No blog today. I have poison in my pen. Better I write nothing at all.
NO BLOG TODAY
KEY WEST BUSY AND QUIET
I recently mentioned it felt like the season was upon Key West. Yesterday, I was driving into town for a doctor visit. US 1, the Boulevard and Truman were jam packed with vehicles. Traffic moving slowly. Especially on US 1 and Truman.
On the return trip, I decided to use Flagler to avoid the traffic. Surprisingly, Flagler was crowded. More so than when the Boulevard construction was ongoing.
Last night, it was the Chart Room and then Hot Tin Roof.
On the way in, I noticed many people on the streets in the downtown area. Not so in the Chart Room or Hot Tin Roof. Quiet.
It appears the tourists are here. However, not spending money. A proper observation for me to make. Key West’s lives or dies on tourism business.
I have mentioned the spending situation a couple of times this year. Nothing has changed. The tourists are coming in large numbers. Paying a big dollar at the hotels. Less at the bars and restaurants. They are buying pizzas and beer to dine on in their expensive hotel rooms.
Lynda Frechette! One of Key west’s leading persons! Sweet. Lovable. Caring.
Front page this morning’s Key West Citizen carried a large photo of Lynda and another smaller one of her and friends. Lynda was featured as a “Familiar Face.” Another way of saying an important person. Which Lynda is.
Tonight, tonight…..My blog talk radio show! Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9 my time for a fast moving thought provoking half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.
Topics tonight include Congress opening the floodgates to foreign investment in U.S. realty, gun buying dramatically on the rise in Germany, Venezuela rejects GMOs entirely, homeless children on the rise in U.S. and England, the black cloud over Jimmy Carter, the Miss Universe debacle, Trump’s use of schlong, and more.
Speaking of schlong, I am not Jewish My understanding however is that the word can be used in several ways. The most obvious as the name of a male’s personal part. It can also be used to describe a loser or someone capable of being beaten. Though I am anti-Trump, I suspect Trump was using the later description of the word.
Never the less, Trump should be more selective in his choice of words. His gutter approach is distasteful. I for one would not want him speaking as he is during the campaign were he elected President.
On last week’s blog talk radio show, I discussed the TPP and its affect on the American shrimp industry. Thailand is a major exporter of shrimp to the U.S. and else where world wide. Cheap to buy. The reason being Thailand uses slave and forced labor. They either pay these people nothing or pennies a day.
Our shrimp industry cannot compete.
Even before TPP takes effect, major U. S. companies have been purchasing Thai shrimp. Like Wal-Mart, Kroeger Wholesale Food, Red Lobster, and Olive Garden. Chicken of the Sea shrimp sold in Safeway and Albertson stores contain Thai shrimp.
TPP is a job loser for the U.S. Our leaders never learn from the past.
On this day in history in 1860, an election was held in Tallahassee to determine if Florida would join the Confederacy. It was so voted. However, Key West did not join the rest of Florida. Key West remained basically loyal to the Union. Fort Zachery Taylor was important to the Union’s cause. Key Wester’s celebrated the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Key West remaining loyal to the Union was caused in significant part by the nature of the people living in Key West. Most were transplanted New Englanders and Bahamians.
Syracuse basketball tonight. Against Montana State. Syracuse a 17 point favorite.
Enjoy your day!
RAGNAR
The Ragnar dispute is ongoing. My knowledge of the situation was limited. I did some homework. Research. I share with you what I learned. If anything I write is incorrect, let me know.
Ragnar is a business. Apparently a good one. Ragnar “sponsors” two day relay races across the country. One of those places has been the Florida Keys. All the way down to Key West.
Many locals are opposed to permitting the Ragnar race this year. Ragnar is willing to make any adjustments to obtain official approval.
The facts.
Six thousand will race. One thousand vans will support the 6,000 runners. The numbers overwhelming. Especially for the two lane highway most of the way. A major traffic problem.
Ragnar says worry not. From Marathon to Key west, the race will take place on the trail or bicycle path on the south side of US 1. The path is 4-5 feet wide. Six thousand people? It would take forever. It is inevitable. The runners will spill over into the highway.
Money involved. Big dollars. Running to Ragnar. A terrific business!
The runners consist of 12 person teams. Dividing 12 into the 6,000 runners makes for 500 teams. Each team pays an entrance fee of $1,260 to $1,620. Multiplying $1,260 by 500 teams totals $630,000. Wow!
Ragnar is a non-profit organization. I learned long ago there is profit in non-profit.
What, if anything, does Ragnar contribute to defray the public’s costs? Things like extra police, safety personnel, clean up, etc. Forget the most important thing. The inconvenience to Keys residents and non-running visitors.
I agree with local leaders who have heard the cries of their constituents. Ragnar should not be permitted to race.
Anti-gravity treadmill yesterday. I am up to 4.5 miles per hour!
My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.
Topics will include some brief observations from this week’s KONK Life column Helen Sperling…..Holocaust Survivor. One of her comments: “The nights still belong to Hitler.” Buchenwald never left her.
Other topics include a boy who spent 40 days in jail for allegedly throwing a snowball that broke a police car window, the off duty cop who shot a neighbor in the head after previously having been on paid leave for killing a man.
Also, buried in the proposed highway bill a provision that the IRS be permitted to lift the passport of anyone owing more than $50,000 unpaid, 72 Department of Homeland Security personnel on the terrorist list, France moving far to the right, the Jordanian who tried to open a Lufthansa door while in flight shouting he wanted himself and the passengers to join Allah, and more.
Great evening at the Chart Room last night. Spent good time with Kevin.
Cool last night. 71 degrees. Cold for locals. Days in high 70s. No problem.
The weather strange this past week. Rain, rain, and more rain. Weather man says there is a stalled front over us.
Trump creating a furor re his wanting to bar Muslims from travel to the U.S. St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Krisemus announced yesterday Trump is banned from entering St. Petersburg. Tit for tat.
Enjoy your day!
NORML
Title spelled correctly. Did not intend to type Normal.
NORML is an organization whose mission is to move public opinion sufficiently to legalize the responsible use of marijuana. Its further mission is to serve as a consumer advocate for access to high quality marijuana that is safe, convenient and affordable.
The organization is not a Johnny come lately. It is 45 years old. Its membership consists primarily of marijuana defense lawyers.
NORMAL has a one week seminar each year. Attorneys attend from all over the U.S. It traditionally has been meeting in Key West for many years. Most often at the Pier House. The actual title of the meeting is the NORML Key West Legal Seminar.
This is their week. The Chart Room was packed last night with seminar attendees. Drinking, not smoking.
My yesterdays generally begin the same way. With the anti-gravity treadmill at Body Owners. Yesterday morning was quiet. Unusual. I went at it again with 30 seconds of high speed and two minutes slow. Supposed to strengthen my heart.
Had to rush home afterwards. Every friday at 12:30, I am interviewed on the KONK News Radio Show. The topic is the subject matter of that week’s KONK Life column. Yesterday, The Eiffel Tower.
The Chart Room first last night. Searching for Jean Thornton. She had telephoned earlier and we agreed to meet at the Chart Room for a drink. We ended up a foursome. Sheila and Stephanie were part of the group. Us in the middle of the pot lawyers.
Cheryl and Roger were at the Chart Room also. Sitting at the round table with some friends.
Decided to go straight home afterwards. About half way there, my stomach started to growl. I was hungry. Stopped at Outback for lamb chops. Outback a locals place. Good value for the money. Always packed.
We have had two consecutive days of heavy rain. More predicted for later this morning. Whoever is responsible for the rain apparently is not aware this is not Key West’s rainy season.
The Christmas Parade is tonight. Hope it is not rained out. A terrific event! Especially for kids.
I mentioned some strange nature happenings yesterday. Forgot one.
Each morning on rising, I look out my bedroom window. About a hundred yards distant at the entrance to Cypress Lake sits a buoy of sorts. A warning post. It marks low water. Boats are warned to avoid the area.
I have lived in my Key West home 16 years. Look out the window each morning when I rise. Always see the thing bouncing in the water. A couple of days ago, it was different. I could actually see the ground holding it. The tide must have been out. However, the water level lower than normal for low tide. There was a circle of land exposed around the warning buoy. Ten feet in diameter.
Which raises the question. Sea levels have been rising for years. Why was this the first time I saw land exposed?
I mentioned several weeks ago La Trattoria was closed and would be reopening after Fantasy Fest. It finally opened last night at 5. Remodeling the reason for the closing and delay. There was a sinking problem in part of the first floor not anticipated which required more time for the project to be completed.
Syracuse/Georgetown at 1. On FOX. Georgetown a 5 1/2 point favorite.
This will be the first of 9 games Boeheim will be sitting out. Hopkins will be coaching. Hopkins perfect to assume the responsibility. He has been waiting years. When the time comes that Boeheim retires, the head coaching job is his. It has already been agreed in writing that Hopkins will succeed Boeheim.
OPEC crying about oil prices being dramatically low. Too bad. Let them cry. They got fat off the rest of the world for decades. Never forget, they gave us $4 a gallon gasoline.
The couple who did the shooting in San Bernardino. Something I do not understand. Traditionally, children always come first. One’s own children especially. The couple had a six month daughter who they left with the grandmother when they went out to terrorize.
The couple had to know they would die. Or be jailed for years. Where was their concern for the child? How could their Islamic beliefs outweigh that responsibility?
Enjoy your day!
INTERESTING SUNDAY
I live in Key West time. Words made famous by Howard Livingston. I go with the flow. Never quite sure what I will be doing each day. Never disappointed by how the day works out.
Yesterday was a Key West day. Knew I had to get the daily blog out. Then write this week’s KONK Life column. The column took me six hours. Controversial. I titled the column Muslim Refugees…..No. Not so much because of the terrorist thing. More because they want to take over once they arrive. Everything must be their way.
Guaranteed interesting!
It was close to 5. What now, I thought. Showered, shaved and headed out to Kate Miano’s Gardens. The best Key West venue early sunday evenings.
I only stayed a half hour. Enjoyed the music. Said some hellos. Suddenly, I was bored. I like to meet new people. Generally do at the Gardens. Last night, not.
Stopped at the Chart Room for a drink. Turned out to be a good idea.
Victor bartending. They say bartenders know everything. Victor does. He is an intellectual. For real. He gave me a political philosophy book to read several months ago. I could only get 50 pages into it. Too heavy for me. Not for Victor though.
Victor sent a comment/observation into the Key West Citizen’s Citizens’ Voice. It ran sunday. The first one listed.
Rents and rental property availability crucial issues in Key West today. Victor brought up military housing. Most military opt to live off base. When they do, they qualify for a housing allowance. Around $2,000 a month.
Victor believes the housing allowance amount is a contributing factor to high rents. The government setting the amount. He also believes that the military use of housing takes rentable properties off the market, thereby contributing to higher rents. Not enough rental properties available.
While chatting away with Victor and some tourists, a relatively young couple came in. Thirtyish. All over each other. The male said they were merely friends and were waiting for their spouses who were still upstairs. They then went to the bar along the window. I glanced over. The male was sitting on a stool with his legs open. The female with her posterior backed into his you know what. Laughing. Obviously enjoying themselves.
The spouses came in a little later. Beaming. Explained to all they were not married to each other. Their spouses the ones at the window bar.
What a country America! What a place Key West! I am 80 years old. This is the first time I have seen public swinging inference/activity.
Time to eat. Hot Tin Roof across the street. A couple of weeks since I had been there. Ate lightly. Mac lobster and cheese and asparagus. A healthy combination!
A new bartender. Matt. He reads my KONK Life column. I was thrilled! He especially enjoyed last week’s Sexual Tales of Old. The Julius Caesar part the best. He said he also enjoyed Hemingway’s First Love written several weeks ago.
Keep reading me, Matt! Love people who take the time to read what I write.
Weather looks good today. A bit cool this morning. Around 72 degrees. Wind strong. Twenty plus miles an hour. Palm trees bending a bit. Ocean water very bumpy and moving fast. I would not want to be out on a boat today.
The Studios of Key West is opening a bookstore. First floor on the corner of Eaton and Simonton. To be called Book & Book. Apparently a chain. My understanding is that Studios will own it, however.
I love book stores. Especially those with comfortable chairs. I hope Studios puts a few in. I loved going to Borders and reading a couple of hours some afternoons. Borders probably went out of business because people like me were free loading. I read much, bought little.
Enjoy your day!
FANTASY FEST OBSERVATIONS
It’s only just begun. Fantasy Fest. I want to share a few observations. Not necessarily what you might expect.
Key West is a tiny island. Not enough room for homes, people, cars, bicycles, and dogs. Less room during Fantasy Fest.
Event planning is scatter brain. At 5;30 last night, I drove into town on the Atlantic side. There was a 5K race on Simonton and Duval. Police and police cars moving traffic slowly. As I crossed Simonton and Truman, Truman blocked off to the north. A police officer and police car in addition. I looked down Truman. Road construction way down the street.
This morning’s Key West Citizen in the Comments section: Simple rule for Fantasy Fest nudity. Cover everything below the waist, including breasts!
I was in the Chart Room. Met an interesting couple. They have visited Key West many times. Especially for Fantasy Fest.
Mid 60s. He a retired oil company executive. They now live in Houston. Originally from Illinois. They are going home this coming weekend for some event. Returning for the power boat races next week. Well traveled. Well heeled. They have a 61 foot Viking that sits in a slip in St. Augustine.
They were planning on attending the BD/SM party last night at Kelley’s. I did one time. Ten years ago. Bad ladies Donna and Terri took me. A voyeur experience. You must dress appropriately for the event or no admission.
As they were leaving, I noticed the woman was dressed in a rather skimpy black outfit. Nipples 1/8th inch from falling out. Tummy and body areas exposed. Nothing bad. On the edge, however.
I said…..Oh, you’re already dressed. No, she said. I have to change first.
Her next outfit had to be something!
Why do I mention this couple and their planned evening? I have always maintained that one of the large groups attending Fantasy Fest are seniors from conservative middle America. They are here for a brief foray into exciting decadence.
Good for them!
So much for Fantasy Fest.
My morning was determined by the fall the day before. My doctor first. No bruising. Sore in chest and rib area. I take a blood thinner every day. My doctor was concerned with internal bleeding and blood accumulation. I was not aware this could be a problem.
So it was x-rays of chest and ribs. Plus, a cat scan of my head as I hit it hard when I came down.
I get the results sometime today. I doubt anything wrong. I feel good.
After the medical procedures, I was tired. I also spent an hour as part of my annual physical. I decided to go out for breakfast. Someone mentioned last week that the Creperie in the K-Mart Plaza was excellent and I should try it. I did.
Go! Outstanding!
While at the Chart Room last night, I also met The Pig Man. As I am Key West Lou, he is The Pig Man. He is David Williamson. Lives in Big Pine. Travels the lower keys. He barbecues pigs for parties. Good company.
Dinner was at the bar at Hot Tin Roof. Chatted with Joseph a bit.
Someone at the bar was from Rhode Island. The bartender Matais started talking about Block Island. I have rented homes on and sailed into Block Island many times. Turns out Matais was born and raised on Block Island.
I mentioned Mike Shields who I recently discovered owned a coffee house for years on Block Island. Matais was aware of the Michael Shields story.
It’s a small world.
My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.
Interesting topics tonight. Like Muslim immigrant takeover of German hospitals resulting in big time chaos. The media not reporting the disaster. It was getting out via social media. Merkel asked FB’s Zuckerberg to block the comments.
Ben Carson’s inconsistent position on abortion.
Also, 65 million Social Security recipients will not get a cost of living increase next year. Something I do not understand as the U.S. government owes Social Security $3 trillion it borrowed and never paid back.
Boudicca in 60 AD and the brutality she subjected captured Romans to. Makes ISIS look like kids.
A couple of GMO updates.
Enjoy your day!
BIG DAY FOR GENDER EQUALITY
Music maestro! A day of days is upon us! Actually, upon the ladies.
A female sex enhancer begins sales today. Called Addyi. FDA approved. The Viagra equivalent.
Addyi does not work the same for women as Viagra does for men. Addyi fights low libido in women. Works on the brain.
The pill pink as opposed to blue.
I am happy that women will have the opportunity to be happier. I do have a concern, however. Is the pill safe? It was twice rejected by the FDA. There is question even today that the pill might not have been tested sufficiently.
The approval/sale of Addyi is considered a victory for women. A gender equality thing. Most feminists groups pushed hard for approval.
The company manufacturing Addyi spent considerable dollars pushing for approval. In excess of $100 million. Which raises the question whether the approval was the result of an industry spin job. Pushed along by pressure from feminists groups.
A prescription is required.
I am interested to see what the cost of a month’s supply will be. Viagra to this day is extremely expensive. Like $400 for a one month supply of ten pills. Not covered by most insurance companies. The ladies will be shocked if Addyi costs in the same area and in addition not be covered. Addyi will probably cost more than a one month supply of birth control pills.
Whatever, it is a glorious new day for ladies! Enjoy and God bless!
The anti-gravity treadmill first yesterday morning. Love it! Moved up a few notches yesterday. It has been a trip. First, two days a week. Then, three. Now, four. Moving speed and mileage up a bit occasionally.
Rushed home after working out on the machine. I was due on radio 104.9 at 12:10 to be interviewed on KONK News by Guy de Boer. Got 15 minutes yesterday. Guy and I discussed this week’s KONK Life column Worse Ever Congress.
Last night strange! Very strange!
It was pouring rain. I wore my yellow slicker. It was coming down that hard.
My first stop was the Chart Room. I forgot that on rainy days the bars are full. The Chart Room was. All tourists. Raising hell and having a good time.
I stood at the end of the bar, had one drink and left. Too crowded and noisy for me.
It was still raining heavy. I decided against Hot Tin Roof because of the walk to the restaurant in the rain. Slicker or not, it would have been messy and uncomfortable.
I had a brilliant idea. Tavern ‘n Town at the Marriott Beachside. I could park in the connected garage and walk into the hotel. Would not even need to wear the slicker.
It was not to be. The Navy Ball was at the Marriott last night. Parking impossible. Parking attendants outside waving cars around. My garage was full. I would have had to park three garages down and outside. A worse walk than to Hot Tin Roof.
Screw it! I would go to Roostica.
Because of the rain, everyone must have decided to eat out last night in addition to drinking. I could not even get into Roostica’s parking lot. Cars parked on the street, also. So much for Roostica!
Hogfish next! Good luck! As I drove by, I could see people standing just inside waiting for a table.
I went home! Stripped down to some comfortable clothes and cooked myself a steak. Enjoyed a gin before, of course.
This afternoon, Syracuse and Virginia meet in a football clash. Syracuse has a significantly better record. However, Virginia is a one touchdown favorite. I hope I can get the game on television.
Still bad weather in Key West. I suspect a rainy day and evening.
Enjoy your day!
YESTERDAY’S RECOLLECTIONS
Two of my dearest and long time friends were Jim and Sara Van Sickle. Some 20 plus years. Jim and Sara owned a small motel in New Hartford, NY, when first we met.
I remember them lucking out with the motel. A huge shopping center was to be built. The motel sat right in the middle of one of the two entrances to the shopping center. Later on, they operated a small neighborhood grocery store.
Solid people.
Both now gone.
Last night, I met their son Ron and his wife Betty. Strange as it may sound, I did not recall Ron. As soon as I saw him, I knew he could be no one else but Jim’s son. A dead ringer for his dad.
The three of us sat and chatted at the round table in the Chart Room. Much of the Van Sickle family came to mind. Ron’s sister Joyce who I knew. She and I are now FB friends. Her husband Bill, who I also knew. Lisa. Not my Lisa. Their Lisa. Knew her through her college and early teaching years. Lisa was Jim and Sara’s granddaughter.
I especially miss Jim. We had a strong bond. We were always there for each other. At the very least, communicated with each other by phone daily.
Jim and Sara…..One of the special relationships in my life.
While we were chatting, in came Sheila and Charlotte. Two lovely ladies. Charlotte spending the weekend with Sheila. Charlotte is here to run the marathon.
Ran into Dave in the Pier House parking lot. He was nearing the end of his friday night bar crawl.
I ended up having dinner at SQ 1. At the bar.
A special article ran this past week in KONK Life re SQ 1. Pictures of some of their special dishes featured. One was Shanghai spicy calamari. It looked so good, I had to try it.
The photo did not lie. Outstanding taste! A bit spicy, but good.
Nodded a hello to Mandy as I entered. Never saw her the rest of the evening. David bartending.
A fellow sat near me. Was eyeing my calamari. Asked if it was good. Absolutely! He ordered it.
His name T.J. Federer. From Louisville. Works for Humana.
His last visit to Key West 25 years ago.
We talked of many things. Horses, obviously. We hit it off. I stayed a bit longer enjoying the conversation with him.
There was a third gentleman near us. He joined the conversation near the end. Turned out he is Mandy’s husband. Mandy, the manager of SQ 1.
My morning yesterday was the anti-gravity tread mill. I am feeling that fourth day recently added on. The fourth day makes it three days in a row. I will adjust in due course. And then go to five days a week! Probably around Thanksgiving.
Rushed to do my portion of the KONK News Hour on 104.9. I get 10 whole minutes to discuss my weekly column with Guy. No radio show. Mechanical problems.
Fantasy Fest two weeks away. Crazy time! Begins with Goombay October 23.
Congressman Paul Ryan is in the news. I hope he does not succumb and take the Speaker’s post. The man is quality. Presidential timber. Although a conservative Republican, I like him. The Speaker’s job could make him enough enemies that someday down the road he would not be able to get the Republican endorsement.
Syracuse football today! Syracuse and Southern Florida. Three thirty. I am assuming I will be able to get the game on television. Hope so.
Syracuse a 2.5 point underdog. Why, I do not know. Syracuse is 3-1 and Southern Florida 1-3.
Enjoy your day!
JEAN ESTHER CRABTREE…..GOTCHA
She was raised in the Madison/Hanover area of Indiana. Popular. Went on to become a school teacher. Found emeralds and gold with Mel Fisher. Became known as the Key West Golden Girl. Married Joe. Became a mother. Then a grandmother. Loved by everyone.
First known as Jean Esther Crabtree. Then and now Jean Thornton.
I first visited the Chart Room last night. Met Paula and David. Presently reside in Louisville, Kentucky. Paula raised in the Madison/Hanover area. Paula knew Jean. In a subordinate way. Actually, Paula’s sister Sheila was one of Jean’s best friends. Jean and Sheila went to grade school together. Paula is six years younger than Jean.
Paula has not seen Jean in 46 years. Last in 1969. They are Facebook friends, however.
Paula shared all the secret poop about Jean. Ho ho!
Jean, glad you married Joe. Thornton a more attractive last name than Crabtree. Funny, you are the farthest thing from a crab. A shining Key West star, you bring a bit of joy to everyone you touch.
Your long ago “friend” Paula a lovely lady. She now works for Duke Energy. Her job sounded important. Paula’s husband David is a retired accountant. He did not know the Jean we were talking about.
At the other end of the bar sat two lovely ladies. Nina and Mary. Both retired. Both had visited Key West previously. Having a wonderful time!
My day yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Had to wear my yellow slicker to get there. Raining big time!
For whatever reason, I was tired. Spent the afternoon lying around. Sleeping a bit, watching Pope Francis a bit.
After the Chart Room, finished the evening with a leisurely dinner at the Hot Tin Roof.
Key West is extremely quiet at the moment. Very few tourists. The weekend was boisterous with the bikers. Activity will pick up this weekend.
In between the treadmill and collapsing on the couch, I got to chat with Susan Wadia-Ells. A charming interesting lady. A full time Key West resident since 2012.
Susan is into the prevention of breast cancer. She has been working at it for eight years. She has researched breast cancer ad infinitum and traveled far speaking with experts.
Susan has come up with what she describes as a metabolic theory re cancer. Not a treatment. Treatment comes after a woman develops breast cancer. Her theory is to prevent breast cancer from even occurring. Stop the cancer before it starts!
Her program involves three basic steps. Diet, sufficient in take of vitamin D3, and no progestogen based drugs.
She has written a book spelling out her thoughts. Soon to be published. Busting Breast Cancer A Revolution. She also will be scheduling Busting Breast Cancer Workshops.
Pope Francis’ visit continues to be an emotional experience for me. As far as the Pope is concerned, respect has gone out the window. Many conservative and far right Republicans are knocking the hell out of him. One referred to the Pope as “…..just a guy with a funny hat.”
The Pope speaks at 10 this morning before a Joint Session of Congress. I hope all listen to his words and pay him the respect his due.
I spoke on my blog talk radio show tuesday night about Martin Shkreli. He had purchased a generic drug company and increased the cost of a highly used drug 5,000 percent overnight. He was porky about having done it when being interviewed on TV.
Twenty four hours later, the bad publicity must have been too much for him. He announced he would reduce the cost of the generic. He did know yet by how much. Claimed he had to study the numbers.
Shkreli is only 32 years old. He has had an interesting business career in the short time he has been working. He is a former hedge fund manager. At some point in his career, he took a stock company public. The company was insolvent. Shkreli has been sued for $65 billion dollars.
Bocce tonight.
This week’s KONK Life column U.S. War Ready? linked this morning to my Key West Lou website. If you are unable to read the column in the paper, you can find it there.
I view China as a problem in the column.
China’s President Xi Jinping is in the U.S. this week seeking business for China and to meet with President Obama.
While this kumbaya visit and meeting with Obama is to take place, China announced it will shortly launch a new vessel carrying new intercontinental ballistic missiles, each capable of carrying two nuclear warheads.
The new missiles are capable of targeting any area of the U.S.
I wrote about the new vessel(s) and missiles in my column re whether we are war ready. I also pointed out that the U.S. did not have the present capacity to ward off the missiles.
Enjoy your day!
TOM AND FRAN DIXON
Two dear friends are Tom and Fran Dixon.
We first met via this blog several years ago. Then Tom and I happen chanced to meet in Key West. At that time, I became aware that both are frequent visitors to Key West.
Tom and Fran live just outside Buffalo. Tom a retired negotiator.
The thing that really glued us together was that Tom is a die hard Syracuse fan. Our bloods run orange.
Tom has another claim to fame. He owns a piece of the Ocean Key House.
The three of us had dinner together last night. Met first at the Chart Room for drinks. Fran evidencing the beginning of a good tan. She told me the temperature is down to 60 in Buffalo. Fall has arrived in upstate New York.
We talked about many things. Children, grandchildren, their lack of any grandchild as yet. Syracuse football and Boeheim. The freshman quarterback Eric Dungey.
Dinner at Hot Tin roof. A fun time. Only way to describe it.
We are scheduled to meet again 6 monday night at Tavern ‘n Town. By that time, we will have the result of today’s game between Syracuse and Wake Forest to discuss. Syracuse this morning a 4 1/2 point favorite.
My day yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I have been doing it three times a week. Time to go to four. I made arrangements to do a 4 day week beginning a week from monday. Hopefully in a few months, I will have it up to five times a week.
Then back to the Santorini volcano.
Anna tells me the refugee problem in Italy is on the rise. The refugees are not coming from Syria or the Middle East. They are from the war torn countries of North Africa.
Taxes continue to rise, especially on real estate in Italy. Businesses continue to close. The unemployment rate keeps going up.
Anna asks how can Italy feed, clothe and house these refugees if Italians are on the brink of not being able to care for themselves.
I was able to watch the last fifteen minutes of Serena Williams’ tennis match in the afternoon. I assumed I would be watching Serena reach another milestone in the tennis world. It was not to be. Serena lost to the Italian Roberta Vinci.
Vinci was a 300-1 underdog. When asked how she felt when she got up in the morning knowing she had to play Serena, she said she was calm. Told herself to go out and play an enjoyable game. She had absolutely no expectation of beating Serena.
That is the way of the sporting world. American Pharoah recently got beat.
I have decided on the subject matter for next week’s KONK Life column. It is one I began researching last saturday when I got hung up on my Tennessee Williams research. I have about two more hours research which I will do today. Then write the column tomorrow.
It is the Gertrude Bell story. Gertrude Bell is known as the female Lawrence of Arabia. Gives you an idea of whar the article will entail.
Enjoy your day!