PINOCCHIO

Donald Trump is Pinocchio. He only lacks the growing nose. If it were possible, his would be 10 feet long by this time and require a crane to hold it up.

Trump’s problem is he has no Mr. Geppetto to counsel him, to guide him.

Trump loves notoriety. He seeks glorification. History will remember him. Not for a Noble Peace Price. Rather for being the biggest Presidential liar of all time. Perhaps simply the greatest liar of all time.

Ally’s birthday dinner last night.

As suspected, Ally was beat. The whole family was.

Ally had a total of 5 girl friends for a sleepover. They fell asleep around midnight. Robert said they were loud. I told him women generally are when they get together.

The family and the sleepovers were up at 6. The sleepovers left at 3:30. Lisa prepared breakfast and lunch. One of the young ladies was gluten free. Lisa had to be concerned with that factor. She was not  pre-warned.

The group to Higgs Beach early in the afternoon.

My family was beat. Everyone quiet by the time I arrived.

Lisa had not had time to shop. She threw together a carb dinner. Pasta! Great for my diet! I was not concerned. Figured it would shake up my diet a bit and cause me to lose a pound. It did not nor did it cause me to gain a pound.

A brother/sister discussion ensued while we were at the cake stage. Not an agreeable one. Adult, however. Robert wanted Ally to do something for him. Nothing of consequence. Ally said no. He should do it for himself.

The two went at it for a few minutes. I was enjoying the give and take. Excellent.

Then the parents got involved. Supported Ally’s position. I would have supported Robert’s. Kept quiet, however.

Robert was slowly getting hot under the collar. Finally told his family they could expect nothing from him in the future.

All amusing. Impressive on the part of Ally and Robert. They are growing up well.

Watched the Warriors/Cavaliers game last night. Warriors won big 122-103. The last quarter crucial. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 33 points.

I knew it was going to be the Warriors night when Curry, with the clock running down, threw a one handed shot at the basket while standing sideways. He never expected the ball to go in. No one did. It did. Clean.

It’s monday. Dueling Bartenders tonight.

Today an important one in American history. On this day in 1942, the Battle of Midway began. A 4 day encounter. A naval battle. The U.S. decisively defeated Japan.

It was the first American victory of the U.S./Japan conflict.

The Japanese lost 4 carriers, the U.S. 1. The Japanese lost 292 aircraft, the U.S. 145. The Japanese suffered 2,500 casualties, the U.S. 300.

Guadalcanal was next on the path to victory.

North Korea’s Kim a strange duck. A careful suspicious man.

Next week, he will be in Singapore for several days for the Summit. The farthest he has been from home ever. He fired his top 3 generals. Did not think he could trust them in his absence.

Drinking and driving not a wise combination. We know it!

Pot becoming popular in the U.S. Several states have legalized its use.

I have noticed the past couple of weeks TV ads decrying the use of marijuana while driving. Too soon, perhaps. Insufficient evidence.

I would agree in any event, people should not smoke pot and drive.

The TV ad decrying pot and driving was funded by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association. The Association has nothing to do with Governors. The organization is a front for the alcohol industry. Regarded as the alcohol industry’s voice.

Trump has become an expert in pissing off our Allies and sucking up to our enemies. The steel/aluminum tariff imposed on Canada, Mexico and the European Union the best example.

His numbers also wrong. The U.S. will lose significantly more jobs over the next two years from lay offs in the peripheral industries.

Recall that similar onerous type tariffs were imposed by the U.S. in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. Many economists believe such the cause of the great Depression and additionally an action giving impetus to Hitler’s rise.

Forty one million Americans live in poverty. One third or 14 million of them children.

Trump not responsible. The numbers calculated to the end of Obama’s time. No numbers yet re Trump. However, Trump is grossly aggravating the situation.

The UN issued a report recently claiming Trump was making life harder for the poor. He seems to be deliberately designing programs to remove basic protections for the poorest, to punish those not employed, and to make basic health care a privilege to be earned rather than a right of citizenship.

I agree with the UN observations.

Harvard’s recent report setting forth what it believes are the correct number of deaths in Puerto Rico mind blowing. Harvard says the actual number is 4,645. Contrast that with the U.S. government’s claim of 64 and the New York Times number of 1,052.

The Harvard study was a hands on, on the ground, doors knocked on, inquiry. Houses were randomly chosen. The deaths recorded began on the day of Maria September 20 and extended to December 31.

The New York Times arrived at its number by comparing previous deaths in certain areas, etc. A mathematically arrived at decision.

No one knows how ICE came up with 64.

Shame on Trump! He failed to help our fellow Americans. Our people. Why?

I suspect two reasons.

First, Puerto Ricans are tan. People of color. Trump is a racist.

Second, Trump years ago failed in an economic venture in Puerto Rico. He walked away with a pretty dollar. However, the project went nowhere.

Maybe Trump bears ill will because of his failed Puerto Rico efforts.

I was viewing TV yesterday. The Mayor of San Juan was interviewed. Pictures were shown of the devastation as it exists today. Horrible! Living conditions disgusting. No electricity and water in certain areas.

So much going on in the world. Trump the initiator of most of the events.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

FREE CARS FOR THE POOR

Sacramento, California a great place to be poor. By poor is meant on welfare.

What follows is liberalism the California way.

A pilot program was instituted this past May. Sacramento has seven public housing communities.  One community contained 300 residents.

Sacramento has purchased 8 electric cars for use by the residents. A mini fleet. Cars to be shared. Maintenance and insurance provided. Total cost $1.3 million. Furnished by grant money.

I believe free medical is a right. My belief does not extend to cars. A step too far in my opinion.

Last night, the Chart Room first. English Peter was there. Also known as Captain Peter.

Peter originally from the British Isles. Fought for the U.S. in Vietnam. Now, a U.S. citizen. He has traveled the world. Generally alone in a small boat operated by him. Many the interesting and hairy tale he has to tell.

Peter found his way to Key West years ago. Became instantly known and liked. Such is his personality.

Peter left Key West several years ago. Moved to Washington State where he had a home. He is in Key West for a couple of weeks visiting old friends. Said he leaves when his money runs out.

Peter still looks the British gentleman. Tall and thin. White hair. A white mustache. And best of all, a British accent.

The only change in Peter is his weight. He has lost a few pounds. A kidney problem.

Sometime in the next few days, we are going to dinner together.

Stopped at Tavern ‘n Town on the way home for dinner. Salmon. The best on the island!

George bartending. We have become friends. A hard worker. Originally from Manila.

Jodyrae Campbell and husband Brian have fallen on bad times. First, George came down with cancer. Then their home burned to the ground.

There is a fundraiser for them tonight at La Te Da. should be packed. Jodyrae will liked. A singer. A few years ago, Fantasy Fest Queen.

I mentioned Mark Brann the other day. The individual who got in a fight with a lover, was stabbed in both eyes, had a piece of wood shoved down his throat, and otherwise beaten. He died yesterday. Boy friend will face a murder charge.

The preceding definitely not Key West. A shocking crime without precedent.

Pot smoking swiftly becoming a big time business. Whether medical or recreational.

A company called Bud Trader can be found at BudTrader.com. it is the world’s largest online medical marijuana marketplace.

Bud Trader is going commercial with its advertising. Nationally. Network and Cable TV. Sometime this month.

It is anticipated Bud Trader’s sales will boom. To be expected. Bud Trade’s website already receives 10 million page views a month.

On this day in 1969, Woodstock ended. Three days of music and hippie fun came to an end. In the vernacular, the grooviest event in music history. Peace, love and rock ‘n roll.

One problem however. Four hundred thousand tried to get out of the event at the same time. No way! It took 3 plus days to get everyone on the road.

My Facebook video today a bit off track. However, interesting. A for real conclusion based on a study. Titled: Female Orgasms Better in Communist Russia.

I will be doing the video later this afternoon. Key West Lou Live. Take a look. Not a joke. The New York Times posted an op-ed on the subject a few days ago.

Enjoy your day!

BRITISH VOTE

The news of the day! The result of the British Euro Union vote. Interesting.

Whether the proper outcome, I don’t know. Beyond my understanding of everything involved.

The result did hit me between the eyes with one factor. Loud and clear. The unhappiness, populist movement, immigration problems, concern and anger of the American people is the same as those of the British. Our problems are common. and seem to be similar to the problems of many other countries.

Which makes a Donald Trump possible.

Even a Bernie Sanders.

I watched Sanders on Morning Joe earlier. He needs as vacation. The man is tired. Aggressive in his responses. He has reached the point where he is taking himself too seriously. He is heart attack material.

Saw Trump land at Turnberry. His new golf course. His only one in Scotland. I was not sure if it was one or two when I wrote yesterday.

Trump is not loved in Turnberry. He had a multitude of fights with local officials during the course’s construction.

My yesterday was a haircut with Lori and a visit to my heart doctor, Dr. Mc Ivor.

No problem with the haircut. May be a problem with the heart. I have been scheduled for a heart catheterization tuesday. All recent test results good. however, I am getting frequent chest pains. Nitroglycerin relieves the pain almost immediately.

Could be stress. Too much sun and good times.

We who live in the lower Keys and read the Key West Citizen every day have acquired a new friend. William Hackley. The Citizen obtained a copy of Hackley’s diary. 1855. He lived in Key West. Rose around 4 each morning, took a walk and then a bath. Gives us the temperature. Then tells us of his daily exploits. He was a prominent citizen, lawyer and public attorney.

Hackley also owned land. Farm land. Grew hemp. He worked the fields some days together with his field hands.

Hemp had value back then. Maybe even now. I came across an article written by Ellen Brown titled: The War on Weed Is Winding Down – But Will Monsanto Be the Winner. Published June 23, 2016.

Lengthy and informative.

An interesting portion…..”In early America, it was considered a farmer’s patriotic duty to grow hemp. Cannabis was legal tender from 1631 until early 1800s. Americans could even pay taxes with it. Benjamin Franklin’s paper mill used cannabis…..Hemp was also an essential resource for any country with a shipping industry, since it was the material from which sails and rope were made.”

I do not sense Hackley was in the cannabis business. 1855 appears to late for the hemp to be used as money. Hackley however did reside in Key West which was a shipping port. A significant shipping industry existed at the time. I suspect Hackley sold his hemp crop to those who manufactured sails and rope.

His diary so far is silent as to what he did with the hemp.

A lot of talk re the black topping of the White Street Pier. Some say it looks lousy. I agree. Supposed to gray with time, however. Some say too hot to walk on. I agree.

End of story. Job complete. It will be many years before it is covered again.

Ninety nine year old Key West icon Edward B. Knight still alive. Active. The White Street Pier is being renamed in his honor. July 2nd at 10 in the morning. A large crowd expected.

Turtle time again. This morning’s KONK E-Blast ask boaters to beware of turtles. They need to come up for air. Boat blades are prone to cut them up.

We are turtle crazy in the Keys!

Two Syracuse players were drafted by NBA teams last night. Freshman Malachi Richardson went 22nd. Senior Michael Gbinije 49th.

I question whether Richardson will make it. He has a temperament problem. Does not listen. Boeheim had to bench him a couple of times causing Malachi to miss whole games.

Gbinije a winner! Talented, level headed and can play different positions. I look for him to bloom.

My KONK Life column this week is Napoleon 2 Xs. Story involves mosquitoes, yellow fever, and hemorrhoids. As Napoleon was impacted by them.

The article hit the stands yesterday. It is featured in this morning’s E-Blast and was also linked to my Key West Lou website this morning.

Enjoy your day!

 

ANOTHER BOCCE PARTY

Bocce parties are like bowling banquets. Only less formal and more fun.

Last night was our small five team competitive group’s get together. Always an enjoyable evening.

The thought occurred last night that I have known many at the party for years. Some as many as 15 years. We are the same kids today that we were back then. As far as bocce is concerned, none of us grew up. Perpetual youth.

Awards were given. Larry Smith’s team came in first. Clare got the best cheerleader/most improved award. Don the screw up award for a shot that lost our team first place in the 5 team group and #2 in the thursday night league.

David played his part last night. Excellent as usual.

I sat with Tom, Nicky, Dan, Betty, Jennifer and Larry Smith most of the evening. Tom and Nicky and Dan and Betty return home in a few days. Not to return till october.

Stopped at Lori’s for a haircut at noon. My appointment was for yesterday. The girl put it in the book for next thursday. I try again today.

The foul up was no problem. The Cuban Coffee Queen is around the corner. I stopped in for lunch.

A doctor’s appointment at 1. To check the area where things were cut off my head and face two weeks ago.

My KONK Life column this week has to do with bees. Bees as used in warfare. As far back as cave man days.

The column published wednesday. This morning it appears in KONK E-Blast. It was also linked to my Key West Lou website. .keywestlou.com.

The last two weeks, Guy deBoer has run in E-Blast a pic of me taken 4 years ago in Greece. On Amorogos, my favorite place. The photo reminds me of how relaxed and laid back I was when there.

Back to younger days? A recent study indicates pot smoking today is highest in the over 55 group. The study contained a picture of grandma lighting up.

Enjoy your day!

 

JEFFERSON BEAUREGARD SESSIONS III

Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III. A lovely name! Brings to memory visions of a Southern gentleman of old. Defender of Southern traditions. A person whose present day thinking is that of his Civil War forefathers.

Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III is the real name of U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions. A 20 year Republican from Alabama. If I had his legitimate name, I probably would want to be known as Jeff, also. Makes him sound like one of the guys.

Sessions and I are diametrically opposed on most issues. He an ultra conservative. I, a liberal. I tolerate him. I respect his position, though not the man personally.

I write about Beauregard this morning because of an article I came across. A small group of U.S. Senators met recently. They oppose the continued legalization of marijuana. Their meeting was described as an anti-pot circus.

Beauregard was quoted as saying “…..good people don’t smoke marijuana.”

I make jest of Sessions not because of his position re the marijuana issue. Rather his standard in arriving at his conclusion: Good people.

I spent yesterday afternoon researching this week’s KONK column. Four hours and I came up with nothing that turned me on. Which means more digging later this afternoon and evening. It is this way every week.

Great time at the Chart Room last night. Three hours of interesting conversation.

My stomach was growling on the way home. I wanted just a sandwich. nothing more. I stopped at the new submarine store in the Sears Shopping Center. Sweet Fire Chipotle. Never had one of their subs.

Ordered a Chicken Alfredo on whole wheat. Intended to bring it home to eat. When I got outside, I saw they had two tables and chairs. I decided to eat there.

I did not take napkins since I had intended to eat at home. Left my bagged sandwich and drink on the table. Went inside for some napkins. The effort took all of 20 seconds.

When I came out, I saw a man starting to pick up my dinner. I calmly said it’s mine. He looked at me with a frightened expression. He was haggard and weather beaten. His clothes slovenly.

He said, “I’m hungry.”

He was obviously a homeless person. I handed my sandwich and drink to him and said, “Enjoy.” He nodded a thank you and hurriedly left. I would have enjoyed talking with him, but we never got that far.

I walked back into the store and duplicated my first order. Remained outside to enjoy the sub. Read the newspapers.

The Chicken Alfredo was excellent!

I erred in yesterday’s blog. I reported the Cow Key Bridge Run was today. It is not. The Run is tomorrow.

Today is the Seven Mile Bridge Race.

We have all come to know William Hackley via the Key West Citizen. The Citizen obtained the diary of William Hackley. Hackley was a Key West adult in the 1850s.

His diary entry each day contains an early morning walk to the salt ponds. Most times,  he indicates following the walk that he bathe.

I assumed he was cleaning up in the salt ponds. Today’s entry indicates otherwise. Apparently there was a well at the salt ponds. He bathe at the well.

On this day in 1942, American and Filipino troops surrendered at Bataan. Twelve thousand Americans and sixty thousand Filipinos. The Bataan death march followed. Thousands died in the march and then the compounds they were confined in for more than three years.

To a minimal degree, justice triumphed. The Japanese commander of the Philippine invasion was tried in 1946 for the deaths and maltreatment caused by the death march. The death march was considered a war crime. He was convicted and executed before a firing squad.

I play bocce at noon. Ran into someone who bought a set of bocce balls and never played. I am to teach him. We will probably last 20 minutes. The sun will be a killer. Lunch at Salute’s afterwards..

Enjoy your day!