A MATCH HAS A HEAD BUT NO BRAIN

I have found something strange re the news the past couple of weeks. Perhaps you have also.

Close to all of the news concerns the U.S. Kavanaugh primarily.

There are things going on elsewhere in the world. We do not hear. We are buried in the Kavanaugh issue.

Not healthy. World events in the final analysis are equally if not more important over the long run than Kavanaugh.

Fire Prevention Week begins in a few days. October 7-October 13.

In 1948, a fire prevention week existed also. I was in the eighth grade. There was a contest. We had to write a composition about fire prevention. The writer of the best composition would get to read it while standing on a fire truck in front of the school. A big deal!

Mine was the best. Thirteen year old Louis got the thrill of a lifetime. Stood on the fire truck, read the composition, and then blew the fire truck horn repeatedly. The last part the best.

I was a reader early in life. Sat in an easy chair in the living room reading something too heavy for me. A large dictionary at my side so I could look up the many words I did not understand.

Somewhere along the way, I came up with a phrase that stuck in my head while writing the composition: A match has a head, but no brain. Brilliant! I incorporated it into my composition. It became the thrust of the writing and probably caused me to win.

At the time, I thought it had to do with fires. I looked it up this morning. It did not. Concerns stress and anger prevention.

Oh well, it worked at the time!

I further discovered this morning that I was sort of correct. Sort of being the operative words. I came across one comment re the match and no brain in a fire prevention ad put out by a Firemen’s Association. One out of hundreds!

Disposable lighters are in vogue today. Matchbooks a rarity. In 1948, matchbooks were used. A practical lighter did not arrive on the scene till 1972. Gillette bought a French patent.

Matchbooks were used for cigarette lighting, birthday cakes, etc. Matchbooks were a small paper board folder carrying 30 matches. Rip a match off and strike the head on a small pad on the outside of the matchbook.

That scenario was why I was able to use a match has a head but no brain. Everyone used matches! Everyone understood!

A pleasant evening last night at Blue Macaw with Andrea and Joe. Good people. I keep repeating myself. However, they are.

Afterwards, I stopped at Sandy’s Cafe for something to eat before returning home.

I have reported re the mosquito danger in North Carolina. Terrible! Mosquitoes three times normal size. Millions more than normal being bred.

North Carolina’s Governor recognizes the danger. Yesterday, he authorized $4 million to attack the problem. Probably more will be required in time.

One of Florida’s greatest benefactors was Henry Flagler. The railroad, St. Augustine, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Miami, and Key West.

Two interesting things about the man. He never graduated from high school. He also actually created Miami. From nothing to something. People were thrilled. They wanted to name the city Flagler. He said, no. There was a river in the area. The Miami River. The city Flagler created was named after the river.

Tuesday night I was supposed to watch Ally play volleyball. She is on the school team. Never saw her play before. To my sorrow, the game was cancelled at the last minute.

One of my TV’s has been down for 2 days. Repair man due this afternoon. Comcast is wonderful!

Tonight, I don’t know. Probably the Chart Room. Several days since my last visit. Time to visit with John again.

Enjoy your day!

MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY, SNOOP DOGG, KENNY CHESNEY…..IN KEY WEST YESTERDAY

Hollywood, Nashville and New York in Key West yesterday.

Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg and Kenny Chesney.

Regarding McConaughey and Dogg, a movie being filmed in Key West. Actually, Miami and Key West. Four weeks in Miami, two in Key West.

Chesney just visiting.

The movie is The Beach Bum. McConaughey plays a rebellious stoner named Moondog. A loving rogue who lives life large. By his own rules.

A critic reported McConaughey was born to play the role.

Filming daytime yesterday at the Key West Golf Course and the Hemingway House. Last night, on Duval.

I got all this juicy information last night at the Chart Room.

Where else? All roads meet at the Chart Room.

It all started with Jean Thornton. She came in and mentioned the filming. Was on her way to Duval Street hoping to catch the evening filming. Not certain where it was. She was going to walk Duval.

Upon hearing Jean, John and Kevin piped up. They knew about McConaughey, the filming, etc. As did some others at the bar. I got an education.

Jimmy Buffett is in the movie, also. A portion of the story involves the Beach Bum getting on the stage at a Buffett concert and participating illicitly. My research suggests the Buffett portion was filmed in Miami November 29.

Word is McConaughey is staying in a private home. The balance of the cast and film makers at the Ocean Key House under assumed names.

Kenny Chesney has nothing to do with the movie. Not sure why he is in town. Perhaps hanging out. Key West one of his favorite places.

He reportedly was at Schooner Wharf in the afternoon. He also was on a boat with several lovelies. One of those at the bar had a pic on his cell phone showing Chesney and the ladies out on the water. One of the young ladies his daughter.

Anna came in to straighten out the house at 7 this morning. I told her about McConaughey and Chesney being in Key West. She knew all about McConaughey being here.

Anna’s husband is the Chef at Cafe Sole. McConaughey had dinner at Cafe Sole monday night.

NORMAL staying at the Pier House. The National Organization For The Reform of Marijuana Laws. The organizations annual on week convention.

NORMAL’s convention has been held at the Pier House for many years. Began back when pot smoking was not legal anywhere. The organization and legal pot smoking have come a long way.

Today, December 7. The day the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. A day President Roosevelt described as one “that will live infamy.”

We live in dangerous times. May we not suffer a Pearl Harbor again.

I have to hustle. A doctor’s appointment at 10. My life…..doctoring.

Enjoy your day!

 

ARMED MASKED MERCENARIES WALKING STREETS OF PUERTO RICO

During war, battle plan are prepared. After the battle begins and things are not going as expected, the plan is thrown away. A new plan formulated. One outside the box.

Trump is not creating any new methods for helping Puerto Rico. He tells us the food and water are there. It is up to the people to distribute it.

Passing the buck.

Trump fails to take into account that over 100 bridges are down and many roads washed away.

Think outside the box!

Helicopters! Load the helicopters with food and water and fly all over Puerto Rico bringing food and water to those who have seen neither in almost a month.

My sense is the same was suggested to Trump and rejected by him. Why trump has a hard on for Puerto Rico, I cannot understand.

I discovered in the past 48 hours that armed masked mercenaries, wearing battle gear, and carrying arms, are patrolling streets in San Juan and elsewhere. No tags identifying who they are. When asked, they respond…..We work with the government. It’s a humanitarian mission, we’re helping Puerto Rico.

Who are these mercenaries? Where do they come from? Who is paying them?

TV thus far has been silent as to the situation. In the past two days, articles have begun appearing on the internet re the mercenaries.

Little by little, the truth is leaking out. It appears mercenary groups have been invited by the United States to bid to provide armed and unarmed security. Bids have also been asked for help in protecting food and water supplies.

Five bids requested so far. The one for armed and unarmed security by the Department of Homeland Security.

Questions. Assuming the previous correct, why has the Trump Administration not announced it? Why have TV news outlets failed to mentioned it? Why the big secret?

More importantly, if the U.S. can spend money to hire mercenaries to help, why not send the U.S. military instead? The way things normally are done.

Another thing, why the masks and no identification?

Is Puerto Rico being set up for the overthrow of its existing government by the U.S.? United States’ citizens overthrown by the United States?

None of this makes sense to me.

Spent yesterday afternoon working on tonight’s podcast. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me for a fast moving sometimes eye opening half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Topics tonight include the Puerto Rico armed masked mercenary situation, a post Irma update for Key West, Kansas losing 70 foster children, the size of the White House, stone crab season upon us.

Also, Trump a destroyer rather than a builder, the poem Slow Dance by a teenage young lady who will be dead from cancer in 6 months, the soon to be publication of Irma and Me, new Charlottesville confrontations, and more.

I had not planned going out last night. Changed my mind at the last minute. Was lathered up ready to shave when the lights went out. So much for shaving. Showered and dressed in the dark.

My neighbors were in the street abuzz about the power failure. Some said all the way up to Big Pine. Others, Big Coppitt.

Aqua my first stop. Missed Liz. She and Stacy had left for dinner. Sat and enjoyed Ric Dery singing.

No Dueling Bartenders. Tom Luna was somewhere in West Virginia or Virginia attending a 40 year reunion of the cast of a professional show performed 40 years ago.

Lovely Jean Thornton at the bar. A couple of hugs and kisses.

I sat next to David. We decided after a while to leave and go to the Chart Room. The Chart Room was surprisingly packed.

Met a family from New Hampshire. Five in all. Staying at Truman Annex.

Chatted quite a while with CJ, the youngest family member at 24. CJ good company. Excited about life. A history major in college. Looking forward to obtaining a Masters.

A full day. I was home in bed by 10.

Publisher believes Irma and Me will be available for purchase by the end of the week.

Enjoy your day!

CASABLANCA / 18 NEW 15 FOR SEX / TEETH WHITENED AND VAGINA REJUVINATION

Time to lighten up. Things have been too heavy for more than a week. Even an evacuee experiences stress.

Last night an experience. I watched Casablanca with three women. Jean, Joanne, and Ann.

A great love story. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The ladies cried throughout. Jean and Joanne had seen the film many times before. For Ann, the first time.

They bawled!

A new study recently released. Concerned teen age sex. When do the kids start having sex. Used to be 15. No longer. Now, 18. Described as 18 being the new 15.

Attributed to parents and children spending more time together. Parents thereby exercising more influence over them.

Michael Robinson I believe is a Key Wester who escaped Irma, also. I do not know him personally. However, his name and picture were familiar.

Robinson reported in Facebook an advertising sign he saw in Miami: Teeth Whitened and Vagina Rejuvenation.

Could both procedures be done at the same time?

Now to the serious.

Apparently everyone in Key West now has power, except for me and 44 neighbors. Anna called yesterday that my power was not working. Called Peter the realtor who watches over the house and is also a golf course resident. He had power and so did the people on his block.

He checked into it. I was without power. Turns out 45 homes on the golf course are with another electric company or two companies share the responsibility.

The two companies are arguing over who has to pay for the repairs.

I am not returning without power, water not having to be boiled, food and whatever other calamity remains.

Poor Jean. She may be stuck with us for a long time. I had to think before I shared the no power situation with you. I wanted t be sure the reason I have not left is no power, etc. and not that I have become comfortable living with Jean and Joe.

Looks like Key West is getting a pass as far as Maria is concerned. The projection is it will turn north while still in the ocean.

Florida electrical utilities screw the public. This includes our local Keys Energy. Charge for everything (including using a credit card to pay), frequently increase prices in spite of making significant profit.

The electric utilities and their lobbyists have had laws passed guaranteeing they can play fast and loose with customers.

One example involve solar panels. Florida unquestionably a great place for their usage. The power companies can stop a customer from using solar panels during an emergency by merely flipping a switch.

They do. The companies claim to permit the solar panels to operate could be dangerous to those doing power repairs.

For real?

Trump addresses the United Nations General Assembly today. Never know what he is going to say. He will say something that will enrage most. I hope not something like: North Korea, one more test and we will bomb you.

Republicans are taking one last shot at repealing Obamacare. A Graham-Cassidy bill will be introduced to repeal and replace. Similar to the one that went down to defeat in July, except tougher. Takes away even more things.

Congressional passage and the President signing into law has to occur by September 30. Otherwise, 60 votes will be required in the Senate to pass instead of 50.

On this date in 1881, President James Garfield died. He had been shot in the back and arm 80 days earlier at the Washington railroad station. By an unhappy office seeker, Charles Guiteau.

The back bullet was the cause of death.

Actually, it was several medical mishaps. Malpractice by today’s standards.

Garfield was on the dirty railroad floor a long time before being removed. During that time, a nearby physician tried to prod the bullet out. Unsuccessfully. Other persons were touching the wound.

Infection was inevitable.

Subsequent to that day, doctors continued to prod with fingers and instruments for the bullet. They prodded on only one side of his back.

An incompetent doctor was put in charge of the President. The doctor who happened to be present at the railroad station when the President was shot. He insisted the bullet was on one side, the side it had entered, and only that side could be prodded.

Clean doctor’s hands not a practice at the time.

The bullet had to be found. It was causing the infection killing the President.

Even Thomas Edison was called in. He had recently invented a new machine that could detect foreign objects in the body. The machine had been successfully tested on numerous Civil War veterans.

The machine could locate nothing.

The reason was the President was laying on a metal spring mattress. The mattress having only recently been invented. One had been given to the White House free for the President’s use.

The metal springs screwed up Edison’s machine. It did work properly. However not on metal springs.

When Garfield died, it was found the bullet was not on the side of his back where the doctors thought. It was on the other side. The prodding had caused it to move. The doctors were looking in the wrong place.

Guiteau was placed on trial for murder. His defense was he did not kill the President, the doctors did. Technically correct. Never the less, he was found guilty and executed.

I apologize for being long winded re the Garfield story. I wrote a lengthy column several years ago for KONK Life concerning the shooting and the President’s death.

No Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou tonight. The podcast requires my land line in Key West to do the show.

Enjoy your day!

GOING LIVE WITH KEY WEST LOU

My new show debuts monday morning. Going Live with Key West Lou. On Facebook. The path to the show is Key West Lou and Live.

I will be available on everyone’s cell phones.

You will be able to see me as well as hear me. Not sure whether you will enjoy the show. Time will tell.

Several comments a day. Each short. Thirty to sixty seconds. Politics, social matters, sports, etc. Whatever turns me on at the moment. From wherever I am.

The show will be archived. You can find me any time of the day and listen/watch the shows to that time.

Today busy. A haircut with Lori. She is off for a three day/two night cruise to the Bahamas with friends. Says she did it before. Fun.

Fine tuned my blog talk radio show.

A hurried dinner at 5 Guys.

Show in the evening. Loved sharing Teddy Roosevelt’s story how he saved football. He did. I had minimal comments re the inauguration. Did comment, however.

Doing this blog early. Before 5 in the morning. Have to leave for Miami. Time for the Volkswagen to be tuned up. I need some clothes. Will shop while car being tuned.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

SCHOOL BOARD INEPT, INADEQUATE…..RESIGN!

Some type incompetence perpetrates the area’s public boards and leaders. Simply stated, the blind leading the blind. Gangs that cannot shoot straight.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reports as its main article front page the most recent development  in the missing $21,000 from the Monroe County School daycare program. Superintendent Porter and three other high up school officials have agreed to a five day suspension. A self-imposed suspension.

They did not steal the money. They have tried to figure out who and how to no avail. The State Attorney has been investigating. She is yet to come up with the one criminally responsible.

It appears the School Board needed its pint of blood. The public must know of our concern and that we are doing the job. So they accept Porter’s self-imposed suspension for himself and others.

The self-imposed labeling is a crock. I am sure the Board and Porter and others discussed the matter at length beforehand. The deal leaves the Board with clean hands.

Still, we do not know who the culprit is. That is the person to be punished. The delay argument, etc. does not hold water. I would expect Porter and team to initially deal with the problem internally.

Students must be laughing. The Superintendent getting a suspension. A public slap in  the face. A disgrace. The students learn nothing from the result. Those not guilty receiving a punishment?

Well are students being developed. Not important to find the guilty and punish the guilty. Let anyone take the hit. Someone has to be responsible.

Sick.

Acquaveda has been with us long enough. Throw off its cloak.

I had to move fast yesterday morning. A trip to Miami to have the car tuned.

The garage door would not open. I had to physically lift it. Me and my bad heart. The door is a hurricane one installed 16 years ago. Heavy. Today’s are much lighter in comparison.

Got it up! Got the car out. Now, to get the door down. Good luck! Heavier feeling and harder to do. Done, however.

Stopped at the Islamorada Fish Company on the way up US 1. A perfect location for lunch. Outside on a covered deck. The sun shining. A cool breeze. The view beautiful.

And stone crabs! The best so far this season.

Left at 10. Returned at 9:30 in the evening.

Tonight is my blog talk radio show. My research not complete. I worked a couple of hours into the late night working on it.

Topics include my opinion that Trump is now unstoppable, Saudi Arabia stating the beginning of World War III if Assad remains, Gates Foundation paying 12 Iowa State students to eat genetically modified bananas, a California town making more money legally raising cannabis rather than operating jails, New York State Police forcing scientists to falsify DNA testing in order to get convictions, Pennsylvania maple syrup farmers losing fight to fracking pipelines, and more.

Join me for an interesting fast moving show at 9 tonight. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

I was stuck in the Cow Bridge fiasco friday for 1 1/2 hours. They are working on the bridge this week, also. We are told things will be better. Police will be directing traffic.

I ask why not do the work at night.

I drove home in the dark last night. As I was reaching mile marker 11, I observed glowing lights in the northbound lane. Glaring large lights. It was workers doing what ever had to be done to US 1 at that point.

Who is the idiot that ordered the Cow Bridge work to be done during the day?

The William Hackley saga continues. Today’s report again omits mention of a walk and bath. I suspect it was because Hackley had recently become District Attorney/State Attorney and probably did not have the time.

If so, hope he did not get too close to the judge and jurors.

I got up at 5:30 to start this blog. I have a 10 o’clock doctor appointment and the treadmill at 11. Plan on buying a new cell phone today, if I have the energy. If not today, tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!

OUTSTANDING THANKSGIVING DINNER

Absolutely fantastic! Lisa out did herself. Best Thanksgiving meal in years.

Ally helped with the pumpkin and apple pies the night before.

I over ate. As was my intention. Weighed in heavily on the turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie.

Even Jake had a good time! We fed him bread and turkey from the table. Jake is a beggar. He knows how to get what he wants.

I had not seen Jake in a while. When I first entered and sat down, he jumped in my lap and started licking my face. Jake is little more than 3 years old. It took two years for him to like me. I was the enemy when I entered the house before.

My bloated stomach and I went home early. Dinner was at one. Syracuse was playing Connecticut in basketball at 3:30.

Great game! First top shelf opponent Syracuse has played this season. Connecticut ranked #18. Syracuse unranked. Connecticut a 10 point favorite. Syracuse won 79-76.

Syracuse was down 10 in the first half. Up 10 in the second half. Both quality teams.

Syracuse has four shooters. Each can shoot 3s. We could use a real big man.

I was inspired by the game.

Syracuse plays Texas Tech in the finals of the tournament this afternoon. Three o’clock my time on ESPN. Texas Tech ranked. Texas Tech beat ranked Gonzaga by 1 point yesterday.

Should be an excellent game!

Never had dinner. Took my heavy belly to bed and fell asleep early.

My KONK Life column this week is Muslim Refugees…..No. Published in E-Blast this morning. Also linked to my Key West Lou website this morning.

Could be controversial. I expected it to be.

All comments thus far agree with me. One thanked me for having the courage to write the article. I never considered courage when I decided on the topic. The issue a current one. It was not being discussed intelligently. My intent was to open the door to unspoken considerations.

A place to be this week is the Casa Marina beach.The International Sand Art Competition. Six contestants. From as far as Spain and Holland. The art structures works in progress. Worked on daily through Saturday. Sunday the winner will be announced.

I have a doctor visit at 11. All I seem to do is visit doctors. Not complaining. I will do the necessary. Health not to be screwed with at 80.

Enjoy your day!

 

GOODBYE ERIKA…..HELLO FRED

Erika fizzled out over Cuba. No hurricane problem now for Key West. Some heavy rain and 40 mph wind gusts for two days.

We can use the rain.

One potential hurricane leaves and another enters. Fred the name of this one. Now off the coast of Africa. Where most hurricanes have their start. It will be at least 10 days before we know if Fred is going to be a problem.

The media tends to hype things. Especially the Weather Channel this morning. Makes the rain sound like a big problem.

The Weather Channel just showed a live video of Miami and the rain they were having. Heavy. Windy. Impressive. Bone dry here in Key West. We are 150 miles south of Miami.

Tavern ‘n Town’s Judy told me last night she left Key West for the first few hurricanes when she first was here. Even her furniture went with her. Nothing happened. Finally got disgusted and decided to stay for Wilma. Judy, her furniture and car, took a beating.

Spent most of yesterday researching this week’s KONK Life column. I will be writing it today. An interesting topic. Private prisons. Involved is bribery corruption involving a judge who was sentenced to 28 years, a slavery exception to the 13th amendment, chain gangs, and Wall Street banks. Publishes Wednesday.

Tavern ‘n Town last night. Bobby Nesbitt entertaining.. Bobby recently returned from a cruise gig. He leaves for Germany soon for his annual one month entertainment spree there. Including Oktoberfest.

Met Liz from Boston. Was in Miami for a business meeting. Shot down to Key West for a couple of days of fun and relaxation. Her third time here. Always stays at the Marriott Beachside. Charming. Enjoyed my time with her at the bar.

Tavern ‘n Town has two hostesses. Both beautiful. Ludmila and Moldova. Ludmilla new to the team. Every guest is greeted with a smile. All assistance provided.

The highlight of the evening involved Food & Beverage Director Dave Talpasz. Soft spoken. Unassuming. He runs an excellent shop.

Dave has been recognized for his fine work. He is the Restauranteur of the Year for all American Marriotts. Includes North and South America. I am thrilled for him. The recognition well deserved based on how he manages his responsibilities at the Marrott Beachside..

There was a large picture sitting on an easel at the entrance to Tavern ‘n Town. In it are Dave and my friend Robert Spottswood. The Marriott and the Spottswood Companies jointly operate the Marriott Beachside. The picture announces Dave’s recognition by the Marriott chain.

American Pharoah suffered his first defeat yesterday in the Travers Stakes at Saratoga. American Pharoah was the Triple Crown winner this year.

American Pharoah got cheated. His owner should have put him out to stud after the Triple Crown victories. Instead, he got greedy. Ran him in additional races. I assume to make more money.

This morning’s news has the owner now thinking that perhaps he had gone too far. Whatever, get American Pharoah in fields of green where he can spend the rest of his days in the company of female counterparts.

Owen Labrie is the young man convicted of sex charges with a 15 year old girl. Owen a senior at a private school. He was to enter Harvard next month.

I will not bore you with the details of the sex activities. You all know. The media covered this story 110 percent. I do have an observation, however. Things have changed. When I was a high school senior back in the early 1950s, actual sex was an unattainable dream. The best a young man could hope for was to touch a girl’s breast. Outside her clothes!

Maduro is the inept President of Venezuela. First his people ran out of toilet paper. Then food. Both continue in short supply.

Immigrants are pouring over the border from Columbia to Venezuela to escape the drug wars. Maduro is pulling at his hair trying to figure out how to feed them and provide them with toilet paper.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

 

 

 

 

 

SISTERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

There is a touch of Hemingway everywhere.

St. Mary’s Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church was in need of nuns. America’s young ladies no longer were entering the convent in droves. A priest at St. Mary’s knew of an order of nuns headquartered in Africa. In Tanzania. The Sisters of the Holy Spirit of Tanzania. He requested some be sent to St. Mary’s.

Three arrived in 2008. Sisters Mary, Marietta and Euphemia. Euphemia left last year and was replaced by Inviolata. The nuns a boon for Key West!

The good Sisters assist in every way. They teach religion at the Church’s school, visit and attend to the sick, elderly and homeless, help the needy, cook and serve at the soup kitchen, work at SOS Outreach on Stock Island providing free food and clothing for those in need, and take care of the Church sacristy.

A full plate. Yet, there is more. They pray for the Miami Heat. They are avid fans.

The Sisters were raised in a rural Tanzania village. Homes made from grass and mud. Thatched roofs. English the language.

Homeless are a concern of theirs. Homelessness as we know it does not exist in Tanzania. Yes, the people are poor. Yet everyone has a place to live. The land upon which the thatched roof huts sit are given free to those making their home there. The people of Tanzania are not faced with monthly bills.

Mount Kilimanjaro looms above the village. The Hemingway tie in. The Snows of Kilimanjaro.

On two occasions over the years, I have passed the Sisters while walking on Truman. Standing in the school’s driveway each time. I stopped to speak with them. They smile like little girls. They are not, of course. They are responsible adults doing important work. Warm and intelligent.

I decided to write about the nuns after seeing a picture of them in this week’s Conch Color.

A picture of Edith Amsterdam was also in Conch Color. As well as her summer home on Alexandria Bay. An imposing structure.

Alexandria Bay is in my country. Northeast upstate New York. Less than a two hour drive from Utica. Part of the Saint Lawrence. Many the trip I have made there. Boating up the river into Canada. I have also stayed at resorts on the water. Unique experiences.

I spent several hours yesterday continuing research this week’s KONK Life column which I will write today. It ties together Black Lives Matter, Oath Keepers, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Nixon dirty tricks, and George Soros. Guaranteed interesting.

Tavern ‘n Town for dinner last night. Sparse crowd. Sat near Amy. A new friend. She and her husband have lived in Key West ten years. He was overnighting in Miami last night. Amy works for the Tourist Development Council. Her husband, the State Attorney.

Good company. An evening of laughs.

After dinner, I walked to the other end of the bar to say hello to Adare. A former Detroit executive, he is a body builder today. I should have his body!

I have not seen Betty in ages. She stopped by to say hello.

Enjoy your Sunday!

A BUSY MONDAY

I left for Miami at 7 yesterday morning and returned at 10:30 last night. A busy day. The Volkswagen was in need of a 10,000 mile check up.

After dropping the car of at DEEL Volkswagen on Bird Ave., I had four hours to kill. I was directed to Meeker Center, a 10 minute walk. Meeker is a first class lovely three story shopping mall. All the big stores. Like Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, and Tiffany. Lovely restaurants here and there.

Meeker was an interesting experience.

Attire. I was dressed Key West style. Shorts, shirt and crocs. No one wore shorts. Forget crocs. I was a stranger in my own country. Men wore long pants, some jackets. The women all dressed neatly and attractively. The six inch heels blew me out. I discovered flats are also in this year for women.

I looked out of place.

I rarely get off the rock, as we say. As I walked through Nordstrom, it struck me I have purchased new clothes rarely the past 10 years. Not needed if you live in Key West. It is a new tee shirt or two and an occasional pair of shorts.

I was taken by the sport shirts, then shoes and finally sport jackets. The tee shirts started at $98. Sport shirts were in the $150 range. Beautiful shirts! Shoes! Wild! I can not even wear leather shoes in Key West. Yet I spent at least an hour looking at them. From $200 to $600.

I used to visit Tiffany frequently on business trips to New York City. Generally to look, not to buy. I got to do it again yesterday.

I was wearing a three day beard.

People fell all over me trying to take care of me. I suspect they thought I was a rich eccentric.

From the heights of affluence to reality. I stopped at a Walmart on the way home. Bought some tee shirts, sport shirts and shorts. All for much less than one sport shirt at Nordstrom would have cost.

Walmart will soon have a store on nearby Rockland Key. It will sell groceries also. I walked around the food section checking out prices. Walmart had everything. Prices very low. Key West’s Publix and Winn Dixie will not be able to compete. They will have to lower prices to do so.

On the way back to Key West, I stopped at the Islamorada Fish Company for stone crabs. Broke my diet. They were delicious! The best!

Everyone was dressed like me.

Monday’s E-Blast carried an article re the Waterfront brewery remodeling. The property is city owned. It is being remodeled for the two tenants who will be occupying. A brewery and restaurant.

My concern is with over costs/over runs. Everything Key West does construction wise, involves the taxpayers getting hit with additional costs for alleged unexpected problems. The brewery thus far has run into two. An additional cost of $64,000. Not much, but more.

Over costs seem to occur on every type construction Key West is involved in. Sometimes in the millions. I never ran into this situation in other areas. Key Wet calls them unexpected. I call them a series of screw ups by the city in not properly investigating and/or discovering the work initially.

Key West never seems to learn.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me for a hard hitting half hour. I rip the scabs off!

Tonight’s topics will include more on the California water drought. More than merely running out of water. Who are the real culprits and the unaware pain that occurs.

Also, Florida climate change and Governor Scott, more on police quotas, Greece soon to leave the Eurounion, the euro falling against the dollar meaning cheap European vacations this summer, and a tiny country most have never heard of that is making a ton of money as the new place to wash dirty money.

The show can be found on the internet at www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!