IT AIN’T OVER ‘TIL IT’S OVER

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Few would take lead comment this morning away from Pope Francis. One of the few is Yogi Berra. An outstanding baseball player, nice guy and recycler of the English language. It ain’t over ’till it’s over…..One of the best!

He died yesterday at the age of 90. Never will be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

Now for the second team. The Pope!

I was glued to the TV set yesterday watching his arrival in Washington. I found his arrival emotional. He speaks to the masses today outside at the National Mall. Tomorrow, he addresses a Joint Session of Congress.

Many dislike him. Prominent persons. Especially Republicans.

This morning’s column by George Will attacks the Pope without mercy. Certain Washington figures speak aggressively concerning him.

Why, I do not understand. The man is Christ like. He is being referred to as The People’s Pope. His concern is for the downtrodden. Not the wealthy, not capitalists. He simply says feed, house and clothe everyone, be concerned for everyone. What is so troublesome about such? Jesus spoke no differently.

The Seven Mile Bridge will be closed off and on today. For five minute periods each time. A permit has been given to an advertising firm to do so. A commercial is being filmed.

My yesterday started with an airport stop. It was good friend time. I picked someone up.

Roostica for lunch. I am becoming more Italian every day. Enjoyed a dish of sauce covered meatballs.

Spent the afternoon fine tuning last night’s blog talk radio show.

Dinner at Hurricane Hole. It had been several years since I was last there. It is close to my home. I stay away because the bar is not placed correctly. The setting sun shines directly on the bar. Reflects off the water onto the bar. A steam bath!

I sat at a table with an umbrela to avoid he sun. Fortunately, it was overcast which helped.

At 9, my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Two mid-east stories seemed the most popular.

The one about the Afghan commander who handcuffed a young boy to his bed. The boy was used as a sex slave by the commander evenings.

The other concerned Saudi Arabia. Our false friends. Saudi Arabia is Chairman of the UN Human Rights Commission. They are about to crucify a 20 year old for illegal protesting and carrying a gun. His head will first be chopped off. His body then hung headless on a cross for three days.

Screw off day today. Finally, wednesday! No writing to do. Except for this blog, of course.

Enjoy your day!

 

POPE FRANCIS ARRIVES

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Pope Francis’ plane lands late this afternoon in Washington. He meets tomorrow morning with President Obama.

As a Catholic, I am pleased the head of my Church is meeting with the head of my country. Note however that I am a fallen away Catholic. Once a Catholic always a Catholic, however. The nuns drove Catholicism into our heads!

Francis is impressive. He stands for change. Matters such as a welcoming approach to gays, cohabiting couples and divorced Catholics. He believes in global warming and the need to do something about it.

Many in the Catholic Church oppose the changes he recommends. The division is obvious.

A synod is a meeting of Bishops to deal with Church affairs. The last Synod was in October 2014. The next October 4-25 in Rome. Many bishops opposed him at the last Synod. It is expected they will again at the October one. They consider the changes the Pope wishes to implement heresy.

There also are lay persons in the United States who oppose the Pope’s recommended changes. Many sit in the U.S. Congress. They view the Pope as a politician and feel he is fair game to take on. Perhaps exhibiting disrespect, also. I hope not. However, respect has become a waning virtue in the U.S.

My day started on the anti-gravity treadmill yesterday. Then a stop at the Marriott Beachside to read the newspapers. Followed by a too heavy lunch at 5 Guys.

I need a new pair of sneaks. My recollection was there was a sneak store at the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center. No more. Still need sneaks.

Spent the afternoon researching for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou. Join me for a fast moving interesting half hour of political and social commentary.

Topics tonight include a recent study indicating 75 percent of Americans consider their government corrupt, Afghan sex slaves, generic drug rip offs, an imminent Saudi Arabia crucifixion, comment re this week’s KONK Life column U.S. War Ready?, Pope Francis and U.S. Representatives, Trump immortalized in a painting done with unusual type paint, and more.

I mentioned yesterday that Poker Run appeared to be highly successful. Since that time I have heard rumblings to the contrary. I am interested in what the Citizen will report.

Had dinner last night at Salute’s. A long time since I dined there. Sat outside. Devoured a tasty piece of grouper.

My companion was Nancy Miracle. First time I met her. She authored a biography of Marilyn Monroe a couple of years ago titled From Sardi’s To Sicily. She gave me a copy. It is on my reading list.

Ran into old friends at Salute’s. Bob from Sugarloaf. At least three years since we last saw each other. Bob was a successful television producer in his other life. Ran into John. John has hosted at most of the upscale restaurants in Key West.

Key West loves Harry Truman. Truman loved Key West. He vacationed in Key West 175 days over 11 visits.

Truman visited Great Britain  in 1956. The London Daily Telegraph wrote following Truman’s visit re Truman: “The Living and kicking symbol of everything everyone likes best about America.”

Enjoy your day!

U.S. WAR READY?

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Poker Run 2015 is over. Most of the bikers left Key West yesterday afternoon. Roaring. In greater numbers than they came in. As many as 40 at a time.

Those who did not leave yesterday will leave this morning. The roar again.

A successful weekend. No trouble. The bikers not a problem. Bars had to do a big business.

I spent many hours yesterday writing this week’s KONK Life column. It publishes wednesday. The column took unusually long to write. Details. The title: U.S. War Ready? I strongly suggest you read it. Not necessarily for pleasure. For information you may not otherwise be aware.

Roostica for dinner. Spaghetti with meatballs, sausage, and pork. Just like my Grandmother made!

Olga waited on me. Obvious she is from another land. She has an accent. Business was slow. We had a chance to talk.

I was interested in where she came from and details of life there. Olga was born and raised in the old Soviet Union and then under whatever the name of her free country. I could not catch the name. It was not familiar.

Her homeland is far to the east in Russia. Near the Chinese border.

We talked of education. Interesting. Most stories similar to Flora’s. Some different.

Olga loves the USA!

The New York Times carries a shocking front page news release this morning. Afghan village commanders have sex slaves they keep handcuffed to their beds. Young boys. Apparently part of Afghan tradition. Called bacha bazi.

American soldiers could hear the boys screaming at night. They were told not to pay attention nor interfere. It was part of Afghan custom and to be tolerated.

What the hell are we doing over there? Their ways are thousands of years old. We will change nothing.

Pope Francis arrives tomorrow. He will speak at some point to a joint session of Congress. Some Republicans are complaining. and not with the respect the Catholic leader is entitled to.

The complaining Republicans think the Pope is too liberal. He believes in climate change, equality of pay, is opposed to gun manufacturers. All social problems. All within the purview with which he should have concern. All matters Republicans prefer to ignore.

They fail to mention the Pope is anti-abortion.

Greek elections a surprise. Tsipras reelected. His Syriza Party won handily. A sign the Greeks respected his efforts in spite of the fact that he failed regarding the Eurounion debt. I am confident Tsipras will take another shot at the problem in due course. Never say die!

Oh, my Syracuse! Three consecutive wins. The true test next saturday. Against ranked LSU. The Vegas line is LSU by 24.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

ROBERT AND ALLY CLEAN BEACH

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The joy of reading this morning’s Key West Citizen. A large picture on the front page of Robert and Ally walking along a beach. Their heads looking down. The two participating in a coastal cleanup day. Clean the beaches!

Robert and Ally were cleaning Nature Beach. Nature Beach runs behind 1800 Atlantic.

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum was one of the organizations sponsoring the Nature Beach cleanup. Some other beaches were also involved. I am not sure the following numbers represent the Nature Beach cleanup or all the local beach cleanups. Whatever, the numbers are formidable.

Seventy five bags of trash. Included were 202 bottle caps, 8 crab traps, 6 syringes, 4 tampon applicators and 4 condoms.

Robert and Ally have participated in cleanups before. I recall one where the sidewalks and curb areas surrounding the Southernmost Complex were tidied up. I have a distinct recollection of Ally picking up a cigarette butt resting next to the curb and placing it in the trash bag she was carrying on her shoulder. Ally wore gloves, of course.

I watched Syracuse football beginning at 12:30. Syracuse won again! Beat Central Michigan 30-27. The first time in 24 years Syracuse has won its first three games.

We were lucky to win!

Our quarterback is Eric Dungey. A real freshman. He is playing because in the early part of the first game against Rhode Island, Syracuse’s starting quarterback ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Eric got hit hard in the head in yesterday’s game. Near the end of the second quarter. A helmet to helmet crash. The Central Michigan player was thrown out. Dungey played no more. His injury is reported as an upper body one. What that means, I do not know and have not been able to find out.

In comes Syracuse quarterback #3. His name I believe Austin Mahoney. I could be wrong. He finished the second quarter in fine fashion.

The second half was a disaster. I am not even sure we got a first down. Maybe one or two at the very end of the second half.

Syracuse had something like a two touchdown lead. Central Michigan ate at it. With seconds to go in the game, Central Michigan scored a touchdown tying the game.

Syracuse won in overtime 30-27.

A win is a win. In spite of the second half which was shameful.

Syracuse’s passing defense was an abomination in the second half. It seemed like Central Michigan was completing passes at will.

Next week LSU. Ranked. A test! Hope Eric Dungey is back!

Spent a couple of hours after the game researching this week’s KONK Life column. I raise the question as to whether the United States is ready for war.

Motivation for the topic came from a news release this week that soon the U.S. Army will be the smallest in the post World War II era. If so, the issue becomes one for concern.

I have more research to do. Hopefully will get the column out by late afternoon.

My saturday night usual haunt. Tavern ‘n Town. Good food and Bobby Nesbitt.

The bar was packed and noisy. Unusually so. I could not hear Bobby at all. There was a wedding upstairs and the bar was full of wedding guests who were there to drink and not listen to Bobby.

I intentionally did not go to Duval last night. The last evening of Poker Run. The doctors, lawyers and accountants who dress as bad guys raise too much hell for me. Many bring their wives or girl friends. They  likewise are attired as bike people.

It amazes me that the bike ladies all have big breasts. Every year. They can’t all be that big.

A major event this weekend as part of Poker Run. A Tattoo Contest at Schooner Wharf at 3. Not to be missed! I have seen a few. You will be amazed! Males and females. They show and explain their tattoos, where they got them, etc. Expose them all. Right down to the genitally located ones.

A fun event. Get there early so you get a place from which you can see. A crowd guaranteed.

Enjoy your Sunday!

SATURDAY NIGHT AT DON’S PLACE

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I am late getting to the blog this morning. Sorry. Bed too comfortable.

Spent a couple of hours in the early evening at Don’s Place. With David, Keith and Joanie. Thought I would run into Don. Had not seen him in a week. He was home babysitting his two grandkids. Wife and daughters out somewhere.

Lisa would not let me babysit Robert and Ally early on. She said my attention factor was lacking. Finally, one night she allowed me to show my stuff.

Robert went to bed early to sleep. Ally could not sleep. She came into the living room and sat on the couch watching television. I was watching TV also. For a while.

When Lisa returned home, I was asleep in the chair. Ally wide awake watching television. Of course, Lisa ripped into me. See…..I told you so….etc. I meekly responded there was no problem. Ally was watching Robert and me!

My response was not appreciated. It was another year before I was permitted to babysit again.

Stopped at Outback on the way home for dinner. I have always liked Outback. Good food at fair value. Not last night. I had a filet with potato and veggies. The menu indicated a special. Shrimp could be added for $7.50. Unlimited in amount. Why not!

A rip off. The shrimp were fried in batter which is what I expected. However not one piece was larger than a quarter. Each one more batter than shrimp. For shame! I ate 2-3 pieces and left the rest.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Next week, I go to four times a week. I have added thursday to my schedule.

I have another radio show! A small one. Very small.

KONK has one hour of news monday-friday at noon. KONK News with Guy deBoer. He has five different speakers, each allotted 10 minutes. I have been blessed with friday, 12:20-12:30. 104.9 The X in Key West.

Nothing fancy. I lead off with a brief synopsis of my KONK column for the week. Then spend 6-7 minutes on a topic of my choosing. Something I  believe needs to be said.

Yesterday, it had to do with poverty in the U.S. I was motivated by the cry to help those leaving Syria.

My thrust was lets take care of our own first. We are doing a lousy job at it. Then be generous with others.

We have 1.5 million households living on less than $2 a day per person, food stamp recipients have increased 16.5 million under Obama, and 2.5 million homeless children living in abandoned cars, cardboard boxes, the woods, etc. who go to school unbathe and without breakfast.

The U.S. already takes in 70,000 refugees a year. Obama has indicated he will take in an additional 10,000. That’s enough for the time being!

This is Poker Run Weekend in Key West. Ten thousand motorcycles in town. Party time, big time! They were roaring into Key West all day yesterday on U.S. 1. Sometimes as many as 20 in a group. Marlon Brando in the lead!

It is black leather attire tonight on Duval!

I live and learn. Eighty years old and still learning.

I thought sparkling wines and champagne were different. Turns out they are not. Both produced the same way. The difference is in name only. Champagne is produced in the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wines everywhere else.

The sparkling wine bubbly is cheaper in many instances and just as good. So I read.

Syracuse/Central Michigan today. Win #3 in the making for Syracuse? Syracuse a six point favorite.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

REPUBLICAN DEBATE

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Last night’s Republican debate better than the first. Much better. Issues were discussed. Could have been discussed more. However, Trump kept getting in the way.

I consider Trump a buffoon. The man is not qualified to be President. It would scare me if he was. His lack of knowledge re issues was obvious. His high fi hand slapping childish.

Rubio impressed me with his foreign affairs knowledge. He was able to articulately convey it, also. Fiorina impressive. The woman is sharp. Bush was better. What we all expected from him in the first instance. Graham belongs with the big boys. First time he ever impressed me. Foreign affairs his issue. He knew his business.

The evening was too long. As much of a political junkie that I am, I got tired after a while. One problem was CNN’s work up to the first debate. I was on TV at 5 expecting the debate to begin. It did not till after 6. The debates are not a Super Bowl.

My screw off day yesterday was simple. The anti-gravity treadmill. The afternoon spent reading and napping. I read an excellent in depth article on Robert Redford. The name of the magazine escapes me. I also read for a while It’s Even Worse Than It Looks.

This morning’s Key West Citizen has a detailed article about the new Waterfront Brewery which is scheduled to open soon. A major undertaking. The rent the Brewery has to pay shocked me. Key West owns the property or controls its rent. The rent is roughly $614,000 a year. Fifty thousand a month! Got to sell a lot of beer!

Bocce tonight. We are scheduled to play Larry’s team. A money game.

Don’t know whether we will play. Rained all night. Very overcast at the moment. Weather report says scattered showers and thunderstorms all day.

I have an early haircut appointment this morning.

Enjoy your day!

 

FISH ARE FEWER

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Fishing is important to Key West and the rest of the Florida keys. To the whole world actually. For food and sport.

A recent study reveals marine population is diminishing. Since 1970, marine life has fallen 49 percent. Two causes. Over fishing and climate change.

Re over fishing, fish are being caught faster than they can reproduce.

As to climate change, carbon dioxide is blamed. The carbon dioxide is being absorbed into the oceans. Such makes the waters more acidic. Unhealthy for all marine species.

Wednesday is my day! Screw off time. I spend friday through tuesday researching and writing. Time deadlines involved. Sunday for the KONK Life column. Tuesday for the blog talk radio show. Like a full time job. Love it!

I spent a bit of time yesterday fine tuning last night’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

The show went well. I decided before hand not to mention politics, Trump, or Hillary. I have had it up to here! I am smiling as I write that. Though true, I still cannot wait to watch the debates tonight.

An issue garnering interest last night involved Afghanistan. Specifically, Afghanistan’s opium and heroin trade.

The U.S. military first entered Afghanistan in 2001. Since that time, opium production has doubled. Heroin, tripled. How can this happen if Afghanistan is and has been a bloody battlefield? One from which people seek to escape.

The reason is simple. The opium fields and its workers are not touched by the war. There is no spill over of the war into the poppy growing farm lands. Off limit terrain.

Note the heroin production finds its way to the streets of America. The American people are the largest consumer of Afghan heroin.

Someone has to be on the take. Probably many. Could extend to some of our people over there.

The whole scenario amazing!

Roostica for dinner. Generally where I eat show nights. Close to home.

Fran from Buffalo, my Italian canning friend, suggested I try the Sicilian pizza at Roostica. A deep dish pizza. I do not particularly enjoy pizza. Rarely order it. However based on Fran’s recommendation, I did last night.

Wow! Absolutely delicious! Too much for one meal for me. Half sits in the refrigerator. Probably my lunch today. It will taste even better cold.

I am a political junkie. Yet the primary campaigns are turning me off. I am sick of the political pundits. Yet as mentioned earlier, I will be watching the debates tonight.

I was flipping through a high end magazine. Came across an ad for Piguet watches.

Some thirty years ago, I was in New York City on business. Had some free time. Walked a portion of Fifth Ave. I had always wanted an expensive watch. In front of me was an expensive watch store. Nothing but high priced watches for sale.

The store was crowded. Christmas time.

I looked through the show cases in the center of the store. Decided on a $25,000 Piguet. I was making money. I could afford it. I wanted to be good to Louis.

To get a sales person was impossible. One had to stand in line quite a while until the counter was reached. There were many lines.

I stood in line and finally got to a sales person. I told her the watch I was interested in. She pulled a box off the shelf and said $25,000 or whatever the specific number was.

I said I would like to see the watch and try it on. I might not like it and if so would select another brand or style.

The sales lady was not happy with me. She said there is no time. You either want it or don’t. There are other people waiting.

Of course, I did not buy the watch. I turned around and left the store.

Twenty five thousand dollars was a lot of money back then and still is today. A little fuss and attention were not unreasonable to expect.

The sad thing is I never bought an expensive watch. Never got around to it. It was never a priority. Merely a nice thing to have done for myself.

Rained during the night. Big time thunder and lightning. The white flashes into the bedroom once again. Lightning is different over the ocean.

Pouring right now. Looks like a rain day ahead.

Enjoy your day!

HEART OF KEY WEST

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There are many things that come to mind when thinking of Key West. One are chickens. They are part and parcel of Key West life.

The roosters chase the hens. Interestingly, the hens generally run from the roosters. However, the hens at some point do get caught. Otherwise Key West would have chickens no more.

Gestation is a mere 29 days. The chicken population replenishes itself easily. All over town, you can see mother hens walking along followed by a line of baby chicks. Sometimes the line is long. Other times, not too many chicks.

Nature interferes. Nature keeps the chicken population under control, though those who do not like the free roaming chickens may not believe it. Animals and cars are enemies of baby chicks. Vultures and hawks, also.

Years ago, I was sitting outside at the old Paradise Cafe enjoying Cuban toast and coffee. Mother hen and several chicks were walking down the sidewalk in front of me. Suddenly, I heard a loud swosh. I looked up. There was either a vulture or hawk on the way up with two baby chicks in its clutches.

Mother hen and the baby chicks had run each and every way when the swosh was heard. They reassembled. Mother hen in front and the baby chicks in a straight line behind her and continued on their way. The straight line two chicks less.

No one seemed concerned. Neither mother hen nor the remaining baby chicks.

The preceding is merely the prelude to today’s story re baby chicks.

We live a different life in Key West. Our value systems a bit different.

Over the weekend, two baby chicks fell into a water drain in the parking lot at the Southernmost Complex. Police were called. I assume two or more police cars showed up.

The police were able to extricate the two chicks. They were frightened, cold and wet. Loving hands took them to warm.

In those few minutes, the rescue of the baby chicks was the most important thing in Key West. Key West responded accordingly.

The baby chicks in the drain are comparable to the up north situation of the kitten in a tree who cannot get down. Firemen are called in that instance.

Wrote this week’s KONK Life column yesterday afternoon. Sent it off to the paper. The article is titled Gertrude Bell…..Desert Queen. The female Lawrence of Arabia. An interesting story.

Erica Jong’s Fear of Flying revolutionized sex so many years ago. The  “zipless fuck” came into being. Or was identified. Whatever, a great book. Has sold something like 20 million copies world wide.

Jong has written a new book. Fear of Dying. Addresses women in their senior years. Covers everything, including sex.

Jong lives in New York City. She did have a home also in Key West for years. Whether she still does, I could not ascertain. I never met the lady. Much to my sorrow. I did see her at various social gatherings. Never went up and engaged her in conversation, however.

Fear of Dying will be available for purchase beginning tomorrow.

I am meeting Tom and Fran for drinks at Tavern ‘n Town tonight. I look forward to it. Not merely the meeting. I never got out yesterday.

Today will be busy. The anti-gravity treadmill followed by a manicure. Research for tomorrow night’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Then a fun evening with Tom and Fran.

Enjoy your day!

SHERIFF’S ANIMAL FARM

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One of the lesser known Key West attractions is the Sheriff’s Animal Farm. A shame. The Farm should be a must on everyone’s agenda. Young and mature alike.

The animals are varied. Some I have not even heard of. Not the typical zoo nor zoo type operation. The Farm is run by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. A deputy Sheriff in charge. Help provided by inmates.

The Farm is open only two Sundays per month. Today is one of those Sundays. From 1-3. The Farm is located on Stock Island. College Road just off U.S. 1.

There is no charge for admission. Donations appreciated.

There are so many dangers confronting society and government. Some must be dealt with. I am specifically referring this morning to Oath Keepers. A group 30,000 strong. Most former military people.

They were at Ferguson. Carrying guns. Doing whatever they wanted. Police avoided dealing with them.

They are the same group that defended the farmer in the 2014 Nevada stand off involving the Bureau of Land Management.

Oath Keepers announced in the past few days that they would protect Kim Davis from the Judge and U.S. Marshals. They planned on  having “boots on the ground” to prevent Davis from being arrested by U.S. Marshals. The group announced that Davis was under their protection stating the “Judge needs to be put on notice that his behavior is not going to be accepted and we’ll be there to stop it…..”

Not the way things should be done.

As a point of information, one of the most powerful persons in the United States is a federal district court judge. You don’t screw with them.

Fortunately, Davis’ attorney declined Oath Keeper’s offer of assistance.

Finished research re Gertrude Bell yesterday. Bell  known during her time as Queen of the Desert. She is frequently referred to today as the female Lawrence of Arabia.

I will be writing the column for KONK Life this afternoon.

Sloan here for a while in the afternoon. I have a new computer. She was helping me get everything on it.

I caught the last minute of the first half and the last three minutes of the second half of the Syracuse/Wake Forest game on TV. I was surprised it was being shown. It was on CBS.

Syracuse won 30-17. Can it be?

Living on a small island has a few negatives. One is rats. They used to be all over the place. The reason there were so many cats on the island. Almost every home had a cat.

There are few cats today. I read somewhere that iguanas have killed the cats. Apparently, rats do not scare iguanas.

One showed up dead in my home a few days ago. The smell was there. I could not find where it was coming from. The smell of a dead animal. Nor could Keith. Anna finally found the body. In a small closet under the stairs, the door off the kitchen. The rat apparently had come up from the crawl space under the house.

I am a coward at heart when it come to certain things. A rat, dead or alive, is one. It was Keith’s headache.

Keith removed the body yesterday. Washed the area down with Clorox.

The smell last night was Clorox. This morning, dead rat. The odor remains. There is a special odor item which will remove the rat smell completely. Keith’s headache. He will be at Home Depot today buying it.

There has not been a hurricane in the Keys for 10 years. Yet the biggest writer of insurance in the Keys, Citizens Property Insurance Co., wants to raise rates for wind damage. In 2013, the rates were raised 10.5 percent. In 2014, 8.1 percent.

Give us a break!

Bocce stats listed in the Sunday paper. We are alone in 2nd place with a 10-2 record. A good start! Actually, fantastic! May we continue to play well.

Enjoy your Sunday!

TOM AND FRAN DIXON

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Two dear friends are Tom and Fran Dixon.

We first met via this blog several years ago. Then Tom and I happen chanced to meet in Key West. At that time, I became aware that both are frequent visitors to Key West.

Tom and Fran live just outside Buffalo. Tom a retired negotiator.

The thing that really glued us together was that Tom is a die hard Syracuse fan. Our bloods run orange.

Tom has another claim to fame. He owns a piece of the Ocean Key House.

The three of us had dinner together last night. Met first at the Chart Room for drinks. Fran evidencing the beginning of a good tan. She told me the temperature  is down to 60 in Buffalo. Fall has arrived in upstate New York.

We talked about many things. Children, grandchildren, their lack of any grandchild as yet. Syracuse football and Boeheim. The freshman quarterback Eric Dungey.

Dinner at Hot Tin roof. A fun time. Only way to describe it.

We are scheduled to meet again 6 monday night at Tavern ‘n Town. By that time, we will have the result of today’s game between Syracuse and Wake Forest to discuss. Syracuse this morning a 4 1/2 point favorite.

My day yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I have been doing it three times a week. Time to go to four. I made arrangements to do a 4 day week beginning a week from monday. Hopefully in a few months, I will have it up to five times a week.

Then back to the Santorini volcano.

Anna tells me the refugee problem in Italy is on the rise. The refugees are not coming from Syria or the Middle East. They are from the war torn countries of North Africa.

Taxes continue to rise, especially on real estate in Italy. Businesses continue to close. The unemployment rate keeps going up.

Anna asks how can Italy feed, clothe and house these refugees if Italians are on the brink of not being able to care for themselves.

I was able to watch the last fifteen minutes of Serena Williams’ tennis match in the afternoon. I assumed I would be watching Serena reach another milestone in the tennis world. It was not to be. Serena lost to the Italian Roberta Vinci.

Vinci was a 300-1 underdog. When asked how she felt when she got up in the morning knowing she had to play Serena, she said she was calm. Told herself to go out and play an enjoyable game. She had absolutely no expectation of beating Serena.

That is the way of the sporting world. American Pharoah recently got beat.

I have decided on the subject matter for next week’s KONK Life column. It is one I began researching last saturday when I got hung up on my Tennessee Williams research. I have about two more hours research which I will do today. Then write the column tomorrow.

It is the Gertrude Bell story. Gertrude Bell is known as the female Lawrence of Arabia. Gives you an idea of whar the article will entail.

Enjoy your day!