TRUMP A CARNY PITCHMAN RE INFRASTRUCTURE

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Today it begins. Trump plans on spending the whole week selling his infrastructure plan to the American people.

Good luck! Typical Trump. Good for corporate America, bad for the American people.

Past Presidents for many years have avoided repairing and maintaining our highways and bridges. Trump says he is going to fix them. With few taxpayer dollars.

Trump is selling a $1 trillion overhaul. His plan is to make corporate America pay. Trump wants to sell American highways and bridges to corporate America. If he can’t sell, then lease long term. Like 30-50 years.

The corporations will do the needed work.

The system will improve roads and bridges. To the detriment of the American people.

Corporations are in business to make money. The plan is not a give away one.

Tolls will be charged. Even on roads not presently charging tolls. The tolls will increase periodically as the corporations desire to make more profit.

Blackstone is the corporation in line to benefit. Over $400 million contributed to Trump PACs in the last election. Blackstone has been getting ready for almost a year to do the job.

I have spent considerable time in recent years in northern Italy. Italy has a program similar to the one Trump will be trying to sell. The Italian highways and bridges are in perfect shape. Through out  Italy.

The Italian people are unhappy. Tolls charged everywhere. Even on roads never charged before. The tolls constantly increasing.

My Italian friends all look for back narrow roads to drive in order to escape the tolls. The back roads do not provide for a healthy drive. Narrow. Like 1 1/2 lanes.

It is chicken time while driving on one. Two cars approach each other. Each waits for the other to pull off the road onto the shoulder in order to pass. A last second thing. Heart in your throat time.

The Garden of Eden was a Hemingway novel not published during his lifetime. It was discovered after his death. Then published. Hemingway spent 15 years off and on writing the book.

The theme of the novel is threefold. The exploration of male and female relationships, evidences an interest in androgynous characters, and the reversal of gender roles.

For many years, the roof of the Bull and Whistle on Duval has had a clothing optional rooftop bar. Its name Garden of Eden. Its reputation hot. In my reality, not so. In my many years in Key West, I have only been on the roof top a half dozen times. The only nudity was the bar maids breasts. A disappointment. The lack of nudity, not the bar maid’s breasts.

I have always wondered if the roof top Garden of Eden is named after Hemingway’s novel. Sex played a significant part in the book. Sex is intimated at the roof top bar.

If so, Hemingway would be disappointed in the rooftop’s misnomer.

The bocce season is over. Playoffs were this weekend. I did not attend. Don’s Place did not make the playoffs. First time in years.

In 1927, what is described as the New Overseas Highway between Key West and Big Pine was opened to traffic. This date to be exact.

A 30 minute drive today. Wonder what it was then?

Today a sad one in American history. Robert Kennedy was assassinated this date in 1968. He had just won the California primary for President. He was leaving the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angles at the time of the shooting.

The year was a tempestuous time in American history. The anti-
Vietnam War movement was peaking. Martin Luther King had been assassinated. Johnson announced he would not run for a second full term. The country was in general unrest. Riots everywhere.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

CHARACTERS AND CONVERSATION

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No question, Key West has its share of characters. Generally locals.

The description character not meant to be disparaging. It merely reflects the unique nature of Key West society.

Don’s Place is a venue where the conversation merits recognition. Perceptive, interesting, amusing, etc.

Ten years ago, I told don we should put together a show. One originating from Don’s Place. I suggested a corner of the outside bar. Light it up. Place several customers at the corner. Have them talk for two hours. Nothing special. whatever they chat about normally. Film it all.

The two hour film would be edited to a half hour. Then we would try to get it aired on TV.

A guaranteed winner!

Don said no. I could not convince him.

Someone has finally decided to try it. Take advantage of the unique snappy dialogue that can be found among Key West locals.

The Dive Shop on Northern Boulevard is behind the move. The creators Tom Jackson, a 30 year Key West resident and Rich Vaughan, a former Key West resident now living in New York City.

The stars Key West stereotypes. Played by locals and New York actors.  The title Lost Reef Adventures.

Shooting begins July 27.

Good luck, guys!

My day yesterday began with an early afternoon manicure with Tammy. Fortunate I had an appointment. Standing room only Saturday afternoons for nails.

Then to Urgent Care to have my back x-rayed. I still have pain in the ball on my left foot. Beginning to bother my left calf because I favor my left foot. The pain is less every day, however.

Diana Millikan back in town!

We had dinner together last night at the Waterfront Brewery.

Diana has leased a small condo on Northern Boulevard for a year. She will be playing a snowbird. Back and forth. Present trip till late this month.

Good conversation. Diana is a devoted Trump supporter. One of the blind. She refuses to see. The man is crazy.

Why England three times with the terrorists in  three months? Strange. Whatever, I hope the terrorists remain on the European side of the Atlantic.

The pending English elections might be the reason. Next thursday. Could it be the terrorists are trying to show that Theresa May is not doing a good job in protecting the English people?

If so, they have failed. She and her team have come up a winner each time following an attack.

The 19th Amendment was passed this day around 1918. Gave women the right to vote.

I am a student of history. I find it amazing that men have always tried to keep women down. Treat them as second class citizens.

Women have had to fight every step of the way. They still are fighting men who oppose their right to control their own bodies.

The wives of such political leaders should deny their husbands marital rights for a period each time they do some asinine  anti-female thing.

George Washington was not always a winner.

Young George was 22 and a Lieutenant Colonel in 1754. Helped build Fort Necessity in the Ohio Valley. A shack more than a fort.

The concern was for the French Canadians coming down and trying to take over what was then a British Ohio Valley.

Washington was unable to defend the makeshift Fort Necessity. He surrendered to the French and their Indian friends.

The defeat blossomed into the Seven Years War which began two years later.

Enjoy your Sunday!

THOMAS EDISON AND THE LITTLE WHITE HOUSE

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One of the greatest inventors of modern times lived in the Little White House for six months. Thomas Edison. Around 70 at the time, the U.S. government looked to him for weapon development at the beginning of World War I.

Edison lived and worked in the same building made famous by Truman’ s many visits years later.

Edison developed 41 weapons during his six month stay.

I spent yesterday rewriting and polishing two chapters of Growing Up Italian. Will I ever finish this book? The funny part is the writing will be 3-4 books. The first is sub-titled The First Six Years.

Mel Fisher’s name is embroidered in Key West’s fabric. A name for the ages. Never to be forgotten.

Fisher struck gold and other rare jewels on July 20, 1985 after many years of searching. He sought the Atocha. He found it after roughly 15 years of searching.

Value of the gold, etc. $450 million.

On this date in 1986, Fisher presented Queen Sofia of Spain with a bronze cannon from the Spanish galleon. The presentation took place in Washington, D.C.

Trump is diminishing the image of the United States world wide. In a very short period of time. He has succeeded in pissing off most of the free nations of the world. Those autocratic, he is turning from enemies to friends.

Trump neither understands nor appreciates the need for friends world wide. Friends with values. Character. Not despots.

Tanks are effective. Especially by authoritarian regimes. Against those who protest their governments.

Two uprisings come to mind. Hungary and China.

The Hungarian Revolution occurred in 1956. Began October 23, ended November 10. The protesters using stones and molotov cocktails. The Soviets, troops and military equipment.

The soviets finally got tired of the constant street fighting. Soviet troops and a handful of tanks fighting the poorly armed rebels. Mostly students.

In one day, the troop number and tank number were increased Dramatically. The revolution was over. Force won out.

Two hundred thousand Hungarians fled Hungary immediately.

Total Soviet troops engaged 31,55o. Tank number 1,130.

I was fortunate to become friends with one of the revolutionaries. A Hungarian college student. He attended Manhattan College during my senior year. He said, we were throwing rocks and molotov cocktails. They came at us with tanks from every corner. The revolution was over.

Tiananmen Square another example of tank power.

One hundred thousand students began the protest on April 15, 1989. Their numbers enlarged daily by workers, intellectuals, and civil servants. The protest went on for seven weeks.

The Chinese government finally had enough. The tanks went in on June 4. The protest was over. Hundreds killed. Thousands arrested.

I love the comic sport poem Casey At The Bat. I have used the poem’s final line many times to express my sorrow at a Syracuse defeat.

Casey At The Bat was published this date 1888.

The line: “…..there is no joy in Mudville – mighty Casey has struck out.”

Enjoy your day!

A TALE TOLD BY AN IDIOT

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One thing about Trump, he is consistent. His every move screws up America!

The most recent was yesterday. He removed the United States from the Paris Accord. The climate control agreement involving 199 nations of the world. The only two not signatories were Nicaragua and Syria. Great partners!

I said what I had to say yesterday on my Facebook video. Upset, I was. Upset, I still am.

My comment today is a reference to Macbeth. I speak of Trump in recalling the lines: A tale told by an idiot / full of sound and fury. / Signifying nothing.

Santina is retired somewhere in Florida. She views my video every day. Her comment following yesterday’s regarding Trump was right on: He is a self indulgent pompous, egotistical, nut job.

I asked for help, recommendations, re my feet which are causing me distress. The balls hurt. Received many comments. Interesting and helpful. Thank you.

When I get the medical results, I will let you know the diagnosis. I have a feeling I have already been told it in the comments. Lower back and poor shoes.

Yesterday began with a haircut and Lori. Fifteen plus years she has been cutting my hair.

Then to Publix for groceries. Cupboard bare again.

Ally 12 years old yesterday! Like she was born yesterday. Twelve now. Robert turned 13 two weeks ago.

Lisa cooked a birthday dinner and cake. Ally blew out the candles as we sang happy birthday. Ally controlled the scene. Lights out, start singing when I tell you, etc.

Ally is no longer a girl. She is a young lady. On her way to becoming a woman.

Ally showed me a project re Greece that she had completed for school. I told her about Acropolis. Told her to check it out on the computer.

She took out her cell phone and immediately was viewing 21 pictures of Acropolis and Parthenon. I told her Poppa had been there and walked through the ruins.

She was impressed. I enjoyed her reaction.

Robert told me that in 2 years he can get a learner’s permit to drive. Fifteen the age in Florida.

Time does not move on. It flies!

Bocce last night. The team finally had a winning evening. Won 2, lost 1.

My MTV neighbor Andrew watching. He is in for a few days from his home in Switzerland. Jim and his wife were with him.

My comments re the croc living on the golf course drew some street comments. Several were to the effect that crocodiles are now breeding in Boca Chica. The result will be more crocs in the area.

Boca Chica a beach about a mile in through the woods. Mostly a gay hang out. I suggest no bare ass meandering through the woods. Chop and it’s gone!

Roy Cohen was one of the most able attorneys of his time. Known to be tough and brutal. A good lawyer to be represented by.

He was Senator Joe Mc Carthy’s lawyer in the 1950s during Mc Carthy’s Communists in government witch hunt.

He was Donald Trump’s lawyer in the early to mid 1980s. Trump purportedly one of his favorite clients. A friendship existed between them. They talked several times a day by telephone, did Studio 54 by night, etc.

A professional and personal relationship existed.

Nineteen eighty six found Cohen on his deathbed. AIDS. It is reported Trump was the last one Cohen talked with before he died. By telephone.

Strange.

It is also reported Trump pulled all his files but one from Cohen when he heard Cohen was H.I.V.

Some claim Trump acquired his bully nature from Cohen.

Monday is the 75th anniversary of World War II’s Battle of Midway. June 3-7, 1942. The United States whipped Japan’s ass big time. It was the United States’ first major victory against the Japanese.

The good guys destroyed 4 Japanese carriers and 1 heavy destroyer.

Japanese sea power was extremely limited by the loss of the 4 carriers.

Monday morning, June 5th, at 9 am, there will be a ceremony at Bayview Park commemorating the Battle of Midway.

Key West is an extremely patriotic community. It never forgets the military.

The Trump family costs the U.S. big dollars to protect. The Secret Service is required to be with the family at all times and in all places.

Eric and Donald Jr. travel the world promoting Trump hotels and golf courses. They are not engaged in government work. The Secret Service is with them at all times.

Taxpayer dollars paying for the protection. Take the President out of the equation. It still costs millions of dollars to protect the rest of the family. Every step of the way. Even at multiple residences.

No problem. Cut 23 million off the healthcare rolls in the next ten years.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

MY FEET HURT

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My feet hurt.

I woke monday morning with pain in the ball of my right foot. Tuesday the pain was in the ball of both feet. Wednesday and today, the pain is in the ball of the left foot.

Strange how the pain moves from one foot to another.

Saw doctor yesterday. Make pain go away! Every step hurts! Sometimes takes my breath away!

Doctor thinks it is my lower back. I think he’s wrong. He is the doctor, however. So I will be taking x-rays.

If any of you have had a similar experience, please write and tell me what caused your problem.

First stop after doctor visit was the Chart Room. I really felt like a drink.

John bartending. Donnie and Doug drinking.

Donnie and Doug are from Mississippi. Doug a therapist. Actually lived in Key West for a while years ago.

Donnie a printer. Sixty five. Says it is good bye to his business when he is 66. Wants to retire to Key West.

The wives were in their Pier House rooms getting ready for dinner.

The guys good conversationalists.

I was hungry. Walked over to the Hot Tin Roof.

Enjoyed lamb chops. I have said this before…..The best lamb chops I have ever eaten! Not sure whether it is the meat or the preparation or both. Just good!

Jack Terry bartending.

Jack has a second life. He writes! More profusely than I! Has many books to his credit. Presently into mysteries. Finishing his third mystery. Part of his Tricky Dick series.

The crocodile on the golf course. A front page photo in the Key West Citizen this morning. Big croc! Scary! Golfers…..Forget golf, take up tennis.

State wildlife officials decided not to remove the croc. The officials say the crocodile is harmless. Crocs bore easily. They assume the croc will move on in due course.

There are two ponds on the golf course. The croc is inhabiting both.

The croc cannot be killed. A protected species.

On this day in 1912, a Captain Charles Thompson harpooned a whale shark from a fishing schooner. Near the Seven Mile Bridge. The whale shark was 38 feet long and weighed 26,594 pounds.

Diana Millikan back. For three weeks. Look forward to seeing her. She can be disruptive and aggravating. However, she is sincere and a good person. We disagree politically. She likes Trump!

“Without him, there’d be no me.” Words by Shaquille O’Neal. He was speaking of George Mikan at the time of Mikan’s death.

Mikan made professional basketball. He stared with the NBA’s Minneapolis for years. The Associated Press named him the best basketball player of the first half of the 20th century.

Six foot eight, a dominating force in the early years of professional basketball. The lane was expanded to 12 feet from 6 feet because of him.  The 3 second rule came into play because of him. Goal tending, also. He was blocking too many shots.

Mikan died this day in 2005.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

HUMP DAY AND LOUIS

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People think that the older a person is the wiser they are. In most instances, yes. There are times however you surprise yourself and others with what you do/did not know.

I never heard the term hump day till I lived in Key West. Maybe I was the blind in this instance who could not see.

I noticed several yeas ago how many times hump day would appear in writings on wednesday. Recognizing Key West was a little of the wall, I assumed the term had to do with sex.

I wrote that everyone should enjoy the sex that hump day denoted.

Next day, I was buried with comments. Hump day had nothing to do with sex. It was a a term given to the middle of the work week. Half over.

I was disappointed. I would have preferred it had to do with sex.

My podcast last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Enjoyed commenting on matters that I thought required discussion/analysis.

First, money. The continued plight of the middle class and the inability of millennials to purchase a home because of a lack of funds.

Then, Trump. He ate up a lot of my show time. Required. The story grows with each passing day.

I covered Trump’s trip, the Russia investigation, Trump and Jared Kushner, and finally Trump, Kushner and Blackstone. The last item revealing.

One of the great poets of all time was born this date in 1819. Walt Whitman. His best known works “Leaves of Grass” and “O Captain, My Captain.”

I consider “O Captain, My Captain” his best work. Concerned Abraham Lincoln’s death. Set forth Whitman’s deep sorrow.

I was a history major. Especially loved the Civil war. Could not learn enough about it.

In an English literature course in my junior year, the professor spent much time analyzing “O Captain, My Captain.” I paid special attention and absorbed everything I could learn about the work.

Fortunately. The poem was a major question on the final examination.

Let me share a bit of this special work.

“O Captain! My Captain! our fearful trip is done. The ship weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won. The port is near, the bells the people all exalting…..O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dark…..rise up and hear the bells; Rise for you the flag is flung – for you the bugle trills.”

Capitalizations, spelling and punctuation as set forth in the original of the poem as published.

Trump continues to screw up. News this morning reports Trump is using an unsecured cell phone to speak with world leaders. He was giving leaders he met on his recent trip the number and telling them to call him directly.

This by the man who severely criticized Hillary for using a private mail server.

Trump does not think. Actually, the problem is he does not know. And refuses to learn!

Enjoy your day!

 

KEY WEST’S VIETNAM LIVING MEMORIAL

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I attended the Vietnam Living Memorial event at Bayview Park yesterday.

I especially feel an attachment to the veterans of the Vietnam War. I did not serve. However, those who did are close in age to me. Probably why I feel a kindership.

It took a long time for our country to honor the Vietnam vets. They are a sight to behold at any ceremony involving them. Pride. Their faces reflect it.

Picked up Terri at 5. She was to sing as part of Dueling Bartenders at Aqua. Donna working. I played chauffeur.

Dropped Terri off. Did not go in. Instead drove down to the Chart Room.

Met the new bartender Shaun. He was a manager at Rum Barrel. Rum Barrel closed a couple of weeks ago.

A young couple came in. Both worked at Casa Marina. I sipped and listened to their conversation with Shaun. One of them was a bartender at Casa Marina. Bartending the primary topic of their conversation.

Returned to Aqua.

Tom Luna and Terri singing up a storm.Terri starred tree months on Broadway playing the jail matron Mama Morton in Chicago. She sang All That Jazz last night. Wild!

Some of the nicest people live in Key West. Try us and you will understand. Many at Dueling Bartenders are locals. Comradeship exists.

My Facebook video is three months old. Seems I did the right thing. Many people watching. As to locals, four came up to me to comment on the video show, how much they liked it, etc.

Made me feel good.

I am losing friends frequently. Persons who were close to me. Most recently, a judge and police lieutenant. Contemporaries.

Death abounds. A certainty. I do not think about it. The thought would diminish the fun I am having.

Watched Trump lay a wreath at Arlington Cemetery on TV yesterday. His words warm. He was Presidential.

What bothered me was the roaring welcome he received. Had to be a selected crowd. The enthusiasm for him overwhelming.

A little Lincoln Memorial and Jefferson Memorial.

On this day in 1922, former President William Howard Taft dedicated the Lincoln Memorial. Construction began in 1914 and was completed in 1922. The Memorial impressive.

The Jefferson Memorial was completed in a shorter time. Construction began in 1939 and was completed in 1947. Bronzed in 1947. Equally impressive.

I have always favored the Jefferson Memorial. A tall standing Jefferson. If I recall correctly, 18 feet. Majestic.

William Hackley’s diary interesting this morning. Today’s date in 1856. Hackley noted a man was convicted of larceny. He was sentenced to one hour in a pillory. To expose him to public abuse.

I was surprised the pillory was still in use in 1856. I thought it had disappeared as a punishment instrument years earlier.

Every now and then someone makes a statement in Citizens’ Voice that has no basis in fact. Some ill informed individual wrote that Key West needs to “charge more for the scads of underpriced free parking we have in Old Town.”

The writer knows nothing of that which was written.

Private parking is expensive. Public parking, generally more so.

Municipal lots charge from $3 to $4 an hour. Multiply the numbers by 3-4 or more hours. The dollars add up.

As to free parking, none exists.

It costs me roughly $100 a week to park. I live three islands up, 5 miles from downtown Key West. I drive in at least 5 mornings a week. Three to 4 evenings, also. Morning parking generally 4 hours. Evenings, 4-6.

Do the math. The lots where I park generally in the $4 range. The closer to the action, the more the City charges.

I mentioned an only in Key West occurrence yesterday. Two women fighting because one had failed to give the other an orgasm.

Today, a similar happening reported.

The man was using the men’s room at Bayview Park. Upon leaving, he ran into a former girl friend. She started shouting and grabbed him by the balls. Squeezing hard. He claimed he “experienced immediate pain and discomfort.”

The police were called.

She must have thought she was Donald Trump…..Once you grab them by the crotch, you’ve got them.

My podcast show tonight at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. So many happenings this week, I have a wide range of topics to choose from.

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

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

PBS MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT…..INSPIRATIONAL

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A lot to cover this morning.

The eve of every Memorial Day, PBS holds a concert on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Patriotic.

Last night’s was extremely emotional, as well as patriotic. I shed many a tear. We need more events like last night to remind us what our men and women are going through in Afghanistan and Iraq. What has and is happening to their minds, bodies and families.

The 30th Annual Minimal Regatta at Schooner Wharf yesterday afternoon. I missed it this year. However, this morning’s Key West Citizen carries many photos of the boats and participants.

The boats all looked fantastic. Evidencing the degree of work that went into preparing the vessels.

Only in Key West. Two women fighting because one could not give an orgasm to the other.

For real. Reported in this morning’s Crime Report. Two reunited female lovers staying at Margaritaville. Four in the afternoon. In their room. One of the women told the police her girl friend was inept at helping her to achieve an orgasm.

No arrests were made.

Sloppy Joe’s. On this day in 1937, Sloppy Joe’s celebrated its grand opening at Joe’s newly acquired bar on the corner of Duval and Greene Streets. Had to be a hell of a party! Can you imagine…..Hemingway one of the participants!

The Key West City Commission continues to have their heads up their asses! One of the worst bunch of civil servants I have seen in my lifetime.

Mel Fisher Museum is part and parcel of Key West. Funded originally by Mel Fisher himself after he struck gold. Now dependent on a small souvenir operation and donations.

The Museum applied for a zoning change so it could add some minimal fund raising activities. The City Commission unanimously voted no.

I do not understand. New construction and remodeling is being permitted all over Key West contrary to existing codes and laws. Yet the City Commission does not oppose. An outdoor amphitheater is under construction. Approved by the City Commission quickly and without sufficient analysis. A disaster in the making when finished.

Strangers/outsiders get more favorable attention from the Commission than locals.

I could go on ad infinitum.

These oracles of wisdom decided to blunt the Museum’s request. One that was no big deal in comparison to others approved by the Commission.

Remember Roy Schneider in Jaws when he said, “We’re going to need a bigger boat.” A similar situation confronted a 73 year old fisherman in Australia.

He was in a small boat. Very small. Without warning, a 9 foot 440 pound white shark jumped in the boat. Knocked the fisherman over. Caused injury to one arm. A lot of bleeding.

The fisherman was on his knees eye ball to eye ball with the shark. He scurried to the front of the boat. Not much room in the boat.

Modest, the fisherman described the event as “just a mundane thing.”

The fisherman survived. The shark died.

Merkel can be a pain in the ass. A tough woman. An even tougher political leader. Many the time I have disagreed with her. Not however with regard to her recent comments re Trump at the NATO meeting.

Merkel said yesterday that Europe is basically on its own. The U.S. cannot be depended upon. She said, Europe “must take our fate into our own hands.” Europe cannot rely on “others.”

The result of Trump continuing to suck up to our enemies and defecating on our friends. You do not turn your back on nations that have stood with us and we with them for more than 50 years. A relationship that has insured neither a European war nor world war during that time.

Evangelicals have become big Trump supporters. Lance Wallnau is an evangelist who is an author and preacher. He says he has some Jewish blood running in him from a long distant relative.

Wallnau compares Trump to King Cyrus. A leader found in the Biblical Book of Isaiah. Cyrus was in power during the 500s BC. He was supportive of Jews. A Moses, in effect. History claims he delivered the Jews. Questioned by some historians.

Wallnau refers to Trump as “King Cyrus under siege.” Also, as the “anointed one.”

Wallnau met with Trump last year. He claims he “heard from the Lord” while meeting with Trump.

He views Trump as “a wrecking ball to the spirit of political correctness.”

Wallnau is popular in evangelistic circles.

God help us!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

CROCODILE ON KEY WEST GOLF COURSE

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There is a new crocodile on the Key West Golf Course. Nature is reclaiming its turf.

I first became aware by reason of a comment in Citizens’ Voice this morning. Claimed a 7 footer was in the lake by the 12th hole.

Not a lake. A pond. There is a long wide one that runs between the 12th and 18th holes.

I just telephoned Don to verify the existence of the crocodile. Don plays twice a week.

There is a crocodile. He’s seen it. It’s a big one, he says. Eight feet. Big head.

Beware! Golfers stay away from the water or bushes that run along side here and there. If you hit a ball into the shallow water or bushes, kiss it good bye. Better the ball than your arm!

There will be several Memorial Day ceremonies today and tomorrow. The first already occurred at 9 this morning. I am writing this blog at 9:30.

The Cemetery one is at the Battleship Maine Memorial. Always touching. I have done it twice over the years.

There will also be a ceremony or two at Bayview Park. I drive by and if I see a crowd, stop. More emotional than the Cemetery one. Even though all ceremonies this day are to honor those who fought in all wars. It may be because the Bayview ceremonies remember those who fought in more recent wars, as well as other ones.

Visited Lisa and family yesterday for a while. Robert and Ally taller each time I see them.

Robert and Ally both have birthdays this time of the year. I was to take them to lunch today as part of the celebration. Lisa just telephoned and said today would be no good. Robert did a sleep over last night and is beat.

A quiet dinner alone at the bar at Roostica last night. Crowded. It’s the holiday weekend. Enjoyed the newspapers.

The multi-talented Bria Ansara is an art teacher at Montessori. Robert and Ally studied under her this year.

Bria put the kids to work. Had them spend the term painting a 420 square foot 6 panel mural. Bria had each student select a local flora/fauna. Then paint it on the mural.

The mural is done. It was exhibited to the public yesterday for the first time. It hangs at the school and is available for viewing by appointment. Call Montessori principal Lyn Barras to schedule.

This war room thing is stupid. Dangerous for White House persons under investigation.

Defense in a case that is being investigated/prepared by Special Counsel Mueller and two Congressional Committees is not a team effort. It is every person for himself. In court house vernacular, every rat for himself.

If under investigation, your only counsel and confident is your attorney. You live or die by him.

In investigations of this nature, it is generally a race to offer evidence in return for immunity or a shorter sentence. Flynn is no fool in this regard.

If there is to be a war room, an attorney should head it. It might give availability to the attorney-client privilege were its members subpoenaed later on to testify as to what went on in the war room.

There is no thing as a war room in legal jargon or understanding. Another example of Trump doing something stupid on his own.

Enjoy your day!

 

OUTSTANDING FLAGLER RAILWAY EXHIBIT

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Slept late. Bed followed by a meeting. Ergo, blog late today. Sorry.

I went to the opening of the Flagler Railway Exhibit at the Custom House last night. Outstanding!

Curator Dr. Cori Convertino performed well. She was in charge of the exhibit. A permanent one. A lot of work and time had to be involved. The finished product made it worthwhile.

I could not find Nicky’s drawing of Flagler. It’s there. I will return when there is no crowd and I can take my time looking.

Dr. Convertino in attendance, of course. All decked out in long. Looked terrific! A hug and a kiss of congratulations.

Ran into George. George is a female. She bartends at Hogsbreath. For at least 15 years.

I had not seen her in years. She never changes. I told her so. Looks the same as when I first met her at Lisa’s wedding 13 years ago.

Walked over to the Chart Room following the exhibit. Another fun evening.

Sheila was there. First time in three months that I have seen her. Sat next to her.

Linda Cunningham seated next to Sheila. She contributed to making it an enjoyable evening. In her other life, Linda was an editor. In Key West, she is a Board member of The Stars and Stripes.

Kevin and Holly at the other end of the bar. Chatted with them briefly. Holly her usual lovely self.

Met Grace and Steve. They reside in one of the Villages. Visiting Key West for the holiday weekend.

Grace into legal case management. Steve a former crane operator. Now, retired.

Nice people. Steve especially expressive.

John handled the bar well. Joined in the conversations when he could.

Zbigniew Brzezinski died. Eighty nine years old. A distinguished American. He was National Security Adviser under President Carter. He succeeded Henry Kissinger in the position.

Brzezinski’s family escaped Europe before World War II. Amazing the heights Brzezinski attained.

He is the father of Mika Brzezinski, one of the Morning Joe hosts.

The Rainbow Flag. One and a quarter miles long. From one end of Duval to the other. An expression gay pride.

A portion of the flag is referred to as Section 93. It has been exhibited in several parts of the U.S. and as far away as Australia.

On January 11, Section 93 will participate in a unity and pride parade in Washington, DC. The Equality March for Unity and Pride. It will lead the parade.

Big time sailboat races no more in Key West. For thirty years, the Key West Race Week held in waters off Key West. A big deal!

Unfortunately, participation has dwindled. In 2001, 326 boats. In 2016, 130. This past January, 90.

The numbers explain the cancellation determination.

At a Trump rally in March, Senator Jim Kane’s son was present. Senator Kane was Hillary’s Vice-Presidential running mate.

The son is Linwood “Woody” Kane.

Young Kane was opposed to Trump. He and friends disrupted the rally. One threw a smoke bomb.

That was March. He was arrested this week for his activities at the rally. My question: Why did it take two months to arrest him? Does not make sense.

You can always find an outside the box event in the Keys. This afternoon a dog wash fundraiser. Sponsored by the Sheriff’s Department. Being held at the Keys Animal Hospital. The proceeds go to the Florida Keys SPCA.

Enjoy your day!