FRIENDS TODAY, ENEMIES YESTERDAY

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Interesting how nations make war against each other, kill and maim by the thousands, and years later are the best of friends.

Germany and Japan examples.

Further back in history, Great Britain. We fought the Revolution and War of 1812 against the British.

During the War of 1812, the British did a terrible thing. They burned down the White House. On this date in 1814.

Most believe the burning destruction of the White House and other federal buildings was unnecessary. Normally, yes. However the circumstances were not normal. Earlier, U.S. forces had invaded Canada and burned down a number of important British buildings.

Called retribution.

Done, accompanied with an insult.

President James Madison was aware the British would successfully invade Washington. Easily. So easy that the British marched into Washington with no opposition.

Washington’s fate had been decided a day or two before. At the Battle of Bladensburg in Maryland. The U.S. was soundly defeated. Even President Madison fought on the front lines. The first and last commander in chief to actually do so as President.

Washington had to be abandoned. Dolly Madison almost did not make it. Some historians claim she insisted on waiting till a portrait of George Washington could safely be taken down and secured.

The insult did not merely consist of burning down the White House. It included top British generals dining in the White House the evening before.

Brit glory lasted only two days. On August 26, American forces attacked and the British left Washington running with their tails between their legs.

Lunch at 5 Guys yesterday. Craved a big juicy cholesterol filled cheeseburger.

Dinner with Donna in the evening. No Terri. Terri is in New Jersey visiting theater friends. She and Donna meet this weekend in Tampa. Terri begins heavy testing monday to determine if her body qualifies for total bone marrow replacement.

We dined at the bar at Antonia’s. It feels good after all these years to have returned.

TK bartending.

The three of us old timers as far as Key West is concerned. I have been visiting or owned for 26 years. TK and Donna longer. Our discussions centered on Key West. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Confederate statues got into the conversation. I spoke about Mallory Square. TK the Clinton Square statue.

Someone at the bar mentioned white slavery in the U.S. Never heard of it. Partly indentured servants. Most Irish brought over in huge numbers. Etc.

Did a little researching this morning. An interesting subject. I am going to devote my live video on Facebook this afternoon to the subject.

Whites suffered. Rooted from their families, beaten, killed. Not in comparable numbers to blacks. Suffered never the less.

Hurricane Andrew hit Homestead this date in 1992. Total devastation. Homestead wiped out.

I drove through Homestead three weeks later on my way to Key West. The elevated highway still standing. What I saw I would not have believed had I not seen it with my own eyes.

Andrew was a 5. Wiped everything out! Down to the ground! Only an occasional wall left standing.

Tears ran down my cheeks.

Tropical storm Harvey is moving towards Texas. Expected to hit land early saturday morning. Some concern. It is expected to hit as a hurricane. Possibly as high as a 3.

Key West has been buried in rain the past two days. More expected through a week from tomorrow. Could be a spill off from Harvey.

We have read frequently that the Trump’s are bankrupting the Secret Service. An agent’s salary is capped. There are 130 agents protecting the Trump family. Many agents have already exceeded the cap. They are not being paid for heavy overtime. Cannot be without House approval.

What I share, you already know. What you may not know is that many agents are complaining that Trump and family are not treating the agents properly. The agents claim they are being treated like servants.

Bocce season begins tonight. I doubt there will be play. The courts are already soaked. There will be more rain today.

Don will call to advise if the team is playing.

Have to hustle. Haircut time.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

HOGFISH SHORTAGE AROUND THE CORNER

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Hogfish have been overfished!

Fishing bans go into effect September 1. Limited harvest in Key West waters. Commercial fishing banned till January 1. Recreational banned in federal waters till May 1.

Local fishermen knew the ban was coming. Will affect their incomes.

Hogfish the most popular fish for eating in the Keys. Bobby Mongelli’s restaurant on Stock Island named Hogfish. I only eat hogfish when I am there.

Mongelli said he has been aware, has made efforts to obtain hogfish from other sources. Expects to run out of hogfish on occasion never the less. Prices will go up a bit. He will be paying more for the hogfish from other areas.

My podcast Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night. Covered a range of topics. Only half the show dedicated to Trump. Fifty percent too much. However, he is the news these days everyday.

Fortunately, Trump’s rally was scheduled for 10 pm my time. Got to watch all of him!

Typical campaign rhetoric. The man is not stable. I worry even more after watching him last night. He scares me and should scare you. The man who has his finger on the nuclear weapon button.

Interestingly, the Phoenix rally was the first of Trump’s 2020 Campaign. A bit early? Why? Money? Does he pay or a PAC?

The wall. I am sick of the wall. It will never be. Neither practical nor cheap. The House will never approve the spending. If the House does, it will only be a token of what is required.

Trump threatened last night to close down the government if he does not get the wall in the new budget. The wall is another Trump campaign promise that will go unfulfilled.

Key West bars come and go. Some come and never leave.

Lazy Gecko sat next door to Sloppy Joe’s for 17 years. Did a good business. Until recently when someone new bought the building. A rent hike Lazy Gecko could not afford.

Gecko out. New owner coming in. Building gutted and under renovation at the moment. Opening anticipated early in October. Bar/restaurant will be called Duval Central. Inside, Island City Stage. Top musical performers will be brought in to entertain.The desire is to turn the place into a great music venue.

I find the desire strange. The whole island is a great music venue.

Why was the Christopher Columbus statue in Baltimore sledge hammered to the ground a couple of nights ago? The statue was erected way back in 1792.

Turns out Columbus was a slaver.

He made three trips to the New World. Became involved in the slave trade on the second and third trips.

The second trip he captured and brought 1,600 West Indian natives to Spain. Many died on route. Queen Isabella kept a number to row her galleys. Some were returned.

Good bye the Columbus Day Parade in New York City.

A confusing topic. Complicated. How far back do we go in failing to honor for other deeds those associated with slavery?

Forget not George Washington. A big time slave owner. The slaves took care of Mount Vernon, helped run Washington’s whiskey distilleries. Rename Washington, D.C.? Remove Washington’s picture from the dollar bill?

There is a saving feature in Washington’s case. He ordered in his Will that all his slaves receive their freedom.

Johnson and Johnson. Many baby back ends covered with its baby powder at diaper change time.

Some women apparently have used Johnson’s baby powder their entire lives as part of feminine hygiene. Powdered their bodies including the genital area with the talcum powder following bathing.

It took a while. However, there is now the possibility the baby powder is a carcinogenic. May be causing ovarian cancer in women who have used the powder for a number of years.

Monday, a 63 year old California woman received a $417 million dollar judgment based on the scenario described.

Not the first case to come to trial. Four others. Three resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts. One thrown out by the court.

Not the type of lawsuit the public should turn its nose up to. Over 400,000 similar cases pending.

A calamity yesterday. My water was turned off for nonpayment of the bill. $28. I was without water most of the day.

In defense, I never got the bill. It went to my old address. Never got to me, even though I placed a change of address order with the Post Office back in June.

I paid the $28 bill by phone at 1. Plus a $60 turn off/turn on fine. Asked if I would be turned on before 4. Was assured even sooner.

Came 6 and I still had no water. In spite of having made several calls advising water not yet turned on. Assured man was in the area and I was next on list or he would be there shortly.

I don’t think anyone was directed to turn the water back on.

I only received proper attention just before 6. The water board was closed. A fellow named Patrick was handling the emergency desk. He had no record of me. However, he said he would have it taken care of right away. He did. Within a half hour, I had water.

My account is now on automatic pay.

Enjoy your day!

MY PODCAST TONIGHT

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Tuesday comes quickly every week. My podcast. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine in the evening my time. A fast half hour of opinionated sometimes eye opening talk. Join me. www.blog talk radio.com/key-west-lou.

Topics include Trump. His Afghanistan position, tonight’s Phoenix rally, Russia and China’s interest in Afghanistan, and challenging Pakistan.

Plus, what the Boston Common Rally really meant, India’s Supreme Court declaring Muslim three times I divorce you unconstitutional, killer robots, biggest gold discovery in history, Johnson and Johnson and baby talcum powder, and more.

A statue of Christopher Columbus was erected in Baltimore in 1792. Last nigh,t it was sledge hammered to the ground. Retribution for tearing down Baltimore’s Confederate statues and memorials?

Dueling bartenders at Aqua last night. Enjoyed Tom Luna and Rick Dery. Always a pleasurable time.

Liz there. We chatted a bit. Joe and Linda, also.

Then to the late Happy Hour at Tavern ‘n Town. Quiet. Very few people. The silence overwhelming.

I enjoyed a couple of drinks and an appetizer. Glanced through the Wall Street Journal.

An interesting article in this morning’s Key West Citizen re the amphitheater. It may be named the Jimmy Buffett Amphitheater. An appropriate name, if so.

Fantasy Fest two months away. Organizers already into the event. Friday evening at 6 at the Southernmost House, the races for King and Queen begin.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Police will be out in mass between now and the end of the Labor Day weekend looking for drunk drivers. Drink conservatively or not at all. Mug shots never look good.

I continue to live and learn. Were you aware dance instructor and bouncer were interrelated? Dance instructor is a euphemism for the old fashioned bouncer.

I end with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comment to the neo-Nazis who marched in Charlottesville…..Your heroes are resting in Hell!

Enjoy your day!

 

ARGENTINE TANGO

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Dance the Tango! The Argentine Tango!

Tonight!

Key West Theater on Eaton Street. Part of the Key West World of Culture Dance Series. Learn or watch. Your choice.

Trump on the receiving end. The tide is turning. It does not seem he can take it as well as he can give it out.

Liberty University a major Trump supporter. Liberty’s President Jerry Falwell, Jr. at the forefront. A few graduates are unhappy with Falwell’s support of Trump following Trump’s Nazi and alt right comments. So far, one hundred. They are returning their diplomas.

I have become a fan of the Justice Building Blog. Sometimes bland, sometimes humorous. Today’s on the funny side.

Trump on frequent occasion makes statements that are historically incorrect, nonsensical, just plain stupid. Some quotes attributable to Trump listed today. None said by Trump. Could have been, however.

Like…..”Nazis are people too. Americans.” How about…..”We spend all the money on nuclear weapons and don’t use them. What good are they? Or…..”Lincoln did not believe in global warming. Neither did Patton. Neither do I.”

Confederate statues and memorials being removed. Some in the dark of night. My thoughts move back and forth.

At first, I did not agree. Like it or not, the Civil War is part of American history. The Nation united following the war. Southern peoples have the right to honor their heroes of that moment in American history.

Then I heard the voices of today’s African-Americans. Most of the statues/memorials were constructed during the 1920’s by and in support of the Klu Klux Klan or in support of southern States during the 1960’s civil rights disturbances.

Their voices loud and clear. Whether a statue, monument or flag, we are reminded of our slavery heritage. These items represent a time when our people suffered.

I understood. Or, thought I did. Tear them down became part of my thought process.

Now, I find myself swaying back and forth between both conclusions.

Which brings me to Key West and the issue.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reveals three Confederate statues/memorials. One in Bayview Park. Another, Clinton Square. The third, Mallory square itself. There is a fourth I discovered myself.

The Confederate memorial in Bayview Park was constructed in 1924 by the Stephen Mallory chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Dedicated to the soldiers and sailors of the Confederacy.

The one in Clinton Square erected in honor of Confederate veteran and Judge J.V. Harris.

Mallory Square the best of the best or outrageous based on one’s perspective.

The huge expanse known as Mallory Square is named after Stephen R. Mallory. Mallory was raised in Key West. A United States Senator representing Florida prior to the Civil War. Served as Confederate Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War. Charged with treason following the war. Imprisoned for a time. Then paroled by President Andrew Johnson.

When a U.S. Senator, his first speech was for a return to flogging on U.S. Navy vessels. The nature of the man reflected?

I am unaware if he continued to live in Key West during his Senatorial years or any time thereafter. He died not in Key West, but at his home in Pensacola.

Well my fellow residents of Key West, do we tear down the Bayview Park memorial, the Clinton Square statue, and rename Mallory Square? No thought given so far. I doubt that Key Westers really care.

One more example. Asa Forseyth Tift.

Tift was the first owner of what today is the Hemingway House. He built it in 1851. Tift owned 14 slaves. They constituted the labor force used.

Tift’s bust is located in the Memorial Sculpture Garden at the edge of Mallory Square.

Should the Hemingway House be torn down? Should Tift’s bust be removed from the Memorial Sculpture Garden?

All food for thought. What is good for Charlottesville, Baltimore and other cities, should be good for Key West. Lets have a universal application. Or, cease and desist with the removal of these historical representations.

A confusing issue for those with no ax to grind. Like me.

Enjoy your day!

 

AFRICAN CEMETERY

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There is a goodness to Key West people. Unique.

Key Westers are caring. Be down on your luck and the locals rise to help.

Such is not a recent thing. The year 1860 an example.

The US Navy captured three American owned slave ships. Transported more than 1,400 of the Africans on board to Key West. These were not slaves. They had been captured in Africa and were on their way for sale in Cuba and central America. At which time they would become slaves.

They were refugees at the time of their salvation. African refugees.

Key West immediately pitched in. Constructed housing and a hospital. All in what today is the Higgs Beach area. The hospital needed to care for Africans made sick or injured during the trip from Africa to where the vessels were captured.

More than 100 died. Some believe the figure to be 245. Whatever, the dead refugees were buried at Higgs Beach.

Forgotten by time. Till 2002. Some repair/maintenance work was being done int he Higgs Beach area. A few bodies were discovered. Bones that is. Experts called in. Utilizing ground penetrating radar, the remains of more African refugees were discovered.

Certain locals got together to make sure the graves would never be disturbed. The area was determined to be an African Refugee Cemetery. The area fenced off. A series of pedestals and other items erected explaining and commemorating what lie below.

A Day of Remembrance is held once a year. Today that day. From 6-8 this evening, a ceremony will be held. African dignitaries attend from various parts of Africa. Including a King. The King has become an annual visitor.

Spent three hours late yesterday afternoon sipping, enjoying the view and chatting with others at Louie’s Backyard. The Outside Deck.

Then home. I craved the sauce and meat Fran Dixon from Buffalo had recently brought me. The food was frozen solid. I could not wait for it to thaw. Ergo, microwave required. A problem existed. The sauce and meat were frozen in a plastic container.

I telephoned Fran in Buffalo. She and Tom were in the car on their way to dinner.

Explained my plight to Fran. She said micro 2-3 minutes. The frozen block will slip out. Plastic container will not melt.

I performed as directed. No problem. Transferred the food to a large microwavable bowl. Twenty minutes later, hot sauce, meatballs and pork.

Dinner simple. Dunked bread in the sauce. Ate the meatballs and veal. Nothing left at the end. Magnifique!

I live and learn. This time via Diana Millikan.

Diana is renting an apartment on a canal running along side Hilton Haven Road. Boats are parked on the canal. The boat in front of Diana’s place is named the Head Honcho.

The toilet on a boat is referred to as the head. Perry Chaing’s business is cleaning out the heads. A big business. Name of boat derived therefrom. Head Honcho.

What I learned. Years ago, toilets/receptacles were placed at the bow or base of the bow. The head of the vessel. The splashing waters would clean the toilets/receptacles.

Today, boat owners and boats world wide are sophisticated. Head Honcho’s hired!

Head Honcho’s business in Key West is known as Marine Sanitation Solutions Inc.

Tomorrow the eclipse. The moon will block out most of the sun. A shadow will be cast over the Earth. Around 3 in the afternoon. Wear the special glasses!

St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church is located on Truman Ave. The Church was dedicated this date in 1904. Still stands more than 100 years later.

I attend Church infrequently. However when I do stop into St. Mary’s, I am subjected to the warmth of a small island Caribbean house of worship. Sun shining in. A touch of warmth. A flavor not experienced elsewhere.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

BERLIN’S ON A FRIDAY NIGHT

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It had been a couple of months since my last visit to Berlin’s. It had also been a couple of months since Jenna and I were last together.

We had dinner last night at Berlin’s.

It was catch up time.

Jenna is studying for a realtor’s license. Difficult, she said. Still filming and modeling. The modeling primarily in Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

I keep telling her to find a rich man and get married. She complains the ones with money are all too old. Jenna a mere 30. Seeks a contemporary age wise. Key West a difficult place for two heterosexuals to come together.

She traveled quite a bit this summer. Two weeks home in Indiana, a trip to Los Angeles to visit a girl friend, Chicago, etc. A tough life!

She leaves for a one week trip to Hawaii in two weeks.

I told her maybe if she stayed home in Key West more, she might score guy-wise.

Jenna is a knock out! No question about it. Thirty has not affected the freshness of her beauty in any way.

We laughed our way through dinner.

Jean Thornton and the ladies showed up. Sort of a girls’ club. They dine together frequently. Sweet Janyne was with them.

I had run into Jean earlier in the evening when I stopped at the Chart Room for a drink before leaving to meet Jenna.

English Peter showed up. He had been at the Chart Room earlier when Jean and I had. Peter came for a drink and ended up having dinner. Jean and I wanted to treat. We could not agree who should pay. We ended up sharing his bill.

Ran into two interesting couples.

Tim and Susie from the midwest. Middle aged. Impressed me. They kissed even when she left to go to the ladies room.

Tim and Susie have been coming to Key West for 20 years. They have a time share at Banyan Court. One problem this year. They miscalculated their week and arrived a week too early. No room at the inn.

They stayed at the new Perry Hotel on Stock Island. Absolutely loved it! View and room spectacular. Service outstanding. Cheap. $170 a night.

Another couple was from Coral Springs. Did not catch their names. The husband said, “You’re the novelist!” No one ever called me a novelist before. The sound of it felt good. I am aware that even though I write, a novelist I am not.

The couple remembered me from the Chart Room on a previous trip. That triggered my memory. They are in the real estate business. Have a boat. Come down to Key West every 3-4 weeks for a long weekend. Sleep on the boat.

Stopped at the Chart Room first. Already mentioned I visited with Jean and Peter. John, also.

Several years ago, I met an extremely nice couple. Thirty-forty years younger than me. They had a home by the cemetery and visited Key West often. We got together frequently. Then about 4 years ago, we never saw each other again. Why, I don’t know. Maybe they disliked me.

I did not have their number. The wife had mine. She would make the arrangements.

I am having a senior moment. I cannot remember their names.

Last night, I did recall their faces. They were in the Chart Room. Went over and jokingly chastised them for having forgotten me. Both laughed. The wife and I hugged. Always a sweet woman!

She said forgotten I was not. She continues to read my blog every day.

His father was with them. I told him the kids should be ashamed having cast me aside.

I left asking them to call me for dinner.

On the way to the Chart Room, I stopped at Publix. Don’t laugh. I bought 10 Power Ball tickets. Picking today. The prize $535 million.

I never buy lottery tickets. In all the years they have been out, I probably have purchased them six times. Maybe I’ll have beginner’s luck.

A good night!

Two rallies today. The nuts and anti-nuts. One in Boston and one in New York City. At noon and 1 respectively. Will watch both on TV.

Enjoy your day!

INSANITY AND INCOMPETENCE

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It cannot be left unsaid. The situation worsens by day. Trump is insane and incompetent.

The brown shirts marched saturday in Charlottesville. Accompanied by those who believe white people are better than others. Accompanied by those who once covered their bodies and faces in white sheets.

All haters.

Bannon came out of the woodwork. Spoke at length about his beliefs. A revolutionary at heart. Seeking the overthrow of existing government.

Bannon Trump’s Rasputin.

Is a Reichstag next? The White House or Capitol? If so, all that will remain will be the concentration camps.

America stand up!

Impeachment will come. The grounds set forth in Article II section 4 of the Constitution: “…..impeachment for…..Treason, Bribery, and other High Crimes and Misdemeanors.”

Stopped at Don’s Place first last night. Jimmy and John at the bar. Deep sorrow. Joanie not doing well. Hospice has been called in.

Then to the Chart Room.

John bartending. English Peter at the bar. Jean Thornton and Erika Biddle stopped in.

The last time I saw Erika Biddle was at Publix. I wrote about her at the time. Went back and discovered it was April 27, 2015.

At the time, a lovely blond woman came over and said, “You’re Louis Petrone.” She was familiar with my KONK Life writings and radio show. She wanted to tell me.

When she told me she was Erika Biddle, I was ashamed. I should have been searching her out. One of my Key West idols.

Last night was the second time we met.

Erika German born. A community activist where ever she has lived. An environmentalist at heart.

She arrived in Key West in 1994. Her first thought was: “This is the only city I’ve ever visited where I am not the most eccentric person around.” She remains to this day. An intrinsic part of the community. All heart.

Erika takes up causes that others might not. Unpopular ones included. This tiny woman carries the pain of others on her shoulders.

I hope I do not have to wait two more years before visiting with her again.

I was hungry. Stopped at Outback for prime rib. Ran into Doc and his wife.

I have known Doc some 20 years. Used to play golf with him. Only know him as Doc. A retired surgeon from Philadelphia.

We chatted a bit. I rarely run into people older than me. Mentioned I was 82. They shocked me! He 83 and she 85. Both appear in their mind 60’s.

A fun conversation ensued.

Dinner tonight at Berlin’s with Jenna. For sure. She just confirmed.

Enjoy your day!

FREE CARS FOR THE POOR

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Sacramento, California a great place to be poor. By poor is meant on welfare.

What follows is liberalism the California way.

A pilot program was instituted this past May. Sacramento has seven public housing communities.  One community contained 300 residents.

Sacramento has purchased 8 electric cars for use by the residents. A mini fleet. Cars to be shared. Maintenance and insurance provided. Total cost $1.3 million. Furnished by grant money.

I believe free medical is a right. My belief does not extend to cars. A step too far in my opinion.

Last night, the Chart Room first. English Peter was there. Also known as Captain Peter.

Peter originally from the British Isles. Fought for the U.S. in Vietnam. Now, a U.S. citizen. He has traveled the world. Generally alone in a small boat operated by him. Many the interesting and hairy tale he has to tell.

Peter found his way to Key West years ago. Became instantly known and liked. Such is his personality.

Peter left Key West several years ago. Moved to Washington State where he had a home. He is in Key West for a couple of weeks visiting old friends. Said he leaves when his money runs out.

Peter still looks the British gentleman. Tall and thin. White hair. A white mustache. And best of all, a British accent.

The only change in Peter is his weight. He has lost a few pounds. A kidney problem.

Sometime in the next few days, we are going to dinner together.

Stopped at Tavern ‘n Town on the way home for dinner. Salmon. The best on the island!

George bartending. We have become friends. A hard worker. Originally from Manila.

Jodyrae Campbell and husband Brian have fallen on bad times. First, George came down with cancer. Then their home burned to the ground.

There is a fundraiser for them tonight at La Te Da. should be packed. Jodyrae will liked. A singer. A few years ago, Fantasy Fest Queen.

I mentioned Mark Brann the other day. The individual who got in a fight with a lover, was stabbed in both eyes, had a piece of wood shoved down his throat, and otherwise beaten. He died yesterday. Boy friend will face a murder charge.

The preceding definitely not Key West. A shocking crime without precedent.

Pot smoking swiftly becoming a big time business. Whether medical or recreational.

A company called Bud Trader can be found at BudTrader.com. it is the world’s largest online medical marijuana marketplace.

Bud Trader is going commercial with its advertising. Nationally. Network and Cable TV. Sometime this month.

It is anticipated Bud Trader’s sales will boom. To be expected. Bud Trade’s website already receives 10 million page views a month.

On this day in 1969, Woodstock ended. Three days of music and hippie fun came to an end. In the vernacular, the grooviest event in music history. Peace, love and rock ‘n roll.

One problem however. Four hundred thousand tried to get out of the event at the same time. No way! It took 3 plus days to get everyone on the road.

My Facebook video today a bit off track. However, interesting. A for real conclusion based on a study. Titled: Female Orgasms Better in Communist Russia.

I will be doing the video later this afternoon. Key West Lou Live. Take a look. Not a joke. The New York Times posted an op-ed on the subject a few days ago.

Enjoy your day!

VICE NEWS re CHARLOTTESVILLE

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This blog has been titled from day one My Life In Key West. Such is why at some point I detail my day before.

Which brings me to yesterday. I never left the house.

My yesterday was Louis glued to television and the internet. Searching information re Charlottesville. Most of it repetitious, some new.

Included was a Vice News’ report which contained an interview by a Vice News reporter. A portion of her report was a personal interview with Christopher Cantwell who appeared to be a white supremacist leader.

The reporter a slight young lady. White tee shirt and jeans. Long dirty blond hair braided. Large eye glasses.

Looked like a college student. Could not have been. Too smart. Obviously experienced. Smarter than the people she interviewed.

She did a first class job. Got the personal interview with Cantwell, became a passenger in the van transporting Cantwell and others from one place to another. She was accompanied by a top camera man. His shots of her and the scenes taken during the protest professional.

The Cantwell interview is available free on You Tube. Twenty two minutes. I recommend it to you.

I am going to share portions of the interview and comment on certain video shots of the protest with you as my blog for today. What happened in Charlottesville and in the few days since are important to all Americans. As are the rantings of President Trump yesterday.

The video started with a shot of white supremacists walking down the street carrying large torches. A long shot. Hundreds parading. Intimidating.

Reminded me of Hitler tapes showing his brown shirts parading in 1930’s Germany.

Loudly chanting in unison as they marched along: Jews will not replace us…..Blood and soil…..Whose Streets? Our Streets…..

White supremacist leader Christopher Cantwell: We make ourselves capable of violence…..Donald Trump gave his daughter to a Jew…..Jew like Jared walking around with the white girl Ivanka…..Go kill these people if we have to…..They are anti-white vermin, anti-white filth…..Jewish Communists…..We are slowly unveiling our power, you ain’t seen nothing yet…..We are part of a national movement worldwide…..

The Vice News video reported the  white supremacists to be well organized. Came ready for the event. Shields, helmets and clubs.

At one point, a group of white supremacists were at Lee’s statue and unable to get out. A crowd from the other side was closing in on them. The white supremacist leader on the phone said he would get them out and now. He had 200 men with guns.

It appeared he was not needed yet and would be called back if the 200 were required.

Police conduct interesting. I reported in my Key West Lou Live video on Facebook and in my podcast Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou that the police did not engage. They appeared restrained. Police orders were to not engage if both sides were fighting, unless ordered to do so by higher command. The order never came.

I was correct.

The police were only authorized to move the groups along.

The Vice News video shows police standing across the way watching, not engaging. Behind barricades. There were shots of the police attempting to move the crowds along. Their efforts appeared ineffectual and were ineffectual.

Turns out, police have what they describe as a reconsidered intervention strategy. Let the protesters fight. If police intervene, the thought is the situation would be aggravated.

Charlottesville is the second time the new strategy has been used. The first was at Berkeley in February.

I suspect the police want to avoid injuries to themselves. Why shed blood for blacks who do not like them and whites who do not respect them.

Trump’s words yesterday have emboldened the Alt Right. Boston this coming weekend is going to be interesting.

Our nation is in a new day. The vermin have come out. They are supported by the President.

The onslaught must be stopped now. Otherwise, the crazies, the brown shirts and the white sheet nuts will take over. The America we know will be no more.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

KEY WEST…..TRUTH STRANGER THAN FICTION

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What follows is strange and bizarre. The story not consistent with Key West’s true nature.

The saying truth is stranger than fiction applies. Without question. It would be difficult for a writer to conceive of such a fact scenario.

Sometime during the dark of monday morning, Mark Brann and Justin Tyler Calhoun were in bed. Wake and chatting. Brann 67, Calhoun 24.

The home Brann’s on 12th Street. Calhoun a lover, sometime visitor, stripper, and homeless person.

Gender confusion comes into play. Following the event, the Sheriff’s report describes Calhoun as a female, the Key West Police report a male.

Calhoun accused Brann of being a cannibal. Brann did not take fondly to the charge. A fight ensued. Brann grabbed his gun and shot at Calhoun. Missed. The two fought over the gun.

Calhoun struck Brann in both his eyes with a pen. Shoved a piece of wood in Brann’s mouth and pushed it into his throat. Then stomped on the wood to push it further into Brann’s throat. Not done yet, Calhoun took a dresser drawer and beat Brann about the head and throat.

Calhoun was bare ass. Grabbed a dress, jumped out a window, and ran off. He was subsequently arrested.

The authorities report he has generally agreed with the facts as described.

The makings of a book. A sick one.

My day was strange physically. Felt fine in the morning. All of a sudden around noon, dead tired again. Exhausted. Could not shake the feeling the rest of the day.

Terri came over early in the afternoon. Her work not yet completed. The shower head had to be replaced. Bouncy and cheery, she hopped in the shower and went to work

Job 95% complete. A part problem She will fix when next she visits. Which will be after September 1. Terri leaves thursday to New Jersey to spend a week with some old show friends. Then to Tampa for a week or more for more tests. The results will decide if she is a candidate for a heavy surgery.

I tried working on tonight’s podcast. Slow going. Got a third done in the time I would normally have completed the job.

I feel great this morning! Full of energy! Will complete the research today. The show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou at 9 tonight my time.

Without question, Trump will dominate the show. Charlottesville in all its aspects. Including the police told not to intervene in the fighting unless so ordered. Throw in a little North Korea and the half hour is gone.

The show is fast moving. Interesting. I generally come up with a piece of information not yet revealed by the media. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

On this day in 1969, Woodstock opened. Near Bethel, New York. Mostly hippies. Performers galore. Over 400,000 in attendance.

I am sure many present day Key Westers were there. I know of three. All fabulous musicians/entertainers today in their own right. Larry Smith, Christine Cordone, and Terri White.

A never to be forgotten experience.

As I have written many times, the Key West of today would not have been without David Wolkowsky. Still enjoying life at 98!

The Kress Building on Duval was purchased by David on this date in 1978. Cost all of $210,000. Can’t buy any structure in Key West today for that price let alone the Kress Building.

For years, the Kress building housed Fast Buck Freddie’s on the first floor. An extremely fine department store. Today, home of a CVS drug store.

David continues to have a connection with the building. Years ago, he created a rooftop residence. A penthouse. Magnificent!I have attended several parties in the sky. The feeling you get when at David’s residence.

I close with a complaint.

The triangle at the intersection of US 1 and North Roosevelt Boulevard is under reconstruction. To rectify a mistake during the original construction only a few years ago.

I travel through the intersection 2-4 times a day.

Where are the workers? Last week, I saw none. The week before, 3 one morning.

Typical Key West public construction.

Enjoy your day!