FAT ALBERT

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Fat Albert was a mainstay over Cudjoe Key for more than 30 years. Fat Albert was a white Air Force blimp. Tethered to Cudjoe. Part of the military radar system.

Once there had been two blimps. One was taken down several years ago. I do not recall the name of the one that went first. My recollection is that Fat Albert had become obsolete and was taken down by the Air Force in 2013.

A reader in this morning’s Key West Citizen Citizens’ Voice asked…..Where is Fat Albert? The person who wrote in said he was driving on US 1 and he discovered Fat Albert was gone. Where is it, he asked.

Sometimes that which we see every day, we stop seeing. It is there, but we see it so often that we fail to see it.

Did the writer fail to note that Fat Albert has been gone some three years? Or, is Louis wrong and Fat Albert did not come down in 2013?

If you know, let me know.

My yesterday started with a visit to my heart doctor. One scheduled in haste. I experienced chest pains during the night. Doctor ran some tests. Found nothing. There is going to be more tests. A stress test among them.

I felt fine yesterday. Feel fine this morning. Pains did cause me concern.  The nitroglycerin made it go away the two times it was experienced.

Such is life at 80.

Nothing was going to stop me from the excitement of the Syracuse/Dayton game. I opted to watch it at Don’s Place. Toni joined me to watch the game. Toni is a die hard Kentucky fan. Toni is into basketball. I enjoyed being with her during the game. Good company.

Met Cecil. The name does not fit him. A tough appearing guy. Cecil a Syracuse fan, also. He graduated from LeMoyne College.

The ‘Cuse distinguished itself yesterday. The second half was not expected. Could not have been imagined. Syracuse blew Dayton out in the second half. Syracuse won 70-51.

If I was going to get a heart attack, it was during the excitement of the second half.

Syracuse plays Mid Tennessee tomorrow at 6:10 pm. Mid Tennessee a #15 seed beat Michigan State a #2 yesterday. Mid Tennessee is not to be taken lightly.

I decided not to push my luck. I was home mid afternoon. Did not go out in the evening.

I did do some research however for this week’s KONK Life column. The title of the article alone will blow you away. I am not sharing it at the moment.

I was under the impression that the US Air Force did not have its combat beginnings till World War I. I was wrong. The first US Air Combat Mission began with the invasion of Mexico in 1916. The US was trying to capture Pancho Villa.

Today is a significant day in history. In 2003, the war with Iraq began. Bush 2’s war. “…..to defend the world from grave danger.” Bush’s words. He told us Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction.

I am one who believes that had Bush not opted to invade Iraq, the Middle East would not be as it is today.

A final observation. Those who comment to this blog do not always agree with each other. Generally, diametrically opposed. Sometimes the exchanges get heated.

Not yesterday when it came to the Syracuse victory. They stood as one in their excitement!

Enjoy your day!

EVERYTHING GREEN TODAY

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St. Patrick’s Day again! Everyone Irish!

This is Spring Break time in Key West. Will add to today’s revelry.

The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade occurred in New York City. Irish soldiers serving in the British Army in 1762 decided to celebrate their homeland.

I marched twice in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parades. I was in Manhattan College’s Air Force ROTC. Still recall the sharp eyes right each time we passed St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Another recollection is the partying. Big! The best day of the year!

Visited the dentist yesterday. Check-up time. Even implants get checked.

The dental assistant doing the checking irritated me. She kept treating me like an old man. Late twenties lady. When she mentioned how sad it was that I was unable to get out evenings and party, I said…..Lady, I party more than you and have more fun than you!

Started the evening at Don’s Place. Don, Stan and Clare. Great conversation. The conversations should be recorded and placed on You Tube.

Don and I were to eat together. Don decided he was not eating. I had to eat. Skipped lunch. I was famished.

I went to Outback. Thought I might not be able to get a seat. Outback is crowded during season same as Duval restaurants.

The place was empty. Only about 1/3 full. Four persons at the bar, including me.

One of the best evenings I have enjoyed chatting with those round me.

To my right, a couple. We started with the NCAA tournament. Then the Hungarian revolution, Hungary today, Flora, Albania, and cursive writing.

Never got their names. He was 80, she 43. He the best 80 I have ever seen. Still working. At Publix. A butcher. She originally from Hungary. Has been in Key West three years.

They were celebrating their two year anniversary. I congratulated them. Two years married or partnered? No. Two years living together? No, we live separate. We met two years ago.

Typical Key West. Any reason to celebrate.

We got into handwriting. I mentioned my column re the issue. She knew kids are not being taught to write today. He did not.

A waitress overheard the conversation. She came over and joined in. Knew everything about cursive writing. Was unhappy her children were not being taught handwriting.

The fellow several seats to my left joined in. Then came over. He was really into the failure to teach cursive writing in most schools today.

My KONK Life column was Goodbye Handwriting.. Of all the issues I have written about over the years, this garnered the most comment. In writing and on the street. I was amazed! I feared people might be bored with the subject.

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board met with County Commissioners last night. The Board is pushing for a new building. $4.2 million. It would require raising taxes 10, 15 and 14 percent respectively over the next three years. The group insisted taxes had to be raised immediately.

The Mosquito Control group is an entity unto themselves. They do an excellent job. Ergo, no one bothers them. They generally ask and receive. High ranking staff are paid excessive salaries. Extremely so.

I say lets hold up a moment. The group has brass testicles asking for an immediate tax increase to pay for a building not yet even approved by the County Commission. Some Commission members heard the $4.2 million figure for the first time.

My immediate concern with the Mosquito Control Board is its intention to test GMO mosquitoes. The Mosquito Control Board wants to test them for the British Company Oxitec. The test would take place on the island where I live. Key Haven. Key Haven  is small. You could put it in your back pocket.

I am opposed to the testing. I do not believe my neighbors, our island and I should be used as guinea pigs.

After six years, the FDA came out last week with its determination re the use of GMO mosquitoes.. The FDA said the process was effective and safe. I questioned it then and now.

There is a lot of preaching going around that the use of GMO mosquitoes should not be held up in view of the safe and effective declaration by the FDA.

Sometimes people do not know. Many not properly informed.

The FDA regulates the genetic material introduced into the mosquito. The genetic material is safe and effective for mosquitoes. No federal determination has ever been made with regard to its safety as regards humans.

My message simple. Do not be mislead when told the FDA ruled safe and effective.

Fantasy Fest is back in the news. Some City Commissioners want the City to stop making its contribution to Fantasy Fest. The group who run the event are unfunded this year. The several year contract with the City ran out. Fantasy Fest is six months away.

There is no rush in arriving at a determination apparently. The vote to extend the contract one year while matters are further looked into has been adjourned one month.

Typical of governmental mentality in the Keys. Determinations are made too fast or too slow.

Enjoy your day!

SANTERIA?

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Many strange things occur in the woods and mangroves in the lower Keys.

Several animals and birds appeared recently at the end of Boca Chica Road. Washed up on the beach. Headless.

Three goats, five adult chickens, six baby chickens, two pigeons.

Suspicion is they are the result of a religious ceremony. Called Santeria.

A touch of Africa in the Florida Keys.

Lunched at Mangrove Mama’s yesterday. A pleasant experience. Sat outside with a cool breeze blowing through. The best, the lobster reuben I ate. Wow!

My first stop last night was Don’s Place. Looking for Don, David, Stan and Clare. We occasionally do the VFW wednesday nights.

Don’s Place was empty at 6:30. Only three persons at the bar. No one I was looking for.

I was alone.

Took a chance. Headed to Tavern ‘n Town. I was shocked! There were seats at the bar and in the restaurant. Not packed at all. Sat at the bar, read the newspapers and enjoyed a piece of salmon.

Various staff members said it was the first slow night since before Christmas. I believe them. I have stayed away for a month because there was no room at the inn.

Two nights ago, I met Scott and Veronica at Outback.  Newly weds. Relatively speaking. Two years.

Scott runs a scooter and bike business. Veronica is at Hard Rock Cafe.

The scooter/bike business is called Conch Scooters. Quite an operation. A delivery business. You telephone and Scott delivers. Where ever you are.

Conch Scooters can be reached at 305-747-8953.

Remember the Wal-Mart that was going g to be constructed on Rockland Key? Now uncertain. It has been reported there is a 50/50 chance of the project proceeding.

A proposal was submitted by the developers. The County countered with some concerns. Like traffic and affordable housing. The County continues to wait for a resolution of their concerns.

A shame if it does not proceed. Keys residents are simple living people. The weather dictating how we live. Shorts, T-shirts, sandals,etc. Nothing fancy. Even at a black tie event, you will find guests in a sport shirt and shorts. The men. Ladies tend to dress for these events.

Wal-Mart perfect for our way of life!

Please excuse how I reference the following. The word is stupid! The Citizens’ Voice this morning contains a comment re traffic congestion. Key West’s streets being at capacity use.

The comment was: “We’re only at capacity if everyone drives alone.” Alone! Key West is not a major highway. It is a small island 1.5 x 4 miles. Car sharing is not the remedy. Not even practical. The solution, I do not know. I would suggest fewer people visiting our island. Any more and Key West is going to sink into the ocean.

Traffic is only the first indication of a problem. More will naturally follow. Like sewage and water.

Everyone is on Trump’s back. Romney tonight. Yesterday, an article in USA TODAY. The article by Matt Krantz. He briefly discussed Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts. The Atlantic City casino that sought bankruptcy protection.

Part of Krantz’s comments: “Trump had been chairman of the board in the late 1990s, owned 41% of the company in 1999 and drew a $1 million-a year salary. But investors did not do so well. Investors who bought the stock when the company went public in 1995 lost 87% of their money by 1999.”

My foot getting better. Not there yet. I miss the anti-gtravity treadmill.

Enjoy your day!

 

I’M OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD, THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ…..

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A wonderful tune. It has to bring back memories. Judy Garland, the Yellow Brick Road, the Munchkins.

The last of the Munchkins has died. Jerry Maren. Ninety six.

He’s on the Yellow Brick Road…..He’s off to see the Wizard!

My foot controlled activities yesterday. I spent the afternoon laying in bed. Kept my foot up! The swelling receded about 50 percent.

I went out last night. Needed to get out. When I returned home, the swelling had returned.

Started at Don’s Place. Sat with Stan and Clare. Former bocce partners. They were glad to see me. I, them

Someone said put the Syracuse game on. I did not even know Syracuse was playing. I stayed at Don’s and watched the game. Syracuse lost to #8 North Carolina 75-70. The game was not as close as the score suggests. It was North Carolina all the way. Syracuse played poorly.

March Madness is around the corner. I am worried Syracuse may not make the tournament.

Not Syracuse’s year!

The game was over at 9. I was hungry. I had skipped lunch. Headed to Outback for dinner. I have mentioned before, Outback’s lamb chops are outstanding. It was lamb chops for me last night.

Met Scott and Veronica who were sitting next to me at the bar. Nice people. We exchanged phone numbers. We will see each other again.

I cancelled physiotherapy for the week. No way could my left foot handle the treadmill.

Today there is an air that a king will be crowned. Trump. Today being Super Tuesday. Eleven states. Bad for the country. I cannot understand people gravitating to him. He’s a disaster in the making.

I am going to conclude with a political story. Concerns someone who early came out in support of Trump. Sarah Palin. Another crazy.

Last May during March Madness, Palin guested on the Mike and John Talk Show. The tournament was being discussed. Palin commented: “The biggest surprise is how many white guys I see playing in this tournament. I thought the NAACP was supposed to be about black people.”

Another genius! She and Trump running for the highest posts in the country. At different times. Can you imagine the show/entertainment if both ran together. Trump for President and Palin for Vice President.

Almost forgot. My blog talk radio show tonight. Nine my time. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

EDITH AMSTERDAM KEY WEST’S GRANDE DAME

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Some lead exceptionally noteworthy lives. One is Edith Amsterdam. Referred to as the Grande Dame of Key West.

Edith died yesterday at 91. May she rest in peace.

The Lady spent more than 50 years in Key West. Doing for everyone and everything. Known and loved by all. She and her husband restored Curry Mansion. Today, one of Key West’s premier guest houses.

We live and learn. Edith is originally from Syracuse. She also maintains a summer home at Alexandria Bay.

Edith was a contemporary of David Wolkowsky. David still up and at ’em at 96. David is the subject of next week’s KONK Life column.

My yesterday started with a manicure at Lee Nails. Tammy takes care of me. She and her husband the owners.

Tammy is lovely. Typical Vietnamese. Short, thin, long black hair. A beauty inside and out.

Tammy is 32. She came to the U.S. at age 16. Made the trip alone. Initially lived with relatives in New York. Then spent a year in Atlantic City. Not working at the casinos. Going to school to learn how to do nails.

Last night began with Don’s Place. Chatted with David and Keith. I frequently mention both. I do not recall ever telling you they are father and son.

Then to the Chart Room. A long night. The place was jam packed with tourists. That time of year.

I knew no one, except Emily and David. David and I sat at the round table. David always good company.

The table was empty when first we confiscated it. During the evening, three women joined us. Probably tired of standing.

The women made my night. Especially two of them. We talked forever about everything. Charming and intelligent. I had to finally break away. Too long and too many drinks. Sometimes, I have to remind myself I am not on vacation.

My note taking system failed me. It was noisy and the drinks were flowing. So ladies, forgive me if I have some of the facts mixed up.

All three were from Ohio. Each with successful husbands. Kristen’s was Geragd. French.

One of them, and I suspect it was Kristen, lived with her husband in Thailand for 13 years. He ran some company. She taught at the International School in Bangkok. World travelers.

They have a son Alex, 23.

Kay a teacher, also. Her husband an insurance agent. They have a son 30 years old. An attorney.

The third woman’s name escapes me.

Two of the ladies and I sat for a long time chatting. The attorney’s mother had concerns about her son’s career. Both ladies were anti-Trump. The politics discussed interesting. Neither liked any of the candidates of either party.

The ladies are here a few more days. Hopefully, I will run into them again.

My corrected KONK Life column appears today in KONK’s E-News Blast. The article is titled Goodbye Handwriting.

I write of many things. Comments galore follow. However, the Handwriting column brought the most. I am surprised such a topic would garner such interest.

One women’s comment was long. Long long. Longer even than the column. She criticized everything from my writing structure to historical correctness. Authoritized most of what she wrote.

One item in the article was that Thomas Jefferson had poor penmanship. That a master penman had to be hired to rewrite the Declaration of Independence. His name Tim or Tom Matlick.

She challenged my representation re Jefferson’s handwriting. Yet noted that I had incorrectly set forth the wrong first name from Matlick. She was aware because she had seen Matlick’s bill which is preserved for the rewriting.

An inconsistency there.

Anyhow, I am glad to have heard from her. I learned much from her writing. It was a fine term paper. Worthy of an A plus. Said with all sincerity.

I wrote of Comet earlier in the week. Comet returns to his home in the sea at noon today. Cured of all maladies by the Marathon Turtle Hospital. Noon at Higgs Beach. Two hundred plus will be in attendance.

Comet is a big boy. A one hundred pound loggerhead sea turtle.

My last cell phone was six years old. It was not working properly. I lost many calls. Did not really bother me. People got to me in due course.

Bought a new cell phone two days ago. A Samsung Galaxy. It does not stop ringing. I didn’t realize how many calls I was missing.

Two political notes.

Vice-President Joe Biden was with Mexican representatives yesterday. He apologized for Trump’s remarks re Mexico claiming that most of the people in the U.S. were not of his thinking.

Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson titled a recent column….. Trump, The Product of a Failed System. His description of Trump a “wrecking ball.”

Enjoy your day!

 

FISH AND MUDDY WATERS

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I live and learn.

This morning’s Key West Citizen has an interesting front page article re the weather. The cold a given. Significant waves. Waves outside the reef this weekend will be 11-14 feet. Winds 25-30 miles per hour.

Few fishing boats going out. Water too rough. Fishing questionable.

This is what I learned. Weather makes water muddy. Fish cannot see the bait.

I am not a fisherman. Many of you are. Many, not. The information is for non-fisherman.

The weather still cold. The cold front will continue. Through the weekend. The weekend to be colder and windier. Temperature at the moment 63 degrees. High however will be 73.

I am recovered. Went out yesterday. Felt fine. It was good to return to the world. My everyday world.

Decided on lunch at Harpoon Harry’s. Wednesday lunch is their turkey special.

The block on Caroline where Harpoon Harry’s is located blocked off. Big time road construction. Just what I would expect during the tourist season. The busiest street in the waterfront area blocked off.

The parking lot across the street full.

Went to 5 Guys instead. A healthy cheeseburger awaiting me. With fries.

Then to Publix. Spent some money. Not only was I out of food, I was out of paper products. Ran into Stan and Clare.

Last night Don’s Place. Felt good to be there. Chatted with Don and David. The three  of us to VFW for dinner. VFW is becoming a wednesday thing for Don and me.

Sounds like a big night. it was not. I was home at 8:30.

Some things I do not understand.

Pope Francis is getting a hard time from the Vatican hierarchy. The Cardinals who elected him Pope are now fighting him at every turn. The Cardinals are traditionalists. They do not agree with the changes the Pope wants to bring about.

Sometimes it is hard to breath fresh air.

I was listening to a radio talk show yesterday. The issue was gun violence. It was mentioned that Wal-Mart is the largest seller of guns in the United States. I did not know. It was further mentioned that Hillary Clinton sat on Wal-Mart’s board for eight years. I did not know this either.

Sarah Palin should go home. Her family needs her.

Soon after getting the VP nomination, we learned she had a pregnant unmarried daughter. Trump brings her out recently to support him. Soon after, we learn her son was  more recently arrested for hitting his wife in the face.

Her recent speeches contain many incoherent comments.

She brings baggage.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

TALENTED DEVON

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Devon is a woman of many talents, attributes and skills. One of Key West’s leading bartenders. Works her trade at Don’s place. Absolutely beautiful!

Turned out Devon is also expertise in handwriting. Penmanship. A talented calligrapher. I did not know. Doubt many were aware. Don was, however.

The reception area at the wedding was rather large. Don asked Devon to create a yellow brick road. She turned to calligraphy. Prepared small signs of various sizes directing guests to food, drink, dessert, guest book, etc.

The final product lovely. Blended with everything. Without question, helpful.

Before writing about Devon, I googled handwriting. There is a whole section on “girly handwriting.” The name must have been born generations ago. It would not fly as politically correct today. Hillary Clinton might refer to it as sexist.

Wednesday is my screw off day. It is my friday. I write steadily and do radio shows from friday through tuesday night.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I know I am redundant. However, I love the machine! The machine is the only one in the lower Keys. It was a wise moment when Heather, who owns Body Builders, decided to buy it.

Rushed home after the machine to be interviewed on the KONK News Radio Show by Don Riggs. Riggs and I generally chat for about 30 seconds before I am on air. Don does his part of the show from Phoenix.

Don mentioned how impressed he was with the column. Especially the civil war aspect. I said, Don you have the wrong column. What you have is this week’s column which is not yet even published. It hits the stands tonight at 5. The column Stay Out Of Civil Wars/Fight Wars To Win.

We are talking about the article Political Sexcapades.

I told Don say hello and turn it over to me. No problem. The show ran well. Don got involved towards the end after he heard me expound for a while.

This week’s column is now available throughout the Keys. Stay Out Of Civil Wars/Fight Wars To Win. It also was linked this morning to my Key West Lou website.

Last night began at Don’s Place. First day he felt recovered from the wedding. Besides the wedding, Don had a ton of out of town guests that stayed on a few days after the wedding. He was constantly the good host.

It was Don, Stan, Clare, and Mickey. Mickey was part of the Don’s Place group till several yeas ago when he moved to Phoenix to work. He is vacationing this week in Key West.

We all went to the VFW afterwards for a bite to eat.

Syracuse has a new football coach. Dino Baber. He spent last season as head coach at Bowling Green. He is originally from Hawaii. I wish him well.

The weather broke yesterday afternoon. The sun came out. We had not seen it for 3-4 days. The high today will be 75. Warm weather through sunday.

I wore long pants only one time.

The Key West Citizen editorial this morning is right on. It talks about the dangers regarding how large Key West is becoming tourist wise.

I occasionally make a mistake which some readers call me on. Properly so. The best of the best err, also. The editorial mentions Tennessee Williams’ Night of the Iguana movie starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor.

Taylor was not in the movie. The female stars were Ava Gardner, Deborah Kerr,  and Sue Lyon.

Germany is suffering from its own wrong move. Taking in a million plus immigrants last year. Rapes and sexual abuse were predicted. Such occurred New Year’s eve.

What is to be done re this immigration problem. It affects us all. It is not an easy problem to resolve. My position remains the same. I  do not want them in the United States. They are unhealthy for me, you and the rest of our country.

Enjoy your day!

JUSTICE?

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A Saudi millionaire was acquitted of raping a teen in London. He said he tripped and accidentally penetrated her.

Juries are finding it difficult to find guilt world wide. Many police/black killings in the U.S. and now this in England.

Justice is moving farther and farther away.

The anti-gravity treadmill in the morning yesterday. I am increasing the miles. A tenth here, a tenth there. Ever upward. I worry I may be pushing myself.

A manicure with Tammy at noon. She is representative of the Asian female mind.

When she lived in Vietnam, the man was king. Women were nothing. Everything was done for the man.

It is different in the United States. She is free. Independent. Can do what she wants.

I am happy Tammy’s husband did not marry her in Vietnam. They met here in Florida. He knew he was not getting an old country woman.

Don’s Place first last night. After a chat or two, we headed to the VFW. Don wanted to go. Stan and Claire, also.

Don was captured as soon as we walked into the VFW. The Commodore grabbed him and took Don around introducing him. Then a former Commodore came by and took Don away to introduce him to some others.

Stan knew many. Turns out he is a former Navy man who was stationed at Bocca Chica. He worked as a cook for the VFW for a while. It was old home week for him.

No one I knew, except Schmegly from last week. One more person, also? When I walked in a white haired gent introduced me to his wife. As his barber. I smiled and walked on. He was seated nearby. A little later he caught my attention and said…..My barber!

I felt bad disappointing him. I told him I was not his barber or a barber. He left with a puzzled look on his face. Made me feel bad I was not his barber.

The VFW was having a party. for one of its members. A 92 year old World War II veteran. He fought the war in a submarine.

The birthday cake was delicious.

This week’s KONK Life column The President Could Not Spell is available in two places this morning. One is KONK Life which is on the stands. The other is my Key West Lou website (.keywestlou.com) where it is linked.

Enjoy your day!

PRESTON AND DEBRA…..LOVERS

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Nothing like a good love story.

I met two lovers last night.

Preston and Debra.

At the bar at Tavern ‘n Town. Their first day and first time in Key West. From Nashville. Celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.

With one twist. Where ages are dramatically different, it is generally the older man marrying the younger woman. With Preston and Debra, it is the older woman who married the younger man. Debra is seven years older, Preston seven years younger.

I am not talking out of school. Sharing with you something that should not be mentioned publicly. I speak of their relationship because the two of them are thrilled with it. That’s all they talked about. Debra said no at first. Preston kept pursuing. Debra finally succumbed.

The two are having a ball! Enjoying life! Hung up on each other!

A lucky two some.

Preston wrote a book which touches upon their relationship. She’s My Favorite Song. Title says it all. The book available on Amazon Kindle.

A prominent Key West couple were at the bar, also. Mary Lou Hoover and Charlie Waite. Another much in love twosome. Mary Lou responsible for the huge success Girl’s Night Out. She and Charlie good people.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I did not push it. Stayed at 4.5 miles per hour.

Then to Walgereens. Seniors doctor often. They are at the drug store more often.

Enjoyed a bad lunch health wise. A cheeseburger and fries at 5 Guys.

Don’s birthday party last night! A big crowd. Great entertainment. Larry, Christine, Skipper, Kathleen and Ray. Loud! A neighbor from a block away came to complain. When he found out it was Don’s birthday, he said enjoy. He recognized the special occasion aspect.

I see Jean Thornton everywhere. All over Key West. Never at Don’s Place. She was there last night for the party.

A large picture in this morning’s Key West Citizen of last night’s Lighted Bike Ride. Colorfully decorated bikes and attired riders. The event innovative.

The County Commission voted the Ragnar Relay Race down again last night. A proper result. This morning’s article spells out some of the numbers and dollars involved. I spoke to these items in my blog two days ago.

The Citizen reported there would be 6,000 runners. Revenue, $700,000.

I suspect most of the money to run has already been paid in the form of registration fees. Ragnar Races are popular events. I assume the $700,000 will have to be paid back. Some portion may have already been spent. The pay back perhaps difficult.

Two interesting Germany/Merkel items came to my attention yesterday.

I have been wondering why Merkel has been happy to take hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in and is prepared to take more. The answer appears to be that many of the Syrian refugees are educated professionals. Like engineers. Germany’s economy is booming. Qualified people are needed.

I read there are employers waiting to sign up certain of the refugees as they get off the trains.

First time I heard about this. Why hasn’t the media told us? The information is newsworthy and interesting.

The other item involves Merkel being named Times Person of the Year yesterday. A poor choice from my perspective. No question she has had a big year. Crucified the Greeks and is trying to mini manage the Syrian refugee program.

Merkel makes me uncomfortable.

The more terrible Trump’s utterances, the higher he goes in the polls. Is our country on the verge of going crazy? We may be in the process of going off the deep end. Trump is the Pied Piper and many are following him.

Some recognize Trump’s missteps and are not afraid to speak out. In 2010, Trump received an honorary doctorate from Scotland’s Robert Gordon University. As a result of Trump’s comments re banning Muslims from the United States, the University took back the honorary degree yesterday.

Some believe the honorary degree was awarded at a time when Trump was trying to build a golf course on Scotland’s east coast. Some locals were giving him a hard time. Somehow, the honorary degree played into the thing. Trump did get to build the golf course.

Grinch is coming to Key West! I am surprised. I can understand Santa Claus. Grinch, I do not know. Grinch will be at the Key West Public Library this saturday from 1-2 pm.

Enjoy your day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DON MANAHER

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Wednesday for me is as friday for most others. The end of the work week! Time to take a few days off.

Friday through tuesday are research, writing and radio days. Nine thirty tuesday night ends it for me. The time my blog talk radio show concludes.

Wednesday is a do nothing day. Love it! Some celebrate wednesday as hump day. For me, a screw off day.

Happy birthday Don Manaher! Finally, 40! Ho ho!

Big birthday party tonight at Don’s Place. Seven o’clock. Great entertainment. Larry, Christine, Kathleen, and Ray amongst others. Don’s children and grandchildren. Son in laws to be. And the best of the best, wife Stephanie.

A big time Christmas event this evening. The Lighted Bike Parade. Bikes thoughtfully decorated. Riders, also. Parade itself starts at 6:30 from Bayview Park. To Mallory Square and back to Bayview. Partying  at Bayview begins at 5. Santa Claus has promised to be there.

Spent yesterday researching further and fine tuning last night’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. A multitude of sins covered. From Helen Sperling and the Holocaust to Pittsburgh police who refuse to be drug and alcohol tested.

An early dinner at Roostica. Love Bobby’s food! Last night sausage covered with peppers and onions in a red sauce. Five pieces. Plus, great bread. All for $10!

Hurried home to watch the Syracuse/Colgate basketball game. Syracuse supposed to win. Colgate nowhere the same class. Last night was Syracuse’s 50th consecutive victory over Colgate.

The score 78-57. Syracuse was supposed to win that big. The team looked better than their last game. Not there yet, however. Rebounding continues to be a problem. Each team had 32 rebounds.

It was Mike Hopkins’ first college victory. He is the acknowledged Boeheim successor. May he have a 1,000 victory career!

One of the most strenuous and exasperating days for me is when I have to renew my drug coverage and supplemental hospital plans. Comcast easier to communicate with.

Monday, I did the drug plan. AARP sponsored United Health Care Plan. Only took an hour this year. Only had to talk to four different people. Waiting between them forever.

I have to do the supplemental hospital renewal. Same company, a different phone number. Tried monday following the drug plan renewal. Hung on the line a good 15 minutes waiting for a body. Listened to suck music. Finally, a recorded voice told me it was better if I tried between 7 and 9 in the morning. I have yet to get to it.

Sea turtles a loved species in the Florida Keys. Everything is done to protect them. We even have a Turtle Hospital. The Turtle Hospital this past weekend hosted the Annual Sea Turtle Workshop. Over 120 attendees. From as far away as Italy.

Enjoy your day!