GOING LIVE WITH KEY WEST LOU…..ON AIR!

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Let the drums roll, the band play. Finally made it. The first segment of Going Live with Key West Lou aired earlier this morning. More as the day progresses.

Going Live makes it possible for me to be seen as well as heard. Use your cellphone. Go to Facebook. Enter Key West Lou.

I intend to do 30-60 second presentations. Need some time to adjust. My first entry this morning was a little over 3 minutes.

The show archives. There for you any time of the day or days.

My first comment concerned accused terrorist Harlem Suarez who is presently on trial in Key West for planning to bury a nail filled back pack bomb on Smathers Beach. To be detonated with a cell phone.

My yesterday began with a morning airport drop. Barbara returned home.

Spent two hours in the early afternoon working on Growing Up Italian. I have been at it four years. Work on it, then put it aside for a while.

I have rewritten most parts three times. This is my fourth rewrite. My last! Good, bad or indifferent, this is it!

I have decided to break the work into several books. Three at least. The first will be titled Growing Up Italian, Part I, The First Six Years. Part I presently contains 48 chapters.

Then Sloan for a couple of hours to finish up the Going Live show.

Hunger beset me. Desired some company and a drink. Headed to Hogfish. Sat at the bar next to an elderly weather beaten shrimp fisherman. We talked about the storm that hit sunday and monday. His shrimp boat just made it in.

Women’s International Flag Football time. The 26th annual tournament begins today. Will last several days. Teams from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Norway, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden and other parts of the world.

The tournament named after Kelley McGillis. McGillis of Top Gun fame. A flaming beauty! She was a resident of Key West for many years. Owned and operated several restaurants.

McGillis will be in Key West for the event. She presently resides in Pennsylvania.

The social aspect begins saturday at 4 pm at La Te Da. Diane Nyad the keynote speaker. Diane was the first person to swim Cuba to Key West without a shark cage.

There is rising opposition to the amphitheater. Many believe the necessary pro forma has not been done. Many questions that should be answered and resolved pre-construction not done.

Dinner tonight with my lesbian wives. Donna and Terri. Love them! We are celebrating their anniversary and Terri’s birthday.

Terri undergoing chemo. Donna told me yesterday Terri shaved her head completely bald. Most of her hair had fallen out.

I bet she looks terrific!

Enjoy your day!

A FEW COMMENTS

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Short blog this morning. Barbara leaving. Have to get her to the airport for an early flight.

Still biting my tongue re Trump. People voted for a change. He is giving us change.

Some food for thought.

  1. The United States does not operate in secrecy. A federal agency media freeze is un-American.
  2. The President works for the people. The people do not work for the Presidnet.
  3. We have a B Cabinet: Billionaires and bankers.

The Key West City Commission has been considering making Key West a Sanctuary City. Still up in the air. Perhaps, fortunately. Trump is expected to target Sanctuary Cities today.

My blog talk radio show last night. A good one from my perspective. A lot of China and Mexico and the U.S. interplay with them.

Pythons back in the news.

I wrote a lengthy column about four years ago in KONK Life re the Florida python problem. Primarily in the Everglades. The bottom line was they are here to stay. In excess of one hundred thousand. The State is trying to manage the problem. Eradication not possible.

The State has hired two tribesmen from India who have had success in India with the problem. The State is also in the process of bringing in dogs trained to sniff out pythons.

Syracuse won a game last night! A close one. Beat Wake Forest 81-76.

Bocce and the Sons and Daughters of Italy hand in hand this weekend. Makes sense. The Sons and Daughters and the Key West Wildlife Center are having a Bocce Night Fundraiser saturday evening. 5:30-9:30. Bocce courts across from the White Street Pier.

Cost minimal. You even get to learn and play or play if you already know how. $20 for adults and $10 for children.

I will be at the fundraiser teaching. It is like riding a bicycle.

William Blakley. Fifty eight degrees this date in 1856. He “made up a fire in the stove.”

Fifty eight degrees in Key West is like 20 degrees up north.

Enjoy your day!

BLACK ANGEL OF DEATH

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Terror can strike anywhere. Everywhere. Even Key West.

A criminal trial began yesterday in Federal District Court in Key West. The defendant, Harlem Suarez. His goal was to leave a backpack bomb on a Key West beach. In due course, the bomb would blow. People injured and killed.

Suarez a terrorist. Lived on Stock island.

The FBI were on to Suarez. Two undercover agents sold him an inert backpack bomb. Then arrested him.

Suarez had a Facebook site. He spoke of the glories of ISIS on the site. Also, ran pics. One of a terrorist holding the head of a decapitated woman.

Suarez referred to himself as the Black Angel of Death.

Lisa, my grandchildren, my friends, Key Westers, tourists, use the beaches.

Suarez should die.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A quick half hour of interesting happenings. Some revealing. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

A multitude of topics. All exciting. Like Putin unhappy U.S. troops suddenly in Poland and Norway, police at Standing Rock had/have missile launchers, Trump to sign order today permitting Standing Rock and Keystone Pipeline to proceed, Chinese take lung cleansing vacations, affordable water a looming crisis.

Also, a Mexican TV channel being launched in the U.S., FDA approves a GMO pineapple for sale without testing, Chinese billionaire Jack Ma says U.S. priorities screwed up/wasted trillions on wars and Wall Street/not enough on its people, Mark Zuckerberg for President?, and more.

Only one place to be a 6 this evening. Aqua. For Aqua Idol. A several week singing contest. Great voices. Equally great planning by Lynda Frechette who spearheads the event.

Wind still blowing big time day time  yesterday. I took a ride over to the White Street Pier. In the past, extremely windy days resulted in waves crashing over the pier. A sight to see.

I was not disappointed. Nature pissed off. Waves rising high before slamming down on the pier.

I did not walk on the pier. Some did. I feared I would fall/get knocked over. I don’t need nature’s assistance to fall. I do well enough on my own.

The winds were 50 mph.

A portion of the Westin’s dock gave way because of the winds and waves. A mistake. Not the Westin anymore. Now the Margaritaville.

My evening began at Aqua last night. Dueling Bartenders time.Tom Luna one of the dueling bartenders. Last night his birthday. Celebrated with cake for all.

Barbara was with me. As we arrived, Liz and friends were leaving for dinner.

Walked over to Antonia’s for dinner afterwards. No room at the bar. Decided to head home, stopping at Outback first.

Syracuse/Wake Forest tonight. Syracuse a 2.5 point favorite. I have no idea who will win. My team not doing well this season.

Enjoy your day!

 

LT. ROBERT MAZZA

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The closest friend in my adult life has died. Bob Mazza. A 32 year veteran of the Utica Police Department.

My sorrow runs deep.

Bob passed on at 82. He was one year older than me.

He was already a police officer several years when I returned to Utica to practice law. Somehow we met. He thought I lacked street smarts, needed help. He glued himself to me.

When not working, Bob was with me all the time. Always there for me. I was there all the time for him. We had bonded.

We traveled together. All over. He accompanied me whenever I traveled. Syracuse, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Saratoga, New York City, San Diego, Las Vegas, Miami, etc. We even did a week in Martinique.

He was there for my family, also. Always dependable.

Oh, the stories I could tell. Both amusing and serious. Not mentionable here, however.

Age and distance separated us. We last were together 10 years ago when he visited me for two weeks in Key West. I had moved to Key West. Bob, to Syracuse. We telephone chatted for a while. Less and less frequently. Now in reflection not for several years. Sad.

Bob appeared to be a tough guy. I use the words appeared to be. He was really a softy. He spent most of his police years as head of the Homicide and Burglary Squads. The bad guys feared him. Respected him. It was all in the image he portrayed.

When my time comes, I hope Bob is waiting for me at the Pearly Gates. There is no one I would rather spend Eternity with.

Another sad report.

Going live with Key West Lou will not debut today. While playing around with the site yesterday in preparation for today, I discovered two problems. Beyond my abilities to correct. Sloan not available till wednesday. So it looks like thursday or friday for the first show.

Sorry.

A disenchanted Key West Lou group, who nevertheless continue to follow me, will comment I never meet self-imposed deadlines, etc. The same people who criticize my positions, thoughts, etc.

I am a perfectionist. Always have been. Anal to a fault. Such is what made me a success as a lawyer. I cannot go public with the new snow unless and until I am satisfied.

Hang in there!

A weather forecaster I am not. However, I have learned the few times the wind has come from the south in Key West, a storm followed. Generally, a big one. Yesterday the wind was from the south. About 20 mph. Enough for the palm trees to bend. The sun shining.

I said a storm is coming. Checked the weather reports on the internet. Nothing. A beautiful sunny day. Twenty percent chance of rain. Which means no rain.

I wrote about the south wind in yesterday’s blog.

About 4 yesterday afternoon, TV was interrupted to advise a major storm moving up from the south. Tornadoes possible. The storm was going to run over the Florida Keys and Miami. Would hit around 1 in  the morning.

It hit at 11 last night. Howling winds and heavy rain. Winds still howling, though less. No tornadoes in Florida. However, tornadoes hit Georgia bad. Seventeen dead. Whole areas destroyed. Mississippi had problems also.

The south wind. Recognize it. Respect it.

I was sad last night. Bobby dead. Decided to have a few drinks and quietly recollect our times together.

First stop was the Chart Room. Chatted with Victor. Mentioned the south wind. He had read about it earlier in yesterday’s blog. He decided to telephone a neighbor while we were talking to go over to his house and close the outside blinds.

Then Sloppy Joe’s. Not a usual venue for me.

A few more drinks. Watched the country music entertainers.

Sloppy’s menu has changed. My fries covered in chopped beef, mozzarella and sauce no longer on the menu. I enjoyed an order of wings instead.

I continue to be reluctant to criticize Trump. Give him a chance. He is the only President we have.

However, I must render two admonitions.

The first what one of the female speakers said during the Women’s March: It is not….I the president, it is…..We the people.

The other from me…..The campaign is over. It is time to govern.

Enjoy your day!

LIBRARY WALK TURNS INTO ABSOLUTE FEAR

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Stealing little girls not a Keys’ problem.

Could have been yesterday.

Ten year old Anna Rogers lives on Big Pine. She texted her mother she was going to the library. Her mother said ok.

Lisa never arrived at the library. Panic set in. Properly so. Anna’s mother called the Sheriff’s Department. They immediately went to work.

Anna veered off course. She deviated from the library route. No one had run off with her.

Instead, she ended up on a boat. The boat of a girl friend’s parents. Anna was asked by the parents if she had permission to go on the boat. Little Anna said, “Yes.”

God love the little ones!

And so it began. The fear.

The situation favorably closed when Anna returned.

I suspect Anna’s mother held Anna tight and shed tears at her happiness. I further suspect following the tears of joy, Anna’s mother gave her a lecture.

All is well that ends well.

Watched Syracuse/Notre Dame at noon yesterday. A Syracuse disaster. Notre Dame won 84-66. Syracuse simply does not have it this season. Not jelling. Lazy, also. Arms down on defense. The opposition easily penetrating the zone defense.

There’s always next year.

The Women’s March yesterday impressed me. Big time! Wow!

Washington 500,000, Chicago 150,000, Boston 125,000. Over five million world wide.

Even Key West was involved. One thousand anticipated. Three thousand five hundred showed up.

Appears Trump’s election was the wake up call. It all started on Facebook in a November post by Theresa Shook. A woman in her 60s. Grandmother of four. She recommended the March. She was in Washington yesterday.

Big trees from little acorns grow.

The March appeared to be a rebuke of Trump’s election. His election apparently a wake up call.

The ladies tough. They all are. Never underestimate a woman.

Many wore pink pointed hats labeled Pussy. Some carried signs This Pussy Bites Back. Tough language. The women were on a mission.

There were other signs and other language.

Lets see what comes of the March. Now that it is over, is that it? Or, will the ladies organize, gather strength and move forward?

Last night, Berlin’s for dinner. Always enjoyable.

Tomorrow the day! My new show debuts. Go Live with Key West Lou. On Facebook. Pull out your cell phone, go to Facebook and enter Key West Lou.

There I will be! You can see as well as hear me.

Several segments a day. Thirty to sixty seconds each. I will comment on whatever moves me at the moment. Show archived.

A beautiful morning. One problem, however. The wind is coming from the south. A hard wind. Ripples in the pool.

Generally, whenever the wind blows in from the south, a storm follows.

I checked the weather reports. No storm predicted. High winds, yes. Temperature 82.

Roe v. Wade was decided this date in 1973 by the U.S. Supreme Court. Legalized abortion. I fear a Trump nominee will be anti-abortion and the right of women to choose will be lost in a 5-4 decision.

Our country crazy big time!

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

LET THEM EAT CAKE

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On this date in 1793, France’s Louis XVI was guillotined. His wife Marie Antoinette not. Her demise via the guillotine did not occur till October 16, 1793.

Their history part of the French Revolution.

It is claimed most everywhere that prior to the Revolution and the royal couple’s beheadings, Marie Antoinette was told that the people were starving, there was not enough bread. Her purported response…..Let them eat cake!

If there was no bread, there could have been no cake. The French word for cake is brioche. Brioche a luxury bread enriched with butter and eggs.

Historians do not attribute the let them eat cake words to Marie Antoinette.

Let them eat cake first appeared in written form in 1765. Jean-Jacques Rousseau wrote them in his autobiography Confessions. Marie Antoinette would have been 9 years old at the time.

The inaugural absorbed much of my time yesterday. I found it moving. Touched my patriotic side. In spite of the fact I was fully aware the kumbaya shown by both sides would be limited in time. As soon as monday. Democrats and Republicans will be at each other’s throats again.

Some things bothered me.

Five blocks away, protestors were engaged. Big time. Clashes between police and protestors. Chunks of pavement, baseball bats, and bottles the tools of protest on one side. Tear gas, stun grenades and low flying helicopters on the other.

More than 200 arrested.

I was disappointed the media failed to show more of the demonstrations. Everything in America/Washington is not kumbaya.

Another bothersome occurrence was how ten year old Barron was treated. He was ignored. By siblings and parents.

Trump’s children and spouses were shown walking inside the entrance way leading to the podium. Then the short walk on the podium. Barron was walking alone behind his adult brothers, sisters and their spouses. Not one could hold his hand?

Move on to Trump and Melania holding hands walking in the parade. Barron was left meandering alone in front of them. One or both could have held his hand(s).

He did not appear to be part of the family.

My day yesterday began with an early walk along Smathers Beach. A whole hour!

Watched the inaugural till dinner time and from about 10 in the evening till the three balls concluded.

At 5, I was at La Concha for Happy hour. Then to Tropic Cinema to view Hidden Figures. The movie worth seeing.

Afterwards, to the Chart Room. I did not stay. A busy night. People wall to wall.

I continue to be an avid fan of William Hackley’s life. His diary entry for this date in 1856 reflects a John Smith gave Hackley a hat. Apparently Hackley did not have funds to pay for the hat. Smith told him not to worry about it. When Hackley got paid, he would charge for his services.

Diana Millikan wrote me six months ago suggesting Hackley might not be financially secure. Merely a hard working ordinary person. She may have been correct.

I tried to research John Smith in Key West. Came up with nothing. There was a James Smith at the time residing in Key West. He was moneyed. One and the same?

Syracuse/Notre Dame at noon. On ESPN. I will be glued to  the TV set.

Key West’s Women’s March begins at 2. From South Beach to Mallory Square. More than 1,000 expected to participate.

Monday around the corner. Significant for me. I am going live on Facebook. Going Live with Key West Lou. See and hear me. Thirty to sixty second comments. Several a day. Whatever comes to mind at a particular. Segments archived so you can play catch up at any time.

I am excited. Hope the show is well received.

Enjoy your day!

 

I WISH TRUMP WELL

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Inauguration Day! I wish Trump well. As much as I was against him in the campaign, he is now my President. Your President. May he be one of our best/most successful Presidents.

When he screws up however, I will be all over him. My right.

John Kennedy was inaugurated on this day in 1961. His words still ring in my ears: “The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans…..ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”

My Volkswagen needed a tune up! It is a 2010. Purchased new in 2011. I have taken it to a Volks dealer in Miami every two years. This was the third time.

Only 31,000 miles.

The car really needed a tune up. The list of things requiring attention like my body. Everything. Dealer did not have all the parts required. I have to return again when I can and give him a week’s notice so he can order the necessary parts..

The dealer had the car for repair wednesday afternoon and thursday morning. Picked up the car at noon. Headed over to the nearby Merrick Park Shopping Mall. First class. Top shelf. I have been there before.

I was going to treat myself to some new sport shirts and shorts. Clothes are of no consequence in Key West. Male or female, generally shorts and a tee shirt or sport shirt.

I have not purchased shirts of quality for years. Time to treat myself. Neiman Marcue and Nordstrom. Three or four shirts.

My body is big in my old age. I am a 3x. Generally does it for me. Not this time. The finer stores no longer sell a classic fit for the big guys. They sell 3x. However its tailoring on the label is described as CUT TO SHAPE. Why would I want a shirt that was skin tight?

The staff at both stores extremely helpful. I was attired appropriately. Old frayed shorts, an old sport shirt, and Crocs that should have been replaced six months ago. They figured this guy needs a makeover. Everything!

Needed a shave, too. Looked terrific!

Bought nothing.

On the way back to Key West stopped at the Islamorada Fish Company. An early dinner. Stone crabs again. Delicious.

Sat next to the water. The view spectacular.

Key West and Miami/Coconut Grove two different worlds. Men wear long pants. Saw only one man in shorts. No females in shorts. Dresses or pants. Many men wore shirts and ties. Some suits. Real shoes.

South Roosevelt Boulevard may be preserved as it is. The Key West Engineering Department advised it should be left alone.

A massive Women’s March is scheduled for tomorrow in Washington, D.C. A similar march will take place in Key West at the same time. From South Beach to Mallory Square. One thousand expected to participate.

The bodies of the 80 plus whales stranded off the western edge of the Everglades National Park who died will be left to nature. The carcasses not removed. The carcasses will be left to fuel the food web. Scavengers such as vultures, sharks and crabs. Biologists determined this was the best way to handle the situation.

Syracuse/Notre Dame tomorrow at noon. Notre Dame ranked 15 in the nation. I doubt Syracuse will win. A lousy season! Nevertheless, my Syracuse!

Remember, my new commentary show begins wednesday. On Facebook. Go Live with Key West Lou. You will see as well as hear me.

Several bits a day. Thirty to sixty seconds. My thoughts on whatever as it hits me. Each segment archived.

I will be as close as your cell phone.

I am excited! Hope it is well received!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

A BOYSENBERRY MOMENT

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The 1967 movie Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner came to mind yesterday. Starred Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, and Sidney Poitier.

Tracy and Hepburn are surprised by their daughter bringing home an African-American she wants to marry. The couple wants the parents’ approval. It must be given by midnight as the husband to be is off on a plane for Paris and the daughter wants to go with him.

Hepburn accepts her daughter’s decision. Through most of the movie, Tracy not.

Tracy and Hepburn go for a ride to talk things over. Tracy wants ice cream. They stop at an ice cream parlor. Tracy orders boysenberry. The last time he had boysenberry was at the same ice cream parlor 20 years earlier.

The boysenberry did not taste the same. Tracy made a face and complained to the server. The young lady looked at Tracy as if to say it was 20 years ago.

I am in Coconut Grove over night. The Volkswagen needed tuning at a Volks dealer. Staying at the Ritz Carlton.

The last time I was in Coconut Grove was 20 years ago. Stayed at the Ritz Carlton then, also. Still a great hotel. Totally remodeled.

Took an afternoon walk into Coconut Grove’s main area. Could not find anything I was looking for. Restaurants, stores, etc. from 20 years ago.

Stopped for lunch at an interesting pub. A good choice!

I asked the young lady serving where this and that was. She knew nothing of what I was talking about. I had told her I had last been in the Grove 20 years ago. She finally looked at me and said…..That was 20 years ago!

Just like the ice cream girl indicated to Spencer Tracy.

I thought to myself…..Louis, you got old and sound old. I am and sometimes do.

Joe’s Stone Crab for dinner last night. Always good, always the best!

The waiter told me Martha Stewart was two tables behind me and Billy Crystal at the other end of the room. Saw Stewart. Could not see Crystal.

I pick up the car at noon. Needed a lot of work. I have to return as they do not have all the parts necessary.

Tons of interesting things in this morning’s Key West Citizen.

The County Commission voted to buy a third helicopter. $2.5 million for a used one rehabilitated. A good move!

The Key West hospital is a large urgent care center. Size immaterial. It is the service that is available. Ergo, it is necessary to helicopter serious cases to Miami for care. In life and death situations where time is of the essence.

The County charges the patient only what his/her insurance pays. If no insurance, the charge is nothing. Applies only to County residents.

To contrast, the City Commission committed Key West to start  construction on the almost $4 million amphitheater. By a 4-2 vote.

The project is not ready for construction. Income costs have not been determined, parking for 1,500 cars not resolved, street access not worked out, etc..

There is a rush to begin construction. I cannot figure it out. I guarantee the final cost will be well above $4 million. Every thing Key West does is always astronomical in the end. The result of poor planning in the beginning.

David Wolkowsky rarely writes a Letter to the Editor. He did and it appeared in this morning’s Citizen. Short and to the point.

A Key West Naval History exhibit has opened at the Custom house. David attended.

Cori Convertino is curator. Cori, a Chart Room acquaintance. David said of the exhibit, “…..a major triumph for Cori Convertino, the curator.”

I must see the exhibit.

Enjoy your day!

GOING LIVE WITH KEY WEST LOU

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My new show debuts monday morning. Going Live with Key West Lou. On Facebook. The path to the show is Key West Lou and Live.

I will be available on everyone’s cell phones.

You will be able to see me as well as hear me. Not sure whether you will enjoy the show. Time will tell.

Several comments a day. Each short. Thirty to sixty seconds. Politics, social matters, sports, etc. Whatever turns me on at the moment. From wherever I am.

The show will be archived. You can find me any time of the day and listen/watch the shows to that time.

Today busy. A haircut with Lori. She is off for a three day/two night cruise to the Bahamas with friends. Says she did it before. Fun.

Fine tuned my blog talk radio show.

A hurried dinner at 5 Guys.

Show in the evening. Loved sharing Teddy Roosevelt’s story how he saved football. He did. I had minimal comments re the inauguration. Did comment, however.

Doing this blog early. Before 5 in the morning. Have to leave for Miami. Time for the Volkswagen to be tuned up. I need some clothes. Will shop while car being tuned.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

TONIGHT…..AQUA IDOL

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Tonight! Aqua Idol! The start of a new season.

From 6:30-8:00, 14 brand new contestants will vie to be the next Aqua Idol. A journey taking several weeks. Every tuesday evening till there is a winner.

At Aqua, of course.

The event a fundraiser. Held to support the Waterfront Playhouse. Lynda Frechette heads Aqua Idol. She scours the lower Keys for new contestants each season. Fourteen needed. They compete tonight for the first time.

Aqua Idol has been a popular event for years. Get to Aqua early if you wish a seat. It will be wall to wall.

I get cheated. I cannot be there. I will be into final preparations for my podcast show this evening. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou at 9. A quick half hour of interesting political and social events. Accompanied by my comments, of course. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Football injuries are much in the news these days. Both pro and college ball. There was another time when football injuries were big time. The early 1900s. College ball. Pro ball was in its infant stages.

No helmets or shoulder pads in those days.

Deaths commonplace. A large number each season.

President Theodore Roosevelt got involved. He straightened things out. Had he not, football would have been banned in the United States. That close. Several prominent colleges had already banned football.

The opening topic this evening concerns Roosevelt and how he saved football.

Also, the inaugural this week. God help us! The Mexican people and their unhappiness. Major business closings. Some surprising. ISIS gaining ground in Albania. D.A.R.E. ends its anti-weed campaign. Plus, more.

Spent yesterday afternoon working on tonight’s blog talk radio show.

Then to Aqua for Dueling Bartenders. Tom and Rick. Sheila and David. Liz and Mary. And many more.

Dinner afterwards at Mangoes with Barbara and Liz. My first time to the new Mangoes. Lovely. Service excellent. Food merely ok. Not worth the cost.

Major announcement! My new show will begin monday. Going Live with Key West Lou. On Facebook. The show in addition to this blog and my tuesday night podcast.

You will see as well as hear me.

I will do several brief commentaries each day. Whatever strikes me at the moment. Whatever tickles my fancy. From wherever I am. All I have to do is pull out my cell phone and get to it.

The comments will be short. Generally 30-60 seconds.

Archived. Several commentaries can be read at one time.

I am excited. Hope it goes over well. Hope nothing pops up which causes me to push the opening date ahead.

Once again, a problem with stranded whales. Off Hog Key on the Gulf side of Florida. Ninety five whales involved. Eighty one already dead. Naturally or euthanized.

There have been stranded whales near Key West in past years. More than one time. I recall several years ago a pod stranded off Cudjoe Key. Went to take a look.

More than 500 volunteers and professionals appeared over a period of several days to help. Wet suits available to all who wanted to assist.

Some whales saved. Some died.

The effort impressive.

William Hackley mentioned yesterday his hope that what appeared to be a new Seminole War in 1856 would not be as expensive as previous ones. How expensive was expensive back in those days?

I did a bit of research. There were three Seminole Indian Wars. The first in the 1820s. the last 1855-1858.

Strange fact pattern. The federal government wanted to move the Florida Seminoles west to Oklahoma. Contrasted with the post Civil War years when the federal government was trying to move western Indians to Florida.

The Second Seminole War was the expensive one. Cost $30 million in a year when the federal budget was only $25 million. The basis for Hackley’s statement in 1856.

On this day in 1961, President Dwight Eisenhower spoke to the Nation. He warned to beware the “military-industrial complex.” He was well aware of their greedy nature and not necessarily acting in the best interests of the country.

Eisenhower was correct. His words not heeded. The military-industrial complex thriving. Encourages wars, overcharges, etc.

I close with Syracuse. My Syracuse. Settling in that this will not be one of Syracuse’s best seasons. Lost yesterday 85-68 to North Carolina.

Syracuse cannot play with the big guys this year.

Enjoy your day!