Wow! What a surprise “ending” to Russia’s civil war yesterday! Nary a shot fired!

Less than one day.

What now? Beyond me.

If Putin is Putin, he’ll kill Prigozhin. Prigozhin has to be too smart not to realize it. Time will tell how this will all play out. Time involved could be short.

This morning’s news reported Putin left Moscow yesterday for his home on Lake Valdai. Note however his plane fell off radar before it landed. So who knows where he ran off to. Several media items had Moscow big shots leaving town. Most flying to St. Petersburg

Could all be bullshit. Doubt anyone really knows.

The next item in this major event will be interesting. The world is eagerly waiting to learn.

A Mark Twain quote on Facebook this morning: “The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog.”

Son-in-law Corey Malcom, Lead Historian at the Library’s Florida Keys History Center, will present “Monroe 200” at 6 pm Wednesday at the Key West Library. His presentation is part of Monroe County’s 2023 bicentennial.

The presentation will include an overview of the forces and events that shaped Monroe County from its inception to today.

An article in a 1998 publication of People Magazine was titled “Donald Trump.” A picture of Donald accompanied the article. An interesting quote by Trump below the photo: “If I were to run, I’d run as a Republican. They’re the dumbest group of voters in the country. They believe anything on FOX News. I could lie and they’d  still eat it up. I bet my numbers would be terrific.”

Bess Levin wrote a piercing Vanity Fair article which was published 6/22. The title: Kari Lake, Gunning For A Spot on Donald Trump’s Ticket, “Practically Lives” At Mar-a-Lago.

Kari is the former failed Arizona gubernatorial  candidate and election denier. Levin wrote she “is apparently at Trump’s Florida resort home  ‘more than Melania is.'” 

Levin claims she is at Mar-a-Lago because she wants to be Trump’s “number two.” She wants to be Vice-Presidnet on his ticket.

I mentioned last week my heart medical tests were concluded. I was wrong again. I was advised Friday another has been scheduled for tomorrow plus a meeting with the doctor. The tests have become tiring. Also interfering with my normal life. I will not be writing a blog tomorrow because of the test and consultation.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Modern day autocrats want a “private army” answerable only to themselves. In addition to the large military force nations have which are generally answerable to a government as a whole. For Putin, it was a group of mercenaries led by “his friend” Yevgeniy Prigozhin. Commonly referred to as the Wagner forces.

The group began in 2014. It has played a significant role in Russia’s war with Ukraine.

Putin has blown it with the Ukraine. A 3 day war is well into its second year. Ukraine has fought well against the purported mighty Russian forces. Embarrassing for Putin.

Rostov is a city south of Moscow. An important Russian military location. Prigozhin took control of significant military buildings yesterday. His mercenary troops total 25,000. They are moving north “aiming to get to Moscow.” He asked asked the Russian people to join him.

A rebellion/coup in the making.  

Brings to mind the children’s rhyme Humpty Dumpty. Recall: Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall / Humpty Dumpty took a great fall / All the king’s horses and all the king’s men could not put Humpty together again.

Is Putin a modern day Humpty Dumpty? Could be. The world will know in due course. Could be in a matter of days. Again, even hours would not surprise me.

Putin has reacted in typical KGB fashion. Describes events as a “rebellion.” It is. With his usual bravado, vows to stop it. He told the Russian people Prigozhin is “a threat to the nation.” He has ordered the Russian military to fight. He has threatened Prigozhin’s forces with “harsh consequences” and that they will “suffer inevitable punishment.”

What is occurring reminds me of the Russian Revolution of 1917. Tsar Nicholas II failed to pay attention to problems at home. Instead devoted his time to Russia’s participation in World War I. 

Putin is guilty of a major mistake in invading the Ukraine. Prigozhin is calling him on it. Putin has failed to sit in the Kremlin and speak truth to his people. He has bullshitted them as to why he invaded Ukraine. Now in needing help to win a war he is slowly but surely losing, he is running all over looking for assistance from countries like China, India, and others. Mighty Russia seeking help from others. Putin with his hand out, short of being on his knees.

This revolution/coup will be short lived as I indicated earlier. Days, perhaps even hours.

If Putin were smart, he should attack Rostov and Prigozhin’s forces immediately with missiles and bombs. Destroy them in one big attack. Otherwise Humpty Dumpty will not rise. Once the Russian people understand they have been misled, they will turn on Putin. They will not want innocent blood shed on their homeland.

Putin faces an additional problem. I doubt he is capable of running two wars at one time. One in Ukraine, the other on Russian soil.

Modern day authoritative figures think the same way when it comes to “private armies.” Putin saw the wisdom in it when he got his then friend Prigozhin to join him with one in 2014.

Two U.S. autocratic figures experienced desires to form “private armies” answerable directly and solely to them. Trump and DeSantis.

In 2020, Trump unleashed federal law enforcement officers against protesters in Portland. It is against U.S. law to deploy armed forces inside the U.S. If he had continued, the U.S. would have unquestionably become a banana republic. It would have been adios to our form of government.

Trump wanted his own “private army” so as to lay the groundwork for a coup in November if he lost the election.

No army, but a mass of followers responded to Trump on January 6. The “coup” fortunately failed.

Now comes DeSantis. A copy cat when it comes to Trump.

In 2022 and 2023, DeSantis proposed a new Florida “civilian military force.” One which he would solely control. Not to be a part of the Florida National Guard. An additional force to be known as the Florida State Guard. Sounded like a Gestapo unit to me.

DeSantis asked the legislature for $93 million. The legislature gave him $107 million.

DeSantis’ army! A “civilian volunteer force.” For whatever reason, only 200 members thus far.

Difficult to comprehend why DeSantis would want his own private army. All I can think is DeSantis decided if it was good enough for Trump, it was good enough for him. MAGA birds of a feather. One other thought, it was part of his long term plan to become commander in chief of the whole country.

I’m pulling for Prigozhin. He may end up being as bad as Putin. Who knows at the moment. One thing sure however, it will end the Ukraine disaster.

Enjoy your day!

Key West is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. It has been so doing the past few years. Nothing is forever. Things run in cycles. The greed being manifested will end up choking itself.

Price gouging rampant. Everywhere, everything. From homes to hotel prices to dinner meals to alcoholic beverages.

Most merchants have forgotten that what goes up, comes down. Inevitable. Certain.

Some hotels were charging $1,100 during season. With the season gone and things having returned to the way they were pre COVID, prices are lower. Though still too high. The better restaurants charging so much that it is guaranteed the bill is going to easily average $100 a head. Mixed drinks $14-$16. Wine up there also. Then there are those bars that are charging for ice cubes. They add them on to a drink order as “rocks.”

The term is “price gouging.” To some, “screw the customer.”

A comment in Citizens’ Voice this morning motivated my comments: “Just learned that the Parrotheads’ annual event will leave Key West. They are tired of the outrageous price gouging and the political interference in Key West. It’s time to make a change in elected officials and restore joy to our island.”

Having lived in Key West some 30 years, the Parrothead comment requires some clarification. Yes, hundreds come for the annual Parrothead meeting each year. One comment I have always heard however was that they were not spenders. They ate and drank wherever their convention was being held and the food provided as part of their package. Their right. 

Similar comment re cruise ship passengers. They are here for a day. Buy a T-shirt, have a few rinks on Duval and return to their ships for their already paid lunches and dinners.

Be aware that the comment re price gouging is one I have been hearing frequently around the island the past couple of years. And I have experienced the feeling since I spend a buck!

There are some places that are not expensive. Harpoon Harry’s, for example. A favorite of mine for breakfast and lunch for 20 years.

A new discovery this past year is Brandy’s Irish Pub on Flagler. A $16 drink downtown costs $6.50. Same size glass for Beefeater or Tanqueray on the rocks. A dinner entre $10-$15.

I have become a once a week customer at Brady’s. A locals place. The people friendly. The food good.

I was there last night. They have the best wings in town. Two gins on the rocks, a diet Pepsi, and a wings dinner cost me $23.

Made some new friends last night at Brady’s. Surprised I did not leave with two black eyes and a broken nose. The new friends Diane and Tommy Feaser. Diane the pugilistic one. She and her husband are Trumpies. Diametrically opposite to my liberal Biden loving way of thinking. 

All talk of course. No physical contact. I enjoyed their company. Look forward to meeting up with them again.

The two live in Big Pine. Retired. Diane a former commodity broker. Tommy, a New York City fireman. Tommy was there in the midst of it all on 9/11. When the second tower fell, he was right next to it. He and some of his buddies ducked under a two story structure as the tower toppled next to them. He had pictures of the day and where he was saved as the second tower fell.

They have 5 children and 8 grandchildren.

Second marriages for both.

Diane a world traveler. She has been all over Europe. Especially likes Germany and Ireland. Australia, also.

I would describe them as black hearted Republicans. They will never change. They are part of that solid 30 percent.

We talked a bit if not Trump, who? They could not understand how I thought DeSantis was the worst also. Diane’s favorite, if not Trump or DeSantis, Joe Manchin. Horrible! She could not understand how I thought him a piece of shit. 

I actually enjoyed my evening. They did too. We proved you can disagree and still get along. Though there were moments I was not sure.

You must read Dana Millbank’s column published this morning in the Washington Post: As Trump Is Arrested, Republicans Honor The Insurrectionists.

During the same hour Trump was surrendering to federal authorities in Miami, a “mock hearing” was held in Washington, D.C. “chaired” by Matt Gaetz, Marjorie Taylor Greene and four other far right lawmakers. Its purpose to honor participants in the January 6 riot, family members of the January 6 rioters, and organizers of the attempted overthrow of the 2020 vote.

The “mock hearing” was held with the knowledge, permission and consent of Speaker McCarthy.

Another insult to American democracy.

The five persons aboard Titan were killed as a result of a “catastrophic implosion.” Ocean pressure caused the sides of the submersible to crush inward. Death was instantaneous.

India’s Modi not a democrat at heart. Far from it.

India is now the most populous nation in the world, exceeding even China. The U.S. on one side and Russian and China on the other want India to line up with them.

Such is why each side is “courting” Modi.

Forrest Gump, one of the finest movies of all time, starred Tom Hanks. Hanks played a simple yet kindhearted soul who experienced serendipitous brushes with greatness. 

The movie was released this day in 1994 by Paramount Pictures.

Enjoy your day!

An insult to Key West’s Dog Beach.

A Ryan Krogh published on 6/18/23 “The 11 Most Friendly Dog Beaches In The U.S.”

He failed to list Key West’s Dog Beach. Our fury friends have one of the best beaches in Key West. Our pets are not treated as second class citizens. Even a top shelf neighbor. Dog Beach is next door to famed Louie’s Back Yard.

Ryan Krogh blew it!

Unregulated submersibles.

“Titan” that appears lost. Which would mean all 5 aboard are dead. If the vessel is still intact, experts say it would have run out of oxygen at 7 this morning.

Titanic’s bad luck followed it.

A “suicide mission.”

Those who paid to go now appear to have been foolish, to have taken their lives in their own hands by their decision. They paid $250,000 each. The cost of a ticket to death.

The censure of Rep. Adam Schiff by the House yesterday a disgrace.

Schiff is an outstanding American. He paid the price for fighting Trump and Trumpism for several years. The censure “a black mark on his record.” An undeserved one. The result of political get evenism. 

Schiff presently a candidate for the U.S. Senate to represent California. Several excellent candidates in the Democratic race. I hope he wins the primary. He deserves it. He deserves thereafter to win the Senate race itself. America needs him!

Next, the word is House Republicans plan on impeaching Biden. To get even for what “was done to Trump.” Also to make Biden look bad going into the 2024 Presidential race.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito pulled a Clarence Thomas. He took a private jet plane to Alaska and back for a fishing trip in 2008 as the guest of an individual whose held a significant interest in a company that came before the Supreme Court. The same individua had interests in at least ten other matters that came before the Supreme Court.

Alito never disclosed nor recused himself.

I have written several times in the past re Alito’s wrongdoings, missteps, etc. I am doing further research and will report further in a few days.

The GI Bill was signed by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt this day in 1944. A free college education and other benefits for those who fought for the U.S. in World War II.

The Bill a smart move! A great move! Made more “doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs” than would have been possible without. Uplifted persons and families socially and economically.

Roosevelt was a brilliant President in many ways. The GI Bill only one example. His greatest achievement was leading the U.S. through World War II to victory.

On this day 1937, Joe Louis knocked out Jim Braddock to become World Heavyweight Boxing Champion. Louis defended his title to World War II. His last fight early in the war was with Billy Conn. Louis defeated Conn after a hell of a fight. Louis promised Conn first shot at him after the war.

The war ended. The fight took place at Yankee Stadium on 6/19/46. Louis easily won.

Louis fought 69 times. Won 66, 52 by KO. Lost 3.

Many consider Louis the greatest boxer of all time. Even greater than Muhammad Ali.

I am 2 days post the nuclear test which I took tuesday. The exhaustion stayed with me till dinner time yesterday. I never experienced such exhaustion following other similar testing.

Enjoy your day!

Joke on Facebook this morning. Two grandmas in rocking chairs talking: “Used to be ‘Rock around the clock,’ now it’s ‘Limp around the block!'”

Love it!

Speaking of age, would you believe the following? A 101 year old grandmother gave birth to her 17th child.

The 101 year old’s name Anatolia. Resides in Turkey.

Ovary transplant surgery is common in Turkey. Anatolia lost her ovaries at 48 to due to ovarian cancer. She received transplants.

Still working! A sperm donor provided the seed.

Amazing!

Tiring day yesterday. A nuclear stress test which began at 6:30 am. I arrived at the hospital at 6:15 to check in. Procedure long. I did not leave till 9:15.

My game plan was to drive into town for breakfast afterwards. No way! I was totally exhausted. Drove home. Spent the day in bed sleeping and watching old movies on TV.

I am still tired this morning.

I have had 3 or 4 similar tests in the past. Never left me tired. I can’t wait for it to pass.

“Banging” heard in search for Titanic exploratory submarine. A Canadian aircraft detected “banging” noise from the sub’s last known location. The “banging” was heard every 30 minutes.

I sense a miracle if those in the sub are found and recovered alive.

My living and learning continues. Little pieces of information. Tomorrow is called tomorrow. The day after tomorrow, overmorrow.

A crazy non-sensical law. In Alabama, it’s illegal to drive blindfolded.

So much for today. I’m wiped out.

Enjoy your day!

Anti-trans hate is rampant in the U.S.

We are a strange people. Always need some one / some group to hate.

A photo of Toni Tarracino and her dad Captain Tony. Tiny Toni standing next to her squatting Dad. They were a pair as she grew. She was constantly with her father on the boat and in the bar.

Today’s COVID, yesterday’s yellow fever. The Citizen’s Keys History this day 1865: “The bark Adventure arrived in Key West with four of her crew sick with yellow fever. The fever spread to the Army troops on the island and began an epidemic that caused 331 cases with 71 deaths among the troops and an unknown number of cases among the civilian population.”

Another mass shooting. Juneteenth celebration in Willowbrook, Illinois. Twenty-three injured, one fatally.

Suspects multiple in number.

No arrests yet.

When and how will these shootings stop?

The U.S. Open was won by Wyndham Clark. By one stroke over Rory McIlroy.

Richie Fowler failed on the last day.

Clark is 29 years old. Won his first PGA Tour title 6 weeks ago. He is a star born with his two wins, especially the U.S. Open yesterday.

No blog tomorrow. I am scheduled for a 6:30 am nuclear stress test. Following which I am going to treat myself to a breakfast of pancakes at Harpoon Harry’s.

Enjoy your day!

The best people! Mom and Dads! Today Father’s Day! Congratulations to Dads everywhere. Hope each of you is being remembered.

George Washington was a good father! What else could have been expected of him. One problem, however. He never fathered a child of his own. He had no biological descendants.  Yet he raised a number of children.

Martha had been married before. She brought into her marriage with George two young daughters. George raised them as if they were his own. Other children found their way into his life and he raised them all as if his own blood. He even raised the children of the children, who became his grandchildren.

George was especially helpful to the young ladies as they matured. His best advice came regarding their romantic involvements. He directed their attention to finding a suitable husband. Education was not important for the ladies. Marriage was.

His major disappointment were his “sons.” He pushed the necessity of obtaining an education. As hard as he tried, he could not get even one to finish college.

Washington had a second family. The American people. Governeur Morris eulogized Washington. Part of his remarks included the fact Washington was childless in the biological sense. He went on to say he was none the less a father. A father to all Americans.

I live and learn. Two things being reported today. One that Washington was biologically childless. The other a comment I never heard before concerning the Taj Mahal.

Recall I wrote about the Taj Mahal yesterday. Bess e-mailed a comment to the article. Her statement included: The Taj Mahal was “man’s greatest erection ever for the love of a woman.” I instantly thought….. Oops, a sex connotation! Checked it out to be sure. I was wrong. The statement has been said and written tons of times over the years. The “erection” specifically directed to the Taj Mahal building itself. It is in fact, the “greatest erection for love.”

The structure is located in northern India in the community of Agra. A popular visiting place. In 2019 alone, 6.5 million people visited the Taj Mahal.

Yesterday, an easy one. No tests. Enjoyed Lori’s company at noon. It was haircut time. Late by a week. Three weeks since my last. Lori was vacationing in Arkansas.

Lunch afterwards at Harpoon Harry’s. Ribs. Delicious!

Peter came over to say hello. I did not recognize him at first. He bartends at Don’s Place. We had an enjoyable conversation. It has been several years since I have been to Don’s.

The U.S. Open is being played in Los Angeles/Hollywood. Ergo play on TV was late. I was up late watching. 

Three players are in position to win. Fowler and Clark at at -10, McIlroy -9. They don’t tee off till around 5:30. I doubt play will finish till 10 our time.

Should be an exciting final round.

Blog being published late today. Sloan and I had some work to do. Ate up a couple of hours.

Enjoy your Sunday!

It took 17 years to build the Taj Mahal. Construction began in 1631 and was completed in 1648.

It is recognized as the world’s grandest symbol of love and devotion.

On this day in 1631, Mumtaz died during childbirth. Her husband was Mughal, Emperor Shah Jahan I. Mughal immediately had construction commenced for her tomb. The edifice known throughout history as the Taj Mahal.

Wisdom is sometimes nothing more than a simple solution to what appears an intricate problem. Key West and the Keys are having water problems. Both areas receive their water from the mainland.

Recent problems and comments which followed clearly indicate new piping for water transmission is required. Long overdue.

Someone has the answer, the simple one. It appeared in comment form in today’s Citizens’ Voice: “Why not start laying in a new Keys main water line parallel to the existing 40 year old one?”

Beginning now would be proactive rather than waiting to the last minute with all attendant problems and being reactive. Also called the smart way of doing business.

The last month I have had all kinds of medical tests. Most at the Key West hospital the Lower Keys Medical Center. I am having heart problems.

Yesterday was an MRI. Next week, the last. A nuclear stress test. Then a recommendation will be made wjhether I should have aortic valve replacement surgery. I am not a happy camper.

I have learned much about the inner workings of the hospital over this testing period of time. What goers on behind the doors. Note I have been one type patient or another over 30 years. I will say things have significantly improved re in house patient care during that time.

I have observed a testing problem that concerns me, however. The medical staff performing the tests are overworked. They move their asses even for the most routine tests. It was obvious during a series of x-rays I had and the MRI yesterday. Haste makes waste. Not a could it happen situation. Something has to be happening on a frequent basis with the rushing imposed on the technician staff.

Management should investigate the situation and take corrective measures. 

My MRI was at 3:15. Afterwards, I went to Grady’s for something to eat. I was required to fast for four hours prior to the test so I was hungry.

I enjoyed pierogis. Watched the U.S. Open while eating.

Ran into Santa Claus. The gentleman who visited Robert and Ally for years on Christmas Eve. Good to see him. Still looks like Santa. Beard and all!

The U.S. Open played as I thought it would yesterday. Normally. The first round the day before made the course look extremely easy. Some announcers were suggesting the course was not that hard. It was yesterday.

Rickie Fowler hanging in there. Still in first place at -10. Rory McIlroy 2 strokes back at -8.

The rough is horrible. The worst I have seen. A lot of the pros found the rough yesterday. Dustin Johnson found the rough on one of his drives yesterday and ended up taking a quadruple bogey 8 on the hole. From one patch of rough to another.

Mar-a-Lago Judge Cannon must be replaced at some point. The sooner the better. Yesterday I advised that in her 2 1/2 years as a federal judge, she has only sat on 4 cases. Found out the four cases trial time totaled 14 days.

As I wrote yesterday, Trump, the government and the American people deserve better.

I received Maggie Haberman’s Confidence Man as a Christmas gift. Great reading. Except it’s too long! Five hundred eleven pages. Like reading War and Peace. I only have so much time a day for personal reading. Blog research eats up a lot of my reading time. Ergo, six months later I am still reading Haberman’s story about Donald Trump.

Yesterday I was on page 437. “Divide and conquer” was the issue.

Haberman refers to Trump as being the first U.S. President who did not try to unite the American people. He tried and continues to try to “divide us.” She refers to Hitler playing the same game of divide and conquer. It is actually a policy of destroying a people. Hitler succeeded in convincing the German people to follow him using the practice. Trump playing the same game.

In spite of being too long, interesting reading. One cannot argue with her observation.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday was my day. A Louis day.

A manicure and pedicure. The hedonism within me enjoys both. Especially, the pedicure.

Then to Hogfish for a late lunch.

The bartender Julia came over immediately to tell me Brian and Jane had been in the day before and left instructions to buy me a drink when I came in. How nice! Especially after they and another couple bought my dinner two nights earlier at La Te Da.

On the infrequent occasion I now drink, it is after 5. Too early for the drink yesterday. I passed.

I’ve already e-mailed to thank them. Nice people.

Following lunch, sat at the bar awhile reading a local newspaper.

Spent the balance of the afternoon and early evening watching the opening round of the U.S. Open. Great golf!

Richie Fowler tied for first at -8. Rory McIlroy 2 strokes behind at -6.

I’m going to miss much of this afternoon session. Hospital tests. One an MRI of my heart.

Seated at the bar next to me was Joshua Fredrick and another gent. “Josh” also or Dave. Not sure.

Joshua seated next to me explained his parents had purchased and just moved into their “retirement home” on Summerland Key. I wished them well.

Joshua a recently retired executive officer with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Attended our local college for one year years ago and then moved on to complete his degree elsewhere. He is seeking to resettle here in the Keys if he is able to secure a position requiring his talents. Diving and other oceanic matters, especially ocean related contamination problems.

We chatted briefly. I found him most enjoyable and knowledgeable. My environmental background made me familiar with his talents and their value to our area.

I am compelled to return to Toni Tarracino. One of the loveliest persons I have known.

I reported her death yesterday. She had moved to Tarpon Springs to live with her daughter. I was unaware the reason for the move was because she had cancer. Required big city treatment. Tampa and its nearby hospitals.

One or two days before her death, one of her cancer doctors advised Toni’s numbers “were good.” Whether in remission or cured, I am not sure. However, good enough that Toni and her family were thrilled. Toni was making plans to return to Key West in the Fall. One or two nights later, Toni died. In her sleep. Nothing to do with the cancer.

A heavy! Especially since it had nothing to do with the cancer and almost immediately following the numbers were good report from her physician.

I am told her ashes are being returned for burial in Key West and a social gathering will be held in her honor. I shall keep you advised as I learn more.

On June 6, 1858, Abraham Lincoln accepted the Illinois Republican Party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate. Lincoln said the slavery issue had to be resolved, declaring “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Lincoln lost the election.

Two years later, he was elected President of the United states.

A bad day in American history: This day in 2015. Donald Trump launched his successful campaign to become President with a speech at Trump Tower in Manhattan. Recall he and Melanie coming down the escalator.

Judge Cannon does not belong sitting in judgment on the Trump Mar-a-Lago prosecution. Her criminal case experience in her 2 1/2 years on the bench is 4 trials.

Trump, the government, and the people of the U.S. deserve better.

Trump apparently never heard of the admonition: If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.

One of Poland’s beautiful beach and forest trail areas is Hel (spelled correctly). It is reached by bus route 666, which from religious perspectives is also the number of the beast.

For ten years, religious groups have been pressing the transport operator to change the route’s number. A Catholic group referred to it as  “Satanic stupidity.” He “buckled” under the weight of the complaints and changed it to 669. The new route number 669 has its own built in sexual connotation. Wonder if any of the religious complainers had anything to say about it?

A Citizens’ Voice comment today: “Between Pride Month and Fantasy Fest, Key West is Sodom and Gomorrah.”

A sick comment by an obviously sick person. Most likely a religious fanatic.

Live and let live. Those who are opposed need not attend or participate. It’s a big country. Many other cities they can visit.

Congratulations in order for Al Pacino. His “friend” Noor Alfallah gave birth to their son.

Pacino is 83, Noor 29.

For Pacino, an ego booster. For the new born, could be a calamity in his later yeas. There is a good chance his formative years will be spent without the guidance of a father. Eighty three is no age to make babies!

The U.S. Open began yesterday. What a day!

Not only birdies galore, holes in one and eagles. It was nice to once again watch pro golfers do what they train to do. Put the ball in the hole in few shots.

Though a pleasure to watch, I can’t believe the golfers will have the same success over the next 3 days.

Enjoy your day!

Captain Tony Tarracino fathered 13 children. One was named after him. A daughter, Toni. A legend and icon in her own right. She died last week in Tarpon Springs where she had been residing in recent years with her daughter. She died in her sleep.

She loved her dad Captain Tony deeply. It was obvious. Her goal in life seemed to be to keep his memory alive and loved. She spoke and wrote frequently of him. For many years following his death threw a birthday party in his honor at Captain Tony’s. I was one of the invited guests. Honored to have been invited.

Toni grew up in a bar and a boat. With her dad by her side. The stories she could tell and did tell.

I wrote several blogs re Toni. One 11/15/18 titled Toni Tarracino Shares Her Legacy. I share with you the portion applicable to her today.

Captain Tony is a Key West legend. An icon. Remembered. Revered.

His former bar on Greene Street still bears his name. The bar inside and out as it was in his day.

Toni one of his children. Today, a concierge at the Marriott Beachside. Plus involved in a multitude of other things like marrying people, planning weddings, painting and blog writing.

Her blog is titled Sharing My Key West Legacy. http://tonitarracino.com. One of the best I have read. She has her hands on everything Key West.

I told Toni her material was so good I would be plagiarizing her recollections on occasion.

She wrote of the West Martello Fort. Its history. Today home of the Garden Club and a wedding venue. She mentions the Autograph Tree. Never heard of it. Yet, she knew.

The tree stands at the entrance to the Fort. People have scratched and otherwise written their names and initials on the leaves over the years.

Another story involves the fish sitting on the outside of Capt. Tony’s bar.  Second floor level. People always turning their backs to the fish and trying to throw quarters into its open mouth.

Toni shared the origin of the custom.

As a girl, she helped out at the bar. There actually was a slow season then. The summer. The bar was hot. She and other staff would take benches outside and sit on them. The heat inside too much.

One of those sitting with Toni was a rabid Larry Bird fan. He used to stand, yell “top of the key” and try to throw quarters in the fish’s mouth.

Toni and friends thought it too hot for him to do it as he was. They convinced him to stand on the curb on his toes with his back to the fish. And then try to successfully throw quarters into the fish’s mouth.

A tradition was born. You know the story. A continuing event born out of heat, boredom, and today a bit of alcohol.

May Toni rest in peace. A better daughter no man could have had.