Steve Thompson wrote about the first Fantasy Fest parade. He was proud of Cindy’s attire. Related to me everyone thought she looked terrific. He mentions Cindy in his recollection of the parade.

I remember the first Fantasy Fest. I believe it was one of the best. 

It was so dead for so long around here. We needed something to kick off the year. Tony and Bill from Fast Bucks came to the rescue. They put in many hours and built the best float too.

Those first few years were really great. There was some nudity, but none overweight.

I had a white standard poodle that looked like a sheep. My wife Cindy went as Little Bo Peep.

La Ti Da had a pink Cadillac convertible with a big sign. “Let them eat croissants” was their line. So they threw out croissants to everybody there. My dog Harry ate more than his share.

Cindy and Harry made it on the Poster that year.

That was forty years ago, now we stay clear.

Toga party last night!

For some reason, I was very tired. I was in bed and asleep at 8. Unusual for me.

Apparently I was the only one.

Received an e-mail from Tom Dixon in Buffalo this morning. He watched the festivities on Sloppy Joe’s cam last night. Filled me in. A voyeur in his own right. His observation: “Many togas do not cover everything.”

My housekeeper Sylvia is in this morning. She is the last one I would expect her and her husband to be on Duval in front of Sloppy Joe’s last night. They were there! She told me they will be back tonight and tomorrow night. They do Fantasy Fest every year.

My sole venture outside the house was at 2 in the afternoon. Tammy’s for a manicure and pedicure. The place was deserted. Like a morgue. Asked her why. She explained it is this way every year during Fantasy Fest. Her business is local and they are all working extra hours during Fantasy Fest.

She explained next week will be different. They are already overbooked.

Trump and DeSantis have become mortal enemies. Bess Levin wrote about it in an article published yesterday in Vanity Fair: Trump Plans To F–K Over Ron DeSantis Two days Before the Midterm Elections.

Levin’s comments included: “The ex-president…..despises the Florida governor.”

Trump has scheduled a rally in Miami the sunday before elections.

Levin reported: “DeSantis is pissed.” A DeSantis aid told her DeSantis feels Trump is placing “an elbow to his throat.”

I believe the two deserve each other. Neither is of value to the people they have represented, represent or hope to represent. Let them kill each other off.

Tampa Bay lost last night. To Baltimore. Tampa Bay’s record now 3-5.

All about Tom Brady. He’s screwed up. The split with his wife. It is affecting his game.

The way life is. Emotional problems can be a killer.

I feel badly for Brady. His wife and the children, also. Marital woes are disruptive. I know.

Exxon yesterday announced a record breaking third quarter profit. The most lucrative quarter Exxon has ever had: $19.66 billion.

Exxon should shout a loud THANK YOU to the American public AND drop prices to help reduce inflation.

What’s a few billion dollars to Exxon? Compares insignificantly to the few dollars it would permit American drivers to pocket every week.

Enjoy your day!

From my perspective, the best Fantasy Fest event is thursday night. Toga time!

Tonight the night!

Go to Duval and stand around in front of Sloppy Joe’s.

My recommendation assumes you enjoy a bit of nudity and perversion. Men and women alike clothe in white half sheets. My appreciation has always been in viewing the female gender naked. Some of the ladies enjoy showing off their wares. A sale, of course. For beads. First the breasts, then what’s in front down below, then their derrieres. Some then offer more. If a deal is made, she is off behind a building with some gent.

I only looked. A voyeur at heart. Never even bought a view. Watched on someone else’s beads.

Another “attire” option, spray painted. Ladies basically naked. Spray painted with private parts covered with a piece of material in some tiny fashion.

My joy will not be satiated tonight. Nor has it been since the beginning of COVID. I do not do Fantasy Fest any longer. Incapable. I walk with a cane. Even with a cane, my walking is limited to one block. Pain too much any further. Parking a pain, also. So I am compelled to deny myself the toga evening.

The first Fantasy Fest Parade was this day in 1979. Down Duval. Twenty six floats. Fast Buck Freddie’s Bride of Dracula won the Best Float award.

It is too bad Key West no longer has Fast Buck Freddie’s. One of the finest department stores in the world!

Yesterday, I did my duty by God and country. Voted. Completed my mail in ballot and personally delivered it to the Voting Offices on Whitehead. Mailing it in required too much work. A stop at the post office, waiting in line, etc.

I was surprised at the scarcity of voters. No one. Louis alone. I was there all of 20 seconds. Walked in, handed it to a woman and I was done. It was 2 in the afternoon. I have voted this way in the past. Normally people like me dropping their ballots off and others waiting in line to vote.

I had lunch earlier at Harpoon Harry’s. Told Ron to read my recent blog titled Harpoon Harry’s. Mentioned Angela and Vince DiLoreto that I had met at the Chart Room and recommended to them Harpoon Harry’s tuesday special lasagna. They stopped in tuesday. Angela wrote me and said how much she and Vince enjoyed the meal.

After voting, I stopped at the library to see Corey. Frist time. He has a nice office set up. We chatted about Robert and how he is doing in his first semester in college.

Gasoline in Key West fluctuating within 10 cents. Three days ago, it was $3.99 a gallon. Two days ago, $3.89 a gallon. Yesterday, back up to $3.99 a gallon.

The media is not always correct. Today and yesterday. On this day in 1941, the Chicago Daily Tribune in an editorial dismissed the possibility of war with Japan: “She cannot attack us. That is a military impossibility. Even our base at Hawaii is beyond the effective striking power of her fleet.”

Marjorie Taylor Greene tells a woman she is too old to have a say on abortion.

An elderly woman called in to a talk show where Greene was guesting: “My body is my body and I don’t want the government telling me what I can do with my body.”

Greene’s comment was out of line. At 87, I am too old to fight. However, I should be able to have an opinion and say whether I believe my country should go to war.

Syracuse/Notre Dame saturday. At Syracuse. Twelve noon.

Syracuse is 6-1, Notre Dame 4-3.

The Syracuse Dome holds roughly 50,000 spectators. Sold out.

Enjoy your day!

More than 1 million pythons call the Everglades home. Prior to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, the number was minimal.

Andrew hit Homestead as a Category 5. Totally wiped out Homestead. I was there 3 weeks after Andrew. The community flat. Nothing left standing except an occasional wall.

Pythons were home pets. Scattered by Andrew. Eventually made their home in the Everglades.

Pythons are sexual creatures. Active. Gestation period 60-90 days. Twelve to 36 eggs normally laid. Can be up to 100.

The pythons took over the Everglades. They have devoured 80 percent of animal and bird life.

The warning signs were there. The State of Florida did nothing. About 10 years ago, Florida became concerned. It was too late. State officials are quick to admit the error of their ways. Also that the best that can be done is to “control” python growth. “Eradication” impossible.

Florida has done a poor job of controlling. Probably never will be able to control. Several methods attempted to control. All a failure.

One was to have an annual hunt and award money prizes for the most captured. The program still ongoing. Called the Florida Python Challenge.

The winner of the 2022 Challenge is 19 year old Matthew Concepcion from Palmetto Bay. He captured 28 pythons.

Note, not an easy task. Some run 15-18 feet long.

Concepcion hunted for 10 days. At night. He claims it is the best time. Especially around 4 in the morning. Similar to the big fish that come up around 4 in the afternoon. Only the time difference involved.

At 4 am Concepcion says the pythons are stretched out relaxing. He grabs them. The “best way to get them,” he says.

He has been a python hunter 5 years. Bitten 5 times: “Their teeth retract backward so you have to let them bite us, and you either pour alcohol in their mouth or pray it lets you go.”

Concepcion’s victory significant. More than 1,000 python hunters from all over the world participated.

Concepcion’s prize was $10,000.

Inflation. Gas and groceries, yes. Mortgages, also.

South Florida has seen mortgage payments increase 95 percent. Interest rates have skyrocketed. Doubled since the beginning of the year.

John Fetterman and Dr. Oz debated last night in the Pennsylvania Senate race. I watched portions. Can only describe Fetterman’s performance as “painful.” I felt sorry for him. He is recovering from a stroke.

His first answer last night: “Hi! Goodnight, everybody!”

It was downhill from there.

Fetterman is still recovering. At some point, he will be normal. Will folks understand and give him a chance?

Proud Boys and Oath Keepers are signing up as poll workers and drop-box watchers.

A ground up, localized effort to control elections.

Pennsylvania an example of what is happening. In 50 of 67 counties, election chiefs have left because of threats, harassments and intimidation against them and their families.

Gunfight at OK Corral. So many movies!

It was on this day in 1881 that the famous shootout occurred in Tombstone, Arizona. The good guys led by Wyatt Earp.

On this day in 1825, the Erie Canal opened in New York State. It connected the Hudson River and Lake Erie.

My home town is Utica. Right in the middle of the State and middle of the Canal. The Canal made Utica a political and commercial giant for almost a century. Two U.S. Senators, Governors, a Presidential candidate, and a U.S. Vice President. Served as an overnight stop on the Canal. Hotel and retail businesses thrived. Manufacturing, also. Cotton goods.

All because of the Canal. No more, however.

Utica had a population of 150,000 when I was in high school. Today, 65,000. It has been reduced to the 10th largest city in the State. The cotton mills long gone. They moved south in the 1950’s where labor was cheaper, not unionized.

Today, the home of several colleges. New businesses come in. Some stay, some leave. Its claim to fame is it is a good place to live and raise a family.

The Canal’s impact obviously long gone.

Enjoy your day!

The wonder of it all! Only in Key West! Men and women alike! Wearing tutus!

One of the Fantasy Fest events tonight is Tutu Pre-Party. Skirted persons will march the streets stopping at specified bars to imbibe. Oh, what a night it will be!

I went out last night. I had no intention of going downtown. Sloan was to be at my home at 5. We had a ton of work to do. At 4:45, Comcast/Infinity failed. Everything. No computer, TV or land line. So much for Sloan and I working. I called her off.

I can’t live without TV or internet. Need one or the other. My only remaining option was the Chart Room.

Glad I went! Enjoyed myself!

John bartending. Only ono other person. Jeff. Within an hour, the bar had a good crowd.

Steve and Cindy arrived. Monday is their night at the Chart Room.

We chatted with a couple from upper Florida who were seated next to us.

Everyone at the bar was talking tutu. Even John. I don’t think Steve and Cindy. What they were wearing, how they were going to handle the evening, etc.

I won’t be joining. Not the tutu type. Will spend the evening at home. Hope I can get Sloan so we can take care of the work that is piling up.

Driving home my stomach started to rumble. I was hungry. Stopped at Hogfish to grab something.

Sat at the bar. Fellow next to me looked familiar. I had played bocce against him for years. Name, James. Good conversation. One of the bartenders I had not seen in years. She worked at Don’s Place at the outside bar. Her name escapes me.

She filled me in on Don news. Don survived his cancer problems. Retired and living in Chicago. Recently returned for a visit. Fat. Surprising. Never was. Disposition good. He’s happy.

I will have to get in touch.

It was lobster bisque and key lime pie for me. Bisque fantastic as usual. The pie horrible.

Key West has had many successful industries. They come and go, however. Cigars for example. In 1923 there were 25 cigar factories producing more than 60 million cigars a year. Today, no cigar factories. All that remains are a few stands on the street where old men sit and roll by hand for sale to passerbys.

We are going through an era of bad judges. Especially at the Supreme Court level.

Clarence Thomas one of the worst. I have not been a fan of his since the day he was elevated. It was obvious he did not have the requisite talent. His color got him the position. His more than 25 years on the bench have proven his lack of judicial ability.

He blew it again. Yesterday by not routinely dismissing Lindsay Graham’s emergency application to the Supreme Court. Graham wants the subpoena served upon him in the Georgia vote fraud matter to be set aside. He does not want to testify before the Grand Jury re two telephone calls.

Two lower courts had already dismissed Graham’s application and said he had to testify. Thomas’ action now delays the matter and leaves it up to the entire Court. Good luck for the rule of law!

Thomas had a decided conflict of interest. He could have recused himself. He should have. His wife is involved with an “interest” in the matter as has already been evidenced.

Another federal judge had a sensitive matter before him yesterday and handled it judiciously. Quite the opposite from Thomas.

The Judge a Federal District Court one. Emmett Sullivan.

Michael Flynn was before him for sentencing. The charge was lying to federal officials. He pled guilty a year ago and promised cooperation.

Apparently both sides thought he had cooperated sufficiently. The prosecution and defense agreed to a minor guilty plea and no jail time.

Judge Sullivan did not buy it. He refused to accept the plea and deal. He in effect gave Flynn a “new asshole.”

The good Judge Sullivan said, “I’m not hiding my disgust.” He expressed his “disdain” for Flynn. Unequivocally said to Flynn, “You sold out your country.”

Nothing further happened. Flynn’s attorney asked for a continuance when Judge Sullivan said he was not sure he was going ahead with the “deal.” The matter was adjourned.

We need more Sullivans and fewer, if not none, Thomas’.

Judge Sullivan reminds me of a Judge with similar toughness and honesty some fifty years ago. Judge John Sirica. The Watergate Judge. He sensed wrongdoing and would not go along with a white washing. Men went to jail, Nixon resigned.

What I am about to share I find hard to believe. Guess I should not.

Rolling Sone and Bess Levin of Vanity Fair claim Trump is actually plotting to steal the midterm elections: “Rolling Stone claims Trump has convened lawyers and advisers to scheme how to challenge the results in November if they do not go his way.”

Trump does not appear concerned he is already under criminal investigation by the Department of Justice for attempting to steal the 2020 election. Perhaps he is without fear. Why not, he so far has gotten away with everything wrong he has attempted.

Enjoy your day!

Harpoon Harry’s! My favorite place for breakfast and lunch.

I frequently mention Harpoon Harry’s. The food is outstanding and reasonably priced. The staff friendly. The decor/atmosphere warm old time diner.

I headline Harpoon Harry’s today for a special reason. They have a spread on Facebook. Tons of pictures.

My “special” favorite meals are lasagna on tuesday and turkey dinner on wednesday. Lasagna like my grandmother made. Turkey dinner is Thanksgiving every wednesday.

Paul Newman’s posthumous memoir The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man was recently published. . I have had the opportunity to read excerpts. Especially good. Particularly the sex life he and his wife Joanne Woodward shared.

Their daughter Clea shared a funny recollection re Newman’s sexual reputation: “I was walking through a supermarket with my Mom. We were paying, and there was a magazine at the checkout. Mom looked over and it was Dad on the cover – and it said, ‘Sexiest Man Alive,’ or whatever. By that time he was like 75 or 80. She looked at me and said, ‘Oh, for Christ’s sake, still?'”

Bob Woodward’s new essay is being released tomorrow. Eight hours of audio of interviews he had with Donald Trump. It is reported Woodward’s comments are not “coy about Trump as a danger to American democracy and to  the future of the country.”

Certain of Woodward’s comments.

In 2020 when “Rage” ended: “Trump is the wrong man for the job.”

Two years later: “I didn’t go far enough, Trump is an unparalleled danger…..Trump was overwhelmed by the job.”

After 4 years in the Presidency, the record shows: “Trump – led and continues to lead – a seditious conspiracy to overthrow the 2020 election, which is an effort to destroy democracy.”

Trump brought a lawsuit last week against publication and dissemination of the audio in which he also seeks damages. Claims any monies his because they are his words.

What a smuck!

Pope Francis continues to be under serious attack.

Catholic hierarchy are split as in the U.S. and rest of Europe. Far right Cardinals have wanted to depose Francis since he was elevated to the Papacy. A question continues whether the good man can survive the schismatics. Francis’ opponents continue their efforts to gather like-minded Cardinals in conspiratorial meetings not known since the Medieval Ages.

I have addressed the issue several times over the years. Mentioning each time the involvement of Steve Bannon and Newt Gingrich on the side of the anti-Francis group.

Bannon has sought to overthrow Francis since day one. Received Trump support big time when Francis compared Trump’s election to the rise of Hitler.

Bannon was joined in his efforts by Newt Gingrich. Gingrich got a front row seat. Even shared offices in the Vatican with the U.S. Ambassador to the Holly See. Trump appointed Calista Gingrich. Newt’s wife, Ambassador.

The dynamic duo, Bannon and Gingrich, had it knocked during Trump’s Presidency.

Eminem is an American rapper and record producer. Some acclaim him the greatest rapper of all time.

I am not particularly a fan. His beliefs and mine run in different directions. However every now and then someone I do not necessarily agree with comes up with a saying I do subscribe to. Eminem has: “The truth is you don’t know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed.”

Enjoy your day!

There is no joy in Mudville…..

Says it all!

An excellent game. Syracuse the obvious winner for 3 1/2 quarters. Then fell apart.

The score favored Syracuse 21-10 at half time. Clemson the winner at the end 27-21.

Coaching a significant reason why Clemson won. Yesterday Clemson Coach Swinney was better than Babers. Proof included several things.

Clemson made 4 ball losses in the first half. Syracuse capitalized. No team comes back to win after 4 turnovers.

Things continued going bad for Clemson in the second half. Swinney pulled out his star/All -American quarterback and replaced him with a freshman. Swinney’s reasoning simple. Nothing was happening under his star. He had to do something. Couldn’t be any worse with a novice.

Turns out the move was a brilliant one. The freshman’s inexperience was obvious. He made “freshman” mistakes. However, he got things going. Scored a touchdown, etc.

Swinney played Syracuse’s 2 receivers and Tucker well. Threw them off.

Babers major error was the clock. Not the first time this season. He blew 20 seconds in the last moments of the game by failing to call a time out to preserve the time. Syracuse might have won if it had those 20 seconds and did not have to throw the Hail Mary pass when it did.

Schrader screwed up at the end. He always looks for one of his two favorite receivers. When he let the Hail Mary pass go, the receiver he intended was covered by 3 Clemson defense men. On the other side of the field running unencumbered was Syracuse player Jackson. No Clemson player within 20 feet of him. Schrader never looked. A blown touchdown!

There was an overall team problem also. A meltdown. When things started going bad for Syracuse with several minutes left in the game, they lost heart. You could see it on their faces and the slouch in their bodies. An announcer said the Syracuse coaches were going around telling the players to have confidence, etc. It was obvious they had mentally lost it.

Syracuse will learn from the loss. Its season will still be a great one. A significant bowl in the wings.

We learn from our mistakes.

I am not unhappy with the loss. I got 3 1/2 quarters of….. We’re going to win! I saw the team fall apart. Such is life. They tried, but in the end when everything counted, they didn’t have it.

Less I forget, the Syracuse defense was outstanding! The offense blew it.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Big day for Syracuse football. Syracuse v. Clemson. Battle of the undefeated.

Clemson a 2 touchdown favorite.

I don’t know who will win. Of course I am pulling for Syracuse. Kick off at noon. The better team will be public knowledge later this afternoon.

Goombay began last night. Can’t share anything about it. I was not there and will not be. The walk too much for me. Whatever, a terrific event. Two evenings of family and neighborly fun.

On this day in 1962, President John Kennedy went on national TV with fearful news. U.S. planes had discovered Soviet missile bases in Cuba. Under construction, not yet complete.

The news and what followed over the next few days extremely scary for the American people. Nuclear war a distinct possibility.

It was kitchen table husband and wife discussions. How do we handle the situation? What about the children? Though young, they could sense something was amiss. We held them closer.

Utica is 14 miles from Rome. Rome was home to the Griffiss Air Force Base, a SAC base. Any war and Griffiss would be one of the first to be hit with an atomic bomb. If such occurred, my family and I would be instantaneously wiped out.

A year earlier, Kennedy spoke before the U.N. General Assembly. He said, “Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.” Russia did not get the message.

A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked Biden’s student loan program just as it was beginning. The stay may be short. Both sides must file papers no later than tuesday. A decision could be forthcoming within a matter of 7-10 days.

Biden’s program involves forgiving $10,000 in some instances, $20,000 in others. In a few, the entire debt.

Those opposing the Biden program are 6 Republican states.

It is amazing how Republicans can take this position. Republicans when in power or able to do so, pass huge tax cuts. Tax cuts that primarily benefit the rich. Trump did it big time during his  term in office.

This same political party now begrudges a minor cut in student loan debt. Debt carried by the relatively poor as opposed to the very rich who benefit all the time from tax cuts.

Kevin McCarthy this past week indicated that if Republicans took control of Congress in the elections scheduled in less than 3 weeks, there would be cuts in Social Security and Medicare.

A new label for those Republicans who oppose student loan cuts and want to cut Social Security and Medicare: Pigs, mean pigs.

A recent revelation re the Mar-a-Lago documents. Seems to be a new revelation every week. All bad for Trump.

No question certain of the documents contained “highly sensitive” information. “Secret information” about Iran and China. Information as “bad as it can get.”

Query? Why did Trump take such secret information with him to Mar-a-Lago? Did he intend to make Mar-a-Lago a profit operation? Did he plan on selling the information?

Whatever the motivation, the odds of Trump being criminally charged have accelerated as a result.

It is reported the information re Iran described “Iran’s missile program.”

Intelligence experts describe the information overall “so sensitive” because it endangers human resources aiding U.S. intelligence efforts, compromises collection efforts, and could lead to adversaries retaliating against the U.S.

Steve Bannon received a 4 month jail sentence. I would have given him more. At least one year. He deserves as much for his open and frequent rejection of the law. He placed himself above the law. Told everyone he was so doing. Probably never expected to be punished for it.

Bannon considered himself “special.” He did not have to follow the law, no matter how simple, as most others are required.

Amazing how his attitude is similar to that of Donald Trump. These men consider themselves a law unto themselves.

Enjoy your day!

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” Words spoken by Alexander the Great. He should know.

I perceive Trump as a lion and his followers sheep. Causes me concern. Even after being out of office for 2 years, look at the havoc he has wrought.

Which brings me to the election in less than 3 weeks. Important! Perhaps the most important since Lincoln’s election. Democrats must sweep both Houses. Otherwise democracy will be on a decided path. Swept away!

Bess Levin’s recent description of Donald Trump: “Trump charged the Secret Service five times the going rate to stay at his properties, like the con artist he is.” Calling a former U.S. President a “con artist.” Only one thing can be said: If the shoe fits, wear it!

My SU fanaticism is well known. I bleed orange.

Tomorrow is the big game. Biggest yet of the season for Syracuse. Against Clemson. Both teams undefeated. Clemson ranked #5, Syracuse #14. Clemson heavily favored by 2 touchdowns.

I am hearing from everyone wishing my team well. Even 2 messages from Greece. Many thanks.

My Syracuse and Utica friends tell me excitement is high in upstate NY.

I listened to Coach Babers in an interview this morning. He knows it’s a big game. His comment: The team is ready.

He said this was the third time he has led a team into what he described as “Death Valley.” Big game/away from home. He lost the first two. Again, his only comment was his team is ready.

Going to be one hell of a game!

Thought it was winter yesterday morning.

The cleaning lady arrived at 9. Dressed for winter. I stepped out onto the porch. It was cold!!!

Cold during the night last night. Needed heat. No heat. System down. Still trying to reach property manager so he can get it fixed today. I am wearing a sweat shirt as I write this morning.

Weather will turn during the day. High expected to be 77. In the lows 80’s for the next week thereafter.

Haircut with Lori yesterday. We reminisced about the Casa Marina. She recalled. It was her first year in Key West 1998. Her first job in Key West. The same year for my first haircut with her.

A federal jury in Manhattan found actor Kevin Spacey not liable for battery in a civil suit yesterday. The case involved a lawsuit charging Spacey with climbing on top of a 14 year old actor and making sexual advances. The event occurred in 1986. The only sexual contact testified to during the trial was a light brushing by Spacey over the 14 year old’s  clothed butt.

Spacey was 26 at the time. The 14 year old an actor.

The suit was not filed till 2017. Spacey experienced a career blowback as a result.

The jury was out 1 and 1/2 hours. My experience as a trial lawyer is anytime a jury returns that quickly they were either very impressed or not impressed at all with the case.

Travel has become difficult in recent years. Especially airline travel.

It may be goodbye to plane, train and auto travel. Limited the better projection. Luxury buses may have an impact in the travel industry. New bus companies are providing buses that are attractive, comfortable and cheaper. Sleepers involved.

Reviewed some pictures on the internet . Impressive! They are meant to feel “like a private jet experience.”

Chad Scarborough is the founder and CEO of JET. A new bus company with all the frills.

Time will tell if the new bus game takes hold.

Thanksgiving one month away. Order your turkey now. Word is they will be hard to find and more expensive. More expensive means twice last year’s price.

Blame three fold: Avian flu, inflation, and supply chain challenge.

The crowd for Fantasy Fest will begin arriving tonight. Goombay. The “action seeking” crowd will arrive wednesday and thursday. Fantasy Fest is best at the end of the week on thursday, friday and saturday.

Enjoy your day!

Lead story in the Washington Post 10/18: Retired U.S. Generals, Admirals Take Top Jobs With Saudi Crown Prince.

Within hours similar stories appeared in The Daily Beast and FOX News.

The Washington Post opening paragraph: “More than 500 retired U.S. military personnel – including scores of generals and admirals – have taken lucrative jobs since 2015 working for foreign governments, mostly in countries known for human rights abuses and political repression.”

Right off the bat, let my opinion be known. It is wrong. It is detrimental to the good health and well being of the U.S. The nation that made these persons. The nation that placed them in positions to serve other masters and receive exorbitant dollars for their services.

Saudi Arabia the perfect example. The Saudis have turned their backs on the U.S. big time re recent OPEC+ decisions. Major retaliatory pain by the U.S. is called for. How can it be accomplished with some of our former top military leaders sitting in positions of power with the Saudis? I do not see how clear headed decisions can be made in Washington to force a correction of the Opec+ decisions.

Since 2016, 15 former American generals and admirals worked as paid consultants for the Saudi Ministry of Defense. The Ministry is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salaman, Saudi’s de facto ruler. The man who U.S. intelligence agencies say approved the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Two major former U.S. military figures include Marine General James L. Jones, a national security adviser to Obama, and Army General Keith Alexander, National Security Adviser under Presidents Obama and Bush 2.

A former 4 star Air Force General and former Commanding General of U.S. troops in Afghanistan also are on the Saudi payroll.

The preceding perfectly legal. Congressionally approved back in the 1970’s. Required for Congressional ok first is approval by the branch of the armed services involved and the State Department. Routinely given.

Certain information has to be provided. For example,  name, the government involved and how much paid. Teeth had to be pulled for the Washington Post to obtain the information printed. Several years of FOIA litigation before court approval obtained.

All kinds of “secret” problems involved once the officers begin foreign employment. Many such “retired” officers testify before Congressional Committees, appear on national TV, etc. Rarely is it revealed that they are on the payroll of a foreign government. Congress knows. The U.S. public however till now has not. The American people assumed their loyalty solely to the U.S.

I am a history lover. Majored in history in college. I have mentioned in this blog several times over the years how I enjoy walking old cemeteries. The tombstones a written history of an area. My work took me all over New York and into several states. Trials, etc. kept me in an area for days and weeks. My evenings pleasure walks through local cemeteries.

A cemetery history talk and tour has been scheduled for wednesday November 2 at 10 am at the Library in Key West on Fleming Street. Historian Corey Malcom and Archivist Breana Sowers will speak. The talk followed by a procession to the Key West Cemetery for a tour.

Fantasy Fest begins with Goombay. Goombay is friday, saturday and sunday, beginning this week.

Goombay on Petronia Street in Bahama Village. A Cuban/Latin street feast of sorts. Totally a family event.

Always fun. Walk Petronia. See neighbors and friends. Eat some enchanting foods.

Unfortunately, I will not make it. Even with the cane, I am not capable of walking the crowded several blocks involved. Did enough in past years, however. The happy scene glued in my mind.

Cold during the night. Turned the heat on. Turned it off this morning. House soon cold. Heat back on.

Checked the weather report. Presently 70 degrees. High today 74. Cold for Key West. Heat called for.

Feeling better again. I have a haircut scheduled for noon with Lori. Then lunch somewhere. Might need a sweatshirt.

Enjoy your day!

Strone crab season is only a few days old. Its prices in the Keys similar to gas prices. A few miles make a difference.

I spent $49 per pound for large sized stone crabs monday night. Similar sized half way up the Keys were selling for $35 a pound. I thought $49 too expensive. However, when you’re a stone crab fanatic price is immaterial. Those paying $35 a pound likewise thought $35 was expensive.

Someone contacted me and said the price would go even higher. The reason. Goliath Groupers aka Jewfish. A favorite food. Some run 800 pounds. A fisherman on the internet commented: “Goliath groupers eat stone crabs like tic tacs.” The author of another article said “he felt bad for stone crabbers.”

Goliath groupers have been a protected species in Florida waters for over 30 years. If my research is correct, a certain number will be available for harvesting in 2023. However, the Keys will remain off limits. The monsters will still be able to devour my favorite food.

I have always enjoyed grouper when dining out. Now I know why. The mothers pigged out on stone crabs!

The price of gas in Key West up and down. Fluctuates like my body weight.

My 10/13 blog read: “Two weeks ago one gallon of gas cost $4.47. One week ago, $3.99. Yesterday, $3.87.”

The pendulum has swung. Sunday one gallon was $3.99.

Steve Thompson wrote about the early Casa Marina. Even before his time here.

Six acres oceanfront on the south side of town. A first class resort was sure to bring them down. They came to Casa Marina for sun and food.

It was the roaring 20’s and they sunbathed nude.

Louis interjection: The Casa Marina closed in the late 1920’s for 2 reasons. One the crash of 1929. The other those who came came booked only for a 3 day stay. The first night at the Casa. Quiet. Too quiet for them. Most left the next morning by ferry boat for Havana. Cash flow became too poor to remain open.

Back to Steve: Not till the 70’s did they really bring it back. The Birdcage Lounge was the first to reopen. The acoustics were so bad I thought they were joking. Painted plants on curved walls with no windows and a domed ceiling. I guess they wanted to give it a birdcage feeling. 

They tore it down when they built the new wing. The new hotel was fit for a king.

I’m insulted! Syracuse has been insulted!

The AP Preseason Top 25 College Basketball Poll fails to list Syracuse.

Go to it, Boeheim! Show ’em how wrong they can be!

Enjoy your day!