DOLLEY MADISON ALMOST CAPTURED BY BRITISH SAVING WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE A COPY OF WASHINGTON’S PORTRAIT

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Dolley Madison became one of America’s most famous First Wives this day in 1814. The War of 1812 already 2 years old. The British close to taking Washington. President Madison had left to fight the approaching British Army.

He told Dolley to get out soon. She was getting some things together. The last object she decided to take was the portrait of George Washington. No way was she going to leave it to be defaced by the British.

Dolley lost time taking the portrait down. The frame was screwed to the wall. Finally, she cut the canvas out and rolled it up to be taken.

The British at the time a breath away. Dolley was able to escape, however.

The next night, the British dined in the White House using the White House’s silver and china. Then, they burned the White House down.

Dolley forever remembered for her bravery in saving Washington’s portrait.

It was only later that discovered that the portrait was not the original by Gilbert Stuart. It was merely a copy.

Made no difference. Dolley had made her mark in history.

A unique experience last night. Dinner at La Trattoria with Mary. A new friend.

Mary had invited me to dinner. Told me at the time she would be paying. I said, no. She said, yes. A generational thing. Mary is younger than me generation wise. My generation, the man always pays. Hers, it makes no difference.

She wanted to make the point. I let her. Enjoyed her company and a good meal.

Cheated. Not with Mary. With the meal. I celebrated my hitting 200 pounds. Ordered lasagna. Gained a pound. Worth it.

Mary and I then headed to Blue Macaw for a drink. I was tired. It was past 9. Mary still alive and raring to go. I begged off and left her. No problem. She understood. A generational thing.

The bartender at La Trattoria an old acquaintance. She was the one who came around the bar and gave me the Heimlich the night I was choking. Bonded forever.

Today, a haircut at noon with Lori. Then a walk of about 50 feet to Sandy’s Cafe for lunch.

Tonight, the Chart Room. Several nights since I have been there.

The weatherman at it again. Predicts thunder storms tonight. Describes it as “light up the night.” Correct. Dogs and humans will be startled. Lightening at the ocean comes right through the blinds. Lights up the room!

My man in Europe. Paul Harding. On a three week vacation with his partner Ron. Harding has been advising me on European public urinals.

He was in Amsterdam yesterday. Outdoor public urinals commonplace. Normally constructed because men pee in the streets. I still cannot understand such activity.

In any event, Amsterdam built the public urinals to save lives, not to kill bad odor. Turns out in the 3 years prior to the public urinals being constructed, 51 men died in Amsterdam canals. They fell in the water while peeing and drowned.

One of the jurors in the Manafort trial has spoken out. Paula Duncan. She said re the 10 charges that resulted in a hung jury, there was only one hold out. Eleven were for guilty.

Manafort should swiftly move his ass to Mueller and cooperate. He has yet another trial. He will never get out of jail otherwise.

Juror Duncan an interesting person. A Trump supporter. Did not affect her judgment. Plans on voting for him again in 2020. Wears a red MAGA hat. It was in the back seat of her car while she was playing juror.

Duncan advised the deliberations were heated and emotional on occasion. Tears shed by some.

Saudi Arabia is seeking the death penalty for a woman activist. Her name Israa al-Ghomgham. Everything secretive. She may already be on trial before a terrorist court.

One of the charges involves violent behavior. She demonstrated for the right of women to drive, the cessation by the Sunnis of preventing the free practice of religion, and more opportunity for work and education for women.

Israa a Shiite Muslim activist. Religion plays into this also.

Trump a good friend of the Saudis. He should intervene on Israa’s behalf. He won’t. He was quick to say the U.S. would invade Venezuela. In the past 24 hours, he has denounced the black government of South Africa. A female life not as important as oil and racism.

Pete Rose. One of baseball’s greats. He was banned from baseball this day in 1989 for life for betting on baseball. Never bet on his team to lose, only to win.

It has now been 29 years. We are a forgiving people. Time for the ban to be lifted. Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame! Lets do it before he dies.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVID WOLKOWSKY

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David Wolkowsky’s 98th birthday being celebrated this evening. One of Key West finest! The Key West of today would not be were it not for him. He is properly referred to as Mr. Key West.

I will be at the party.

I have mentioned David often in this blog. Even wrote a lengthy article about him in KONK Life last year. Titled: David Wolkowsky. Read and enjoy. Learn much about the man. www.konknet.com/2016-03-04-3/.

Truman Capote died this date in 1984. David and Truman were friends. They became friends when Capote first stayed at David’s new Pier House Resort Motel.

The time 1968. David had recently completed construction of the Motel. The Motel that would grow into what is the fabulous Pier House today. Capote was a visitor. He wanted to see David’s best accommodations before he took one.

Following the selection process, David invited Capote to have a drink with him. David was living in a luxurious 45 foot 2 bedroom double wide trailer parked 10 feet from the Motel’s waterfront.

Capote told David he wanted to stay in the trailer. Capote had come to Key West for the winter. David finally acquiesced to Capote’s request. He moved into a suite in the Motel and gave Capote the trailer.

While living in the trailer, Capote wrote Answered Prayers.

A hero is like an angel. Appears when needed. Assuming you believe in angels.

A hero appeared on the Key West scene yesterday. Actually, a heroine. Jerika Rudolph. Eighteen years old.

Jerika was traveling om South Roosevelt Boulevard when she observed a Chevy Trailblazer jump the seawall and mangroves into the channel.

Jerika did not hesitate. Pulled over. Told the passenger with her to call 911. Ran across the street and jumped into the water.

She saw a man, woman and 6-7 year old child. The adults trying to break the windows. She got the woman and child out. the man was able to get out on his own.

From the time Jerika reached the car and extricated two of the passengers, the vehicle had already been carried 100 feet by the current.

Talking with authorities after the event, Jerika was asked if she was afraid. Never gave it a thought, she said. My concern was to get the people out.

The long awaited Duval Loop begins operation August 31. Part of a new Key West park and ride program. A bus will travel around the perimeter of Duval Street picking up and dropping off people who parked their cars somewhere and wanted to visit certain downtown spots. The ride always free. The aim to relieve congestion.

Hope it works. Parking and traffic impossible.

Hurricane Harvey making its way to the Corpus Christi area of Texas. A big one. Predicted to be a 3 when it hits. High water levels. Three feet of rain expected over a period of a few days.

You read correctly. Three feet of rain!

Hurricanes no fun. Believing discretion the better part of valor, I have always left when a hurricane was predicted. Returned a few days later when permitted to find damage beyond comprehension.

I stayed for a tropical storm once. Forget its name. The tropical storm was a disaster in itself. It hung over Key West without moving for seven days. I was able to get out of the house once. To my deck.

Windows boarded. Power off most of the time. No TV. Alone in the dark or with candles. Impossible to read. It made me wonder how Lincoln studied law by candle light.

The wind blowing loudly and incessantly. The rain beating against the house.

Food supply held out. Primarily peanut butter and crackers. Bottled water.

I sympathize with the Texans. The force of hurricane 3 will be a far more difficult and dangerous experience than a tropical storm.

Americans are a forgiving people. Time to forgive Pete Rose and permit him to be voted into the Hall of Fame.

Rose’s sin was he bet on baseball games. The serious sin, he bet on his own team the Cincinnati Reds while managing the team. Only to win, he said.

Rose was a star of stars in his playing days. Still holds the record for the most hits at bat during a career. Well in excess of 3,000.

Rose was banned in 1989. Twenty eight years ago. He has been humiliated and suffered enough.

The economy is good. Or, so we are told. Especially by Trump. It is. However, primarily for the already rich.

A recent Harris Poll indicates more than three-quarters of American households live paycheck to paycheck. Seventy eight percent.

Tough times. Too many Americans having a difficult time making ends meet.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

FRIENDS TODAY, ENEMIES YESTERDAY

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Interesting how nations make war against each other, kill and maim by the thousands, and years later are the best of friends.

Germany and Japan examples.

Further back in history, Great Britain. We fought the Revolution and War of 1812 against the British.

During the War of 1812, the British did a terrible thing. They burned down the White House. On this date in 1814.

Most believe the burning destruction of the White House and other federal buildings was unnecessary. Normally, yes. However the circumstances were not normal. Earlier, U.S. forces had invaded Canada and burned down a number of important British buildings.

Called retribution.

Done, accompanied with an insult.

President James Madison was aware the British would successfully invade Washington. Easily. So easy that the British marched into Washington with no opposition.

Washington’s fate had been decided a day or two before. At the Battle of Bladensburg in Maryland. The U.S. was soundly defeated. Even President Madison fought on the front lines. The first and last commander in chief to actually do so as President.

Washington had to be abandoned. Dolly Madison almost did not make it. Some historians claim she insisted on waiting till a portrait of George Washington could safely be taken down and secured.

The insult did not merely consist of burning down the White House. It included top British generals dining in the White House the evening before.

Brit glory lasted only two days. On August 26, American forces attacked and the British left Washington running with their tails between their legs.

Lunch at 5 Guys yesterday. Craved a big juicy cholesterol filled cheeseburger.

Dinner with Donna in the evening. No Terri. Terri is in New Jersey visiting theater friends. She and Donna meet this weekend in Tampa. Terri begins heavy testing monday to determine if her body qualifies for total bone marrow replacement.

We dined at the bar at Antonia’s. It feels good after all these years to have returned.

TK bartending.

The three of us old timers as far as Key West is concerned. I have been visiting or owned for 26 years. TK and Donna longer. Our discussions centered on Key West. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Confederate statues got into the conversation. I spoke about Mallory Square. TK the Clinton Square statue.

Someone at the bar mentioned white slavery in the U.S. Never heard of it. Partly indentured servants. Most Irish brought over in huge numbers. Etc.

Did a little researching this morning. An interesting subject. I am going to devote my live video on Facebook this afternoon to the subject.

Whites suffered. Rooted from their families, beaten, killed. Not in comparable numbers to blacks. Suffered never the less.

Hurricane Andrew hit Homestead this date in 1992. Total devastation. Homestead wiped out.

I drove through Homestead three weeks later on my way to Key West. The elevated highway still standing. What I saw I would not have believed had I not seen it with my own eyes.

Andrew was a 5. Wiped everything out! Down to the ground! Only an occasional wall left standing.

Tears ran down my cheeks.

Tropical storm Harvey is moving towards Texas. Expected to hit land early saturday morning. Some concern. It is expected to hit as a hurricane. Possibly as high as a 3.

Key West has been buried in rain the past two days. More expected through a week from tomorrow. Could be a spill off from Harvey.

We have read frequently that the Trump’s are bankrupting the Secret Service. An agent’s salary is capped. There are 130 agents protecting the Trump family. Many agents have already exceeded the cap. They are not being paid for heavy overtime. Cannot be without House approval.

What I share, you already know. What you may not know is that many agents are complaining that Trump and family are not treating the agents properly. The agents claim they are being treated like servants.

Bocce season begins tonight. I doubt there will be play. The courts are already soaked. There will be more rain today.

Don will call to advise if the team is playing.

Have to hustle. Haircut time.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

LOS ANGELES SCHOOL CLOSINGS

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

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

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

Monday morning quarter backing sucks.

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

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

Dinner at Roostica.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

CUBA GETTING READY

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The Associated Press’ Andrea Rodriguez recently wrote an excellent article re Cuba’s getting ready for business it anticipates will come. Most of what has been accomplished thus far was done prior to Cuba and the U.S. kissing and making up.

A new mega port project is under construction west of Havana. Close to completion. Already signing up business.

A 2,300 foot dock has been constructed. Along side, the Chinese built four huge off loading cranes. A nearby area the size of a football field has been graded. To provide private companies ready land to build upon. Hopefully, foreign companies. The area will be a special economic development zone.

Cuba knows it has to jump start a sluggish economy. Cuba is hopeful foreign investment will be attracted.

In the last 1.5 years, seven companies have signed up and are ready to launch. Five foreign and two domestic.

Interesting Key West weather. Typical summer weather. Yesterday afternoon, it rained. Actually poured big time. All of ten minutes. Strong winds. White caps. This morning everything is calm. Dead. Nothing moving. The tide is out. Water smooth. Appears a person could walk on it. Sky gray.

I overslept yesterday morning by one hour. Really had to move my ass to get the blog out, shower and get to the anti-gravity treadmill on time.

After the treadmill, it was the Cuban Coffee Queen. Cuban cheese toast and Cuban coffee. Read the Wall St. Journal. Not my favorite newspaper. Ultra conservative. Too far to the right. However, I periodically read it because I like to know what the right is thinking. The same reason I occasionally watch FOX TV.

Last night, it was Don’s Place first. Enjoyed a stressful conversation with Don, Stan and Claire. The subject matter immaterial. Don was wound up.

Stopped at Tavern ‘n Town on the way home for a bite to eat. Glad I did. Met a most charming woman!

We were sitting at the bar together. She extremely attractive in a conservative way. Fortyish. Tanned just enough. Long black shiny hair hanging over her shoulders. she was wearing black leggings and black flats. Her top a white blouse of sorts. Loose. A wide slit in the middle down the front. Cleavage excellent. A little extra showing. In good taste, however.

I had a most stimulating conversation with her. About everything and nothing. I am sure she did also. I could have fallen in love.

I will probably never see her again. She was to leave on the first plane this morning out of Key West. We did exchange cell phone numbers. I told her about the blog. Asked if I could write about our meeting. She said yes, except do not mention my name , the city I am from and my work. I understood.

The mystery lady I hope to meet again.

Anna will be leaving Santorini sunday. To Armogos. She finally was able to get a room in a pensione. I envy her. I would love to be with her on Amorgos. The only place I like better than Key West.

Anna was worried yesterday about money. ATM machines on Amorgos empty. Anna has an Italian credit card. Good in Santorini. She went to the ATM and loaded up with euros. A good candidate for a robbery!

Greece, Greece, Greece. Strange things are happening. I am getting lost at this stage trying to figure out who is going to do what next.

The Parliament had to approve or disapprove the Eurounion deal. I thought it would be defeated by a heavy vote. Instead, it was approved overwhelmingly. 229-64.

The demonstrations got sloppy last night for the first time. The protesters throwing molotov cocktails at the police and the police returning tear gas. The day time strike called for by the unions had some degree of success. How much, I could not determine. Civil servants, municipal workers, and pharmacy owners did not work.

The new deal will not work. I read somewhere yesterday that interest costs alone will reach $5.5 trillion over the next ten years. Impossible to pay.

A New York City police officer choked black Eric Garner to death a year ago. The City has settled with Garner’s family in a wrongful death lawsuit. $5.9 million. An expensive choke hold!

Honda admitted overcharging certain minorities’ interest charges on purchases made by them. Specifically, Afro-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Pacific Islanders. Honda agreed to repay $24 million to those affected.

I did not over sleep this morning. I was up at 3:30 to watch the British open.

Enjoy your day!