FOUR HORSEMEN OF APOCALYPSE

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Too many mornings we wake with new Trump tweets. Some extremely dangerous. Especially those where he threatens another nation with war.

This morning finds Trump in a Tweet pissing match with Iran. Not sure who stated this one. Iran says if the U.S. missteps, it will be me met with the “mother of all wars.”

Trump’s promises “…..dire consequences…..the likes of which few throughout history have ever suffered before. He responds, “We are no longer a country that will stand for your demented words of violence and death. Be cautious.”

Words of war.

Trump reminds me of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse: Conquest, War, Famine, and Death. I can see them all riding through the clouds. Who is leading them? Donald Trump. Not on the lead horse. On all four.

He finally will have proved to the world (and himself) what a tough guy he is.

Any such war will leave the U.S. in shambles. Such a war will be fought on our shores also. Every day a 9/11.

The U.S. will resemble Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Berlin following World War II. Many dead. Children maimed.

Wake up America!

Enjoyed the British Open yesterday. Italy’s Francesco Molinari won. Seven or eight in the running the last 9 holes. Tiger Woods the leader at the turn, but faltered.

Good golf played on a tough course.

Visited the Orchid Key Inn bar for the first time last night. Victor invited me. He is the sunday bartender.

What a place? A hidden wonder. Off Duval near Truman. A magnificent setting! The bar charming. Tiny. Seats only 6.

Kevin and Holly were there. I suspected they would be.

A Bruce and Kevin sat next to me. Bruce retired. His career spent with Voice of America. Kevin with the Post Office.

We chatted about Post Office problems. How Congress screwed the Post Office.

Bruce recalled seeing me 10 years ago on Channel 19. I did a TV show for 3 years that ran from Key West to Fort Lauderdale. I was shocked he even watched. Channel 19 was what might be described as a small station. I was one of two live shows. The rest old gray and white TV shows like Leave It To Beaver.

Bruce mentioned the Orchid Key Inn was listed #2 on Trip Adviser under Best Key West Hotels. And I never knew it existed!

Met Peter. For a little bar, it had some interesting customers.

Peter is a musician and has entertained at Sloppy Joe’s for 30 years. From 5:30 to 9:30. Must catch his show one evening.

People came and went. I stayed. The bar was a gold mine of interesting people.

In came David and Louise. Visiting from London. David is with NATO and Louise a kindergarten teacher.

Great conversation. Issues involving Trump, NATO, Trump’s recent visit, etc. Both thought it awful that Trump kept the 92 year old Queen waiting 12 minutes. Standing in the sun waiting for Trump to arrive.

My night was not over yet.

Went over to Blue McCaw. A late bite to eat. Ribs and a drink.

Not ready for bed and home when I left Blue McCaw. Donna and Terri live across the street. Visited with them a while.

Dueling Bartenders tonight. Terri wanted to go. Donna working. Terri my date. I pick her up at 5:30. I expect Jean, Kevin, Holly and John will be there also.

To win the Hemingway Look-a-Like contest a big deal. The honor of honors to those interested. One hundred twenty five plus compete each year. For some reason, it takes roughly 10 years of participation to be seriously considered.

This year’s winner Michael Groover. Michael is husband to celebrity chef and TV star Paula Deen. Paula the loyal wife. She has been in Key West supporting her husband those 10 years of Hemingway Day visits.

BOB back. Rested and ready to go.

BOB’s topic today Fantasy Fest.

The Key West of 39 years ago was not the Key West of today. In addition to the summer being slow, the fall was dead. Key West merchants came up with a plan they thought would attract tourists to Key West during the slow fall season.

A fantasy fest. An adult party. Flavors of a Roman holiday. A bit of debauchery.

It worked. Key West’s famous Fantasy Fest was born. Ten days of partying each year.

Wilder as the years progressed. Nudity became an issue. Drinking, also.

Women began going bare chested. Men covering their genitalia with a small strip of cloth.

The partiers did not mind. Locals neither. They participated. Except for a few. The few were one or two ministers annually. They formed the Christian Coalition. The Christian Coalition was supported by very few. City fathers were thrilled. Key West was making a ton of money during those 10 days.

BOB said, “Morality and good taste were susupended…..an abyss filled.” BOB added the opposing ministers forgot to recognize that Key West churches were filled will sinners seeking forgiveness in the weeks following Fantasy Fest.

Women’s naked breasts were painted by kiosks on the streets. Many for real costumes were oversized genitalia. Alcohol was being consumed on the streets.

The Duval Crawl took on added meaning.  As BOB humorously said, “See the Lower Keys on your hands and knees. America is calling you today.”

Back in the early days, 50,000 would show up for the saturday night parade. No one knew where they all slept. When awake however, they “simply enjoyed the wicked and titillating surrender to their basic instincts.”

The squeaky wheel always gets oiled. The Christian Coalition was a squeaky wheel. Compromises were arrived at. All revealed in the next episode of BOB.

Enjoy your day!

 

TERRI WHITE PERFORMED

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Big crowd at Blue Heaven last night. Terri White was singing. Everyone wanted to hear her perform.

She was her usual outstanding self.

It was ladies night for me. Unexpected. Jean Thornton and I had agreed to meet at Blue Heaven and make a night of it. My friend forever!

Jean arrived first. When I got there, she was seated with several lady friends. Two I knew. Stephanie Kaple, my newly discovered comedian acquaintance, and Debbie.

Debbie does not reside in Key West. Visiting with Sharon. Debbie’s monumental claim to fame is she discovered gold and emeralds with Jean back when. She too is a Key West Golden Girl.

The group also included Mary from Connecticut and Megan. Megan is a Key West local. She has been a pharmacist at Winn-Dixie for 15 years.

Spent some time with the ladies. Then moved to Donna and Terri’s table. Two of Donna’s concierge coworkers at the table. Karen and Maria.

Karen is concierge at the Hilton and Maria at the Fairfield. Karen’s husband Dan operates Salty Goat at the Galleon.

Karen showed me a picture of her dog. A cute little thing. He was lost for 3 weeks. If he could talk, what a story he would have to tell!

A third concierge arrived as I was leaving. Never caught her name.

Women are from Venus and men are from Mars. I found the conversation at both tables different. I must talk to men most of the time. Recall I was the only male at both tables. Women are different. They converse differently. I felt out of place. Awkward.

Jean and I headed over to Blue McCaw for a bite to eat. Sat at the bar. Blue McCaw a comfortable place. Many locals. Food and drink cheap.

John was enjoying a late night dinner at the bar. Paul and Ron holding down their usual corner.

A Joe Phillips came up to talk with me. He has been in Key west only since June 2. From Orlando.

Joe expressed a concern about the Post Office. He was aware I had in the past few months written 3 times re the Post Office. Congress screwed up the U.S. Postal System and have made it difficult for postal workers and people (us).

Love Irish Kevin’s! One of the best bars in town. Always packed. A night does not go by where a number of women get up on the small stage and flash their breasts. The place is made for an old guy like me!

Unfortunately, I rarely go. Irish Kevin’s is for young people. Really young. I am way too old and feel out of place.

That is twice today I have mentioned feeling out of place. Strange.

Today, Irish Kevin is having a special event. A Christmas in July celebration. From 2:30-5:30. Go and enjoy! I might. The exposed breasts an 83rd birthday present to me.

I already did my Key West Lou Live video on Facebook this morning. You may want to take a look. Titled Return of the Caesars. About what I perceive to be a return by people to strong leaders that they will obey. Not necessarily a change for the good. The leaders not necessarily good.

I have wondered why the Thai soccer team and coach got 2 1/2 miles into the cavern. Read an article this morning that explained it. While exploring the cave, water levels began to rise. As the tunnels flooded, the group was forced further and further inside.

The U.S./China tariff war I fear. All tariff wars need be feared. China could be the one to cause international monetary havoc. For which we will have Donald Trump to thank.

China has the big card to play. Turn the tariff war into a currency war. Cause the U.S. dollar to devalue.

China holds $1.2 trillion of U.S. Treasury bonds. All China has to do is stop buying new bonds as the old ones mature. The dollar will fall. Major panic in world markets will occur.

If China wishes to retaliate swiftly against the U.S., it merely has to begin selling some of the $1.2 trillion in bonds it holds.

Another great Key West day in the making. Time to forget about Trump, Putin, China, tariff/currency wars, etc. Merely enjoy the day.

Join me. Lets all enjoy Sunday!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LYNDA FRECHETTE

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Happy Birthday Lynda Frechette! Twenty nine and still going strong. Key West is never the same when you are gone.

Two other noteworthy items for today.

Mel Fisher found the Atocha mother lode! This day in 1985. Four hundred million dollars. He had a dream. Stuck with it. Bore fruit 15 years later.

Neil Armstrong walked on the moon! First man to do so. This day 1969.

I recall watching the event on TV. It was 11 at night. My children all asleep. All grammar school age. Woke them up and brought them to the family room to watch the event.

I considered Armstrong’s descent onto the moon’s surface to be sufficiently important for them to see. They would remember it for years.

They were tired. Could not understand why I was all excited, etc.

None of them remember.

My day yesterday began with doing the Key West Lou Live video on Facebook. I spent a few minutes chatting about being a senior citizen. A change of pace show. Finished today’s show before I started the blog this morning. Topic: Putin’s White House Invitation. Would you believe!

Visited Tammy at 1 for a manicure. Always good company.

Then to Sandy’s Cafe for a late lunch.

The Chart Room first last night. Had new friend Casey meet me there. He’s the fellow I met three weeks ago at Hogfish. The one with the 77 foot catamaran. Casey lives on the boat. I offered to pick him up. No, he wanted to dingy in.

Neal and Connie at the bar. Met Neal the night before. Connie, last night. Nice people.

My love Jean Thornton arrived. She has been in Key West a week. First time we have seen each other. A big hug and kiss. Jean, Casey and I chatted a while. Jean and I are having dinner together saturday evening at Blue Heaven. Terri is singing.

Speaking of Terri, I am having dinner with Donna and Terri tonight at their new condo. Donna cooking. Always a treat! Enjoying a Donna prepared meal is like listening to Terri sing.

A fireman and his wife from outside Chicago were also at the bar. I failed to get their names. They had an interesting story.

They lived in Homestead in 1998 when Andrew hit. Evacuated. When they returned 3 days after Andrew, pure carnage. It looked like Hiroshima after the atom bomb fell. Everything flat. Nothing left standing. Andrew was a 5.

The destruction was so bad they could not locate their home. Nothing defined. A flat level mess.

Stopped at Blue McCaw for a bite to eat on the way home. Ran into Paul and Ron again. Real nice guys. Enjoyed chicken wings and their company over a couple of drinks.

Blue McCaw a winner! Happy Hour 4-9. A fun place! I recommend it.

The Key West Citizen’s weather person an excellent writer. Comes up with little tidbits to describe the weather.

Today the temperature will be 92. A morning thunder shower predicted. Wrong, thus far. 10:30, sun shining bright. No sign of rain. Means nothing, however. Rain comes to Key West in a split second without prior warning.

The excellent writing has to do with the fine print under the rain warning. It read: “Sun, what sun?”

The weather report may be wrong. The sun reference however reads well with or without the rain.

Key West still into Hemingway Days. The Running of the Bulls tomorrow. Go down to Sloppy Joe’s around 1 to watch the Look a Likes get ready. The race itself probably at 2.

Enjoy your day!

 

PIG HUMPS A HARLEY-DAVIDSON

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On this day of international significance, I opt to open with levity.

I am sick of Trump and the worldwide aggravations he has caused. Wake up America. Trump is destroying our country. He and his party must be voted out. Hopefully, it will not be too late.

Levity a BOB story. Involves Chi Chi. A Vietnamese pot bellied pig living in Key West in the mid 1990’s.

Chi Chi became enamored with the next door neighbor’s Harley-Davidson. Began humping the Harley’s front tire. In the process, scratched the Harley’s paint.

The damage more than $100.

The Monroe County Animal Control took Chi Chi to the pen. An animal pen.

In effect, Chi Chi had been arrested. Technically, his owner charged.

Chi Chi could have been turned into bacon. Several weeks elapsed while Chi Chi’s owner, the Harley-Davidson’s owner, judges and attorneys argued over what should be done with Chi Chi.

Consumed the community. A matter of importance. Imagine, an animal sex act with a Harley causing such furor. The judge intended to sentence Chi Chi to death.

A judgment of execution was stayed.

A decision finally arrived at. Chi Chi was to be neutered.

How cruel!

Chi Chi would no longer be looking for love in all the wrong places. He would not be looking for love anywhere!

BOB had one further comment re the summer doldrums discussed yesterday. The end of the summer found Key Westers looking to the horizon. Hurricane conversations consumed the populace.

Later this morning, I return with Key West Lou Live. My 3-4 minute video on Facebook. Ranting and raving. Hope you will join me. As MacArthur said, “I have returned!”

Sunday purportedly a day of rest. I recall when younger, sundays were respected as such. Practically and legally. Blue laws kept stores closed on sundays.

Yesterday was a day of rest for me. Remained in all day and night. Did my blog. researched a bit. Read. Watched TV. Napped.

A very good day! I needed it.

The Helsinki summit/meeting today. Not sure what it is at this point. I probably will comment on its results, if any, tomorrow.

What goes around comes around. Trump generally keeps persons of importance waiting. He did it with the Queen a few days ago. Boosts his ego. Makes him feel important.

TV news just announced Putin will be late.

Ho ho!

Dueling Bartenders tonight. Shopping for groceries earlier. I am out of food again!

Enjoy your day!

DON’T BRING SHEEP IN THE BACK DOOR

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BOB wrote of September in Key West. Remember, BOB is writing as it was in the mid 1990’s. The doldrums. Tourist industry flat. Heat oppressive.

The saying back then was you could throw a bowling ball down Duval and hit no one.

BOB wrote “…..we are thrown on our meager resources, bar tabs rise, hurricanes are tracked, and the mood becomes introspective.” Further, living in Key West under these conditions is “…..not good for a terminally weird population.”

An overheard comment illustrates the point: “You know what’s interesting about this place? / No, what? / Well, if you like to screw sheep, and you bring ’em in your front door, your neighbor could care less and think none the less of you. But if you bring them in the back door, people get really suspicious about what’s going on. / Dead on.”

I intended to take part in Mel Fisher Days last night at Schooner Wharf. Jean Thornton scheduled as a celebrity bartender. Got side tracked, never made it.

Guy de Boer called. Stop over for a drink. I had never seen his home on Flagler. Was curious. It is one of those multi million dollar places just off South Roosevelt Drive.

Magnificent!

We sat in the back by the pool overlooking a wide canal. One drink led to a few more.

Hunger arrived. Guy suggested Moe’s on White Street. I have not been to Moe’s in 15 years. Food good back then. New owners today. The food just as good.

An enjoyable evening.

Tomorrow, I bring Key West Lou Live back to Facebook. Three to four minutes of current commentary. Guaranteed you will enjoy my ranting and raving. Join me. Any time of the day.

Jim Jordan is a bull in a China shop. Worse than Trump. Tasteless, classless.

He may be receiving his comeuppance.

Jordan was an assistant wrestling coach at Ohio State University back when. It is now claimed that team Doctor Strauss was perpetrating some sort of sexual abuse on team members. It is further claimed Jordan was aware and did nothing about it.

The issue involves awareness. Jordan denies awareness.

What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Penn State’s revered Joe Paterno died in shame because of a similar situation. His campus statue taken down. If what was true concerning Paterno is true with Jordan, then Jordan deserves public rebuke also.

I have been against the use of mercenary soldiers since day one. Also the privatization of governmental agencies. In due course, no good rears its ugly head.

Blackwater was the first major mercenary providing corporation. Eric Prince its founder. Some questionable conduct resulted in Blackwater ceasing to exist. A new company was formed. Frontier Services Group.

Both organizations headed by Eric Prince.

Prince has been working with the CIA on a plan to withdraw active U.S. troops from Afghanistan and replace them with a force solely comprised of mercenaries. Six thousand of them.

It could sell. Big money involved.

Always follow the money. Money paid for mercenaries significant. Prince’s sister a member of Trump’s cabinet. Contributions to the Trump campaign huge.

Corruption generally follows.

Another concern from my end is that mercenaries could easily become the private army of a despot. A cause for concern with a President who would like to be President for life.

Madeleine Alright’s Fascism continues to intrigue me. Deals obviously with authoritarian figures. I have just completed my review of Mussolini. Next, Hitler.

Re Mussolini, I set forth two significant quotes from the book.

Twentieth century Fascism began “with a magnetic leader exploiting widespread dissatisfaction by promising all things.”

The other, “He sought to govern well, but to do that, he felt the need to rule absolutely. He had full trust in his own judgment, and there was no satiating his hunger for power.”

Familiar? Characteristics of a today person?

Trump failed to impress the English. Two hundred fifty thousand UK’s marched in opposition to his visit.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

TRUMP WILL DISAPPOINT

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Some people cannot win for losing. Donald Trump is one. He started off big. Many believed in him. The second coming. He is beginning to fail in the eyes of some who initially supported him.

I am plodding through Madeleine Albright’s Fascism. In one part she writes of Benito Mussolini. Reminds me to a degree of how some thought/think of Trump.

She wrote: Thomas Edison hailed him as the “genius of the modern age”; Gandhi as a “superman.” Winston Churchill pledged to stand by him in his “struggle against the bestial appetites of Leninism.” Newspapers in Rome, host to the Vatican, referred to him as “the incarnation of God.” In the end, people who had worshiped his every move hung his corpse upside down next to his mistress’s near a gas station in Milan.

Albright wrote elsewhere re Mussolini’s speaking prowess: He knew the value of the popular touch and usually succeeded in eliciting whoops of approval from his audience. Before long, he had come to consider himself a man of destiny…..

Last night, the Blue MacCaw again. Guest of Donna and Terri.

My opinion remains the same. A winner! Food and drink reasonable. People cheerful. Entertainment excellent.

Blue MacCaw has been added to my list of watering holes.

Ran into Paul and Ron again. Second night in a row. We have become instantaneous friends. They knew Donna and Terri when Terri was performing in Washington.

Less I forget, Happy Hour is 4-9. A big one!

From Key West to Paris. Today is Bastille Day. On this day in 1789, the Bastille was stormed. The turning point of the French Revolution. France celebrates its Revolution on this day. A Revolution that lasted 10 years.

Charles Dickens wrote A Tale of Two Cities. A book that reflected conditions leading to the French Revolution and Reign of Terror: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….. it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.”

BOB reflects on Bum Farto’s trial and its aftermath.

Farto was convicted. Sentenced to 30 years. Most of the other 29 defendants fared better. After an unbelievable series of delays, mistrials, bribes, jury tampering, and legal chicanery, most walked free.

Farto appealed. He was out on bail pending the appeal. In that interim, Farto worked to get a lesser sentence. His choices two fold. Turn on and testify against those not convicted. Or, the Golden Parachute. Bribe someone.

Neither option worked. A third option presented itself. If he could, disappear. Forever.

He disappeared.

The story at this point a bit murky. He backed out of his driveway one day, only to be surrounded by two black cars and a tractor trailer. Or, he backed out and simply drove away.

Farto’s car was found in Miami two weeks later.

Farto was never found.

Had he gone the way of Jimmy Hoffa? Perhaps buried in the concrete below I-95? Or, had he made it to Bali, the Fiji Islands or somewhere in Europe or Asia?

Farto’s wife waited 2 1/2 weeks before she reported his disappearance to the police. She told them she was so upset that she could not call them earlier. Truth be told, she and Bum had not been getting along and she could have cared less.

T-shirts began coming out with various inscriptions. The first was El Jefe. Then one with a B-25 dropping bombs with writing below: Bum’s Away. The next was Where Is Bum Farto? The final and still available one is Bum Farto, Where Are You?

And so the saga of Bum Farto ends. Tomorrow, another BOB begins.

Obviously, the English people do not like Trump. So many planned to demonstrate in London that the authorities called off the reception initially planned for him.

Trump and Melania were to be driven through London in a horse drawn open carriage. Normally, thousands would have been on the curbs cheering them. However, this time jeering.

That evening a white tie black tail event. Canceled for the same reason as the parade.

Trump experienced a bummer. He was relegated to tea with the Queen at Windsor castle. The event took 17 minutes. Before, he and the Queen inspected a line of troops in front of the castle.

The public not at either event.

If I were one here in America who had been involved in the Russian hacking, I would be concerned. The indictment revealed yesterday which involved 12 Russians was sufficiently detailed to convince the Russians hacked the election.

There will be at least one more set of indictments. Maybe more. Whatever, I would expect the next set to identify those in the United States who were involved in some fashion.

Key West Lou Live returns monday on Facebook. I missed doing it. Loved being able to rant and rave 3-4 minutes on a topic. Take a look.

Enjoy your day!

 

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MEL FISHER…..THE INDIANA CHICKEN FARMER WHO MADE GOOD

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Some persons become legends in their own time. Key Westers recall their legendary figures. Among others, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Sloppy Joe, Captain Tony, Mel Fisher.

Mel Fisher concerns me today.

Key West annually celebrates Mel Fisher. Mel Fisher Days this year are July 12-14. Party time. All kind of activities befitting Mel Fisher.

Mel Fisher’s claim to fame is that he discovered a part of the Spanish galleon Atocha. Recovered $400 million in gold, emeralds and other jewelry.

His story.

Mel was a chicken farmer from Indiana. Eventually, he,  his wife Doe and family, ended up in Key West. Fisher was convinced there was gold in off shore waters. He spent 16 years looking for it. Lean years. Sacrificing time for the Fisher family.

Fisher would begin each day by telling his crew…..Today’s the day! For 16 years.

Finally, he scored.

The Atocha was ladened with gold, emeralds and other jewels. On their way to Spain. Atocha was one of a convoy of 28 ships. Some had problems. The convoy left 6 weeks late. Five weeks into the tropical storm season.

A hurricane hit the second day out. The Atocha went down.

On August 20, 1985, Fisher discovered a part of the Atocha. He was able to salvage $400 million in gold, emeralds and other jewelry.

Still not his. Spain made claim to the fortune. Fisher fought Spain and others all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Fisher won. The Court ruled in effect…..Finders keepers!

Obviously changed Fisher’s life and that of his family.

The man earned it.

My evening yesterday began with Liz Moody’s birthday party. Eighty four years and going strong!

A beautiful woman. A glowing face and personality.

Many friends in attendance.

Age is taking its toll. A broken hip that never mended properly. A diabetic whose problem frequently gets out of control. She was released two days ago from the hospital where the fight to stabilize her sugar took place for 15 days.

Liz parties well. She had a good time. I had a good time. Everyone had a good time.

Then to the Chart Room. Looking for Kevin. He had purchased tickets for a group of us to see Howie Mandell monday evening at the Key West Theater. Needed to pick up my ticket and pay $59. A bargain from my perspective.

I have always enjoyed Mandell. It will be good to laugh continuously monday evening.

David stopped by for a moment.

New friends Ray and Augusta at the bar. Enjoyed their company.

Stopped at Sandy’s Cafe on the way home for something to eat. Food at Liz’s party. I drank however instead of eating. Read the newspapers and enjoyed a Cuban cheese toast with tomato and a large Cuban coffee. The gin earlier was not enough to give me a bang. Needed the Cuban coffee.

Home early. In bed by 9:30. Slept well. Slept late this morning.

Trump, Brussels and the NATO Conference. Trump embarrassed us. His conduct disgraceful.

He beat the hell out of Germany’s Angela Merkel. Improperly so. He never has his facts right. Referred to Germany as “totally controlled” by and “captive” to Russia.

He deficated upon NATO as a whole for failing to keep up with individual payments to NATO. Implied clearly the U.S. was being forced to pay more than it should. He said the U.S. was paying 90 percent of NATO’s bills. Not correct. Sixty six percent. Note that payments are determined by how much money a nation earns per year.

A press conference this morning. Trump made it sound like everything was now kumbaya. Everyone happy. Claimed he made it so. He forced the others to agree to reach the 2 percent level by 2024.

The 40 minute press conference crowded with additional Trump lies. The English like me. He was headed to England following the press conference. The English hate him! Only 11 percent like him. The 2 percent going to 4 percent soon after 2024. No such promise made. Merely Trump’s idea.

He failed to explain some pertinent facts. Perhaps he did not know. He does not prepare for these meetings.

Trump claimed England buys 70 percent of its gas from Russia. Not true. Only 33 percent. Note most European countries buy gas from Russia. It’s cheap. The U.S. cannot compete with the Russian charges because of the distance and lack of a pipe line.

Trump was not aware that although most NATO nations were behind in the 2 percent contributions, they were far ahead of the United States in humanitarian aid. Eurounion countries provide such aid to the tune of $12 billion a year as opposed to  the U.S.’s $6 billion.

Trump can only see one way. He does not take into account peripheral items.

He forgets also that NATO troops have been fighting along side U.S. troops in Afghanistan for 16 years. Eleven thousand non U.S. NATO troops have died.

A question. The U.S. imports 43 percent of its imported oil from Canada. Does that make the U.S. “totally controlled” by and “captive” of Canada?

Paul Manafort was moved yesterday to another jail. It was discovered his jail time came with unique privileges. He had a larger than normal cell, a private bathroom and shower, a personal telephone (made 300 calls), separate work space to prepare for trial, and was permitted to have a lap top in his cell.

Not normal. Unusual. Reminded me of how Mafia bootleggers were treated when jailed back in the 1920’s.

Have to hustle. Haircut time.

Enjoy your day!

KEY WEST…..BEST OF THE BEST IN 3 TRAVEL ADVISOR CATEGORIES

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Key West #1 in three Travel Advisor categories. A WOW!

Most Excellent Place to Travel Worldwide, Most Excellent Cities for Restaurants, and Most Excellent Cities in the World. Described as “cream of the crop” re Most Excellent Place to Travel Worldwide.

I frequently complain too many people, tourists, cars and bicyclists. Whatever, Key West is doing it right as far as tourists are concerned.

Congratulations to all who make it so.

Last night Dueling Bartenders at Aqua. Tom and Rick singing. Tiffany guest performer. Tiffany is this year’s Fantasy Fest Queen. A beauty with a marvelous voice. Always a smile.

Then to Hot Tin Roof for dinner with Dorothy and Carmen. They were to have left yesterday. Decided to stay an extra day. Dorothy called and asked that I join them for dinner.

Excellent food, excellent company.

Carmen originally from Costa Rica. A typical Latin beauty. Hair pulled tight. Lovely complexion. A bright smile.

Tonight’s the night! My podcast show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. A multitude of topics to discuss. The week has been busy. Nine my time. Join me for a quick moving half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

The hurricane Beryl has fizzled as was expected. Remaining some extra rain for certain areas over the weekend.

Poor Puerto Rico got hit by Beryl. Just enough rain and wind to cause some power shortages and water damage. Normally would be considered nothing, except that Puerto Rico is still recovering from last year’s hurricanes.

A new hurricane. Chris. Stronger than Beryl. Expected to turn and fail to hit land.

Brett Kavanaugh Trump’s nominee for the Supreme Court. An ultra conservatist. His appointment guarantees a conservative court for the next 30 years.

Not right. Supreme Court Justices were originally appointed because of judicial/legal ability. Not political philosophy. The Court can no longer be a neutral arbiter that checks the two elected branches if political philosophy controls.

Supreme Court Justices are appointed for life. A good job! One problem. “Life” when the Constitution was framed different from life today. When the Constitution was framed, life expectancy for a free white male was 35 years. Today, 70-80 years.

Someone should take a look at the historical difference. A solution considered. Instead of life, make the appointment for a specified number of years. Like 18, for example.

We should be true to the Constitution in all respects.

Marlow Nance in a recent Opinion piece wrote in discussing Trump, We’re “on the cusp” of “losing the American constitutional republic forever.” He added in another section, Putin is Trump’s “handler” and we’re in a “Benedict Arnold moment.”

Two professors in a recent Times Opinion asked, “If the Supreme Court is nakedly political, can it be just?”

Justice is supposed to be blind. Lady Justice stands blindfolded. Not anymore.

Think about it.

The Thailand cave rescue complete. As of this morning, all 12 boys and their coach rescued. Three Navy Seals and a doctor yet to be removed.

A marvelous result! People gathering from all over the world to pitch in. Reportedly 1,000 helpers. Politics not involved.

Trump left on his European trip this morning. One of the stops is London on July 12.

Trump is less than loved by the English people. London’s Mayor is allowing a giant orange balloon depicting Trump as a baby in a diaper. It will be flown close to Parliament. Part of a “Stop Trump” protest.

Several years ago, I wrote a KONK Life column re the Scopes Trial. Also known as the Monkey Trial.

The trial began on July 10, 1925. It took place in Dayton, Tennessee. Scopes was a young school teacher charged with teaching evolution in violation of Tennessee state law. The law forbade teaching man evolved from the ape.

The trial became a big deal. International notoriety. Clarence Darrow defended Scopes. William Jennings Bryan appeared for the prosecution.

The trial was a fraud. The Dayton city fathers were looking for a way to publicize their small town. Increase business. Perhaps a tourist business. They arranged the scheme. Everyone involved was in on it, except for the two lawyers.

I fail to understand why when the trial is mentioned these days, rarely is the fraud aspect disclosed.

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” Winston Churchill, July 10, 1940.

Hitler began the Battle of Britain 3 1/2 months earlier. Night time bombing raids on London. He thought he could bring England to its knees. He thought wrong.

The English had 600 planes and the Germans 1,300 at the start of the Battle. The English beat the hell out of the Germans. After 3 1/2 months, Hitler had enough. He was losing his air force. He had not thought it possible. Just like that he ceased the night raids. Sent his remaining air force to the Russian front.

Winston Churchill’s words complimented the bravery and talent of the English pilots.

New York City has a new attraction. Called glamping. Those participating, glampers. Locals and tourists alike.

New York City took a part of Governor’s Island and made it into a tent city/camping ground. Top shelf, first class. Great tents, real beds, etc. The tents go from $220 to $850 per night. The air clean. The night time view of the City spectacular.

No BOB again today. I cannot continue blaming BOB. My fault. I have so much other information to share that I do not get around to finishing the Bum Farto story. Soon, I promise.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

AMERICAN PATRIOTISM

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A line I read a couple of days ago keeps running through my mind. I want to share it with you: America needs more patriotism, not Trumpism.

Day time yesterday spent as a recluse. Back still sore, though a bit better.

Last night figured a couple of gins combined with the Advil would help. It did.

I did my imbibing at the Chart Room. Charming Dorothy Downs and her friend Carmen there. Enjoyable conversation. Dorothy likes to tell stories as I do. Everything from American Indians to art.

Interesting front page story in the Key West Citizen this morning. The City Commission is seriously thinking about doing something with plastic disposal. Plastic straws and plastic bags the culprits. Plastic items end up in the ocean and cause harm to marine life.

Several stories running on the internet this morning re the plastic issue. Noted that Starbucks has already decided to do something. Starbucks has designed a “strawless lid.” Will not require a straw in order to drink.

McDonald’s in the fray, also. McDonald’s is testing the use of paper straws in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Hope to be fully invested in paper straws in those two locations by the end of next year.

McDonald’s is also testing paper straw use in certain U.S. areas.

A negative factor involved with regard to Key West. Glass not permitted on Duval or other streets. Bars permit drinkers to take booze from a bar. In a plastic glass. The drink must be transferred to a plastic glass in the bar.

An exception for Key West and other communities permitting street consumption of alcohol if in a plastic container?

Ernest Hemingway. A literary giant. One of Key West’s all time favored sons.

He completed A farewell To Arms while living in Key West.

An item of local color not well known involves the book, Hemingway and Agnes von Kurowsky. Agnes was Hemingway’s first love.

Hemingway was a Red Cross driver in Italy during World War I. Eighteen at the time. A mortar shell did a number on his right knee. He was in the hospital for six months.

Agnes was Hemingway’s nurse. They fell in love. The war, the love, Lake Maggiore, all part of A Farewell To Arms.

After recovering, Hemingway was returned to the U.S. Agnes was soon to follow. She did not. Sent him a Dear John letter instead.

Following his ten some years in Key West, Hemingway moved to Cuba. He was residing in Cuba in 1951. The same year Agnes moved to Key  West and worked as a librarian. She lived in Key West till 1965.

Hemingway experts tell us Hemingway never knew she was here. He periodically would return to Key West for a few days. Agnes never tried to communicate with him.

An interesting twist to what may have been the great romance of their lives.

The Thailand soccer team story one for the ages. Good people working hard to bring a proper resolution to a most dangerous situation.

Five of the boys removed as of this morning.

Steve Bannon’s name keeps popping up. A bad influence on Trump. He was part of Trump’s campaign team and worked in the White House for a time.

Bannon’s thinking dangerous. Representative of a twisted mind.

Prior to supporting Trump, Bannon was Executive Chairman of Breitbart News Network. Breitbart supports an alt right platform. Seeks an all white state.

Breitbart/Bannon carried a contrary belief as to how the U.S.should be run. Two inflammatory headlines evidence such: “Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy.” “Gay Rights Have Made Us Dumber, It’s Time To Get Back Into The Closet.”

We know tsunamis can be big. How big I never realized. This morning’s World Almanac section of the Key West Citizen reported that on this date in 1958, a megatsunami hit Lituya Bay, Alaska.

One thousand seven hundred twenty feet!

The largest recorded tsunami in history. It was caused by an 8.3 magnitude earthquake off the Alaskan coast.

Evel Knievel was a daring motorcyclist. Up, up, and away on a cycle. His exploits death defying.

He passed on a few years ago.

Travis Pastrana is the new Evel Knievel. Even more daring than Evel. Pastrana is referred to as Michael Jordan on a motorcycle.

This past weekend, Pastrana did a tribute show in Las Vegas honoring Knievel. He performed daring acts while using a motor cycle similar to the ones used by Knievel and while dressed in a Knievel look a like costume.

I share this information with you because I knew Evel Knievel for a short time. It was back in the 1970’s. I had a condominium at the Jockey Club in Miami. My time there the most fun I have ever experienced. My Shangrila.

Knievel was at the Jockey Club for a time. His boat was docked there. A 165 foot job. Touched off with  two motorcycles perched on the back. A sight!

We quickly became friends. The bar and pool brought us together.

One day, he telephoned me. What are you doing, he asked. Sunning myself on the terrace. Throw some clothes in a bag and meet me at the boat in 30 minutes. We’re going to the Bahamas for a few days.

What a time! Never left the boat. About a dozen of us. Party time, big time!

Knievel used to constantly say that he “…..enjoyed life as much as he could.”

He did.

BOB still screwing off.

Dueling Bartenders at Aqua tonight.

Enjoy your day!

 

HEMINGWAY INJURED

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My topic for next week’s KONK Life column changed from yesterday to today.

My plan was to write about ICE. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. A group some view as Trump’s private army.

I began research during the week. More to do yesterday and then write the article. It never happened. I got out of my desk chair to get something and my back went out. An every 5-6 year experience. Back just goes. Killer spasms.

So much for any further research or writing yesterday.

I rose early this morning to complete the ICE research and write the column. Even before writing this blog. I completed the research. Eight pages of it.

I decided I would write today’s blog at that point and leave the ICE column for this afternoon. In searching internet for information suitable for the blog, an item on a history site garnered my attention.

On this day in 1918, Ernest Hemingway was a Red Cross driver on the Italian front. It was World War I. A mortar shell hit nearby. He received serious right leg and knee injuries.  Kept him hospitalized for six months.

Hemingway fell in love with American nurse Agnes von Kurkowsky. The relationship formed the basis for A Farewell To Arms.

Part of Hemingway’s recovery found he and Agnes spending a week at the Grand Hotel des Iles Borromees in Stresa. On Lake Maggiore which separates Italy and Switzerland.

I have visited Stresa and Lake Maggiore several times. Enjoyed drinks each visit at the Grand Hotel. A huge magnificent structure from days gone by.

I made appropriate inquiries and was shown the bar room where Ernest and Agnes imbibed. A small room in the back of the first floor with one window overlooking gardens. No longer a bar. Today, a storage room.

In August 2015, I wrote what I considered a short but interesting rendition of the Ernest/Agnes relationship. It ended when Agnes sent him a Dear John letter following his return to the U.S.

Many years later after Ernest had departed Key West for Cuba, Agnes moved to Key West. Worked as a librarian for years. The two never met during any of Hemingway’s infrequent visits.

The 2015 column contains the Ernest/Agnes story from beginning to end. Covering a span of almost 40 years.

I was moved when I reread the 2015 column. I decided to rerun it next week as my KONK column and hold my notes concerning ICE for another time. Love always more interesting than pain and suffering.

Hemingway’s First Love hits the stands Wednesday.

Happy Birthday! continued into last night. Dinner with Lisa and the family. Loved it!

Robert and Ally are betting big. Fourteen and thirteen respectively. Young adults. Ally still enjoys the experience of singing Happy Birthday and watching the candles being blown out.

At 83, I only get one candle. Eighty three plus one would probably blow my heart out as I tried to blow the candles out.

I blew my diet. Per request, Lisa made a white cake with chocolate frosting. Two big pieces. Loved it!

My back pain was tempered. Had taken 3 Advil. Still sore. Tolerable, however.

Following Lisa’s headed over to the Chart Room. Kevin back in town. Arrived yesterday at 5. Two gins with Kevin and my back felt even better. Enjoyed our conversation.

Sleep came easy because of the Advil and gin. No pain till I got out of bed this morning. Three more Advil.

A stormy morning. It has been raining for at least an hour. Heavy. Exceptionally loud thunder and lightening. The lightening periodically coming through the blinds.

Enjoy your Sunday!