YESTERDAY’S RECOLLECTIONS

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Two of my dearest and long time friends were Jim and Sara Van Sickle. Some 20 plus years. Jim and Sara owned a small motel in New Hartford, NY, when first we met.

I remember them lucking out with the motel. A huge shopping center was to be built. The motel sat right in the middle of one of the two entrances to the shopping center. Later on, they operated a small neighborhood grocery store.

Solid people.

Both now gone.

Last night, I met their son Ron and his wife Betty. Strange as it may sound, I did not recall Ron. As soon as I saw him, I knew he could be no one else but Jim’s son. A dead ringer for his dad.

The three of us sat and chatted at the round table in the Chart Room. Much of the Van Sickle family came to mind. Ron’s sister Joyce who I knew. She and I are now FB friends. Her husband Bill, who I also knew. Lisa. Not my Lisa. Their Lisa. Knew her through her college and early teaching years. Lisa was Jim and Sara’s granddaughter.

I especially miss Jim. We had a strong bond. We were always there for each other. At the very least, communicated with each other by phone daily.

Jim and Sara…..One of the special relationships in my life.

While we were chatting, in came Sheila and Charlotte. Two lovely ladies. Charlotte spending the weekend with Sheila. Charlotte is here to run the marathon.

Ran into Dave in the Pier House parking lot. He was nearing the end of his friday night bar crawl.

I ended up having dinner at SQ 1. At the bar.

A special article ran this past week in KONK Life re SQ 1. Pictures of some of their special dishes featured. One was Shanghai spicy calamari. It looked so good, I had to try it.

The photo did not lie. Outstanding taste! A bit spicy, but good.

Nodded a hello to Mandy as I entered. Never saw her the rest of the evening. David bartending.

A fellow sat near me. Was eyeing my calamari. Asked if it was good. Absolutely! He ordered it.

His name T.J. Federer. From Louisville. Works for Humana.

His last visit to Key West 25 years ago.

We talked of many things. Horses, obviously. We hit it off. I stayed a bit longer enjoying the conversation with him.

There was a third gentleman near us. He joined the conversation near the end. Turned out he is Mandy’s husband. Mandy, the manager of SQ 1.

My morning yesterday was the anti-gravity tread mill. I am feeling that fourth day recently added on. The fourth day makes it three days in a row. I will adjust in due course. And then go to five days a week! Probably around Thanksgiving.

Rushed to do my portion of the KONK News Hour on 104.9. I get 10 whole minutes to discuss my weekly column with Guy. No radio show. Mechanical problems.

Fantasy Fest two weeks away. Crazy time! Begins with Goombay October 23.

Congressman Paul Ryan is in the news. I hope he does not succumb and take the Speaker’s post. The man is quality. Presidential timber. Although a conservative Republican, I like him. The Speaker’s job could make him enough enemies that someday down the road he would not be able to get the Republican endorsement.

Syracuse football today! Syracuse and Southern Florida. Three thirty. I am assuming I will be able to get the game on television. Hope so.

Syracuse a 2.5 point underdog. Why, I do not know. Syracuse is 3-1 and Southern Florida 1-3.

Enjoy your day!

 

THE WORLD IS UPSIDE DOWN

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Two years ago, I published my first book. The World Upside Down. If I thought things were screwed up then, they are worse now. The world IS upside down.

The past two days a perfect example.

The U.S. House of Representatives. Congress in chaos, turmoil. Congress not working.

Major powers screwing up.

It was reported yesterday that Russia was firing missiles from a vessel at Syria. Four of the missiles landed in Iran. Russia’s friend. Russia denies such occurred. Claims it is part of psychological warfare on the part of the United States.

If the missile event did occur, it fits into my representation that the world is upside down. If it did not occur and the U.S. made it up, it likewise fits.

I forgot to mention yesterday an experience at Don’s Place wednesday evening. When I walked in, several mentioned congratulations. I heard the word lottery mentioned. I paid no attention.

After chatting with Don and David a while, John and Jimmy congratulated me on winning the lottery. I should be so lucky! All of us should be so lucky!

Jimmy told me the word was I won $10,000 on a lottery scratch off card. Not so.

I knew a local businessman back home who won $1 million in the lottery. One year later, he won another $1 million.

He died six months after his second winning.

Yesterday so so and easy. The anti-gravity treadmill in the morning. Spent the afternoon researching. I have not yet decided what next week’s KONK Life column will be.

Last night, bocce. We won 2 out of 3 games. Trounced in the game we lost.

Our record now 17-4. Someone said last night left us tied for second place. First place had only two defeats.

It’s amazing! In any other season, a win of 2 out of 3 games was considered a win. Not this season. We want to win 3 out of 3 all the time. The only way we can maintain our position. We are in a place we have never been before.

I am on the radio just past noon today. 12:10. 104.9. KONK News Hour. Guy deBoer will be discussing with me this week’s column. The Doctors Killed The President.

Only 10 minutes. If possible, listen in.

Enjoy your day!

AVERAGE AMERICAN EARNINGS SUCK

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The average American earns less today than 40 years ago. We need to be reminded of this occasionally. We get used to things. We accept what is.

Everything we buy has become more expensive over time. Gas, food, housing, clothing, college educations, etc. More money needs to be earned each year to maintain existing standards of living. Raises that are not stagnant. Raises that keep up with inflation.

Whatever way you look at it, the existing situation a pay cut for most.

Workers are making more than 40, 30, 20, 10 years ago. Inflation has wiped out the increases.

Workers do not share in gains made over the 40 years. Only the very wealthy. A small group. The 1 percent/99 percent thing.

I mentioned yesterday that Key West food sales might be down. Today another thing that is obvious. At least to me. Key West is quiet this week. Unusually so.

There was a time when the summer and early fall were dead ass. Over the years, it changed. People now generally visit Key West all year long. I cannot recall in recent years the town being so quiet the first week of October.

Yesterday was screw off day for me. I started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Then treated myself to a manicure and pedicure at Lee Nails. Love Tammy! Rested in the afternoon. Napped a bit.

Don’s Place first last night. Spent time chatting with Don, David, Keith, John and Jimmy. Bocce the #1 topic. Dinner at the bar at Outback. Ran into Frankie and Sandy and their grandson. Sandy a member of the bocce team that beat us one game last week.

Frankie and Sandy’s backyard sets against Lisa’s. Their grandson has been playing with Robert and Ally for years, even though a couple of years older.

The young man had just come from the high school javeee football game. He plays center. The team had won and he was excited. Frankie and Sandy were, also. Proud of their grandson a better way to say it.

This week’s KONK Life column The Doctors Killed The President was linked this morning with my Key West Lou website. keywestlou.com.

Syracuse football again this saturday. The team drew a bye last saturday. Syracuse now 3-1. Play South Florida saturday. Syracuse a 2 1/2 point underdog.

Enjoy the day!

 

 

 

WEATHER CHANGING

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It was a tough summer weather wise. Humidity the culprit. Perspiration big time.

The weather is changing. Getting cooler. Means still warm. However, the humidity level diminishing. Temperature has dropped from low 90s to mid 80s by day. High 70s in the evening. Another month and we will not esquire air conditioning nights.

Spent some time yesterday afternoon fine tuning last night’s blog talk radio show. I opened with Ben Bernanke’s new book. The Courage To Act. Bernanke was Chairman of the Federal Reserve 2006-2014.

Bernanke makes mention of  something few prominent people have expressed. Especially some one was part of the banking world. He says that the financial and banking execs should have gone to jail. To jail because of their conduct leading up to and causing the 2008 recession.

His position is that fining companies does not make sense. Companies, Wall Street, banks, corporations…..are merely abstract firms. Entities. The illegalities were committed by individuals. People. CEOs and other hierarchy.

Dinner at Roostica before the show. A few words with Bobby Mongelli re the weather.

My KONK Life column this week is The Doctors Killed the President. The story of President James Garfield’s death. KONK Life hits the stands today.

Corruption exists at the highest levels. Not just in the United States. Everywhere.

John Ashe was President of the United Nations General Assembly 2013-2014. My recollection is he was U.N. representative for one or two Caribbean islands.

Ashe was criminally charged yesterday for taking $1.3 million in bribes from Chinese businessmen while he was U.N. President.

Is anyone to be trusted?

The saying is…..Thank God it’s friday! For me, it is…..Thank God it’s wednesday. My writing schedule makes friday through tuesday evening heavy research and writing days. Some call wednesday hump day. I refer to it as screw off time.

Enjoy your day!

THE JAZZ SINGER

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How many movies have you watched over the course of your lifetime? How much pleasure have you derived because of motion pictures?

Today is significant in the history of the movies. On this day in 1927, The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson made its debut. A talking movie! Revolutionary!.

Many thought talking movies would not last. How wrong they were. History was made that day.

Yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I keep upping the speed. A little at a time. Yesterday left me tired.

Drove to Cuban Queen for coffee and the newspapers.

Then home to work on tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Great topics! Lots happening.

I will be discussing the recent New York Daily News article suggesting the government list the NRA as a terrorist organization, 16 Eurounion nations opting out of GMOs, Russian Navy on the way to Syria, Saudi Arabia hiring significantly more Washington lobbying and public relation firms, Denmark and sex, plus more.

Show time 9. Length one half hour. Fast moving. Enjoyable. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Tavern ‘n Town last night.

The place more and more becoming a locals hangout. Especially the bar. Last night, I ran into Charlie, Stevie, and Eduardo. Also Valerie from Vinos and Susie from Estate Sales.

I mentioned yesterday I thought Key West restaurant business was down re food sales. Comments received interesting. Everyone thought I was correct. Hotels and alcohol expensive. Choices have to be made. People are cutting back on food.

South Carolina rain scary. Up to two feet in some areas. The rain storm has been referred to as the 1,000 year storm.

Global warming?

Sex. A wonderful thing! Nothing better!

Not always available.

A new solution? I ask with a question mark.

Robots. A company has invented a humanoid machine. The humanoid machine is designed to understand feelings and emotions. Some think it has sexual possibilities. The manufacturer says no. With tongue in cheek? Time will tell.

Cost of a humanoid $2,000.

Today is local election day for the City of Key West. Three city commission and three utility board seats on the ballot.

Key West has early voting. The early voting numbers down roughly 50 percent from 2013. Only 529 as opposed to a little over 1,000 two years ago.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

CROCODILE GONE?????

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

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

My suspicion, another crocodile.

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

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

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

A court appearance is scheduled for early December.

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

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

I could be wrong.

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

 

 

NATIONAL NO BRA DAY

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We have a day for everything. Why not a no bra day!

A National No Bra Day has been held for several years now. The day this year is October 13, 2015.

The ladies supporting the event cry out…..Celebrate without restraint! Others…..Ladies, unleash your boobies from the booby zoo!

Men are asked to support the day/cause by wearing something purple.

I have no comment. Other than if women want to go braless, their choice. I do not understand why a special day is required to encourage the activity. It is another commando choice situation. A personal one.

The sun shines bright in Key West. Generally, warm. Perfect weather for not getting sick. It happens, however. Yesterday I got hit with a stomach bug. Kept me in all day. I am fine this morning.

In between feeling lousy, I researched this week’s KONK Life column. Ironically, about doctors. Titled: The Doctors Killed The President. President James Garfield’s medical attention from the day he was shot till almost two months later when he died. Not the best of care.

I will write the column this afternoon.

I had a couple of misstatements in yesterday’s blog. Sometimes when it is late at night and after a couple of drinks, my retention is not always accurate.

Tiffany wrote. We had been discussing La Trattoria. I had Erin leaving three years ago. Incorrect. It was Kathy. Kathy passed on. It is true however that Erin is no longer at La Trattoria. Tiffany advises Erin is now at Smokin’ Tuna and The Little Jazz Room.

Bocce rankings in the paper today. We are in second place alone. Two games out of first. Only one team in first place.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

BROADWAY 3 WAYS OUTSTANDING!

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Mark Watson’s fund raiser for Fantasy Fest King/AIDS Help at Aqua last night outstanding! Without question. Seven years since Broadway 3 Years has been presented. The stars returned. Mark Watson, Bobby Nesbitt, Bruce Moore and Chris Thompson.

There was neither a seat nor standing space available. Everyone turned out. Everyone had a terrific time.

I enjoyed the show immensely.

Saw Mary again. Second time in two weeks. Mary was working the door at Aqua. Mary worked for me some 15 years ago taking care of my Key West home. A talented woman.

Decided to eat at La Trattoria after the show. Walked down Duval. La Trattoria closed. Decided on La Trattoria on the Ocean where I had been last week. The egg plant drawing me back.

Glad I went to the ocean side La Trattoria. Tiffany bartending.

Tiffany a friend from days gone by. Had not seen her in at least 5 years. When we first met, she was the bartender at Antonia’s. Left. Then returned as a waitress.

I last saw Tiffany at Antonia’s. We were happy to see each other last night.

Tiffany has a winning personality. She updated me on her personal life and other things. Now married. Has gone from 2 dogs to 3. Works La Trattoria on Duval. Duval La Trattoria closed till November 7. Kitchen being remodeled. She was filling in at the ocean side La Trattoria last night.

Tiffany bartending at La Trattoria Duval. Erin gone about 3 years.

I enjoyed the egg plant and Tiffany.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. First thursday. I am now up to 4 times a week. Working towards 5.

Three consecutive days a bit tiring. I will become accustomed.

Did my 10 minute bit on the KONK News Hour yesterday. 104.9 radio. Guy deBoer interviewing me re my KONK Life column this week concerning Pope Francis.

I learned yesterday that Conch Color has published its last issue this week. Described as a hiatus. So there is hope for its return.

Conch Life was Tom Oosterhoudt’s brain child. A paper full of photos of Key West events and people. Highly successful. Illness the reason for the temporary close down.

Tom has a bad back. Very bad. I have never met anyone with the problems he has had with his back. His mother Mary Ann Worth is getting on in years. Neither available to work the paper at this time.

Tom, get better quickly and back to of one Key West’s prizes, Conch Color.

Judge Peary Fowler has been a sitting judge for years. Quiet and unassuming. Rarely mentioned in the papers. Yesterday she became newsworthy big time!

She held a defendant in $13 million bail. Big! Unusual!

The defendant an alleged sex abuser. The victim  a girl, 6-13 years old when the acts were purportedly committed.

Justice!

One of the finest people I have been privileged to meet in Key West is Nancy Robinson. Nancy passed on recently. At 91.

Nancy can only be described as a class act. She was always out and about town till her recent illness. Loved by all.

Mother of 4, I only knew/know her daughter Martha. Martha a class act in her own right. She cared for her mother in the years before and at the time of her death. Care first class and without reservation. Sadly, few children assume the responsibility in today’s society.

No Syracuse football today. A bye week.

Enjoy your day!

BROADWAY 3 WAYS REUNION

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One of the best shows ever produced in Key West was Broadway 3 Ways. It ran for several years at La Te Da. Fun! Enjoyable! Worth the admission price.

Mark Watson is running for Fantasy Fest King. My candidate! A fundraiser is being held tonight at Aqua. From 6 to 8:30. Members of the La Te Da show are returning to help Mark. The Broadway 3 Ways Show tonight at Aqua. A $15 donation. Well worth the price of admission.

Mark was one of the stars of Broadway 3 Ways. Others stars appearing are Randy Thompson, Bruce Moore, and Bobby Nesbitt.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. My first thursday.

Then a haircut. Followed by an afternoon reading and napping. It’s a good life!

Last night, bocce.

We won 2 out of 3 games. Quite a while since we lost one. Our record now 15-3.

It hurt to lose. Any other time, 2 out of 3 would be a good night. However, this season we are near the top. Instead of fighting for a 4th or 5th position to make the playoffs, we are battling to come in 1st.

We won the first 2 games handily. The last was a long hard haul. We were losing 8-1. Then 14-6. Then, we rallied. Score was 14-14. We lost 16-14.

The team played well. We were not up to our usual ability, however.

I will be guesting on the KONK Life News Hour today. 12:10 to 12:20. Give a listen. I will be questioned regarding my KONK column this week re Pope Francis.

Enjoy your day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LISA!

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Happy birthday Lisa!

It is my baby’s birthday. The last born. A joy in my life.

The crocodile off Smathers Beach bothers me. Actually, scares me. I fear someone is going to be bit or worse. State wildlife authorities apparently do not share my concern.

Crocodiles are an endangered species. State officials should capture the beast and remove it from our waters. Key West Citizen photos show the croc floating along the beach shore.

State officials refer to the crocodile as a juvenile. Only three feet long. Looks a hell of a lot bigger in the pics. State officials tell us adult crocodiles are meat eaters. Juveniles, not. However, we are warned to keep our distance.

We are also told the croc will move on after several days. It has already been here several days!

Arrogance, laziness, and stupidity best describe the action of state officials in this matter.

This is my pick on government morning.

The Congressional subcommittee questioning Cecile Richards yesterday a disgrace. The Republican members. A kangaroo court. Richards the President of Planned Parenthood.

I was ashamed of my government for its conduct.

I am against what planned Parenthood has done re the sale of fetal tissue and body parts. For profit, I suspect. Never the less, Richards was entitled to respect. Not being bullied.

Somewhere along the line Congress has forgotten what governing was meant to be, how to govern.

I spoke concerning the subcommittee’s conduct on my blog talk radio show last night.

Yes, I am on a soap box this morning!

George Will’s turn.

His column regarding Pope Francis is carried in this morning’s Key West Citizen. Disgraceful! He wrote extremely disparagingly about Pope Francis. I have never read anything by him assaulting Putin or Assad in a similar fashion.

Why is the Republican right/conservative element so fearful of this 78 year old man of God? He speaks the truth.

Is it because he speaks for the 99 percent and not the 1 percent?

Trump’s tax plan. If it does not scuttle his candidacy, I don’t know what will.

I have an early airport run shortly. I have happily become the neighborhood taxi service.

Enjoy your day!