THE BEST TEAM WON

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The NBA Finals were exciting. As expected. It went six games. The Warriors won last night. They are the champions having won 4 games to 2. The Warriors were the best team on  the floor last night.

The Cavs went far with an injury ridden team. Two players did not even suit up for the series because of injuries. The Cavs played only 8 men. Lebron James was required and tried to carry the Cavs on his back. Even Lebron James has so much to give. He kept up the fight. However, it was easy to see his ass was dragging.

There is always next year.

I got to watch the last three quarters. Missed the first quarter. I was doing my blog talk radio show.

I spent a part of yesterday fine tuning the show. Thought the show went well. Covered five interesting topics. No critical e-mails as yet this morning.

Yesterday was difficult. Had a heart CAT scan in the morning. No big deal. Part of my annual heart check up. I see my heart doctor today to receive the report re the various tests I have been taking since thursday.

The reason yesterday was difficult was because I have an allergy to intravenous dye. Ergo, I am loaded up with benadryl. The night before and the morning before By the time of the test, I was a walking zombie.

The sleepy feeling stayed with me all day and into the late night. The show was difficult to do. I was worried I would go blank at some point. Perhaps the fear kept me awake. I fell asleep several times watching the Cavs/Warrior game.

Mosquito season is upon us. It gets worse the next several months. Fortunately, we have a Mosquito Control Board. The planes will be spraying shortly. The Mosquito Board has acquired two drones to discover mosquito beds in hard to get at places. We are at the cutting edge!

An interesting tid bit in this morning’s Key West Citizen History Section. The Panama Hotel opened in 1914 at the corner of Elizabeth and Eaton Streets. Rooms were $1, $1.50 and $2. Including running water in the rooms!

I wonder if each room had indoor plumbing. Or was it one toilet per floor? Or still the outhouse?

Whatever, we have come a long way.

This Rachel Dolezal thing has me confused. A white woman living as a black one. She wanted to. The only instances where I have seen color change attempted has been with a handful of blacks who passed themselves off as white. Rachel is the reverse.

Donald Trump announced yesterday! He seeks the Republican nomination for President. He immediately changes the tone of the Republican race. He will bring humor to the group running, who are otherwise boring.

Though Trump may have made billions, I think he is off his rocker a bit. I do not see him having any chance at success. Again however, he will trip up his competitors with his comments. A fun time ahead.

This week’s KONK Life hits the stands at 5:00 o’clock today. My column this week is The Petticoat Affair. A step back in history. A little Andrew Jackson, some Martin Van Buren, Washington ladies, and Margaret “Peggy” O’Neil.

Peggy is the main character. Her sexual prowess controlled events. The article has some David and Bathsheba.

The column clearly reflects the dominance of women in marriage. The husbands danced to the tune played by their wives.

Read the column. You will find it interesting.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

HOUSEBOAT ROW

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I am late getting started this morning. Had to be at the hospital early. Heart CAT scan. Part of annual check up.

The Keys History Section  in this morning’s Key West Citizen made mention of houseboat row. A part of yesterday’s Key West. A series of houseboats were tied off South Roosevelt Boulevard. In the area now fronted by an expensive condo complex.

The boats were of all sizes and shapes. Young and old. Some tied in a line. Others, helter skelter. A beautiful sight! A slice of the real Key West.

The houseboats were parked illegally. The State told them to get out. It took more than 25 years before the State succeeded. Most of the houseboats moved to Garrison Bight.

I loved the houseboat scene! I was disappointed when they were finally forced to move. A real Key West site forever lost.

I like the condos. The pristine water view where the houseboats once stood. However, it is Naples to me. I did not move to Key West to live in a Naples environment. I wanted to live in Key West time as my friend Howard Livingston would say.

Watched Jeb Bush yesterday. His Presidential announcement great show. Well orchestrated. One of the best I can recall.

I do not think Jeb Jush has it to win. The Bush family argument does fly. His comments from another time. He is out of today’s loop.

Bush lacks charisma. A necessary ingredient in a national and TV campaign. John Kennedy would not have won without it. Bush does not have it.

Judy Blume still on the road. She is touring introducing her latest book In the Unlikely Event. She is presently on the west coast. Every where she speaks, she is well received. a respected woman. a woman with a talent.

We await Judy’s return to her Key West home.

I started yesterday on the anti-gravity treadmill. I took it slow because of my recent sciatica problems.

Drove over to the Cuban Coffee Queen afterwards for Cuban cheese toast and coffee. I parked behind the new fire station on Simonton.

Key West has crazy parking machines. One gets a ticket out of the machine which is then placed on the dashboard of the car. There are two machines in the parking lot. Next to each other.

Both were broke. A City employee was trying to fix them. Success was not coming easy.

I stood around five minutes so I could get a ticket. No ticket on the dashboard and I would get a ticket! The gentleman from the City saw me standing there. He asked how much time I needed. I told him 1.5 hours. He said, ok. Be back by 1:30. I am calling in so no tickets will be given out till 1:30.

I asked…..Are you sure? No problem he retorted.

When I returned at the specified time, he was still working on the machines. I gave him a thumbs up and smile. He returned the same with a wave and smile.

A nice guy.

Big basketball tonight! Cavs and Warriors. Cavs have to win. Otherwise, it is all over for them.

My blog talk radio show tonight, also. Nine my time. Join me for some interesting comment. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Topics tonight include getting drunk on the front steps of your home not public intoxication, another police assault involving a 13 year old boy, why big company and government computers are being hacked, banks involved with FIFA scandal being investigated for failing to report money laundering activities, some Jeb Bush, an Austrian brothel owner who is protesting high taxes on his business by offering free sex in the afternoons, a Greece update, and more.

Enjoy your day!

INSANITY

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Insanity continues to prevail in Key West. As regards the actions of the Key West City Commission.

I am beginning to think the City Commission considers itself omnipotent. That every issue is one for their consideration. No limits exist.

Every time the City Commission steps out of the box, time, energy and cost is wasted on an issue that is none of their business.

Road construction, trees, parking, contracts, the Police Department…..examples of what should be on their plate.

Not their most recent trip into never never land. I refer to the resolution that will be voted on regarding smoking in public places and parks. The resolution is scheduled for a vote tomorrow night.

As I understand the situation, the City Commission watched a movie regarding the dangers of second hand smoke. They were appalled. Decided a local law was required to prohibit smoking in public places and parks. Then found out they did not have the authority to do so. Smoking bans are the exclusive province of the State.

Not to be dismayed, the City Commission decided to pass a resolution instead. You can wipe your behind with a resolution. It has neither power nor effect.

The resolution asks the people of Key West to please not smoke in public places and parks…..to have consideration for others. Simultaneously, the City Commission is seeking a way to get the State to permit municipalities to rule on the issue. Not the State.

The City Commission is not elected to tell me or anyone else that smoking is prohibited in public places. It is a step too far as regards the smoking issue. Especially by a City Commission that assumes more power than it has.

Drums tonight! Not Drums Along the Mohawk as was written a few miles outside Utica. Near La Te Da Christopher’s home town also.

Tonight, it is Drums for Peace in Key West. At the corner of Truman and Duval. From 6-10. People can participate or listen. Whatever their pleasure. Drums will be provided.

I spent the better part of yesterday writing this week’s KONK Life column. It took a while for me to decide on a topic. I zeroed in on a political fray. As Tom Cruz stopped the government, so too did Washington ladies during Andrew Jackson’s Presidency. An interesting story. Shades of David and Bathsheba. Titled The Petticoat Affair.

KONK Life and the column hit the stands wednesday.

Michelle Obama is not going to the World’s Fair in Milan alone. Daughters Malia and Sasha are accompanying her. Together with grandmother Marian Robinson. The two day trip includes in addition to Milan, stops in London and Venice.

Michelle has responsibilities at each stop. Speaking in support of women’s education, health issues, and visiting American troops. A full plate for a 48 hour visit.

The Greece situation is reaching the boiling point. Perhaps one from which there is no turning back. Discussions sunday ended in 45 minutes. Nothing decided. Both sides adamant.

The unknown awaits. A European recession? A world wide one?

All interesting. Proving to the world that global activity is not necessarily in the best interests of those involved. The proposed Asian pact being another.

Today is the 800th anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta. No man above the law. Not even a king. The right to justice and a fair trial spelled out.

A freedom recognition document.

These freedoms are being trampled upon in the United States today. By Congressional decisions and Supreme Court opinions.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

MICHELLE OBAMA THRILLS MILANESE

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It was announced yesterday that Michelle Obama would be in Milan two days this week. She will be visiting the World’s Fair.

Before I was aware of the First Lady’s visit via the news, I received a series of e-mails from friends and blog readers in the Milan area. All thrilled that Michelle would be visiting. Appears she is extremely popular in the area.

Michelle is heading an American delegation. The message she hopes to convey is the need for a healthy world. The way to reach the goal wise eating.

The delegation is referred to as a Presidential Delegation. One of the group will be Alonzo Mourning. One of the truly great NBA basketball stars of years gone by.

I was fortunate in my other life to have attended many pro golf tournaments. Rare was the occasion when Alonzo Mourning was not there. He always followed players with the masses. Walked hole to hole. No special seating or attention for him. I admired his humility, his simplicity.

Last night was the big Bocce Party. The league party. Not to be confused with the one at Don’s Place last week. All 54 teams in attendance. Roughly 300 people.

A good time. Always a good time.

The event was held at the new Waterfront Restaurant. Not officially opened yet. Given a peek by our group last night. What a place! Huge! Three stories. Several bars. One long long.

The place is still under construction. In its final phase.

I am not sure what it is going to be. The size overwhelming. The cost of running the place equally overwhelming. I would hate to have to pay the rent cost alone.

The food was excellent. Catered by Mango’s.

Drinks cheap. Surprisingly so. A Beefeater and one Bud light beer $7. Better than Don’s prices! I doubt they will be able to keep the prices at that level when the place opens.

I wish the proprietors good luck! They have engaged in a major undertaking. Hopefully, a big hit in the making.

Met many friends. One was Nancy Weiner and her husband Bob. They have a home in Key West.

Nancy is a loyal blog follower. Thank you, Nancy. We talked of many things. An interesting lady. I hope I run into Nancy and her husband again.

Manicure yesterday with Tammy. Tammy cut her hair! A big deal. Asians generally wear their hair long. Tammy agreed that was the case. However, she wanted to try something new. Typical woman. Her hair now shoulder length.

She looked fantastic! She did with long hair, also. It is Tammy’s smile that makes her the beauty she is, regardless of her hair length.

I have to write this week’s KONK Life column today. I am in a quandary. I have not decided on a subject yet. Nothing considered so far thrilled me. I have two hours to decide the subject matter of the column.

I love Putin! The G7 ignored him. He was not invited. No big deal. He met with the Pope instead. Putin is an expert at one up manship.

It is thought he met with Silvio Berlusconi afterwards. They are close friends. For real friends. Putin built a place in Portofino near Berlusconi’s home. I wonder if Berlusconi threw one of his famous parties for Putin. I would not be surprised. The two are birds of a feather.

The Citizen’s Voice in today’s Key West Citizen has a Thomas Jefferson quote. It is one I have written about in the past and referred to on my TV and radio shows.

Jefferson was a great writer. A molder of words. However as to finances, he was a failure. The banks were on his ass his whole life. He died broke. His daughter had to sell his beloved Monticello to pay the debts.

The quote…..I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.

Banks and money lenders, nothing ever changes.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

MS13

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I wish to return briefly to the Milan train attack of 48 hours ago. The one where the conductor almost had his arm totally severed with a machete. Police reports yesterday suggested the people involved were from Central America. Did not make sense to me. I thought it was connected to Italy’s immigrant problem

It has been established not to be immigrant caused. The two assailants were from Central America. One from Ecuador and the other San Salvador. Both 20 years old.

They are part of a gang. An international gang known as MS13. Short for Mara Salvatrucka. A transnational gang.

MS13 got its start in the l980s in Central America. Immigrated to other parts of the world, including the U.S. Originally in Los Angeles. Today other parts of the U.S. Places like Washington. DC, Fairfax and Prince George Counties, Maryland, Long Island, Boston, Houston and Charlotte.

It is estimated MS13’s numbers are 8,000-10,000 in the U.S. Thirty thousand to 50,000 world wide.

The group is described as merciless. They distinguish themselves with violence, revenge and cruel retribution. Their cause is partially financed by child prostitution. They have a prostitution ring composed of runaway young girls. They search them out for the purpose.

MS13 sounds like a small time ISIS. Equally violent. The distinction between the two is that MS13 has not grown as swiftly as ISIS. MS13 is not connected to ISIS nor was it to Al-Qaeda.

I make mention of MS13 because I had never heard of it till yesterday. Even though it has been a problem in several parts of the U.S. over the years. I doubt many of you have heard of MS13. Why have we not? Is it another example of the media being selective in not sharing MS13 activity with us?

I wrote by day yesterday. Last night, I stopped at the Galleon’s Sunset
Tiki Bar for a drink. Tourists galore. Then to Pepe’s bar for dinner. I like Pepe’s. I especially like Pepe’s food. Good healthy stick to your bones food.

Big party tonight! In the hundreds. The bocce league’s party. All 56 teams attending. Always a good time. The party is at the new Waterfront Restaurant. The building where the Waterfront Market was located for years. This will be my first time there. I am anxious to see the layout and taste the food.

I woke with a bang this morning! The kind from the sky. With it came a bolt of lightning. Lit up my bedroom. Announced a rainy day ahead.

I was so engrossed with my writing yesterday that I forgot my noon manicure appointment with Tammy. Rescheduled for today at noon.

Enjoy your day!.

A DOCTOR MORNING

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My time in Paradise being infringed upon. Too many doctor visits. Guess it goes with the turf. Turf referring to the aging process.

I had a scheduled heart doctor appointment at 9 in the morning. Blood work and an echo test. To be followed up tuesday with a CAT scan.

Then immediately to my primary care physician. My sciatica came back late the night before. Pain! Though better yesterday morning. Not bad enough for a steroid shot. I am on 800 milligrams of Ibuprofen 3 xs a day. Works well. Pain has become almost non-existent.

I had an 11:30 hair appointment with Lori. Had an hour to kill. Skipped breakfast because of the blood work. Stopped at Cuban Coffee Queen for a Cuban cheese toast and Cuban coffee.

Distinguished myself at Cuban Coffee Queen. Knocked over my large coffee. Made a real mess. Table top and floor. The staff was nice about it. Moved me to another table and replenished my coffee free.

Then to some pleasant time with Lori. She just returned from a houseboat trip in Utah. A grand canyon type trip. Told me all about it.

I read somewhere that Backspace had become a writers hangout. I was anxious to meet some writers. I know only a few. There are many in Key West.

Backspace is the new restaurant that replaced Finnegan’s Wake.

A magnificent remodeling job! Does not look like Finnegan’s inside at all. Everything opened up. A large bar and restaurant. The restaurant opens to the outside in back for dining also.

I was not thrilled.

There was next to no one. I asked Ben the bartender if writers met there. He did not know what I was talking about. Menu prices staggering. Hot Tin Roof prices. I was in a constant battle with the little ants running around on the bar. One I had to pick out of my food. Received two bites on my right arm while there.

Too much staff for not enough customers. No one in authority to oversee things.

I did not want to spend $30 plus for an entre. My stomach wanted a bit more than one of the $15 appetizers. The cheapest entre was a cheeseburger, which I ordered. $15.

There is a locals discount.

The cheeseburger was outstanding! For real! Great taste!

Would I try it again? Yes. Probably order an appetizer. I think it is worthy of another try. The place only recently opened. I consider last night Backspace’s shakedown cruise.

Two escapees in upstate New York still on the loose. The female employee who apparently fell in love with one of them in trouble. Jail time trouble. People in the area concerned for their safety.

Some 3o odd years ago, then Governor Mario Cuomo wanted to help the upstate economy. He had jails built all over. Several in the Utica area. In a place called Marcy. A suburb of Utica.

Everyone was thrilled. Jobs! Good jobs! The thrill died when David Berkowitz was sent to the psychiatric center that was part of the complex. Berkowitz was a notorious serial killer. Also known as Son of Sam.

The locals were up in arms! Suppose he escapes? He should not be there. He is a danger to us.

The State transferred Berkowitz after two months.

Anna takes the train to Milan frequently. Especially now that the World’s Fair is there. The train ride to the Fair twenty minutes. Yesterday, an event occurred on the train that Anna takes. One that makes several round trips a day. Fortunately, Anna was not on the train.

A group of 4-6 black men became upset with the ticket inspector. One of them jumped up, took out a machete and chopped the guy’s arm off. Left it barely hanging. Then turned around and sliced the machete into another train employee’s head.

The men are on the loose. They have been described as Central Americans. No one is certain yet.

The train company said it would not operate any more trains unless the government provided soldiers for protection. It took less than 24 hours for Army soldiers to start riding the trains.

The ticket inspector’s arm was reattached during surgery. Both injured men on the critical list.

I take the same train when in Novara. I love going to Milan. A cosmopolitan city.

I recall a few years ago being on the train. Returning from Milan. There were eight black men sitting nearby. Dressed strangely. Sort of Arabic. We were the only ones in the car. They appeared intimidating.

Somehow we got into a conversation. I am easy going. Talk with everyone. Two of them could speak a bit of English.

They confided they were from North Africa and trying to get to Sweden. I sensed they were in Italy illegally. Happy that they finally had made it to northern Italy. In the next few days, they would be in Switzerland. Then Sweden.

Sweden was their destination because Sweden welcomed immigrants from Africa. Provided them with food and money to get them going. It has been that way in Sweden for six years.

Sweden’s social fiber is now broken. A good deed with bad results. Too many immigrants. Not enough jobs. Costly to maintain the immigrants.

Enjoy your day!

TIME AT SLOPPY JOE’S

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Pleasant morning yesterday. The anti-gravity treadmill to start. Then the Cuban Coffee House for lunch. I am becoming a regular customer. The reason, parking. The public parking lot behind Antonia’s has reopened. Cuban Coffee Queen part way up the alley leading to Duval.

Peter Diamond was walking by. He came over and sat with me. I enjoyed a long conversation with him. Peter is popular in the Key West music world. He performs weekly at Little Palm Island, the Gardens, and Grunts. Married to Holly. A unique personality. Currently in Connecticut visiting family.

My afternoon was spent doing background research for one of the books I never seem to complete.

Last night was Sloppy Joe’s!

I am in Sloppy Joe’s 2-3 nights a week. I never mention it because it is merely a walk through. There is never a bar spot available to me. There was not one last night either. However, a tall table was empty against the wall beneath the large photo of Hemingway.

It has been well over a year since I ate at Sloppy Joe’s. Not gourmet cooking/dining. Food good for the soul, however. I enjoyed french fries buried in a red sauce with melted mozzarella on top. Delicious!

My diet is out the window.

The visit gave me time to observe the tourists. Primarily tourists at Sloppy Joe’s. Drinking and dancing. The drinking I can handle, the dancing I cannot. It’s the music. Not for me.

Key West born Manuel “Pete” Fernandez was an ace during the Korean War. He is credited with 14.5 kills. The third highest number of kills of any ace.

Fernandez’s time in Key West was limited to the few years following his birth. The family moved to Miami where Fernandez was educated. He grew up in a working class environment.

His grandparents emigrated from Spain. First to Cuba. Later to the United States. Fernandez is remembered as the Hispanic ace and Latino fighter ace.

I heard from a blog reader who lives in Athens. An American expatriate. E-mailed me. He was aware from my blogs of my love for and interest in Greece. Recently, I have been telling people to vacation there this summer. A cheap vacation. The dollar stronger than the euro. Greek’s economic problems make for an inexpensive trip.

He wrote not to be concerned re the Eurobank problem. He believes it will be worked out. Consistent with my recollection of Greek thinking. They let nothing bother them. Kumbaya all the time.

He also wrote Athens was filled with tourists. The cheapest Athens has been in years.

Athens has a special place in my heart. Hard to describe. Everything there. New and old. Plus, the people themselves. A joy!

It is back to the heart doctor this morning for two tests. I remembered to fast this time. Then a haircut with Lori. Between the doctor and haircut, I plan on breakfasting at the Cuban Coffee Queen.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

I FELL ASLEEP

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My blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou was scheduled for 9 last night. I was set to go at 8:30. I cannot connect with the internet radio station via computer and telephone till 8:45. Fifteen minutes to kill.

I sat down to watch a few minutes of an old movie.

The next thing I recall is the telephone ringing. It was Anna from Novara, Italy. Three in the morning her time. She could not sleep. Decided to listen to the show live.

Her call woke me. Where are you?….. what happened?…..she asked. I looked at the clock. It was 9:03. Holy shit! I moved fast. Did in two minutes what normally takes ten minutes to connect with blog talk radio. I went on air 5-6 minutes late.

At the end of the show, I explained why I was late. I fell asleep! I figured why not share. I am human. Falling asleep at the wrong time a human experience.

Do not think it strange that Anna telephoned me from Italy. Her cell phone has international usage.

The show, though perhaps hurried, went well. I discussed the McKinney, Texas situation. Added another Texas police problem that got buried because of McKinney. Austin, Texas.

A bystander was across the street from a demonstration watching. He started videoing the demonstration and how the police were handling it. A mounted police officer saw him. Mounted on horse, the police officer rode across the street, bumped the bystander, caused him to drop his cell phone. When the bystander went to pick it up, the officer maced him and the phone.

Not surprising. We have to remember that police officers today consider citizens the enemy. How far we have come!

This morning’s Key West Citizen History Section makes mention of Sally Rand. A popular fan dancer for many years. A controversial figure.

I met her once in 1964 at a cocktail party at Grossinger’s in the Catskills. We engaged in a 10 minute uninterrupted conversation.

The History Section mentioned the IRS grabbing Rand’s Key West properties for back taxes. I recalled she once owned a Key West home. Located at 916 Eisenhower Drive.

I googled Rand to update my knowledge concerning her. The fourth item on the first page was SALLY RAND – KEY WEST LOU. I forgot I had mentioned her in a blog I did January 14, 2015.

The two New York escapees, Dannemora Prison. The media have been hyping the escape, telling us how afraid the residents in upstate New York are. I thought it was just that. Hype. I telephoned some of my Utica and upstate New York friends. Not hype. Everyone genuinely concerned.

Dannemora is a town of about 5,000. Located 25 miles from the Canadian border. You do not know cold till you have wintered there. Dannemora sits in the Adirondack Mountains.

It is 135 miles as the crow flies from Utica to Dannemora. Note, as the crow flies. Actual driving takes 200 miles on winding two lane State and County roads. I know. Several major clients had problems in the Dannemora/Plattsburg area. A difficult drive, especially in winter.

Though I have not a specific recollection, I am sure some of my firm attorneys had depositions inside Dannemora Prison itself.

The prison is 170 years old. First time for an escape. One of the jail’s prominent guests for a time was Lucky Luciano.

I have to move fast. I do the anti-gravity treadmill this morning. I promise not to fall asleep between now and then.

Enjoy your day!

HAVE YOU NO SHAME?

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I had a 9 o’clock appointment with my heart doctor this morning. I did not recall why. Was on time. Turned out the appointment was for fasting blood work and an echo test. I did not fast. Had breakfast. Have to go back thursday to do what was supposed to be done today.

I am keenly aware that as I grow older, I see doctors more often. Very much so. It does not bother me. If you have  a car and take care of it, the car will provide many more miles. I see doctors frequently because I want those miles.

Today is the anniversary of the 1954 McCarthy hearings. Senator Joe McCarthy  was a combination of today’s Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton. Meaner, however. A thug in the clothing of a gentleman.

McCarthy was chairman of some sub committee. He got the committee involved in searching out Communists. Many lives destroyed in the process.

Joseph Welch was an able Boston attorney representing the Army at the hearings. McCarthy berated a witness represented by Welch. Badly. Welch looked up and said…..Senator, have you no shame?

It was downhill for Mc Carthy after that.

I have a clear recollection of having watched the event life on TV. My first year in college had concluded . I was home. An exciting moment.

Cupboard was bare again. Shopped at Publix. Always a pleasure. Ran into several friends.

Last night, it was Hogfish for dinner. I went early. The place was next to empty. I had the whole bar to myself. Ate hogfish. What else!

In between everything, worked on tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine, my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou. I always say…..my time. The reason is some listeners live in other time zones. Every time zone in the United States. Italy, Thailand and South Africa also.

Topics tonight include how Portugal is beating the drug problem, why I think the Asian pact is not good for the United States, the 15 year old girl in McKinney, Texas improperly roused by a cop who lost it, Bush 2 working the speaking circuit to the tune of $10 million – in most instances paid for by corporate America, a police officer in Austin who went after a bystander who was videoing police activity and literally abused the bystander for videoing the event, and more.

Watched a great old movie yesterday. Night and Day starring Cary Grant and Alexis Smith. Outstanding music and lyrics by  Cole Porter. His life story. The producers took much liberty in telling Porter’s story. Not factual. Not the way it was.

I did not care. It was entertaining and occasionally brought a tear to my eye.

Key West Pride starts tomorrow and runs through sunday. Many events. All entertaining. A parade, street fair, film festival, drag shows, etc.

Enjoy your day!

 

A GOOD SUNDAY NIGHT

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The good book says Sunday is a day of rest. I agree. I do as little as possible.

Last night was a stay at home one. Planned. The Tonys and the Cleveland/Golden State game. Both at 8. I kept flipping back and forth. Both outstanding! The Tonys a bit better.

The finest Tony show I have ever seen. Pure pleasure to watch. The basketball game a war. Last night, not a sport. Went to overtime with Cleveland winning by 2.

I went out for a couple of hour in the afternoon. No Name Pub. Put the top down, my cap on backwards, and away I went!

No Name Pub is always packed. Even off season. I sat at the bar and did some people watching.

The building the restaurant is in is a story unto itself. It was a house of ill repute in the late 1930s and through World War II. The ladies worked upstairs.

The promiscuous nature of the building is reported on the back cover of the No Name Pub menu.

This morning unique. Looks like a perfect day in the making. Blue sky, sun bright. Mangroves and buildings all lit up, birds chirping. An added feature this morning is the water. When I went outside, I could immediately smell it. That by the ocean taste which one gets on rare occasions.

I continue to live and learn. Somehow Keith and I got in to sponge fishing Saturday night. I have always been under the impression that they were dived for. Men with air tanks on their backs. Not so! Keith said the sponge fisherman stands on a small boat with a long pointed pole in hand. When he sees a sponge, he shoves the pole down and snares the sponge.

I did a little homework.

There are two methods to collect/fish sponges. Hooking and diving.

Hooking involves a long wood handled pole with three steel curved teeth on the end. Two or 3 men in a small boat. The fisherman standing. Looking into the water. When a fisherman sees a sponge, he shoots the pole down, stabs the sponge and brings it onto the boat.

The diving method involved a hard hat and suit filled with air. Like you see professional divers wearing in the movies.

Sponge diving  is prohibited by Florida law. Only the hooking method may be utilized.

There is much more to the Key West sponge industry. Much too much for a blog. Perhaps someday, a column.

Greece. My beloved Greece. At war with the Eurounion over payments. The Eurounion pressing like a hard assed banker. The Greeks not giving an inch. They are sick and tired of being pushed around by Germany and other members of the Eurounion.

There is a next payment deadline in the very near future. Unless the Eurounion suggests a much more lenient pay back, Greece is going to say…..Up yours! What is the Eurounion going to do? Sue them? To get what? Greece has no money.

I suspect that if Greece defaults, it will immediately create its own money or make the U.S. dollar its currency. The U.S. dollar approach provides a better chance for economic survival.

I cannot understand why the Eurounion is standing so tough. If Greece defaults, the Eurobank takes a big hit. A Europe wide recession could occur. One which would affect the United States.

Enjoy your day!