LUNCHED AT NAVIGATOR

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Wes is a relatively new friend. We met through this blog. Wes a retired U.S. Navy Captain. An Annapolis graduate. He and his wife snowbirds. There Key West home at 1800. Home other times is Annapolis.

I was Wes’ guest at lunch yesterday. At the Navigator on Boca Chica. Boca Chica is a Naval Air Station. Wes was stationed at Boca Chica early in his career for submarine duty. Returned in later years in another capacity.

Wes loved his Key West time. He lived in Key West during his high school years. When the Navy stationed him at Boca, it was going home time for him.

Boca Chica is a huge facility. Never appreciated the size. I had only been on base two times previously. For bowling parties.

The Navigator is a bar/restaurant facility at one of the far ends of the base. Sits on open water. Could see and hear the planes flying over low to land.

Boca Chica sits four miles up U.S. 1. A state of the art training facility for air to air combat. Homeland Security on the base. Drug interdiction offices also. In addition to other governmental stations.

A U.S. Naval presence has existed at Boca Chica since 1814. The pirates Blackbeard and Captain William Kidd were raising havoc with commercial shipping. The U.S. stationed Navy vessels at Boca Chica to ward the pirates off.

The base was technically opened December 15, 1940. A busy place during World War II. A huge German submarine presence existed off the Florida shores.

Another major time in the base’s existence was the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Boca Chica is not in full use today. Appears desolate. Activity minimal. I closed my eyes and could envision the base when fully operational. Had to be exciting!

Spent my afternoon yesterday doing some further research re Wright Langley. Author of the History of the Rotary Club of Key West. I plan on doing installments re the work. I will deviate on occasion to write about matters connected to Rotary, but outside the purview of Langley’s work itself.

Guaranteed. Will be interesting!

The author Wright Langley a person of consequence. I have been fortunate to make connection with his wife Joan and son Mark in preparation for the Langley portion.

In recent years, I have generally avoided Fantasy Fest. Parking the major problem. My car was towed three times. Plus, Fantasy Fest does not excite me as it once did..

With one exception. I love seeing the bare breasted and otherwise nude women. The pleasure has never left me.

I got a fill last night.

On my way to Berlin’s and then back home, I had to pass through 3-4 blocks of party goers. It was all there for me. Breasts and bodies. One problem. The lighting was not good. I was lucky not to have run into someone.

Shaun bartending at Berlin’s. Met a number of interesting people.

Cecci and John from Naples. Plus, a lady visitor from England with them. Cecci and John looking to buy a home in the Keys. Interested in Cudjoe.

Two guys sat next to me at the bar to eat. From the Morristown area in New Jersey. Their tenth Fantasy Fest. Staying at the Pier House. Never been to the Chart Room. Sent them over to see John.

I was not that hungry. A wedge salad and bowl of lobster bisque. The bisque to die for!

Tonight, the parade! A big event! About 40 floats this year. The lighting will be good. The scanty clothed women on the floats easy to see.

The floats themselves magnificent.

I will not be there for the same reasons I have not been attending other Fantasy Fest events.

Liz is watching the parade. She purchased tickets for seating in front of St. Paul’s Church. Invited me to join here. I begged off.

Watched about five innings of the Cleveland/Chicago game last night. Great pitching. Either team could have won.

Enjoy your day!

MASQUERADE PARADE

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One of the most famous Fantasy Fest events is Masquerade March. Thousands participate. More than 10,000. Primarily locals. Dressed, faces painted, etc.

The March starts at the Key West Cemetery and winds its way up to Duval. It became so big that several years ago a second route from the cemetery had to be added.

There are those who walk and those who party. I partied.

I had many friends with homes on Fleming. The original parade route. They all threw parties. Porch parties. Good food and drink. I was always invited to someone’s home.

Those on the street and those on the porches all had fun!

The March starts today at 5. Participate or watch. Either way, you will enjoy.

I no longer watch the March. I no longer have a porch to view the March from. My friends have either passed on or moved away.

My hair appointment with Lori at Blown Away was at noon. Blown Away is on Southard, a few doors down from Duval. No parking anywhere. Took me 15 minutes to find a spot.

Jay is operating his new sandwich shop Cuzzy Bubbaz on Southard next to Bank of America. A soft opening. Working the quirks out before an official opening.

I had lunch at Jay’s. Not run of the mill. Enjoyed three kobe beef sliders. Delicious!

Then to the doctor for my flu shot.

I was driving home when the rain hit. Torrential! Hard to see! Continued most of the afternoon. A cold wind accompanying the rain.

The rain took care of my last night. No toga party for me. As much as I enjoy viewing a woman’s naked body, not in the rain.

Bocce was the other option. Telephoned Don. Rained out as I expected.

My evening was spent home. Dinner was Chinese delivery. Egg drop soup and egg rolls. The balance of the evening spent playing around with my Hackley type installments which will start soon.

A new national law turned out to be a boon for Key West. It was January 1920. The Volstead Act went into effect. Alcohol banned in the United States.

Key West’s economy boomed as a result. Rumrunning. The rum coming in from Cuba to the United States through Key West.

No Syracuse football tomorrow. A bye week. Going to need it. Clemson next week.

Heard from Anna in Novara. I had written telling her that Italian President Renzi was a hit during his recent visit to the U.S. She was upset. Her position is that Renzi is doing a lousy job and disliked by most Italians.

I had written because recently Italy had an earthquake. I was concerned for Anna. Should not have been. It was nowhere near her.

I recall five years ago when I was staying at Anna’s apartment in Novara. An earthquake hit. A big one. The after quakes even worse.

Anna was crazy running around screaming. I too was concerned, but sat quietly till everything was over.

The Statue of Liberty. Dedicated by President Grover Cleveland this date 1886.

I came across a note that the Statue had 354 steps. I went up each one.

I was 4-5 years old. My dad took me. We were going to the top! The top then the crown. The arm had become too weak to proceed further.

The staircase a narrow circular metal round one.

No way was I able to climb all 354 steps. I was a kid. Got tired. My father carried me half the way.

The trip was worth it. My father held me so I could look out the windows in the crown. To me, amazing. The view spectacular. It went on and on. A wow for a young boy.

I sometimes wonder how things can happen.

Luis Carlos Vega is the Chief Magistrate of the Supreme Court of the Mexican state of Jalisco. The chief judge of the highest court.

He took a leave of absence from the position yesterday. Probably never to return.

The Magistrate was convicted of manslaughter in 1984 when he ran over a woman. Killed her. While driving a stolen car.

No jail time. The system was to pay a reparation. He did.

The blot on his record was only recently discovered.

Never would happen in the U.S.! The media knows everything or soon discovers everything.

Tonight. What does it hold for me? I do not know. I do plan on being out.

Enjoy your day!

 

TERRI ON THE MEND

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It was back to the Lower Keys Medical Center at 8 yesterday morning for the CAT scan. Properly home medicated before hand.

I thought I would have to go through Admissions again. I had no order form this time. No papers. I felt like my grandfather when he was getting off the boat from Italy.

Not a problem. The radiologist was waiting for me at the door to the hospital. She took me by the hand and lead me to her department. Telling me I needed nothing. She was using monday’s paper work.

The whole thing took 15 minutes. The radiologist was Mechelle. I spelled it correctly. That is the way her parents spelled it. A Navy family.

I was wobbly when I got off the table. Continued to walk a bit unsteady. Into the elevator and up to the third floor. Wobbly walk continued as I entered Terri’s room.

The radiologist told me not to drive. I might feel that way. I did.

Donna a good friend. She picked me up and after returned me to my home. Donna was with Terri. The hospital is 5 minutes from my home. Donna was happy to get out of the hospital for a few minutes. She has been sleeping overnight on a chair in Terri’s room.

Terri looked terrific! She looked like death warmed over monday. The doctors still do not know why her kidneys were screwed up. A high number. Now coming down.

Her immediate problem was blood. they discovered tuesday night she was losing blood. Gave her two pints. That is why Terri was herself when I saw her.

She was hungry when she woke. First time she ate while in the hospital. She was sitting up in bed paying her bills over her cell phone when I arrived.

Don’s Place first last night. Chatted with David, Toni and Becca.

Then to the Back Door at Aqua and Mark Watson. Mark very concerned about Terri. They are close.

Quiet. Three guys in drag walked through.

Parking is a gigantic problem during Fantasy Fest. Does not exist. Lucky to find a spot 8-10 blocks away. To visit Back Door, I park in the public lot behind the new fire station. Not last night. Signs all over the place…..No Parking.

A pain in the ass. Obviously the City is preparing to use the lot for the remainder of Fantasy Fest for something else. Probably the buses bringing in out of town tourists who come in for a day from Miami. Typical City Commission attitude. Screw the locals!

I finally found a spot on the street after driving around a few minutes. City meter. $2 an hour. Same as in the parking lot. Much less convenient, however.

Then to Tavern ‘n Town for something to eat. Quiet. Every one downtown.

Soup and an appetizer. Followed by Key Lime pie. I had not had a piece in a while.

Michael entertaining. He took a long break and we chatted at the bar. Presidential politics.

Two guys sat next to me for a drink. We talked constantly. Primarily, Presidential politics.

One of the men was Bill Glowka from the Mecca, California area. A CPA. He was all aglow telling me about his participation with Galilee Center in California. He is a board member. The organization assists the needy.

Take a look at their website. An interesting operation. www.galileecenter.org.

I have begun asking people who they favor for President. Seems more Trump than Hillary. Many not voting. Several doing write ins.

The Trump supporters are middle aged men with out a college education. Blue collar workers. The women decidedly for Hillary. Those not voting think both are so bad that neither is worth their vote.

William Hackley has been writing the past several days of his hunting exploits. Must be the way food was put on the table in 1855. He generally shot ducks, teal and goose.

I finally get my flu shot today. Later than normal. I totally recommend the flu shot. Started 16 years ago. No flu since then. Prior to that time, I was good for three attacks a year.

USA Today ran an article yesterday saying that women will earn as much as men in 170 years. Don’t buy it! Today’s women will not stand for it. Equality will be achieved in the next decade.

Enjoy your day!

 

BREVITY THIS MORNING

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Today’s blog short. I have an early appointment at the hospital for a CAT scan.

Query: Why didn’t Morning Joe and Mika discuss the Megyn Kelly/Newt Gingrich confrontation? They showed the video and indicated they were passing “on this one.”

It required discussion.

Blog talk show went well last night. I enjoy doing it. Little politics. I dwelled a bit on America no longer being the land of opportunity for the young. Also, university fraud.

For those of you who missed the show and would like to listen to it, the show is archived on my Key West Lou website. www.keywestlou.com.

That is it for today. Back to normal tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!

KEY WEST HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE

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I experienced a hospital day yesterday. At the Lower Keys Medical Center. Because of recent furor, I paid attention to everything.

Staff polite. Courteous. Apologetic when required. Exhibited concern.

The problem was service.

It took 25 minutes for me to get through Admissions. I was taken on time. To process me, took too much time. The computer would not print. Improper numbered form used by doctor.

The admissions person had a cold. Sneezing and spreading germs. I did not use the pen she handed me. Used my own. I was germ conscious.

I was supposed to have a CAT scan. Never happened. I have an intravenous dye allergy. Hospital and doctor’s records reflect same. No one was aware of it till the last minute. I needed a special pill to be taken over a 13 hour period prior to the scan. Which meant, no Cat scan yesterday.

Almost two hours my time AND the hospital’s wasted.

Scan rescheduled for tomorrow morning.

The three pills turned out to be a problem. Neither doctor nor hospital responsible. Walgreens the culprit.

I received a Walgreens recorded telephone message. Insurance company says no insurance…..check with my new company. Crazy. I have no new insurance company. The same one for ten years. I pay for the drug coverage a year at a time. Not due till January.

Called my doctor’s office to work the problem out.

A Walgreen screw up. They processed the prescription twice. The second apparently cancelled the first. The second however befuddled the insurance company’s computer causing the no insurance response.

There is humor to this. The pills cost $ .94. The screw up resulting in wasted time for the insurance company, my doctor’s office and Walgreens. For me, aggravation.

I am scheduled later this morning for a leg blood clot test and something else at the doctor’s office.

Terri in the hospital with all kinds of problems. Kidneys the worse. Stopped in to see her. Donna was there. As expected. Spent the night sleeping on a chair next to Terri’s bed.

Terri looked better than Donna. Terri is on the mend. A couple more days.

Aqua last night for Dueling Bartenders. I was looking forward to a couple of drinks.

Beatrix Dixie only performer dressed. Looked good, sang better. Tom and Rick not dressed. Sang well also.

Met Buzz at the bar. Another senior citizen. Originally from Oregon. Been a Key Wester for years. Lives in Truman Annex.

A new friend.

Dan and Betty, where were you? I thought you would be stopping in.

Since saturday, three different locals have mentioned a concern. A serious one from their perspective. A fear of something bad occurring during Fantasy Fest. They have a feeling.

Jenna has a model’s body. Not even a size 1. A zero.

She runs 5-7 miles most days. Works out at a gym 3 days a week.

She recently became a marathon runner. Short ones. Three-five miles. She has run two in the past three weeks. Came in first in each in the women’s division. Third overall in the first.

One of today’s Fantasy Fest events is this afternoon. The Beach Bash. At South Beach. A band. Persons attending have been asked to dress for the beach as people did when the Twist was popular. Except for bikinis, attire would be the same as today. No thong bottoms back then.

I remember when the Twist came out. An immediate hit. I recall the first time I danced it. At a Xmas office party. It was easy to do. The instructions simple. Do as you would do if you were drying your butt with a towel.

I could be wrong. I believe the Twist was the first modern day dance where people did not dance close to each other, touch.

My podcast tonight. Nine this evening. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Have about three hours more prep to do. Show will be interesting and in some instances revealing. Join me for a fast paced half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Several years ago, I wrote a KONK Life column titled The Charge of the Light Brigade. Alfred Lord Tennyson’s exciting poem re the fight between the Brits and Russians during the Crimean War at the Battle of Balaclava.

It comes to mind today. On this day in 1854, the battle giving rise to the poem was fought.

Certain lines memorable. Excite me whenever I hear or read them.

“Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die. Into the valley of Death rode the six hundred.”

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

JENNA STAUFFER NIGHT

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It was dinner last night with Jenna Stauffer. At the bar at Berlin’s.

It had been a while since we were last together. A lot of catching up to do. Re her life. Mine boring in comparison. Jenna is 30. Her career progressing well. She bubbles with enthusiasm when talking about it.

Gage was bartending. Originally from New Hampshire. Settled in Key West in 1998, the same year I bought my home here. He has been working at Berlin’s nine years. A great gig!

Tom the Sous Chef came out to say hello.

Janine and Meri, two Pier House Beach Bar bartenders, had dinner next to us at the bar. Sisters. Wonderful people. Janine was at Berlin’s last week also when I was there.

Berlin’s is on the second floor. A staircase involved. As Jenna and I were walking down the stairs leaving, Jenna asked if I had fallen recently. I proudly said no. I watch where I am stepping.

At that moment, I went flying. I missed the last step. Jenna caught me on the way down. Saved me from some damage.

I told Jenna it was her fault. I was looking at her instead of the step. Somewhat like the line from  an Affair to Remember. Deborah Kerr telling Cary Grant that her injury was no one’s fault…..she was looking up…..you were there.

One of Fantasy Fest events yesterday was the Zombie Bike Ride. Eight thousand people dressed and made up to look like the walking dead. One uglier and scarier than the other. Took place last night.

I did not see the Ride. Avoided the Ride by twisting and turning and taking different streets to get to Berlin’s. When I was driving home, the Ride was over. The zombies had time to hit the bars. Many were all over the streets riding randomly on their bicycles. Some a bit drunk. Some more than a bit. Weaving from side to side in the lanes.

An accident waiting to happen.

Spent yesterday afternoon working on tomorrow night’s podcast show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My normal time to prepare had to be rearranged. I have two days of tests re my heart beginning today. Four hours today. I do not know how many tomorrow.

Have to squeeze in some more prep before tomorrow night.

Topics will include a Maduro update. A coup was attempted this weekend. It failed. It signifies the beginning of the end, however.

Other topics involve the Monsanto/Bayer merger, Duterte bad mouthing the U.S. again, and special treatment by the government to John Kerry’s daughter to the tune of $9 million.

Terri White is in the hospital. She went in yesterday. Not her heart. She will be in 3-4 days. Donna spent the night with her. I will be visiting the ladies while in the hospital today.

Reading William Hackley, I have concluded in his time men rented slaves to one another. Hackley wrote this day in 1855 that he “hired a negro woman of William Dennis at $12 per month…..”

I intended to start the History of the Key West Rotary today. In installments. Some interesting items to share.

It will not begin today. Others matters interfered. Hopefully, I will have it started by the end of the week.

Enjoy your day!

 

FULL DAY AND NIGHT

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Busy day yesterday. One thing after another. All fun.

Syracuse played Boston College at noon. I figured I could watch till 1:15 before getting ready for Joseph Lyles retirement party at Hot Tin Roof. Got hooked on the game. Stayed till half time. Syracuse ahead 14-13.

Obviously got to Joseph’s party late. People were streaming out as I arrived. Joseph the last to leave. I was able to apologize, hug him and wish him well.

The party was moving over to the Pier House Beach Bar. Walked over with Joseph and Methias.

One end of the bar packed with party persons. Sat and chatted with Jean Thornton awhile. A lovely person.

Only one drink. A bloody Mary. Following which I was off and running. Home to find out how Syracuse did and watch some Alabama/Texas Tech football before leaving for bocce.

Syracuse won 28-20. A good victory. Any victory a good one. Syracuse now 4-4.

Bocce was a make up game with Hell’s Rangers. It had rained the night scheduled.

I would have been better off keeping my date with Jenna Stauffer. Don’s Place lost all three games. A beating! Lost the middle game 16-0.

Prior to last night, Hell’s Rangers had lost 5 out of its last 6 games. They were out for blood. They played very well and we were simply not with it. One of those nights.

The cheeseburgers, hot dogs and salads were delicious. Compensated for the defeat.

The temperature by day yesterday was 82. Last night 75. A very cold 75. The breeze off the ocean makes it feel cold. I was in a sports shirt and shorts. Froze the whole time! When I got home, I turned off the air conditioning, had a hot cup of tea with honey and buried myself under the covers. I did not kick the cold feeling till 3 this morning.

Big night tonight! Jenna! Love her! We have known each other close to 10 years. Early on she produced my TV show for three years. We are having dinner at Berlin’s.

I will not be doing Fantasy Fest every evening. After all the years attending, I now pick and choose. Probably will not return till Thursday night. Toga Party! I go to watch, not participate. It is the voyeur in me.

Fantasy Fest’s King and Queen were crowned Friday night at the Coronation Ball. King Christopher Rounds and Queen Jane Rohrschneider. I know Chris. have never met Jane.

King and Queen are determined by the number of dollars each candidate raises for AIDS Help. Chris and Jane raised the most ever. $368,000.

Chris is much younger than me. He grew up in the Boonville, New York area. Some 15 miles from my home town Utica.

I first met Chris when he bought Antonia’s. Sold it several years later and purchased La Te Da. Three years ago he did a complete renovation of La Te Da.

At all times, La Te Da’s food and entertainment the best. Conversation great. People friendly. La Te Da’ is a gay/straight venue which I believe contributes to its ambiance.

Diana Millikan sent me a site to read. The History of the Rotary Club of Key West. Authored by a Wright Langley in 1935. Covers the years 1915-1971.

Boring but interesting. Every now and then a happening that surprises. New knowledge.

When the William Hackley saga began appearing in the Key West Citizen, I thought it was a waste. I quickly became hooked on it, however.

I think the Rotary history  might result in a similar experience for my readers.

The History is lengthy. I plan on breaking it down into segments based on years. Everything will not be reported. Really boring. I will be picking and choosing. The result will be a history of Key West during the years in question as well as a Rotary history.

Tomorrow will be installment #1: 1915-1919.

Hope it tickles your fancy.

Enjoy your Sunday!

GOOMBAY!

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Finally! Goombay! Last night!

Goombay is of Haitian or some other Caribbean derivation. Goombay is a round goat skin drawn over a round or square wood or metal bottomless pail. Played with the hands. There were a lot of palms slapping on goat skin tops last night.

Goombay has become an annual event for some. Don entertains a group from his bar. He has been doing this for years.

We met last night at Don’s Place. A drink or two. Eleven of us in a cab ride to 801. 801 is one of the most popular Key West gay bars. It sits on Duval at the beginning of Goombay.

After a few more drinks, we headed out. First a group picture. We take one every year. No one has ever seen the finished product.

For some  of us, the initial walk is short. One block to the outside bar of Bourbon Street. Another premier gay bar. It has become a habit to stop there to listen to Blue. A singer. A long time friend of Don and David.

We sat enjoying a few more drinks. Some of the group danced. On soft sand.

The group at this point consisted of Don, David and Billie, Stan and Clare, Dan and Betty, and Louis. Don was my date.

Now came the walk up Petronia Street. Booths/stands on each side of the street. Music coming from everywhere. All kinds of Caribbean type food. The street crowded.

Similar to New York’s San Gennaro Feast, except San Gennaro is Italian in nature.

I had to eat. Opted for a sausage sandwich.

Once we left Bourbon St., we separated. Impossible for a large group to move together. The goal Blue Heaven.

I got there last.

Blue Heaven is a large outdoor restaurant. Packed.

I stayed for one drink. Exhausted. It was time to leave. I snuck off with no good byes.

As I was leaving, I heard Louis! Turned and it was Jean Thornton. She has been back two weeks and it was the first time we have seen each other. A big hug and kiss.

I will see Jean again this afternoon at a retirement party for Joe Lyles.

My car was at Don’s Place. A big walk. Especially with how my heart has been behaving recently. I took it slow and made it. No adverse physical feelings.

Today busy.

Syracuse/Boston College at noon. Will watch at home.

Then to the Hot Tin Roof for Joseph Lyles’ retirement party. Well deserved!

Tonight became a problem. I had a date scheduled with lovely Jenna for dinner. Does my heart good to be out with a beautiful 30 year old woman.

Then I found out that there was a bocce make-up game tonight. Don’s Place/Hell’s Rangers. Big time game between two big time teams this season. Don’s is alone in first place. Hell’s Rangers in third. Hell’s Rangers generally in first place most seasons.

The match has turned into a party. Hell’s Rangers bringing the food and Don’s the drinks. A cook out!

I wanted to see the bocce match. I gave up Jenna for a bocce game! A sure sign I have gotten old.

Jenna understood. We are going out together tomorrow night.

I mentioned the Rick Pitino situation yesterday. David Taylor wrote me a long in depth review of the situation from his perspective. David now lives in St. Louis. However, spent many years in Kentucky. He was aware first hand of facts I knew not. Will share them with you as the Pitino matter develops.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

JUDY WOOD MEMORIAL

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A pleasant afternoon yesterday. Lay in the shade by the pool. Read and snoozed.

First stop last night was the Tavern ‘n Town memorial event for Judy Wood. Two groups of people. Locals at the bar. Another group in the back of the dining room were special tables, food, photos, etc. had been set up. Knew none. I assume out of town family.

Bobby Nesbitt and Carmen Rodriquez singing. Bobby telling Judy stories.

I believe Judy was in her mid 60s at the end. Age has a way of adding pounds, sagging facial muscles, etc. My body is a wreck at 81.

Judy’s photos from another time shocked me. A knockout! Such a beautiful woman!

May she rest in peace.

Tavern ‘n Town was too crowded. Drove over to Outback for dinner. A small prime rib.

Then to bocce. Don’s Place was playing the Sons of Italy. Don’s Place won 2 and lost 1. The Sons of Italy played well. Don’s Place nowhere near well. Two of the games were close. Don’s Place won  the last game easily.

Don’s Place still in first place alone. The other two top teams lost 1 or 2 games.

Met Jerry. He plays for the Sons of Italy. Not Italian. One human family extends to bocce teams.

Jerry a former Navy reservist. Thereafter involved with two credit unions. Now, totally retired.

Love the guy! He reads this blog! Has been reading it! He asked if my name was Lou and did I write, etc. That is how we got started.

Syracuse/Boston College tomorrow. Boston College a 4.5 point favorite. My fingers are crossed.

Rick Pitino. Famous basketball coach. Successful at his work. Coaching at Louisville for the past 10 years or so. A winner!

Pitino and Jim Boeheim best of friends. Stood up for each other when married, godfather to each other’s children.

I know Pitino. Not as well as Boeheim. Pitino is a horse lover. He owns, runs and breeds them. I spent some time with him in Saratoga over the years. Watching him buy horses at the Saratoga Horse Sale a memorable experience.

The NCAA has been investigating Pitino. The charges came down yesterday.

The issue involves escorts and strippers who were hired to entertain recruits and players. In the same University dorm where the hopefuls were spending a weekend.

The claim is assistant coach Andre McGee made the arrangements, paid the money, etc. There is no charge that Pitino was aware. However, Pitino is charged similarly as Boeheim was. As head coach, it is his responsibility to know everything going on with the team. The technical terminology “…..for failing to monitor a member of his staff (McGee).”

I thought the charges against Boeheim were bullshit. Different from Pitino’s. He was charged after a 10 year investigation. They had to dig to find something concerning Boeheim. The Pitino investigation only took one year.

Sex procurement a no no. No question about it.

I find it hard to believe Pitino was not aware. A hands on person.

At some point in time, there will be a Pitino suspension. Inevitable.

Tonight, Goombay!

Enjoy your day! And evening!

 

 

 

GIBRALTAR OF THE SOUTH

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There was a time and a man who viewed Key West as the Gibraltar of the South. It was the mid 1930s. The man, Julius Stone.

The 1930s was depression time across the United States. Key West especially hard hit. It was the end of the world. Hard to get to. Little business. No work. Monroe County had filed for bankruptcy.

Julius Stone was the WPA administrator for the State of Florida. He considered things so bad in Key West, that he opened a WPA office there. Only the second in the State.

Stone saw tourism as the way for Key West to improve its economy. He was a precursor. He saw what men like David Wolkowsky would envision in later years.

One of his efforts to improve quality of life in Key West was to have a play locally produced. The Pirates of Penzance.

The historical goodies I share with you I did not find. Credit belongs to snowbird Diana Millikan. Diana is writing a play about Julius Stone and The Pirates of Penzance endeavor. She keeps me informed.

Diana has discovered a rich source of information. The Kennedy Cafe mornings. Elderly conchs meet every morning for coffee and talk. A breakfast club of sorts.

Diana says it is like pulling teeth to get information out of them. She is succeeding, however. A step at a time.

She met Jesse. A woman in her 90s. Her married name she was not able to get. However, her maiden name was forthcoming. Watkins.

Jesse was in attendance at the play on February 19, 1935. She recalled the event vividly. She said George Wills was the leading man. Handsome.

She attended the play with her two older sisters. Diana reported one of the sisters became President of a local bank. Sounds strange for the times. It might have been the woman’s husband.

The write up in the newspaper the next day listed a Mrs. Joseph Cates as seamstress. Diana is trying to find out if the 1935 Cates is a relative of today’s Mayor Cates.

Burt Lancaster was one of America’s great actors. He died at 80 this date in 1994. Lancaster and Key West touched two times.

Lancaster’s first movie was The Killers. The movie was based on Ernest Hemingway’s short story of the same name.

He actually filmed a movie in Key West. The Rose Tattoo. The movie was based on Tennessee William’s play of the same name. The movie was filmed in a house on Duncan Street. Williams lived on one corner of the block and The Rose Tattoo house was on the other.

The Cannonball Run is coming through Key West saturday. Will be on Duval and Front Streets around 3.

The Cannonball is composed of a group of men who own special cars. They like to drive them on strange roads in strange places. Duval not one of those places. However Key West not the destination. The group is headed for Havana, Cuba.

I have a neighbor down the street who participates. He is on in years. The Run is one of the more important events in his live. He has a 1906 or 1914 Rolls Royce. In tip top shape. When last I spoke with him, he had just returned from a run in New Zealand. The cars at some point are shipped to the final destination.

Screwworms on the move. No longer just on Big Pine and No Name Key. Have expanded into Big Torch Key, Middle Torch Key, Little Torch Key, Cudjoe, Ramrod and Summerland Keys. Flies have been found in each place.

The last time there was a screwworm infestation was 30 years ago. Things have become sufficiently bad that the State of Florida has declared a State of Emergency exists.

Tammy for a manicure/pedicure yesterday. Ran into Kate Miano who was getting a pedicure.

Kate is one of Key West’s most dynamic women. Owner of The Gardens. Note that Sunday at the Gardens has opened. Sundays from 5-7. Great music. Good drinks. Excellent company. Mostly locals.

The Judy Wood memorial celebration this evening from 5-7 at Tavern ‘n Town. Sad. Her death continues to bother me. And I did not know her well. Only from the bar.

Afterwards, I shall be off to bocce to watch Don’s Place play. Numero Uno!

Goombay tomorrow night!

The third and final Presidential debate was last night. Trump consistent. An ass. Hillary handled herself well.

Enjoy your day!