I’M OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD…..

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For some reason, the tune has been running through my head since I woke this morning.

This is the day. Heart catheterization.

The blog will be limited because I have to be off to the hospital soon. There will be no blog talk radio show tonight.

Yesterday morning was terrific. Elizabeth Warren! Trump is no competition for her. She cut his testicles off. I would enjoy watching the two debate face to face. Unfortunately, it will not be.

Decided to get out a bit.

Enjoyed a pedicure with Tammy. Ran into Kate Miano. She was getting a manicure, also. She will soon leave for France for a month. Kate is renovating an apartment in France she recently purchased.

Then home to rest for a couple of hours. manicure was tough!

I was at Aqua around six for Dueling Bartenders. Rick Dery and Tom Luna are terrific!

The flavor/atmosphere is comparable to Bobby Nesbitt. He used to do a sing in on wednesday nights at cocktail time. It was the best event in town.

That’s it folks.

Enjoy your day!

AQUA DUELING BARTENDERS

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I have a new hang out monday evenings. Aqua at cocktail hour. The Dueling Bartenders sing. Great voices!

Adding to the event is that the two bartenders vocalizing are generally dressed in drag.

No, I am not switching. I do recognize good entertainment, however.

Last night’s bartenders were Rich Dery and Mark Watson. Mark always teriffic. First time I saw Rich dressed. A better looking woman than man.

A newly married couple joined the festivities. 50ish. Bride attired in long white shoulderless dress. Groom in white shirt and pants. Tourists.

A happy couple! Danced and joked. They admonished all that though this was the first marriage for both, neither were virgins. They thought we should know.

Tom Luna working the bar. Not dressed. Introduced me to George. Glad he did. We hit it off.

George is a retired Long Island high school principal. He and his wife live in Truman Annex. Ten grandchildren. Graduated from Bowling Green. A history major. I was a history major, also.

The conversation good. We agreed to try to meet again wednesday at the Back Door Bar.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Did better. Pushed everything. Even elevation. A little too much. I was tired before I finished.

Then to the Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. Lovely Ruby there again. Love her!

Children’s accidents have been commonplace lately. The bear situation and then the Disney alligator happening. I saw one in the making yesterday at the Cuban Coffee Queen.

The place has two large fans to cool things down. Big. A tiny 3-4 year old girl walked up to one. Her face almost touching the wire cage. Blades zooming around inside.

Her father happened to see her. He calmly said watch out, it could grab your hair. Then turned around and never looked at her again. She stayed where she was, never moving. Dad never looked back at her again.

I was five feet away. Impulsively yelled out…..Hey! Dad immediately turned around, saw his daughter still standing there, grabbed her hand and walked away.

My afternoon was spent working on my podcast tonight. My blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A quick interesting half hour of political and social chatter. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Topics include Venezuela’s lack of food, a 4 year old shoot seeking food in Venezuela, Oakland Police Department under investigation for an underage sex scandal involving officers, three Oakland police chiefs discharged one after another within three weeks, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker on a kick again, this time to require drug testing of food stamp recipients and the unemployed.

Also, big U.S. banks investing heavy in outlawed cluster bomb stocks to the tune of $28 billion over 4 years, Mein Kampf a bestseller again in Germany, U.S. Senate approves draft registration for women, Napoleon being troubled by mosquitoes and hemorrhoids, and more.

Time of the year for Key West drag contests. The Miss Firecracker Pageant next. July 1. In the Crystal Room at La Te Da. An Aids fundraiser. Hosted by Miss Closet Ball 2011.

The Mosquito Control Board is as devious as the Key West City Commission. The Board is entertaining at a meeting tomorrow night to move the GM mosquito testing issue affecting Key Haven from a late August vote to the general election in November. Consideration being given also to not having a vote at all.

The Board is elected. I guarantee all will be voted out if they pursue this game playing. My neighbors are furious. We are opposed to using our island used as a guinea pig for testing.

Several months ago, the FDA sent out an approval of the GM mosquitoes. Did not make sense to me. The Board was saying see, the FDA says use of the GM mosquitoes not dangerous.

I checked. The FDA did say such. However, it applied solely to the Mosquitoes. Injection of the chemicals was not dangerous to the mosquitoes. Nothing said about human safety.

Few listened. I was a voice in the wilderness.

Yesterday, the Board chairman reported another option was to wait for the FDA to rule on the test. The human end of it.

Last night was Outback. A late dinner of chicken wings.

Dennis there. He is the Tavern ‘n Town manager.

I was eating at the bar. A beautiful woman came in and sat several seats away. A magnificent creature! White man’s shirt opened almost to the waist. boobs slightly exposed. Face make up perfect. Had to be someone in drag.

Rare to see dining out in restaurants.

Ran into a Syracuse grad friend. Where have you been, I asked. Had not seen him in several years. Just returned from Belize. We used to watch Syracuse games together. He may show up wednesday at the Back Door Bar.

Enjoy your day!

DIVERSITY USA

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Big days for the Key West gay and lesbian community. Actually, big days for the entire Key West community.

This is Pride Week. Pride Week salutes diversity in Key West. One of America’s leading gay and lesbian communities.

All kinds of events. The Rainbow Bike Parade tonight. Begins 6:30 at Bayview Park. A Pride Street Fair on the 700-900 blocks of Duval saturday. The Pride Parade sunday at 5. Plus more.

In addition to Pride activities, Miss Gay USofA was recently crowned in Dallas. She belongs to Key West. In order to be eligible for the national pageant, she had to win a local one. She did. In January, Miss Gay Southernmost USofA.

The pageant consists of female impersonators and transgenders. Aurora Sexton represented Key West. Congrats Auora

The key thing is we all live together in Key West as One Happy Family. No question about it.

The White Street Pier was to be renamed in honor of Edward B. Knight. The event rained out. Soon to be rescheduled. Ed Knight deserving of the recognition.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Jenny caring for me.

Then lunch at the Cuban Coffee Queen. Cheese toast and cold Cuban coffee. Read the newspapers.

I enjoy sitting at the Queen doing nothing.

Headed to Aqua’s Back Door Bar early in the evening. Mark Watson time. Mark had told me Donna and Terri would be there. I have not seen them since they returned.

The door to the Back Bar was locked. Mark had cancelled because of the rain. What rain? A few drops here and there on occasion.

Instead, I had a drink at the inside bar.

The bartender made an interesting observation. He enjoys old silent films. I can’t stand them. He told us about a very risque 1927 silent film he had watched the evening before. Risque permissible because there was not a morality code in effect yet.

Nancy came in. I made a new friend.

Nancy is retired military. Headed straight to Key West the day after she severed from the service. Knew this is where she wanted to live. Lives here with her wife. Not sure when they married.

Nancy has a PhD. Works part time in Key West as a consultant for non profits.

I liked Nancy. Good company. Hope we see each other again soon.

Had to eat. Duffy’s at the bar. Prime rib, as usual.

Saw a disappointing thing at Duffy’s. Actually, sad. A man had ordered a Maine lobster. I assume a tourist.

It was obvious he had never eaten a Maine lobster before. He did not know how to eat it. He used his fork and knife constantly. Never pulled the claws off or removed the tail. Salt and pepper frequently. never saw him dunk the poorly ripped out meat in butter.

I am not being critical of the man nor the way he attacked the lobster. I am being critical of his waitress or someone from Duffy’s. No one helped him, gave him any advice, etc.

Along the way yesterday, I heard some Johnny Cash. A line from Folsom Prison Blues attracted me. I swiftly wrote it down. “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.”

Cash was a long time ago. His yesterday our today. Drugs and crime rampant. Many killed daily for the fun and thrill of it. Nothing has changed, except perhaps for the number of persons killed.

I have been talking about Venezuela for four years. Since the country first ran out of toilet paper. Now, it is food.

I read yesterday that 500 hundred people had looted a food warehouse. The article further stated that the same day, 5,000 had raided a super market.

This morning, I saw a video on the internet. Venezuelan adults and children looking for food in trash cans.

As I have said consistently over the four years, I do not know why the people do not revolt against their President Nicholas Maduro. He is a lot like Fidel Castro in days gone by. Blames the United States for all his problems. Including telling the people on several occasions we were preparing to invade Venezuela.

Enjoy your day!

 

MUHAMMAD ALI…..ORANGE JUICE PLEASE

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Strange weather.

I have been waiting since sunday for heavy rain and gusty winds. Nothing. A little rain here and there. Nothing spectacular.

Today?

When I went out last night, I took my slicker with me. I was ready for the deluge that never came.

Is there any one David Wolkowsky has not entertained at his Ballast Key home?

David e-mailed me yesterday that Muhammad Ali was his guest on Ballast Key. A very long time ago.

David served the same fare to guests regardless of their state in life. Hot dogs, white wine and potato chips. The rich entertain!

Ali did not drink alcohol. He asked for freshly squeezed orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice, he got. Together with a turkey hot dog.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Moved the speed up a bit. Was tired afterwards. Not bad, however.

Jenny had a red face. The sun, not drinking. I asked where she got it. Jumping Bridge. Never heard of it. On Sugarloaf. Go to the blinking light, turn right and go to the end of the road. An old bridge over the water. Jump off and swim. She was there sunday doing her thing.

I have to search out Jumping Bridge. Sounds interesting. Not for me. I have to see if it is safe for Robert and Ally.

I was sitting at the Cuban Coffee Queen reading the newspapers when Barbara Grob came along. I have known her 20 years, though rarely see her. Yesterday, the first time in 4-5 years.

As ever, beautiful.

I fell in love with Barb the first time I saw her. She had a small shop selling all kinds of crazy things on Truman. Near Aaron’s home. The shop was empty when I entered. The back door open. There was Barb soldering a piece of metal she would eventually place for sale.

She presently owns and operates a relatively new store on Fleming. Just off Duval. Called Key West Local Luxe. Jewelry, clothes, lingerie, etc. Most items a bit off beat. Key Westy.

Over the years, Barb has developed into a seasoned owner, artist and designer. She knows what women like. She says her store makes women happy.

Back to the Cuban Coffee Queen for a moment. The ice cubes they use are coffee cubes. Coffee frozen. I have learned to leave my empty cold Cuban coffee container sitting a while when finished. Then drink the melted ice cubes. A shot of caffeine! Hits you!

Last night was Aqua for me. I have become a monday night regular. During cocktail hour, the bar singing terrific.

Last night was Dueling Bartenders. Two were in drag. This happens once a month. One was Mark Watson. He shaved his beard to do the event.

The bar was crowded. I counted 41 customers at 7 o’clock.

Aqua was my evening. Returned home early.

Donna and Terri are back. Permanently. Mark said they would be at his Back Door wednesday.

I see from Facebook, the ladies are back in the swing of things. Did not take long. Both sang at Kate Miano’s Gardens sunday evening.

The Swiss are a very people conscious nation. Everything for their people. It is called socialism.

They put to a vote the most recent Swiss idea. A guaranteed minimum wage for everyone. Paid by the government. $2,600 a month for adults. $600 a month for each child. The government’s motivation was to give adults the option of reducing working hours. At the same time maintaining a decent standard of living.

The Swiss are not like the Greeks. The Swiss voted the idea down. 70-30 percent.

The thought not uncommen. Other nations are seriously considering it. The Netherlands, Finland, New Zealand and Canada.

My different type KONK column this week hits the stands tomorrow. Corn Flakes…..Cure Masturbation. Involves the Kellogg brothers, corn flakes and masturbation. The Kellogg corn flakes you eat today are derived from what happened in the 1890s and early 1900s involving the three.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Nine my time. A multitude of sins to discuss. The past week has been interesting. Join me for a quick entertaining opinionated half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

DAVID….. A GOOD PERSON

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David Wolkowsky is the best of the best. Made his fortune. Returned to his beloved Key west. Spent his years since returning doing everything to help Key West and its people.

David is 96. In fairly decent shape. The one who fights me for the anti-gravity treadmill at physiotherapy.

His generosity significant.

For many years, David has recognized school teachers. Must be some teacher back when influenced his life. The recognition is in the form of money. David presents the Teacher of the Year with $25,000. Several other teachers, $5,000 each.

I attended the award ceremony yesterday at the Key West High School. The ceremony was in the library. I sat in the back so I could take the whole thing in.

David was beaming. He looked 25 years younger than his 96 years. A smile ear to ear.

It occurred to me that David might consider the teachers his grandchildren. Not children because of the years. They were his family.

The teachers respectful and friendly to David.

David, thank you for inviting me.

I was showered, shaved and out. David’s event was concluded just before 4. Where to go? Earlier than I normally am out.

My first stop was Aqua. Thought I would have a drink with Mark at the Back Bar. Learned the outside bar does not open till 5.

Ordered a drink. Drank it slowly. It was going to be a long night.

My cell phone rang. It was Dee. She was in her way into town. She lives on Cudjoe Key. We decided to meet in an hour at Sq. 1.

My evening was fantastic. Fun filled. We drank at Sq. 1 and ate at Outback.

Dee looked terrific. The best I have seen her in years. She has undergone some heavy cancer surgeries the past three years. All took a toll on her. However, she is back again. And, looking better than ever!

Which I told her several times.

Turtle nesting season upon us. Loggerhead turtle nesting. Mama turtle comes onto the beach and buries her eggs. Called nesting. It takes 50-60 days for the eggs to hatch. They hatch at night. The baby turtles then follow the moon light into the ocean.

Dengue fever has infected one person in Key West. The mosquito bite occurred in Key West. The person a visitor. Now home and on the road to recovery.

First dengue fever case reported in Key West since 2010.

The Associated Press recently released a study. From its NORC Center for Public Affairs. One of the findings was that 9 out of 10 Americans lack confidence in the political system. Another, 70 percent are frustrated with this year’s Presidential election.

Nothing we did not know.

China has done it!Discriminated against men. Created a sexism issue affecting men. Certain areas of China have “Female Only” parking spaces. Larger than those for men. The rationale being women have a harder time parking.

China not the first to do this. German began a few years ago. In some German regions, 30 percent of the parking spaces are mandated to be larger and for women only.

Immigrants a problem? Sweden took in 163,000 persons seeking asylum last year. Only 494 found jobs.

I have written and spoken on my blog talk radio show about Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu. He should not have come to Congress last year to speak uninvited by Obama.

Now it is out that he received $80 million last year from the King of Saudi Arabia for his political campaign to continue as Israel’s leader. Most recently, it has been announced Saudi Arabia will build a large embassy facility in Tel Aviv.

I was under the impression Arabs hated Israel and Jews.

Recently, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman wrote a critical article regarding Netanyahu. Titled: Destroying Israel From Within.

Enjoy your day!

MONDAYS AT AQUA

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I rarely see a sunrise these days. I rather spend an extra hour or two in bed.

However, this morning I was up early. Observed a Heavenly work of art.

The sunrise was different. Not the usual bright orange ball breaking the horizon. Too many gray clouds. The sun rose behind the clouds.  Yellow covering the back of the gray clouds. Like an egg that breaks as you put it in the pan. The yolk covers everything.

There was more to the sunrise. The water was rippling. The sun reflection off the ripples different also. Silvery.

Monday night at Aqua! It seems to becoming a habit with me every two weeks. Monday night refers to cocktail time. Five to 8.

The bartenders sing. Robustly!

I love the singing and music. I join in. It is a form of karaoke. The words on screens.

I did Oklahoma and That’s Amore last night. Not alone. With everyone else.

Love it!

In a fashion, reminds me of Bobby Nesbitt’s days at Aqua. And prior thereto, at the gay bar next door. Bobby did a wednesday cocktail hour songfest. Everyone joining in.

It is a shame that no similar gig exists  today in Key West for Bobby. I get my shot of Bobby saturday nights at Tavern ‘n Town.

Duffy’s for dinner.

Bob and Lynda Frechette enjoying. Don’s Place bartender Pete and his lady Diane, also. Plus, Jennifer, Jana and Mark. Mark continues to paint. He showed me his newest works on his cell. Great stuff!

Hurried home after dinner to watch the Golden State/Thunders game. Golden State had a come from behind victory. 96-88.

The last quarter was the game. I fell asleep at the end of the third quarter. Happens all the time!

This morning’s World Almanac section of the Key West Citizen carried a few words by Walt Whitman. The opening stanza of Oh Captain! My Captain! A poem regarding Lincoln’s death. The poem began…..Oh Captain! My Captain! Our fearful trip is done.

The fearful trip referred to Lincoln’s death.

Brought me back to my college days. To a third year English literature class where we devoured, dissected, etc. Whitman’s works for a month.

Greece is special. I love Greece!

In my Greece trips, I failed to visit Crete. It was always out of the way for me. I should be ashamed.

I have a Facebook friend who lives on Crete. Jim Brown. Another reason to visit.

On this day in 1941, the Germans conquered Crete. It was not easy. The Cretes fought like hell!

Hitler initially had 3,000 troops parachute in on May 20. It was supposed to be an easy task. Hitler had to send another 19,000 troops in. It took the Germans 11 days to conquer Crete.

The event an item of pride to this day with Cretes.

An interesting side point. Hitler wanted to conquer many of the islands in that portion of the Mediterranean. When Hitler saw how much effort and troops it took to conquer little Crete, he gave up on the idea.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9 my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I spent too much time this weekend being lazy. I have yet to put the show together. I will be researching most of the day.

Enjoy your day!

 

BUSY DAY

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My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Still going slow. Cut the speed and time by 50 percent.

David Wolkowsky was not at Body Owners. He is sometimes there. Others, not. He is on the treadmill before me.

David is 96. I worry when he does not show up.

Shot down to the Cuban Coffee Queen after working out. Cuban coffee and a steak sandwich. Sat an extra hour reading the newspapers.

Spent the afternoon preparing for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Interesting topics. A brief review of the Kentucky primary results. Followed by comments concerning Trump’s attitude and women, that Melania would be the first first lady to have posed nude, Trump’s tax returns, and Hillary’s transcripts.

Also, the FBI enabling Church leaders, social workers and community leaders to  spy on you and me, Obama at war longer than any other President, whether Zika is another Ebola, Hillary’s two $100,000 a plate fundraisers the same evening, and more.

My blog talk radio show has taken off. In only two years. I now have advertisers. Like GEICO, Walgreens and Amazon.com. Surprising!

Started my evening at Aqua. Monday the bartenders sing at cocktail time. Always enjoyable. Looked for Chart Room friend David. Not there.

The bartenders sang Where The Boys Are. They meant boys!

The song brought back memories of the early 1960’s spring break movie of the same name. Dolores Hart one of the stars. A young beauty. She made ten films. Starred as leading lady in each one. With male stars such as Elvis Presley, Stephen Boyd, Montgomery Cliff, George Hamilton and Robert Wagner.

Then at age 24 left the movie business. Entered a nunnery. Still there all these years later. Now, the abbess of her order.

Got into a discussion about Sal Rapisardi and his parents with one of the bartenders. Sal and his family were successful business people when I first came to Key West. I bought the parents’ home.

Sal was a graduate engineer from RPI. Smart. Never worked as an engineer. Motels, bars, night clubs became his specialty Especially those appealing to the gay community. At one time, he and his family owned Atlantic Shores and La Te Da.

Sal opened Diva’s on Duval. Diva’s was the predecessor of Aqua. It all started with Sal.

Sal now lives in the Fort Lauderdale area.

Lisa dated Sal for a while. I told her to marry him. He was a nice guy, rich and straight. A winning combination. Especially in Key West.

My suggestion fell on deaf ears.

Duffy’s for dinner. I am turned on to Duffy’s prime rib.

Jennifer hosting. Jana managing. Kari waiting. Mark bartending.

Mark is Mark Yeoman. Learned that several years ago he tried his hand at painting. A success! His work sold successfully at Joy Galleries. In the four figures. He showed me photos of some of his works. Magnificent!

On the way home, stopped for a nightcap at Don’s Place. Boomer bartending. Duffy’s Kari and Boomer have lived together for years. Both nice people.

Syracuse University announced the Carrier Dome is getting a new roof. Cost, $105 million. Another $100 million for overall improvements. At the same time, major improvements would be done to Archibald Gymnasium. Cost, $50 million.

Impressive numbers.

Joining the ACC has to be the reason. The move from the Big East to the ACC was done for economic reasons. Apparently working out as intended.

George Washington. No one will argue he was not a smart man.

The British were taxing the colonists several years prior to the Revolution. On this day in 1769, Washington argued the impropriety of taxation without representation. The tyranny part would come several years later.

Today, we have taxation with representation. I see no difference between 1769 and today.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

AQUA / MICHAEL’S LAST NIGHT

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Aqua and Michael’s last night.

Stopped at Aqua first. Intended to spend time with Mark at the outside Back Bar. David was sitting at the inside bar. Stopped and chatted with him a while.

Then to the Back Bar. Mark always good company.

Where to eat? Decided on Michael’s.

A fair crowd for off season. I was disappointed Suzette was not bartending. I was also looking for Kim who I had met two weeks earlier at Tavern ‘n Town. Kim’s night off also apparently.

Tried the beef boneless ribs. Good. A bone sticking meal. Though no bones. The meat off the ribs buried in a good tasting sauce covering mashed potatoes and some other vegetables.

I have been thinking of getting off gin after 40 years. Wine has been in my mind. I have never been crazy about wine.

The daily special menu showed a special red. The name I do not recall. The composition on the menu took several lines to describe. All kinds of fruit tastes. I ordered a glass. My discerning tongue tasted no fruit.

I was bored at Michael’s bar. Never got a conversation going with anyone. Unusual in Key West to fail to becoming engaged in conversation at a bar.

My yesterday started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Went well. Still going at a slow speed and half time.

I was hungry at lunch hour. Opted for a cheeseburger and fries at 5 Guys.

The afternoon was spent reading and napping. Napping always the best time of the day.

Received two interesting communications yesterday.

Anna telephoned from Milan. All excited. Told me Italy had just passed same sex marriage. While we were talking, I went online to see the story. Anna did not have it quite correct.

Italy approved same sex civil unions. Everything short off same sex marriage. I was not surprised. What did surprise me was that Italy even went as far as it did in approving civil unions. The Catholic Church in Italy has a strong influence regarding same sex anything.

Nevertheless, the approval of civil unions an historical event.

Argos e-mailed me from Athens. I have never met nor communicated with Argos. However, he advised he has been reading my blog since my first Greece trip several years ago.

I have never addressed how Greek’s economic crisis has affected medial care. Argos brought the situation to my attention.

Things are bad! Don’t get sick! Especially seriously ill. Something like cancer.

Government medical plans are paying nothing or close to nothing. Government employees no longer working have no insurance plans.

Hospitals are short in every area. Painkillers and scissors in short supply. Bring your own blankets and sheets when entering a hospital. Cancer operations delayed four months or longer. Regardless of seriousness of the cancer. Many die before time for the operation arrives.

Five thousand doctors and 15,000 nurses have left Greece because they cannot get paid.

If no insurance, the person is put on a waiting list. Months to wait for hospital admission. If one wants surgery earlier, a bribe is required.

I never gave thought to this area of Greek life. Horrible!

Trump/Ryan meeting this morning. I am anxious to listen to the post meeting comments by both. I am a political junkie at heart.

Hillary has to start hitting back. At least through a surrogate. Trump’s charges are building up. Hillary’s quaint smile is not sufficient response.

My Syracuse University is screwed up athletically. Everything seems to go wrong.

Mike Doyle was hired less than a year ago to be Athletic director. Was on the job 310 days. He is taking the AD job at the University of Minnesota.

I blame central administration for the athletic department’s problems. SU is run like a major corporation. Decisions are made by the higher ups and those below are compelled to accept already made decisions.

One example. Boeheim never knew Syracuse was going to the ACC till after it was a fait accompli.

Read a recent article that said municipalities have received $2 billion in surplus military equipment over the past 10 years. State of Florida the most. $300 million.

We all have a general knowledge of that which makes up the military equipment. One item surprised me, however. Bayonets. 5, 638 of them. To use against demonstrators?

Enjoy your day!

 

OPERATION BABY LIFT

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My opening comments today are not concerning Key West. Though Key West can lay claim to similar values. Like love, conscience and humanity.

It is the story of 2,600 orphaned Vietnamese children. Many babies.

On this day in 1975, ten days of airlifting children out of Vietnam concluded. Allied forces had been defeated. It would be only 16 days later that Saigon would fall effectively ending the war.

It was imperative orphaned children be removed from the country before opposing forces took over. Some of the children Asian-American.

The decision to airlift the children out of the war zone and to safe countries was immediate. No time to think. A yes or no situation. Once made, everyone worked swiftly and diligently to accomplish the removals.

President Ford was in support of the project 100 percent. Thirty flights were planned. Other allied nations in addition to the U.S. were involved. Though the planes and crews were exclusively American.

The children were ultimately adopted in the countries which were their final stop.

A picture is worth one thousand words. No question. Search out Operation Baby Lift on the internet. The photos immediately make you appreciate the effort involved and what was going on.

Photos many. Babies strapped into boxes on row after row of airplane seats. Rows eight across. Other pics of soldiers holding babies and bottle feeding them. Children sleeping on the floor of large planes that had no seats. Close together.

I raise the question. Could such an emergency evacuation take place today? With all the furor over immigration, etc. Remember , there was no time to think. Action had to be immediate.

My day yesterday began with an airport run. I played good neighbor.

My lunch was unusual. I returned to Mangrove Mama’s. I was one of two customers. The weather perfect. I sat where I had in my previous visits. The wind direction perfect. It blew over me.

A lobster reuben again.

Then I sat there for a couple of hours. I fell into deep thinking. Meditation.

Interesting.

Last night’s first stop was the outside Aqua bar. Mark Watson. All locals. More people than during the season.

Mark is an avid North Carolina fan. We talked about the Syracuse and Villanova games. Mark knows his basketball.

Had to eat. Did not want much. Ended up at La Te Da’s outside bar. Tonto bartending. My friend of 20 years.

I enjoyed a crab dip and a few crackers.

Such was my yesterday.

Enjoy your today!

 

 

YESTERDAY…..BUSY

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On the move yesterday. A lot of it fun.

My morning trip was bland. The bank and Walgreens.

The afternoon picked up. I researched for tonight’s blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I enjoy researching.

I will open with the Syracuse victory. Worthy of recognition and mention. Followed by Andrew Jackson’s censure spearheaded by Henry Clay, sexual atrocities by police officers, those vying to buy the Presidency, Hawaii seriously considering decriminalizing all drugs.

Followed by Bernie Sanders three big State wins, $15 an hour now law in California, Smell Dating, a strange result in the legal system, this week’s KONK Life column Ma, Ma, Where’s My Pa?, and California’s lead problem.

Then a nap. I was tired after researching.

Last night, I was truly out on the street.

First, Aqua. Monday from 5-7, the bartenders sing. Last night it was Tom Luna and Rick. Luna was the star of Producers that I saw saturday night. Rick’s stage name is Goddess. Goddess is a drag star.

Tom and Rick sang Unforgettable reworded. Substituted Homosexual for Unforgettable. Funny.

David showed up. Always glad to see David. He was into the singing. Sort of a group karaoke situation. David knew all the old songs. I knew very few. I stumbled through some, however.

Michael and Kathy showed up. Michael was a bocce partner several years ago. He also owned Peppers with Tom Luna. Michael and Kathy left Key West. They now live in San Antonio del Mar, Mexico. On Baha beach.

I was out for the evening with June. Her friend Candy Cane came over. The girls chatted away.

Mary took care of my Key West home for five years. A jack of all trades. She was at the bar. I had not seen her in years. It was her 50th birthday. She still looks 21. Enjoyed being with her again.

It was time to eat. Antonia’s at the bar. Yes, I am back.

A change in the menu. A big one. Antonia’s of old featured northern Italian cooking. Means oil, not sauce. I enjoyed a linguine dish. Sauce, not oil. Antonia’s has switched to southern Italian cooking.

The night was not yet over. It was on to the Little Room Jazz Club to hear Larry Smith. Pepe on the drums. Alex on the horn. Melody Cooper singing.

Larry is one of Key West’s premier entertainers. Catch his show. Time spent with Larry always pleasurable.

As we were leaving, one of th spectators asked for my blog address. I apologize that I have forgotten his name. If he is reading today’s blog, I ask he e-mail his address. He is in Key West for two months. I would like to get to know him better.

An interesting article in this morning’s Key West Citizen. A public private group will receive $75 million in State money next year. They have received money in the past. Big dollars.

The group’s function is to boost tourism in the Florida keys. They are doing well. Claim 100 million visitors in 2015.

A good chunk of the money is to provide paid trips to Chinese and other foreign journalists. They also have what has been described as secret contracts with celebrities.

Though tax dollars are involved, the organization is not audited and its agreements with celebrities secret. Scrutiny required. None exists.

Later this morning, a stress test scheduled. I am nervous. I always get nervous when I have to take a stress test.

Enjoy your day!