EVERYTHING GREEN TODAY

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St. Patrick’s Day again! Everyone Irish!

This is Spring Break time in Key West. Will add to today’s revelry.

The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade occurred in New York City. Irish soldiers serving in the British Army in 1762 decided to celebrate their homeland.

I marched twice in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parades. I was in Manhattan College’s Air Force ROTC. Still recall the sharp eyes right each time we passed St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Another recollection is the partying. Big! The best day of the year!

Visited the dentist yesterday. Check-up time. Even implants get checked.

The dental assistant doing the checking irritated me. She kept treating me like an old man. Late twenties lady. When she mentioned how sad it was that I was unable to get out evenings and party, I said…..Lady, I party more than you and have more fun than you!

Started the evening at Don’s Place. Don, Stan and Clare. Great conversation. The conversations should be recorded and placed on You Tube.

Don and I were to eat together. Don decided he was not eating. I had to eat. Skipped lunch. I was famished.

I went to Outback. Thought I might not be able to get a seat. Outback is crowded during season same as Duval restaurants.

The place was empty. Only about 1/3 full. Four persons at the bar, including me.

One of the best evenings I have enjoyed chatting with those round me.

To my right, a couple. We started with the NCAA tournament. Then the Hungarian revolution, Hungary today, Flora, Albania, and cursive writing.

Never got their names. He was 80, she 43. He the best 80 I have ever seen. Still working. At Publix. A butcher. She originally from Hungary. Has been in Key West three years.

They were celebrating their two year anniversary. I congratulated them. Two years married or partnered? No. Two years living together? No, we live separate. We met two years ago.

Typical Key West. Any reason to celebrate.

We got into handwriting. I mentioned my column re the issue. She knew kids are not being taught to write today. He did not.

A waitress overheard the conversation. She came over and joined in. Knew everything about cursive writing. Was unhappy her children were not being taught handwriting.

The fellow several seats to my left joined in. Then came over. He was really into the failure to teach cursive writing in most schools today.

My KONK Life column was Goodbye Handwriting.. Of all the issues I have written about over the years, this garnered the most comment. In writing and on the street. I was amazed! I feared people might be bored with the subject.

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board met with County Commissioners last night. The Board is pushing for a new building. $4.2 million. It would require raising taxes 10, 15 and 14 percent respectively over the next three years. The group insisted taxes had to be raised immediately.

The Mosquito Control group is an entity unto themselves. They do an excellent job. Ergo, no one bothers them. They generally ask and receive. High ranking staff are paid excessive salaries. Extremely so.

I say lets hold up a moment. The group has brass testicles asking for an immediate tax increase to pay for a building not yet even approved by the County Commission. Some Commission members heard the $4.2 million figure for the first time.

My immediate concern with the Mosquito Control Board is its intention to test GMO mosquitoes. The Mosquito Control Board wants to test them for the British Company Oxitec. The test would take place on the island where I live. Key Haven. Key Haven  is small. You could put it in your back pocket.

I am opposed to the testing. I do not believe my neighbors, our island and I should be used as guinea pigs.

After six years, the FDA came out last week with its determination re the use of GMO mosquitoes.. The FDA said the process was effective and safe. I questioned it then and now.

There is a lot of preaching going around that the use of GMO mosquitoes should not be held up in view of the safe and effective declaration by the FDA.

Sometimes people do not know. Many not properly informed.

The FDA regulates the genetic material introduced into the mosquito. The genetic material is safe and effective for mosquitoes. No federal determination has ever been made with regard to its safety as regards humans.

My message simple. Do not be mislead when told the FDA ruled safe and effective.

Fantasy Fest is back in the news. Some City Commissioners want the City to stop making its contribution to Fantasy Fest. The group who run the event are unfunded this year. The several year contract with the City ran out. Fantasy Fest is six months away.

There is no rush in arriving at a determination apparently. The vote to extend the contract one year while matters are further looked into has been adjourned one month.

Typical of governmental mentality in the Keys. Determinations are made too fast or too slow.

Enjoy your day!

WILL OF THE PEOPLE

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The people spoke yesterday in the elections held. Perry Court and Donald Trump.

The Perry Court $55 million purchase by the City was left to the electorate. They voted the proposed purchase down. 56.25 percent voted no.

Trump. Won big last night. The people obviously like him. I fear him.

There are so many negatives concerning Trump. One is his anti woman bias. Trump was interviewed by New york Magazine in 1992. He was asked how he felt about women. Trump responded: “Women you have to treat them like shit.”

A major boat fire at the Stock Island Marina yesterday. A 40 or 50 footer blew up. Black smoke rose high in the sky. Could be seen in downtown Key West. Fire personnel had a hard time getting the fire out. They contained it well. The fire was finally extinguished when the boat sunk below the water.

Harry Truman. Repetitive Lou says again: Truman loved Key west and Key West loves Truman.

On this day in 1950, Truman arrived in Key West for a three week vacation.

GMO mosquitoes continue to concern me. It is planned that the lower Keys be used as guinea pigs to test them.

There has been a five year hold up awaiting FDA approval. It came the past few days. The FDA confirmed the mosquitoes were safe and effective. Such is what the media reported. Such is what I understood. I wrote yesterday of the approval.

Since then it has come to my attention that the FDA approval was nor meant for humans. It was meant for the mosquitoes. Wild! Hope everyone gets to understands this.

The FDA is concerned with the safety of animals. Whatever is added to the mosquitoes is considered a new animal drug. The FDA regulates animal drugs.

Who regulates the drug as it affects humans?

Spent most of yesterday further researching and fine tuning last night’s radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. The Oreo section and ISIS birth control for sex slaves appeared to have garnered the most interest.

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote the Scarlet Letter. The novel was published this date in 1850. Hawthorne was born in Salem, Massachusetts, where 100 years earlier the witch hunts had taken place.

Hawthorne also wrote The House of Seven Gables. I remember the book well. It was the first book assigned for reading in my freshman high school English class.

Birds of a feather flock together as the saying goes. Appears it was so with Hawthorne. His buddies were Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

Found my eye glasses! They were under the bed. I fell asleep while reading and they must have fallen off.

Enjoy your day!

10,000 AT KEY WEST CEMETERY

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It’s nice to be up and running!

Many of the sailors who died on the Battleship Maine are buried in the Key West Cemetery. On this day in 1900, a monument was dedicated in their honor at the Cemetery.

Ten thousand attended. An amazing number. Many had to be visitors from outside the Keys. Ten thousand a big number for Key West at that time.

I make mention of the 10,000 number to reflect the impact the sinking of the Maine had on the Nation.

Lunched at Mangrove Mama’s yesterday with June. Love the place! Enjoyed a lobster reuben sandwich again.

Spent the afternoon researching topics for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. One of the topics involves Trump. I hate bringing him up. My comments will be short and to the point. The man is dangerous!

Other topics include what the Presidential candidates are not talking about, ISIS and birth control, a California effort to help the drought problem, Count Victor Lustig selling the Eiffel Tower twice, Perry Como and the first gold record ever, and more.

The show is at 9 my time. A half hour of interesting and revealing facts. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Last night Tavern ‘n Town. Finally got a seat at the bar.

I enjoyed myself. An exceptional evening. Terrific people to chat with.

My evening began with Ed Toppino. A local. His grandfather built US 1.

Ed left and Jimmy took his place. First time meeting Jimmy. He owns and operates Jimmy’s Ocean Blue. A tiki hut behind the Hyatt timeshare near the end of US 1 on the backside of Tavern ‘n Town. Look for the beach house and there will be Jimmy’s. I intend to stop by soon for lunch.

Jimmy left to be replaced by three ladies. Interesting women. One vacationing for a month. The other two for shorter periods.

My evening was full. I was at the bar longer than normal.

I lost my eye glasses. Somewhere. Tavern ‘n Town to my home. Not in my house. Have searched home and car thoroughly. Called Marriott. They do not have them. My only hope is the bartender is holding them for me.

Fortunately, I have another pair so I can see.

If I fail to find the glasses, it will be a major calamity. I have had the frames for 30 years. Round horn rims. Merely replaced the lenses each time there was a new prescription.

GMO mosquitoes a problem for the Keys again. Especially my island, Key Haven.

The FDA approved their use. The FDA confirmed: “…..no significant threat to environment.” Confirmed and significant key words. I do not know what either means. Significant does not preclude something bad happening.

My other concern is that the GMO mosquitoes are relatively untested. Thus far, in a few places. One is a northern portion of Brazil. Since last October, 4,000 babies have been born with small heads and brains. For real. Tests being conducted to see if the GMO mosquitoes being tested responsible. The head/brain problem is mosquito caused.

A British company Oxitec manufactures and sells the GMO mosquitoes.

Our local Mosquito Board is hot to test Oxtec GMOs here. I think they are nuts. Jumping to soon for a new product. Forcing Key West citizens to be guinea pigs.

The purpose of the GMO mosquitoes is to help prevent Zika. A mosquito caused illness which could result in mental retardation and/or death.

There have been no reported cases of Zika in Key West, Key Haven, and the lower Florida Keys.

I screwed up yesterday re Syracuse and the NCAA tournament. I reported Syracuse failed to make the big tournament and was relegated to the NIT.

Syracuse did make the big show. It is a #10 seed and will play E#7 Dayton friday.

How did this happen?

I was dozing as the standings were announced. Half awake, my recollection is I did not hear Syracuse being selected. Slipped into sleep again. When I woke, four teams were on the screen. One, Syracuse. The announcer was talking about the teams on the bubble that did not make it. I erroneously assumed Syracuse was one of the teams he was talking about. I went back to sleep.

Sorry for the bad info.

Today is the Ides of March. The day of Caesar’s assassination. His closest friend Brutus was one of those participating. He stuck his knife into Caesar with others. “…..et te, Brute.”

An interesting lesson to be learned. Those closest to you can hurt you.

Primary Day in Florida. Vote!

I believe Trump has a lock on Florida. Bad. My other concern involves a local issue. The City of Key West wants to buy Peary Court for $55 million. Those who own it purchased the property last year for $35 million. A $20 million profit in one year. Not bad!

It is up to the people. It is on the ballot. Interestingly, there are a number who support the purchase. I find it hard to understand.

Enjoy your day!

 

HOPE EVERYTHING WORKS

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I have had a bad week with the computer. Certain facts must be understood.

I am not computer literate. I am of that generation that does not deal with machines well.

Some have asked where was my backup. I try. Understand I write this blog read by thousands world wide from a desk in my bedroom. I am not NBC or the New York Times.

My backup hardware when I have a problem is to go to Lisa’s and use her computer. This I did. I knew I had a virus. The virus showed up immediately as I used Lisa’s computer. I shut it down immediately, of course. Whatever my problem, it had to do with the program I use.

I did not want to share the virus with all of you. It took this long to get everything resolved.

I am back! Hopefully.

The highlight of my week without having to do a daily blog, weekly newspaper column, and weekly blog talk radio show, was meeting Patrick. That Patrick. Not as bad a guy as he sounds when he comments. We had an enjoyable half hour conversation.

Last night was Happy Hour at Martin’s with Jenna. More than a month since we had been together. She is more beautiful each time I see her. We enjoyed great conversation and small lamb chops, brie, crab cakes and sushi tuna.

Martin’s Happy Hour is the best deal in town.

Sherry is a loyal blog reader. I forget from where. She wrote several months ago asking if I could help her daughter Cassie get an internship in communications, TV, etc. I spoke with Jenna. Jenna interviewed Cassie and took her on. Jenna has told me several times what a find Cassie is. She is better prepared than other interns who have worked with Jenna.

Cassie is a student at Ferris State in Michigan. Jenna believes the school was instrumental in Cassie being as job ready as she is.

David Wolkowsky and I have become friends over the past several months at physiotherapy. I wrote a column two weeks ago in KONK Life titled David Wolkowsky. The man is Mr. Key West. Now, 96. David built the Pier House and Reach. He gave Jimmy Buffett his first paying job.

David is aware I broke my toe. A nice guy. He had delivered to me today at big sponge cake with fluffy white frosting. Written in blue on top: A Place For The Toe. Thank you, David.

Tom Oosterhoudt is a well known man about town. Conch Color is his production.

Tom’s back got screwed up a couple of years ago. He has had several heavy surgeries. Conch Color is a weekly. Tom does an editorial each week. This week he made mention that while he was in Miami for the last operation, Randy Roberts visited him. Randy washed his hair and face.

I have never seen as many tourists as this season. Town packed. Sidewalks so crowded it is difficult to walk. You flow with the crowd.

Syracuse did not make the big tournament. I suspect we will play in the NIT. A disappointment. However, I did not expect Syracuse to make it. A horrible season! Every now and then it happens.

Trump is a danger to our country, democracy, and way of life. I continue to compare him to Hitler in the early and mid 1930s in Germany.

If he becomes President, the country will be in far worse shape than before the election.

Elizabeth Warren recently commented on the Republican Party and Trump’s candidacy.

She said the Republican Party has welcomed every radical group into the party over the years. Now, they are taking over. They have the party by the throat. She believes the Republican Party will pay the price for its own extremism. Her conviction is the Republican Party has only itself to blame.

I agree with Warren.

The U.S. owes China roughly $1.5 trillion. China is also buying businesses in our country. The most recent acquisition is the historic Hotel del Coronado near San Diego. A Chinese insurance company paid $6.5 billion for it.

We are selling ourselves to the Chinese.

I hope this blog appears today. My frustration and exasperation will know no end if it does not.

Enjoy your day!

 

SANTERIA?

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Many strange things occur in the woods and mangroves in the lower Keys.

Several animals and birds appeared recently at the end of Boca Chica Road. Washed up on the beach. Headless.

Three goats, five adult chickens, six baby chickens, two pigeons.

Suspicion is they are the result of a religious ceremony. Called Santeria.

A touch of Africa in the Florida Keys.

Lunched at Mangrove Mama’s yesterday. A pleasant experience. Sat outside with a cool breeze blowing through. The best, the lobster reuben I ate. Wow!

My first stop last night was Don’s Place. Looking for Don, David, Stan and Clare. We occasionally do the VFW wednesday nights.

Don’s Place was empty at 6:30. Only three persons at the bar. No one I was looking for.

I was alone.

Took a chance. Headed to Tavern ‘n Town. I was shocked! There were seats at the bar and in the restaurant. Not packed at all. Sat at the bar, read the newspapers and enjoyed a piece of salmon.

Various staff members said it was the first slow night since before Christmas. I believe them. I have stayed away for a month because there was no room at the inn.

Two nights ago, I met Scott and Veronica at Outback.  Newly weds. Relatively speaking. Two years.

Scott runs a scooter and bike business. Veronica is at Hard Rock Cafe.

The scooter/bike business is called Conch Scooters. Quite an operation. A delivery business. You telephone and Scott delivers. Where ever you are.

Conch Scooters can be reached at 305-747-8953.

Remember the Wal-Mart that was going g to be constructed on Rockland Key? Now uncertain. It has been reported there is a 50/50 chance of the project proceeding.

A proposal was submitted by the developers. The County countered with some concerns. Like traffic and affordable housing. The County continues to wait for a resolution of their concerns.

A shame if it does not proceed. Keys residents are simple living people. The weather dictating how we live. Shorts, T-shirts, sandals,etc. Nothing fancy. Even at a black tie event, you will find guests in a sport shirt and shorts. The men. Ladies tend to dress for these events.

Wal-Mart perfect for our way of life!

Please excuse how I reference the following. The word is stupid! The Citizens’ Voice this morning contains a comment re traffic congestion. Key West’s streets being at capacity use.

The comment was: “We’re only at capacity if everyone drives alone.” Alone! Key West is not a major highway. It is a small island 1.5 x 4 miles. Car sharing is not the remedy. Not even practical. The solution, I do not know. I would suggest fewer people visiting our island. Any more and Key West is going to sink into the ocean.

Traffic is only the first indication of a problem. More will naturally follow. Like sewage and water.

Everyone is on Trump’s back. Romney tonight. Yesterday, an article in USA TODAY. The article by Matt Krantz. He briefly discussed Trump Hotels & Casino Resorts. The Atlantic City casino that sought bankruptcy protection.

Part of Krantz’s comments: “Trump had been chairman of the board in the late 1990s, owned 41% of the company in 1999 and drew a $1 million-a year salary. But investors did not do so well. Investors who bought the stock when the company went public in 1995 lost 87% of their money by 1999.”

My foot getting better. Not there yet. I miss the anti-gtravity treadmill.

Enjoy your day!

 

FB STARS MANGIA MANGIA BRICK THROWER

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Early Monday morning, a man threw a brick through Mangia Mangia’s window and then ran. He will not run far. The entire episode was recorded on a security video camera.

The video somehow showed up on Facebook. It was all over Facebook yesterday. It will not be difficult to catch the culprit.

The weather has turned. Finally. The days are warm as they should be this time of the year. The evenings comfortable.

Key West’s grande dame and most respected woman died recently. Edith Amsterdam. A Celebration of her Life will be held saturday from 1-4 on the Curry Mansion porch. The Curry Mansion property will not be large enough to accommodate those who attend. Edith was well loved.

Yesterday was a typical tuesday. A run to Walgreens and Publix. The afternoon spent fine tuning last night’s blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

A couple of topics garnered the most interest. Bou Bou and Venezuela.

Bou Bou is the baby sleeping in a play pen in the middle of the night when a SWAT tam in Cornelia, Georgia broke into the house. Flash bang grenades were thrown as the police rushed in. One of the grenades fell on the pillow next to baby Bou Bou’s face. Disfigurement the result. Bou Bou today at 19 months looks like a waif in a war torn country walking down a street. The child’s face twisted and scarred.

A judge approved Bou Bou’s settlement against the responsible parties friday. $3.6 million. I broke down the figure to show how much actually would be left for Bou Bou after attorney fees and medical bills. I questioned whether it was enough.

Venezuela. The country that ran out of toilet paper four years ago. Still  out of toilet paper. Out of food, also. And, money. Venezuela is in the process of liquidating what is left of its gold reserve. Not to provide food and toilet paper to it citizens. To pay debt interest to banks and other countries.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

I’M OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD, THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ…..

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A wonderful tune. It has to bring back memories. Judy Garland, the Yellow Brick Road, the Munchkins.

The last of the Munchkins has died. Jerry Maren. Ninety six.

He’s on the Yellow Brick Road…..He’s off to see the Wizard!

My foot controlled activities yesterday. I spent the afternoon laying in bed. Kept my foot up! The swelling receded about 50 percent.

I went out last night. Needed to get out. When I returned home, the swelling had returned.

Started at Don’s Place. Sat with Stan and Clare. Former bocce partners. They were glad to see me. I, them

Someone said put the Syracuse game on. I did not even know Syracuse was playing. I stayed at Don’s and watched the game. Syracuse lost to #8 North Carolina 75-70. The game was not as close as the score suggests. It was North Carolina all the way. Syracuse played poorly.

March Madness is around the corner. I am worried Syracuse may not make the tournament.

Not Syracuse’s year!

The game was over at 9. I was hungry. I had skipped lunch. Headed to Outback for dinner. I have mentioned before, Outback’s lamb chops are outstanding. It was lamb chops for me last night.

Met Scott and Veronica who were sitting next to me at the bar. Nice people. We exchanged phone numbers. We will see each other again.

I cancelled physiotherapy for the week. No way could my left foot handle the treadmill.

Today there is an air that a king will be crowned. Trump. Today being Super Tuesday. Eleven states. Bad for the country. I cannot understand people gravitating to him. He’s a disaster in the making.

I am going to conclude with a political story. Concerns someone who early came out in support of Trump. Sarah Palin. Another crazy.

Last May during March Madness, Palin guested on the Mike and John Talk Show. The tournament was being discussed. Palin commented: “The biggest surprise is how many white guys I see playing in this tournament. I thought the NAACP was supposed to be about black people.”

Another genius! She and Trump running for the highest posts in the country. At different times. Can you imagine the show/entertainment if both ran together. Trump for President and Palin for Vice President.

Almost forgot. My blog talk radio show tonight. Nine my time. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

BALTHUS / WUTHERING HEIGHTS

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This foot problem is going to be with me a few days. A doctor friend said two weeks. The doctor who cared for me saturday said two weeks.

My left foot and ankle were twice their normal size yesterday. Maybe three times. The swelling completely absorbed my arch.

I kept my foot up as much as possible. However, I had to write this week’s KONK Life column. I put all kinds of things under the desk to rest my foot on. Not good. I realized the swelling in my foot would recede. However, my back would go out. The back won over the foot.

The column is titled David Wolkowsky. I describe him as the father of modern Key West. Another has described him as Mr. Key West.

David is 96. There is a generation or two who know nothing of this man. They should be aware of his contributions. My motivation in writing about David was to bring him to their attention..

Read the column when it publishes in KONK Life later in the week. I believe you will enjoy it.

Watched the Academy Awards from my bed. Foot definitely up while I was watching.

I was impressed by the standing applause Leonardo DiCaprio received. He must be a well liked among his peers.

This morning’s Key West Citizen’s World Almanac section made mention of a Balthus quote. Refreshed my recollection re Balthus.

Balthus had an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1984. Fourteen pen and ink drawings Balthus had done as illustrations for a new publication of Emily Bronte’s Wuthering Heights . Balthus did the drawings in the early 1930s immediately prior to the book’s publication.

I love Wuthering Heights. I consider it the greatest love story ever written. It was first published in 1845. The late 1930s movie starring Laurence Oliver outstanding! Catherine, Catherine, Catherine runs through my mind.

I had not seen the Balthus illustrations in the early 1930s publication. I must have read an earlier publication.

I did not like the illustrations I viewed at the Met. Horrible! Scary! Dark! Did nothing for me. I thought at the time it probably did nothing for the book.

The summer of 1984 after having viewed Balthus’exhibit at the Met, I was in the Hamptons for a wedding. Decided to stay a few days afterwards. The weather turned. It was cold. Cold such as we have been experiencing recently in Key West.

I was walking along the beach in front of the resort. Balconies on the first floor were ground level. There was an older couple sitting on one. Everyone bundled, of course. We chatted a bit. They invited me in for a drink. They were drinking Dom Perignon.

As we were talking, Balthus’ name came up. I explain my dislike for the Wuthering Heights pen and ink drawings.

The statement ended my visit!

Unknown to me, the woman was a board member at the Met. She took my comment personally. My glass was empty. She did not ask if I wanted a refill. She stood and politely asked me to leave. I left.

Enjoy your day!

CLOSE COUNTY JAIL DOWN

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A male inmate at the Monroe County Jail masturbated in front of a Sheriff Department female employee. Scandalous! He has been charged with indecent exposure.

There are those who cry out for the closing of Fantasy Fest. Or at the least, a change in the nature of the event. The reason being nudity, sex, etc.

I have taken the consistent position that those who decry Fantasy Fest are loonies. Do gooders. Religious zealots.

I have seen nudity at Fantasy Fest. I have never seen sex performed or masturbation. Masturbation before a woman would be considered by some to be worse than that which occurs at Fantasy Fest. I do.

No one except yours truly is calling for the County Jail to shut down.

I have written re the County Jail with tongue in cheek. The masturbation serious under the circumstances. What is good for the goose is good for the gander, however.

All comments have been made to show the ridiculousness of those complaining about Fantasy Fest.

Aging does bring on medical problems. I am getting sick of being sick.

I stubbed my little toe on the desk Thursday night. Broke it. No big deal. We have all had broken toes.

I take Effient. A blood thinner. I woke yesterday morning with the foot having the broken toe completely swollen up through the ankle. My foot and ankle twice their normal size.

Knowledgeable that the blood thinner could cause a pooling of blood, I went to Urgent Care. I was correct. The tiny fracture and the stubbing itself had caused more than normal internal bleeding.

Nothing to do. Keep your foot up. Not easy if I am to write. It will take two weeks for the swelling to subside.

This blood pooling thing is a perfect example of big trees from little acorns grow.

It was difficult to research further and write this week’s KONK Life column David Wolkowsky. Made me nervous. The written column has to be in to the publisher by 5 this afternoon.

The anxiety manifested itself at 3 this morning when I woke worrying about the problem. I could not return to sleep. Got up and went to my desk. Completed the research at 6 this morning.

I have become a night worker. What is it called? The graveyard shift?

Sloan will be here at 10:30. To show me how to work the new cell phone. I am not machine literate.

Wanted to watch Syracuse basketball yesterday afternoon. No way. Not carried on any channel here. When a team is not doing well, television ignores the team.

Syracuse beat North Carolina 75-66. Still leaves Syracuse on the bubble for the big tournament.

Yesterday was Senior Day. Two players will not play again for Syracuse after this season. Trevor Cooney and Michael Gbinje. Both were taken out of the game just before it ended and received standing ovations.

Cooney will not play pro ball. Too small. He was fortunate however in that he was able to play five years. He walks away from Syracuse with a Master’s degree.

Gbinije has a chance at pro ball. A good one. He needed four years to develop. And develop he did. He scored 34 points yesterday. Made eight 3s.

MASH was a major television show. About a medical unit during the Korean War. It ran 11 seasons. The last show was on this date a long time ago.  A 2 1/2 hour special. Watched by 77 percent of the television audience.

Those of you who recall, remember Hawkeye, Trapper, Hot Lips Houlihan, and Radar? A great show!

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

EDITH AMSTERDAM KEY WEST’S GRANDE DAME

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Some lead exceptionally noteworthy lives. One is Edith Amsterdam. Referred to as the Grande Dame of Key West.

Edith died yesterday at 91. May she rest in peace.

The Lady spent more than 50 years in Key West. Doing for everyone and everything. Known and loved by all. She and her husband restored Curry Mansion. Today, one of Key West’s premier guest houses.

We live and learn. Edith is originally from Syracuse. She also maintains a summer home at Alexandria Bay.

Edith was a contemporary of David Wolkowsky. David still up and at ’em at 96. David is the subject of next week’s KONK Life column.

My yesterday started with a manicure at Lee Nails. Tammy takes care of me. She and her husband the owners.

Tammy is lovely. Typical Vietnamese. Short, thin, long black hair. A beauty inside and out.

Tammy is 32. She came to the U.S. at age 16. Made the trip alone. Initially lived with relatives in New York. Then spent a year in Atlantic City. Not working at the casinos. Going to school to learn how to do nails.

Last night began with Don’s Place. Chatted with David and Keith. I frequently mention both. I do not recall ever telling you they are father and son.

Then to the Chart Room. A long night. The place was jam packed with tourists. That time of year.

I knew no one, except Emily and David. David and I sat at the round table. David always good company.

The table was empty when first we confiscated it. During the evening, three women joined us. Probably tired of standing.

The women made my night. Especially two of them. We talked forever about everything. Charming and intelligent. I had to finally break away. Too long and too many drinks. Sometimes, I have to remind myself I am not on vacation.

My note taking system failed me. It was noisy and the drinks were flowing. So ladies, forgive me if I have some of the facts mixed up.

All three were from Ohio. Each with successful husbands. Kristen’s was Geragd. French.

One of them, and I suspect it was Kristen, lived with her husband in Thailand for 13 years. He ran some company. She taught at the International School in Bangkok. World travelers.

They have a son Alex, 23.

Kay a teacher, also. Her husband an insurance agent. They have a son 30 years old. An attorney.

The third woman’s name escapes me.

Two of the ladies and I sat for a long time chatting. The attorney’s mother had concerns about her son’s career. Both ladies were anti-Trump. The politics discussed interesting. Neither liked any of the candidates of either party.

The ladies are here a few more days. Hopefully, I will run into them again.

My corrected KONK Life column appears today in KONK’s E-News Blast. The article is titled Goodbye Handwriting.

I write of many things. Comments galore follow. However, the Handwriting column brought the most. I am surprised such a topic would garner such interest.

One women’s comment was long. Long long. Longer even than the column. She criticized everything from my writing structure to historical correctness. Authoritized most of what she wrote.

One item in the article was that Thomas Jefferson had poor penmanship. That a master penman had to be hired to rewrite the Declaration of Independence. His name Tim or Tom Matlick.

She challenged my representation re Jefferson’s handwriting. Yet noted that I had incorrectly set forth the wrong first name from Matlick. She was aware because she had seen Matlick’s bill which is preserved for the rewriting.

An inconsistency there.

Anyhow, I am glad to have heard from her. I learned much from her writing. It was a fine term paper. Worthy of an A plus. Said with all sincerity.

I wrote of Comet earlier in the week. Comet returns to his home in the sea at noon today. Cured of all maladies by the Marathon Turtle Hospital. Noon at Higgs Beach. Two hundred plus will be in attendance.

Comet is a big boy. A one hundred pound loggerhead sea turtle.

My last cell phone was six years old. It was not working properly. I lost many calls. Did not really bother me. People got to me in due course.

Bought a new cell phone two days ago. A Samsung Galaxy. It does not stop ringing. I didn’t realize how many calls I was missing.

Two political notes.

Vice-President Joe Biden was with Mexican representatives yesterday. He apologized for Trump’s remarks re Mexico claiming that most of the people in the U.S. were not of his thinking.

Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson titled a recent column….. Trump, The Product of a Failed System. His description of Trump a “wrecking ball.”

Enjoy your day!