I HEARD FROM CRETE

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This blog has moved into its 11th year. I have made many friends via the blog over the years. World wide. A few I have been fortunate to meet. Others, not. However the level of communication has been sufficient that I feel I know them personally. Like we get together for a drink together now and then.

One “close friend” is Crete’s Jim Brown. Crete is one of the Greek isles.

Jim is a transplant from Great Britain to Crete. A resident of Crete for many years. Married with family. Earns a living by entertaining. A band. His band.

We occasionally chat via Facebook re politics.

I wrote Jim last week concerning Obama’s poor reception while visiting Greece. Seven thousand protested against him, the American flag burned, etc. The media suggested the Communists responsible.

I did not understand. The Communist Party in Greece is negligible. The powerful out of office party is the Nazi Party. Know as the New Dawn.

I wrote Jim re my concerns. He responded.

He does not believe the protests were anti-American. The Greek people are pissed. They like to vent. Need to vent. They are generally upset with the powers to be internationally. They do not believe the rest of the world gave them support in their “war” against Merkel and the Euro Union.

He said I should not be concerned about the American flag being burned. The protesters burned a Greek flag also.

Brown believes Tsipras sold them down the river, that austerity is crippling the Greek people.

The suicide rate has tripled. He writes these are “sad times my friend.”

He mentioned the Nazi Party hates all foreigners. He did not believe they were involved in the protests.

An absence in his e-mail was he never mentioned the Communist Party or Communism or a Communist part in the protests.

Does his silence re the Communist aspect say anything?

Worked with Sloan yesterday afternoon. Soon, I will be streaming on You Tube. In addition to everything else I am doing.

Bocce playoffs later in the day. Fun. Don’s Place got beat by monday’s #4 team.

Florida State beat Syracuse 45-14. Only one game left. Pitt. Then the season will be behind us.

Dinner tonight with Liz and her house guest. Another law school dean. Should be an interesting evening.

Typical Key West result. The new City Hall was to be dedicated tomorrow. The ribbon cutting. Announced in this morning’s Key West Citizen that there will be no ribbon cutting. The building not ready yet.

The Mosquito Control Board announced that it will be going ahead with genetically modified mosquito testing. Not in Key Haven, however. Key Haven residents voted it down in the recent election. The Board is looking for another key to run the test.

Weather has changed. We are going into winter. Cool this past week. No air conditioning required evenings. Sleep with the windows open. Rarely need air by day.

The temperature level is good. High 70s by day and low 70s by night.

Key West Rotary minutes 1935 reflect the influence of the federal government in resurrecting Key West from the depression, the 1935 Labor Day hurricane, and the demise of Flagler’s railroad. The three had kicked Key West in its ass.

A board meeting was held on December 16, 1935 at Strunk.s new home on Flagler. Federal support was discussed. Favorably.

Responsible was the Works Progress Administration (WPA).

La Semana Alegre was scheduled for the week of February 2, 1936. Also known as the Week of Joy Festival.

Ninety thirty five found the WPA successful in many ways in assisting a Key West recovery.

One the performance of Pirates of Penzance scheduled during La Semana Alegre.

A side note. Snowbird Diana Millikan is writing what she hopes will be a novel regarding WPA’s showing of the Pirates of Penzance in Key West. Her research deep. Her writing skills excellent.

Some background concerning the WPA and Key West. One of FDR’s programs to get America on its feet again.

As a result of the hurricane, demise of the railroad and the depression, Key West had become one of America’s poorest cities. Eleven thousand residents were receiving some form of federal assistance.

The WPA saw the possibility of a metamorphosis. To turn Key West into a tourist mecca. The purpose to make Key West a destination for people with money to spend.

WPA viewed Key West as a cultural destination. Artists, writers, etc. The WPA spent money beautifying Key West’s streets, homes and landscapes. A one year make over basically.

A no screwing around plan. Get in and get it done. Which the WPA did.

By the end of 1935, thousands had visited Key West for the first time. Ordinary people looking for an out of ordinary vacation spot.

The Key West Rotary planned to take advantage of the new Key West by scheduling a several city Rotary meeting for Key West during the February Week of Joy.

The thought occurs how differently things were in the 1930s when contrasted with today. Roosevelt’s government moved its ass to get things done. Key west an example. Nothing gets done that quickly today.

Enjoy your Sunday!

MASQUERADE PARADE

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One of the most famous Fantasy Fest events is Masquerade March. Thousands participate. More than 10,000. Primarily locals. Dressed, faces painted, etc.

The March starts at the Key West Cemetery and winds its way up to Duval. It became so big that several years ago a second route from the cemetery had to be added.

There are those who walk and those who party. I partied.

I had many friends with homes on Fleming. The original parade route. They all threw parties. Porch parties. Good food and drink. I was always invited to someone’s home.

Those on the street and those on the porches all had fun!

The March starts today at 5. Participate or watch. Either way, you will enjoy.

I no longer watch the March. I no longer have a porch to view the March from. My friends have either passed on or moved away.

My hair appointment with Lori at Blown Away was at noon. Blown Away is on Southard, a few doors down from Duval. No parking anywhere. Took me 15 minutes to find a spot.

Jay is operating his new sandwich shop Cuzzy Bubbaz on Southard next to Bank of America. A soft opening. Working the quirks out before an official opening.

I had lunch at Jay’s. Not run of the mill. Enjoyed three kobe beef sliders. Delicious!

Then to the doctor for my flu shot.

I was driving home when the rain hit. Torrential! Hard to see! Continued most of the afternoon. A cold wind accompanying the rain.

The rain took care of my last night. No toga party for me. As much as I enjoy viewing a woman’s naked body, not in the rain.

Bocce was the other option. Telephoned Don. Rained out as I expected.

My evening was spent home. Dinner was Chinese delivery. Egg drop soup and egg rolls. The balance of the evening spent playing around with my Hackley type installments which will start soon.

A new national law turned out to be a boon for Key West. It was January 1920. The Volstead Act went into effect. Alcohol banned in the United States.

Key West’s economy boomed as a result. Rumrunning. The rum coming in from Cuba to the United States through Key West.

No Syracuse football tomorrow. A bye week. Going to need it. Clemson next week.

Heard from Anna in Novara. I had written telling her that Italian President Renzi was a hit during his recent visit to the U.S. She was upset. Her position is that Renzi is doing a lousy job and disliked by most Italians.

I had written because recently Italy had an earthquake. I was concerned for Anna. Should not have been. It was nowhere near her.

I recall five years ago when I was staying at Anna’s apartment in Novara. An earthquake hit. A big one. The after quakes even worse.

Anna was crazy running around screaming. I too was concerned, but sat quietly till everything was over.

The Statue of Liberty. Dedicated by President Grover Cleveland this date 1886.

I came across a note that the Statue had 354 steps. I went up each one.

I was 4-5 years old. My dad took me. We were going to the top! The top then the crown. The arm had become too weak to proceed further.

The staircase a narrow circular metal round one.

No way was I able to climb all 354 steps. I was a kid. Got tired. My father carried me half the way.

The trip was worth it. My father held me so I could look out the windows in the crown. To me, amazing. The view spectacular. It went on and on. A wow for a young boy.

I sometimes wonder how things can happen.

Luis Carlos Vega is the Chief Magistrate of the Supreme Court of the Mexican state of Jalisco. The chief judge of the highest court.

He took a leave of absence from the position yesterday. Probably never to return.

The Magistrate was convicted of manslaughter in 1984 when he ran over a woman. Killed her. While driving a stolen car.

No jail time. The system was to pay a reparation. He did.

The blot on his record was only recently discovered.

Never would happen in the U.S.! The media knows everything or soon discovers everything.

Tonight. What does it hold for me? I do not know. I do plan on being out.

Enjoy your day!

 

FULL DAY AND NIGHT

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Busy day yesterday. One thing after another. All fun.

Syracuse played Boston College at noon. I figured I could watch till 1:15 before getting ready for Joseph Lyles retirement party at Hot Tin Roof. Got hooked on the game. Stayed till half time. Syracuse ahead 14-13.

Obviously got to Joseph’s party late. People were streaming out as I arrived. Joseph the last to leave. I was able to apologize, hug him and wish him well.

The party was moving over to the Pier House Beach Bar. Walked over with Joseph and Methias.

One end of the bar packed with party persons. Sat and chatted with Jean Thornton awhile. A lovely person.

Only one drink. A bloody Mary. Following which I was off and running. Home to find out how Syracuse did and watch some Alabama/Texas Tech football before leaving for bocce.

Syracuse won 28-20. A good victory. Any victory a good one. Syracuse now 4-4.

Bocce was a make up game with Hell’s Rangers. It had rained the night scheduled.

I would have been better off keeping my date with Jenna Stauffer. Don’s Place lost all three games. A beating! Lost the middle game 16-0.

Prior to last night, Hell’s Rangers had lost 5 out of its last 6 games. They were out for blood. They played very well and we were simply not with it. One of those nights.

The cheeseburgers, hot dogs and salads were delicious. Compensated for the defeat.

The temperature by day yesterday was 82. Last night 75. A very cold 75. The breeze off the ocean makes it feel cold. I was in a sports shirt and shorts. Froze the whole time! When I got home, I turned off the air conditioning, had a hot cup of tea with honey and buried myself under the covers. I did not kick the cold feeling till 3 this morning.

Big night tonight! Jenna! Love her! We have known each other close to 10 years. Early on she produced my TV show for three years. We are having dinner at Berlin’s.

I will not be doing Fantasy Fest every evening. After all the years attending, I now pick and choose. Probably will not return till Thursday night. Toga Party! I go to watch, not participate. It is the voyeur in me.

Fantasy Fest’s King and Queen were crowned Friday night at the Coronation Ball. King Christopher Rounds and Queen Jane Rohrschneider. I know Chris. have never met Jane.

King and Queen are determined by the number of dollars each candidate raises for AIDS Help. Chris and Jane raised the most ever. $368,000.

Chris is much younger than me. He grew up in the Boonville, New York area. Some 15 miles from my home town Utica.

I first met Chris when he bought Antonia’s. Sold it several years later and purchased La Te Da. Three years ago he did a complete renovation of La Te Da.

At all times, La Te Da’s food and entertainment the best. Conversation great. People friendly. La Te Da’ is a gay/straight venue which I believe contributes to its ambiance.

Diana Millikan sent me a site to read. The History of the Rotary Club of Key West. Authored by a Wright Langley in 1935. Covers the years 1915-1971.

Boring but interesting. Every now and then a happening that surprises. New knowledge.

When the William Hackley saga began appearing in the Key West Citizen, I thought it was a waste. I quickly became hooked on it, however.

I think the Rotary history  might result in a similar experience for my readers.

The History is lengthy. I plan on breaking it down into segments based on years. Everything will not be reported. Really boring. I will be picking and choosing. The result will be a history of Key West during the years in question as well as a Rotary history.

Tomorrow will be installment #1: 1915-1919.

Hope it tickles your fancy.

Enjoy your Sunday!

STRANGE WEATHER

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It rained yesterday. First time since a week ago sunday. We had rain the days before 99L. Not sure even as a result of 99L. Then the day 99L or a tropical storm was to hit, no rain.

Spent yesterday fine tuning last nights blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

One of the opening topics was Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte calling Obama the “son of a whore.”

I spoke at length about Duterte two weeks ago on the show. Referred to him as the Philippine Trump. Primarily because he was evidencing a foul mouth.

Why Duterte opted to defecate on Obama is difficult to understand. China is pushing the Philippines around. Specifically, the South China Sea. The Philippines have a next to nothing Navy and Air Force. We are their number one protector and arms supplier. Duterte is biting the hand that feeds him.

Poker Run around the corner. September 15-18. Ten thousand bikers will be in town. The roar of the bikes and the roar of the crowds!

Trump never ceases to amaze me. His comment yesterday was that his temperament was his “single greatest asset.”

Syracuse/Louisville friday night. Louisville ranked #13. I look forward to the game. Syracuse has a new coach and new offense.

Louisville a 14 point favorite.

Today is wednesday. Screw off day for me. The first day of my three day weekend. Other than my daily blog, no writing.

I have a manicure scheduled this morning and Back Door at cocktail time. There will be more as the day progresses.

Enjoy your day!

UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER

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The 99L tropical wave was supposed to dump rain and wind on Key West sunday. Nothing happened. Not one drop of rain.

Yesterday, an 80 percent chance of rain. Wind from the south. I thought also we would have rain. Not a drop.

Today, an 80 percent chance of rain. I give up. I don’t know. Neither do the weather professionals.

Did my podcast broadcast last night. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Interesting. I covered happenings in Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Indonesia, Russia and China. Plus, occurrences in four States. A fast moving half hour.

Revealing material. Some sad, some humorous.

A busy day ahead. An early business luncheon at Salute’s. I am looking forward to it. Salute’s has great mussels at lunch. Martin’s Happy Hour with Joseph from Hot Tin Roof. Then, Donna and Terri at Back Door.

No laying around today.

Anna, where are you?

Anna reports this week she is in three different villages hanging off the side of Mont Blanc. Traveling with friends. They presently are at her chalet in Courmayeur. Tomorrow, they cross the border into France. they will be visiting Chamonix and Megeve.

What a life!

Everywhere they go,   there will be chic chalets and cobbled medieval streets.

An historic morning! At 9:45, the first commercial flight between the U.S. and Cuba takes off. Fort Lauderdale to Santa Clara. Santa Clara in central Cuba. A Jet Blue flight. The last commercial flight was 50 years ago at the time of the Cuban missile crisis.

Trump knows how to get publicity. He lets little slip through his fingers in that regard.

This afternoon, he will be in Mexico City for a meeting with the Mexican President. Tonight, Trump is in Phoenix giving his much awaited immigration speech. I am curious what this version will be.

The Mexican President is as foxy as Trump. I wonder who comes out ahead. He could make Trump look bad. Not that Trump needs help.

Hillary was in California last night at a fund raiser. At Jimmy Buffetts’ home. Hillary and the Beatles’ Paul McCartney danced.

Enjoy your day!

MORE DOCTORS SMOKE CAMELS THAN ANY OTHER CIGARETTE

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Dinner at the Outback bar last night. Got into a conversation with a couple near by. Fiftyish.

We got into cigarette smoking. The lady said she occasionally flies on a plane that still has an ash tray in the seat arm. She was concerned with the age of the plane.

I mentioned I could recall a time when doctors purportedly supported Camels. Recommended they be smoked. A Camel advertisement.

I checked out the verbiage this morning: More Doctors Smoke Camels Than Any Other Cigarette.

My new found friends were both shocked. I told them it gets even better.

Stewardesses (they were called that back then) would walk the aisle handing out packs of free cigarettes. Small packages. Probably four cigarettes.

Those were the days!

Took us a long time to learn.

Flying domestically has been cigarette free now 26 years.

Earlier, I had been at Aqua for the Dueling Bartenders. Two bartenders with great voices. Tom Luna and Rick Dery.

When I arrived, I was one of 2 people. Within an hour, there were 28.

Three couples came in. Mid 30s. Two couples tourists, one local. They were at Aqua for a couple of hours of fun. They livened the place up. Tom and Rick sang their songs. Their generational songs. The couples sang along with them.

Two of the ladies danced. First, at the bar. Then on the dance floor. The only ones. Both beauties.

Another time, they danced around Aqua’s good sized rectangular bar. All three this time. As one danced by, I could feel her finger nails run along my back.

The most sex I’ve had in months!

One of the lovelies claimed she was a Mormon. She was dressed in a top that started at her breasts and ran down. Her breasts held up the top. Rick asked her how could she be a Mormon? Where were her white Mormon underclothes?

A gotcha moment! She admitted she was Catholic. A good laugh moment, also.

Marty was a court stenographer. Worked Key West many years. Now lives in Fort Lauderdale. I have not seen him in years. My fault. He has invited me to his Fort Lauderdale home several times. I never go.

Marty and I became friends. Has to be more than 10 years ago. Marty introduced me to the Chart Room. I became a regular as he. We would start our evenings meeting at the Chart Room. Then off for dinner somewhere. Some nights longer than others because we would end up bar hopping after dinner.

Marty was an opinionated man. We agreed on very little. Argued over everything.

We were having dinner at La Trattoria’s bar one evening. Some how, I got into undergarments Mormons are required to wear. Male and female. He told me I was crazy. I stood my ground.

Marty took out his cell phone and called a lady friend in Los Angeles who was a Mormon. She told him yes they did and yes I was correct.

Miss you Marty!

Spent yesterday afternoon preparing for my podcast show tonight. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

A fast moving show.

Interesting topics. Like prison corporations requiring female prisoners to show their vaginas to prove they were menstruating, private prisons contributing big time to Trump (bullies of a feather flock together), Norway building a wall to keep refugees out, California judge upholding law requiring mandatory vaccinations for children, Russia and Indonesia now have toilet restaurants (disgusting), Big Pharma and price gouging, and more.

Wind from the south this morning. Seldom from the south. When from the south, means a storm.

Eighty percent chance of rain.

Must have something to do with the 99L that missed us and the new one coming up. Neither a big deal for Key Westers fortunately.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

EDWARD KNIGHT

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Key West lost another of its stars yesterday at age 99. Edward Knight.

A handful of men are responsible for the Key West of today. Knight one of them. He was a community pillar, a visionary and philanthropist. A realtor and developer.

Key West recently recognized his contributions by renaming the White Street Pier to the Edward B. Knight Pier.

He will be missed.

The weather has been everything the past week. The media suggesting a storm. People getting a bit nervous. Turned out to be nothing.

Yesterday, 99L was to hit. Merely a tropical wave. Rain and strong winds. Never happened. Yesterday was one of the loveliest days of the year. Shiny. brightly so. A bit humid. A slight breeze. Water moving fast, however.

This morning a bit darker. Has rained a bit already. Most recent weathercast says 80 percent chance of rain today. Yesterday’s rain in all likelihood.

I stepped out onto my deck. I was hit with a distinct smell of rotten fish. First time at my location.

The weather report says there is a tropical depression forming 60 miles to the south. Will be responsible for rain and wind wednesday.

All purchased for the storm has a long shelf life. I look forward at different times to meals of crackers and peanut butter and jam. Other times, to crackers and sardines.

I mentioned in yesterday’s blog that I was up at 5 yesterday morning researching this week’s KONK Life column. Wrote it yesterday afternoon. New Face In Price Gouging And Political Influence. Mylan Pharmaceuticals, EpiPen, CEO Heather Bresch, and political influence. An example of Big Pharma machinations.

KONK Life hits the stands wednesday.

Baby was vaccinated today. What was a vaccination in 1855? Was it for the baby’s fever or something else?

Tonight at 5:30, Dueling Bartenders at Aqua. Love the singing!

Afterwards at 8:30, Larry Smith at the Little Room Jazz Club.

An evening of great music.

Enjoy your day!

DIVERSITY USA

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Big days for the Key West gay and lesbian community. Actually, big days for the entire Key West community.

This is Pride Week. Pride Week salutes diversity in Key West. One of America’s leading gay and lesbian communities.

All kinds of events. The Rainbow Bike Parade tonight. Begins 6:30 at Bayview Park. A Pride Street Fair on the 700-900 blocks of Duval saturday. The Pride Parade sunday at 5. Plus more.

In addition to Pride activities, Miss Gay USofA was recently crowned in Dallas. She belongs to Key West. In order to be eligible for the national pageant, she had to win a local one. She did. In January, Miss Gay Southernmost USofA.

The pageant consists of female impersonators and transgenders. Aurora Sexton represented Key West. Congrats Auora

The key thing is we all live together in Key West as One Happy Family. No question about it.

The White Street Pier was to be renamed in honor of Edward B. Knight. The event rained out. Soon to be rescheduled. Ed Knight deserving of the recognition.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Jenny caring for me.

Then lunch at the Cuban Coffee Queen. Cheese toast and cold Cuban coffee. Read the newspapers.

I enjoy sitting at the Queen doing nothing.

Headed to Aqua’s Back Door Bar early in the evening. Mark Watson time. Mark had told me Donna and Terri would be there. I have not seen them since they returned.

The door to the Back Bar was locked. Mark had cancelled because of the rain. What rain? A few drops here and there on occasion.

Instead, I had a drink at the inside bar.

The bartender made an interesting observation. He enjoys old silent films. I can’t stand them. He told us about a very risque 1927 silent film he had watched the evening before. Risque permissible because there was not a morality code in effect yet.

Nancy came in. I made a new friend.

Nancy is retired military. Headed straight to Key West the day after she severed from the service. Knew this is where she wanted to live. Lives here with her wife. Not sure when they married.

Nancy has a PhD. Works part time in Key West as a consultant for non profits.

I liked Nancy. Good company. Hope we see each other again soon.

Had to eat. Duffy’s at the bar. Prime rib, as usual.

Saw a disappointing thing at Duffy’s. Actually, sad. A man had ordered a Maine lobster. I assume a tourist.

It was obvious he had never eaten a Maine lobster before. He did not know how to eat it. He used his fork and knife constantly. Never pulled the claws off or removed the tail. Salt and pepper frequently. never saw him dunk the poorly ripped out meat in butter.

I am not being critical of the man nor the way he attacked the lobster. I am being critical of his waitress or someone from Duffy’s. No one helped him, gave him any advice, etc.

Along the way yesterday, I heard some Johnny Cash. A line from Folsom Prison Blues attracted me. I swiftly wrote it down. “I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die.”

Cash was a long time ago. His yesterday our today. Drugs and crime rampant. Many killed daily for the fun and thrill of it. Nothing has changed, except perhaps for the number of persons killed.

I have been talking about Venezuela for four years. Since the country first ran out of toilet paper. Now, it is food.

I read yesterday that 500 hundred people had looted a food warehouse. The article further stated that the same day, 5,000 had raided a super market.

This morning, I saw a video on the internet. Venezuelan adults and children looking for food in trash cans.

As I have said consistently over the four years, I do not know why the people do not revolt against their President Nicholas Maduro. He is a lot like Fidel Castro in days gone by. Blames the United States for all his problems. Including telling the people on several occasions we were preparing to invade Venezuela.

Enjoy your day!

 

MUHAMMAD ALI…..ORANGE JUICE PLEASE

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Strange weather.

I have been waiting since sunday for heavy rain and gusty winds. Nothing. A little rain here and there. Nothing spectacular.

Today?

When I went out last night, I took my slicker with me. I was ready for the deluge that never came.

Is there any one David Wolkowsky has not entertained at his Ballast Key home?

David e-mailed me yesterday that Muhammad Ali was his guest on Ballast Key. A very long time ago.

David served the same fare to guests regardless of their state in life. Hot dogs, white wine and potato chips. The rich entertain!

Ali did not drink alcohol. He asked for freshly squeezed orange juice. Freshly squeezed orange juice, he got. Together with a turkey hot dog.

My yesterday began with the anti-gravity treadmill. Moved the speed up a bit. Was tired afterwards. Not bad, however.

Jenny had a red face. The sun, not drinking. I asked where she got it. Jumping Bridge. Never heard of it. On Sugarloaf. Go to the blinking light, turn right and go to the end of the road. An old bridge over the water. Jump off and swim. She was there sunday doing her thing.

I have to search out Jumping Bridge. Sounds interesting. Not for me. I have to see if it is safe for Robert and Ally.

I was sitting at the Cuban Coffee Queen reading the newspapers when Barbara Grob came along. I have known her 20 years, though rarely see her. Yesterday, the first time in 4-5 years.

As ever, beautiful.

I fell in love with Barb the first time I saw her. She had a small shop selling all kinds of crazy things on Truman. Near Aaron’s home. The shop was empty when I entered. The back door open. There was Barb soldering a piece of metal she would eventually place for sale.

She presently owns and operates a relatively new store on Fleming. Just off Duval. Called Key West Local Luxe. Jewelry, clothes, lingerie, etc. Most items a bit off beat. Key Westy.

Over the years, Barb has developed into a seasoned owner, artist and designer. She knows what women like. She says her store makes women happy.

Back to the Cuban Coffee Queen for a moment. The ice cubes they use are coffee cubes. Coffee frozen. I have learned to leave my empty cold Cuban coffee container sitting a while when finished. Then drink the melted ice cubes. A shot of caffeine! Hits you!

Last night was Aqua for me. I have become a monday night regular. During cocktail hour, the bar singing terrific.

Last night was Dueling Bartenders. Two were in drag. This happens once a month. One was Mark Watson. He shaved his beard to do the event.

The bar was crowded. I counted 41 customers at 7 o’clock.

Aqua was my evening. Returned home early.

Donna and Terri are back. Permanently. Mark said they would be at his Back Door wednesday.

I see from Facebook, the ladies are back in the swing of things. Did not take long. Both sang at Kate Miano’s Gardens sunday evening.

The Swiss are a very people conscious nation. Everything for their people. It is called socialism.

They put to a vote the most recent Swiss idea. A guaranteed minimum wage for everyone. Paid by the government. $2,600 a month for adults. $600 a month for each child. The government’s motivation was to give adults the option of reducing working hours. At the same time maintaining a decent standard of living.

The Swiss are not like the Greeks. The Swiss voted the idea down. 70-30 percent.

The thought not uncommen. Other nations are seriously considering it. The Netherlands, Finland, New Zealand and Canada.

My different type KONK column this week hits the stands tomorrow. Corn Flakes…..Cure Masturbation. Involves the Kellogg brothers, corn flakes and masturbation. The Kellogg corn flakes you eat today are derived from what happened in the 1890s and early 1900s involving the three.

My blog talk radio show tonight. Nine my time. A multitude of sins to discuss. The past week has been interesting. Join me for a quick entertaining opinionated half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

LEAGUE BOCCE PARTY FUN

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Big night! Last evening the League Bocce Party. Fifty six teams, 500 plus players.

The event was at the rooftop of the Waterfront Restaurant. Three stories up. What a view! The whole harbor!

The rooftop is going to be a special restaurant. It will be magnificent. Can’t miss. As long as the food is good and reasonable also.

The place not yet finished. Probably will not have a formal opening till the Fall.

A bunch of us taxied over from Don’s Place. Don, David, Stan, Clare, Donna, Mary and me.

Saw old friends. Made some new ones.

Nancy is a loyal fan of this blog. Reads it daily. I am ashamed to admit I have met Nancy only two times. The first time at last year’s League Bocce Party at the Waterfront. She sought me out to introduce herself and compliment the blog.

Instantaneous love! Me for her.

Nancy introduced me to her husband Carl that evening. Carl commutes back and forth from New York City. He is an anesthesiologist.

Nancy and Carl were at the party last night. Nancy called me over. I am ashamed to admit I did not recognize her. Mea culpa. I chatted with Nancy, Carl and their two friends a while.

One friend was Phil. He is a vacation rental concierge with Historic Key West Rentals. The other, Krizia.

Krizia has an interesting job. She is a meteorologist. Works at the big weather building on White Street. She is not the lady on TV. She works studying, plotting, and determining the weather, danger spots, hurricanes, tropical storms, etc. Pen and pencil in hand.

I spent yesterday afternoon researching next week’s KONK Life column. I will write the column this afternoon. It hits the stands wednesday.

Recent columns have been on the heavy side. Two on heroin. Another about America losing its promise. It was time for a change of pace. Something  relatively light. Interesting also.

The title: Corn Flakes…..Cure For Masturbation.

A winner!

A strange day ahead weather wise. Krizia, please note my projection.

I woke early this morning. It was gray. Sat down to do this blog and all of a sudden big noise! The weather had changed dramatically. Raining big time, wind howling, palm trees bent. Just like that it began. Ten minutes later, it stopped. Sun came out. Everything was calm. Nothing moving.

The calm before the storm. I understand Key West is in for some severe weather beginning this afternoon. Heavy rain. Wind with gusts up to 30 mph.

Today a memorable one in the career of Elvis Presley. The year 1956. Presley already a phenomena. He was appearing this date on the Arthur Godfrey Show. Heartbreak Hotel was Presley’s #1 hit at the time.

Many thought Presley’s style was sinful. Including the Church. Ergo, when Presley appeared on TV, he was only shot from the chest up. His famous gyrating hip movements not shown.

That night on Arthur Godfrey, the full Presley was shot. Scandalous hips and all. To Hound Dog.

Time changes things. The dancing by Presley in 1956 is what people dance to today. Well, most. I have not yet. A coward.

Enjoy your Sunday!