MONEY LAUNDERING

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The New York Times reported this morning that Trump associates were being looked at for money laundering. Not a major portion of the article. Came up at the very end. The thrust of the writing was the news that Trump was being investigated by Mueller.

I have taken the position for six or seven months that in the end it would be money laundering that would bring Trump down. In this blog, my podcast and Facebook video, I have taken that position. More than once in each place.

I am not claiming to be an oracle of wisdom. I did however pick up on the money laundering several months ago in researching a separate matter. I also talk to tourists/people constantly about certain issues. Key West a good place to do so. Everyone is here at one time or another.

Now we wait to see what will happen. The hole dug by Trump and associates gets deeper by the day.

The Chart Room first last night. An unusual crowd for this time of the year. Wall to wall.

John bartending. He was training Bart who will bartend tuesday evenings at the Chart Room and three other evenings at the Beach Bar. Bart needed no training. He has bartended for 12 years at various Duval drinking establishments.

Janyne walked by the Chart Room on her way home. I nodded for her to come in. Chatted a bit. A lovely lady. A great personality.

Stopped at Outback on the way home. A small prime rib, baked potato and steamed vegetables.

Then, home.

I was on the road at 4. My evening finished by 8. Home in bed at 8:30. Fell asleep. Woke at one and have been awake ever since.

The moral: Never go to bed early unless you need the sleep.

Howard and Cindy Livingston are two of the nicest people in the Keys. I have known Howard for years. Even before he was the Howard Livingston he is today.

Howard a success. As is Cindy. She works every gig with him in one fashion or another. Also provides the moral support a good woman gives her man.

Neither Howard nor Cindy were born in Key west. However, they are loved by all and participate in many charitable events. Recently, Mayor Cates awarded each a certificate designating them as Honorary Conchs.

A big deal!

I recently read something concerning Pepe’s. The great restaurant on Caroline.

Pepe’s is the oldest restaurant in Key West. Born 1909.

Pepe’s special meal is steak smothered in pork chops. Outstanding! Enough for three!

The article seemed to suggest Pepe’s was serving the steak smothered in pork chops back in 1909. Correct? I will have dinner soon at Pepe’s to find out.

Every now and then I enjoy traveling back hundred of years to a significant person or place. Several times, I have visited Dante.

It is Dante again today.

Dante aka Dante Alighieri. On this date in 1300 A.D., Dante became a prior of Florence. He was one of six. they ran Florence politically.

Dante irritated some leading citizens. In 1302, he was banned from Florence.

How swiftly the mighty fall!

Dante and his family became wanderers. They sought the protection of several cities over the years.

The reason I mention Dante today is that during his years as a wanderer, he wrote The Divine Comedy.

A busy morning. A haircut with Lori and a visit to Farmers Market.

Enjoy your day!

HOWARD AND CINDY LIVINGSTON

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Howard Livingston is an outstanding entertainer! Leaves you smiling and happy. His wife Cindy a great lady. The perfect couple.

I knew Howard before he was Howard Livingston. Back when he wore three piece suits, had short cropped hair and always a clean shaven face. At the time, he was CEO and owner of a Chicago manufacturing plant. The plant made railroad engine diesel parts.

We met at Mangoes some 15 years ago. By accident. Howard and his then wife, me and my then wife. We bonded instantly and became close friends.

It was a cold January day. Sun shining. Winter in the Keys. Long pants, etc. I was down. Sort of depressed. Did not know why. Howard happened to call. He sensed it. He said…..Hey man, come on  up and you and I will go out on the boat. I said we’ll freeze. He said dress for it.

I did. Pajama bottoms covered by long pants. Shirt, sweat shirt and heavy up north type winter jacket. A hat and gloves.

It was cold out on the water. I froze my ass off in spite of the clothing.

Howard grounded the boat on Marvin Key. Howard handed me two plastic chairs. He carried a half gallon of Beefeaters and some glasses. He walked me to a line of trees. Within five minutes, both of us were stripped to the chest. The trees broke the cold wind. The sun reflected on us from the sand.

We sat for hours. Sipping. Chatting. Sitting quietly. Snoozing a bit.

Cell phones were not terrific back then. Reception always questionable. On Marvin Key, I would have expected no one could reach me. I received a call. Surprisingly.

The call was from my office in Utica. The purpose was to inform me that we had just settled a particular case for $2 million. Our fee $600,000 plus.

I felt better. Instantly. It was either a combination of the place and call. Or, the call itself.

Howard said it was time to eat. We walked back to the boat. Howard cooked tuna steaks and vegetables on a grill on the back of his boat. We sat on the plastic chairs in the water as we ate.

Howard knew how to live! He still does today. He loves being a musician, singer, and song writer. His new life. Better than the three button suit.

Why Howard and Cindy today? I ran into the two of them at Roostica last night. We rarely see each other these days. He works constantly. We chatted a while. He and Cindy wonderful people.

I spent most of yesterday completing my research and then writing this week’s KONK Life column. One of the best I have done. Involves Social Security and how we are being screwed by the government. The article is titled The Looting of Social Security. Read it if you can. It publishes wednesday. A guaranteed eye opener.

Enjoy your day!