CHRISTMAS CAROLS

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‘Tis the season to be jolly…..

My KONK Life column this week is An American Christmas. I went all the way back to Christmas’ beginnings in pagan Rome and traced its development to modern day America.

Christmas in Roman days was not as it is today. It involved all type of debauchery, rapes, killings, etc. An example is caroling.

Today groups dressed go home to home singing Silent Night and the like. In pagan days thousands of years ago, it involved naked people dancing around stone circles. In addition to going house to house. The frivolity included rape and other sexual abuses.

Since I had gotten my column out saturday, yesterday was basically a free day. The one exception was working with Sloan in the morning for an hour. With nothing to do, I did nothing. Laid around in a lazy fashion.

The Miss Universe contest. What a screw up! The winner was Miss Philippine. By mistake, it was announced that it was Miss Columbia. After Miss Columbia had been crowned, the mistake was revealed.

I suspect Miss Columbia will reap benefit from the mistake. Being second in this instance might be more beneficial that having come in first.

Sadness follows Jimmy Carter in his later years. Carter recently disclosed he has a terminal cancer. Last week, his 28 year old grandson Jeremy died.

Key West’s proposed Truman Waterfront Park has taken 15 years to reach the ground breaking ceremony which took place last week. A black cloud seems to hang over the project.

The groundbreaking is an indication things are ready to move forward. The first stages.

The City Commission has a new member. Richard Payne. A retired Florida Judge. An excellent jurist.

Why Payne wanted to get back into politics at the ground level by running for Commissioner, I do not understand. There comes a time to sit back, relax and enjoy.

Payne appears to screw things up. First, he did not appoint the Planning Board member who had served for years. He wanted to appoint his own. Technically, Payne had the power to do so. Not a popular move, however.

Now comes the Truman Waterfront ground breaking. Payne announces that the waterfront would make an excellent place to locate a Key West-Havana ferry service. He was aware there was an agreement with the federal government that donated the land to Key West that use of the water area itself was forbidden.

Payne suggested no problem. He was going to go over the paper work to see if the government was guilty of any breaches.

I can see another 15 years going by before anything further is done with the Truman Waterfront.

Payne should drop the issue. It is not feasible from a time perspective. I am sure other problems will reveal themselves if Payne’s move is continued.

Syracuse/Montana State tomorrow night at 7. The game is televised in Key West on ESP3. ESP3 is Comcast channel 7.

It took me a while to figure out. Hope it is helpful to some.

Enjoy your day!

 

MISSED DEBATE / FELL ASLEEP

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The best laid plans…..

I had dinner with Jenna last night at Sq. 1. An early one. I wanted to get home in time to watch the Democratic debate. Got home in time. Laid back in my recliner to watch the show. Next thing I knew, it was 2 in the morning. I fell asleep and missed it all.

Dinner with Jenna was a pleasant experience. As always. She complained that she was 29 and next year would be 30. Mentioned 30 like it was a disaster. I laughed. I’m 80! And you’re worrying about 30?

Jenna is a talented woman. She has grown in her work. I enjoy our little meetings. She updates me on her progress. The good and the bad.

Sq. 1 was packed. Like it was season! Exciting!

I was especially taken by the Christmas decorations. In good taste. Just enough. I shared my feelings with manager Mandy.

It was Syracuse/Cornell at noon yesterday. Syracuse won 67-46.

The first half was terrible. Syracuse played poorly. You could sense Cornell smelled an upset. The second half was a different game. Cornell went on an 8-0 run immediately. I was disgusted. Then Syracuse went on a 20-4 run. That was it! Syracuse played top shelf basketball the rest of the game.

My basketball buddies are lining up. Dan will be here January and February. Don and Chris arrive December 30 for a week. All Syracuse fans. We watch the games together.

I spent considerable time writing this week’s KONK Life column yesterday. Around the basketball game. In the morning and later in the afternoon.

A Christmas column. An American Christmas. The intent was to trace Christmas from its earliest beginnings in pagan Rome to today. I worked with deliberation and got the whole thing done yesterday. My Sunday is free!

Learned something re Christmas I never knew. Where a red suited and rosy cheeked Santa Claus came from. Coca Cola. Would you believe!

In 1931, Coke wanted to be associated big time with Santa Claus. Its advertisers were told to come up with something that would go with the theme “Santa Claus Coke.” Coke thought a robust red suited Santa with rosy cheeks would be appropriate.

Ralph Nader was in Key West yesterday. He was on a cruise ship vacation and had scheduled a speech while his boat was in town. He also did a book signing.

I appreciate that in some circles Nader is considered a bit of a nut these days. He is. However, America and the wold owe him much. He stood up against the automotive industry when no would else would.

In 1965, Nader published Unsafe At Any Speed. An expose of the reluctance of the American automobile industry to introduce safety features in its designs. He hit Chevrolet’s Corvair hard.

Nader made a ton of money for himself with the book. Properly so. His work turned the automobile industry around. Safety began to be incorporated into auto design.

Nader’s book also formed the basis for several big dollar verdicts against Chevrolet and its Corsair. Many Corsair drivers/passengers had been killed or severely injured because of a design defect.

I repeat myself in this regard frequently: Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman.

The Keys History section of this morning’s Key West Citizen notes that on this day in 1949, Truman left Key West to return to Washington after a three week vacation.

Enjoy your Sunday!

KRISTI WINGER SZUDLO

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Another great Key West evening last night! At Tavern ‘n Town.

The place was packed. I was surprised. The week before Christmas is normally quiet in Key West. Not last night. Tourists and locals whooping it up.

Ran into Frankie and Sandy. Sandy her usual charming self. Frankie told me he has taken up golf. Played yesterday.

Frankie is a top bocce player. One of the best. He was unhappy re his golf score. 135. I told him not to feel bad. I played 25 years before I gave golf up. I was shooting 135 at the time.

The best part of the evening was meeting Kristi. From Columbus, Ohio. She is in neurological medical sales.

Her 6 year old daughter was with her. The daughter was engrossed playing tic, tac, toe and drawing while her mother and I chatted.

Twelve years ago, mother Kristi was Mrs. Ohio International and Mrs. Ohio March of Dimes.

Did I mention, Kristi is lovely.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill at Body Owners. Dave there ahead of me on the machine.

By the time I finished, I was sweating big time. Water running down from my forehead. My tee shirt soaking wet.

I asked Jenny why my work out caused such a sweat. It was unusual. I am always concerned when my body does not react normally. Two reasons. It was humid. And, an unusal number of people working out at the same time.

Had to rush home. My friday KONK News interview. Don Riggs interviewed me re this week’s KONK Life column The President Could Not Spell. Theodore Roosevelt provided much to talk about.

The claimed data miss use scenario sounds like a lot of nothing. Clinton should beware. She may be leading, but everyone loves Bernie Sanders. He has always come across as an honest sincere person. The situation could backfire on Clinton.

It is despicable how the Democratic Party representative keeps trying to bury Sanders. He should be fired! Debbie Wasserman is reacting improperly also. It gives the appearance the party is all for Clinton. Which it is. However, the process should be fairly played.

Sanders getting screwed here.

The issue will come up in the debate tonight. Clinton would be wise to say immediately to Sanders, all nothing! I love you and never thought you and your group were involved in any type chicanery.

Otherwise, it will be the pot calling the kettle black.

Recall in the first debate when the issue of Clinton’s e-mails came up. Sanders interrupted and said he was sick of hearing it. Thus giving Clinton a bye. She should be equally generous this evening. Sanders’ sin, if any, is no where as grievous as Clinton’s re the e-mails.

I erred in yesterday’s blog. Last night was not Jenna. Tonight is at Sq. 1.

Syracuse plays Cornell at noon. A David/Goliath battle. Syracuse an 18.5 point favorite. However with the way Syracuse’s season is going, anything can happen.

Skaneateles’ Dan Riordan telephoned yesterday. We lamented re the Syracuse team.

Enjoy your day!

FRANK SINATRA…..THE EARLY YEARS

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Ted Turner’s Classic Movies did several hours of Frank Sinatra yesterday starting in the very early morning. Sinatra’s early movies. From 1943-1948. Movies I had never seen. Sinatra a very young man. Thin. Emaciated a better description. Bow tie. The talent obvious. He could sing, dance and act.

Frank Sinatra made it big  when he appeared at the Paramount Theater on Broadway in 1942. I saw him.

We were visiting relatives in the Bronx. My father took me on the subway downtown. I was 7. My Dad 28. He took me to see Sinatra. Actually, I have to assume he wanted to see Sinatra. What did I know at 7!

I have a clear recollection of watching Sinatra sing. People went crazy. Especially the women. My father enjoyed himself tremendously.

Paramount…..An important moment in Sinatra history.

Hogfish last night. Again a good time!

Sat at the bar. Thought it was fisherman to my left. No, a roofer. They look alike. Tanned leathered faces from working in the glaring sun every day.

His name Dave. I enjoyed his company. He wanted me to shoot a game of pool with him. Not for money. I begged off.

On my right was a lovely young lady. She said, I know you. Turned out to be Brooke. Brooke has waitressed around town several years. Places like The Piano. Now at Hogsbreath.

Several seats away was Nancy. Met her for the first time. Told me she lived on the 7th hole. Told her I left a lot of golf balls in her yard. She did not live on the golf course. She lives on a boat called the 7th hole.

Nancy wanted to play pool with me, also. I begged off again. I watched her play. She was good!

Lenna the bartender. A very lovely young lady. They are all lovely. First time we met. Business was slow. We got to chat a bit.

Fish and chips. The hogfish delicious.

I am obviously on Medicare. Love it! God bless America! However a supplement is required. Otherwise, you get stuck for 20 percent of drug and medical bills.

My supplement plans are with United Healthcare. Both had to be renewed this month. I renew for a year and pay the full premium up front. I do so because I fear I might forget to pay a monthly premium and get stuck paying . Could be a disaster if a major medical problem strikes.

Talking with the United Healthcare people is like trying to talk with Comcast. I did the drug portion last week. Different companies so the pain of renewal had to be experienced two times.

I decided to renew the medical portion yesterday. I got smart. I called in at 7 when they start working. Got someone immediately. The person understood what I wanted to do and my method of payment. The whole thing took less than 5 minutes. The first time!

Decided to lunch out. The Cuban Coffee Queen. Too many people. Walked around the corner to DJ’s Clam Shack. Had never been there before. They advertise a Maine lobster roll. Not my day. Packed. People eating standing up.

The outside bar at Mangoes across the street was empty. I have not eaten at Mangoes in at least a dozen years. Always a good meal. I just drifted away.

I had a shrimp po boy sandwich. Wow! Delicious! Too big! I could not finish.

A Broadway musical is in the works re Jimmy Buffet. Presently in the development stage. Working towards a 2017 opening. Has to be a winner!

KONK E-Blast this morning is carrying this week’s KONK Life column. The President Could Not Spell. Also at 12:30 pm KONK News will be interviewing me re the column on radio 104.9.

Ed Swift follows me at 12:45. His topic, affordable housing. He knows everything about the problem. The community thus far has failed to listen to him. A mistake.

Dinner with Jenna tonight.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

JUSTICE?

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A Saudi millionaire was acquitted of raping a teen in London. He said he tripped and accidentally penetrated her.

Juries are finding it difficult to find guilt world wide. Many police/black killings in the U.S. and now this in England.

Justice is moving farther and farther away.

The anti-gravity treadmill in the morning yesterday. I am increasing the miles. A tenth here, a tenth there. Ever upward. I worry I may be pushing myself.

A manicure with Tammy at noon. She is representative of the Asian female mind.

When she lived in Vietnam, the man was king. Women were nothing. Everything was done for the man.

It is different in the United States. She is free. Independent. Can do what she wants.

I am happy Tammy’s husband did not marry her in Vietnam. They met here in Florida. He knew he was not getting an old country woman.

Don’s Place first last night. After a chat or two, we headed to the VFW. Don wanted to go. Stan and Claire, also.

Don was captured as soon as we walked into the VFW. The Commodore grabbed him and took Don around introducing him. Then a former Commodore came by and took Don away to introduce him to some others.

Stan knew many. Turns out he is a former Navy man who was stationed at Bocca Chica. He worked as a cook for the VFW for a while. It was old home week for him.

No one I knew, except Schmegly from last week. One more person, also? When I walked in a white haired gent introduced me to his wife. As his barber. I smiled and walked on. He was seated nearby. A little later he caught my attention and said…..My barber!

I felt bad disappointing him. I told him I was not his barber or a barber. He left with a puzzled look on his face. Made me feel bad I was not his barber.

The VFW was having a party. for one of its members. A 92 year old World War II veteran. He fought the war in a submarine.

The birthday cake was delicious.

This week’s KONK Life column The President Could Not Spell is available in two places this morning. One is KONK Life which is on the stands. The other is my Key West Lou website (.keywestlou.com) where it is linked.

Enjoy your day!

LOS ANGELES SCHOOL CLOSINGS

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Amazing! An epidemic! School bomb threats within 24 hours in Key West, Marathon, Los Angeles and New York. Fortunately, all false.

Los Angeles is taking a beating public relations wise for shutting down its schools. Over 1,000 housing 640,000 students. New York police officials suggest an over reaction on Los Angeles’ part.

I disagree. Better safe than sorry. If there had been bombs, Los Angeles would have been praised for having done the right thing.

Monday morning quarter backing sucks.

I spent yesterday afternoon fine tuning last night’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Show went well. Hope it was well received. It took place in the midst of the Republican debate. The archived edition is available.

What I describe as the Islamic NATO had to be the most interesting issue. I thought it was. Still very little noise from the media. Morning Joe talked this morning about Turkey and Saudi Arabia being uncooperative/not doing enough in Syria. Why did the show not mention the new 34 nation coalition Saudi Arabia put together to fight terrorism?

Dinner at Roostica.

Watched the Republican debate. Stopped to do my blog talk radio show for one half hour. Then back to the debate.

Right now it looks like Trump is going to be the candidate. God help us! Trump is a bully and thug. Look how he reacts to the other candidates.

9/11 changed our lives. I believe the election of Donald Trump as President would change our lives also. And not for the good!

After years of subjugation to Middle East oil, we are finally on top. The U.S. produces enough oil for ourselves. No more dependence on OPEC thieves.

The U.S. has a ban on oil exports. Republicans want to life the ban. I suspect because the American oil companies want to make more money by being able to sell to other nations. Too bad, I say. A few billion in lost profits will not hurt the oil industry. Better we keep the oil for ourselves so never again will we be under the boots of our alleged Middle East friends.

It is expected Obama will veto any such legislation when presented. It is said there are not enough votes to override a veto.

Pete Rose’s ban reaffirmed. I disagree. He should be permitted into the Hall of Fame. He was banned in 1989. Twenty six years ago. Enough punishment! Murderers generally serve 25 years at the most. Many less. He killed no one.

The United States was born of civil disobedience. Good for America! Continues in our history. Straightens us out when we stray.

One of the greatest acts of civil disobedience was the Boston Tea Party. Occurred this day in 1773. One of the first steps to revolution.

Screw off wednesday! Love it! My day of freedom. My friday.

Enjoy your day!

A DEMENTED MIND

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Two things weigh heavily upon me this morning.

The first involves the telephone calls yesterday morning to the Key West High School and the Marathon Middle School. The message: “There are bombs in the buildings, and the bombs will detonate in 10 minutes.” The schools were immediately evacuated. A thorough search of the buildings followed. Nothing. Sick calls.

The same thing occurred December 7 at Coral Shores in Tavernier.

Better a scare than the real thing. However, things like this have a tendency to arouse other sick minds to play the game. Perhaps with serious consequences.

The other item of concern is what I describe as the Islamic NATO.

Saudi Arabia announced yesterday the formation of a 34 nation coalition to combat terrorism. Note, not ISIS. The nations involved are from the Middle East and Africa. Plus, the partially recognized State of Palestine.

Sounds great! However most of these nations consider groups like the Kurds terrorists. The coalition’s primary concern is not ISIS. It is the internal battles being fought for control of certain Middle East countries.

The United States has been working industriously to get Saudi Arabia and the other wealthy Arab states into the game. Saudi Arabia has joined on a limited basis and only where it wants. Saudi interests are not the same as those of the United States. The U.S. has been working to get more Turkey involvement. Turkey offering little.

Now they all come together. And throw Palestine in to the mix for obvious reasons.

I have only one question at the moment. What did my government know and when? I have a feeling U.S. intelligence may have failed us again.

I watch Morning Joe. No comment re the coalition through the first two hours this morning. What gives?

My morning yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Friend Dave there before me. We compete for the anti-gravity machine. Jenny helpful to me once again. Body Owners an excellent place for physiotherapy.

The afternoon was spent wrapping up my research for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Great topics! Obviously the Key West school bomb scares and what I describe as the Islamic NATO.

TPP will be briefly addressed. Especially Thailand’s shrimp business which is worked by slave labor. Thailand shrimp product is available in Wal-Mart, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and  Chicken of the Sea sold in Safeway and Albertsons.

Another topic is the anticipated blood bath between Trump and Cruz this evening.

Join me at 9 my time tonight. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Ate at Geiger Key last night. Quiet. Peaceful. Not crowded. Mosquitoes gone.

My KONK Life column two week’s ago concerned the Eiffel Tower. A biography of the Eiffel Tower. This morning’s World Almanac in the Key West Citizen notes today is Gustave Eiffel’s birthday. Born this day in 1832.

Enjoy your day!

 

A COOK I AM NOT

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No question about it. I am not a cook. Last night proved my ineptness at culinary effort.

I enjoy stuffing. The kind you cook in a turkey or on stove top. I grabbed a bag of stuffing last week off the shelf at Publix. Figured I would cook myself up a meal of stuffing.

Thought it was all in the bag. Soon learned it was not. On the next trip to Publix, I bought the other items. Swanson soup, a big onion, diced celery, and butter. This was going to be a production!

Last night was the time! Poured myself a gin and proceeded.

Placed the ingredients on the cupboard. Took out a 5 quart pan. Directions said use a 3 quart one. I did not have a 3 quarter. Should not make a difference, I thought.

Diced the onion. With a paring knife. I did not tear. Thought I would. Melted 5 tablespoons of butter in the pan. Medium heat. Threw in the celery and onion. Let it cook till tender crisp, whatever that is. I waited till everything was turning brown. Then 2 cups of Swanson soup. Waited for it to boil. Threw in the bag of cubed bread. Then off the heat. Covered the pan for 5 minutes.

Followed all instructions precisely, except for size of the pan.

Time came to eat the concoction!

It was terrible!

The bread stuffing still half hard. Taste on the dry side.

I ate two small helpings. Could not handle any more. Threw the rest away. I was stuffed and uncomfortable.

It was an early bed night. My stomach full. There was a smell. It was me. Onions. This morning I went downstairs to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. My kitchen reeks of onion.

There has to me a lady out there to save me. I need one! For cooking and sex. Or, sex and cooking. The order immaterial.

Yesterday was Sloan first. I am trying to put together another show. One where I can sit at my computer at any time to talk and be seen. Could be 2 minutes or 20 minutes. Whatever moves me at the moment. The show archived, of course.

That is what we are working on. Any suggestions? If so, let me know.

Then Syracuse basketball. A disaster. I fear it may be that way all season. St. John’s beat us 84-72.

The zone is not working. Penetration through the middle easy. Forget rebounding. The team does not. Need a big man. Not this season, unfortunately. Too late.

The game was played at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s a former Big East foe.

Several great Syracuse players from the early years of the Big Eat were at the game. Sitting behind the Syracuse bench. Pearl Washington, Billy Owens, John Wallace, and Rafael Addison. I saw them all play back when.

Washington has brain cancer. Yesterday was one of his good days. He could be at the game and meet up again with other Syracuse greats.

Then this week’s KONK Life column. Used my research from last week which I shelved to do the Helen Sperling/Holocaust story. This week’s column titled The President Could Not Spell. About Teddy Roosevelt. He had a problem. No spell check back then. An interesting story re the way he tried to correct his problem and the flack that followed.

A fire yesterday in Key Largo. Someone gassing up his boat at a Tom Thumb. Mistakenly put the gasoline into the bilge opening rather than where it belonged. About 100 gallons came out the back end of the boat.

Firemen arrived. Tom Thumb and homes evacuated. Fire only consumed the boat and parts of Tom Thumb.

Mistakes happen. Sounds like a new boat owner involved.

The Crime Report section of today’s Key West Citizen carries a sad story. Concerns a 33 year old homeless man who stole a tent, shoes, fishing pole and some other items from K-Mart. He was caught.

He said the items were needed to make a home, etc.  for his pregnant girl friend who was getting out of jail today.

Keys History noted that on this day in 1888 construction began on the Custom House. Completed late in 1891. Cost $108,000.

Key West is fortunate to have such a fine building. The Custom House has a long list of famous events that took place there. It is an outstanding tourist attraction today. Well run.

Enjoy your day!

PIGS

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I am upset this morning. Venting time.

Pigs does not refer to the four legged kind. Rather, those two legged. Man.

Two items in this morning’s Key West Citizen tick me off. Both have to do with the constant gouging of Key West Citizens.

One article concerns Stock Island’s Sunset Marina. Slip fees are being raised $5 a foot. The fees were raised last year also.

Most live on a boat because it is cheaper than buying or renting a home. Significantly. However with slip prices shooting up as they are, such will eventually no longer be true.

The other concerns towing fees.

The City Commission wants to raise towing fees from private properties by 35 percent. Increase other items also. Like allowing towers to charge up to $135 an hour where extraordinary effort is required. Everything will be extraordinary!

People are forced to leave Key West. More and more each year. They cannot afford the cost of living. The cost of living is much like the hills and steps which confront me in Greece and Italy. Everything up, nothing down.

Salaries contribute to the problem. Most are low paid hourly jobs. As time progresses, it is inevitable that a shortage of available employees will occur. Then, salaries will go up.

Getting back to the towing situation, the City Commission should be ashamed the way it handles Key West’s parking problem. It takes space away and raises parking fees for the limited space available. People are forced to park where ever they can. Such results in towing.

My yesterday began with a doctor visit. Another kind. Doctoring almost an every week thing. Then to Publix for a few things.

I had to hurry home after Publix. I was scheduled to be interviewed for 15 minutes on KONK News by Don Riggs. I had moved the time up to 12:45. Just made it.

Don and I had an interesting discussion re the Holocaust and the survivor Helen Sperling.

The evening was the best! The VFW on Northern Boulevard for dinner.

A big sign sits in front of the VFW building. Public Invited. I decided to try it. Glad I did.

Food good. Prices reasonable. Company excellent. A different breed of Key Westers. Veterans. They openly enjoy themselves. A happy group. They did their time in the military. Most fought. They have earned the right.

Met Schmegly. Spelled correctly. Looks like a thin santa Claus. A magnificent beard.

Schmegly has spent thirty years working Mallory Square at Sunset. Initially making creatures for children out of ballons. He considers such work an art. Today, he plays a banjo or guitar and sings.

Schmegly also walks Duval later in the evening playing the banjo. He refers to himself as a troubadour.

He makes his living from tips.

Schmegly’s real name is Richard Sloat. I never did find out how he got Schmegly out of Sloat.

He looks like an old timer you would find at Schooner Wharf.

Lighted Boat Parade tonight. An experience. Watch it from Schooner Wharf.

Tomorrow, the Parade of Paws. In the morning. Starts at Higgs Dog Park. Santa Claus will be there. The dogs will parade.

Key West loves dogs. Not only do we have Dog Park, we also have a Dog Beach. One of the best beaches in town. Right next to Louie’s Backyard.

A Saudi Arabian Prince referred to Trump as a “disgrace to America.” The Prince should talk. The pot calling the kettle black.

Saudi Arabia has much to answer for. The largest number of beheadings a year. No competition world wide. They abuse women. Do not permit them to drive. If an adulteress, stoning the penalty. Or, let a family member kill her and not prosecute the family member.

Enjoy your day!

SNOWBIRDS RETURN

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Snowbirds are back. You can see them, feel them, hear them. All good things.

Snowbirds are those who own Key West homes who do not spend the full year here. They return to Key West when the cold hits up north. Snowbirds also include those who do not own, but return and rent each year during the winter months.

Snowbirds mostly in their 50s and up.

They blend right in. Hook up with old friends. Locals and other snowbirds.

I sensed the time was here for the snowbird influx earlier this week while at the Chart Room. The bar was packed. All senior citizens. I knew then the snowbirds were back. Observed it at the Cuban Coffee Queen yesterday. I stopped for lunch. Did not stay. A waiting line. The benches and stools taken.

I was at Hogfish last night for dinner. The same thing. Standing room. Waiting for tables. I luckily found a seat immediately at the outside bar. The inside bar consisted of fishermen and their ladies. Otherwise, Hogfish was packed with returning snowbirds.

I have gotten into grouper recently. The grouper last night was outstanding!

Key West and the Battleship Maine are intertwined. The Maine left Key West for Cuba. It was blown up while in Havana Harbor. Triggering the Spanish-American War.

Many were killed when the Maine went down. A significant number were returned to Key West for burial. On this date in 1898, a Battleship Maine Cemetery Plot was dedicated in Key West. Ten thousand watched the procession and dedication.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. If it does not kill me, it has to help big time. Body Owners has become like a morning club for me and others being worked on. The staff part of the club. Makes hard work easier.

Then a haircut with Lori. Always enjoy visiting with Lori. She has been cutting my hair for 15 years.

Stopped at Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. No room.

Went home for lunch. Anna there. Anna has been cleaning my house and doing my laundry for 10 years. A Polish immigrant who worked hard and is achieving the American dream.

Is it only immigrants who achieve the American dream today? Why not American born? Is it because the American born have lost something along the way? What?

A three hour nap. I was tired for some reason. Laid down and fell asleep immediately.

“The nights still belong to Hitler.” One of the quotes/observations  in this week’s KONK Life column Helen Sperling…..Holocaust Survival.

I saw the printed column yesterday in KONK Life. Somewhere between me and the printer, the column got screwed up. Sperling’s name was misspelled in the title. Quotes near the end of the column took a beating. One completely left out. Others bunched together. My listed order ignored.

Nothing can bed done. The publisher offered to rerun the column next week. I said, no. Next week should be and will be a new story.

I apologize for the errors/sloppiness. Not of my doing, however.

Staying with the Helen Sperling story, it appears in two additional places today. KONK E-Blast carries it. No errors. The column was also linked to my Key West Lou website. No errors.

I will be interviewed on KONK News at 12:45 today. 104.9 radio. The subject matter will be the Helen Sperling column.

There have been many police/black shootings. More blacks killed than police officers. Most officers not indicted. I read somewhere yesterday that cops have become uncharged murderer’s. I will receive a number of contrary comments tomorrow. However, I agree with the uncharged murderer’s label.

June Hudson…..Don’t break a leg! You will never make it back to the Keys!

Enjoy your day!