AVERAGE AMERICAN EARNINGS SUCK

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The average American earns less today than 40 years ago. We need to be reminded of this occasionally. We get used to things. We accept what is.

Everything we buy has become more expensive over time. Gas, food, housing, clothing, college educations, etc. More money needs to be earned each year to maintain existing standards of living. Raises that are not stagnant. Raises that keep up with inflation.

Whatever way you look at it, the existing situation a pay cut for most.

Workers are making more than 40, 30, 20, 10 years ago. Inflation has wiped out the increases.

Workers do not share in gains made over the 40 years. Only the very wealthy. A small group. The 1 percent/99 percent thing.

I mentioned yesterday that Key West food sales might be down. Today another thing that is obvious. At least to me. Key West is quiet this week. Unusually so.

There was a time when the summer and early fall were dead ass. Over the years, it changed. People now generally visit Key West all year long. I cannot recall in recent years the town being so quiet the first week of October.

Yesterday was screw off day for me. I started with the anti-gravity treadmill. Then treated myself to a manicure and pedicure at Lee Nails. Love Tammy! Rested in the afternoon. Napped a bit.

Don’s Place first last night. Spent time chatting with Don, David, Keith, John and Jimmy. Bocce the #1 topic. Dinner at the bar at Outback. Ran into Frankie and Sandy and their grandson. Sandy a member of the bocce team that beat us one game last week.

Frankie and Sandy’s backyard sets against Lisa’s. Their grandson has been playing with Robert and Ally for years, even though a couple of years older.

The young man had just come from the high school javeee football game. He plays center. The team had won and he was excited. Frankie and Sandy were, also. Proud of their grandson a better way to say it.

This week’s KONK Life column The Doctors Killed The President was linked this morning with my Key West Lou website. keywestlou.com.

Syracuse football again this saturday. The team drew a bye last saturday. Syracuse now 3-1. Play South Florida saturday. Syracuse a 2 1/2 point underdog.

Enjoy the day!

 

 

 

BROADWAY 3 WAYS OUTSTANDING!

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Mark Watson’s fund raiser for Fantasy Fest King/AIDS Help at Aqua last night outstanding! Without question. Seven years since Broadway 3 Years has been presented. The stars returned. Mark Watson, Bobby Nesbitt, Bruce Moore and Chris Thompson.

There was neither a seat nor standing space available. Everyone turned out. Everyone had a terrific time.

I enjoyed the show immensely.

Saw Mary again. Second time in two weeks. Mary was working the door at Aqua. Mary worked for me some 15 years ago taking care of my Key West home. A talented woman.

Decided to eat at La Trattoria after the show. Walked down Duval. La Trattoria closed. Decided on La Trattoria on the Ocean where I had been last week. The egg plant drawing me back.

Glad I went to the ocean side La Trattoria. Tiffany bartending.

Tiffany a friend from days gone by. Had not seen her in at least 5 years. When we first met, she was the bartender at Antonia’s. Left. Then returned as a waitress.

I last saw Tiffany at Antonia’s. We were happy to see each other last night.

Tiffany has a winning personality. She updated me on her personal life and other things. Now married. Has gone from 2 dogs to 3. Works La Trattoria on Duval. Duval La Trattoria closed till November 7. Kitchen being remodeled. She was filling in at the ocean side La Trattoria last night.

Tiffany bartending at La Trattoria Duval. Erin gone about 3 years.

I enjoyed the egg plant and Tiffany.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. First thursday. I am now up to 4 times a week. Working towards 5.

Three consecutive days a bit tiring. I will become accustomed.

Did my 10 minute bit on the KONK News Hour yesterday. 104.9 radio. Guy deBoer interviewing me re my KONK Life column this week concerning Pope Francis.

I learned yesterday that Conch Color has published its last issue this week. Described as a hiatus. So there is hope for its return.

Conch Life was Tom Oosterhoudt’s brain child. A paper full of photos of Key West events and people. Highly successful. Illness the reason for the temporary close down.

Tom has a bad back. Very bad. I have never met anyone with the problems he has had with his back. His mother Mary Ann Worth is getting on in years. Neither available to work the paper at this time.

Tom, get better quickly and back to of one Key West’s prizes, Conch Color.

Judge Peary Fowler has been a sitting judge for years. Quiet and unassuming. Rarely mentioned in the papers. Yesterday she became newsworthy big time!

She held a defendant in $13 million bail. Big! Unusual!

The defendant an alleged sex abuser. The victim  a girl, 6-13 years old when the acts were purportedly committed.

Justice!

One of the finest people I have been privileged to meet in Key West is Nancy Robinson. Nancy passed on recently. At 91.

Nancy can only be described as a class act. She was always out and about town till her recent illness. Loved by all.

Mother of 4, I only knew/know her daughter Martha. Martha a class act in her own right. She cared for her mother in the years before and at the time of her death. Care first class and without reservation. Sadly, few children assume the responsibility in today’s society.

No Syracuse football today. A bye week.

Enjoy your day!

BUSY BUSY SATURDAY

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My yesterday was too busy. All screwed up. Never got to do what I wanted my way.

My plan was to watch the Syracuse/LSU game and research this week’s KONK Life column. I got to watch half the game. Had to move my ass to get the research done.

Let me explain.

I have a new TV. Comcast said I needed a new box. An updated one. Mine was ancient. I had to return my old box and modem and get a new box. Modem part of box now. I went to Comcast with both items in tow at 10 am. Comcast opens at 10.

I expected a miserable Comcast staff. Comcast is not customer friendly. I was shocked. Comcast rep Liana could not have been nicer. She explained everything to me in detail 2-3 times. I do not absorb mechanical info easily.

Thank you, Liana.

Rushed over to Tammy for a 10:30 manicure. Tammy always good company. Lovely in appearance. If I were 50 years younger and she unmarried, I would be chasing after her.

Then home to watch Syracuse/LSU at noon. Leave me alone! I wanted to enjoy the game!

It was not to me.

The exterminator showed up. Fifteen hours late. He spent two hours doing what he had to do and constantly interrupting me with questions, see this, etc.

While this was going on, Tim Reynolds showed up. He was going to hook up the new TV. He wanted to talk.

I was ready to yell screw everybody, screw everything! I want to watch the game!

I only got to watch the first half. Syracuse has a team. Proved it yesterday in spite of losing 34-24. A couple of missed touchdowns at the end of the first half might have resulted in a Syracuse win.

After many years, I was proud of a Syracuse football team. A once again moment.

The flies are gone. Maggot flies from the dead rat. Ugh! The exterminator knew exactly what to do.

I had a couple of hours to kill after everything settled down. Time to research this week’s column. I decided to write something about Pope Francis. Something off the beaten track.

The column yet to be written will be titled Man To Pope. The history of Francis’ transition from man to Pope. The odd ball human things in his younger life that molded the man we saw this past week. Like his three love affairs. The third and last while he was in the seminary. Also, his bouncer job in a night club while working on his graduate chemistry degree.

It is starting to thunder and lightening. Going to storm!

Dinner last night at Latitudes. I had one drink too many. Required after my day.

What can I say about Latitudes. Fine food, fine presentation and perfect service. Manager Susan visited a while. Met Olga the reservations person in person. Our previous relationship had been via phone. Olga is a tiny lovely young lady of French extraction. Met another staffer named Andrea.

Everyone attentive to make sure the evening was no less than perfect.

I like Rick Boettger. Unfortunately, we only became friends this past year. Rick used to write for KONK Life also.

Rick wrote his last KONK Life column three weeks ago. Wrote he was going to die. Cancer had gotten the best of him. No one knew.

This morning at 11 at United Spiritual Center, Rick is going to speak to his friends for the last time. I will be there. In church, to listen to a friend.

Rick is deserving of credit. He is going out his way. Not just writing his obituary as some do, he is planning his good byes step by step.

God love you, Rick!

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

FLIES

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All of a sudden yesterday flies! Many. The kitchen primarily. At bedtime, my bedroom. This morning, the bedroom. Went downstairs, none in the kitchen.

They do not fly around. They do not move. They just sit where ever they are.

This fly thing a first time experience.

I called an exterminator last night. Will be here at 8 this morning.

I assume the flies are maggot flies. Origination the dead rat several days ago.

An ugly situation!

Started yesterday with the anti-gravity treadmill. Making a new friend. Dave. He is on the treadmill before me.

Then hurried home to do the KONK Life News Hour on 104.9. Hosted by Guy deBoer.

I got all of 10 minutes. Guy and I discussed my KONK Life column of this week. U.S. War Ready? The emphasis on China.

Tavern ‘n Town for dinner last night. Very crowded. All tourists. I knew no one. Thursday night, Key West was dead. Had to be jumping last night. Weekenders from the Florida mainland.

John Boehner’s retirement may be for the best. I thought he had a hard time with the far right. In turn, he had to give Obama a bad time. I doubt things will improve with a new Speaker.

Boehner walks away financially secure. And probably into a lobbying job which will make him more secure.

Boehner has two campaign funds. One with $4 million in it. The other, $1.1 million. He can only use the $4 million one for PAC campaign contributions. The $1.1 million however is his.

Eric Cantor got a job within three weeks of losing his primary. One in Washington at $3.4 million a year. A Speaker is more important than a Majority Leader. Boehner should do better.

It’s the American way!

Leaves no doubt why government does not work.

Big game for Syracuse today. Play #8 nationally LSU. LSU a 24 point favorite. LSU will win. Syracuse quarterbacks #s 1 and 2 injured and cannot play. We are going with #s 3 and 4. Other reasons include a star LSU running back being touted as a Heisman Trophy winner and the fact that LSU is a much better team.

Hope springs eternal. I hope for a Nebraska type victory from many years ago.

Tonight, Lattitudes. I am looking forward to it.

Enjoy your day!

U.S. WAR READY?

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Poker Run 2015 is over. Most of the bikers left Key West yesterday afternoon. Roaring. In greater numbers than they came in. As many as 40 at a time.

Those who did not leave yesterday will leave this morning. The roar again.

A successful weekend. No trouble. The bikers not a problem. Bars had to do a big business.

I spent many hours yesterday writing this week’s KONK Life column. It publishes wednesday. The column took unusually long to write. Details. The title: U.S. War Ready? I strongly suggest you read it. Not necessarily for pleasure. For information you may not otherwise be aware.

Roostica for dinner. Spaghetti with meatballs, sausage, and pork. Just like my Grandmother made!

Olga waited on me. Obvious she is from another land. She has an accent. Business was slow. We had a chance to talk.

I was interested in where she came from and details of life there. Olga was born and raised in the old Soviet Union and then under whatever the name of her free country. I could not catch the name. It was not familiar.

Her homeland is far to the east in Russia. Near the Chinese border.

We talked of education. Interesting. Most stories similar to Flora’s. Some different.

Olga loves the USA!

The New York Times carries a shocking front page news release this morning. Afghan village commanders have sex slaves they keep handcuffed to their beds. Young boys. Apparently part of Afghan tradition. Called bacha bazi.

American soldiers could hear the boys screaming at night. They were told not to pay attention nor interfere. It was part of Afghan custom and to be tolerated.

What the hell are we doing over there? Their ways are thousands of years old. We will change nothing.

Pope Francis arrives tomorrow. He will speak at some point to a joint session of Congress. Some Republicans are complaining. and not with the respect the Catholic leader is entitled to.

The complaining Republicans think the Pope is too liberal. He believes in climate change, equality of pay, is opposed to gun manufacturers. All social problems. All within the purview with which he should have concern. All matters Republicans prefer to ignore.

They fail to mention the Pope is anti-abortion.

Greek elections a surprise. Tsipras reelected. His Syriza Party won handily. A sign the Greeks respected his efforts in spite of the fact that he failed regarding the Eurounion debt. I am confident Tsipras will take another shot at the problem in due course. Never say die!

Oh, my Syracuse! Three consecutive wins. The true test next saturday. Against ranked LSU. The Vegas line is LSU by 24.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

ROBERT AND ALLY CLEAN BEACH

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The joy of reading this morning’s Key West Citizen. A large picture on the front page of Robert and Ally walking along a beach. Their heads looking down. The two participating in a coastal cleanup day. Clean the beaches!

Robert and Ally were cleaning Nature Beach. Nature Beach runs behind 1800 Atlantic.

The Mel Fisher Maritime Museum was one of the organizations sponsoring the Nature Beach cleanup. Some other beaches were also involved. I am not sure the following numbers represent the Nature Beach cleanup or all the local beach cleanups. Whatever, the numbers are formidable.

Seventy five bags of trash. Included were 202 bottle caps, 8 crab traps, 6 syringes, 4 tampon applicators and 4 condoms.

Robert and Ally have participated in cleanups before. I recall one where the sidewalks and curb areas surrounding the Southernmost Complex were tidied up. I have a distinct recollection of Ally picking up a cigarette butt resting next to the curb and placing it in the trash bag she was carrying on her shoulder. Ally wore gloves, of course.

I watched Syracuse football beginning at 12:30. Syracuse won again! Beat Central Michigan 30-27. The first time in 24 years Syracuse has won its first three games.

We were lucky to win!

Our quarterback is Eric Dungey. A real freshman. He is playing because in the early part of the first game against Rhode Island, Syracuse’s starting quarterback ruptured his Achilles tendon.

Eric got hit hard in the head in yesterday’s game. Near the end of the second quarter. A helmet to helmet crash. The Central Michigan player was thrown out. Dungey played no more. His injury is reported as an upper body one. What that means, I do not know and have not been able to find out.

In comes Syracuse quarterback #3. His name I believe Austin Mahoney. I could be wrong. He finished the second quarter in fine fashion.

The second half was a disaster. I am not even sure we got a first down. Maybe one or two at the very end of the second half.

Syracuse had something like a two touchdown lead. Central Michigan ate at it. With seconds to go in the game, Central Michigan scored a touchdown tying the game.

Syracuse won in overtime 30-27.

A win is a win. In spite of the second half which was shameful.

Syracuse’s passing defense was an abomination in the second half. It seemed like Central Michigan was completing passes at will.

Next week LSU. Ranked. A test! Hope Eric Dungey is back!

Spent a couple of hours after the game researching this week’s KONK Life column. I raise the question as to whether the United States is ready for war.

Motivation for the topic came from a news release this week that soon the U.S. Army will be the smallest in the post World War II era. If so, the issue becomes one for concern.

I have more research to do. Hopefully will get the column out by late afternoon.

My saturday night usual haunt. Tavern ‘n Town. Good food and Bobby Nesbitt.

The bar was packed and noisy. Unusually so. I could not hear Bobby at all. There was a wedding upstairs and the bar was full of wedding guests who were there to drink and not listen to Bobby.

I intentionally did not go to Duval last night. The last evening of Poker Run. The doctors, lawyers and accountants who dress as bad guys raise too much hell for me. Many bring their wives or girl friends. They  likewise are attired as bike people.

It amazes me that the bike ladies all have big breasts. Every year. They can’t all be that big.

A major event this weekend as part of Poker Run. A Tattoo Contest at Schooner Wharf at 3. Not to be missed! I have seen a few. You will be amazed! Males and females. They show and explain their tattoos, where they got them, etc. Expose them all. Right down to the genitally located ones.

A fun event. Get there early so you get a place from which you can see. A crowd guaranteed.

Enjoy your Sunday!

SATURDAY NIGHT AT DON’S PLACE

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I am late getting to the blog this morning. Sorry. Bed too comfortable.

Spent a couple of hours in the early evening at Don’s Place. With David, Keith and Joanie. Thought I would run into Don. Had not seen him in a week. He was home babysitting his two grandkids. Wife and daughters out somewhere.

Lisa would not let me babysit Robert and Ally early on. She said my attention factor was lacking. Finally, one night she allowed me to show my stuff.

Robert went to bed early to sleep. Ally could not sleep. She came into the living room and sat on the couch watching television. I was watching TV also. For a while.

When Lisa returned home, I was asleep in the chair. Ally wide awake watching television. Of course, Lisa ripped into me. See…..I told you so….etc. I meekly responded there was no problem. Ally was watching Robert and me!

My response was not appreciated. It was another year before I was permitted to babysit again.

Stopped at Outback on the way home for dinner. I have always liked Outback. Good food at fair value. Not last night. I had a filet with potato and veggies. The menu indicated a special. Shrimp could be added for $7.50. Unlimited in amount. Why not!

A rip off. The shrimp were fried in batter which is what I expected. However not one piece was larger than a quarter. Each one more batter than shrimp. For shame! I ate 2-3 pieces and left the rest.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Next week, I go to four times a week. I have added thursday to my schedule.

I have another radio show! A small one. Very small.

KONK has one hour of news monday-friday at noon. KONK News with Guy deBoer. He has five different speakers, each allotted 10 minutes. I have been blessed with friday, 12:20-12:30. 104.9 The X in Key West.

Nothing fancy. I lead off with a brief synopsis of my KONK column for the week. Then spend 6-7 minutes on a topic of my choosing. Something I  believe needs to be said.

Yesterday, it had to do with poverty in the U.S. I was motivated by the cry to help those leaving Syria.

My thrust was lets take care of our own first. We are doing a lousy job at it. Then be generous with others.

We have 1.5 million households living on less than $2 a day per person, food stamp recipients have increased 16.5 million under Obama, and 2.5 million homeless children living in abandoned cars, cardboard boxes, the woods, etc. who go to school unbathe and without breakfast.

The U.S. already takes in 70,000 refugees a year. Obama has indicated he will take in an additional 10,000. That’s enough for the time being!

This is Poker Run Weekend in Key West. Ten thousand motorcycles in town. Party time, big time! They were roaring into Key West all day yesterday on U.S. 1. Sometimes as many as 20 in a group. Marlon Brando in the lead!

It is black leather attire tonight on Duval!

I live and learn. Eighty years old and still learning.

I thought sparkling wines and champagne were different. Turns out they are not. Both produced the same way. The difference is in name only. Champagne is produced in the Champagne region of France. Sparkling wines everywhere else.

The sparkling wine bubbly is cheaper in many instances and just as good. So I read.

Syracuse/Central Michigan today. Win #3 in the making for Syracuse? Syracuse a six point favorite.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

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Strange how things worked out yesterday.

I was working on a Tennessee Williams column for this week’s KONK Life. Tough to research. A lot of detail. Verification difficult and time consuming. Finally decided I could not get everything done in time to write the column today.

Went to an easier topic to research. Gertrude Bell. Bell was the female Lawrence of Arabia. She is the one who initially screwed up Iraq by having it carved out as it is. Probably more responsible than Bush 2 for what is transpiring in Iraq and the Middle East today.

When I finished researching Gertrude Bell, I had this compulsion to get back to Tennessee Williams. I did. Though it took a while, I finally had it researched. Ergo, I will be going this week with Tennessee Williams…..A Love. Gertrude Bell is on the shelf for another day.

The Tennessee Williams piece involves his relationship of 14 years with Frank Merlo. A good portion of those 14 years were spent here in Key West at 1431 Duncan Street.

Tennessee Williams and Gertrude Bell ate up much of my saturday. I was too tired to go out last night. Watched some college football and old movies on TV instead.

Oreos have been a part of my life. Love them! Hard not to eat a whole package once I get started. Many have commented over the years how difficult it was for them to stop enjoying Oreos once started. So I wrote about the new Oreo Thins yesterday.

I hit a sensitive spot. I was correct. Oreos are important to many. Received a large number of comments. All not favorable to Thins. Even those who had not yet tried them. Double sugar filling was the cry!

Buffalo’s Tom Dixon wrote. A die hard Syracuse fan, also. He advised that the freshman Syracuse quarterback was Eric Dungey. Son of Tony Dungey, former coach for Tampa Bay and Indianapolis.

Tom also suggested I not get excited. One game does not make a season. He is correct. However, hope springs eternal. We have waited so long.

There is a new video on the internet. Released today. Covers a Paris riot that occurred in July involving immigrants. Take a look. Interesting.

The Eurounion position of we must help is admirable and proper. However, the numbers coming in are so great, they may not be up to the task.

There is a school of thought that suggests some of the refugees are precursor North African and Middle East muslims intent on creating an Islamic Army to conquer Europe. Their goal to open new Islamic territories.

Don’t think me crazy. There is a world wide movement afoot by muslims to accomplish such goals. Keep ISIS, al Qaeda, and 9/11 in mind. These people are smart and compelled.

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend!

 

OREOS

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I write about important things. Today, Oreos. Specifically, the new Oreo Thins.

Oreos. That amazing cookie! Everyone loves Oreos! Delicious chocolate hard cake on the outside. Sweet thick white sugar inside.

Oreos recently came out with Oreo Thins. Saw it advertised on TV. Decided to buy a package. Thought I could get the same pleasure with only half the calories.

I was correct as to the calories. Wrong as to the pleasure. There was no pleasure. It tasted nothing like the Oreos I have known for years. The thin white inside taste was barely discernible. The thin chocolate wafers heavy in taste. It was as if I were eating a chocolate cookie.

Do not even try Oreo Thins. A waste of time and pleasure. It would surprise me if they were still be on the shelves in six months.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Then a bit of banking. Followed by lunch at the Marriott Beachside Beach Bar. I enjoyed my time there earlier in the week.

I was looking forward to chatting with Simon, the bartender. No Simon. Must have been his day off. No loss, however. I enjoyed the view, a cheeseburger and read the newspapers.

For whatever reason, I was tired. Went home to bed. Slept all afternoon.

Last night began with the Chart Room. I was hoping to run into Bob Dennard. Emily bartending. Her eyes much better.

Chatted with some tourists and snowbirds till Bob showed up.

Spent an interesting hour with Bob. He is much traveled. Writes about places he has visited. Especially, Asia.

Dinner was alone at the Hot Tin Roof bar. Chatted with Joseph. The place was filled by the time I left.

I understand La Te Da is entirely closed down for the month of September. Not uncommon. Many establishments close for September. The hottest month of the year and the fewest visitors.

My head is hung in shame. I knocked Syracuse’s football team yesterday. They played their first game last night against Rhode Island.

I should not have. Syracuse beat Rhode Island 47-0. A score from days of old. Unfortunately, starting quarterback Terrel Hunt hurt his ankle in the first quarter. He may not be able to play the rest of the season. A freshman, whose name escapes me, played the rest of the game. He obviously did well.

My KONK Life column Private Prisons was published this morning on E-Blast. Someone screwed up in printing the title. PRISON became PRISON’S. Nothing I can do at this point. Add it to what some perceive as my grammatically incorrect writings.

I have to write my KONK column for next week. Decided on a certain phase of Tennessee Williams’ life. He called Key West home for well over thirty years. My research not complete. There are certain facts I have to verify. Impossible for me to write the column today.

At this moment on saturday morning, I have no idea what the subject matter will be of the column I am to write this afternoon.

Enjoy your day!

WE WON!

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I called it wrong. I was sure we were going to lose last night. We did not. God was good! We won 2 out of 3 games. Against the #1 team for most of the past 10 years.

I am glad I was wrong. Me of little faith!

We lost the first game. We were down 11-3. Came back. Lost by one point 16-15. The next two we won. By two or 3 points each game.

It took forever to play. We were the last to finish. Everyone was done and had gone home. It was a point at a time. Both sides grinding it out.

My day began with a haircut yesterday. Lori has been cutting my hair for 15 years. We have become friends.

Then it was Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. I had 1 1/2 hours to kill before a manicure appointment. The time was some of the best I have spent recently.

Bob Dennard came up to me and said…..You’re Key West Lou! After acknowledging my existence, Bob said he was in Key West for a few days and had been looking for me. The Chart Room evenings and the Cuban Coffee Queen at lunch time.

We finally met! Bob, one great  guy!

We could have talked all afternoon, but I had to get to Tammy’s for my manicure.

Bob presently from Fort Walton Beach. Started off in California. A career service man now retired. Widowed. Sixty four.

He has written five books. I was impressed! Two historical in hard back covers. The other three involving cruising. One of the cruise books centers in southeast Asia where Bob was stationed.

He writes a blog. kokoman.com. Not every day. Once a week, once a month. Whenever the mood strikes.

In addition to searching me out, Bob is researching to write a book about the Chart Room. I shared with him whatever I knew.

No question, we are going to meet again. Hopefully over the weekend.

Got to Tammy’s just in time. I keep repeating. She and husband Ricky personify the American dream. Tammy was born in Vietnam. Ricky in the U.S. Both work 6-7 days a week, 8 in the morning till 8-9 in the evening. No complaints. Expect nothing from anyone. Do for themselves.

Overseas Market is being remodeled. Cosmetically. New trees, new signs, things of that nature.

I remember when the site of Overseas Market was nothing but  a large empty field. The shopping center was built in 1992. I started coming to Key West in 1989. Those early years, there was no Overseas Market.

I recall an update some years later. The whole shopping center was repainted. My recollection is the original color was some shade of pink. The new color yellow.

Time moves on.

This week’s KONK Life column Private Prisons was linked this morning to my Key West Lou website. keywestlou.com.

I have been critical of the judicial system in recent years. I feel a special entitlement as I spent my life as a lawyer. My faith in the system has been restored a bit by two very recent decisions. The Tom Brady one and the Kentucky clerk Kim Davis who refused to marry same sex couples. Both decisions correct based on the issues involved. Right on. Additionally, both courts went no further than required.

I am sick of hearing Trump and further sick of hearing about Hillary’s e-mails. Neither speak to the issues. We are not being told where each stands. I blame the media. We are not being educated as to their respective positions.

College football! Syracuse plays Rhode Island tonight.

How the mighty fall! Syracuse has not fielded a good football team in way too many years. We would never have scheduled a Rhode Island in days of old.

Further discouraging is that in the friday spreads in the newspaper, the Syracuse/Rhode Island game is not even mentioned.

Whatever, go Orange! Loyalty never diminishes.

Enjoy your day!