KEY WEST OVER PEOPLED

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This morning’s Citizens’ Voice printed an interesting comment re the number of people presently in Key West. The thrust being too many. Basically, the writer commented….. how many people can fit in Key West?…..the island is too crowded…..traffic a mess.

Quite frankly, I have had the same thoughts several times since the first of the year. Long traffic lines at lights, cars moving at a snail’s pace, tourists walking every which way when crossing a street, bicyclists driving every which way. Where are we going to put all these people if the upward trend continues?

The thought occurred that maybe no cars in Key West might help. Have parking lots on US 1. Figure out how to get everyone into Key West. Also, close down Duval and make it a walking thoroughfare with outside tables, etc.

Neither of my solutions bears merit nor would either fly. Never the less, something has to be done. Otherwise, we will not have to wait for higher water levels to bury Key West. The sheer weight of people on the Island will do it!

One solution that would help is to build more parking garages in convenient places, The City Commission thinks and builds everything. Rarely taking parking into consideration. Parking has become a horrendous problem, especially since the new parking regulation which only permits permitted Key West residents to park on the streets.

Stopped by Pier 1 yesterday to pick up the two lamps I bought the other day. They had to be ordered. I found the staff at Pier 1 very congenial and helpful.

Spent a good amount of time at the Chart Room last night.

Met Mary Jo and Greg. They are from someplace in Indiana. Snowbirds. Though Mary Jo considers herself half a Conch. They bought a home on Eagle Street four years ago and spend six months a year here.

Mary Jo was a cardiac operating nurse in her other life. Now retired. Her job was to travel where ever to pick up hearts and lungs for transplants. Then rush back to the operating room. A heavy responsibility.

Greg still works. A police officer, he is Chief of Detectives. He and I talked long about police issues facing us today. It was interesting to hear from the other side. There is a reason for everything.

David joined us. Then lovely Charlotte. Charlotte from North Carolina. She visits Key West about six times a year. She works for United Health Care. I am always on her re the screwed up drug program they provide.  To no avail, of course. Charlotte is also a marathon runner. All over the country.

David, Charlotte and I went to dinner together afterwards at Hot Tin Roof. A good time!

My weight is stalemated again. At 31-32 pounds. Spoke to a doctor friend about it. I was told my body is in starvation mode. It stores everything I eat. Admittedly, I eat little. To get the metabolism working properly again, I have to increase my physical activity. Should be easy. Means starting at zero. I have gotten lazy in my old age. Also, I should increase my caloric intake a bit.

We shall see.

Syracuse/Pitt at 4. Pitt a 3 point favorite. I will probably watch the game from home. I have Sloan in earlier and Keith and Jennifer at some point.

Enjoy your day!

WAIT IN LINE TO HAVE SEX

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Venezuela in the news again. The country that ran out of toilet paper two years ago. Then it ran out of milk, shampoo, soap, and who knows what else.

It was reported yesterday that Venezuela has run out of condoms. Almost as bad as running out of toilet paper!

Actually, quite serious. Venezuela is in the midst of an HIV epidemic. Most had gone to condom use. The supply is gone. For some reason, President Maduro cannot figure out a way to replenish the condoms.

Assuming some can be found, the cost of a 35 condom pack is $755. Almost $21 per. $755 is close to Venezuela’s average monthly salary. A whole month’s salary to continue enjoying sex!

The wait in line comment refers to the long lines the Venezuelan people stand in to buy anything. Generally, a mile long. Twenty abreast. Then when they enter the store, there is no food or supplies on the shelves.

I am a Civil War buff. Wrote two term papers while in college concerning various aspects of the war. Key West’s Fort Zachary Taylor is having a Civil War era reenactment. Starts today. Runs through sunday. Should be interesting. Soldiers from both sides running around in uniforms, canons roaring.

Screwy weather the past 36 hours. It rained all day yesterday. At night, a howling wind. From the northeast. At least 20 mph. I could hear it all night. Whistling through the trees, banging on my windows.

This morning the sun is shining. Not one cloud in the sky. Everything bright and shiny. The wind still with us, however. Bending the palm trees.

I stepped out on the deck to look things over. The wind was so strong during the night that my deck chairs blew all over. One was resting in the pool.

Got cold during the night! Temperature dropped to 61 degrees. It was the kind of night I wished I had a warm body next to me. At 7 this morning, the temperature was 63 degrees.

The high today is projected at 72. Cold for Key Westers. Warm to visitors.

Cheryl, where ever you are in central Florida, your derriere has to be cold cold!

I spent a good portion of yesterday afternoon researching next week’s KONK Life column. I have decided to write about the National Football League’s tax exempt status. $9.5 billion annual earnings. No taxes paid.

I plan on writing the column this morning.

Enjoy your day.

 

SICK!

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What word best describes what occurred yesterday to the Jordanian pilot? Sick? Perverse? Horrific? Gruesome? Disgusting? Probably all.

I watched the video last night. It appears I have lived a sheltered life. Never have I seen such horror! Burning a man alive! His screams could be heard. At one point, the skin falling from his face could be seen.

ISIS are not only a bad people, they are crazy! They are vermin that must be sought out and destroyed. No matter how difficult the task.

I admire Jordan’s swift retaliation. Two ISIS prisoners hung at dawn. The way to do it. No time wasted. Let the bad guys know there is a price to pay.

I was impressed with the speed of the Jordanian retaliation. If it were the United States, we would still be talking how, when, etc.

Exercise was on tap yesterday. I walked Duval from one end to the other. Started at the Pier House and walked to the Atlantic. Then back.

My blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. The topics eye opening and exciting.

Based on post show comments, the one garnering the most interest was Venezuela’s Maduro claiming that Joe Biden was planning a bloody coup against Maduro’s government. Maduro was so upset that he was going to tell Obama about it, who he felt had not been made aware of Biden’s plans.

The guy is a nut case!

I missed the first 12 minutes of the Syracuse/Virginia Tech game because of the show. What I saw was interesting. About three quarters through the second half, Syracuse was losing. Syracuse was behind 13 points with 6 minutes to go. Syracuse won 72-70.

Syracuse’s defense was outstanding in the final four minutes. Six times Syracuse trapped the ball. Those defensive plays were exciting!

Then followed with the winning shot with one second to go!

The last four minutes classic basketball!

A statement on the internet caught my attention yesterday. I do not recall specifically where I found it. Perhaps, Facebook.

The statement…..Only in America do we accept predictions from a rodent but deny climate change evidence from scientists.

The rodent referred to was a groundhog. Groundhog Day was this past week.

Jimmy Buffett is returning to Key West for a one night show. He is doing a free concert for 200 at the San Carlos on April 1. The whole world will want to attend. Tickets will be made available free via a lottery.

My column in this week’s KONK Life is Greece In The Driver’s Seat. It publishes today. Read it, if you have a chance. The column will be available via my Facebook page keywestlou.com starting tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!

 

SUPER BOWL

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Big day in America! Super Bowl!

In my other life, I attended many. Not that I was a sport fanatic. I enjoyed the partying. Since moving to Key West, I have become lazy. I dislike leaving the island for anything. As for partying, every night is party night in Key West.

Three choices as to where I will watch the game. Don’s Place. Will be fun. Tavern ‘n Town. All TVs will have the game with audio. The audio is important. My bedroom in my new recliner chair. This third option may be the one. I can pour myself a drink and lean back.

I did my Saturday night usual. Dinner at the bar at Tavern ‘n Town. Good food and Bobby Nesbitt. An excellent combination.

Saw my heart man Dr. McIvor. Stress test ok. Pain back in my chest returned. Don’t worry, don’t know I was told. It hurts, however.

I have been tired this past week. Extremely. Physically and mentally. Turned out my meds for blood pressure had to be reduced because of my weight loss. I have been off them for 24 hours and feel great this morning. Half doses from now on.

Doctor’s scale said 34 pounds lost. It may be off a bit. Thought I was at 32. Either number makes me happy.

Key West has a new live theater. The Key West Theater. On Eaton Street, just one block off Duval. Beer and wine available during the show.

Key West has several live theaters. All doing well. Truly an artsy community.

I love the way my bedroom is coming! I have been redecorating it. I put the new lamp on the corner of my desk. A tan shade covering a colorful oriental vase. The lamp sits between a painting of my mother and a Henry Moore print. Magnificent!

An interesting item in the Key West Citizen’s History section this morning.

On this day in 1935, Ernest Hemingway was fishing with the editor of Scribner’s and the editor of Rod and Reel. On Hemingway’s boat. All three caught a sailfish.

I am sure they headed for Sloppy Joe’s afterward. Not the one we know today. The original on Green Street. Now Captain Tony’s. Sloppy Joe’s did not move to Duval till 1937.

A letter to the editor caught my attention. There are a small number of do gooders and holier than thous who want to correct what they consider not so healthy nudity at Fantasy Fest. My Bible recollection is God created Adam and Eve without clothes. If it was good enough for the Lord, it should be good enough for Key West. Though most wear some clothing during the festival.

Blasphemous I am not trying to be.

I dislike people who seek to impose their beliefs on others.

Here it is Sunday and I have not written my KONK Life column yet. Had neither the desire nor energy during the week. I attribute it to my meds.

Today is the day. One of two topics. I have not decided which.

One about the Greek election and what I see coming down the road this year. Greece could initiate a world wide depression or be the place where World War III begins. Or, both.

The other is about Japan’s loss of libido. The young people of Japan have lost their sex drives. For real. As a result, Japan’s population numbers are decreasing dangerously. The reasons why sex drives have been put on the shelf would be the substance of the article.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

GUANTANAMO BACKGROUND

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I mentioned yesterday that Raul Castro wants Guantanamo back. Otherwise, there cannot be successful reconciliation talks. Someone wrote me and commented that Cuba has not cashed U.S. rent checks for a log time. I did some checking.

The story.

A lease was entered into between the U.S. and Cuba in 1901.The U.S. leased a 45 square mile area on Guantanamo Bay. It was “to be used for a coaling station.”  A place to refuel Navy vessels. The U.S. was given complete jurisdiction and control over the area per the Cuban Constitution. The U.S. Senate tacked on the Platt amendment in approving the agreement. The Platt amendment gave the U.S. the right to maintain a military base on the island.

Fidel Castro came to power. He wanted Guantanamo back. For 55 years, the U.S.  government has sent a check each month for $4,085 to Cuba as the rental payment per the agreement. Castro has refused to cash the checks. Castro and Cuba refuses to recognize the legitimacy of the 1901 lease.

I have taken the time to set forth the background information I discovered because of Raul Castro’s position yesterday that Guantanamo was to be returned to Cuba as a condition of any reconciliation.

The Charles Eimer’s wrongful death case has been settled. For $900,000. A good result for both sides in view of the questions involved. Darren Horan did a top notch job as attorney for the Eimer’s family in obtaining the settlement. He never gave up.

I learned the City only carries $1 million in liability coverage. Stupid! How can a city such as Key West have so little? The City is pinching pennies where big dollars can be involved. Key West wastes money on over priced construction projects, because of poor judgment, etc. At the very least, the City should carry an excess policy for $5 million. Otherwise, taxpayers continue to be at risk. An excess policy is relatively cheap.

On my tuesday blog talk radio show, I mentioned rising sea levels and the danger to islands. Especially here in the Florida keys. It is anticipated islands will be encroached upon. Some may disappear. This morning’s Key West Citizen coincidently carried an article re the topic.

Key West is the third ranked city nationally with population vulnerability because of anticipated rises in sea level. The sea level has risen in the keys 9 inches in 100 years. The article mentioned that experts expect the level to rise 3-7 inches by 2030. Then, 9-24 inches by 2060.

Interesting. The problem is many do not believe such will occur.

Busy morning yesterday. A haircut with Lori. I was there 1/2 hour early for my appointment. The problem is parking under the new rules. I left early in case I had a long walk from the car to Lori’s. I lucked out and found a spot a half block away.

Then to Tammy’s for a manicure. Parking a problem again. The shopping mall’s lot full. I had to park on the street in front of Bank of America.

Key West has a distinct problem. Too many cars and too few parking places. Too many cars also for the number of streets in Key West. The problem easy to recognize. The solution not.

I end on a happy note. About a week ago, I advised I was stalemated on my diet. Had been stuck at 27 pounds for two weeks. The problem corrected itself. I lost 3 more pounds this week. The total, 30 pounds in 11 weeks. What a good boy am I!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

PORN FOOD

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What a title!

I was sitting at the round table in the Chart Room last night with some old friends and some new. Alicia was the culprit. I had met her once before. She is Sheila’s friend. Also at the table were Alicia’s husband Trevor and a North Carolinian Mark. Both new to me. Plus, the eternal David.

Alicia asked if I wanted to see some porn food. I squeamishly asked what it was. After some joking around the table, I was shown cell phone pictures of porn food.

Turns out Alicia is a gourmet cook. Loves to cook! The pictures were of various dishes she had prepared. Alicia described how most of the dishes were put together. Interesting. Mouth watering.

I commented man has two great drives. His mouth and his genitals. Ergo,  it made sense to describe food from a sexual perspective.

Mark works part time as a Washington, DC  public relations consultant. I enjoyed chatting with him.

Alicia and Trevor are returning to Key West in March. It was agreed a cook out would be held at Sheila’s apartment at that time. Sheila is a fabulous cook, also. I hope they remember to invite me.

As expected, Don and Chris arrived. My Syracuse friends. They got up at 3;30 yesterday morning to catch a 6 am plane. They live outside Syracuse. When they left the house at 4:30, it was minus 10 degrees.

Don and Chris are here for a week. I will see them frequently. We have become good friends over the years.

Tonight is Syracuse basketball! Playing Florida State at 8. Don, Chris and I will be watching the game at Don’s Place.

Which brings me to Dan and Lisa. You have been hiding! I understand you have been in town a week. For shame, we did not get together. Join us at Don’s Place for the game.

Dan and Lisa are from Skaneateles, a town outside Syracuse. They own a restaurant. They will be here for two months.

The game is at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. The poor Florida State players are going to get a taste of real COLD!

Syracuse is favored by 12 points. I have no comment. I do not know anymore.

I am impressed with the march that is to take place in Paris today. The French people are standing up to the terrorists. What is most impressive is the number in the march is estimated at 1 million. Another impressive factor is that the heads of many nations are joining the march. Forty four. Leaders such as Germany’s Merkel, Britain’s Cameron, Italy’s Renzi, and Israel’s Netanyahu.

I hope nothing happens during the parade.

Enjoy your Sunday!

NEW MOTELS

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The next 3-4 months will see the completion of the new motels being constructed on the Boulevard across the street from the Marriott Beachside. From construction completed thus far, they are beautiful to behold.

I believe the new motels will create a new business dynamic for Key West. A new play area for tourists and locals alike. Due to the new Boulevard construction, there is a sidewalk running along the front of the motels. People will be able to go from one to the other with no problem.

Each motel will probably have a restaurant and bar. One or two will become unusually popular.

Parking becomes another attraction. Key West City fathers have parking completely screwed up. There will be no parking problem at the motels.

I wrote next week’s KONK Life column yesterday. Black Panthers Return. An eye opener. They are back. This time however considered to be on the right. They have come alive in Dallas. The resurgence caused by Ferguson. It was the last straw.

This week’s KONK column is available for reading on today’s KONK Life E-Blast News. Rank Insubordination. Re the New York City police and Mayor de Blasio situation. Interesting factual reading. Definitely opinionated.

Decided on Kelley’s last night. A good crowd. Sat at the outside bar and enjoyed. Chatted with various tourists. All happy with Key West!

Every now and then I feel compelled to write about Harry Truman. My hero! One of the best Presidents ever!

While President, Truman made 11 trips to Key West totaling 175 days. He loved Key West. He worked yet found time for enjoyable leisure activities. He relaxed, walked, swam, fished, played cards, and slept. I suspect had Hemingway been in Key West at the same time, they would have been great friends. Can you envision Truman and Hemingway seated at the corner of Sloppy Joe’s bar?

Truman stayed on the US Navy base at what has come to be known as The Little White House. The Little White House was built in 1890. A two family dwelling, it housed the commandant and paymaster. In 1911, the building was converted to a one family. Historically in preparation for Truman, though no one knew it at the time.

This morning’s Key West Citizen carries a picture of Tennessee Williams standing with his dog on the front porch of his home on Duncan Street. The home is as well kept today as it appears in the photo. A credit to owners who came after Williams. Shows respect not only for the house, but also for its historical significance.

Facebook this morning has a photo of Bob and Helen Marks taken on their wedding day in a Lutheran Church in Portland, Maine. I am in it! First person on the left. Thirty four years ago. I was best man. I had hair, was thin and, if i may say so, looked good. What a shocker!

Though I have congratulated Bob and Helen a couple of times this week already, congrats once again to two wonderful people!

Don and Chris are back! Don probably from somewhere in the Far East. He spends 80 percent of the year doing business in Asia. The two are die hard Syracuse fans. Syracuse basketball will predominate the conversation.

Don and Chris, I will be at the Chart Room tonight at 6 looking for you. If Dan is in town and you know how to reach him, have him join us.

Enjoy your day!