JOE BTFSPIK OF LI’L ABNER FAME

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A little Al Capp to be reincarnated. Not today. In next week’s KONK Life column.

I completed the research yesterday. Following a long early afternoon nap. It would be interesting if the inspiration had come as a vision while asleep. It did not. I thought about it in the morning.

The column will not be a Li’l Abner, Daisy Mae, Dogpatch story. I needed Joe Btfspik. The little guy with the black cloud over his head.

Btfspik will be the introduction. Introduction to a great inventor who never made a penny from any of his inventions. A black cloud over his head.

The column will be written tomorrow.

The only time I was out of the house yesterday was in the morning to work out on the anti-gravity treadmill. The power went out. Strange to stand there on the machine in the pitch black. I was locked into the machine. Could not move. Fortunately, the power was out only eight minutes.

I was to attend two gallery openings last night. I cancelled. I was dead tired. Too much out and about during the week.

Tonight, back on the road. San Carlos. The Waterfront Playhouse is having a fund raiser. Many to attend. A similar show being presented at the same time at the Waterfront Playhouse.

A sell out. No tickets available since wednesday.

The weather forgets this is Key West. By this time, it should be sun every day. Not so. Cold yesterday. Cold today. Cold during the night.

Sixty five at the moment. High supposed to be 75. Hot! We shall see. Sunday night temperature will drop to high 50s. That is cold! Poor weather to continue through friday.

The NCAA is a black cloud over college basketball. The Joe Btfspik of college basketball.

Louisville self imposed a sentence/penalty yesterday. Announced Louisville would not be playing in any post season tournaments this year.

Pitino was unaware. Administration made the decision.

The NCAA has Pitino in its gun sight. Perhaps deservedly so.

There is an anguish that goes with an NCAA investigation. For team, coach, school and fans. Syracuse suffered through a ten year investigation till the bombs fell. Boeheim got a raw deal. Nothing will change my mind.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

WATERFRONT BREWERY

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Key West has another winner!

The new Waterfront Brewery.

I enjoyed dinner there last night. The site of the former Waterfront Market.

Great looking place. Terrific bar. Huge. I sat at a table next to the water. Giant overhead doors open. The restaurant crowded. I am not sure the place can ever be described as packed. Big! Too big!.

I sufficiently enjoyed I intend to return soon.

Yesterday morning was the anti-gravity treadmill. I am proud of my progress. I am proud that I am keeping at it. My tendency has been to quit a physical exercise thing after a while. Too much work.

Went to the movies last night. 45 at the Tropic Cinema. The 4 o’clock show.

45 good. Not great. On the heavy side. Worth seeing. Portrays the pain that can occur after 45 years of marriage.

There were only six of us watching the film. The others were talking age. In their 60s. The oldest 64. All proud. I kept quiet. I did not want to bust their bubble by telling them I was 80.

Stopped into La Concha for a drink. The new bar in the middle of the first floor a perfect place for solitude drinking. Try it. Better I am sure with a partner.

Then to Christine Cordone’s gallery exhibit on the lower end of Caroline. I walked from La Concha. Parking would have been a problem had I driven.

Christine’s work the best! A talent discovered by others in her senior years. Brilliant watercolors.

A step back in history. Instigated by the marriage this date in 1826 between Millard Fillmore and Abigail Powers. Fillmore later became President of the United States.

Their names. Millard and Abigail popular in their day. Not today. Unless a family name, no one would label a son Millard. Abigail stands no chance at all.

Reverse the situation. Think how odd the popular names of today would be in 1826.

This week’s KONK Life column Things That Concern Me appears in two additional places today. It is linked to my Key West Lou website. It also ran in this morning’s E-News Blast.

The weather has changed again. For the cold! Fickle weather since the first of the year.

It was 78 yesterday. Today will be in the mid to high 60s. The wind started blowing during the night. Woke me. Loud. I could see why this morning. My palm trees were being driven straight south by a strong north wind.

Memories. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The movie made its debut this week in 1938. An unexpected hit at the time. Only Walt Disney had faith in the film. He put all his money into it. Even his wife thought it was not a wise investment and tried to dissuade him.

I distinctly recall seeing Snow White about a year later in 1939. I would have been 4 years old at the time. The opening scene was the Wicked Queen looking in a mirror and asking…..Who is the fairest one of all? The mirror answered…..Snow White.

The Wicked Queen scared the hell out of me!

Saw the film at a neighborhood theater in Utica. The Rialto. My cousins Phil and Lois took me. Phil four years older than me. Lois, two.

A great movie! We stayed and watched it a second time. If my memory is correct there were two films showing. The other was Gunga Din. We saw Gunga Din a second time also.

I mention my cousins for a specific reason. Phil is now 84. Lois, 82. You know Louis 80.

Aunt Mary, Phil and Lois’ mother, lived to 102. My father, her brother, to 98. The body breaks down. Theirs did to an extent. Their minds however sharp till the day each died.

Enjoy your day!

 

RUDENESS REIGNS

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Whatever I might say about bicyclists, etc., tourists generally have always been congenial, happy, easy to get along folk. Key West is kumbaya time. Tourists and locals alike enjoying.

This season is developing into an exception. Or, it might be a few rotten apples in the basket at the same time.

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that the conversation among locals at the Chart Room one evening suggested tourists this year were rude. Not my experience as yet at the time.

Last week, I was at the round table with Sheila, Jean and several other friends. There was one empty seat. Sheila was saving it for a friend who was coming. An acceptable custom at the Chart Room.

A “gentleman” came over and asked if the chair was in use. He wanted to take it. Sheila told him she was saving it for a friend who was coming. He got mad and said something nasty. Sheila was immediately in his face. You don’t screw with Sheila!

Last night was my experience with rude impolite tourists.

Three in one night.

It started at the outside bar at La Te Da. I was having dinner. Tonto bartending. Some fellow walked up and stood near me. Before you knew it, he was berating me for being a Jew. Me and my people were the cause of world problems. Especially in the Middle East and Europe. Told me my kind did not belong in Key West.

He would not stop mouthing off.

Tonto looked at me as if to say do you want me to handle it. I nodded my head no. Figuring he would go away. He did. Too many minutes later. I had to put up with him for 15 minutes.

Ran into Kate Miano. She was having dinner at La Te Da in the outdoor dining area. Kate owns the Gardens Hotel. Always a pleasure to see her. One of the nicest and most charming persons in Key West.

After dinner, I went into the inside bar. Music playing. Someone singing. People dancing.

There were no seats available. No problem. Bar stools all taken. As were the tables.

Standing room only.

The only place to stand was between the bar and tables. An area that easily holds a dozen people standing.

One problem. If you are seated at the bar, the standers block your view of the dancers.

I did not design the room.

I stood in the standing area. Watching the dancers. Suddenly, I felt someone slap me on the back. Neither soft nor hard. In between. I turned around expecting it to be someone I knew. It was not. A bar seated lady asked me to move. She could not see. I did the best I could. However, there really was no place to move. I probably was able to move a foot to the side.

In seconds, I feel a finger in my back. It was the woman’s lady friend. She could not see. Arrogantly told me to move.

Enough was enough. I said if you wish to watch the dancing, I will gladly surrender my standing spot to you if you will give me your bar stool. And please, do not touch me again.

I got a dirty look. However, no more plodding, pushing and complaining by them.

I cannot recall in my 26 years of Key West ever running into any rude tourists. Some locals, yes. Last night it had to be three. Hope that is it for the season!

This week’s KONK Life hit the stands yesterday. My column titled Things That Concern Me. I wrote the column last sunday. One of the topics was wasteful military spending.

Read an article on the internet this morning covering the same issue. It was published yesterday. Titled: A Golden Age for Pentagon Waste. Perhaps military spending is on the verge of becoming an up front concern. I doubt it, however. Too much money involved and too many politicians getting fat.

Enjoy your day!

MOHAWK INDIANS / CUTTER MOHAWK

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The Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk returned to its home base Key West yesterday after being out two months. A good trip! Captured almost one ton of cocaine. Many happy faces. Family and close friends waiting.  In the pouring rain. Wives, husbands, children, girl friends, friends.

The present day Mohawk is the third or fourth so named Coast Guard vessel.

Mohawk an interesting name. I grew up in the Mohawk Valley in upstate New York. Home of the Mohawk Indians. The Mohawks were part of the Iroquois Nation.

An area where important Revolutionary War battles were fought. One being the Battle of Oriskany. The battle took place just outside Utica. It was an early significant victory for the colonists.

Fort Schuyler’s location was squarely in the center of what is now Utica. A small park with a large stone and plaque marked its location. Till the era of urban renewal which covered it over. Its location lies today below a highway.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Jenny continues to care for me.

Followed by a haircut with Lori. She told me granddaughter Ally had been in the day before. Ally is 10. Lori said Ally is always quiet. Never talks. Strange. She talks at home. Sometimes non stop.

Then around the corner to the Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. Cuban cheese toast and Cuban coffee. Ran into Frankie the Plumber’s wife Sandy. A wonderful woman! First class! She runs the business. Frankie is in the field correcting plumbing disasters.

I was set up for a big evening. Syracuse basketball, the Republican debate, and Trump.

The basketball game was at 7. Syracuse beat Notre Dame 81-66. Syracuse was a 3 point favorite. Won instead by 15. Notre Dame’s best player was out with an injury which probably helped. Not enough to excuse a 15 point defeat, however.

Syracuse’s defense excellent. Kept the post blocked in. Did well with rebounds. Made 3 pointers with ease.

Syracuse plays Georgia Tech tomorrow. Dan Reardon forget me not!

At nine , I flipped to Trump. Got all of 10 minutes in before I fell asleep. So much for Trump and the Republican debate.

This week’s KONK Life column is Yankee Doodle Dandy. Don’t miss it. An important part of American history.

Yankee Doodle was linked to my Key West Lou website this morning and also appears in today’s E-News Blast. I will be on 104.9 FM radio at 12:30 being interviewed about the article.

Friday. What am I going to do tonight?

Enjoy your day!

 

GREAT HAPPY HOUR

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I am not an enthusiast of Happy Hours. Too many people, too much confusion. After a number of years, I did a happy hour last night. It was just right!

Martin’s. Four to six. Appetizers/tapas half price. well drinks the same.

Food outstanding! I had 3 little lamb chops and brie.

Crowd perfect. After one hour, every seat filled. No one standing.

Finally ran into Dan Reardon. Thought he was skipping Key West this year. We are Syracuse fans. When he loved me, we watched games together. Now, no. I watch them from home so he does not bother with me.

We agreed to meet for saturday’s Syracuse game. We thought it was the next one. A saturday game. Syracuse/Georgia Tech. However, there is a game tonight. At 7. Against Notre Dame. Syracuse a 3 point favorite. Surprising.

I will watch tonight’s game from home. A triple header! The game, the Republican debate, and Trump’s solitary debate. An exciting evening ahead!

Dan, lets not forget each other saturday.

Followed up with a visit to the Little Room Jazz Club. Bobby Nesbitt time. Ran into Lynda and Bob Frechette. Bobby always good. A pleasure to listen to him sing.

Then to Sq. 1. I was on the road.

Karen and Aaron at Sq. 1. Had not seen them in a while.

My day yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill at Body Owners. New found friend David there.

Hurried to Lee Nails afterwards for a manicure with Tammy. Always a pleasant experience. Tammy a terrific person!

Tammy’s business amazes me. There are few customers. All of a sudden the place fills up. In a matter of five minutes.

I am always running out of food. Yesterday, even bread. Had to stop at Publix to pick up a few things.

Finally got home at 2 in the afternoon. Had to leave for Martin’s at 3:45. Too much activity for one day.

Trump a disaster. Even if he wins the Republican nomination. Lacks the balance to be President. He is a hot head. A harsh one. Too emotional. Appears to lack control when attacked.

Learned something yesterday. The cars soon to come out that drive themselves will probably have a different type steering wheel. A horizontal bar replacing it. Just like cars first built almost a century ago!

Enjoy your day!

BIKE RIDING IN KEY WEST

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Bicycle riding a problem in Key West. A problem for bike riders, cars and pedestrians. Anyone who says it is not does not, does not know what he/she is talking about.

Note the State of Florida gives Key West a ranking as the top Florida city for fatal crashes involving bikes. ‘Nuff said.

Key West has hired a Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator. His name Chris Hamilton. He comes to us from Virginia where he was involved with transportation issues. Says he has been visiting Key West for 20 years. He is now living on Stock Island and rides his bike to work at Habana Plaza on Flagler every day. No problems.

Hamilton claims it is a joy to bike ride in Key West. He always feel safe.

Respectfully, Hamilton does not know what he is talking about.

The bike problem is not on Stock Island or Flagler. It is primarily in Old Town and on Northern Boulevard. I suggest he ride his bike on Simonton from Caroline to Front late afternoons between 5 and 6. Duval in the afternoon. The length of Caroline, also.

It is an obstacle course. for vehicle drivers trying to avoid hitting tourists bike riding. Includes families with young kids and seniors who have not been on a bike in 50 years.

The problem is not with local bike riders. It is with the tourists. Don’t tell me there are not enough tourist bike riders to be a problem. Check the number of bicycles rented daily in Old Town.

I have a cold. I have not had one in years. A head cold. My fault. This has been a cold and wet week. I am on the anti-gravity treadmill five days a week. Raise a big sweat.

I immediately leave the building when I am done. Sweating away and no jacket. The car a 100 feet away. Normally, no problem. In this week’s cold, a big problem.

I deserve the sneezing and stuffed head I am undergoing this morning.

No treadmill for me today.

Immediately following the treadmill, I was at Lori’s getting a haircut. Still sweating.

Last night, a new experience. An English speaking opera at The Studios of Key West. A Thousand Splendid Suns. The lives of females in a Muslim country. Very subservient. Forcibly so.

The opera a work in progress. We only saw the first act. There is more to come at some time.

I went to learn about female life in an Arab nation. I learned nothing new. The ill treatment of women shown was what is already known by most. It was hard for me to follow the forceful singing. The sheer volume deafened the sound.

I am being critical, I guess. The story took too long to tell. I actually dropped off in sleep two times.

I compliment the Studios for offering this performance. Key West is bare of opera activity. I also compliment the performers. In spite of my negative comments.

Dinner followed at Hot Tin Roof.

Kissing is the title of this week’s KONK Life column. A history of kissing. The article was linked to my Key West Lou website this morning. It is also carried in today’s E-Blast.

I will not be doing my usual friday noon 15 minute radio interview with Don Riggs today.

Enjoy your day!

SEASON NEAR YEAR LONG

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When I first started visiting Key West 26 years ago, the season was February 15 to the end of Easter week. Key West has come a long way! The season now almost year long.

The town was dead from January 1 to February 15. Then dead only to February 1. Now, January jumping. Part of the season.

The Proof of the pudding is this January. It started before Christmas and has not stopped. Tons of visitors.

The season is really here when locals have to call for a reservation. I went to Tavern ‘n Town last night for dinner. 6:15. Not a seat in the bar or in the bar area. I did not want to drive downtown because the problem would be the same.

I went to the hostess desk. I could hear one hostess saying to a couple an hour to hour and a half wait.

Screwed!

Fortunately, Tavern ‘n Town Restaurant Manager Marcus walked up. I quietly asked Marcus if he could help, pointing out there was no room at the bar. The hostess went to interrupt him. He gently put up his hand to her and me. The message was clear. He would take care of it. He did. I was taken to a lovely table in the new dining room.

I have lived in Key West long enough to know a reservation is required during season. It was my fault if I could not be seated. It was nice that Marcus recognized I was a regular customer. I eat at Tavern ‘n Town at least two nights a week. Sometimes, three.

Ran into Tino at Tavern ‘n Town. We hugged. He will be here a couple of weeks.

I am going to the opera tonight. At The studios of Key West. I have been to only one opera in my life. Did not enjoy it. Not understanding the language one of the problems.

Two reasons why I am going tonight. The opera is in English. Second, the topic interesting. Concerns two Arab ladies married to the same man in a Muslim country. The every day lives of the two ladies.

I am excited about the opera. There is much to learn about Muslim customs. The opera is titled A Thousand Splendid Suns.

My plan is to have dinner afterwards at Hot Tin Roof. I will call for a reservation.

My sole outing day wise yesterday was to use the anti-gravity treadmill. Dave using it also. Always good to see Dave.

I spent the afternoon at home being lazy.

Syracuse played Boston College last night. Syracuse won 60-42. Expected, but not certain this year.

Cold yesterday. Cold last night. Kept the heat on. Raining now. The day supposed to warm up. To around 75 degrees.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

BOEHEIM RETURNS

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Jim Boeheim returns tonight! The nine day suspension over. He will be back coaching the Syracuse basketball team when it plays North Carolina in the Carrier Dome.

I guarantee the Dome will be packed. 25,000 or more. Perhaps 30,000. To welcome back a man every Syracuse fan loves.

Syracuse the underdog against North Carolina.

The bocce league party is tonight, also. A huge event. Fun.

I have to choose. No problem. Not even close. I will be home watching Boeheim and the Syracuse team. I especially want to hear the roar of the crowd when Boeheim is introduced.

As usual, my yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Then a trip home to pick up some papers. I had to get to Lisa’s to babysit Jake and the grandchildren.

Lisa had some minor surgery yesterday. She returned home just after 6 last night. She is well. Still feeling the effects of the knock out drugs this morning.

Lisa went in at 9:30. I did not arrive till after 1. Jake greeted me at the door. Following our usual hellos, he went outside and sat by the gate looking up the street. Looking in the direction from which Robert and Ally would come after school. He sat there till 3:30 never moving.

Robert and Ally were getting ready for their tennis lessons when Lisa returned home. Eyes closed, she moved slowly to bed.

Robert and Ally are taking tennis lessons at 1800 Atlantic. I dropped them off. I could see the tennis set up. The courts have always been there. They have been dressed up.

It was close to 7 when I got home. I had intended to go out. However, I needed a shave and another shower. Too much work. I stayed home, watched a bit of TV and went to sleep early.

I did a bit of rummaging before bed to come up with a topic for this week’s KONK Life column. Nothing yet. Drew a blank. Sometime today, divine inspiration will befall me.

Judge Tegan Slaton died several days ago. His obituary appeared in this morning’s Key West Citizen.

I met the Judge only once. Two yeas ago during the bocce playoffs when our teams were playing each other. I found him to be a humble man. May he rest in peace.

This Oregon thing should be terminated. It should have been put down within 24 hours of having begun. The militants are holding a federal building on federal lands hostage.

The building is located nowhere in a vast wilderness zone. Boise, Idaho 200 miles away is the closest significant city.

When there is a black/ white problem, especially the ones involving a black having been shot by a police officer, the police are out in full force. Full equipment. In most instances, even tanks.

The whites holding the federal building are entitled to the same opposition. Recall the old adage…..What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

Are the authorities reluctant to go in because the men in the building are whites? The blacks get billy clubbed and arrested on the streets of America. Yet those who have illegally taken over a federal building are left alone.

I have said it before. I say it again. Trump scares me.

He spoke last night in Rock Hill, South Carolina. A Muslim woman was in the crowd. She was wearing a hijab. Seated in the middle of the audience.

During Trump’s speech, she silently stood up. Said nothing. Never had a chance if she so intended. The news reports I have read indicate the mood of the crowd instantly turned nasty. She was booed. Escorted out.

My concern is that the crowd turned nasty. Trump’s supporters appear very much in tune with his views and attitudes. Especially concerning Muslims.

I have related the Trump campaign so far to Germany in the early 1930s. It now has moved into the mid 1930s when the populace joined Hitler in denouncing the Jews.

Trump is calling the tune. He is the Pied Piper.

Jeb Bush recently said that he was concerned for the Republican Party. Trump was not a true conservative. Bush said Trump had hijacked the party. I worry Trump is hijacking our country.

Enjoy your day!

I’M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE

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Yesterday was I’m Not Going To Take It Anymore Day.

To participate, open your window stick your head out,  and shout I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore. The Day provides an opportunity for us to fight back against all injustices inflicted upon us. Nothing like vetting frustrations and aggravations.

The verbiage giving rise to the day comes from the 1976 movie Network. Peter Finch played Howard Beale.  A TV news broadcaster who became a bit deranged and told people on his nightly news show to open the window, etc.

They did.

Finch won the Academy Award for his performance. Unfortunately, he died before the vote was taken.

Better the Howard Beale way than the Trump way. I watched Trump in Vermont last night. His conduct and tone in ordering his henchmen to throw an anti-Trump spectator out made me uncomfortable. It would have made you uncomfortable also. My heart chilled.

Yesterday was easy. Started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Then to Publix. I was really out of food. Bare cupboards and refrigerator.

Ran into Bobby and Michael Shields.

Met Bobby on my first trip to Key West 25 years ago. I saw a Tea Dance advertised at La Te Da at 4 sunday. We had Tea Dances in college. A place to meet others. My former wife and I were newcomers to Key West. We went.

We got there an hour early. Sat at a table for two outside. Soon all tables and chairs were removed. We remained sitting at what was now the lone table in the middle of the floor. People started coming in. Bobby was one of them. He had an admiral’s suit on.

It suddenly dawned on me that the wife and I did not belong. We got out fast.

Michael Shields is involved in the arts and writing and everything else even remotely associated with the arts. I first met Michael several years ago when I started doing an internet show for KONK Life. His show followed mine. A nice guy, as is his lady Carol.

Lunched at Harpoon Harry’s. Ham and eggs.

Harpoon Harry’s is a walk back in history. Decor 1950ish combined with the flavor of Key West.

Worked lunch off with a walk along the waterfront.

The homeless problem on lower Caroline must be dealt with.

The homeless are permitted to panhandle in two Key West locations. The one on Caroline was part of an open lot. A large tree by the sidewalk where the homeless could spend the day in the shade and do their thing.

Construction is going on now. A temporary wall surrounds the property. There is an indentation in the wall to accommodate the tree and homeless. Maybe 10′ x 20′.

A new location is required. It has been mentioned several times in the newspaper. Enough talk. Whoever is responsible, do it! The scene looks terrible and is also a danger to the homeless resting there.

I am impressed! Our local Community College will now have a four year degree program. The name of the facility has been changed to College of the Florida Keys.

I congratulate all involved in the effort to bring the school to the four year level. Not an easy task.

A doubleheader today re this week’s KONK Life column Stay Out Of Civil Wars / Fight Wars To Win. It appeared in E-Blast this morning. I will be interviewed at 12:30 today on 104.9 radio re the article.

Enjoy your day!

TALENTED DEVON

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Devon is a woman of many talents, attributes and skills. One of Key West’s leading bartenders. Works her trade at Don’s place. Absolutely beautiful!

Turned out Devon is also expertise in handwriting. Penmanship. A talented calligrapher. I did not know. Doubt many were aware. Don was, however.

The reception area at the wedding was rather large. Don asked Devon to create a yellow brick road. She turned to calligraphy. Prepared small signs of various sizes directing guests to food, drink, dessert, guest book, etc.

The final product lovely. Blended with everything. Without question, helpful.

Before writing about Devon, I googled handwriting. There is a whole section on “girly handwriting.” The name must have been born generations ago. It would not fly as politically correct today. Hillary Clinton might refer to it as sexist.

Wednesday is my screw off day. It is my friday. I write steadily and do radio shows from friday through tuesday night.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I know I am redundant. However, I love the machine! The machine is the only one in the lower Keys. It was a wise moment when Heather, who owns Body Builders, decided to buy it.

Rushed home after the machine to be interviewed on the KONK News Radio Show by Don Riggs. Riggs and I generally chat for about 30 seconds before I am on air. Don does his part of the show from Phoenix.

Don mentioned how impressed he was with the column. Especially the civil war aspect. I said, Don you have the wrong column. What you have is this week’s column which is not yet even published. It hits the stands tonight at 5. The column Stay Out Of Civil Wars/Fight Wars To Win.

We are talking about the article Political Sexcapades.

I told Don say hello and turn it over to me. No problem. The show ran well. Don got involved towards the end after he heard me expound for a while.

This week’s column is now available throughout the Keys. Stay Out Of Civil Wars/Fight Wars To Win. It also was linked this morning to my Key West Lou website.

Last night began at Don’s Place. First day he felt recovered from the wedding. Besides the wedding, Don had a ton of out of town guests that stayed on a few days after the wedding. He was constantly the good host.

It was Don, Stan, Clare, and Mickey. Mickey was part of the Don’s Place group till several yeas ago when he moved to Phoenix to work. He is vacationing this week in Key West.

We all went to the VFW afterwards for a bite to eat.

Syracuse has a new football coach. Dino Baber. He spent last season as head coach at Bowling Green. He is originally from Hawaii. I wish him well.

The weather broke yesterday afternoon. The sun came out. We had not seen it for 3-4 days. The high today will be 75. Warm weather through sunday.

I wore long pants only one time.

The Key West Citizen editorial this morning is right on. It talks about the dangers regarding how large Key West is becoming tourist wise.

I occasionally make a mistake which some readers call me on. Properly so. The best of the best err, also. The editorial mentions Tennessee Williams’ Night of the Iguana movie starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Taylor was not in the movie. The female stars were Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr,  and Sue Lyon.

Germany is suffering from its own wrong move. Taking in a million plus immigrants last year. Rapes and sexual abuse were predicted. Such occurred New Year’s eve.

What is to be done re this immigration problem. It affects us all. It is not an easy problem to resolve. My position remains the same. I  do not want them in the United States. They are unhealthy for me, you and the rest of our country.

Enjoy your day!