TIP STEALING AND SEX NIGHT AT THE CHART ROOM

A doubleheader today. Two columns in one.

Keys Energy screwed things up yesterday. Made it impossible to get the blog out and had me sitting on South Roosevelt Boulevard forever waiting to make the turn north onto US 1.

Keys Energy was doing maintenance work from 8 to 2 yesterday in our neighborhood. No power, no wi-fi, no nothing. Keys Energy also was doing some big time electrical work at Cow Key Bridge. A huge crane rising out of the water.

I begin with tip stealing. An example how Trump is taking from those who earn less and giving to those who earn more.

The Trump Administration announced a proposed rule which in effect amounts to tip stealing. Affects waiters, waitresses and bartenders, as well as kitchen help.

Permits restaurant employers to illegally pocket tips earned by employees. If the employer pays minimum wage, the employer can legally pocket “pooled” tips. Tips that could be shared with other restaurant staff such as chefs and dishwashers.

Dollar amount involved estimated at $6.1 billion per year.

It is claimed many restaurant owners are already pocketing a portion of the tips illegally. The Trump proposal legalizes the illegal.

I mention tip stealing because it affects many Key West restaurant workers.

Spent the afternoon working on Growing Up Italian. My next book. Getting there. See light at the end of the tunnel.

Attended Mary Lou Hoover’s fundraiser at Kate Miano’s home. Many people. A success. Kate’s new home divine.

Mary Lou running for a Key West City Commission seat.

Jean attended the fundraiser with me. Then we enjoyed dinner together at La Trattoria.

Key West native Sebrina Maria Alfonso returns to Key West friday evening with the Southern Florida Symphony. The Symphony was born in Key West 20 years ago.

The theme of the performance involves Ernest Hemingway. The event at the Glynn Archer Performing Arts Center.

The contract was let for the construction of the Custom House this month in 1888. All that building for $107,955.96! Money bought a lot more in those days.

Speaker Ryan announced taxpayer funds will no longer be used to pay suits against Congressmen with regard to sexual harassment matters.

Talk is cheap. It took a law to permit the use of taxpayer dollars in such situations. It will take a law to abolish the law.

Lets get it done pronto!

This is wild! Reading, home and street lights from leaves. Kale, watercress, arugula, and spinach. Eventually would replace electrical energy.

The U.S. Department of Energy has been funding MIT research to make it work. Already producing lighting power dimly.

Sounds like it will come.

Our friends the iguanas. Not really friends. Nasty creatures. I wrote recently they are overpopulated in Florida. They eat our flowers and shit in our pools. The State has initiated a program to eradicate or control them. Will end up like the pythons. Control. Eradication impossible. Too many already here.

This morning’s Comment Column on page 2 of the Key West Citizen advised that iguanas are available online from Puerto Rico. Fifteen dollars to $49.99 a pound. Referred to as Chicken of the Trees.

Iguanas are minimally eaten in south Florida. Purportedly taste like chicken Eaten big time in Central and South America.

Today’s blog begins here.

Sex in the Chart Room. Not real sex. Merely conversation.

Three couples. All tourists.

One mentioned that they had been at Teaser’s strip club till 2 am. Hung over. Especially the husband. Husband and wife both enjoyed.

One of the other couples immediately decided they were going to Teaser’s when they left the Chart Room.

The third asked if there we any nude restaurants or bars in Key West. Oh, the reputation we have!

They were advised not. They were told about the Garden of Eden. The rooftop clothing optional bar on top of the Bull & Whistle. Completely open to the elements.

Cold last night. Mid 60s. Not the time to take your clothes off on the Bull & Whistle’s rooftop.

Could not disillusion the third couple. They decided to go anyway. If they ultimately did, even with clothes on they would have frozen their asses off.

Met Art and Sherry at the bar. Not interested in strip clubs or the Garden of Eden.

They have lived in Key West two years on a boat. Sits outside Turtle Krawl. Art mid forties. Formerly a CPA. Decided to give it up and live the good life in Key West. He drives a trolley by day. Thrilled with his new life.

Art not the first to have done it.

My yesterday included a haircut with Lori and Publix to stock up on more diet foods. Such is my life in Key West.

Duval has Christmas wreaths hanging from light poles from one end to the other. You feel the season as you walk Duval.

Omarosa Mangault Newman in the news. A White House Assistant to the President. African-American. The only White House black staff member. She had easy access to the President.

She was fired yesterday. By John Kelly. Her credentials taken. Reported she was accompanied off White House grounds.

Wonder what she will have to say about Trump.

The book, the book, the book! Irma and Me. Sales continue. I am excited. You might consider acquiring a copy yourself. Easy fun reading. Makes an excellent reasonably priced Christmas gift, also.

Today, friday. I have no plans for tonight. Regardless, I know it will turn out to be a fun time. Can’t miss in Key West!

Enjoy your day!

 

MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY, SNOOP DOGG, KENNY CHESNEY…..IN KEY WEST YESTERDAY

Hollywood, Nashville and New York in Key West yesterday.

Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg and Kenny Chesney.

Regarding McConaughey and Dogg, a movie being filmed in Key West. Actually, Miami and Key West. Four weeks in Miami, two in Key West.

Chesney just visiting.

The movie is The Beach Bum. McConaughey plays a rebellious stoner named Moondog. A loving rogue who lives life large. By his own rules.

A critic reported McConaughey was born to play the role.

Filming daytime yesterday at the Key West Golf Course and the Hemingway House. Last night, on Duval.

I got all this juicy information last night at the Chart Room.

Where else? All roads meet at the Chart Room.

It all started with Jean Thornton. She came in and mentioned the filming. Was on her way to Duval Street hoping to catch the evening filming. Not certain where it was. She was going to walk Duval.

Upon hearing Jean, John and Kevin piped up. They knew about McConaughey, the filming, etc. As did some others at the bar. I got an education.

Jimmy Buffett is in the movie, also. A portion of the story involves the Beach Bum getting on the stage at a Buffett concert and participating illicitly. My research suggests the Buffett portion was filmed in Miami November 29.

Word is McConaughey is staying in a private home. The balance of the cast and film makers at the Ocean Key House under assumed names.

Kenny Chesney has nothing to do with the movie. Not sure why he is in town. Perhaps hanging out. Key West one of his favorite places.

He reportedly was at Schooner Wharf in the afternoon. He also was on a boat with several lovelies. One of those at the bar had a pic on his cell phone showing Chesney and the ladies out on the water. One of the young ladies his daughter.

Anna came in to straighten out the house at 7 this morning. I told her about McConaughey and Chesney being in Key West. She knew all about McConaughey being here.

Anna’s husband is the Chef at Cafe Sole. McConaughey had dinner at Cafe Sole monday night.

NORMAL staying at the Pier House. The National Organization For The Reform of Marijuana Laws. The organizations annual on week convention.

NORMAL’s convention has been held at the Pier House for many years. Began back when pot smoking was not legal anywhere. The organization and legal pot smoking have come a long way.

Today, December 7. The day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. A day President Roosevelt described as one “that will live infamy.”

We live in dangerous times. May we not suffer a Pearl Harbor again.

I have to hustle. A doctor’s appointment at 10. My life…..doctoring.

Enjoy your day!

 

GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT…..AN IRMA SHINING STAR

I was not a fan of Governor Rick Scott till Irma. His performance during Irma has turned me. One hundred eighty degrees.

The man has performed outstandingly. And continues to so perform.

He knew Irma was coming and his State was in danger. He prepared. Florida could not have been more ready.

That alone turned me. However, his performance subsequent to Irma proves my change of mind to have been correct.

Scott was in Marathon yesterday for a meeting with various public groups working to help Keys’ residents. Expeditiously. Matters such as debris removal, temporary housing, small business assistance, etc.

He announced at the meeting that 400 Florida National Guard were being deployed to assist with debris removal. Six thousand tarps were on the way also.

Scott’s coordination with FEMA has been spectacular. Twenty seven thousand have registered for assistance already. Ten thousand approved thus far. Those approved have been funded to the tune of $14.9 million.

More has been accomplished.

Most telling is that yesterday was Scott’s seventh visit to the Keys because of Irma. Few of the visits receiving any notoriety.

His assistance each time more than handing out a few sandwiches.

The man performs.

Duval Street. Did the tour last night again. Conditions improving, though slowly. More store fronts visible. A few additional businesses open.

The trend re open for business is running from the Gulf towards the Atlantic. The bars and restaurants closer to the Gulf the first to open. By mid-Duval, a few more. At the other end of the spectrum, La Te Da opened sunday.

It will take till Fantasy Fest for things to return to normal.

The tree/foliage debris is beginning to stink. Awful. Especially after a rain fall. The humidity adds to the odor.

The Key West Citizen is only publishing two editions a week. Not because of Irma. A business decision. Its printing shortly moving to Miami.

I miss the Citizen! I subscribe on the internet and it was one of five publications I read first thing every morning. Local news is gone. Even where the weekly publications will pick it up. Not an everyday thing.

Started my evening last night at Aqua. Jean Thornton called from Alabama to advise there would be no Dueling Bartenders, though Tom Luna might sing a tune or two.

I needed to get out. Monday is Aqua night for me. So I went.

The bar itself filled with locals. A peppy group. Tom did not sing.

Met Ray and Tom. Ray a former Virginia judge. Look forward to running into he and Tom again. Good company.

Then to the Chart Room. Shaun bartending. Met Amy. An insurance representative from the midwest somewhere. Sent to Key West to do an informal report and evaluation of damage to certain of her company’s insureds. Preparatory to the claims people coming down.

Stopped at Denny’s on the way home for a bite to eat. Denny’s not my kind of place. However, I was there for breakfast with Robert and Ally a month ago and was impressed. Big, clean, shiny and new.

Good for a quick sandwich, I figured.

Sat at the bar. The only customer at the bar most of the time. Robi the bartender. We chatted a while. She has a son now 19 who has had significant heart problems since birth. Her war stories re not having insurance on occasion and her inability to get proper medical care for him tragic to hear.

I overstayed my time with Robi. When I returned to my car, the battery was dead. I had left the lights on. Thank God for AAA. I waited only 30 minutes to get a boost.

My cell phone’s Voice Mail apparently a victim of Irma also. I woke this morning to find 8 new messages running from 9/19 to 9/22. I assume lost in never never land because of Irma.

Puerto Rico being ignored. It appears Trump and Congress have forgotten that 3.5 million American citizens live there.

Government, get your ass in gear! They are our people!

My podcast tonight. The first in four weeks. Irma prevented me from doing the show during that time.

The show a quick half hour of interesting topics. Some eye openers. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou at 9 tonight. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Topics include Irma, past Keys hurricanes, China’s new credit card the customer’s smile into a screen, killer robots, opioids top tobacco use in U.S., the kneeling sport dilemma, Trump’s ignoring of Puerto Rico, North Korea, healthcare, and more.

Guaranteed informative. Many times from a different perspective.

Enjoy your day!

IRMA AFTERMATH

Irma came, did her thing, and left. She left behind ruination, despair and hope.

How things stand today.

I drove down Duval yesterday. From the Gulf to the Atlantic. Not a pretty sight. Most storefronts and buildings still boarded. Physical damage on a varying scale to some buildings.

The most significant observation was the desolation. Few on the street. Very few. Like death had visited.

The bars are starting to open. Rick’s, Sloppy Joe’s, Irish Kevin’s, the Bull, and Jack Flats. More employees than customers. Except for the gay bars in mid Duval. Bourbon Street and 801. Packed.

There was a FEMA truck on Duval. Handing out food packages. Only the minority community evident.

I mentioned the FEMA sign up tents behind the Simonton fire station yesterday. Only minorities evident there. It appears we have left racial/ethnic groups behind. Same as Katrina. Not in assistance today. Rather in becoming part of the American dream.

A cruise ship coming in today. Why? Key West today not the Key West of yesterday. Key West needs time to recuperate. Downtown looks like hell.

Three more cruise ships expected this week.

Some say we have to get business going again. Bring the cruise ships in! Locals need to work. Rent is due the first of the month. Only one week away.

I spent yesterday afternoon resting. Actually, sleeping. The return drive killed me. Just as the drive to Birmingham had. My 82 years very evident in the tiredness I am experiencing.

Hit the Chart Room first last night. First time the Chart Room has been open since Irma.

I was the sixth person to arrive. An hour later when I left, I was the only customer remaining.

Shawn bartending.

Peter Petro manages 40 properties. One is the home I live in. I have been bugging the man ever since Irma was on the horizon. Even now since I have returned. Cleanup time. I am a tenant, not an owner. A wonderful experience!

Peter does his job well, even though I am a bit too anxious at times.

Peter was at the Chart Room when I arrived. With his wife Rebecca who I met for the first time. A nice lady.

Rebecca marries people in Key West. She is a Notary and notaries are permitted to do so. In fact, most marriages performed in Key West are by a Notary such as Rebecca. Rebecca also performs live theater at the Red Barn. She is featured in a show opening next month.

Then to Don’s Place to watch the Syracuse/LSU game. Don, David, Stan and Claire there.

Sitting next to me watching the game were Troy and Jenny. Troy a die hard Michigan fan. He was watching Michigan on one screen as I was watching Syracuse on the one next to it.

Syracuse looked good the first half. Gave up 10 points they should not have. Still in the game, however. Syracuse defense played well.

LSU got another touchdown at the beginning of the second half. Syracuse was basically 3 touchdowns behind. I viewed it as the beginning of the end. Went home to bed.

Never even tried to find out the final score till this morning. Syracuse came back. Sort of. Final score had LSU winning 35-26. A late 4th quarter LSU touchdown led to LSU’s 35 points.

Syracuse was a 23 point underdog going into the game. Syracuse played well. They did better than LSU stat wise. Note LSU was a ranked team going into the game.

This is not going to be a Syracuse year. Better than most in recent years I suspect. Perhaps glory will return a few years from now. It has been a long time.

Yesterday was the first day Don’s was open its full hours.

Ice is a problem all over town. Bar owners and restaurants are running all over looking for some to buy.

Our animal and fish friends are of concern also.

A Sugarloaf homeowner was looking out his window. Thought he saw a porpoise stranded in the mangroves. Called the Sheriff’s Office, who in turn contacted Wildlife Conservation and the dolphin hospital Dolphin Plus.

Representatives of all three groups hurried to the scene and effected a rescue. Two veterinarians involved. They waded out to the porpoise. A female. Slightly burned from the sun. Otherwise, ok. Carried her to deeper water and let her go.

I received a red flag call this morning from Jeanne H. Stevenson. Not a Key Wester. Her sister Anne is, however. She can’t reach Anne. Concerned. Wants to know if I could help.

Anne sells newspapers outside the church. All I was told about her.

Anyone having any information re Anne, please let me know so I can convey it on to her sister.

Key West’s curfew was lifted yesterday. Stay out all night folks!

The remainder of the Keys still have curfews.

Comcast making progress. A step at a time. Too little from my perspective. I had TV when I returned home last night. Still no land line or wi-fi.

Sloan due soon. A ton of catch up work to do.

Enjoy your Sunday!

LE PETIT PARIS

I discovered a new place! Le Petit Paris. A tiny restaurant on Duval. Dining inside and out. The outside tables a taste of Paris.

My mid afternoon lunch yesterday absolutely delicious. Lobster Benedict. Served by a cheerful pretty waitress. Cooked obviously by a skilled chef. Though I did not meet him, I testify to the quality based on what I ate.

I would have enjoyed meeting the chef. I understand he is the owner, also. Next time.

The menu suggested meals ranging from breakfast to lunch to dinner. Mouth watering.

Prices neither cheap nor expensive. Down the middle.

I intend to return. Soon!

There will be no blog tomorrow and perhaps wednesday. Maybe not till thursday. I am moving. Reducing the size of my home. From 3,600 square feet to 1,600.

When I bought my Key West home 19 years ago, I had a wife, 4 children and 7 grandchildren. Wife no more. Children and grandkids do their own thing. It’s all alone by the telephone for me.

I am moving to the Golf Course. The Sanctuary. A single two story home. Huge front porch. Small yard surrounded by an 8 foot wall. Jacuzzi in the corner. Waterwise, I am downsizing also. From ocean to jacuzzi.

Comcast screwed me up today. Turned off my internet, TV and land line at 5:30. Supposed to be done tomorrow.

Donna saved my ass! She is concierge at the Fairfield. I am in Fairfield’s lobby working.

First time in Fairfield. A modestly priced hotel. Gorgeous lobby! Looks like a good place to stay.

Met Mike Kelly and Eric Bove. Mike is the general manager of Fairfield and three other new hotels on the Boulevard. Called The Keys Collection. Eric general manager of the Fairfield.

Comcast hookup at the new house wednesday or thursday.

It is good for me to be out with the people as I describe it. I rarely run into what other people come up against.

Gross impoliteness this morning! Two places.

Comcast the first. Nothing is ever easy with them. I was returning the old equipment. Everything else done in a 3 hour phone call friday.

The woman simply was impolite. Did not care about me or my problems.

I observed everyone was treated in a similar fashion.

Then the Post Office.

I have found in the years since the Post Office went private, most of the employees don’t care. They have an attitude about them

All I wanted to do was file a change of address  card. The place was not busy. Empty most of the time.

I was boring the counter person. She was bothered answering my questions. Handed me a package and said do it.

The Post Office must make a ton of money off advertisements. There had to be a good dozen in the packet. Filled out the wrong form. Not an advertisement. It looked like the right one.

I had a concern. Back to the counter asking if I had done it properly. I had not. She looked at me as if I was an idiot. Bothering her. No other customers at the time.

I miss the days when someone else took care of Comcast, Post Office and other problems. I am an 81 year old inexperienced man when it comes to every day mundane things.

On top of which, I am tired. Two days of packing. Anna working with me. The upstairs air conditioning went kaput late saturday. Fun packing the upstairs!

I apologize for complaining. Needed to vent.

Let me close with something I do not understand.

The U.S. Supreme Court rendered an intermediate decision with regard to the Trump travel ban law. A victory for Trump. The Court is going to render a full decision in the Fall. Suggests to me the Court will go with Trump again.

I disagree with the decision. My country is falling apart. Not just because of one decision. In most respects.

In addition to no blog for a couple of days, I will not be able to do Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou tomorrow night. Need my land line. I suspect I will be getting the Facebook videos in. Done on the cell phone.

Enjoy your day!

 

WHERE IS IT GOING?

Where is it going?

I refer to the Congressional Hearing which began yesterday. The Obama tapped Trump’s phone issue put to rest. The other not. The Russia/Election/Trump team involvement issue.

I watched with great interest. The last time I saw such somber faces at a Congressional hearing were the Nixon impeachment proceedings. The Republicans were relatively quiet. Shocked perhaps. Their man a deer in the headlights of a car.

Where will it end? How will it end?

Walked Duval yesterday morning. First time in quite a time. Not much foot traffic. I was walking around 10. Always interesting to see Duval waking up.

Last night, Dueling Bartenders at Aqua. With Donna and Terri. As soon as we walked in, Tom Luna handed Terri a mike.

It was Tom, Rick and Terri singing. Nothing better.

On the way home, my stomach began growling. Needed to eat. My choices Submarine, McDonald’s, or Outback. Decided on Outback. I was hungry. Desired a full meal.

Tonight the Grand Finale of Aqua Idol. Lynda Frechette’s brain child. Her baby. Without her, Aqua Idol would never have been a success.

The grand winner selected tonight. Down to four finalists. Aqua will be packed. Show begins at 6. Suggest you arrive at 5 to get a seat.

I have not seen Aqua Idol in a couple of years. My podcast show tuesday evenings at 9. I am fine tuning the show at 6 when Idol begins.

Join me tonight for an interesting show. Topics will include the Trump fiascos, the Congressional hearing, Russia, etc.  www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Other topics, female genital mutilation, white people sub-human, China harvesting body organs, and more.

Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan in 1979. President Carter told them to get out. If not, the U.S. would boycott the Olympic games to he held in Moscow in 1980.

The Soviet Union did not get out. The U.S. boycotted the games.

The 1984 Olympics were held in Los Angeles. The Soviet Union boycotted the Los Angeles games.

Remember Oxitec? Oxitec is on the march again.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reported Oxitec and Houston are talking. The talks include Harris County.

Oxitec has not yet tested its product anywhere in the U.S. Looks like Houston will the place. The local mosquito control board is working closely with Oxitec.

Houston has no documented ZIKA cases where the ZIKA was locally acquired.

Enjoy your day!

FDR ON HIS HOUSEBOAT IN FLORIDA KEYS

I continue to learn.

This time that Franklin Delano Roosevelt spent the winter months 1924-1926 on a houseboat in the Florida Keys.

We have Karen Chase to thank for the knowledge.

FDR’s legs were paralyzed. It was thought warm air and warm water would help his condition. FDR and his friend John Lawrence bought a used 71 foot houseboat. They christened it Larooco.

FDR spent two consecutive winters cruising on the Larooco in the Florida Keys.  Fishing and swimming.

We would never have known had it not been for Karen Chase discovering FDR’s daily log covering the trips. Chase discovered the log a few years ago. She put the log into book form.

FDR On His Houseboat – The Larooco Log, 1924-1926 was introduced to the public two days ago at Hyde Park.

The Custom House has invited Chase to speak about FDR’s time on the Larooco as part of its Distinguished Speaker Program. She is scheduled to appear at the Custom House November 17.

Visualize FDR living on the houseboat. Paralyzed, yet fishing and swimming. In our beloved Florida Keys. A story!

It is finally at an end. The Presidential campaign. I will be voting for Hillary later this morning.

I started my diet yesterday. Made it through day 1. I did not leave the house at all yesterday. It was the only way I could avoid the near occasion of sin for me. Food and drink. I know my limitations.

Spent the afternoon working on tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Great topics. Some thought provoking. Like the failure of government to see and do anything about two new areas of unemployment in the next four years.

Also, Comey letter #2, a Venezuela update where Vatican intercession has failed, Steven Seagal becomes a Russian citizen, Saudi Arabia extending its lobbying efforts to U.S. governors, a dozen drugmakers under grand jury investigation, a possible cyber war, the real reason behind the ongoing Syrian War, and more.

Join me at 9 my time. Guaranteed interesting! www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

On this day in 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected President. The nation was excited. The Eisenhower years had been good. Somewhat subdued, however. Kennedy was young and appeared vibrant. He had a young beautiful wife and family.

His years were called Camelot. America would achieve the best of everything. Excitement prevailed.

Unfortunately, Kennedy did not have enough time. He was assassinated in 1963. The dream died.

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman.

A statement I cannot make too many times.

On this date in 1948 and 1951, Truman returned to Key West to work and vacation. It is reported re the 1948 trip that Truman landed at Boca Chica. Twenty five thousand people cheered him on the drive to the Little White House.

The Key West Rotary. Installment 8.

One day. April 4, 1927.

A thursday. Rotary International President Paul P. Harris had left monday. Thursday was the regularly scheduled luncheon meeting for the Key West Rotary.

A big day. Time wise and work wise.

Members had been notified to come to the meeting in overalls. Overalls being the term used I assume for shoulder type dungarees or some other type work pants.

Work the members did! They removed rubbish the length of Duval Street. The event known as Scour Duval for Rubbish Thursday.

The clean up was done in conjunction with the Woman’s Club and the Chamber of Commerce.

Trucks were donated by businesses and individuals. The Rotarians manned them. Twenty trucks. One truck per block of Duval. The rubbish collected was taken to the city dump to be incinerated.

The meeting was also the election meeting.

Robert F. Spottswood was elected President. The Spottswoods have enriched Key West for years. Conchs. The family through the generations community minded.

I assume the new President was grandfather to the present day Robert Spottswood. Robert and wife Elena are my friends. Ever helpful. Work hard on behalf of Key West. One of Robert and his family’s present successes is the Marriott Beachside.

Rotary members went all out to be helpful during the 1920s. They could not do enough for Key West. An inspired group.

George A. T. Roberts was elected Sergeant at Arms at the same time Spottswood was elected President. He died three years into his term. His stone is inscribed with the Rotary motto: Service Above Self.

The men were believers all!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

WORLD’S LONGEST PARADE

Key West is enjoying Conch Republic Days. More festive than Fantasy fest. Cleaner in many respects, also.

Different strokes for different folks.

Tonight at 8 is the World’s Largest Parade. Part of Conch Republic activities. The parade runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico. Shore to shore. Along Duval. All of 1.25 miles. That is why it is called the Longest Parade.

If you are in town, join the parade. Then to Schooner Wharf to party.

Stopped first last night at Tavern ‘n Town. Picked up the newspapers, enjoyed a drink at the bar.

Then to Don’s Place. Everyone there. Don, Stephanie, John, Billy, Keith, Stan and Clare. Stan and Clare just returned from Washington, DC. Stan had business there.

Kevin, who I played bocce with a couple of weeks ago, stopped in. We had a great conversation. The Chart Room and GM mosquito problem.

Politics the big item of discussion with the others. No one seemed to like either Donald or Hillary. Interesting.

Stopped later at Duffy’s for dinner. I wanted to see Jennifer. She was hosting.

Anna leaves this week for a two month vacation to Poland. She will be visiting relatives. Jennifer stepped in to help me while Anna is away. Jennifer agreed to help again.

Ordered the prime rib. Good! Amazing! Might be the best in Key West. The cheapest, too.

Met Jana. She is the manager at Duffy’s. Been here ten years. Originally from Czechoslovakia.

Jana was all excited. She recently became a U.S. citizen.

I plan on taking it slow again today.

Enjoy your day!

KEY WEST UPDATES

Progress/forward movement occurring on the lower end of Duval.

Free WiFi. Lower Duval and Mallory Square. Refer to Connect Key West. Purportedly available to locals only.

Irish Kevin’s has an upstairs. Recent grand opening held. If half as much fun as downstairs, it is a winner.

I am not sure an upstairs to a popular bar works. Sloppy Joe’s opened one several years ago. I have not been in years because when I went it was dead. I am not sure how it is today. It may not even be open.

Erika proving fickle. A tropical storm. Now predicted will turn into a hurricane. All indications are it will come over Key West. Several days from now. Locals will not be concerned yet.

My blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. One problem after another.

I sat down in my recliner at 5 to watch the news for a half hour. Fell asleep. Woke at 7:30. Meant no dinner at Roostica.

Took me 10 minutes to connect with the studio. Technical difficulties at the studio end. Frustrating. I finally was live on air at 9:10 rather than 9.

There was a sign on the computer screen telling me the studio was experiencing technical difficulties. Went on after I was on the air.

It was my option to proceed or shut down. I opted to proceed because some times a problem is miniscule and the show can be heard.

Not last night. I was not aware during the show what a disaster it had become. Reception terrible. Lot of cracking. Almost impossible to hear. I received a number of comments afterwards to the effect.

Exasperating.

The only saving value is that most of the material can be used next week.

I was especially disappointed that three topics could not be heard. The rise of Neo-Nazism in Germany, whole bodies being sold by Planned Parenthood, and Mama Bear and five Cubs enjoying a family pool in New Jersey.

My yesterday pleasant. Walked Duval, lunched at home, fine tuned last night’s show, and spent some time working on the love story. I am not sure it is love. However, it is interesting. I am questioning whether the final product will be worthy of publication.

The Donald Trump/Jorge Ramos situation last night proves a point. At least from my perspective.

I watch MSNBC. Following the confrontation, the MSNBC news talk shows were all down on Trump. This morning on Morning Joe, Joe, Mika and everyone else were on Trump’s side. Forgiving. Morning Joe is an MSNBC show.

Is this the media controlling the news? Influencing what we hear? I believe last night’s pundit comments were legitimate. This morning’s not. Between last night and this morning, I fear the powers to be sent out the word. Soft pedal the Trump thing, don’t beat Trump up, etc.

Another disappointment was that very few of the reporters took up Ramos’ cause in subsequent questions to Trump. Cowards? Fearful?

One of Trump’s security skillfully escorted Ramos out of the room. A big guy. Ramos small in comparison.

Megyn Kelly returned to work yesterday. Trump issued a statement referring to her as a “bimbo.”

Similar actions occurred in the past in other countries.

My concern factor is on the rise. Trump may be dangerous.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

ANTI-GRAVITY TREADMILL, CUBAN COFFEE HOUSE, HUMIDITY, DUVAL, ETC.

My yesterday. Typical.

Started late morning with the anti-gravity treadmill. A wonder! Then to the Cuban Coffee House for lunch. Cuban toast and a large Cuban coffee.

Walked Duval a bit. New Gap Factory Store open. Good size. Homey. Missed the phony hostage/guest house scenario which closed two blocks of Duval. Stopped at Tucker’s. On Duval near Antonio’s. Great sports attire for men and women. Pricey. Will go well with tourists who might not care about price. Doubt many locals will buy there.

Summer definitely here. I could feel the humidity big time as I walked Duval. This is only the beginning. Wait till August and September!

Last night, Don’s Place early. Don. Stan and Claire. Jeneane and Mary from the Pier House at the bar. Sisters. Lovely ladies.

Dinner at Tavern ‘n Town. Mood music. Put me in the mood. Mellowed me right out. Did not get the name of singer. He was busy talking with others when I left.

Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights bill into law in the 1960s. He said it would “…..bring peace to our land.” Unfortunately, he was wrong. The black church burning in Georgia a few days ago proof.

The Charleston shooting was June 17. Since then, a mere two weeks, there have been seven black church fires in the South. All but two have already been declared not arson. The two, hate crimes.

I do not buy the results. The non arson ones. The judgment in each case was made by a local fire chief and department. Like the early cops shooting blacks. A Chief and Prosecutor evaluating whether the police shooting was justified.

These cases should all be investigated by top notch experienced arson people. They exist in one place. Insurance companies. They should be on the job immediately together with some expert federal officers to determine cause. The goal being an untainted report.

I wonder, how many white churches had fires during the same two week period.

Anna reports. Credit cards no good in Athens. Most merchants want cash. Will not sell without cash payment. ATM machines busy this morning. Nowhere near the crowds of yesterday morning.

Everyone is at fault to differing degrees re the Greece situation. The consensus is developing that Germany’s Merkel has contributed greatly. She has been labeled as self righteous. Also as having pushed too hard.

Would you believe…..Another Rocky film coming out. Rocky VII. Sylvester Stallone managing , not fighting. Managing Apollo Creed’s son.

Oregon legalized marijuana for personal use. Limited amounts, of course. The fourth State to do so. If anyone had told me in the 1970s and 1980s that this was going to happen, I would have thought them crazy. Similar to same sex marriage. Who would have believed?

Enjoy your day!