident of Monroe County and in need of helicoptering services to Miami, there is no charge.

What a benefit! I have to assume present cost in the thousands. Well over $10,000. I base my assumption on what it cost to fly 2 hour old Robert to Miami Children’s’ Hospital 15 years ago. There was no County program at the time. Ten thousand dollars.

Lisa did not have that kind of money. She payed the $10,000 over a period of time.

We are all aware of the G7 meeting at the Doral which now will not be. The White House announced yesterday it will be held elsewhere. Trump blamed the crazed and irrational media and Democratic Party.

New York Times columnist Frank Bruni wrote yesterday re the Doral issue: The “…..Trump planned convening of the G7 at the National Doral Miami a gesture of such perverse defiance, such profound contempt, that it takes the breath away.” Trump believes “the Presidency…..his to use and abuse as he wants.”

Humpty Dumpty is tottering and beginning to fall off the wall.

I close with hurricanes.

If you live in the Florida keys you wake each day with a quiet feeling of fear and trepidation that this may be the day for news of a new hurricane heading our way. I sometimes believe it is a self inflicted perversion we enjoy. Otherwise, we would move.

Nestor is out there. Still a tropical storm. I mentioned yesterday it probably would hit Georgia first on the U.S. mainland. The meteorologists indicated a remote chance it would make landfall in Florida.

This morning’s news is Nesotor very early this morning made landfall on Florida’s Panhandle. It is being reported that the damage is not so much from Nestor. Rather by tornadoes which apparently were many and forceful.

Nestor next moves on to Georgia and the Carolinas.

Enjoy your Sunday!

For some reason I cannot understand, I am into baby boomers this morning.

Baby boomers are those that were born between 1946 and 1964. Some have already reached retirement age. Those that were 65 in 2011.

Baby boomers make up 29 percent of the population. Seventy six million of them.

There is a blog called “Baby Boomer Bullshit.” A recent interesting post: “How do you frighten this new generation? Put them in a room with a rotary phone, an analog watch, and a TV with no remote (add rabbit ears for fun). Then leave directions for use in cursive.”

I recently read a purported baby boomer comment: “Kids don’t even know how to write cursive.” I thought, so what? Some grandparents can’t even turn on a laptop.

Never made it to Goombay last night. Hopefully tonight.

I discovered around 5 that Syracuse was playing Pitt ;last night and not this afternoon. Obviously, Syracuse football won out.

The team is killing me! Lost 27-20.

I have to get over it and accept this is not going to be a good year. Hard to do. Hope springs eternal.

Syracuse’s problem is the offense. Our sophomore quarterback De Vito needs this year for seasoning. He should be good next year. I hope!

He went into last night’s game wearing extra rib padding. He didn’t last long.

The substitute quarterback was freshman Clayton Welch. Started with a bang! A 94 yard pass for a touchdown. Was I excited! That was it, however. Except for a 40 yard pass later in the game, he did not distinguish himself.

Syracuse’s season reminds me of the Brooklyn Dodger baseball team of old. They could not win a World Series. The comment each year was, “Wait till next year!”

As I shall be doing with Syracuse.

Key West has been home to many writers. Some great.

One was James Leo Herlihy. He was a resident of Key West 1956-1972.

Two of Herlihy’s most famous works were made into movies. Midnight Cowboy and All Fall Down.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of his death. October 20, 1993.

A lot of hurricanes this year. The latest is Nestor. Fortunately, it will not affect Key West in any way.

Nestor is coming out of the Gulf of Mexico. Winds northeasterly. Nestor expected to hit the U.S. somewhere around Georgia. Could even farther south over northern and central Florida.

Turkey’s President Erdogan is a proud man. He wears his feelings on his shirt sleeve.

Two weeks ago, many of the nations of the world conferred for 3 days at the United Nations. Everyone wanted to meet with Trump. Erdogan tried and was rebuffed several times. No meeting took place.

Erdogan considered the snub an insult. At the time, Trump probably gave it no thought.

Erdogan from a might perspective deserves respect. From no other perspective, however. Turkey has the second largest military force in NATO. Second only to the U.S. Additionally, Turkey has sitting at one of its air bases 50 U.S. nuclear bombs aimed at Russia. They have been there for years. Turkey objects not to there being there.

First, the U.N. snub. Then came the sunday night telephone call. Does not appear to have gone well. The bottom line is Trump apparently gave Erdogan permission to invade the Kurds in Syria. Or maybe Erdogan told Trump he was going to invade and he did not care what Trump said..

The next day Trump told the world in effect that he had given permission to Turkey to invade.

The following does not make sense, but appears to be the way it came down.

The following day Trump is firmly telling everyone that Ordogan better do everything correctly or the U.S. would “obliterate Turkey’s economy.”

The next step involves Trump sending a short letter to Erdogan. Trump in effect is telling Erdogan to go easy, back off. Refers to Erdogan, “Don’t be a tough guy…..Don’t be a fool.”

Trump has yet to learn diplomatic jargon. A President does not talk to another President that way.

Erdogan getting madder by the minute.

Trump sends Pence and Pompeo to Turkey to resolve what appears an unanticipated tension between Turkey and the U.S.

The media tells us things were strange at the beginning of the meeting. No one smiling. All stiff faced.

Pence had to suck up to Erdogan. He told him Trump “liked, respected and valued” Erdogan. He also conveyed the U.S.’s condolences to those killed and their families. It has been reported one Turkish general at the meeting was visibly moved.

What a mess! The whole thing! In 2 weeks, Trump has screwed up world power, demeaned the U.S., made an ass out of himself, etc.

The man has to go!

U.S. politics unquestionably a tough game.

This story involves Thomas Jefferson.

It was 1796. Jefferson was running against John Adams for President. Jefferson lost.

Historians believe a significant reason for the loss was Jefferson’s affair with the mulato Sally Hemings.

The Gazette of the United States was a well read newspaper. During the campaign, a writer named “Phocion” began writing essays. Twenty five between October 15 and November 24.

The October 19 essay specifically accused Jefferson of carrying on an affair with one of his indentured servants. Phocion lambasted Jefferson in each of his essays thereafter for what he perceived was Jefferson’s immoral conduct.

In reality, Phocion was Jefferson’s political enemy Alexander Hamilton.

Historians believe Sally Hemings was the half sister of Jefferson’s dead wife.

If I understand this time in U.S. history, Jefferson’s wife was long dead before the Sally affair began.

It should also be noted Jefferson had the reputation throughout his career of being a lady’s man.

Although Jefferson lost the 1796 election, he was elected President 4 years later.

Enjoy your day!

Finally! It’s here. Goombay. The beginning of Fantasy Fest. Two days of Bahamian/Caribbean food, calypso music, dancing and art.

The event celebrates the heritage of Key West’s large Bahamian population. Bahamians are an integral part of the Key West community.

There is a special area of Key West known as Bahama Village. That is where the partying will take place tonight and tomorrow. The length of Petronia Street from Duval southward.

A good place to start is 801. A couple of drinks to prepare you for the several block walk ahead.

Goombay is named after goombay goatskin drums. Played by slapping hands. The drums generate a certain rhythm.

Alcohol consumption part and parcel of Key West. It seems more than anywhere else.

In 1884, there were 22 saloons in Key West. A lot. The population 5,000.

Moving ahead to 1886, Key West was booming economically. There were 18 cigar factories and 614 horses. Horses part of the measure of a successful economy.

By 1889, Key West was the largest and wealthiest city in Florida.

A sad day yesterday for America. Elijah Cummings died. A U.S. Congressman for 23 years. Presently Chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee. One of the committees investigating Trump.

A real American. Always a smile. Unless someone tried to tread on him or an issue he felt strongly about. Then his temper flared.

May he rest in peace.

Trump’s mishandling of Syria will take at least 20 years to correct.

Many issues, many items to be considered. One item the 50 Cold War nuclear bombs sitting at an airfield in Turkey. B-61 gravity bombs.

They are U.S. bombs. Should things get more strained than now with regard to Turkey, can we pull the 50 bombs out?

Not easily. What I am about to share I found in only a few places. If anyone comes up with something different, let me know.

The 50 were placed at the air base oh so many years ago as part of NATO’s deterrence strategy. My understanding is the 50 bombs cannot be removed without the unanimous consent of all 28 NATO members.

I may not know for sure. Trump and his advisers should.

Trump confuses me. First, he told us that the 1,000 American troops had been pulled out of Syria. Within 24 hours. Several days later, we learned it was only 50 and that the remaining U.S. troops were in harm’s way.

Trump had a rally last night. He said not 50, 28.

Does Trump know what is going on? Does anyone close to him know?

Turkey’s President Erdogan has made a fool of Trump. And they were supposed to be buddies!

He has walked all over the U.S. thanks to Trump.

Trump says a “cease fire” has been accomplished. He referred to it “a great day for civilization.”

The cease fire is only for 5 days. To give the remaining Kurds time to get out of the danger zone. After that, nothing is certain.

Turkey says the agreement is not a “cease fire.”

Which means that based on one telephone call with Trump, Erdogan in about 10 days has outfoxed Trump. Erdogan won. With Trump’s help, the Kurds will be out of northern Syria.

All the result of Trump’s superior negotiating talents.

Trump created the problem, made the wrong decision, lost, now claims “victory” based on a “cease fire” that Turkey claims is not.

Keep it up, Donald. You are doing a good job of destroying the credibility of the U.S. worldwide.

I wrote about the village of Fucking in Austria yesterday. Simply because of the village’s unusual name.

A commenter from Pennsylvania brought to my attention that Pennstylvannia had a community named Intecourse. Not as bad as Fucking. Nevertheless, suggestive.

My interest was piqued. I have learned that where there is one of something, there generally is more. I did a little digging.

Lancaster County is located in Pennsylvania. Home of the Amish! Home of Intercourse.

Not Intercourse alone. Also, Bird-In-Hand, Blue Ball, Fertility, Lititz, Mount Joy and Noodle Doosie.

Over the years, I have periodically researched Mennonites. Always intending to write a book about them. Probably never will get to it.

Whatever, the Mennonites are very much a sexually oriented group. Outside what might be considered normal/proper. Don’t know if the Amish are the same.

Let the music from West Side Story dance in your head for a moment. Loving, lovely.

Recall the young Natalie Wood starring.

West Side Story was a modern version of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet which inspired the play and then movie.

Suicides ae on the rise in every age bracket. Sad.

A recent study revealed teen suicides on the upswing. Suicides in the 10-24 age bracket rose 56 percent between 2007 and 2017. The fastest rate of growth for any age group.

Enjoy your day!