A phenomenal day yesterday weatherwise! The temperature hit 85°. Warm, but not warm. The cool breeze coming in off the ocean kept things comfortable.

Another terrific Key West Lou Legal Hour yesterday morning. Everything seemed of interest to everyone. If any topic drew a bit more comment following the show, it was the two topics concerning the Dubai royal family in London and a 1787 gold coin recently auctioned for $7.4 million.

The Dubai royal family was in London this past week. The number of persons making up the family I do not know. However, the royal family sent one of their aides to a bank to pick up some spending money.Fifty pound notes. Amounted to $3 million American money.  The aide was robbed as he left the bank. He was caught about three hours later. The money was being used by the royal family as pocket money/spending money during their London trip.

The auction involved a rare 1787 gold coin. It brought $7.4 million. A financial institution in New York City, a bank, bought the  coin. The bank’s name was not disclosed.

The point I was making was that the two biggest ripoff generators in recent years affecting the American public were involved. Oil producers and a bank. The royal family requiring $3 million pocket money for a London vacation. A bank with so much extra money that it invests $7.4 million in a rare gold coin.

Something is wrong with the system! The rich get richer. Poor poorer. The incidents reported sort of like spitting in some one’s face.

It was gym time again yesterday. Courtney Aman my trainer. This was my third gym visit. Each session has been more strenuous than the previous one. I could feel it yesterday. Certain parts of my body ached and burned during the process. I can feel it this morning also. However, I am happy with the whole situation. I’m thrilled to be working out! Monday we start with boxing. I am excited. Yes, Louis boxes!

Then to Don’s Place for a glass of water. Don and David there. Chatted briefly with them. Roger sitting outside. Had a drink (diet soda) with Roger.
Book wrote for about three hours later in the afternoon. Slow and steady. The words came easily.

I did something different last night. Instead of running into town to do the Chart Room or hustling over to Hogfish, I went to Geiger Key. First time in four years. It is 5 miles up US one from my home. At the Shell station and Big Kmart grocery store, make a right and drive about 2 miles down a somewhat desolate road. There to the left in the woods sitting on a watery cove is Geiger Key.

The people who own Hogfish purchased Geiger Key about two years ago. I assumed some work had been done. The place previously was pretty run down. Improvements had been made.

I never liked Geiger Key. I can’t tell you why. It was a shack in the middle of nowhere and the people not friendly. Dark. The lighting sucked.

The place has been fixed up. Including better lighting.

The people at Geiger Key have always been interesting. Before and now. They are an entity unto themselves. I knew no one then and knew no one now. These people live on Geiger Key. Are sort of geographically snobbish. Geiger is rather large by the way. The residents live in homes, trailers and some on boats. They know each other. I was a stranger.

I enjoyed my meal. Same quality as Hogfish. Even got to talk to some of the other customers.

Big night tonight! Syracuse/North Carolina State basketball. 6:30. I will be at the Sports Page Bar watching. Syracuse should win. Syracuse is presently ranked # 1 nationally. I know it is early in the season. But # 1 at any time is good.

Bond rallies were a big thing during World War II. The US government raised money by selling bonds. $18.75 bought a person a bond which could be redeemed in 10 years for $25. People bought these bonds like crazy. Not only was it a way to save, it was also showing support for the war effort. My parents had a ton of such bonds. My grand father had many, also. I can recall when I started practicing law in the early 1960s, every time I was retained in an estate matter,  US savings bonds from World War II were part of the estate.

The bond rallies generally involved some famous or prominent person coming to Utica to entertain or talk.
I have a specific recollection of the Andrew Sisters coming to Utica. For those of you who may not know, they were three top notch female singers. Extremely popular during and following the War.

A stage was set up in front of the Savings Bank in Utica. For at least two blocks around, the sidewalks and streets were packed with people listening to the Andrew Sisters singing and promoting the sale of war bonds.

The war effort required metal. All kinds of metal. People were donating any kind of metal they could find in their homes or their businesses.

The Savings Bank of Utica was a proud local bank. In front, it had a huge metal chain. A linked chain. But different. The links were at least 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick. The day the Andrew Sisters were there, the links were removed. The announcement was made that the chain was being donated to the war effort.

That is how it was then.

Enjoy your day!

Can’t believe it! The weather is absolutely outstanding! 80° yesterday.

I thought this morning’s blog would begin…..I NEED A SANTA CLAUS!

I have always made sure Santa Claus visited my home twice. Around dinner time Christmas Eve. Then again when the children were asleep. I did this with my children, my older grandchildren in Utica, and now with my two grandchildren in Key West.

My problem. Reggie, my Santa Claus the past four years, left town. The search for a new Santa Claus became a problem. I could not find one. By yesterday, I was exasperated. Then the telephone rang. It was Santa Claus. Be at Lisa’s house Christmas Eve 6 PM to chat with Robert and Ally. Problem solved.

I blamed Comcast yesterday for my problems. Both computers and TV sets were down. Turns out I was wrong.

Adam is my handyman. I gave him a call. I did not want to wait till this morning to have the Comcast repair man come by. Adam took a look. A rat had eaten through my cable.

Homes in Key West are required to have a five foot crawl space under portions of the house and outer deck. That is where wires cables, and pipes feeding the house are located. That is where my univited guest had dinner.

I had a party to attend last night between five and seven. Never made it. I was not dressed and out on the road until seven. Headed to the Chart Room instead.

It’s amazing! Sometimes the Chart Room in the empty. And then all of a sudden there are 30 people. That is the way it was last night. I enjoyed Sheila, Jean and Emily. John Lucas was there again. Next Saturday his new sports bar JDL’s Big Ten opens. At the former PT’s. Give it a try.

Jean and I sat at the bar quite a while and talked. About everything.

Then to Don’s Place. Kurt, Rob and Bebe there. Also Michelle. Michelle and I sat together and chatted.

This morning The Key West Legal Hourr. 10 AM my time. Worldwide. Watch and listen. Great topics on the front burner this morning!

This afternoon will be my third trip to the gym with a trainer. The last time was Monday. I have felt pain in my arms since then. Pain is good?

Enjoy your day!

I can’t win!

Computers and TVs down since 2 this morning. Comcast does not know why. I have to wait till tomorrow morning for a service person.

Comcast’s service stinks! Comcast does not care.

Their President makes $40 million a year. There are few if any means to make a telephone call to anyone to complain. From the President down. Your only recourse is the recorded message/directions on the telephone. Whoever invented the system should have a telephone shoved up his ass!

I am at Lisa’s late this morning doing this blog. Sorry for the delay in getting it out to you.

I enjoyed yesterday. Spent the day completing and fine tuning tomorrow’s Internet show. Another good one! We live in a crazy world. I merely report and comment on what is happening.

Tomorrow’s topics include a walk back in history to December 16, 1773. The Boston Tea Party. Then Saudi royalty robbed of $3 million in cash pocket money in London, a New York financial institution buying a rare gold piece for $7.4 million, a new census report saying almost half US population poor or low income, the why regarding Sandusky’s attorney waiving the preliminary hearing, the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish in some California schools, immigration insanity proposed in New Haven of all places, a man sentenced to life in prison released because he was in jail at the time  of the incident for which he received the life sentence, Saudi woman beheaded for sorcery, a Pakistani woman has acid thrown in her face by her husband because she refused to sell two of their children, and more.

Join me. www.konkbroadcasting.com. 10 am my time. Worldwide coverage. The Key West Lou Legal Hour.

Last night started at the Chart Room. Emily bar tending. Gave me a kiss when I arrived and hug and kiss when I left. Captain Peter. Jean Thornton for a brief bit. John Lukas. and others.

John’s new sports page bar opens in about a week. At the old PT’s. John is all excited and tired. Hard work completing the renovation. Will not be for naught. John is a winner and his new bar will be also.

Stopped at Don’s Place next. Not many customers. Had a drink with Jimmy and Joanie. Kurt was supposed to be bar tending. He was not.

My last stop was at the Marriott Tavern ‘n Town. Ate at the bar. I was alone. Grabbed a newspaper in the lobby to read. A small pizza and a drink and I was done.

I am a poor sleeper. Sleep with the TV on so I have something to do when I wake. I woke at 2. No TV. It made for a long night.

Enjoy your day!

Blue Star mothers. Gold Star mothers.

During World War II, any home that had someone in the military hung a flag in the window. The flags were about 12″ x 8″. White. A star in the center.

A blue star meant someone was in the service. A gold star meant that the person in the service had been killed in action.

Gold Star mothers were respected, revered and recognized. During the war and for years thereafter, the Gold Star Mothers, as they became known, joined together and were invited to many events. These Gold Star mothers started to speak out on current events. They felt a force within themselves. They had given the utmost to the war cause. They were entitled to speak out.

Looking back, these Gold Star mothers were the seeds of the women’s movement.

Another great lunch yesterday! Two days in a row. A lucky man am I.

Ann Hedenberg and I enjoyed a two hour lunch. At Hogfish.

Ann has been my friend since the early 1960s. For two years she was a reporter with the Utica newspapers. Then she moved on to Boston and moments of glory. I did not see again from her Utica days till about 10 years ago here in Key West. I was at an event at East Martello and lo and behold who do I see. Ann! She was married. She and her husband were retired and lived in Big Pine.

Since that time, Ann and I get together to sit and chat. It has worked out to be an every three month thing.

Ann look terrific yesterday! I have to comment thusly. In the past several months, she has not been well. Looked it. Good skin color yesterday. Her hair had a vibrancy to it. Her personality was back. God bless, Ann!

Sloan and I worked together for a while at dinner time. A talent. I was having trouble with my Amazon Kindle law blog. An exasperation! Been trying to correct it for three months. I could not resolve the problem. Jenna was up against a brick wall. Amazon themselves could not figure it out. Sloan did.

I had called Kurt earlier in the day. Thought it would be nice to have a couple of drinks with him and then dinner. He never called back till early evening. He was out playing golf. By that time I had already eaten and so there was no get together. In fact, I was in bed reading when he called.
I was correct concerning my bring back the draft comments yesterday. I received a ton of emails in short order. Most understanding of my position.

This is Wednesday. Wednesday is golf day. I’m going to skip one more week of golf. It has been nine weeks since I played. My energy factor has been less than what it should be. I probably could handle it today, but I am going to give it another week.

Enjoy your day!

I slept late this morning. Felt good. Woke to another great Key West morning. Sunshine all over. Blue sky. Water green and moving slowly. It will be another 80° day.

Had a most enjoyable lunch yesterday! With a charming and most intelligent woman. Meredith Eastwood.

Meredith is a loyal blog reader. She reads Key West Lou every day. She also has visited Key West several times in the past. She is seriously considering buying and moving here full time.

Meredith is from Indianapolis. It seems all good people come from Indiana. She has been widowed for many years. Since her son was six years old. He is now a man, married and has two children.

Meredith is a school teacher, risk coordinator at the school, a consuler and tennis coach. She earned two Masters degrees along the way.

We met at Salute’s and enjoyed a delightful couple of hours sitting outside.

Meredith has spent the last seven years writing a book. It is about Key West. However her characters are not real people.They are animals. Primarily cats. The cats all have names similar to Key West persons of note.

The book is probably three books. She has written about 100,000 words.

Meredith is at the fine tuning stage.

I believe that in Meredith I have found a new and long term friend. I shall enjoy communicating with her and eventually having her living here in Key West.

Then it was off to the gym! My second workout with trainer Courtney Aman.

When I arrived, Courtney told me that yesterday’s workout was the easiest one I would have. Good luck! It may have been easy from his perspective. It was difficult from mine. I am sore this morning.

Afterwards, I walked next door to visit with Don. I spent about an hour with him in his office going over some paperwork. Don is a genius businessman.

Last night was Virgilio’s. I rarely go to Virgilio’s. I am always in the front at La Trottatoria. Last night I was to meet friends at Virgilio’s. Gary and Tecia.

I have known them for several years now. They are snowbirds. Gary is a retired deputy sheriff from Oswego County in upstate New York. I did much legal work for and in Oswego County over the years. Never knew Gary and Tecia back then. We met and became friends in Key West. I believe at the Chart Room.

Virgilio’s has a five dollar martini Monday nights.
Gary and Tecia were there with several friends. Some also from the upstate New York area. One of their friends was Gugi. Turns out Gugi is a drag queen at 801!

I spoke with Gugi for a while. He was dressed normally, by the way. Look like everyone else. I could see from his body and the smoothness of his face that when dressed, he was probably one good looking woman! 

Gugi is originally from Chicago. Has worked in Key West for several years. Unfortunately, I do not go to 801. I have only been there twice and that was to the bar downstairs. Gary and Tecia see the shows. They also do the drag queen bingo party Sundays at five upstairs at 801.

Now that I have met Gugi, I will have to see the 801 show.
I spoke briefly with Becha and Erin. The subject of our discussion of course was Kathy. Kathy is still out recovering from two heavy surgeries. Hopefully she will be back next month.

My World War II recollection for today is the draft.

There was a draft prior to World War II. It had been instituted relatively close to the beginning of World War II. People could still volunteer to enter the military. However, there was a lottery system. Every male within a certain age bracket was entered into this lottery system. Numbers were pulled. The “lucky” ones  received a letter from Uncle Sam advising they were in the the service. You had to go.

With Pearl Harbor, many men volunteered to serve. They did not wait to be drafted. However, a significant number did wait to be drafted. I could not understand why. There seemed to be a benefit to waiting. Why, I still do not recall. What I remember is that the adults were always talking about the draft, the implications of being drafted, the implications of volunteering, etc.

The World War II draft issue brings to mind some thoughts I wish to share.

We no longer have a draft in the United States. It was done away with many years ago. We have a volunteer military service.

We are also in three wars at this time. Some of which, if not all of which, may have been unnecessary. Many lives lost and bodies maimed participating in unwarranted encounters.

There is no question that today’s military services are the best United States has ever had. They are professional soldiers. Most in for the long term. Experienced. How could they not be. Some have been redeployed four or five times.

A couple of points I would like to make.

First, I believe if there were a draft, there would be fewer wars. Congressman would be reluctant to support wars with a constituency back home telling them that they were not in favor of the war. Unless a World War II situation, no parent wants a child to fight in a war. The President and Congress would both be subject to heavier  political constraints regarding war if the people of the nation had a greater influence in whether war should be declared.

It is easy to sit in Washington and say we have to go to this country or that country or we need boots on the ground in this country. Not so if those who are doing the actual fighting are generally from a draft program. There would be a severe reluctance on the part of elected officials to engage in wars.

I say bring back the draft.

Second, I am distrustful of a professional military. I have been so for many years. I primarily do not trust the generals.

During the Bush II administration, I always thought the generals were toying with the President. They would agree with him to his face and then go out and do what they wanted. We seemed at that time to be losing civilian control over the military. Do not take my word for it. There are many books and articles written on this specific issue.

I also fear that in times of unrest a professional military might try a take over the government. You say it cannot happen. It only happens in banana countries. It has happened many times in more well developed nations and with well developed governmental structures. In times of upheaval and unrest, the military many times join with the protesters and a new government born. A government wherein the militiary influence is primary and/or significant.

As bad as things are, I do not want a new government. I do not want a military government. I only want a government that works. And I want such a government through the established systems we already have.

I suspect I’m going to get a lot of emails with regard to today’s thoughts.

Enjoy your day!

When I first purchased my Key West home 15 years ago, I joined a health club/gym. It was located on Truman at the back of the Bargain Book Store.

The conversations that went on were off the wall! I always thought that a camera and recording of the events would make for great TV! The Internet then was not as it is now. So it was TV rather than the Internet for viewing purposes.

Until yesterday, the only other place where dialogue was as entertaining was Don’s Place. I’ve always thought that a camera at the end of the bar going out worldwide over the Internet would be a winner.

I discovered a third such place yesterday.

Lee’s Nails. Tammy and her following.

I stopped in at one for a pedicure and manicure. Business was sparse. However those there made for a good mixture.

As I was getting a manicure by Tammy, her husband Ricky was giving a pedicure nearby to some woman. There was also a lovely young Asiatic woman seated to the front of Tammy and I who was getting a manicure.

A Christmas tree stood in Lee Nails. A real one. Big! Covered with lights and balls. Looked terrific!

Somehow a conversation got going concerning the tree. I asked the cost of the tree itself. I assumed something around $70. Ricky said no, over $300! He was referring not only to the tree, but also to the lights and decorations. Which were plentiful.

Tammy had a heart attack! She did not realize her husband had spent so much money.

As the conversation proceeded, Ricky told us that he threw the tree away with all the lights and ornaments on it every year. This did not make sense. Who throws away lights and decorations? Ricky does.

Ricky said that if a person kept the lights and decorations, it would bring bad luck in the new year.

The woman he was giving a pedicure to said she had a boat. She would never bring a banana on the boat because she felt it would bring her bad luck. Ricky came right back and said he would not eat a banana in the morning because he felt it would bring him bad luck all day.

There is more.

The beautiful young Asian girl to the front of me getting a manicure said, I saw a ghost! A real ghost!

She claims she saw Alice. Whoever Alice is. She saw Alice on the second floor at the art house. I do not know what she meant by the art house. However she was very firm that she had seen Alice the ghost. The woman getting a pedicure piped in that she believed in ghosts. Everyone began talking about ghosts.

And so it went.

Love Key West!

I then headed over to Don’s Place. Pro footbal time. Sunday afternoon. The whole world was there. I spent time inside and out talking with people. Had a good time.

Afterwards to Lisa’s for Sunday supper. Christmas was in the air. Ally had made a  Christmas wreath in school. The wreath was hanging on the front door. It was paper colored with crayons. Robert had made a sign welcoming everyone to their home for Christmas. The sign was on a piece of paper and done in crayon also. Both were very proud. Of course, I complimented each on the fine work and told them that Santa Claus would appreciate seeing these things when he arrived at their house on Christmas eve. I was rewarded with big smiles.

Everyone participated in the war effort during World War II. Everyone sacrificed. Sacrifice even came down to what was on the table to eat.

There was not enough meat for both the military and civilians. Meat first went to the fighting forces. That left a limited supply of meat available to the public.

In order to control and be fair in the distribution of meat, rationing stamps were provided. In order to buy meat, a person had to provide the store keeper with a certain number of stamps received from the federal government. Whatever amount of meat the stamps allowed, that was the amount that could be purchased. This stamp thing extended to gasoline also. Car owners were very limited in the amount of gas that could be purchased. Something like 3 or 4 gallons a week. Another reason why people took the bus!

There was very little meat on the table therefore. I do not think the war made that much of a difference with regard to meat consumption in my home. We were poor. Meat would have been unusual in any event.

Rationing stamps obviously were important. There was a way additional stamps could be obtained. Fat was needed for the war effort. I am talking about the drippings that came frying something on the stove. Any kind of fat. My mother used to keep an empty coffee can and put that drippings in the can. When the can was full and hard, I would walk it over to Johnson’s Supermarket a block away. There were no supermarkets back then. Grocery stores were merely called supermarkets.

Mr. Johnson would give me two or three rationing stamps in exchange for the fat. The government encouraged fat savings and the surrender of fat in exchange for stamps. Fat was required for the war effort.

Everyone had a victory garden. My father planted one in a corner of the backyard. We had tomatoes, carrots, peppers and lettuce as I recall. There may have been some other things. This was encouraged by the government also. Again it was because there was not enough food to go around.

I have a busy day ahead of me. A business luncheon. Then Courtney working me out at the gym. Tonight meeting with some friends I have not seen in over a year for drinks.

I know. How can you be drinking and working out at the same time. What can I tell you!

Enjoy your day!

The morning after the night before.

Last night was spectacular!

The Key West Christmas Boat Parade!

An annual event. The parade takes place on the gulf side of the island. Schooners Wharf sponsors the event. It is also headquarters for the event.

The gulf side of the island was covered with people. A mass of humanity. I am surprised the island did not tilt into the ocean on that side.

The parade consists of 50 to 70 boats. All are decorated as one would decorate the outside of their home at Christmas. Sparkling bright lights.

Without the lighted boats, it would be pitch black over the water. The lighted boats provided a new dimension for a brief period of time.

No matter how you cut it, it is always cold on the night of the Christmas Boat Parade. Especially out on a boat. I have done it three times on a boat. A fun time! But cold!!!

Last night I did it from the shore. A first time for me.

I started off at the back of the Pier House. Just behind the Wline Galley. It was crowded. Primarily tourists. I knew no one. So I decided to move on.

My intent was to go to the Hot Tin Roof. I knew Jean Thornton would be there. However the mass of humanity on the balcony of the Hot Tin Roof made it impossible for me to get up there. So I continued walking and went directly to Mallory Square. The place where tourists and locals alike go to watch the sunset. The place where entertainers swallow flaming sticks and swords, where cats jump through hoops of fire.

Mallory Square was packed, also. But the Square is sufficiently large that there was room to stand and watch. I enjoyed my time there.

The boat decorations are always unique. Last night was no different. Besides Santa Claus’ and Christmas trees, there were huge crabs, stone crabs and lobsters. Even an octopus or two. Some crosses. Every year there is one tiny boat to celebrate Hanukkah. Everyone participates!

My intent was to get home as early as possible. I wanted to watch the Republican debate at nine. I arrived home a little after nine, in time to catch most of the debate.

My opinion has not changed. The array of candidates for the Republican nomination are disappointing. Persons of  inadequate stature. Our country is in trouble. Some believe Obama has not done as well as he should or could have. We need a vigorous debate on the economy and other issues. Such a debate can only take place if a  Republican candidate with intelligence and understanding is selected. I did not see one in the group last night.

Poor Cat Lady. She is a kind and gentle woman. Loves animals. Especially cats and dogs. She is always picking up stray and sick animals and caring for them. She has something like 13 cats and a dog at her home and brought four to Key West with her.

In the past 48 hours, two of her cats died. One in Key West and another back home. She is in pain. As she wrote me, she has many little graves everywhere and a part of her is in each one.

World War II and the buses!

This is another in the ongoing list of recollections from when I was a young boy during World War II.

Everyone took the bus!

You have to understand. Prior to World War II, there was a depression. The big depression. Very few people working. No money. Then came World War II. World War II reopened old factories and opened new ones.. Factories were retooled. All to make machinery for war. Jobs became abundant. Everyone was working.

Before World War II, few could buy new cars. They did not have the money. After the war began and there was full employment, everyone had money. Except there were no cars to buy. The automobile industry had retooled to make guns, planes and ships.

American society traveled by bus. That was the only mode of transportation, if one was without a car. My recollection is that it cost either five cents or dime to travel all over the city of Utica. One got on a bus, paid the fare and asked for a transfer. The transfer permitted a person to get on another bus when you got off of the first one. This could go on  indefinitely. You could take several buses in one day for the price of the first bus.

Since everyone traveled by bus, everyone on the buses knew each other. It was a place for socialization. People were warm and welcoming to each other. Conversations were plenty. Most people smiling. Men got up to give women their seats if the bus was crowded.

It was a happy time riding the bus. Not like today when people rarely talk to each other or smile.

World War II came to an end in 1945. Everyone had money. Four years of working in the defense plants had made for large bank accounts. There was no place to spend money during the war. People were forced to save. Returning soldiers had fat bank accounts, also.

The first thing everyone wanted after the war was a new car. Detroit had to retool first back to making automobiles. When that was accomplished, Detroit could only produce so many cars a day. The demand far outweighed what could be produced. Dealer lots for new cars did not exist. They were not required.

I recall my father wanting to buy a new car. He put his order in immediately in 1945 at the end of World War II. Everyone ordered new car from several different dealers. They purchased whatever one came in first.
My father’s car finally arrived in 1947, two years after he had placed the order. It was a Nash Ambassador.

My father was all excited. The dealer called him. My father drove the car home for us to see  with the paper still on. In those days, a new car was delivered to the dealer with something that resembled butcher paper stuck to the entire automobile. My dad’s new car was two tone green. I could see very little of the green. All I could see was butcher paper.

Air conditioning for automobiles had not been invented. In fact, I am not sure whether air conditioning of any type was even available at that time. However, the Nash had three vents on the car. One in the middle of the hood in front of the front window. The other two on the side of  the front fenders. If it was a hot day, you closed the windows and open these three vents. The hot air from the outside blew in. No different than driving with the windows open. My father thought this was terrific. He could not stop talking about this new feature.

I found it all strange.

Such is the tale of buses during World War II. A place for transportation, socialization, warm greetings and communication. Lest I forget, the bus business was never that good again. Even to this day.

It is Sunday. I have to complete this blog with a bit of rapidity. I want to watch Meet the Press this morning. I am anxious to see what the media thinks of last night’s Republican debate.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Did I oversleep this morning! It is after nine as I start this blog.

My Internet show, The Key West Lou Legal Hour, went over big yesterday. Post show comments suggest the most interesting topic to have been the one involving the pervert of the week. As I so described the individual involved.

An 81-year-old man decided to go door to door in Fort Lauderdale. He carried a black bag. He portrayed himself as a doctor. He was not. He knocked on apartment doors and told the women who answered that he was a physician offering free breast examinations. Many took him up on the offer. If he was successful with the breast examination, he indicated that free internals were being provided also. Many of the ladies permitted access and allowed his fingers inside.

Finally, one of the women thought this whole scenario was strange. She called the police. Our 81-year-old friend was arrested. He was charged with sexual battery and practicing medicine without a license. He was sentenced to 13 months in jail, three years of community service and 15 years probation. If you add it all up, he will be 100 years old by the completion of his sentencing.

I reported the matter because it was different. I was shocked not so much by the 81 year old and his offer, but rather the fact that so many women believed him and permitted his intrusions upon their bodies. I also felt sorry for him. An old man driven to this sort of illicit activity.

I stopped at Lisa’s after the show. She is helping me with some of my projects. We became so involved that our work time ran through the lunch time. Ergo, I never made the businessmen’s luncheon.

First time at the gym with a new trainer yesterday! Wow!

Courtney Aman put me through my paces. My time with Courtney yesterday was the most strenuous experience I have ever had with a trainer. He was good. I was able to get up and walk out of the building on my own, so I assumed he was more than good. I have to be honest. I could not wait for the session to end. The last few minutes were difficult.

I immediately went over to Don ‘s Place. Don’s Place is next door to the gym. I needed water. I was like a man lost in the desert

Don, David and Keith were there. Puff bartending. We chatted a bit. The topic? What else? Bocci. Even though the season is ended.

Turns out the team that we almost beat in the first round of the playoffs went on to win the entire playoff. Wow! It makes the way we played even sweeter.

Last night was a surprise birthday party. At Vinos on Duval. It was Stephanie Kaple’s 30th birthday. Jean Thornton  made me promise I would not mention on the blog prior to the party that the party was for Stephanie. It was to be a surprise. I was a good boy and did not.

The party was terrific! Many many people. Among them dear Jean Thornton, Frankie, Pat, Gail, and David. I have noticed that whenever Stephanie is involved in a party, large number of young ladies show up.All beautiful. She has a significant female following. In addition to her personality, it has to do with her stiletto club.

I really like Vinos. I am embarassed that I do not go there more often. The owners Clayton and Valerie are dear friends. I admire what they have accomplished with the place. It is a winner.

The primary reason I do not go is that it is a wine bar. Only serves wine and beer. I drink neither. I am strictly a gin person. I dislike sitting in a place where everyone else is drinking and I am not. Since I opt not to switch, I stay away from Vinos. A shame.

Tonight is a big evening in Key West! The Christmas boat parade!

Every year 50 to 70 boats decorate themselves up like Christmas trees and go out on the water. Big and small boats alike. All kinds of decorations. Even a Hanukkah bow. Many Santa Clauses.

I have done the parade three times. I’ve actually been out on a decorated boat each time. The entire evening takes about four hours. It gets cold out on the water. Even gin is not enough to warm a person. I have opted not to do the boat routine tonight.

If I do anything at all, it will probably be to watch the boat parade from the Hot Tin Roof. The Hot Tin Roof is on the second floor of the Ocean Key House and  has a tremendous view of the bay.
Syracuse plays basketball tonight. George Washington. I am irritated to discover that the game will not be televised. Not a big time game. The game will be shown via YouTube on the Internet. I do not enjoy watching a basketball game on my computer screen. So no Syracuse basketball for me tonight.

The topic for today involving World War II was to be buses. I am talking about ordinary buses that people take to get from one place to another. However, this blog is too long already. No World War II bus story this morning. Tomorrow! You will find the World War II bus experience most interesting!

Enjoy your day!

A new morning! A new day!

The cold front is gone. The temperature today will be in the high 70s.

Yesterday morning was busy for me. Sloan was here. We had much work to do. She is a find!

I walked Duval for awhile. Was thirsty. Stopped at Caroline’s.

I had never been to Caroline’s before. It is the outside restaurant next door to the live python. We have everything in Key West!

I happened upon good company. A fellow sitting nearby Was a retired editor/publisher. The conversation was exciting for me. He knew what he was talking about. I am a novice in the area. Working on several books at one time which I hope to publish. The gent is a seasonal visitor to Key West. He lives on his own boat in one of the marinas. A good-sized catamaran. He showed me a picture of it.

After our talk, I continued my walk along Duval. My course took me past the Bull. There inside was my good friend Yankee Jack singing. I had to stop in and say hello.

Love Yankee Jack! Everyone loves Yankee Jack! He is hard to dislike.

Yankee stopped playing and singing for a while to chat with me. He recently finished writing a book. I recall advising you about this a few days ago. The book is entitled “Was It Something I Said.”. It is for sale on the Internet.

Yankee gave me a free copy. I insisted on paying. He refused to take any money. He even autographed the book for me.

The title of his book is appropriate. Yankee’s songs are about personal experiences. One of the first songs he wrote, and a song which evidences what I just said, is “I Can’t Get Over You Till You Get Out From Under Him.”  Yankee wrote the song at a time when his first wife had left him for another man.
When I returned home, I fine tuned today’s Internet show. Don’t miss it! It really is terrific! 10 AM my time. Worldwide. http://www.konkbroadcasting.com/.
 I decided to stay in last night. I made a light supper and watched TV. Fell asleep early.

My World War II recollection for the day involves railroad stations.

Everything must be placed in perspective. There were no major commercial airlines during World War II. People did not fly to get from one city to another. Trains were the thing. The only thing, except for long distance buses.

Prior to World War II, most cities of size had constructed very large railroad stations. Utica’s was fantastic. Inside it had to be 3 stories  high of open space. From a heating perspective, a disaster. Air-conditioning was no problem. It had not been invented yet.

The entire building was marble. Italian marble. Gigantic round pillars running from floor to ceiling. Very impressive!

Military personnel came and went. They obviously used trains. The railroad station was always packed.

My most distinct recollection of the time were soldiers and sailors coming and going at the railroad station. The station was always standing room only. Families. Everyone crying. Embracing. Whether the soldiers and sailors were coming  home or were leaving.  It was a sad and happy time. The vision remains with me to this day. The emotions touched me.

Busy day today. The Internet show it 10. Then my businessman’s luncheon at Salutes at noon.. At two this afternoon, I have my first gym experience with my new trainer. And tonight, a party.

Enjoy your day!

The weather took a dramatic change overnight. It is cold! The temperature this morning is 66°. The wind is harsh. 25 mph and biting cold.

The high today will only be 71. Rather than the high 70s we have been accustomed to. I checked out the weather report. This is merely a 24-hour problem. Tomorrow will be sunny and in the high 70s once again.

I paid for Tuesday night’s sins yesterday. I felt sort of beat up. I spent the day at home. Much of it in bed.

I did spend some time completing my topic research for Friday’s Internet show. Some additional items include dumping US soldier remains in a landfill, snow cone machines to fight terrorism, China and Bill Gates, the Republican political circus, a Bernie Fine update, Erin Andrews/ESPN sports reporter sues for $10 million for videos taken of her nude in a hotel room through the keyhole, Blagojevich sentenced to 14 years, an Australian Muslim on a religious pilgrimage to Medina is arrested and sentenced to 500 lashes plus one year in jail for blasphemy, a naked bodybuilder attack, and US foreign aid to promote gay rights.

It is going to be a great program! Join me, if you can. www.konkbroadcasting.com. 10 AM my time. Worldwide.

Yesterday was December 7. Pearl Harbor. I wrote a bit about World War II and its impact upon me as a young boy yesterday. I was between six and 10 years of age at the time. I advised that for a while I was going to pick one item per day that I recalled and share the recollection with you.

Moms working. Prior to World War II, mothers generally stayed home, raised the family and took care of the house. Fathers work outside the home. With the advent of World War II, the men were needed to fight. Most went into the military service. Our fighting men needed guns, planes, tanks, etc. The only part of the population left to work in the plants making these war products were the women. During the war, mothers went to work and fathers went off to war.
My dad was not accepted by the military. He had a ruptured eardrum. He was classified 4F. Ergo, he was available to work in a defense plant home side.

My dad worked evenings making guns at Savage Arms. My mother worked days at Savage Arms inspecting the guns made. My parents’ married life became a bit strange. They used to say, and it was true, that the only time they saw each other during the week was when they passed each other in the driveway. One going to work and the other returning home from work.

Working women became known on an individual basis as Rosie the Riveter. They were proud of the title.

Harry Morgan died yesterday. Ninety six years old. God bless him. May he rest in peace.

Morgan was in many movies. Most recently however you will recall his television roles. He was Sgt. Joe Friday’s partner Bill Gannon in Dragnet. He was Col. Potter in Mash.

I have met many people over the years. It amazes me when I think back and recall how many. One was Harry Morgan. We met inadvertently and only for a couple of hours.

It was 1963 or 1964. I was in New York City on police business. My evening was free. I was wandering around. Came upon what appeared to be an attractive bar/restaurant.

There was only one person in the bar. Seated alone in the corner. It was Harry Morgan. I recognized him.

I sat a couple of seats away.

He initiated a conversation. We talked for about two hours. About this and that. I found him to be a very warm and engaging person.

This is a long pants day. I have to go to the back of the closet and find a pair of khakis.

Enjoy your day!