BIG CROCODILES HAVE ARRIVED

I was surprised to see on the front page of this morning’s Key West Citizen a large photo of a very large crocodile. Surprised because only yesterday I made mention of crocodiles in the Keys. Thought they were more north than in the southern Keys.

I was wrong. They are in the southern Keys. Stock Island to be exact. Next door to Key West. A 300 foot bridge separating the two communities.

The photo was of a 9.5 foot American crocodile weighing 250 pounds which had been caught friday in a lagoon next to a residential area.

A big ugly beast!

The article further reported that a crocodile of similar size had been captured thursday at Boyd’s Campground after killing a small dog.

Be careful.

A sad day for many Key Westers. The Citizen has been running for several years portions of a diary left by William Hackley. Hackley was a Key West attorney from the 1830’s into the 1850’s when he and his family left.

Today’s was the last entry from Hackley’s diary that will be reported. Hackley moved.

The person responsible for the daily reporting of the contents of the diary is Tom Hambright. A Key Wester of many years who serves as Historian at the Monroe County Library. He perceived the diary contents as interesting and convinced the Citizen hierarchy to run it on a daily basis.

One of the best received, happiest and funniest events of the year is the Great Sea Battle. The Battle won by the Conch Republic in 1982 after having seceded from the United States.

The battle was friday evening. Too late for the Citizen to print. Additionally the Citizen only prints one edition on the weekend.

I expected to see numerous photos of the battle in today’s edition.

I was disappointed. Only two.

I appreciate things are presently difficult at the Citizen. However, there should have been more photos of the gala event.

Perhaps a reason the Citizen is presently hurting. It has been writing for the Citizen the past few years and not the citizenry.

Two notable quotes I came up with over the weekend. Both worthy of sharing.

John Kasich is Governor of Ohio. Considered Presidential timber for 2020. Perhaps as an independent. “I didn’t leave the Republican Party. The Republican Party left me.”

A statement having to do with values.

Then there is Bill Lepp. He is a professional story teller and writer. A well said quote by him in the Charleston Gazette-Mail recently. “We should fight to save kids, not the weapons killing them.”

Several months ago, I wrote about school children having trouble holding a pencil. The reason given was they did not play with the usual toys which helped develop their finger muscles.

Instead, they were early turned on to cell phones, I phones, etc.

Schools were now introducing programs to get their fingers moving, to develop them.

Now comes another modern day problem adversely affecting children. They cannot read clocks. Technically called analogue clocks. The ones with numbers.

The problem became obvious during examinations which were timed. Student were raising their hands to ask how much time left because they could not read the clock on the wall properly.

Schools are slowly replacing the numbered clocks with digital clocks. Clocks the students will understand.

Consider also that cursive writing is a thing of the past. School children do not have to know how to write. They have their computers.

Most cannot even write their names.

Seems to me the more we teach our kids, the less we help them.

Trump promised to drain the swamp. Whether he is remains questionable.

Sean Hannity is considered by some as Trump’s informal Chief of Staff. He is known to be a close daily adviser to the President.

It has recently been reported that Hannity is linked with the purchase of many homes with loans guaranteed under the National Housing Act program.

The scenario involves home lost by homeowners because they could not make mortgage payments. At a discounted price, Hannity shell companies purchase the homes. In most instances, Hannity’s shell companies financed the purchases by using loans guaranteed under the HUD program.

An example. Two apartment complexes in Georgia were purchased in 2014. The cost, $22.7 million. HUD helped Hannity in packaging $17.9 million to fund the purchases.

In the past ten years, 20 Hannity shell companies have purchased 870 homes in 7 states worth $90 million. Most of them using HUD guaranteed loans.

Note carefully there is nothing illegal about Hannity’s actions. Everything he has done has been above board. He made purchases similarly financed under the Obama administration.

What is lacking is transparency. HUD Secretary Ben Carson has appeared on Hannity’s show. Hannity always compliments him. Never has there been mention of the loans guaranteed by HUD.

Trump and Hannity are obviously close. Talk frequently. Well known that Hannity advises Trump on some matters. No disclosure again of the Hannity/HUD business relationship.

Some things the people have a right to know. Even though the actions involved are legal. This is one of those instances.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

JUDICIAL SYSTEM BROKEN

Justice delayed is justice denied.

Taught aspiring lawyers the first week in Criminal Law 101. Every lawyer knows it. Every Judge. Some Judges are forgetting, however.

The shocking truth: More than a half million Americans are held in jail more than one year. The Constitutional right to a speedy trial forgotten.

The tragedy occurs in most instances where a defendant cannot afford bail. The defendant is locked up. To await trial. A trial that does not occur. The inability to make bail in effect a prison sentence in itself.

It is happening all over the U.S. Louisiana and Cook County, Illinois two examples.

Louisiana jails are overcrowded. No wonder. One thousand five hundred seven have been in jail 1-2 years awaiting trial. Four hundred forty eight, 2-3 years. One hundred forty one, 3-4 years. Eighty five, 4 years or more.

Something wrong here!

CBS News reported that nearly half of Cook County’s inmates should not be in jail. Based on an interview with the Sheriff. The Sheriff described the County Jail as a dumping ground for the poor, mentally ill, and gang members.

A national problem. Intrinsically wrong. Needs to be rectified. Not easy. It is going to take time and money. Plus, a national awareness and outcry.

What bugs me is that Judges know about these things. Yet do nothing.

I continue to feel under the weather. Remained in again yesterday. Must get out today. Not healthy. At least a walk.

I spent the afternoon writing this week’s KONK Life column. It publishes next Wednesday.

Interesting topic: Can An Independent Be Elected President In 2020? I think so. I spelled out the history of independents, reasons why not successful in modern times, how it could happen, those involved, etc.

Watched the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on TV in the evening.

Trump has avoided the dinner two years in a row. A coward. He is incapable of meeting what he perceives as the enemy. For whatever reason, he fears confronting them. Calling them names when alone is easy. Calling them names when they are in front of you more difficult.

First time I have seen the comedian Michelle Wolf perform. Tough! Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Kellyanne Conway were obviously uncomfortable when she zeroed in on them. Proof the truth hurts. They should have smiled and laughed as the audience did.

There is something wrong with people who cannot laugh at themselves.

Trump in the meantime was in Washington Town, Michigan. At a political rally. Before his people. A safe encounter.

Whenever Trump speaks in such an environment, he bends the truth and rabble rouses. Not healthy for the country.

Continuing to lose weight. Thirty six pounds! So says the scale 5 days in a row. I am thrilled!

Crocodiles and alligators keep showing up in the Keys. More in the northern Keys. Rarely in the lower Keys. However that “rarely” has been occurring with more frequency in recent times.

I have been told by many we have to learn to live with them. They were here before us. We are the invaders, the intruders, who have taken their land.

Chris Guino is a crocodile expert. He is with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Crocodile Response Team. He is speaking Wednesday at 6 at the Key West Garden Club at 1100 Atlantic Boulevard. His topic: The Awesome American Crocodile.

Guino refers to crocodiles as the true rock stars of the animal kingdom.

Enjoy your Sunday!

A TALE TOLD BY AN IDIOT

One thing about Trump, he is consistent. His every move screws up America!

The most recent was yesterday. He removed the United States from the Paris Accord. The climate control agreement involving 199 nations of the world. The only two not signatories were Nicaragua and Syria. Great partners!

I said what I had to say yesterday on my Facebook video. Upset, I was. Upset, I still am.

My comment today is a reference to Macbeth. I speak of Trump in recalling the lines: A tale told by an idiot / full of sound and fury. / Signifying nothing.

Santina is retired somewhere in Florida. She views my video every day. Her comment following yesterday’s regarding Trump was right on: He is a self indulgent pompous, egotistical, nut job.

I asked for help, recommendations, re my feet which are causing me distress. The balls hurt. Received many comments. Interesting and helpful. Thank you.

When I get the medical results, I will let you know the diagnosis. I have a feeling I have already been told it in the comments. Lower back and poor shoes.

Yesterday began with a haircut and Lori. Fifteen plus years she has been cutting my hair.

Then to Publix for groceries. Cupboard bare again.

Ally 12 years old yesterday! Like she was born yesterday. Twelve now. Robert turned 13 two weeks ago.

Lisa cooked a birthday dinner and cake. Ally blew out the candles as we sang happy birthday. Ally controlled the scene. Lights out, start singing when I tell you, etc.

Ally is no longer a girl. She is a young lady. On her way to becoming a woman.

Ally showed me a project re Greece that she had completed for school. I told her about Acropolis. Told her to check it out on the computer.

She took out her cell phone and immediately was viewing 21 pictures of Acropolis and Parthenon. I told her Poppa had been there and walked through the ruins.

She was impressed. I enjoyed her reaction.

Robert told me that in 2 years he can get a learner’s permit to drive. Fifteen the age in Florida.

Time does not move on. It flies!

Bocce last night. The team finally had a winning evening. Won 2, lost 1.

My MTV neighbor Andrew watching. He is in for a few days from his home in Switzerland. Jim and his wife were with him.

My comments re the croc living on the golf course drew some street comments. Several were to the effect that crocodiles are now breeding in Boca Chica. The result will be more crocs in the area.

Boca Chica a beach about a mile in through the woods. Mostly a gay hang out. I suggest no bare ass meandering through the woods. Chop and it’s gone!

Roy Cohen was one of the most able attorneys of his time. Known to be tough and brutal. A good lawyer to be represented by.

He was Senator Joe Mc Carthy’s lawyer in the 1950s during Mc Carthy’s Communists in government witch hunt.

He was Donald Trump’s lawyer in the early to mid 1980s. Trump purportedly one of his favorite clients. A friendship existed between them. They talked several times a day by telephone, did Studio 54 by night, etc.

A professional and personal relationship existed.

Nineteen eighty six found Cohen on his deathbed. AIDS. It is reported Trump was the last one Cohen talked with before he died. By telephone.

Strange.

It is also reported Trump pulled all his files but one from Cohen when he heard Cohen was H.I.V.

Some claim Trump acquired his bully nature from Cohen.

Monday is the 75th anniversary of World War II’s Battle of Midway. June 3-7, 1942. The United States whipped Japan’s ass big time. It was the United States’ first major victory against the Japanese.

The good guys destroyed 4 Japanese carriers and 1 heavy destroyer.

Japanese sea power was extremely limited by the loss of the 4 carriers.

Monday morning, June 5th, at 9 am, there will be a ceremony at Bayview Park commemorating the Battle of Midway.

Key West is an extremely patriotic community. It never forgets the military.

The Trump family costs the U.S. big dollars to protect. The Secret Service is required to be with the family at all times and in all places.

Eric and Donald Jr. travel the world promoting Trump hotels and golf courses. They are not engaged in government work. The Secret Service is with them at all times.

Taxpayer dollars paying for the protection. Take the President out of the equation. It still costs millions of dollars to protect the rest of the family. Every step of the way. Even at multiple residences.

No problem. Cut 23 million off the healthcare rolls in the next ten years.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

GOING TO GREECE

Going to Greece. Not me. The bartender at Roostica. For a whole month. September.

I think her name is Sarah. I will be seeing her soon again and get it straight.

We chatted long about Greece last night. I ended up the last customer to leave. They were cleaning up when I left.

The first thing I am going to do is have her read the day by day blog account of my trips. Will tell her a lot she wants to know. She intends to island hop.

Started my evening last night at Aqua. The Dueling Bartenders. Tom Luna and Rich Dery. Rich dressed. Both bars packed. Always a good time.

The best part of the evening came as I arrived home. The July 4th concerts and fireworks on TV. I kept flipping the dial among Washington, Boston and New York.

Trump says many negatives about America. He dwells on the unhappiness of Americans. I could not see it on the faces of the thousands attending the three events. It was pride time!

Before going to the TV fireworks, I watched a while the Key West ones. Terrific! Shot off Knight Pier. Watched from my deck. A perfect view. Several years ago, Jenna joined me to view the fireworks from the deck. Two lounge chairs and a bottle of Dom Perignon.

I found Key West busy last night. The restaurants packed. That is why I ended up at Roostica. The crowd surprised me. Generally the last night of a holiday weekend is dead.

Worked on my blog radio show in the afternoon. Fine tuning today for this evening’s show. Interesting topics. Like Clinton Foundation misdeeds, Italy working on referendum re out of Euro Union in the Fall, 40 percent of monies U.S. pays out each year goes to pay interest on loans, Rudolph Murdoch and Newt Gingrich digging for oil on Golan Heights, who pays for booze and balloons at national political conventions, the birth of the bikini, a GMO baby in the works, and more.

Join me for a quick moving half hour. Not just news. My opinion always shared. You will disagree with some. Whatever, the show is interesting and revealing.

Nine my time. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou. The show now has some national advertisers. Means the numbers are up. People are listening. People are enjoying.

Thank you.

I will never climb the Santorini volcano. My heart won’t permit it. The doctor told me last week the reason I easily tire is the cardiomyopathy discovered several years ago. An enlarged heart.

I corrected the problem. Gave up drinking for 1 1/2 years. My heart shrunk to normal size.

The problem is 30-40 percent of my heart is soft tissue as a result. Makes it harder to push blood through my heart when I exert myself.

I am paying for my past sins. No question, as ye sow so shall ye reap.

I have a 10:30 visit with my heart doctor this morning to verify the results.

Crocodiles in the news. The Florida and Keys ones. Hatching season similar to turtles. Mother croc buries her eggs in sand.

Crocs an endangered species in Florida. Down to 200-300 in 1970s. Now estimated at 1,700-2,000.

I fear crocs and alligators. An article I read said fear not crocs. No record of a croc death exists in the U.S. Only one of a bite.

Still scare me!

God bless the French! A French designer Louis Reard introduced to the world on this day in 1946 the bikini. First time! Men and women alike have benefited. Men like to look. Women who wear bikinis happy with them.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

CROCODILE GONE?????

This morning’s Key West Citizen carries another picture of the crocodile that has spent the past week lolling off Smathers Beach. A brief note under the photo suggests the croc is gone. It was not seen over the weekend. However, there was a sighting off Hilton Haven during that time.

Quite a trip from Smathers to Hilton Haven. Going straight across west, not too long a trip. However only land, no water. It would appear if it is the same croc, it had a very long trip around Key West’s perimeter to get to Hilton Haven.

My suspicion, another crocodile.

Interestingly, since the Smathers Beach crocodile story hit a week ago, there have been further articles and talk that there are more crocs in the area than most thought. An iguana type invasion in the making?

Congratulations to the Marquesa for standing up to the phony lawsuit against them. There is a disabled person and attorney who have brought over 1,400 lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Toilets not proper, improper access, and now no lift for a disabled person to get in and out of a pool. Marquesa was sued re the pool thing.

Marquesa’s defense is that the pool is not public, all amenities are for use by registered hotel guests only, and the plaintiff in the case was never registered as a guest at the hotel.

A court appearance is scheduled for early December.

I have a sense of something that has happened or is happening in Key West. Tourists are not eating as much as they have in the past at restaurants. They are drinking. Eating appetizers or cheaper street foods rather than full meals. Paying top dollar at hotels.

After paying for the hotel room and average $10 drinks, tourists are forced to cut somewhere. It is with the food.

I could be wrong.

Spent yesterday afternoon writing this week’s KONK Life column. The Doctors Killed the President. The story of President James Garfield’s demise. The doctors screwed up.

Pope Francis opened the Synod yesterday in Rome. A convention of sorts of 270 bishops. To deal with Church problems. Serious business. Especially since the Pope is trying hard to open the doors of the Church and the bishops are opposing him.

A few interesting opening comments by the Pope. “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” The Church is a “field hospital” whose doors must be open to all who knock. “A Church with closed doors betrays herself and her mission, and instead of being a bridge, becomes a roadblock.”

Denmark has a problem. A falling birth rate. Of concern to the government. Who will care for the elderly one of the concerns. China has a similar problem. Not enough female births. Result not enough women for marriage and child bearing. Caused by China limiting the number of children each couple might have.

Denmark has had a liberal sex policy for years. Sex education begins early in the school years. Birth control one of the items pushed. A contributing factor. Having unprotected sex at an appropriate time in life now being pushed also. Do your duty the cry. Do it for Denmark!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

POPE FRANCIS DOES IT AGAIN

Pope Francis is unique. He is different. He fights in the trenches.

Over the weekend, the Pope named 19 new Cardinals. Cardinals are one step below him in authority. Followed by Bishops.

A synod was held a few months ago. A Bishops thing. Some Cardinals in attendance. They gave the new Pope a hard time on homosexuals and Catholics who divorce and remarry.

It will not happen again if and when a new synod is held. Or any meeting of Cardinals and/or Bishops. The Pope is packing the Cardinal group. Appointing those who would be supportive of him in the future. Even a Pope has to play politics.

No U.S. Catholics were nominated. Unusual. The U.S. has long been a strong arm in Vatican politics. It was the U.S. contingency that obstructed the Pope at the Synod. Not the next time. The Pope has no time for clerical politicians. He is going to ride roughshod over them. The first step was stacking the Cardinal deck.

Yesterday’s Key West Citizen ran a major front page story on alligators and crocodiles. They are moving down the keys. Small ones have been observed south of the Seven Mile Bridge. Additionally, authorities have received 9 calls in the past 3 years re sightings between Big Pine and Key West.

Canal swimmers beware!

I learned something interesting from the article. Alligators and crocodiles cannot exist together. It is one or the other. Not in watery areas south of Miami and through the keys, however.

How lucky can we be!

Got out again yesterday. I had thoughts of Boondocks. Put the top down and away I went.

I have always liked Boondocks. Thirty miles up the road on US 1 just south of Big Pine. The food and prices a step up from Hogfish and Geiger Key. The ambiance also. I sat quietly and comfortably at the bar reading the Sunday newspapers.

Party time coming! Don and Chris arrive Saturday. Don already sent me an e-mail advising the Sunday night Syracuse game. Where will we watching, he asked. Don says Skaneateles Dan has already arrived.

I have been watching the games from home and bed recently. For whatever reason, I can get the games on one of three ESPN channels. If I am to go out, and I would enjoy doing it with friends, I suggest Don’s Place. Inside or outside bar.

Enjoy your day!