AMERICAN PHAROAH

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Yesterday was a special day! D-Day and the Belmont.

People everywhere were thrilled with American Pharoah’s victory. I watched the race at Tavern ‘n Town. You could sense everyone was pulling for American Pharoah. There was a roar when he won.

Keith and I were at Tavern ‘n Town to watch the race and have dinner. We were seated at the bar with a large TV screen nearby. Mary Ann Westerlund appeared. I rarely see her and husband Roger these days. It was a hug and kiss. Kind words exchanged. We watched the race together.

Seated next to me for the race only was a gent from Big Pine. I did not catch his name. He had just returned from a one month trip to Russia.

Some ladies from Roostica were at a nearby table. A former waitress, Michelle and another lady. We talked a bit. It was good to seem them. The former waitress was my exclusive waitress for at least a year. A good waitress and good company.

I wrote this week’s KONK Life column yesterday. Got it out a day early. Don’t know where the energy came from.

The title is Portugal The Blueprint.

Portugal legalized drugs in 2001. All drugs. Even the real bad stuff like cocaine and heroin. Fourteen years later, the results are amazing. Drug problems significantly down in every area. Jails closing because there are not enough criminals to occupy them.

You will find the article interesting. Perhaps something the U.S. should consider. Read the column before you criticize my comment.

Sloan was with me later in the afternoon. My Skype was screwed up. No one could see or hear me. Took an hour to correct.

There is a little old lady who it seems has always worked at Publix. As a bagger. I am not offending her by the old description. She lives alone. Has taken care of herself the past 20 years. She immigrated from Poland 20 years ago.

We became friends over the years. Even though her English was poor and my Polish non existent.

Her name Helena. She retired from Publix recently. She earned a Publix pension. She is also eligible for Social Security. She has to wait two months for her first check. Then she is returning to Poland to spend the rest of her years. She has family there.

You may wonder why Helena came to the U.S. in the first place. Twenty years ago, she entered a Polish lottery. The winner would get a U.S. green card. she won.

God bless, Helena! I wish you well!

Anna is still visiting the Milan World’s Fair every day. Yesterday, the U.S. pavilion. She said the U.S. had one of the best looking pavilions from the outside. However, she thought the inside left something to be desired. Amusingly, she reported the pavilion contained a small Walgreens.

I wrote yesterday was of particular significance. The Belmont and D-Day. There was a third item I forgot. To wish Anne Larsen a happy birthday. Yesterday was her birthday.

Anne is an old friend from Ithaca, NY. We have been friends more than 25 years. We met face to face only once. However, she reads my blog daily, my KONK Life columns and listens to my blog talk radio show.

She has become one of those who is quick to criticize if I misspell, use poor grammar, am factually incorrect, etc. She has become my conscience! Sometimes her comments are overbearing. However, I know her heart is in the right place.

Happy birthday one day late, Anne!

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

 

TODAY A MEMORABLE ONE

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June 6 is already historically a day to remember. On this day in 1944, the Allied troops landed in Normandy. The invasion of the European continent was under way!

Thousands of brave men died that day. We will never forget.

Today could become a second reason remember the day. The Belmont. Should American Pharoah win. The first Triple Crown winner in years.

The Belmont is a happy event. Should American Pharoah win, another reason for this day to be registered in the annals of history.

American Pharoah’s victory will also give American people a boost in pride. Something sorely needed.

Years ago, I was privileged to attend two Belmonts. A client had a private box at the finish line. The races and partying not to be forgotten.

Today is the 39th Annual Swim Around Key West. One hundred seventy hearty folk will swim around the island of Key West. A 12.5 mile course. The leader of the pack a 65 year old local. God bless him!

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I hope it does what I expect. Gets me in better shape to climb the mountains and stairs of Greece and Italy.

Then to Publix. I buy groceries in small amounts. I sometimes think I do it just to get out of the house. Actually, the reason is I like my fruits and vegetables fresh. Especially the bananas which seem to ripen too much in 2 or 3 days.

I consistently comment that the national media does not share all the news with us. Called selective reporting.

There was a police gun shooting on August 11 last year. I became aware for the first time today. How many of you were aware?

The place Salt Lake City. Twenty year old Dillon Taylor was walking in front of a 7-11. He was wearing a tee shirt and sloppy baggy pants. He was listening to the earphones he had on.

A police officer showed up several feet behind him and shouted stop. Dillon did not hear him apparently. The ear phones. It appears that at some point Dillon did hear the officer. He turned around. As he did so, he began to pull his pants up. The officer thought he was reaching for a gun and shot him twice.

Dillon died within minutes. There was no gun.

All this was recorded. The police officer was wearing a body camera.

The video of Dillon down dying/dead one of the worst I have ever seen. Blood everywhere. Like a victim of war.

In less than three months, the local District Attorney issued a statement in effect acquitting the police officer. No grand jury presentation. The District Attorney said the shooting was justified not because Dillon Taylor posed an actual threat, but because the police officer reasonably perceived a threat.

The system continues to fail us. The Justice system is broke. The media fail us likewise. Selective picking of the news is not proper. We are entitled to know all of it.

Enjoy your day! Enjoy the Belmont!

CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

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I am not making this up.

There is a Cornhole Tournament starting this evening in Key West. It also is referred to as the South Florida Cornhole Tournament and National Championship of Bags Tournament.

I did not and still do not know what it is about. I searched the internet. Found notices for the event. However, none described the activities to take place.

It appears to be a couples event. If you do not have a partner, sign up and one will be assigned.

The event this evening is at Hurricane Hole. Tomorrow at Turtle Kraals. Somewhere else sunday. Next weekend, even another place.

The event sounds like a preliminary round to determine who will represent Florida in the nationals.

If anyone attends or knows what this is about, let me know.

Bocce party a hit last night! Always a fun time. About 75 of us partied at Don’s Place.

Viagra for women. Around the corner. An advisory committee recommended its use to the FDA. FDA approval is expected soon.

I am all for it. What is good for the goose should be good for the gander.

The pill will not act as it does with men. Its purpose is to enhance mood. Long overdue. Many women lose desire with menopause, post menopause, lack of hormones, what ever, in their mid life years. Sad for them. Sad for their husbands/partners. Both sides lose. The woman goes without and does not seem bothered. The man is unintentionally cut off. He gets nothing.

All women will now have the capacity to enjoy sex in the second half of their lives.

I wonder what, if anything, will result. I recall the sex explosion in the 1960s when the birth control  pill hit the market. Will Viagra result in a similar scenario?

Computer hacking a  huge problem!

Last year, it was Bank of America and SONY. It was determined that these two companies were hacked because they failed to keep security systems updated.

Last week, it was 100,000 IRS accounts. Again, failure to update security.

Yesterday, another IRS problem was announced. This time re 4 million present and former employees’ personal data. The reason suggested immediately. Failure again to update security systems.

All about money. Bank of America and SONY because they did not want to take from bottom line profitability. With the IRS, the failure of Congress to allocate sufficient monies to do the job.

It is the age of cyber space and cyber wars. We better start doing the job correctly. Otherwise, other nations will use use the information to get a heads up on us.

My KONK Life column this week has been posted this morning to my Facebook websites Key West Lou and Louis Petrone. The title Corruption of Politics and Banks. I recommend its reading to you. Included are my suggestions as to how to correct the problems identified.

Enjoy your day!

JUDY BLUME

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Key west has had Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and other famous writers. The run continues. One of today’s is Judy Blume.

Judy Blume is a young vibrant 77 year old. Two days ago, she published her most recent book In The Unlikely Event. Her 29 published novels have sold 86 million copies world wide.

Judy is also known as the Fairy Godmother of Puberty. Early in her career, she wrote books for young girls . Regarding topics young ladies confront. Menstrual periods, sex, religion, etc.

Her early books on sex related subjects were banned in some quarters. The thought was too much knowledge for young girls/ladies.

Respected and loved. Another Key West luminary.

My yesterday started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Still not up to speed. Going cautiously. Tomorrow, I will blow it out.

Then to the Cuban Coffee Queen. Cuban cheese toast and coffee. Spent about two hours. Reading the newspapers and watching people come and go.

Bocce party tonight! At Don’s Place.

Fourteen teams comprise the thursday bocce league. Five of those teams have combined to have an additional competition. Sort of side bet. Those are the money games.

We won this season! Don’s Place. It has been four years since we last won.

The party is fun. There are trophies for everything. Even one for the most obnoxious (for want of a better term). It is known as the Larry Smith Award. I won it once. Though I do not consider myself obnoxious. Not even close. I think they wanted to give me something and the award was the only one left.

Don’s Bean Bag Throwing Tournament was last saturday. I keep referring to Key West as the place where adults come and become children again. Two sixty year olds won the contest. Don and David.

Life can be difficult. It has its moments. An event happened in Syracuse this week evidencing it.

A couple, 41 and 36, were having sex. They mistakenly used industrial glue instead of lubricant. Stuck together! Emergency people called. The couple were delivered to the hospital joined and bare ass.

An embarrassing moment!

I keep waiting for a story about the man who took Viagra and had a problem after four hours. Does it really happen?

Enjoy your day!

I AM OK

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There is a saying that events occur in threes. I hope I have had my threes re health concerns.

The past several weeks have had their downside. First, my falling and balance problems. Then diverticulitis. Yesterday morning, surprise minor surgery.

Lord, I give up! No more please!

I am fine today. So far.

I will be 80 years old in 33 days. Yesterday morning, I was wondering if I will make it.

Time and energy prevented me doing the blog yesterday morning. My apologies.

I felt ok by evening. Like nothing had happened. Ergo, I did my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My preparation was lacking. I did the show by merely sitting back and pontificating. I liked the show. Those of you who listened, I hope you did also.

Ally’s birthday was monday. Ten years old. Big! I told Ally she was entering womanhood. She was a young lady. She beamed! We did dinner and Happy Birthday cake.

I screwed up. Robert’s birthday was May 15. I forgot. Did not realize it till I was talking with Lisa about Ally’s birthday. I asked when Robert’s was. Two weeks earlier.

I brought a present for Robert monday night. I apologized to him several times. It was no problem from his perspective. He hugged me tight and kissed me. Robert is now 11 years old.

KONK Life hits the stands today. My column is Corruption Of Politics And Banks. Money, of course, the cause. I suggested two Louis solutions. Read the column, if you can. Guaranteed you will enjoy.

Yesterday, a light rain all day. Today, rain again. Heavier. Another rainy day. A nice break. Cools things off.

I returned to the anti-gravity treadmill monday. It had been two weeks. I took it easy at the beginning. No problem.

The NFL, Roger Goodell, and Tom Brady. Commissioner Goodell insists he is going to hear Brady’s appeal. Bad! It has been consistent law for more than 25 years that a hearing officer cannot be judge, jury and prosecutor at the same time. If Goodell rules against Brady, Brady has a sure win in a court room thereafter.

Since Goodell made the initial decision to find Brady guilty and punish him, it appears the handwriting is on the wall as to what the appeals decision will be.

Enjoy your day

YESTERDAY MICHAEL SHIELDS, TODAY JOE BIDEN

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A parent should never bury a child. An all time truth.

Yesterday, I mentioned  that Michael Shields’ son Jason had died. Today, Joe Biden’s son Beau.

Such sorrow for both men.

Permit me to dwell on Biden for a moment.

Back in the 1980s, I was Chairman of the Board of Visitors at the Syracuse University College of Law. Joe Biden was a Syracuse Law graduate. A United States Senator, he was a frequent visitor to the law school. If there was a football or basketball game when he was in town, he watched the game from my private box at the Carrier Dome.

I got to know him a bit. A good man then I thought. A good man today.

Biden’s first wife and daughter were killed in an automobile crash just after he was elected to his first term in the Senate. A heavy in and of itself. Now comes the death of his son Beau from brain cancer. Another heavy. How much can one man take?

Michael and Joe, may God give you the strength to get through these days.

I went out last night! For me, a big deal!

I decided on dinner at Roostica. The place was jam packed. There was not a seat anywhere. Left and went to Hogfish. Packed also, but a small table was available for me and the newspapers.

I ate. My first for real meal in two weeks. I had been building up to it. Lobster roll and one gin. The lobster roll did not particularly turn me on. It was me, not the food. Interestingly, the french fries did. I am not particularly crazy about french fries. Last night, they were gourmet food.

The one gin was tasteless. Had no effect whatsoever.

I spent yesterday afternoon writing this week’s KONK Life column. Corruption of Politics and Banks. My solution in a nutshell…..Public financing of Presidential elections and break the banks up. An interesting piece. A lot of history involved.

Remember Tiny? The 300 pound 50 year old turtle I wrote about last week. He was front page news in this morning’s Key West Citizen. He was returned to the ocean at Higgs Beach. A large crowd cheering him off.

Peggy Noonan in a column last week in the Wall Street Journal asked this question regarding Hillary Clinton…..Is her victory inevitable or impossible? Food for thought.

Years ago, Alfred Hitchcock’s Rear Window came out. Starred Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart.

Kelly took a silk negligee out of a briefcase. Or what I thought at the time was a brief case. I still do.

The brief case has been reproduced and is on sale. Referred to as an “overnight case.” Cost, $3,995. Someone has to be crazy out there!

Congress and the Patriot Act. What will be, will be. Personally, I think certain provisions should not be renewed. Senator Rand Paul has it correct. During debate, he said…..This is a debate over your right to be left alone.

Back to the treadmill at 11 this morning. The anti-gravity treadmill. I plan on going slow.

Today is Ally’s birthday. I think 10. Happy birthday Ally! Tonight, dinner and cake with the family.

Enjoy your day!

RAINBOW DELIGHT

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I got out a bit more yesterday. Day time only. Not ready for night action yet. I have not had a drink in two weeks. Soon, though not today.

I went downtown. Wanted to see the Rainbow cross walks the City had painted at the intersection of Duval and Petronia. A sight! A lovely one! Key West!

Key West is a gay/straight community. The cross walks are painted in hues of the rainbow. Light purples, orange, yellow, pink, etc. The location perfect. Key West’s two most famous gay bars on opposite corners. 801 and Bourbon Street.

Earlier, I visited with Tammy at Lee Nails. Manicure time. The nails were extra long because of being laid up.

Tammy always a pleasure to see. I admire her and her husband. They came from Vietnam about 12 years ago. Today, the owners of a flourishing business employing a number of people. The American dream existed for them. They purchased a lovely home with pool last year. They work. Six days a week. From 8 in the morning till 8 at night.

They deserve it all!

Then to the new parking lot behind Antonia’s. I once again have a parking place mid-Duval.

One parking meter. Sufficient. I walked over and there were six people huddled around the machine. A set of older parents and two 30ish couples.

One of the ladies was trying to figure out how to work the pay machine. It can be confusing.

As I approached, she yelled…..$38!…..I am not going to pay $38! Obviously, she did not know what she was doing. I was five feet behind and said not to worry. Hit the cancel button. She did.

She only wanted three hours. She again was confused. I walked up behind her and quietly asked if I could help. Without even turning, she yelled…..No!…..Get out of here!

So much for being helpful to tourists. Why let something so stupid spoil a vacation.

An item in this morning’s Key West Citizen claimed we could expect a less active hurricane season. Our last hurricane was Wilma ten years ago.

I am a bit superstitious. I wish it had not been said. It could be an invitation for a black cloud to hover over us.

Fellow came to fix a crack in my pool yesterday. He got all dressed in his black water suit, air tank, etc. He appeared to know what he was doing. The whole job took all of ten minutes.

It is 10 in the morning. I am about to take my last anti-biotic. Twelve days of them.

Enjoy your Sunday!

WORLD’S FAIR 2015

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The World’s Fair this year is in Milan, Italy. My friend Anna has already visited four days. She is planning on attending again today.

Anna lives in Novara. A half hour train ride to Milan. Makes it easy for her.

She is taken with the World’s Fair. Sends pics every day. She especially enjoys the Asian pavilions. She commented very favorably re a Korean meal she had the other day. Yesterday, she watched a Chinese couple marry at the China Pavilion. Full wedding party and all.

The World’s Fair runs to October. Hopefully, I will get to see it.

I have been fortunate to visit two World’s Fairs.

The first had a big impact on me. It was 1939. I was four years old. My father took me to the New York World’s Fair. We stayed with relatives in the Bronx. Took subways and a bus to the exhibit.

To this day, I occasionally recall what I saw. Parts, not all. It was the modern world as it existed in 1939 with glances into the future. It was a good thing my father did for me that day.

By the time of the New York World’s Fair in 1964, I was much older. An adult. Twenty nine years old. I was in New York on business for a couple of days. An afternoon session broke early. I hurried to the World’s Fair. This time not by subway and bus. I was into private limousines.

I repeatedly make the observation that Key West is an adult playground. I refer not to sex activities. Rather to games. We move here and become children again.

Don is sponsoring a bean bag tournament at Don’s Place this afternoon. Only adults participating. I will not be one. Bean bag throwing is not one of the activities I have come to enjoy in Key West. However, I plan on watching.

Some politicians are consistent in what I consider their off the wall thoughts as to how government is to be run. I refer to Florida’s Gov. Rick Scott. A corporate success before becoming governor. He made millions with urgent care centers all over the State.

His present gambit is to take money away from public hospitals and funnel the money to for profit ones. A leopard does not change its spots. Once a corporate hound, always a corporate hound.

Sad news yesterday. Michael Shields is a leading Key West figure. Active in the arts, broadcasting and writing. A genuine liberal at heart.

It was reported yesterday that Michael’s son Jason had died. I became aware when reading a heart wrenching comment by Michael on Facebook. My deepest condolences to Michael and his companion Carol. A parent should never bury a child.

George Pataki threw his hat in the ring for the Republican nomination for President. He was one of my New York governors for three terms.

I was impressed by Pataki’s first victory. Over the very popular Mario Cuomo. Cuomo had been governor for three terms. I had met him several times over the years. An impressive figure. Eloquent.

I sensed he might lose against Pataki. I heard Cuomo speak at a Utica rally. He had been in office too long. I could tell he did not have a handle on the people’s problems any longer.

Pataki came out of nowhere. He was a State Senator from Peekskill. Not the biggest of towns. He was supported by then U.S. Senator Alfonse D’Amato. D’Amato and I had gone to law school together. I was a senior when he a freshman. He could always be found in the lounge playing cards.

D’Amato’s support was significant. I felt it might be. D’Amato knew how to dethrone giants. He had beaten Jacob Javits in the Republican primary.

There is a hullaballoo over monies paid to Hillary Clinton to speak at Arizona State University. $500,000. At a time when the University is broke and crying wolf. People want to know where the money came from to pay her.

Hillary and money are going to be a problem. She has tremendous corporate support. There is now an issue as to whether many of the dollars flow personally to the Clintons via the WJG, LLC corporation Bill formed.

Hillary is beginning to screw up. I watched her on TV re the Asian trade pact yesterday. She bumbled the question re her support for the pact. Did not know where she stood till she had a chance to read the whole thing. Something no one has been permitted to do.

She is going to have a hard time re the Asian pact. Corporate America wants it. However, the pact works to the detriment of America’s working people.

Sorry to be so long winded today. I must be better.

Enjoy your day!

FARMERS MARKET

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I was on the road yesterday. Tried to be up and about more than the day before. Got four hours in. 10:30-2:30. Exhausted at the end.

One of my stops was the Farmers Market. Believe held weekly at Bayview Park. A first time visit. Ashamed I had not visited before. A winner!

I have visited Farmers Markets in upstate New York, Alexandria Bay, San Diego, Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, Athens, Milan, and probably more. The Key West one absolutely the best!

Set in a large u shaped fashion, each tent pleasant appearing and welcoming. Everything! Breads, cakes, honey, Mel Fisher Atocha items, apple juice, candies, fruits, vegetables, jewelry, etc. Vendors a happy bunch.

The food vendors did particularly impress me. Each offered a sample. Next time I visit, it will be at lunch time. I did not partake yesterday. I would the next time. The samples are a lunch in themselves.

My day began with a business meeting. Then a haircut with Lori. Lori and several friends leave today for a week’s vacation in Arizona. They have rented a large house boat. They will be traveling on some lake that meanders through the Grand Canyon. Lori showed me pictures. Wow! The  rust colored rock mountains tall and endless. Their tiny house boat thousands of feet below.

Lunched at the old Lobo’s. Now Conch Island Queen. Best described as a Cuban sandwich place. Situated in tiny Key Lime Square behind Antonia’s.

Cuban toast and water. Still need to watch what I consume. I questioned if the Cuban toast was proper. However, I said screw it and went for it!

Then grocery shopping at Publix. My food intake consists of three levels. Each a different type food. I am entering the third phase. Needed new foods.

My article in this week’s KONK Life is Saudi Arabia And The Hypocrisy Of It All. It became available yesterday on my Key West Lou and Louis Petrone Facebook websites.

This week’s KONK Life carried two new items. The first a photo section which I am told will be part of the paper henceforth. The other a detailed story about Peter Diamond. One of Key West’s nicest persons and premier vocalists.

I close today with the Marathon Turtle Hospital. I frequently mention the turtle hospital because it does such great things.

This weekend two formerly very sick turtles will be returned to the ocean.

 

Saturday at 10:30 am in Marathon, Patti. Patti is a sub adult sea turtle. She was brought to the turtle hospital months ago emaciated with pneumonia, lock jaw and eye ulcers. Now, cured.

The other is Tiny. A very good time awaits him.

Tiny is a 50 year old 300 pound adult turtle. Turtles live to 100 or more. He was struck by a boat. Beat up badly. Now recovered, he will be released to the ocean sunday at 12:30 off Higg’s Beach behind Salute’s. He is returning to the ocean at a very good time. The hospital manager said…..He is just getting out there in time to start dating and make baby turtles.

What a life!

Enjoy your day!

 

CURFEW FOR MINORS

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It always amazes me how little I know. The older I get, the more I learn.

I came across a very brief note this morning in the Key West Citizen re curfews for minors in Key West. I did not know.

The curfew applies to children up to the age of 17. They must be home by 11 week nights and 12 on the weekend. Exceptions exist. Where they are supervised, working or involved in school activities.

In addition, I learned there is a Florida model curfew law.

I question the need for a minors curfew. I would be surprised if a need existed at the time the City Commission approved the law. In the many years I have lived in Key West, I have concluded the community is conservative. Ultra conservative where home values are involved. Middle America.

Key West is not the first three blocks of Duval.

My Republican readers are going to love the next statement. I believe government substitution for parental responsibility wrong. Key West parents are good people. They instill proper attitudes in their children.

Key West recently settled two negligence cases. Total dollars $200,000 plus. The reason given to avoid what could result in a more costly judgment.

I spent my career in the court room. Any person or entity that cries wolf too many times is going to be taken advantage of. Eventually a party such as Key West becomes a target for lawsuits. Why? An easy touch. A quick dollar. Gun shy to try a case.

Such an attitude results in more dollars being cumulatively paid. There are times a City must stand and fight.

Part and parcel of the situation might be the Duck Train case. It ultimately cost Key West $8 million several years ago.

I finally left the house yesterday. Cleaned up first. Shaved. It took two blades. The first one ended up feeling like my razor blade after my former wife used it to shave her legs.

Drove to the Marriott. Wanted to pick up a copy of this week’s KONK Life. Not on the stand yet. Returned to my car in the garage.

I was exhausted! A short walk. Knocked me on my ass! Makes sense. I had been prone for eight days.

I was determined to at least have lunch out. Decided on Outback. Nothing fancy. Wanted a bowl of potato soup. Their potato soup excellent!

The walk to and from the restaurant from the parking lot an ordeal. Instead of staying out, I drove home and went back to bed.

I am out this morning, again. A business meeting followed by a haircut. Hopefully followed by a light lunch.

I am better. No question. Another day or two of pills. Still have a slight pain in the same place occasionally.

I need to be with people!

Enjoy your day!