FRANK SINATRA…..THE EARLY YEARS

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Ted Turner’s Classic Movies did several hours of Frank Sinatra yesterday starting in the very early morning. Sinatra’s early movies. From 1943-1948. Movies I had never seen. Sinatra a very young man. Thin. Emaciated a better description. Bow tie. The talent obvious. He could sing, dance and act.

Frank Sinatra made it big  when he appeared at the Paramount Theater on Broadway in 1942. I saw him.

We were visiting relatives in the Bronx. My father took me on the subway downtown. I was 7. My Dad 28. He took me to see Sinatra. Actually, I have to assume he wanted to see Sinatra. What did I know at 7!

I have a clear recollection of watching Sinatra sing. People went crazy. Especially the women. My father enjoyed himself tremendously.

Paramount…..An important moment in Sinatra history.

Hogfish last night. Again a good time!

Sat at the bar. Thought it was fisherman to my left. No, a roofer. They look alike. Tanned leathered faces from working in the glaring sun every day.

His name Dave. I enjoyed his company. He wanted me to shoot a game of pool with him. Not for money. I begged off.

On my right was a lovely young lady. She said, I know you. Turned out to be Brooke. Brooke has waitressed around town several years. Places like The Piano. Now at Hogsbreath.

Several seats away was Nancy. Met her for the first time. Told me she lived on the 7th hole. Told her I left a lot of golf balls in her yard. She did not live on the golf course. She lives on a boat called the 7th hole.

Nancy wanted to play pool with me, also. I begged off again. I watched her play. She was good!

Lenna the bartender. A very lovely young lady. They are all lovely. First time we met. Business was slow. We got to chat a bit.

Fish and chips. The hogfish delicious.

I am obviously on Medicare. Love it! God bless America! However a supplement is required. Otherwise, you get stuck for 20 percent of drug and medical bills.

My supplement plans are with United Healthcare. Both had to be renewed this month. I renew for a year and pay the full premium up front. I do so because I fear I might forget to pay a monthly premium and get stuck paying . Could be a disaster if a major medical problem strikes.

Talking with the United Healthcare people is like trying to talk with Comcast. I did the drug portion last week. Different companies so the pain of renewal had to be experienced two times.

I decided to renew the medical portion yesterday. I got smart. I called in at 7 when they start working. Got someone immediately. The person understood what I wanted to do and my method of payment. The whole thing took less than 5 minutes. The first time!

Decided to lunch out. The Cuban Coffee Queen. Too many people. Walked around the corner to DJ’s Clam Shack. Had never been there before. They advertise a Maine lobster roll. Not my day. Packed. People eating standing up.

The outside bar at Mangoes across the street was empty. I have not eaten at Mangoes in at least a dozen years. Always a good meal. I just drifted away.

I had a shrimp po boy sandwich. Wow! Delicious! Too big! I could not finish.

A Broadway musical is in the works re Jimmy Buffet. Presently in the development stage. Working towards a 2017 opening. Has to be a winner!

KONK E-Blast this morning is carrying this week’s KONK Life column. The President Could Not Spell. Also at 12:30 pm KONK News will be interviewing me re the column on radio 104.9.

Ed Swift follows me at 12:45. His topic, affordable housing. He knows everything about the problem. The community thus far has failed to listen to him. A mistake.

Dinner with Jenna tonight.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

JUSTICE?

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A Saudi millionaire was acquitted of raping a teen in London. He said he tripped and accidentally penetrated her.

Juries are finding it difficult to find guilt world wide. Many police/black killings in the U.S. and now this in England.

Justice is moving farther and farther away.

The anti-gravity treadmill in the morning yesterday. I am increasing the miles. A tenth here, a tenth there. Ever upward. I worry I may be pushing myself.

A manicure with Tammy at noon. She is representative of the Asian female mind.

When she lived in Vietnam, the man was king. Women were nothing. Everything was done for the man.

It is different in the United States. She is free. Independent. Can do what she wants.

I am happy Tammy’s husband did not marry her in Vietnam. They met here in Florida. He knew he was not getting an old country woman.

Don’s Place first last night. After a chat or two, we headed to the VFW. Don wanted to go. Stan and Claire, also.

Don was captured as soon as we walked into the VFW. The Commodore grabbed him and took Don around introducing him. Then a former Commodore came by and took Don away to introduce him to some others.

Stan knew many. Turns out he is a former Navy man who was stationed at Bocca Chica. He worked as a cook for the VFW for a while. It was old home week for him.

No one I knew, except Schmegly from last week. One more person, also? When I walked in a white haired gent introduced me to his wife. As his barber. I smiled and walked on. He was seated nearby. A little later he caught my attention and said…..My barber!

I felt bad disappointing him. I told him I was not his barber or a barber. He left with a puzzled look on his face. Made me feel bad I was not his barber.

The VFW was having a party. for one of its members. A 92 year old World War II veteran. He fought the war in a submarine.

The birthday cake was delicious.

This week’s KONK Life column The President Could Not Spell is available in two places this morning. One is KONK Life which is on the stands. The other is my Key West Lou website (.keywestlou.com) where it is linked.

Enjoy your day!

LOS ANGELES SCHOOL CLOSINGS

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Amazing! An epidemic! School bomb threats within 24 hours in Key West, Marathon, Los Angeles and New York. Fortunately, all false.

Los Angeles is taking a beating public relations wise for shutting down its schools. Over 1,000 housing 640,000 students. New York police officials suggest an over reaction on Los Angeles’ part.

I disagree. Better safe than sorry. If there had been bombs, Los Angeles would have been praised for having done the right thing.

Monday morning quarter backing sucks.

I spent yesterday afternoon fine tuning last night’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Show went well. Hope it was well received. It took place in the midst of the Republican debate. The archived edition is available.

What I describe as the Islamic NATO had to be the most interesting issue. I thought it was. Still very little noise from the media. Morning Joe talked this morning about Turkey and Saudi Arabia being uncooperative/not doing enough in Syria. Why did the show not mention the new 34 nation coalition Saudi Arabia put together to fight terrorism?

Dinner at Roostica.

Watched the Republican debate. Stopped to do my blog talk radio show for one half hour. Then back to the debate.

Right now it looks like Trump is going to be the candidate. God help us! Trump is a bully and thug. Look how he reacts to the other candidates.

9/11 changed our lives. I believe the election of Donald Trump as President would change our lives also. And not for the good!

After years of subjugation to Middle East oil, we are finally on top. The U.S. produces enough oil for ourselves. No more dependence on OPEC thieves.

The U.S. has a ban on oil exports. Republicans want to life the ban. I suspect because the American oil companies want to make more money by being able to sell to other nations. Too bad, I say. A few billion in lost profits will not hurt the oil industry. Better we keep the oil for ourselves so never again will we be under the boots of our alleged Middle East friends.

It is expected Obama will veto any such legislation when presented. It is said there are not enough votes to override a veto.

Pete Rose’s ban reaffirmed. I disagree. He should be permitted into the Hall of Fame. He was banned in 1989. Twenty six years ago. Enough punishment! Murderers generally serve 25 years at the most. Many less. He killed no one.

The United States was born of civil disobedience. Good for America! Continues in our history. Straightens us out when we stray.

One of the greatest acts of civil disobedience was the Boston Tea Party. Occurred this day in 1773. One of the first steps to revolution.

Screw off wednesday! Love it! My day of freedom. My friday.

Enjoy your day!

A DEMENTED MIND

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Two things weigh heavily upon me this morning.

The first involves the telephone calls yesterday morning to the Key West High School and the Marathon Middle School. The message: “There are bombs in the buildings, and the bombs will detonate in 10 minutes.” The schools were immediately evacuated. A thorough search of the buildings followed. Nothing. Sick calls.

The same thing occurred December 7 at Coral Shores in Tavernier.

Better a scare than the real thing. However, things like this have a tendency to arouse other sick minds to play the game. Perhaps with serious consequences.

The other item of concern is what I describe as the Islamic NATO.

Saudi Arabia announced yesterday the formation of a 34 nation coalition to combat terrorism. Note, not ISIS. The nations involved are from the Middle East and Africa. Plus, the partially recognized State of Palestine.

Sounds great! However most of these nations consider groups like the Kurds terrorists. The coalition’s primary concern is not ISIS. It is the internal battles being fought for control of certain Middle East countries.

The United States has been working industriously to get Saudi Arabia and the other wealthy Arab states into the game. Saudi Arabia has joined on a limited basis and only where it wants. Saudi interests are not the same as those of the United States. The U.S. has been working to get more Turkey involvement. Turkey offering little.

Now they all come together. And throw Palestine in to the mix for obvious reasons.

I have only one question at the moment. What did my government know and when? I have a feeling U.S. intelligence may have failed us again.

I watch Morning Joe. No comment re the coalition through the first two hours this morning. What gives?

My morning yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Friend Dave there before me. We compete for the anti-gravity machine. Jenny helpful to me once again. Body Owners an excellent place for physiotherapy.

The afternoon was spent wrapping up my research for tonight’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Great topics! Obviously the Key West school bomb scares and what I describe as the Islamic NATO.

TPP will be briefly addressed. Especially Thailand’s shrimp business which is worked by slave labor. Thailand shrimp product is available in Wal-Mart, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and  Chicken of the Sea sold in Safeway and Albertsons.

Another topic is the anticipated blood bath between Trump and Cruz this evening.

Join me at 9 my time tonight. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Ate at Geiger Key last night. Quiet. Peaceful. Not crowded. Mosquitoes gone.

My KONK Life column two week’s ago concerned the Eiffel Tower. A biography of the Eiffel Tower. This morning’s World Almanac in the Key West Citizen notes today is Gustave Eiffel’s birthday. Born this day in 1832.

Enjoy your day!

 

A COOK I AM NOT

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No question about it. I am not a cook. Last night proved my ineptness at culinary effort.

I enjoy stuffing. The kind you cook in a turkey or on stove top. I grabbed a bag of stuffing last week off the shelf at Publix. Figured I would cook myself up a meal of stuffing.

Thought it was all in the bag. Soon learned it was not. On the next trip to Publix, I bought the other items. Swanson soup, a big onion, diced celery, and butter. This was going to be a production!

Last night was the time! Poured myself a gin and proceeded.

Placed the ingredients on the cupboard. Took out a 5 quart pan. Directions said use a 3 quart one. I did not have a 3 quarter. Should not make a difference, I thought.

Diced the onion. With a paring knife. I did not tear. Thought I would. Melted 5 tablespoons of butter in the pan. Medium heat. Threw in the celery and onion. Let it cook till tender crisp, whatever that is. I waited till everything was turning brown. Then 2 cups of Swanson soup. Waited for it to boil. Threw in the bag of cubed bread. Then off the heat. Covered the pan for 5 minutes.

Followed all instructions precisely, except for size of the pan.

Time came to eat the concoction!

It was terrible!

The bread stuffing still half hard. Taste on the dry side.

I ate two small helpings. Could not handle any more. Threw the rest away. I was stuffed and uncomfortable.

It was an early bed night. My stomach full. There was a smell. It was me. Onions. This morning I went downstairs to the kitchen for a cup of coffee. My kitchen reeks of onion.

There has to me a lady out there to save me. I need one! For cooking and sex. Or, sex and cooking. The order immaterial.

Yesterday was Sloan first. I am trying to put together another show. One where I can sit at my computer at any time to talk and be seen. Could be 2 minutes or 20 minutes. Whatever moves me at the moment. The show archived, of course.

That is what we are working on. Any suggestions? If so, let me know.

Then Syracuse basketball. A disaster. I fear it may be that way all season. St. John’s beat us 84-72.

The zone is not working. Penetration through the middle easy. Forget rebounding. The team does not. Need a big man. Not this season, unfortunately. Too late.

The game was played at Madison Square Garden. St. John’s a former Big East foe.

Several great Syracuse players from the early years of the Big Eat were at the game. Sitting behind the Syracuse bench. Pearl Washington, Billy Owens, John Wallace, and Rafael Addison. I saw them all play back when.

Washington has brain cancer. Yesterday was one of his good days. He could be at the game and meet up again with other Syracuse greats.

Then this week’s KONK Life column. Used my research from last week which I shelved to do the Helen Sperling/Holocaust story. This week’s column titled The President Could Not Spell. About Teddy Roosevelt. He had a problem. No spell check back then. An interesting story re the way he tried to correct his problem and the flack that followed.

A fire yesterday in Key Largo. Someone gassing up his boat at a Tom Thumb. Mistakenly put the gasoline into the bilge opening rather than where it belonged. About 100 gallons came out the back end of the boat.

Firemen arrived. Tom Thumb and homes evacuated. Fire only consumed the boat and parts of Tom Thumb.

Mistakes happen. Sounds like a new boat owner involved.

The Crime Report section of today’s Key West Citizen carries a sad story. Concerns a 33 year old homeless man who stole a tent, shoes, fishing pole and some other items from K-Mart. He was caught.

He said the items were needed to make a home, etc.  for his pregnant girl friend who was getting out of jail today.

Keys History noted that on this day in 1888 construction began on the Custom House. Completed late in 1891. Cost $108,000.

Key West is fortunate to have such a fine building. The Custom House has a long list of famous events that took place there. It is an outstanding tourist attraction today. Well run.

Enjoy your day!

PIGS

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I am upset this morning. Venting time.

Pigs does not refer to the four legged kind. Rather, those two legged. Man.

Two items in this morning’s Key West Citizen tick me off. Both have to do with the constant gouging of Key West Citizens.

One article concerns Stock Island’s Sunset Marina. Slip fees are being raised $5 a foot. The fees were raised last year also.

Most live on a boat because it is cheaper than buying or renting a home. Significantly. However with slip prices shooting up as they are, such will eventually no longer be true.

The other concerns towing fees.

The City Commission wants to raise towing fees from private properties by 35 percent. Increase other items also. Like allowing towers to charge up to $135 an hour where extraordinary effort is required. Everything will be extraordinary!

People are forced to leave Key West. More and more each year. They cannot afford the cost of living. The cost of living is much like the hills and steps which confront me in Greece and Italy. Everything up, nothing down.

Salaries contribute to the problem. Most are low paid hourly jobs. As time progresses, it is inevitable that a shortage of available employees will occur. Then, salaries will go up.

Getting back to the towing situation, the City Commission should be ashamed the way it handles Key West’s parking problem. It takes space away and raises parking fees for the limited space available. People are forced to park where ever they can. Such results in towing.

My yesterday began with a doctor visit. Another kind. Doctoring almost an every week thing. Then to Publix for a few things.

I had to hurry home after Publix. I was scheduled to be interviewed for 15 minutes on KONK News by Don Riggs. I had moved the time up to 12:45. Just made it.

Don and I had an interesting discussion re the Holocaust and the survivor Helen Sperling.

The evening was the best! The VFW on Northern Boulevard for dinner.

A big sign sits in front of the VFW building. Public Invited. I decided to try it. Glad I did.

Food good. Prices reasonable. Company excellent. A different breed of Key Westers. Veterans. They openly enjoy themselves. A happy group. They did their time in the military. Most fought. They have earned the right.

Met Schmegly. Spelled correctly. Looks like a thin santa Claus. A magnificent beard.

Schmegly has spent thirty years working Mallory Square at Sunset. Initially making creatures for children out of ballons. He considers such work an art. Today, he plays a banjo or guitar and sings.

Schmegly also walks Duval later in the evening playing the banjo. He refers to himself as a troubadour.

He makes his living from tips.

Schmegly’s real name is Richard Sloat. I never did find out how he got Schmegly out of Sloat.

He looks like an old timer you would find at Schooner Wharf.

Lighted Boat Parade tonight. An experience. Watch it from Schooner Wharf.

Tomorrow, the Parade of Paws. In the morning. Starts at Higgs Dog Park. Santa Claus will be there. The dogs will parade.

Key West loves dogs. Not only do we have Dog Park, we also have a Dog Beach. One of the best beaches in town. Right next to Louie’s Backyard.

A Saudi Arabian Prince referred to Trump as a “disgrace to America.” The Prince should talk. The pot calling the kettle black.

Saudi Arabia has much to answer for. The largest number of beheadings a year. No competition world wide. They abuse women. Do not permit them to drive. If an adulteress, stoning the penalty. Or, let a family member kill her and not prosecute the family member.

Enjoy your day!

SNOWBIRDS RETURN

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Snowbirds are back. You can see them, feel them, hear them. All good things.

Snowbirds are those who own Key West homes who do not spend the full year here. They return to Key West when the cold hits up north. Snowbirds also include those who do not own, but return and rent each year during the winter months.

Snowbirds mostly in their 50s and up.

They blend right in. Hook up with old friends. Locals and other snowbirds.

I sensed the time was here for the snowbird influx earlier this week while at the Chart Room. The bar was packed. All senior citizens. I knew then the snowbirds were back. Observed it at the Cuban Coffee Queen yesterday. I stopped for lunch. Did not stay. A waiting line. The benches and stools taken.

I was at Hogfish last night for dinner. The same thing. Standing room. Waiting for tables. I luckily found a seat immediately at the outside bar. The inside bar consisted of fishermen and their ladies. Otherwise, Hogfish was packed with returning snowbirds.

I have gotten into grouper recently. The grouper last night was outstanding!

Key West and the Battleship Maine are intertwined. The Maine left Key West for Cuba. It was blown up while in Havana Harbor. Triggering the Spanish-American War.

Many were killed when the Maine went down. A significant number were returned to Key West for burial. On this date in 1898, a Battleship Maine Cemetery Plot was dedicated in Key West. Ten thousand watched the procession and dedication.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. If it does not kill me, it has to help big time. Body Owners has become like a morning club for me and others being worked on. The staff part of the club. Makes hard work easier.

Then a haircut with Lori. Always enjoy visiting with Lori. She has been cutting my hair for 15 years.

Stopped at Cuban Coffee Queen for lunch. No room.

Went home for lunch. Anna there. Anna has been cleaning my house and doing my laundry for 10 years. A Polish immigrant who worked hard and is achieving the American dream.

Is it only immigrants who achieve the American dream today? Why not American born? Is it because the American born have lost something along the way? What?

A three hour nap. I was tired for some reason. Laid down and fell asleep immediately.

“The nights still belong to Hitler.” One of the quotes/observations  in this week’s KONK Life column Helen Sperling…..Holocaust Survival.

I saw the printed column yesterday in KONK Life. Somewhere between me and the printer, the column got screwed up. Sperling’s name was misspelled in the title. Quotes near the end of the column took a beating. One completely left out. Others bunched together. My listed order ignored.

Nothing can bed done. The publisher offered to rerun the column next week. I said, no. Next week should be and will be a new story.

I apologize for the errors/sloppiness. Not of my doing, however.

Staying with the Helen Sperling story, it appears in two additional places today. KONK E-Blast carries it. No errors. The column was also linked to my Key West Lou website. No errors.

I will be interviewed on KONK News at 12:45 today. 104.9 radio. The subject matter will be the Helen Sperling column.

There have been many police/black shootings. More blacks killed than police officers. Most officers not indicted. I read somewhere yesterday that cops have become uncharged murderer’s. I will receive a number of contrary comments tomorrow. However, I agree with the uncharged murderer’s label.

June Hudson…..Don’t break a leg! You will never make it back to the Keys!

Enjoy your day!

 

PRESTON AND DEBRA…..LOVERS

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Nothing like a good love story.

I met two lovers last night.

Preston and Debra.

At the bar at Tavern ‘n Town. Their first day and first time in Key West. From Nashville. Celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary.

With one twist. Where ages are dramatically different, it is generally the older man marrying the younger woman. With Preston and Debra, it is the older woman who married the younger man. Debra is seven years older, Preston seven years younger.

I am not talking out of school. Sharing with you something that should not be mentioned publicly. I speak of their relationship because the two of them are thrilled with it. That’s all they talked about. Debra said no at first. Preston kept pursuing. Debra finally succumbed.

The two are having a ball! Enjoying life! Hung up on each other!

A lucky two some.

Preston wrote a book which touches upon their relationship. She’s My Favorite Song. Title says it all. The book available on Amazon Kindle.

A prominent Key West couple were at the bar, also. Mary Lou Hoover and Charlie Waite. Another much in love twosome. Mary Lou responsible for the huge success Girl’s Night Out. She and Charlie good people.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. I did not push it. Stayed at 4.5 miles per hour.

Then to Walgereens. Seniors doctor often. They are at the drug store more often.

Enjoyed a bad lunch health wise. A cheeseburger and fries at 5 Guys.

Don’s birthday party last night! A big crowd. Great entertainment. Larry, Christine, Skipper, Kathleen and Ray. Loud! A neighbor from a block away came to complain. When he found out it was Don’s birthday, he said enjoy. He recognized the special occasion aspect.

I see Jean Thornton everywhere. All over Key West. Never at Don’s Place. She was there last night for the party.

A large picture in this morning’s Key West Citizen of last night’s Lighted Bike Ride. Colorfully decorated bikes and attired riders. The event innovative.

The County Commission voted the Ragnar Relay Race down again last night. A proper result. This morning’s article spells out some of the numbers and dollars involved. I spoke to these items in my blog two days ago.

The Citizen reported there would be 6,000 runners. Revenue, $700,000.

I suspect most of the money to run has already been paid in the form of registration fees. Ragnar Races are popular events. I assume the $700,000 will have to be paid back. Some portion may have already been spent. The pay back perhaps difficult.

Two interesting Germany/Merkel items came to my attention yesterday.

I have been wondering why Merkel has been happy to take hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees in and is prepared to take more. The answer appears to be that many of the Syrian refugees are educated professionals. Like engineers. Germany’s economy is booming. Qualified people are needed.

I read there are employers waiting to sign up certain of the refugees as they get off the trains.

First time I heard about this. Why hasn’t the media told us? The information is newsworthy and interesting.

The other item involves Merkel being named Times Person of the Year yesterday. A poor choice from my perspective. No question she has had a big year. Crucified the Greeks and is trying to mini manage the Syrian refugee program.

Merkel makes me uncomfortable.

The more terrible Trump’s utterances, the higher he goes in the polls. Is our country on the verge of going crazy? We may be in the process of going off the deep end. Trump is the Pied Piper and many are following him.

Some recognize Trump’s missteps and are not afraid to speak out. In 2010, Trump received an honorary doctorate from Scotland’s Robert Gordon University. As a result of Trump’s comments re banning Muslims from the United States, the University took back the honorary degree yesterday.

Some believe the honorary degree was awarded at a time when Trump was trying to build a golf course on Scotland’s east coast. Some locals were giving him a hard time. Somehow, the honorary degree played into the thing. Trump did get to build the golf course.

Grinch is coming to Key West! I am surprised. I can understand Santa Claus. Grinch, I do not know. Grinch will be at the Key West Public Library this saturday from 1-2 pm.

Enjoy your day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DON MANAHER

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Wednesday for me is as friday for most others. The end of the work week! Time to take a few days off.

Friday through tuesday are research, writing and radio days. Nine thirty tuesday night ends it for me. The time my blog talk radio show concludes.

Wednesday is a do nothing day. Love it! Some celebrate wednesday as hump day. For me, a screw off day.

Happy birthday Don Manaher! Finally, 40! Ho ho!

Big birthday party tonight at Don’s Place. Seven o’clock. Great entertainment. Larry, Christine, Kathleen, and Ray amongst others. Don’s children and grandchildren. Son in laws to be. And the best of the best, wife Stephanie.

A big time Christmas event this evening. The Lighted Bike Parade. Bikes thoughtfully decorated. Riders, also. Parade itself starts at 6:30 from Bayview Park. To Mallory Square and back to Bayview. Partying  at Bayview begins at 5. Santa Claus has promised to be there.

Spent yesterday researching further and fine tuning last night’s blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. A multitude of sins covered. From Helen Sperling and the Holocaust to Pittsburgh police who refuse to be drug and alcohol tested.

An early dinner at Roostica. Love Bobby’s food! Last night sausage covered with peppers and onions in a red sauce. Five pieces. Plus, great bread. All for $10!

Hurried home to watch the Syracuse/Colgate basketball game. Syracuse supposed to win. Colgate nowhere the same class. Last night was Syracuse’s 50th consecutive victory over Colgate.

The score 78-57. Syracuse was supposed to win that big. The team looked better than their last game. Not there yet, however. Rebounding continues to be a problem. Each team had 32 rebounds.

It was Mike Hopkins’ first college victory. He is the acknowledged Boeheim successor. May he have a 1,000 victory career!

One of the most strenuous and exasperating days for me is when I have to renew my drug coverage and supplemental hospital plans. Comcast easier to communicate with.

Monday, I did the drug plan. AARP sponsored United Health Care Plan. Only took an hour this year. Only had to talk to four different people. Waiting between them forever.

I have to do the supplemental hospital renewal. Same company, a different phone number. Tried monday following the drug plan renewal. Hung on the line a good 15 minutes waiting for a body. Listened to suck music. Finally, a recorded voice told me it was better if I tried between 7 and 9 in the morning. I have yet to get to it.

Sea turtles a loved species in the Florida Keys. Everything is done to protect them. We even have a Turtle Hospital. The Turtle Hospital this past weekend hosted the Annual Sea Turtle Workshop. Over 120 attendees. From as far away as Italy.

Enjoy your day!

RAGNAR

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The Ragnar dispute is ongoing. My knowledge of the situation was limited. I did some homework. Research. I share with you what I learned. If anything I write is incorrect, let me know.

Ragnar is a business. Apparently a good one. Ragnar “sponsors” two day relay races across the country. One of those places has been the Florida Keys. All the way down to Key West.

Many locals are opposed to permitting the Ragnar race this year. Ragnar is willing to make any adjustments to obtain official approval.

The facts.

Six thousand will race. One thousand vans will support the 6,000 runners. The numbers overwhelming. Especially for the two lane highway most of the way. A major traffic problem.

Ragnar says worry not. From Marathon to Key  west, the race will take place on the trail or bicycle path on the south side of US 1. The path is 4-5 feet wide. Six thousand people? It would take forever. It is inevitable. The runners will spill over into the highway.

Money involved. Big dollars. Running to Ragnar. A terrific business!

The runners consist of 12 person teams. Dividing 12 into the 6,000 runners makes for 500 teams. Each team pays an entrance fee of $1,260 to $1,620. Multiplying $1,260 by 500 teams totals $630,000. Wow!

Ragnar is a non-profit organization. I learned long ago there is profit in non-profit.

What, if anything, does Ragnar contribute to defray the public’s costs? Things like extra police, safety personnel, clean up, etc. Forget the most important thing. The inconvenience to Keys residents and non-running visitors.

I agree with local leaders who have heard the cries of their constituents. Ragnar should not be permitted to race.

Anti-gravity treadmill yesterday. I am up to 4.5 miles per hour!

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

Topics will include some brief observations from this week’s KONK Life column Helen Sperling…..Holocaust Survivor. One of her comments: “The nights still belong to Hitler.” Buchenwald never left her.

Other topics include a boy who spent 40 days in jail for allegedly throwing a snowball that broke a police car window, the off duty cop who shot a neighbor in the head after previously having been on paid leave for killing a man.

Also, buried in the proposed highway bill a provision that the IRS be permitted to lift the passport of anyone owing more than $50,000 unpaid, 72 Department of Homeland Security personnel on the terrorist list, France moving far to the right, the Jordanian who tried to open a Lufthansa door while in flight shouting he wanted himself and the passengers to join Allah, and more.

Great evening at the Chart Room last night. Spent good time with Kevin.

Cool last night. 71 degrees. Cold for locals. Days in high 70s. No problem.

The weather strange this past week. Rain, rain, and more rain. Weather man says there is a stalled front over us.

Trump creating a furor re his wanting to bar Muslims from travel to the U.S. St.  Petersburg Mayor Rick Krisemus announced yesterday Trump is banned from entering St. Petersburg. Tit for tat.

Enjoy your day!