DAVID WOLKOWSKY’S PIER HOUSE MOTEL AT DUVAL-ON-THE-GULF

The best laid plans of mice and men…..

Last night was to be Captain Tony’s at 8 for his 102nd birthday bash. Thought it would be fun. Locals and tourists combined.

Never made it.

I enjoy researching. Can be a trip! Occasionally, a drudge.

Began researching at 2 yesterday afternoon. I was right into it. It was quickly 7. I was enjoying myself. Decided to skip Captain Tony’s party. I was confident he would not miss me.

I worked till 2 am. Dead this morning.

Tomorrow morning from 10 to noon, Terri White sings! With Larry Baeder at Hard Rock Cafe. Brunch time. Terri will be appearing every sunday morning with Larry.

I plan on having brunch at Hard Rock tomorrow morning. My lady entertains!

David Wolkowsky is responsible for the Key West of today. No one had his vision when he opened the Pier House in 1968. Actually, on this day in 1968.

Called the operation the Pier House Motel-At-Duval-On-The-Gulf. Fifty rooms.

David a person who could see whether others could not. The Duval location was nothing but a mud pit when he decided to develop it.

David has had many accomplishments. One notable is Jimmy Buffett. Buffett will tell you David was the first person in Key West to pay him to sing. In the Pier House Chart Room, of course.

David not yet a 100. He has a ways to go. He will be 99 later this month. I received my invitation to his birthday party yesterday.

Mom’s Tea Room was a popular place back in the 1930’s and 1940’s. A bar with ladies of the night. Even in the day time.  A house of ill repute. A whore house.

If my recollection is correct, she operated at different times at 3 locations. Two in Key West and one on Stock Island. The authorities kept closing her down. The local police were not concerned. The federal government was. The Navy base was large in those days. The Navy did not feel it proper for their men to frequent a place like Mom’s.

On this day in 1941, Mom’s Tea Room was located near Fort Zachery Taylor. The constabularies raided the place. Three of Mom’s ladies were arrested.

Recall the power outage I reported this week. The one that occurred thursday night while I was at the Blue Macaw. The power outage was caused by a sailboat that struck a transmission line at the north end of the Seven Mile Bridge.

Irma beat up the Key West Shipwreck Museum. Located at 1 Whitehead. Recently reopened. The Museum has a 65 foot tower. The view spectacular. The island and Key West Harbor.

The Museum and tower are free to locals through September 30. Take advantage!

The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard are friends. We have lived together since way before World War II.

Friends take care of each other.

This past week, a fishing boat was out 63 miles northwest of Key West. A man on board was thought to have had a heart attack. The Naval Air Station was called. A Coast Guard boat arrived swiftly.

The crew recognized the man required immediate attention. A helicopter was called. The helicopter arrived in 9 minutes.

A medic was lowered from the helicopter. Arranged for the man to be lifted to the helicopter. He was flown to Lower Keys Medical Center. He is in stable condition.

Today and tomorrow tumultuous ones. Our country’s dark side will be exposed. Today, Charlottesville. Tomorrow, Washington, D.C.

Today is the one year anniversary of what could be described as the Charlottesville race riot. A wound opened. Exposed. A President who indicated support for the bad guys. By so doing, blatantly evidencing his racism.

White nationalists were on the march. Persons of color and those supporting them in opposition.

The vermin came out of the woodwork.

White nationalists are pro-white. Supportive of those who have come to America from European countries. They are white. Nazis at heart. Supportive of Hitler and his beliefs. Anti-Semitic.

An advanced U.S. group consists of those with extreme far right leanings. They are known as the alt-right. Whether extreme, all are white supremacists.

They Heil Hitler! Use the Nazi verbiage, Sieg Heil!

Primarily young. Difficult to distinguish or be aware of their political leanings. Your next door neighbor.

They believe white people are a race unto themselves. Whites presently are a majority in the U.S. They want to maintain that majority. They believe non-whites are on a mission of genocide to destroy whites. They seek to protect their own.

They are anti-immigration. Immigration allows additional non-whites to enter the country.

Trump supports them. They support Trump. They are part of the hard-core Republican conservative base that supports Trump.

They claim history supports their position.

The Naturalization Act of 1790 set forth the rules for granting naturalized citizenship. Immigration was limited to those who were “free white persons” of “good moral character.”

The law remained such till the adoption of the 14th Amendment in 1868. Did not blanket cover everyone, however. Granted citizenship only to black people born in the U.S.

The issue as to other non-whites was resolved in U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark in 1898. Allowed for naturalization to be available to everyone.

John C. Calhoun is a respected historical figure. Never the less, he was pro white and anti all other persuasions. He said, “We have never dreamt of incorporating into our Union any but the Caucasian race – the free white race…..Ours, sir, is the Government of a white people.”

I took the time this morning to spell out in some detail the background, etc. re the white nationalists. They are the enemy of our democracy. They seek to change it. By so doing, destroy it.

You will hear much on the media today and tomorrow re Charlottesville and Washington happenings. Our country may bleed a little.

Understand what is going on.

Enjoy your day!

 

My Yesterday…..Research, Berlin’s, and Bria Ansara

 

Enjoyed my yesterday.

Researched all day. Love digging for information.

Berlin’s last night for dinner. A full house. Got the last seat at the bar. The meal excellent as was Bria Ansara. Her singing touching everyone.

A big night ahead.

Syracuse/Duke at 6:15 on ESPN. Duke ranked #5 nationally. Going to be a tough game. Syracuse needs the win. We shall see.

Dinner with Donna and Terri tonight at La Trattoria. Cocktails first at their home. I have to see Bear. It has been a week.

Key West the home of writers. One, Tennessee Williams. Lived here more than 40 years. Williams died this day in 1983.

Williams’ The Glass Menagerie played yesterday afternoon on Turner Classics. I captured a small portion of its end. I have seen The Glass Menagerie at least twenty times. Amazed each time by the power of Williams’ words.

Spent a bit of time watching CPAC. Second day in a row. The first day, wild screaming Wayne La Pierre. Barbarians at the gate.

Yesterday, the master of exuberance Donald Trump. He was before his people. That 37 percent.

CPAC an ultra conservative group. Not the conservatives of yesteryear, however. Neither Barry Goldwaters nor Ronald Reagans.

What I saw were extremists. Too many Lock Her Up chants. Encouraged of course by Trump. He beat Hillary. I do not understand why he cannot let the dead rest.

The audience reminded me of street thugs. A tough appearing and tough acting crowd. The absolute fringe of the Republican Party.

Their apparent rowdiness meshed well with the Trump we have come to know.

CPAC had difficulty attracting speakers. Prominent politicians avoided the show. Mitch McConnell and Paul Ryan, for example. The only Senator was Texas’ Cruz.

I cannot understand Cruz. During the primary, Trump accused Cruz’s father of being involved somehow in the Kennedy assassination. Cruz now sucking up to the man.

Prominent non office holders also absent. None!

The speakers consisted of Trump and members of his White House staff. Plus FOX News.

Even the mighty fall. Inner corrosion eats away.

The Douglas High School shooting the beginning of the end of the NRA as a power in American politics. The wrong group attacked. High school children. They have no fear. They are like a snowball that starts rolling down a hill. Small at the beginning. Gets larger with every turn. The students with every day.

Corporate America is turning its back on the NRA. Several have severed ties with the NRA. Ties involving co-branding partnerships, discounts to NRA members credit cards, etc. An economic blow to the NRA. Swiftly like a saber decapitating a person.

Corporations involved include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise Holdings, First National Bank of Omaha, Symantec, Enterprise, Chubb Limited, MetLife, Delta, and American Airlines.

Justice comes in many forms. One the soon to be filed bankruptcy application by Remington. In trouble financially. The filing will be for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The company may survive. Whether it will be the giant it has been for two centuries remains to be seen.

Remington began in 1816 in Ilion, NY. Fifteen miles from my hometown of Utica. Remington remains the major employer to this day in Ilion. It also has other plants throughout the United States.

Remington is America’s oldest gun maker. A definite part of  American gun culture. The name Remington appears on frontier flintlocks as well as US Army .45’s.

I learned something in the last 24 hours while researching this topic.

Guns sales rose dramatically in the 10 years prior to Trump’s election. Since his election, sales have fallen dramatically. The reason is gun sales rise when politicos are elected who want to pursue more stringent gun control laws. People run to stack up on guns.

Trump supports the NRA, its members, etc. Gun laws supposedly not going anywhere under him. So gun lovers fear not and buy fewer guns.

Such has been Trump’s first year. Till now. I am assuming gun sales have shot upward based on post Douglas talk.

The down trend in gun sales is one reason Remington got into financial trouble. The other is that it was a Remington manufactured AR-15 that killed the first and second graders at Sandy Hook. Remington has borne the burden of defending against lawsuits arising out of the Sandy Hook incidence, though Remington itself was not found liable. Lawyers cost money. Especially in big money cases.

A side note of interest. Remington built a new plant in Huntsville, Alabama in 2014 to manufacture AR-15s. Prior to 2014, they were manufactured at the Ilion plant.

A soap box morning. Required sometimes. Things have to be said. People made aware.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

I MET A RAILROAD TRAIN CONDUCTOR

I met a railroad train conductor. A for real honest to goodness one. In his early 70’s. A conductor for 50 years. Still working at it.

Goes by JJ. He has been a conductor on the Union Pacific all those years. Enjoys his job. Showed me a photo of himself in a Christmas outfit he wears on the holiday runs. A normal conductor outfit dressed up for Christmas. Low hanging glasses. A mustache. No beard.

I met JJ when I sat next to him at the bar at Roostica.

JJ is vacationing for two weeks. His fifth year in the Key West area. Drives down. Rents a tent at Boyd’s and is happy. Fishes everyday all day.

When he mentioned the Union Pacific, my mind went back to the movies portraying the building of the railroad. With much difficulty. Bad guys, Indians, etc.

The Union Pacific was the US’ expansion west. The intent to have a transcontinental railroad. The first. A daring feat.

The man primarily responsible was Abraham Lincoln. He had a vision of bringing the east and west together via the railroad. The connection would be Omaha and Sacramento.

The Union Pacific an unmentioned part of Lincoln’s legacy. Lincoln signed the Act authorizing the construction July 1, 1862. During the Civil War. Ground was broken in Omaha in December 1863. Delays were monumental. The first rails were not laid till July 1865. Three months after Lincoln’s death.

Roostica owner Bobby Mongelli sat with me for a few moments. His three restaurants are doing well. Obvious to the eye. I mentioned I had been to Geiger Key a few times recently and the place was packed. He agreed. Told me business there now exceeds Roostica’s.

Why was I so impressed with JJ? Probably because I have not been on a train in at least 40 years. We all rode trains once. He was a figure out of the past to me.

Spent most of yesterday preparing for my podcast in the evening. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

I split the podcast into two sections. Non-Trump and Trump. Trump overwhelms the news. I wanted my listeners to also hear what is going on in the non-Trump world.

Before leaving for Roostica, I had to shower. Cold water again. No hot at all. The cold shower reenergizing.

I am turning into a half-assed engineer as concerns the water heater. There are two heating elements behind two doors. I suspect one or both have to be replaced. It appears one is working overtime, overheating and throwing the circuit breaker. As it is supposed to do.

Phone just rang. Frankie the Plumber is on his way.

Douglas High School students meet with Florida legislators in Tallahassee today. It appears the legislators are not taking the students seriously.

Bill SB 196 was pending. It would have prohibited the sale of assault weapons. The Republicans opposed to the bill. They went through a few procedural machinations yesterday. The bill died in committee. It will stay in committee this year.

Sort of an up yours to the students. Like who do you kids think you are!

I am curious as to how the students will react.

We all understand guns kill. There was another item before the legislature yesterday. A resolution exclaiming pornography was dangerous, a public health risk. One which could lead to mental and physical illnesses.

Not only did the porn resolution pass overwhelmingly, it was also debated at length.

The legislature’s priorities are screwed up.

Syracuse/North Carolina tonight at 7. ESPN. North Carolina a 5 point favorite.

Another item Bobby Mongelli and I discussed was why solar energy is not available big time and cheaply in the Keys. Who has more sun than us?

This morning I read that furniture maker IKEA has been selling in Europe and Asia “at cost” home solar panel systems. Simple to install. Cost for everything between $7,500 and $10,000.

IKEA next moving in to Australia with the product.

Solar energy has continued to decrease in cost each year. The International Energy Agency predicts solar will be the world’s primary energy source by 2050.

I wish it would get here. Energy costs are astronomical!

I want to close with Karl Marx.

On this day in 1848, Marx’s Communist Manifesto was published in London. Marx had the assistance of Friedrich Engels in writing it.

The Manifesto opens with dramatic words: “A spectre is haunting Europe–the spectre of communism.” The Manifesto ends: “The proletarians have nothing to lose but their chains. They have a world to win. Workers of the world, unite.”

It took 69 years for Marx’s Manifesto to succeed. The year 1917. Vladimir Lenin led the world’s first successful communist revolution in Russia.

Communism has been a threat to the United States and world ever since.

Plumber just arrived. Good service. I asked where Frankie was. Frankie and wife Sandy Don’s Place and bocce friends. He and his wife Sandy vacationing in Cancun. Sandy arranged the visit for me via cellphone.

Impressive. Love the modern world!

The plumber already advised it is the thermostat. He is putting a new one in.

Enjoy your day!

 

HOME CONFINEMENT TOLERABLE

Yesterday was another day in. Not bad. Actually good. The title says Tolerable. Turned out to be more than tolerable. I enjoyed the day.

I normally research my KONK Life column on saturday. Started yesterday. Gave me a two day head start. Research not finished. Another 30 percent to go.

The subject involves who pays for national political conventions. The Republican one is two weeks away. Who picks up the tab for the balloons, confetti, alcohol, etc.

An interesting eye opening subject. You will enjoy reading the article.

Jennifer stopped in yesterday. While Anna is in Poland visiting family, Jennifer has been giving me a hand around the house. I sent her grocery shopping.

Today, the beginning of the Fourth of July weekend. Key West will be crowded. A fun weekend for all ahead.

Tomorrow, I am free!

Early afternoon, I will be with Tammy for a manicure. Tomorrow at 5, Don’s Place. David is 65. He is retiring. A surprise retirement party for him. Not a surprise, however. Someone told him.

Then to Blue Heaven. To hear Terri sing. I missed her show last saturday.

I will be back in the grove!

This week’s KONK Life column is Captain Bligh A Good Man. It was linked this morning to my Key West Lou website. It also ran on KONK’s E-Blast.

When it came to sex types and/or tastes, I knew gay, lesbian, homosexual, lesbian, and cross-dressing. During the final stages of the gay battle, the word transgender started to pop up. I must admit, I had never heard the word. Almost eighty years old and I did not know what the word meant. I had to google it.

It was announced yesterday that the ban on transgenders in the military has been lifted.

Good!

What next?

Stupidity knows no class. Even smart people can be stupid.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch yesterday in her private plane meeting with former President Bill Clinton.

Enough said.

Enjoy your day!

 

BEWARE GREEKS BEARING GIFTS

Porn eliminated! Finally, yesterday. Godaddy did the fix. Supposedly will not happen again. My apologies those who received the porn.

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts! The Greeks in this instance being Keys Energy Services. Keys wants to transfer the old power generating plant at Truman Waterfront to the City. Free of charge! Something for nothing!

Nothing is for nothing! Keys will transfer as is. Keys will bear no responsibility if environmental problems are discovered/exist within the plant.

Guaranteed, environmental problems exist! The nature of the facility makes certain hazardous substances remain. Any clean up will be expensive. Extremely expensive.

City Commissioners will be buying a pig in the poke should they take title without an environmental review of the property. And not a cheap one to save a buck. An in depth expensive one. It will prove much cheaper in the end.

I spent the last 25 years of my career as an environmental attorney. A significant portion of my work involved the cleanup of hazardous waste sites.

Spent most of the day researching this week’s KONK Life column. Lincoln: Nomination and Election. Except for a couple of hours in the afternoon when I snuck downtown to watch the Conch Republic Drag Race.

The curbs were crowded with spectators. Everyone whooping it up! Having fun!

Something struck k me. Something unusual. Many were using their cell phones to take pics. Most of those taking the pics were women.

Dinner last night at Geiger Key. Sat at the end of the bar watching the natives and reading the newspapers.

The Sheriff’s Animal Farm will be open to the public this afternoon from 1-3. Something to see. Adults and children are provided the opportunity to get close to the animals. A winner!

Whenever I see Truman’s name for any reason, I make mention of it and the activities surrounding it. Even where Key West is not involved.

On this day in 1945, Truman learned for the first time the details of the Manhattan Project. The development of the atomic bomb. He was told 12 days after taking office. In less than three months, he approved the dropping of atomic bombs on two Japanese cities.

Woke at 5 this morning. A good night’s rest. However I woke at 5. turned on the TV. Armed and Dangerous was playing. A 1986 movie starring John Candy.

Candy and two lovelies were attending a black tie function. A first for them. Tables full food.

Candy had to check out something. He was leaving the ladies for a few moments. He said to them…..Don’t eat too much, we’re going out for pizza later.

Enjoy your Sunday!

HARASSING ROOSTER GONE

Chickens have become part of Key West culture.

In 1998, Hurricane Georges blew down a number of chicken pens in the area. Chickens roamed free thereafter.

Chickens enjoy sex. Propagated. Gestation period 29 days. Suddenly, Key West had tons of chickens roaming about.

A present day rooster has been tormenting visitors to the County Library on Fleming. A Master-Trapper was called in. The rooster captured.

The rooster’s next stop is a chicken farm somewhere in south Florida. The rooster will spend his days roaming freely and enjoying life. Chasing a hen or two in the process.

Apparently, chickens are some sort of protected species. Cheaper to terminate the rooster’s life. However, the County will be required to pay. The expense of the capture and transport of the rooster to the chicken happy farm.

The GM mosquito controversy continues. It appears the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District has seen the error of its ways. It has been announced there will be a new inquiry to determine if a majority of Key Haven residents are for or against the experiment. An exercise that would release 3 million genetically modified male mosquitoes over a 22 month period.

No question in my mind. The residents of Key Haven, of which I am one,  will shoot the plan down.

What irritates me is the stupidity and wastefulness of government in this instance. The expense of a vote for a plan that should never have been. The cost should be deducted from the pay of employees and other paid personnel involved in the decision.

Don’t think such would be an imposition on the staff. They are extremely well paid. I believe the Director receives an annual salary in excess of $180,000. He himself should have known better.

From my perspective, any inquiry/vote is merely a face saving device. The District finds itself in a corner and needs a way out.

An exciting day ahead. Assuming you are a political junkie. The New York primaries.

My yesterday began with a bank visit. Followed by lunch and reading the newspapers at Cuban Coffee Queen. Spent the afternoon researching tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

Topics will include the Jimmy Doolittle Tokyo raid, Paul Revere’s ride, Israel Bissell’s ride, Saudi Arabia threatening the U.S. with economic disaster, the claim that 15 of the 19 9/11 terrorists were at one time paid CIA agents.

My perspective re the Clarence Thomas / Anita Hill battle 25 years ago, IRS payments can now be made at 7-Elevens, couple fined $80,000 for refusing a gay couple to marry at their resort, the Warship Lexington, and more.

Interesting subject matters. Join me for a quick moving and half hour. Tonight at 9. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

My evening began with drinks at Sq. 1. Chatted a bit with Chef Jay. Jay plays bocce in the thursday night league. The conversation all bocce.

Then back to Duffy’s last night. Desired the prime rib dinner. I was not disappointed. Jennifer waited on me.

Yesterday, the Boston Marathon. Thousands ran.

The first Boston Marathon took place on this date in 1897. Fifteen participants. Ten finished.

Gender discrimination a part of the race. Women were not permitted to participate till 1972.

The American Revolution began on this day in 1775. The shot heard around the world took place at Lexington. Seven hundred British soldiers against 77 colonists. Eight colonials killed, 10 wounded.

The Brits then marched on to Concord. A different scenario. Hundreds of colonists opposing 700 Britains. The colonists routed the British. Their commander ordered them to retreat and return to Boston.

The colonists (now referred to as Patriots) harassed the Brits all the way back. The colonists adopted Indian tactics. Hid in the woods, shot from behind trees, etc. Three hundred Brits were killed, wounded, or missing. The colonists suffered less than 100 casualties.

The colonial message was loud and clear to the British: Don’t screw with us!

Enjoy your day!

 

 

DONNA AND TERRI IN TOWN

Surprised last night at Tavern ‘n Town!

I was seated at the bar. All of a sudden, Terri’s face before me. Hugs and kisses.

A few minutes later, Donna appeared. More hugs and kisses.

The ladies are in Key West visiting. Plans are to return to Key West to live. In the very near future. It will be wonderful!

Both looked good. Vibrant, exquisite. I could not get enough of them.

Lynda and Bob Frechette at the other end of the bar. Donna and Terri were having dinner with them.

Lynda’s cousin Dee died. She and Bob are flying out this morning to be with family and attend services.

In between everything, I enjoyed Bobby Nesbitt. Terri sang a song. Her voice still mighty.

I finally decided on a subject for this week’s KONK Life column. Clarence Thomas and Anita Hill. Spent almost six hours researching the topic.

I plan on approaching the writing with background information and my impressions of the five main persons involved. Their testimony and/or actions 25  years ago. I was sort of there. I was glued to the TV set in my office watching the proceedings.

Last night, HBO ran a made for TV movie called Confirmation. At 8. Re the Thomas confirmation hearing. I got home in time to watch it. Settled in my comfortable recliner chair. Fell asleep. Missed the whole show, except for Thomas’ blast that his was a “…..high tech lynching.”

Thomas verged on rage in the real life exclamation I recall. Disturbed. Blew his cool. I recall a more upset Thomas. He was mad! Last night, he was portrayed as upset, but not to the point of pure forceful anger.

Then it was back to sleep.

On this day in 1961, the Bay of Pigs invasion commenced. Castro overwhelmed the invading Cubans. Kennedy had promised them air cover. At the last minute, he pulled it back. Without air cover, the Cubans were overwhelmed. A number died. A greater number, something in excess of 1,000, spent years in Cuban jails.

This one I do not understand. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority participated in a contest to determine the best tasting water in Florida. Our Aqueduct Authority won.

If such is the case, why do I drink bottled water? As well as many other Key West area persons.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

GREED

Some people are stupidly greedy. Pennies in their pockets today leading to less money in the future.

This morning’s Key West Citizen reports front page that three exotic dancers at Bare Assets are suing Bare Assets. Exotic dancers is a nice way of referring to strippers as such. Perhaps more.

The three want to be employees, thereby entitling them to overtime or a minimum wage for time worked over 40 hours. Heretofore the ladies have been considered independent contractors, not entitled to employee benefits.

Exotic dancers make a ton of money. More a year than struggling fathers. Some into the six figures. The ladies are money driven. Whether a $1 bill, $20 bill or $100 or more dollars, their hands are always out. Pushing for money. They are like sharks. Always need to be fed.

They should be well compensated. They dance naked. Mingle with customers scantily attired. Subject to having their personal parts groped. Performing lap dances where the bodies are not permitted to touch, but sometime do. And more.

Some are of the opinion that the exotic dancers of today were the prostitutes of yesterday.

Beware of that which you seek! Today, a minimum wage. Tomorrow, health benefits. Then a pension plan. All provided by law. The law then takes the position that the ladies’ incomes should be taxed. To be taxed, the work performed has to be legal. No problem, it is legalized. The tax dollars are huge.

Eventually the government is involved big time. Minimum wage, health benefits are out the window. Forget pensions. More ladies get into the business. Competition lowers the price to be charged. The ladies earn less than before.

I wrote an article touching on some aspects of the situation two years ago for KONK Life. Titled: Berlin The Sex Capital of the World. Read it. Go to my Key West Lou website. .keywestlou.com. The bar at the top of the page has a KONK Wife Column heading. Click on it and scroll down till you find the column.

Yesterday, a bit busy.

Stopped at the Marriott Beachside for the newspapers.

Then to the Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. Cuban cheese toast and a large cold Cuban coffee. Sat quite a while reading the newspapers.

I read somewhere recently that Cuban Coffee Queen ice cubes are made of coffee. I checked them out in my drink. Correct! They were dark brown!

Did Martin’s for Happy Hour at the bar. Still early when I was done. Went over to Louie’s Backyard for a couple of drinks. It had been overcast all day. A bit humid. The breeze off the ocean comforting.

Home early to bed. Sleep soon followed.

We all have heard of the Cold War. Those of us older recall vividly the 40 years of Cold War between the U.S. and Russia.

An admonishment first. Better a cold war than a hot one!

I always assumed some President early on described the conflict as a Cold War. I was wrong. It was Bernard Baruch on this day in 1947. Baruch was an adviser to several Presidents. He was addressing the South Carolina House of Representatives at the time.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

 

JEFFERSON BEAUREGARD SESSIONS III

Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III. A lovely name! Brings to memory visions of a Southern gentleman of old. Defender of Southern traditions. A person whose present day thinking is that of his Civil War forefathers.

Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III is the real name of U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions. A 20 year Republican from Alabama. If I had his legitimate name, I probably would want to be known as Jeff, also. Makes him sound like one of the guys.

Sessions and I are diametrically opposed on most issues. He an ultra conservative. I, a liberal. I tolerate him. I respect his position, though not the man personally.

I write about Beauregard this morning because of an article I came across. A small group of U.S. Senators met recently. They oppose the continued legalization of marijuana. Their meeting was described as an anti-pot circus.

Beauregard was quoted as saying “…..good people don’t smoke marijuana.”

I make jest of Sessions not because of his position re the marijuana issue. Rather his standard in arriving at his conclusion: Good people.

I spent yesterday afternoon researching this week’s KONK column. Four hours and I came up with nothing that turned me on. Which means more digging later this afternoon and evening. It is this way every week.

Great time at the Chart Room last night. Three hours of interesting conversation.

My stomach was growling on the way home. I wanted just a sandwich. nothing more. I stopped at the new submarine store in the Sears Shopping Center. Sweet Fire Chipotle. Never had one of their subs.

Ordered a Chicken Alfredo on whole wheat. Intended to bring it home to eat. When I got outside, I saw they had two tables and chairs. I decided to eat there.

I did not take napkins since I had intended to eat at home. Left my bagged sandwich and drink on the table. Went inside for some napkins. The effort took all of 20 seconds.

When I came out, I saw a man starting to pick up my dinner. I calmly said it’s mine. He looked at me with a frightened expression. He was haggard and weather beaten. His clothes slovenly.

He said, “I’m hungry.”

He was obviously a homeless person. I handed my sandwich and drink to him and said, “Enjoy.” He nodded a thank you and hurriedly left. I would have enjoyed talking with him, but we never got that far.

I walked back into the store and duplicated my first order. Remained outside to enjoy the sub. Read the newspapers.

The Chicken Alfredo was excellent!

I erred in yesterday’s blog. I reported the Cow Key Bridge Run was today. It is not. The Run is tomorrow.

Today is the Seven Mile Bridge Race.

We have all come to know William Hackley via the Key West Citizen. The Citizen obtained the diary of William Hackley. Hackley was a Key West adult in the 1850s.

His diary entry each day contains an early morning walk to the salt ponds. Most times,  he indicates following the walk that he bathe.

I assumed he was cleaning up in the salt ponds. Today’s entry indicates otherwise. Apparently there was a well at the salt ponds. He bathe at the well.

On this day in 1942, American and Filipino troops surrendered at Bataan. Twelve thousand Americans and sixty thousand Filipinos. The Bataan death march followed. Thousands died in the march and then the compounds they were confined in for more than three years.

To a minimal degree, justice triumphed. The Japanese commander of the Philippine invasion was tried in 1946 for the deaths and maltreatment caused by the death march. The death march was considered a war crime. He was convicted and executed before a firing squad.

I play bocce at noon. Ran into someone who bought a set of bocce balls and never played. I am to teach him. We will probably last 20 minutes. The sun will be a killer. Lunch at Salute’s afterwards..

Enjoy your day!

 

 

CALM SATURDAY

I opted for a quiet day yesterday. Chest pain motivated. No more chest pains. however, I was reluctant to push the envelope. Better safe than sorry.

Ergo, never left the house.

The day was pleasant. Watched an exciting basketball game and finished my research for this week’s KONK Life column which I will write later today.

Hooray for Yale! The team really gave Duke a run for its money.

Yale was down 23 points at half. Twenty seven points just after half time. Yale came back. Several times to within four points.

Duke the winner at the end 71-64.

Yale distinguished itself in the tournament. They left the court heads held high.

Tonight Syracuse/Mid Tennessee. 6:10.

Will Syracuse win? I make no prediction. Syracuse was lucky to make the big tournament. Mid Tennessee had to have an outstanding record to have been selected.

Never heard of Mid Tennessee. Means nothing, however. The lesser known teams are doing well in the tournament this year.

Received pics of Chamonix from Anna. She is now skiing Mont Blanc in the French town area of Chamonix. The photos show majestic Mont Blanc in the background.

Chamonix is where I ordered sausage and got two boiled hot dogs. I did not know sausage in France was hot dogs. The manager did not care. Did not offer to change the dish.

French fries came with the sausage. Ordinary regular french fries. I asked the waitress for ketchup. She looked aghast. Told me this was France….. we do not use ketchup.

I was not an ugly American. I ate my boiled hot dogs and french fries without ketchup. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When in France, the same admonition applies.

Political time in the US! Republicans and Democrats.

On this day in 1854, the Republican Party was founded. Consisted primarily of anti-slave members of the Whig Party.

It ook the new Republican Party only six years to elect a President. Lincoln in 1860. The first nominee of the Republican Party to be so elected.

Enjoy your Sunday!