U.S. IS CHANGING DIRECTION

Doug Jones’ victory in the Alabama Senate race yesterday tied with the Democratic sweep in Virginia several months ago indicates the United States has changed direction. The momentum is there. Except for that solid 30-35 percent of Trump voters, politically, mentally, socially, etc., America has seen the error of its ways.

Perhaps it had to be. The election of a Donald Trump. It has shaken things up. Not for the better in most instances.

Roy Moore is a sick man. How can a person who hates gays, blacks and Jews, yet loves 13-14 year olds, be elected to the Senate? I admit I was concerned. A crazy election. I thought “Albamians would stick to the script and elect a Republican, regardless of his propensities for the unsatisfactory and sick.

Glad I was wrong.

Then there is Trump in recent days. He cannot stop vilifying women. The most recent New York’s Senator Karen Gillibrand. Said she “would do anything for campaign contributions.” Inferring she was a whore.

Bad guy!

The election a stunning upset. Especially since Trump went all out for Moore. I cannot refer to Trump and Moore as birds of a feather. One likes only adult women whereas the other young girls.

The victory is being attributed to the exceptionally huge black turn out, suburban Republican wives, and college students.

I hope the Democrats are learning. One of the reasons Trump became President was because of Democratic failings.

I was impressed with the ground game on Jones’ behalf. Trust the Democrats will be able to keep it up in other States as 2018 approaches.

Saw the eye doctor and optician again yesterday morning. Turns out my prescription was way off. Waiting now for new lenses.

I was supposed to be at Guy de Boer’s home last night for a party. Around noon, I got tired. Exhausted. Called Guy around six and begged off.

This exhaustion is a pain! I was so tired, I did not go down stairs for something to eat at dinner time. I did not want to climb the stairs on the return trip.

I had planned on completing and fine tuning my podcast show scheduled for last night during the afternoon. No way! I was beat!

Winged it! Thought the show went smoothly. Listened to it this morning. Like every other show. Not obvious I was winging it.

Banks are thieves. So too, pharmaceutical houses.

The drug houses raise prices at will. Price gouging, in effect. Screw the public! Proper governmental controls and oversight lacking.

Avondale Pharmaceuticals the most recent example.

The gouging system simple. The company buys the rights to a drug that has little or no competition. Then massively inflate the price.

Two examples are Niacor and SSKI.

Niacor is a niacin/vitamin B pill. One hundred per bottle. Sold for $32.46 per bottle. Price raised to $295. An 800 percent increase.

SSKI’s increase 2,500 percent. Cost of a 30ml bottle went from $11.48 to $295.

I have been writing and reporting for two years re the Department of Defense’s inability to account for billions of dollars. Last week the Department announced it was preparing to audit the military. An inventory. Planes, guns, etc. First time.

Two days ago, the Department announced it had lost 44,000 military. Did not know where they were. The tracking system failed.

The were going to try to find them via the audit.

Yesterday, a third announcement by the Department and also the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The money part I had been complaining about.

It was announced that between 1998 and 2015, the two Departments had lost a combined $21 trillion. Taxpayer funds. Not accountable. No receipts, vouchers, etc.

To make matters even worse, it was reported that the Departments were “plugging” the figures. Making up numbers to make any accounting balance.

Twenty one trillion dollars is more than the national debt. It equates to $65,000 per man, woman and child in the United States.

Party time again tonight. A fundraiser.

Mary Lou Hoover is one of the most able and active women in Key West. She has decided to enter politics. She is running for the Key West City Commission.

The fundraiser is scheduled for this evening from 5:30 to 8:00 at Kate Miano’s new home on Free School Lane.

Jean Thornton and I will be attending together and then walking down the street to Marquesa for dinner.

Iguanas have been a problem for close to 20 years. Never in Key West, all of a sudden they appeared. In droves. All sizes. The community grew.

Iguanas are prolific. They multiply rapidly. The problem in the Keys overall is out of control. As with pythons.

The State has finally decided to do something about it. A program involving self-help will be instituted throughout the Keys. Purpose, to eradicate or control.

As with the pythons, never to be controlled in my opinion. Too late. Hopefully, contained.

Why are iguanas a problem? They eat flowers and foliage. You spend money for a lovely garden. They devour it. Their defecation a problem, also. They shit in our pools! Don’t laugh. The pool has to be drained and refilled.

Irma and Me selling well. I am impressed! The only story of Hurricane Irma on the book shelves. Buy a copy to enjoy yourself or give as a Christmas gift. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and KoboBooks.

Enjoy your day!

SOME ENCHANTED EVENING

Too much heart ache lately. Harvey, Irma, Maria, Puerto Rico, and Las Vegas. Time for a change of pace. Something light. A bit of love.

Some enchanted evening…..Opening words to Some Enchanted Evening. Uplifting.

Heard the song sung for the first time in years monday at Dueling Bartenders. Tom Luna singing as only he can.

Some Enchanted Evening opened on Broadway in 1949. An immediate hit. Starred Enzio Pinza and Mary Martin. Pinza sang Some Enchanted Evening.

The movie was not produced till nine years later. Pinza dead by that time. Rossano Brazzi starred in the movie version.

Rogers and Hammerstein wrote the music and lyrics.

I was in my first year of high school when the musical opened on Broadway. My second year of law school when the movie came out. Danced lovingly to some Enchanted Evening during the time frame and since. Unfortunately, rarely these days.

My podcast last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Primary topics Key West post Irma and Puerto Rico. Lambasted Trump re his Puerto Rico visit earlier in the day. He deserved it.

Blog Talk Radio produces the podcast. They offer it to advertisers with the representation: “Always an interesting perspective on everyday issues.” I try.

Stopped for a drink at Don’s Place late monday afternoon. Missy bartending. Enjoyed our conversation. She stayed for Irma. Her home small, but between 2 large concrete buildings. Her home equipped with all kind of helpful items. Like a generator that can run forever. She had stored fuel in anticipation. Ergo, her refrigerator and air conditioning worked.

Irma a tough time for her!

Stopped at Walgreens yesterday. Picked up 5 prescriptions. All generic. $194. Something wrong! Expensive! My acid reflux pill the killer.

Ran into David scootering out of The Gardens. His mobile home destroyed by Irma. FEMA putting him up for a time. List of FEMA provided hotels/motels included The Gardens.

David had never heard of The Gardens. The finest and most expensive hotel in Key West. Kate Miano’s wonder!

I told David to stay at The Gardens, if he could. I had to convince him.

Yesterday, he told me the place was terrific! He was in a cottage, had a suite, etc.

I have been trying to reach Dr. Langley’s office. I am changing primary care physicians. I had been telephoning to ask that my records be e-mailed to the new doctor. Phone never working.

Receptionist told me everything was still down with them. Wi-fi and telephone. Could not e-mail. She would print out my records and I will pick them up today.

Comcast’s record generally leaves much to be desired. Someone recently told me of an obituary they read where an elderly woman had passed away. The obituary reflected that her life was a happy one, except for three things. One of the three was Comcast!

Key West’s Irma recovery a day at the time. A little better each day. We will return in full force by Fantasy Fest.

I knock the Key West City Commission frequently. Incompetents at governing. They finally did something correctly, however.

It was announced that because of damages and repair costs due to Irma, the 3-5 percent real property tax increase contemplated was being rolled back. Means no tax increase for the upcoming year.

Governor Rick Scott has become my favorite political person due to his handling of Irma. He continues to be concerned and active.

Governor Scott will be in Key West tomorrow morning. The Marriott Beachside at 10:30. He is giving an Irma update. Open to the public.

Trump’s Puerto Rico visit yesterday a disgrace. I won’t bother you with the details. They are being reported all over TV and the internet.

Bottom line remains the same…..Trump is lacking sympathy and only cares about his image which he generally projects erroneously.

I am thrilled!

Parking in Key West a pain! Especially for those living outside its boundary lines. City issued parking permits are available to residents only.

I recently moved. My former residence was 2.5 miles outside Key West. Key West parking was not easy. My new residence is located on the Golf Course.

Turns out a portion of the Golf Course is a part of Key West. I live in that area!

I received a new card telling me I was henceforth to vote in Key West. Aroused my curiosity as to parking. Checked it out. Yes, I am entitled to a parking permit. Whoopee! Whoopee tells you how difficult it is to park in Key West.

Enjoy your day!

 

A MESS…..PARKING AND TRAFFIC

As Key West’s popularity grows, so too its parking and traffic problems. To the point of exasperation!

City leaders have done their best to remedy the problem. The City Commission has spent six figure money on studies.

Nothing has worked.

The newest approach…..Let the people work it out.

The City Commission is considering approving a six member temporary commission to make recommendations re parking and traffic congestion. The committee would sit for six months. Unpaid. Each Commissioner would appoint one person to the committee.

Can’t be worse than those who have been paid. Maybe better. Those who live in Key West year round have a better handle on the problem.

My sense is the only solution must be a dramatic one. Something not thought of yet. The obvious has not worked.

An observation never taken into consideration. Key West is a tiny island. Four by 1.5 miles. The island is capable of sinking.

A humorous observation! Written with tongue in cheek.

Another consideration is the successful advertising/selling of Key West. More and more visitors every year.

If getting around becomes a problem, if the crowd becomes overbearing, people will go elsewhere. Property values will become reasonable. Key West will return to the serenity of days gone by.

Might not be bad.

Aqua last night. Dueling Bartenders. Tom Luna and Rick Dery.  Bobby Nesbitt guest vocalist.

Liz and friends at the bar. Enjoyed chatting with Liz.

Towards the end of the evening, Larry Smith showed up. I was surprised. Larry rarely frequents Aqua. He said he was driving by and saw Tom, Bobby and me. Decided to stop.

Glad he did. Larry and I rarely see each other these days.

We discussed why. Simple, I said. We have known each other 25 years. We got old. We no longer do Duval Street or go to parties as we did. We are old enough to think a night in front of the TV is fun. There are fewer and fewer of us each year.

Horrible!

Houston and the Texas gulf coast terrible! Even today people are being saved. And the rain continues. I worry about one of the dams overflowing. the water held back is inches from the top.

The past few days have been Harvey’s time. The next few will continue so. In 2005, there was another hurricane. Katrina.  A category 3. Devastated New Orleans.

I mention Katrina because it was on this day in 2005 that Katrina made landfall.

Katrina has been regarded as the worst natural disaster in our history. Harvey will replace Katrina.

Remember Paul Newman in HUD. He carried a bottle of Jack Daniel’s around most of the movie.

Jack Daniel sales shot up. Men switched for a while. All wanted to look like HUD’s Paul Newman. The tilt of the head, walk, etc.

Want to share a bit about Jack Daniel’s.

Jack Daniel’s is a whiskey. The distillery opened in 1866 in Lynchburg, Tennessee. One year after the Civil War ended and the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution which ended slavery.

A co-founder of the distillery was Jack Daniel.

A former slave became an employee of the new distillery. Nathan “Nearest” Green. Nearest knew everything about distilling whiskey. He soon became head stiller. In later years, the title was changed to master distiller.

Nearest was the first African-American master distiller of record in the United States.

His descendants have continued to work at Jack Daniel’s. Three of Nearest’s sons and four grandchildren while he was still alive. Several generations of descendants. Three working at Jack Daniel’s today.

Lynchburg has another distinction. Davy Crockett lived there a while.

You may wonder at this point why I am recounting Jack Daniel’s and Nearest.

Lynchburg rests in the heart of the Confederacy. Tennessee. Left the Union. Supported the South.

The name Lynchburg  struck me as strange. Lynching of blacks so popular they named a town after it? My initial reaction was pursuant to the political correctness of today, the name would have to be changed.

Made sense. Till I researched from whence the name came.

Judge Lynch. Some sort of War of 1812 hero. I could find nothing connecting him to slavery.

Should the name still be changed? It does bring to mind a grievous act involving blacks.

I leave the judgment to those who support the removal of statues and memorials.

There is a memorial that should come down. On the lawn in front of the County Courthouse in Lynchburg rests a monument to Confederate soldiers.

No question, it should come down under present standards of political correctness.

So there is no misunderstanding, my position is to leave any remembrances of the Confederacy alone. Like it or not, regardless of color, they are a part of America’s history.

My podcast tonight. Nine my time. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

So many topics. Not sure yet which I will explore in the show’s fast moving half hour.

Enjoy your day!

MOTHER SETON / SISTERS OF CHARITY OF ST. JOSEPH

 

Houston flooded and Trump trying to build a Trump Tower during the campaign. Big news items this morning. Yet I open with Mother Seton and the Catholic nun order she began, the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph.

I saw a notation this morning that on this date in 1774, Elizabeth Ann Bayley was born. The founder of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph. Returned me to the warm days of my youth. My teenage days. High school. The Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph taught me. Henceforth to be referred to as Sisters of Charity.

My high school was in Utica, NY. Stood in the back of a large lot next to St. John’s church on John Street.

The building tiny. Three stories high. The height larger than the width of the building.

Today, the school is gone. The land the school stood on a parking lot for St. John’s Church.

The heads of Sisters of Charity were capped with big white head coverings. Looked like wings. Body attire, dark blue ankle length dresses. Tied around their waists, extremely large and heavy appearing rosary beads.

The Sisters lived in an old Victorian building one block away. Today, a deserted lot.

The Sisters were excellent teachers. Disciplinarians. In teaching and personal matters. A sister would not hesitate storming into the boys’ bathroom if she thought there was smoking going on.

I got caught. On more than one occasion. Learned from one nun as she twisted my ear: The cigarette is a dirty weed and from it the Devil doth proceed.

Didn’t do much good. I still smoke.

One of the nuns had a distinct impact on my life. Sister Gertrude. A short stout elderly woman. A craggy beautiful face.

She discovered my love for history. Did everything to encourage it. She is also the reason I went to Manhattan College. She pushed Manhattan. Her cousin was a Christian Brother and Director of Athletics.

We had to study Latin. I took three years. Thought it was stupid. During my life time, I discovered those three years of Latin did more for me than any course I studied at any age.

Elizabeth Ann Bayley was born an Episcopalian. Married at 19. Became known as Elizabeth Seton. Bore 5 children. Her husband died ten years after their marriage.

Elizabeth was broke. Her husband had become ill some time before he died. Their money was gone. The family was stuck in Italy where they had gone believing the Italian weather would be good for her husband’s health.

Some Catholic Italian friends helped. She was impressed with their kindness and charity. Studied the Catholic religion. Became a Catholic.

Catholicism was neither popular nor respected in those days. Even her Episcopalian family deserted her.

Elizabeth returned to the United States. The Baltimore area. She became involved with helping the poor and needy. Especially women.

She founded the first Catholic school in the United States. Turned out to be the beginning of the parochial school system in the United States.

A group of women flocked to Elizabeth to assist her in the good works being performed. Elizabeth felt they should become an established nunnery order within the Catholic church. She pursued and accomplished the goal. Elizabeth founded the first female apostolic community in the United States. The Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph.

In 1975, the Pope recognized her commitment and success to humanity. She was ordained a Saint of the Catholic Church. The first American born to be so honored.

As to Harvey, a catastrophe of epic proportions. I am impressed, as I am sure you are, with the neighborly assistance being provided. Neighbors helping each other. Strangers helping each other.

Makes for a good feeling after Katrina. People are pitching in and helping each other rather than complaining.

The number of dead known is 3. Some say really 5. I believe the number will be much more once the waters recede and authorities are able to conduct a detailed search.

The Washington Post reported yesterday that the Trump Company was seeking to do business with Russia in late 2015 and into early 2016. Campaign time.

It is claimed the construction of a massive Trump Tower was contemplated. Purportedly, there is a letter of intent signed by investors and Trump and Company re the projected structure.

Tunney Morgan Hunsaker. What a name? His claim to fame is that he was the first person Cassius Clay fought professionally.

Hunsaker had a mixed career. Seventeen wins, fifteen losses. He went on to become a long time Police Chief for Fayetteville, West Virginia.

He and Clay remained friends their entire lives.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

TODAY SUMMER SOLSTICE

Good morning!

A lovely Key West day in the making.

Today is Summer Solstice. the longest day of the year. the day the sun is highest in the sky.

Happens twice a year. June 20 and December 22.

Last night began with Dueling Bartenders at Aqua. Tom Luna and Rick Dery. Lovely Heather guest performer. Heather adding a special touch.

The singing outstanding! The bar crowd mostly seniors. A lot of 50’s and 60’s tunes. A 70’s or 80’s thrown in here and there.

Met Sally. a Key Wester for 8 years. In her other life, she was a San Francisco police officer. Retired a detective.

Sally wanted a life in the law. Did a year of law school. Too subdued for her. Left law school and joined the police force.

Moved on to Tavern ‘n Town. You have no idea how thrilled I am that the season is over. I can now get a seat at the bar any time I want.

Enjoyed some good food while reading the newspapers.

George Bueno has been bartending at Tavern ‘n Town for 2 years. He had 10 plus years at two other places before Tavern ‘n Town grabbed him.

George is being recognized this week. He is Bartender of the Week. His picture and column appearing in the weekly Key West Week.

Any reason for a party! That’s Key west!

The Key Lime Festival saturday July 1. An only in Key West type event. At the Key West Lighthouse. A gravity defying key lime pie drop. From the top of the Lighthouse. Also  known as the Key Lime Drop Contest.

Pies provided. Four inches in diameter.

Goal is to drop the pie to a specified target without splattering it. Pie in the best condition wins. A trophy and a crisp $100 bill.

Contestants are permitted to create a device or container to protect the pie during its fall and impact.

Finally! Key West is getting Uber! Beginning July 1. The City Commission and Bubba system prevented Uber from operating two years ago when it wanted to begin. New state law prevents Key West from keeping Uber out as long as it meets state requirements.

The City Commission has a propensity for screwing up. Especially when erecting or remodeling a building. The cost goes up dramatically. The Commission always buys some half assed excuse and pays the additional monies.

This time it is the repair of the Frederick Douglas Gym in Bahama Village. The original estimate was $1.7 million. When the bids came in, the cost went up to $2.1 million. Now has ballooned to just under $2.3 million. And the work nowhere close to being done!

Working for the City many times is like having an open check book.

Another folly. There are three sight seeing franchises in Key West. Trolley, buses, etc. All three recently renewed their contracts with the City.

Traffic is a major problem these days. Actually, the major problem. Each of the agreements contain a clause that permits duck boats. In the event the Navy changes its mind and permits them.

Why do we need duck boats? There is not enough room for anything more on Key West streets. Previous duck boats were 39 feet long and 8 feet wide.

Permission should not have been granted. All parties should have waited till Navy approval or some remedy to make the duck boats acceptable. Then an amendment to the agreements could have been negotiated. With the traffic issue a main item of contention.

Ingenuity, mostly American, exists in our penal institutions. Contraband has been smuggled into federal and state jails in increasing numbers over the past five years. Contraband consisting of mobile phones, drugs and pornography.

Drones the method of delivery. Authorities are not equipped with the necessary technology to prevent the deliveries.

One of the finest persons I have met in Key West is Betsy Dietz. A kind charming woman. A good friend of Lisa’s. We have done Christmas Eve and Christmas Day together for over 10 years at Lisa’s.

Betsy recently passed on. A Celebration of Life will be held tomorrow at 5 at the Ocean Grill in Duval Square.

I am confident the crowd paying her honor will be overwhelming.

My podcast tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me at 9. A quick half hour of interesting topics. Many eye opening. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

PBS MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT…..INSPIRATIONAL

A lot to cover this morning.

The eve of every Memorial Day, PBS holds a concert on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Patriotic.

Last night’s was extremely emotional, as well as patriotic. I shed many a tear. We need more events like last night to remind us what our men and women are going through in Afghanistan and Iraq. What has and is happening to their minds, bodies and families.

The 30th Annual Minimal Regatta at Schooner Wharf yesterday afternoon. I missed it this year. However, this morning’s Key West Citizen carries many photos of the boats and participants.

The boats all looked fantastic. Evidencing the degree of work that went into preparing the vessels.

Only in Key West. Two women fighting because one could not give an orgasm to the other.

For real. Reported in this morning’s Crime Report. Two reunited female lovers staying at Margaritaville. Four in the afternoon. In their room. One of the women told the police her girl friend was inept at helping her to achieve an orgasm.

No arrests were made.

Sloppy Joe’s. On this day in 1937, Sloppy Joe’s celebrated its grand opening at Joe’s newly acquired bar on the corner of Duval and Greene Streets. Had to be a hell of a party! Can you imagine…..Hemingway one of the participants!

The Key West City Commission continues to have their heads up their asses! One of the worst bunch of civil servants I have seen in my lifetime.

Mel Fisher Museum is part and parcel of Key West. Funded originally by Mel Fisher himself after he struck gold. Now dependent on a small souvenir operation and donations.

The Museum applied for a zoning change so it could add some minimal fund raising activities. The City Commission unanimously voted no.

I do not understand. New construction and remodeling is being permitted all over Key West contrary to existing codes and laws. Yet the City Commission does not oppose. An outdoor amphitheater is under construction. Approved by the City Commission quickly and without sufficient analysis. A disaster in the making when finished.

Strangers/outsiders get more favorable attention from the Commission than locals.

I could go on ad infinitum.

These oracles of wisdom decided to blunt the Museum’s request. One that was no big deal in comparison to others approved by the Commission.

Remember Roy Schneider in Jaws when he said, “We’re going to need a bigger boat.” A similar situation confronted a 73 year old fisherman in Australia.

He was in a small boat. Very small. Without warning, a 9 foot 440 pound white shark jumped in the boat. Knocked the fisherman over. Caused injury to one arm. A lot of bleeding.

The fisherman was on his knees eye ball to eye ball with the shark. He scurried to the front of the boat. Not much room in the boat.

Modest, the fisherman described the event as “just a mundane thing.”

The fisherman survived. The shark died.

Merkel can be a pain in the ass. A tough woman. An even tougher political leader. Many the time I have disagreed with her. Not however with regard to her recent comments re Trump at the NATO meeting.

Merkel said yesterday that Europe is basically on its own. The U.S. cannot be depended upon. She said, Europe “must take our fate into our own hands.” Europe cannot rely on “others.”

The result of Trump continuing to suck up to our enemies and defecating on our friends. You do not turn your back on nations that have stood with us and we with them for more than 50 years. A relationship that has insured neither a European war nor world war during that time.

Evangelicals have become big Trump supporters. Lance Wallnau is an evangelist who is an author and preacher. He says he has some Jewish blood running in him from a long distant relative.

Wallnau compares Trump to King Cyrus. A leader found in the Biblical Book of Isaiah. Cyrus was in power during the 500s BC. He was supportive of Jews. A Moses, in effect. History claims he delivered the Jews. Questioned by some historians.

Wallnau refers to Trump as “King Cyrus under siege.” Also, as the “anointed one.”

Wallnau met with Trump last year. He claims he “heard from the Lord” while meeting with Trump.

He views Trump as “a wrecking ball to the spirit of political correctness.”

Wallnau is popular in evangelistic circles.

God help us!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

A BOYSENBERRY MOMENT

The 1967 movie Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner came to mind yesterday. Starred Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, and Sidney Poitier.

Tracy and Hepburn are surprised by their daughter bringing home an African-American she wants to marry. The couple wants the parents’ approval. It must be given by midnight as the husband to be is off on a plane for Paris and the daughter wants to go with him.

Hepburn accepts her daughter’s decision. Through most of the movie, Tracy not.

Tracy and Hepburn go for a ride to talk things over. Tracy wants ice cream. They stop at an ice cream parlor. Tracy orders boysenberry. The last time he had boysenberry was at the same ice cream parlor 20 years earlier.

The boysenberry did not taste the same. Tracy made a face and complained to the server. The young lady looked at Tracy as if to say it was 20 years ago.

I am in Coconut Grove over night. The Volkswagen needed tuning at a Volks dealer. Staying at the Ritz Carlton.

The last time I was in Coconut Grove was 20 years ago. Stayed at the Ritz Carlton then, also. Still a great hotel. Totally remodeled.

Took an afternoon walk into Coconut Grove’s main area. Could not find anything I was looking for. Restaurants, stores, etc. from 20 years ago.

Stopped for lunch at an interesting pub. A good choice!

I asked the young lady serving where this and that was. She knew nothing of what I was talking about. I had told her I had last been in the Grove 20 years ago. She finally looked at me and said…..That was 20 years ago!

Just like the ice cream girl indicated to Spencer Tracy.

I thought to myself…..Louis, you got old and sound old. I am and sometimes do.

Joe’s Stone Crab for dinner last night. Always good, always the best!

The waiter told me Martha Stewart was two tables behind me and Billy Crystal at the other end of the room. Saw Stewart. Could not see Crystal.

I pick up the car at noon. Needed a lot of work. I have to return as they do not have all the parts necessary.

Tons of interesting things in this morning’s Key West Citizen.

The County Commission voted to buy a third helicopter. $2.5 million for a used one rehabilitated. A good move!

The Key West hospital is a large urgent care center. Size immaterial. It is the service that is available. Ergo, it is necessary to helicopter serious cases to Miami for care. In life and death situations where time is of the essence.

The County charges the patient only what his/her insurance pays. If no insurance, the charge is nothing. Applies only to County residents.

To contrast, the City Commission committed Key West to start  construction on the almost $4 million amphitheater. By a 4-2 vote.

The project is not ready for construction. Income costs have not been determined, parking for 1,500 cars not resolved, street access not worked out, etc..

There is a rush to begin construction. I cannot figure it out. I guarantee the final cost will be well above $4 million. Every thing Key West does is always astronomical in the end. The result of poor planning in the beginning.

David Wolkowsky rarely writes a Letter to the Editor. He did and it appeared in this morning’s Citizen. Short and to the point.

A Key West Naval History exhibit has opened at the Custom house. David attended.

Cori Convertino is curator. Cori, a Chart Room acquaintance. David said of the exhibit, “…..a major triumph for Cori Convertino, the curator.”

I must see the exhibit.

Enjoy your day!

DECEMBER 7, 1941…..A DATE THAT WILL LIVE IN INFAMY

December 7, 1941. The Japanese perpetrate a sneak attack on Pearl Harbor.  The beginning of World War II for the United States.

Two thousand four hundred were killed at Pearl harbor. The Nation was incensed. President Roosevelt immediately assumed the reins of a war time leader. He rekindled pride in country. Perhaps like never before.

Roosevelt was an orator. “A date which will live in infamy” his. He and Churchill equally gifted orators. Two great leaders for a dark time in the history of both countries. Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Churchill communicated with Roosevelt. He said, “We are all in the same boat now.”

I was 6-10 years old during World War II. Though young, the war had an impact on me.

I still distinctly remember the Utica Railroad Station. Soldiers and sailors coming and going. Wives and family hugging and crying. The crying especially moved me.

I lived in a six apartment building. All occupied by Petrone family members. My grandfather Louis the landlord. The older members would huddle around the radio each evening listening for war news reports. Trying to figure out where family members might be fighting.

Sunday mornings involved parades. Patriotic parades. From the Boy Scouts to World War I veterans. Bands and other groups. American flags waving.

Tiny blue and gold starred flags in windows. Blue meant a family member in the service. Gold, the family had lost a family member.

Air raid drills. Frequent. Everyone required to be at home or in a building. Shades drawn. No light from the inside permitted to show outside. Wardens walking the streets yelling at anyone violating the rules.

It did not take long for the U.S. to kick the Japanese in the ass big time. Six months after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese fleet was defeated in  a decisive battle by our Naval Forces at Midway.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is slated to meet with President Obama later this month at Pearl Harbor. The first high echelon Japanese official to do so since World War II.

We have been advised in advance that he will not apologize for the Pearl Harbor attack or war. He is attending solely to show respect for the World War II dead from both sides.

He should apologize. The attack was a sneak one. The Japanese treated U.S. captives terribly. As with ISIS, head chopping common.

Following the war, Japan was devastated. Were it not for the manner the U.S. treated them and the help given to get them on their feet, I doubt Japan would be the economic giant it is today.

Since the war, the Japanese have sworn off war. Military war. The U.S. is required by treaty to defend Japan if it is attacked.

Japan decided to wage conflict since World War II in the economic field. Business is war. Japan has done well in that arena.

My blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Two main topics. Standing Rock and Pearl Harbor. Enjoyed discussing them. Hope those listening enjoyed also.

Enjoy your day!

STANDING ROCK…..TROJAN HORSE

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!

It was announced last night that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had put a hold on the Standing Rock problem. The Corps was going to review the permits and that at this time there was no easement for the pipeline company to proceed.

Sounds like a victory for the Native Americans. The Native Americans 2,000 strong and U.S. military veterans were prepared to confront the Corps and pipeline people in events planned by the Corps for today.

The confrontation avoided.

What happens when the Corps changes its mind or completes this review with a favorable pipeline ruling? The Native Americans will have left the site. The veterans will have gone home.  It will probably be too late to stop the pipeline construction.

I worry the Native American victory is a hollow one. Trump has already indicated he favors the pipeline.

It has been reported that Trump owns stock in the pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners. If so, will the stock be sold prior to his taking office? Will Trump enter into a blind trust as his modern predecessors have?

The Key West City Commission is doing it again! Screwing things up! The move is underway to increase public parking by $1 an hour. Raise an additional $1 million plus a year.

The real reason given is to help relieve the parking problem. It is thought the $1 increase will discourage people from driving their vehicles downtown.

I park in the public lot behind Antonia’s. At least 4 days a week, I am in town twice a day. Once in morning and then again in the evening. I live 2.5 miles outside Key West. About 7 miles from downtown Key West.

Without getting into the numbers, accept that it will cost me a minimum of $54 a week to park. The charge $3 per hour. When I am downtown, I spend money in Key West establishments. Mucho dinero. Most of the restaurants I favor are on the high end. I am a good Key West customer.

Some might say if you can afford to enjoy Key West in some what of a spendthrift fashion, you should not complain. I do complain. I do not like being had.

This $1 parking raise will be finally determined by the same City Commission that is presently considering the reduction of South Roosevelt Boulevard from 4 to 2 lanes. The reason to reduce vehicular traffic, plan for additional parking, give the bikers space, etc. Not the solution. In fact, a plan for change where change not required.

Big week fun wise! December always a month with fun things to do.

Three biggies. One wednesday evening. The Lighted Bike Ride. A couple of thousand people dressed Xmas style riding on bikes similarly attired.

Also, Joyce Stahl’s Nutcracker. Now a Key West tradition. Runs one week beginning saturday December 10.

Saturday evening will also find boats lite up like Christmas trees. On Gulf waters opposite Schooner Wharf. The Lighted Boat Parade.

Today a significant one in American history. Prohibition repealed in 1933.

Prohibition did not succeed. Obviously. It brought increased drinking, packed jails, and increased crime. Similar to the drug situation in the U.S. today.

History has taught us nothing. Yes, several states have legalized marijuana use for recreational or medical use. Not enough. Lets take the bull by the horns and blanketly correct the situation.

Syracuse/Connecticut tomorrow night. Two former Big East foes meeting in Madison Square Garden.

Italy’s Prime Minister Matteo Renzi defeated in a referendum yesterday. He resigns today.

My friend Anna is politically knowledgeable. Her former husband, now deceased, was a federal senator for years. Then served in the Prime Minister’s cabinet for two terms. Responsible for transportation.

Renzi was only elected last year. From day one, Anna was writing telling me what a disaster he was and would be. She was correct. I received an e-mail from Anna this morning. She wrote: “We won!!!” Renzi the “Obama friend is going to pack and going home!!!”

Renzi’s opposition received 60 percent of the vote.

Renzi was in the U.S. a few months ago. He received a State dinner. Anna was incensed. Felt he did not deserve it, Obama did not know what he was doing.

Dinner tonight with Herschel and Erika. Don’s wife Stephanie is out of town. Don is joining us.

Enjoy your day!

IF IT AIN’T BROKE, DON’T FIX IT

I see it coming! they are going to “fix” South Roosevelt Boulevard. A fixing not required.

South Roosevelt Boulevard works well. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it! the recommended move from 4 lanes to 2 is not needed. The wide sidewalk running along the beach is more than sufficient for walkers, bikers, etc.

I walked the walk for years. almost every day. different hours. Never had a problem regarding too many people.

What is involved here is change for the sake of change. The lets do something mentality where nothing need be done.

I fear the decision has already been made. I am aware there are public hearings ahead, etc. the players at the Florida Department of Transportation want it. Certain City officials want it.

The terms being bandied around sound of something new and magnanimous. Like corridor study, repurposing, optimal configuration, and future reconstruction.

It has been reported that South Roosevelt being redone is the final improvement recommended by the Project Development and Environmental Study.

I did not even know a change was contemplated till a couple of months ago. This Project development thing makes me suspect it has been out there for years.

It is time for the City Commission to stand up and do the right thing. Instead of succumbing. Commissioner Kaufman has already indicated the reconstruction sounds good. Time for him to move over on the side of the people. Most of decisions thus far not the best.

My first stop last night was Office Max. I need earphones for the computer. Many earphones. Blew my mind. Too complicated. the sales person was no help. she knew less than me.

I bought nothing. called Sloan and told her to buy the right one.

Why the earphones?

I soon will be doing another show. Yes, one on top of what I do already.

It will be a streaming in effect on You Tube. Several times a day. Roughly 30-60 seconds. One topic/issue. As the day progresses and I see something worth mentioning, I will sit down and get it out. Easy. No big deal.

I will be doing the show from my desk in my bedroom. You will be able to see and hear me. The shows will be archived so you can go on at any time and catch up.

Once set up, you will be able to find me by Louis Petrone. Key West Lou did not work because I am already archiving my tuesday night podcast show on You Tube under the Key West Lou designation.

The show’s actual title is Louis Petrone Says…..

I will let you know soon the actual date the show will commence.

I may even wear a baseball cap on occasion.

Stopped at Duval Square to view Larry Blackburn’s photo exhibit. Spectacular!

Larry also has a hat and Ecuadorian store at 510 Fleming. Interesting items available.

Finally, Berlin’s. Dinner at the bar. No Bria. She was in a wedding. The food continues to be great. I enjoyed lobster and mushroom risotto.

A group came in. Ordered drinks. One of the men asked for…..Diet. The bartender looked at him. The patron responded to the blank look…..This is how I work out. Diet! Meaning diet soda, of course.

Great diet!

Christmas Parade tonight. The best! I will watch at Don’s Place and at the County Office Building. First with friends and then to join the grandkids.

Syracuse/North Florida at 4 today. No comment, other than I suspect Syracuse will win. Not sure these days.

Enjoy your day!