SYRACUSE BASKETBALL RETURNS

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Syracuse basketball is back! Love it!

Already won one game. Play St. Bonaventure tonight. These early games mean little. The big guys play the little guys in warm up games.

Soon Syracuse will be off to a tournament in the Bahamas. There they play against other competent teams. The tournament provides an early look at the quality of the team.

The Boeheim penalty phase begins with the ACC games. Boeheim is prohibited from coaching the first nine games. He has an appeal pending that may minimize the penalty.

It was back to the treadmill yesterday. The Anti-Gravity Treadmill. I was away a week. It felt good to be on the machine again. There were no problems. My shoulder/ribs held up.

Won something to do with the treadmill. The AlterG “PT of the Month” award.

Jenny is my physiotherapist. She mentioned that AlterG, the manufacturer of the anti-gravity treadmill, had a contest. Needed a letter from the patient as to why using the machine, what was expected to be accomplished, etc.

The competition a national one.

Jenny asked me to participate with her. I agreed. Told her to worry not. We would win.

I wrote about my inability to climb to the top of the Santorini volcano. Actually, a funny story.

The story did it. We won. Won what? A couple of tee shirts and something else. Plus, AlterG will be carrying my submission in its next blog. Together with pics of Jenny and me.

After the treadmill, I was off to Publix. In desperate need of groceries. Surprisingly, Publix was packed. Unusual for a monday.

Yesterday afternoon was spent preparing for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Topics touched upon will include Hillary’s Wall St. comments, the Paris/Bataclan attack, federal government’s fining several major pharmaceuticals for wrongdoing, Germany’s immigration problems causing a member of Parliament to call for compulsory labor, some parts of this week’s KONK Life column including sexual pursuits of Caesar, Columbus, and Ben Franklin. Betsy Ross too, if I have time. Hers one of the most surprising.

Dinner last night at Goldman’s Deli. Desired a pastrami on rye sandwich.

I made a mistake yesterday. I stated voting age was 21. It is not. It is 18 and has been so for many years thanks to the 26th Amendment. What can I say? Sorry. Sometimes I get things wrong. I spend 30-35 hours a week researching and writing. I try to be accurate. Mistakes occur, however.

I thank the reader who brought the error to my attention.

Certain things are not within my job description. Running the country one. I must comment. I am extremely unhappy with Obama’s attitude and decision re taking on ISIS further. Brings to mind the late 1930s when many closed their eyes to German aggression hoping it would go away.

ISIS is not going away. They have to be destroyed. I am with those who think we will be fighting them on U.S. soil if we do not do more. Significantly more.

One of Key West’s loveliest ladies is Holly. Peter Diamond’s Holly. At the Gardens sunday night, she took me aside. She had an article she wanted me to read. Thought it was worthy of comment. Had to do with an unusual amount of seagrass running up onto Atlantic beaches the length of the U.S. She said she would get the article to me.

Her comments made me recall a recent news story that the upper end of Smathers Beach had seagrass out a distance into the ocean.

Researched the situation. The seagrass is called Sargassum. Also known as beach wrack. It is decaying seaweed. Smells like rotten eggs.

Interestingly, seabirds, crabs and certain type insects feed off the seaweed.

Its origination unknown. Some suspect the 2010 Horizon oil spill. The chemicals put into the water at the time.

The creatures that suffer the most are baby turtles. The hatchlings. They cannot reach the water. Confusion big time! Most die.

I am repetitive in the following regard: Key West loves Harry Truman and Harry Truman loved Key West. On this day in 1946, Truman arrived in Key West for his first vacation here. Glad he enjoyed Key West. He returned ten times more. His total time in Key West 175 days

Enjoy your day!

MASQUERADE MARCH

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Fantasy Fest continues!

Two biggies today. The Masquerade March and the Bourbon Street Pub Tea Dance.

The Masquerade March has grown over the years. Initially, it was a bunch of locals and tourists dressed in costumes who walked from the cemetery to Duval. Now numbers in the thousands. A second route had to be added several years ago.

Both groups will leave from the cemetery. One takes the old route up Fleming. The other, the new way. People party in front of their homes and on porches. The marchers are cheered on.

I have never marched. However, I have enjoyed several great porch parties over the years.

Key West’s gay intersection is Duval and Petronia. Two popular gay bars are cross cornered from each other. 801 and the Bourbon St. Pub. A big event starting at 1 this afternoon at the intersection. The event is called the Bourbon Street Pub Tea Dance.

A scaffold is erected in the center of the intersection. Two levels plus the street. The two levels have music makers.

There is a guy in black leather with his butt exposed playing a guitar on top every year. Ladies climb the scaffolding to dance. People dance in the street. Where room can be found. The intersection is packed throughout the event.

Bocce last night. Missed the toga party for it.

We played Larry’s team. We were tied with them for third. I am happy to announce we won all three games! Everyone on our team played well. We had to if we were to beat the opposition.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill at Body Owners. Then grocery shopping at Publix. I enjoy grocery shopping. I meet old friends and make new ones.

An attractive woman and I kept running into each other. Finally, she jokingly said…..I’m stalking you. I responded…..Please do!

I will be on the radio for 15 minutes at 12:30. 104.9. KONK News. Guy deBoer will be interviewing me re this week’s KONK Life column Boudicca, Warrior Woman.

It was announced yesterday that China is changing its policy from one child per family to two. Some news persons said it was because China needed added workers for its developing manufacturing industry.

Not correct. I did a TV show on the topic four years ago and wrote about the issue one year ago.

Four years ago, China announced it was studying whether to go from one to two children per couple. It took till now for China to make the decision.

The reason four years ago was who was to take care of the elderly. In China, the young always had taken care of the old. By limiting the number of children, China had limited the number available to care for elderly parents.

Last year, China discussed another problem. Under the one child rule, more girls than boys had been born. A significant number. The boys are now young men. There were not enough ladies to go around for marriage or sex.

Single Chinese men are traveling to the Korean border to engage in sex with Korean prostitutes.

In addition, a new business was born. The men wanted wives. The prostitutes sold themselves for an entire year agreeing to live as a man’s wife.

Such did not solve the problem entirely. Still not enough ladies. Multiple partners were born. Two to four men contract with one prostitute who would be the common wife of all of them for one year.

Enjoy your day!

 

NATIONAL NO BRA DAY

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We have a day for everything. Why not a no bra day!

A National No Bra Day has been held for several years now. The day this year is October 13, 2015.

The ladies supporting the event cry out…..Celebrate without restraint! Others…..Ladies, unleash your boobies from the booby zoo!

Men are asked to support the day/cause by wearing something purple.

I have no comment. Other than if women want to go braless, their choice. I do not understand why a special day is required to encourage the activity. It is another commando choice situation. A personal one.

The sun shines bright in Key West. Generally, warm. Perfect weather for not getting sick. It happens, however. Yesterday I got hit with a stomach bug. Kept me in all day. I am fine this morning.

In between feeling lousy, I researched this week’s KONK Life column. Ironically, about doctors. Titled: The Doctors Killed The President. President James Garfield’s medical attention from the day he was shot till almost two months later when he died. Not the best of care.

I will write the column this afternoon.

I had a couple of misstatements in yesterday’s blog. Sometimes when it is late at night and after a couple of drinks, my retention is not always accurate.

Tiffany wrote. We had been discussing La Trattoria. I had Erin leaving three years ago. Incorrect. It was Kathy. Kathy passed on. It is true however that Erin is no longer at La Trattoria. Tiffany advises Erin is now at Smokin’ Tuna and The Little Jazz Room.

Bocce rankings in the paper today. We are in second place alone. Two games out of first. Only one team in first place.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

BUM FARTO…..WHERE ARE YOU?

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Joseph “Bum” Farto. The Jimmy Hoffa of Key West.

Farto was the Key West Fire Chief. He was under investigation for selling cocaine out of the fire stations and other matters.

Forty years ago today, Farto left home in his car. He did not get far. Two cars blocked his car in. One in front and one in the rear. Men in suits and ties jumped out, dragged Farto from his car to one of theirs. The two cars drove away.

Farto has neither been seen nor heard from since.

Bum Farto, where are you?

Today another big one for another reason in Key West history. The Beatles were here!

It was September 9, 1956. The Beatles plane was heading to  somewhere in north Florida for a show. Hurricane Dora got in the way. The plane was sidetracked to Key West. The Beatles spent two days at the Key Wester Motel on South Roosevelt Boulevard.

People went crazy! Understandably so.

The Beatles spent time swimming in the motel pool.

There is a story that following their departure, people were showing up at the pool and taking small amounts of the water out in bottles. Beatles holy water.

September 9 a big day in history for another reason. Elvis Presley!

It was 1956. Presley appeared for the first time on the Ed Sullivan Show. I remember watching his appearance. The whole country was watching to see the new musical dynamo.

We could only see Presley from the waist up. His swaying hips were not permitted to be shown. Considered too erogenous at the time.

It was Harpoon Harry’s for a late breakfast yesterday. The best eggs in Key West!

Then to Publix to shop. Something going on at Publix besides renovations. This is the second visit in a row were there were not enough checkout counters open. Only three yesterday. Which meant waiting in long lines.

I hope Publix is not trying to make an extra buck by having customers wait. Waiting in line to check out was common years ago. Not today.

My blog talk radio show last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I hit big on two very current problems. Kim Davis and the European immigration crisis.

Kim Davis on TV yesterday appeared to be a prophet talking to God…..A He is coming look. Kim standing next to Mike Huckabee with her arms extended up reaching to the sky. Her lips moving.

The lady is enjoying her 15 minutes. Huckabee and Cruz, who was in the crowd, are using this woman for their own selfish reasons.

Sick.

Woe as to what is coming in Europe! Merkel says all European nations must take these hundreds of thousands in. Makes sense. Charity and morality involved.

Few however are considering the impact on their respective countries. How do we feed and clothe them? Schools will be overloaded. Free medical will kick in. Where will they live? Will there be enough jobs?

Eventually the face of each nation will change. The immigrant impact will be dramatic.

I wanted to watch Stephen Colbert last night. Never made it. Eleven thirty too late for me.

Womenfest begins tomorrow. One of the best Key West events. The ladies and their friends elevate fun to another level. Hit the bars in the evening and you will understand.

Enjoy your day!

PUBLIX NEW TANKS

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This is what you do when retired in Key West. Go to Publix, talk about Publix. Maybe because I never grocery shopped back home. What can I say, I enjoy Publix.

Publix has two stores in Key West. Must be money makers. I shop at the new Publix. Opened 2-3 years ago. Remodeled at the time. Being remodeled again.

Amazing. The renovations appear significant. Things being moved around. Confusion awaits.

What really impressed me yesterday were the new carts. Yes, new carts. Not metal and chrome. Black ones. Appear to be made from heavy duty plastic. Thick wheels. The carts larger than the old ones.

Easy to drive. Weighty. I can envision a major accident as two come around a corner and crash into each other.

How is that for a sense of humor this morning!

Publix remodeling proves one point. The supermarket chains are gouging us. The price of food creeps up a bit at a time. You don’t feel it till you realize your bill is now $10-20 a week more.

My day yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. It helps.

Followed by a stop at the bank.

Time for new tee shirts. Holes appearing. Went to Sears. Grabbed a few on sale at $9 and $14. Two lines at the check out counter. Both checking someone out. No one in line behind one. Two behind the other.

I stood in the no people waiting line. The man closing out had bought a pair of sneaks. Ten minutes later he was still checking out. Sears has too many special deals going and their check out staff too many things they are trained to say.

The sneak guy was finally checked out. The clerk says to me…..She’ll take care of you. And walks away. The other clerk was still working on the same check out she was when I got there. The line behind had grown to four persons. I have to stand in that line? No way! I placed the tee shirts on the counter and walked out.

It was lunch time. I wanted something bad. Turned out to be a Cheeseburger and fries at 5 Guys. I always feel too full when done and ask myself why I did it.

Spent most of the afternoon preparing for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk With Key West Lou. Nine o’clock my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Interesting topics. Black Lives Matter, George Soros, Oath Keepers, police shooting numbers, cost of military transgenders, Margaret Sanger’s anti-black position and her participation in Klu Klux Klan events, Clintons renting a home in the Hamptons for two weeks at a reported cost of $100,000, and more.

The Chart Room first last night. Opened the door and closed it without entering. Two inebriated guys at the bar.

Walked over to Hot Tin Roof for a drink. Entrance chained barring entry. Did not make sense to me. Stepped over the chain. The door was open. Went it. It was 5:50. Learned they do not open till 6. I was an early customer.

One drink later, I was on my way home. Only got to the bottom of the steps to Hot Tin Roof. Decided to sit at the round Sunset bar for a drink. Tourists coming in like crazy. For the sunset.

A good place to sit. Much to see. Tourists and whatever else was going on. The atmosphere pleasant. The roof blocking the sun.

Big day today! On this date in 1920, women got the right to vote. The 19th amendment was ratified. Ladies, you have come a long way since then!

Enjoy your day!

L’ATTITUDES

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Dinner at L’Attitudes last night. A very fine dining experience.

L’Attitudes is located on Sunset Key. A boat ride away. All of five minutes. The restaurant sits just off the dock where the boat disembarks customers.

The last time I was at L’Attitudes was 15 years ago. Beautiful then. More beautiful now. It has been remodeled.

I had not been in all that time because of the boat ride. An inconvenience from my perspective. I now realize my loss.

Everything magnificent! From the view to the food to the service. Viewing the sunset while dining is special in and of itself. The sun set through gray clouds in a large orange ball. Mallory Square dressed up.

I asked for a table inside when I made my reservation.  By a window so I could see the sunset. My request was met. Thank you, Chris and Dan.

My waitress was Eve. Short for Ivelisse. Puerto Rico born. She has been in Key West 16 years. Efficient. Charming. Lovely.

L’Attitudes making a ton of money! Obvious. The place full. The boat bringing customers back and forth. The customers tourists. I did not recognize any locals.

Would I return? Yes. To dine alone at the bar and read the newspapers. With the added benefit of the setting sun.

My day yesterday began at Farmers Market. Bought bread. A long thin crispy loaf. Two. Toasted half of one for lunch. To die for.

Then Publix. Picked up a few essentials. Ran into Paul Toppino. Two bachelors grocery shopping. What the final quarter of life brings.

Spent part of the afternoon working on tuesday’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

My evening ended in a bit of disaster. I had to leave my car in the Weston garage. The key would not turn in the ignition.  Walked down to the Chart Room, had a drink, and Emily called me a taxi.

I have not taken a taxi in ten years. Expensive. $27.50, without tip. Pier House to my home in Key Haven. Bring on Uber!

When I finish this blog, I have to find someone to drive me to the car. The key problem happened once before. I left the car in Don’s parking lot. The next morning the key turned with no problem. Hope it works the same way today.

Tons of events scheduled for today as part of Hemingway Days. The one that appeals to me is the second preliminary round of the selection/elimination process in the search for this year’s Hemingway look alike. Sloppy Joe’s at 6:30. A full house guaranteed.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reports Sheraton Suites was sold for $94 million. Most if not all of Key West’s major hotels have changed hands the last three years. Why not! Key West is packing them in. Guaranteed high occupancy at high rates.

Last but not least. Perhaps the most important item this morning. Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi announced a budget reduction for the next year. Almost 6 percent. Taxes will be reduced! When was the last time?

Gastesi should run for President!

Enjoy your day!

 

WE LOST OUR WAY…..

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I finally decided what to write for this week’s KONK Life column.

The subject concerns the loss of American values. The disintegration of our way of life.

I suspect the column will be controversial. Not all will agree with me.

The column was written yesterday. It will publish in KONK Life wednesday.

I snuck over to Publix in between writing the column. I never have enough food in the house. Glad I went. I ran into Mary Ann Westerlund in the parking lot. Her husband Roger died last week. I wrote about Roger two days ago.

Mary Ann was with one of their daughters. What can one say or do, except I am sorry and a warm hug.

Dinner last night at Roostica. The sunday night special is spaghetti in a pork sauce with meatballs and sausage. The meal close to my grandmother and mother’s cooking.

One exception. I do  not recall ever seeing spaghetti in the house. The closest we came was perchetelli. A thicker type spaghetti. My family’s favorite was ziti. Mine today are rigatonis. Known as stove pipes back then.

I subscribe to World War II History. A monthly magazine. Read two interesting articles last night.

One concerned Chuck Yaeger. He was a World War II ace. Following the war, he was a test pilot. He is best known for being the first to crack the sound barrier.

The other involved thousands of Russians who fought for Germany during World War II. In the German Army. Some as generals.

I was not aware.

The Russians were anti-Stalin. After the war, the Russians wanted to stay in Germany or some other European country. They did not wish to return to Russia. They feared Stalin would have them killed.

The Allies did not buy the fear story or did not care. Most were repatriated. Most were killed by Stalin over the next two years.

My column in last week’s KONK Life concerned Uber. A timely subject, I thought. It must have been. Unknowingly, two other KONK Life writers wrote about the same subject. Pru Sowers and Rick Boettger. Our articles did not overlap. We approached the story from different perspectives.

Yesterday or the day before, the Key West Citizen editorial concerned the subject. The message was give Uber a shot. Then yesterday morning, a one hour Miami talk show. Heavy hitters on the show. Plus, the owner of a taxi fleet. Except for the cab company proprietor, all were in accord Uber was a good thing and should be encouraged rather than fought.

The Key West Citizen and Miami TV show agreed with me. Rick disagreed. Pru took no position. Merely related the facts.

I live and learn. There is a crack down in Monroe Country re short term rentals. Less than 28 days. This I knew. What I did not know was that there is a Florida law on the books since 2011 prohibiting cities from passing local laws barring short term rentals.

How then can Monroe County be doing it? The law includes a grandfather clause. If a city banned short term rentals before the new law, the city was grandfathered in and could continue the banning.

A stupid use of the grandfather clause. Florida should be uniform on the issue.

Greece. My Greece. The word this morning is that there is a deal. It will be signed tonight. Whatever the deal, it has to be approved by the Greek Parliament.

The present Greek President was elected in January claiming he would no longer subvert Greece to the Eurounion’s demands. The deal proposed does exactly that. It is a continuance of what came before. It basically is the same document the new Greek government has been opposing. As well as a majority of Greek citizens.

I believe the proposal is not the end of the problem. The can has been kicked down the road. I say that for several reasons.

It subjects the Greek people to additional austerity. The thing that has been killing them. It does not provide for debt restructuring. Greece will never be able to pay the debt as presently structured. A portion has to either be forgiven or extended 20-30 years. Overall, the proposal will weaken rather than strengthen the Greek economy.

Greece will be kicked around a bit more. The eventuality is that ultimately Greece will leave the Eurounion. The can can be kicked only so far.

Enjoy your day!

CRAZY TEXANS

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Maybe its the smoke from the weed drifting over the border from Mexico to Texas. Whatever, our southern brethren are afflicted with the crazies.

The place,  Bastrop, Texas. They believe Obama is going to invade Texas. On July 15. There is a U.S. Army field maneuver planned for that day. Near Bastrop. One of the biggest military training exercises ever.

Bastrop believes the maneuver is really a plot to spy on Texans, confiscate their guns, and establish martial law.

Crazy!!!!!

I am not surprised. After all, former Texas Governor Perry said three years ago that Texas was considering seceding from the Union. The same Perry seeking the Republican Presidential nomination today.

I am going to address this Texas craziness in more detail on my blog talk radio show tonight. Join me. Guaranteed interesting. The details shocking.

My yesterday went as I thought, with one addition.

Started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Love it! My new friend!

Then Tammy for a manicure and pedicure. Tammy looked tired. Very. Asked her if she got to bed late last night. Yes. The family drove to Sea World in Orlando for the weekend. Left friday night after work, returned late sunday night.

They had fun! I could see it in Tammy’s eyes as she told me. The 6.5 hour drive each way was worth it. The one negative were the fireworks on the Fourth. Did not begin till 11. The parents tired. The children not.

The most interesting item re the trip is that Tammy and her husband took two days off for the trip. They generally only close on sunday. They closed saturday and sunday. First time ever. An example of success be falling Tammy and family. Good for them!

It was 1:30. I was heading to Publix. My stomach growling. Was I hungry! I decided I would stop somewhere for lunch first. The somewhere turned out to be 5 Guys. I figured what the hell, it was my birthday and I was entitled. A large cheeseburger with lots of extras on it and fries. Filling. Better described as bloating. Felt good, however.

Then to Publix. Glad I was delayed in arriving because of lunch. Saw a wonder of wonders! Maybe a special present?

Walking down the aisle before me was what had to be a lovely lady. I could not tell initially. Her back was to me. She was wearing pink shorts. Could have been undies. Did little to cover her butt. Only about the top two thirds. Forgive me friends, but I have to say it. Lovely cheeks hanging out!

I stayed behind her a couple of aisles. Why give up a good thing! Eventually, I was not the only one. The line behind me got long.

Got to see all of her. Clothed, of course. A lovely young lady. Late 20s perhaps. Very little food in her basket. All I could think was she had to be a performer at Bare Assets or one of the other Key West gentlemen’s clubs.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Spent the balance of yesterday afternoon fine tuning the show.

Topics include the crazy Texans story described briefly before, Eric Holder and the banks, a Greece update, Congress and GMOs, and a further example of China not sitting on its ass.

Should be a good show. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Last night was Happy Birthday dinner with Lisa and the family. Always fun. Robert and Ally gave me home made cards. Ally wrote on hers….You are the best Poppa ever! Anything better?

I thank one and all for the many birthday greetings received. From four continents. Amazing!

Tropic Cinema announced it is not going to be part of the 2015 Key West Film Festival. Too bad. The Festival was getting off the ground. Primarily due to the efforts of the many who support Tropic Cinema. Apparently a money issue. A contract could not be agreed to with the outside organizers.

Anna reports. Greeks happy with the vote. Though the moneyed ones still concerned. Anna is on Santorini. Town of Oia. Oia top of the line. She says most of the cave hotels redone. As was the one she normally stays in. And is staying at this season also. Tons of money spent over the winter remodeling hotel lodgings. Her cave apartment cost 220 euro a night last year. Five hundred fifty euros this summer. What a jump! Restaurant prices way up also.

She reports many Japanese visiting. Younger. 20s-40s. Spending money.

Anna needed money. She brought several hundred euros with her. She went to an ATM yesterday. Took out 500 euros. No problem. She was using a foreign credit card.

Greece is winning the battle with the Eurounion. The Eurounion will blink first. Perhaps today when they meet. If Greece were to depart the Eurounion, all of Europe could face a deep recession. Including the prosperous Germany.

Enjoy your day!

80 YEARS OLD

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Eighty years old! Today. My birthday.

Eighty a WOW!

Some observations.

At this stage of life, everything is just yesterday. What happened at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, etc. just occurred. That recently. Which raises the question…..Where did time go? All of it. So fast!

The mind does not age. Only the body. I am still 35 mentally. I have been saying that for years. When I speak with contemporaries re being a specific age mentally, they agree.

The body breaks down. I view taking care of my body like taking care of a car. You get recommended periodic check ups. When there is a problem, you correct it. Hopefully, it is one that can be corrected. The car will last a long time. Your body, also.

Everyone looks younger. It has been that way with me for several years. Nothing strange. They are younger. It took me a while to realize that.

Dee took me out for my 80th birthday. We celebrated with brunch at Martin’s.

I had not seen Dee in a while. She looks good. Healthy. She went through a bad bout with stage 4 cancer.

Spent yesterday afternoon writing. This week’s KONK Life column. Illegal Human Trafficking. Not about young girls being scooted away for prostitution purposes. Column has to do with Uber.  An interesting expose. Tied Key West in at the end. Worth reading.

Watched the Women’s World Cup last night. Great American team! Made me proud.

How do I intend spending my 80th birthday? The same as any other day. It got me this far. Might as well stay with it. The anti-gravity treadmill at 11. Then a pedicure and manicure. Not because it is my birthday. It is time. Followed by Publix. The cupboard and refrigerator bare. The freezer close behind.

Tonight is Happy Birthday dinner at Lisa’s. Robert and Ally will make me feel special.

Greece. Yesterday’s vote says it all. The Greek people refuse to be defecated on any further. They have said loud and clear…..We won’t take it anymore!

What next? Going to be interesting.

Enjoy your day! My birthday!

CUBAN HEMINGWAY HOUSE

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Key West loves Ernest Hemingway. He is part of Key West’s history. His home on Whitehead has become sort of a shrine. The lines run down the block to Truman with people waiting to get in. Sloppy Joe’s, the six toed cats, and more contribute to Key West folklore..

Hemingway called Cuba his home for 20 plus years. 1939-1960. He wrote Old Man and the Sea while living in Cuba. His Cuban home palatial.

Castro took over in 1959. Castro and Hemingway were not the best of friends. Castro immediately confiscated all property. In addition to land and homes was included books and papers. Hemingway personally asked Castro not to take his home. Castro paid him no attention.

Hemingway left Cuba within a year of Castro taking power. Leaving behind his home, books, letters and photos. The books, letters and photos number in the area of 9,000.

Time and the elements have taken their toll re the books, letters and photos. Steps are being taken to repair and maintain them. Cuba has never had the money to do so.

When Obama announced that Cuba and the U.S. were discussing becoming friends again, he shortly  thereafter issued a list of exemptions to the embargo. Note, the embargo is still in effect. The reunion apparently is going to take some time.

The exemptions included the exportation to Cuba of supplies whose purpose was historical preservation. Note, not money. Money still cannot be exchanged. Supplies paid for however in the U.S. can.

National Trust is a U.S. foundation. Cuba has a National Cultural Heritage Council. The Council operates Finca Vigia.  Finca Vigia is Hemingway’s Cuba home and personal property left there. Known also as Lookout Farm.

National Trust is sending just under $900,000 in supplies to the Cuban Council to repair and preserve Hemingway’s books, papers and photos. In addition, a special facility will be attached or built anew to hold the Hemingway materials. None of the money will be used to renovate the Hemingway home itself.

All good! If we are going to be friends, let’s be. Personally, I am not happy that it is going to take time for the reconciliation. Fifty years is punishment enough. The U.S. should be in Cuba now with both feet. It did not take the U.S. very long after World War II to kiss and make up with the Germans and Japanese.

My congratulations to the National Trust for getting things started. Lets do more and soon. Lets get rid of the embargo completely and move forward as old friends reunited.

My blog talk radio show tonight at 9 my time. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Two topics to be discussed are my slant on Charleston and the Josephine Baker story.

Re Charleston, this peaceful reaction to the killings will not work. The Connecticut school children killed changed nothing. Charleston will change nothing. More is required. Such will be discussed tonight.

The thrust of my comments…..I am not Jesus!…..I cannot be expected to turn the other cheek!

Enjoy your day!