CHINA 2018 THE JAPAN OF 1941?
Posted on December 7, 2018 by keywestlou
December 7, 1941. In the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, “A date that will live in infamy.” Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor.
There is cause and effect. Every action does have an equal and opposite reaction. Are the U.S. and China on a path similar to that which led to the Japanese attack?
Examine the facts.
It was December 6, 1941, the day before Pearl Harbor. U.S. intelligence less than adequate. Roosevelt had been told the Japanese fleet was heading for Thailand.
Roosevelt sent a telegram to Emperor Hirohito: “For the sake of humanity” intervene “to prevent further death and destruction in the world.”
Roosevelt amusingly told his wife Eleanor…..”The son of man has just sent his final message to the son of God.”
U.S. intelligence was wrong. Roosevelt relied on the erroneous intelligence. The next day, Hawaii was attacked. Not Thailand.
Why did Japan attack Pearl Harbor? Japan was a non-entity in world affairs in the years leading to 1900. Isolated from the rest of the world.
In 1894 and 1904, Japan successfully engaged in wars against nations considered superior to Japan. During World War I, Japan participated on the side of the Allies.
The Great Depression affected Japan as most nations at the time. Tensions had begun growing between the U.S. and Japan 10 years earlier. Driven by economic and demographic woes.
Japan invaded Manchuria and other parts of China. The League of Nations condemned the invasion. Japan withdrew from the League as a result.
The Sino-Japanese War began in 1937. Japan acted in an extremely brutal fashion. Perpetrated massacres. Mass killings and rapes.
It was obvious Japan was expanding globally. The U.S. tried to stop Japan’s expansion. The U.S. imposed economic sanctions on Japan, including trade embargoes on aircraft exports, oil, and scrap metal.
In September 1940, Japan signed the Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy. The U.S. not involved in war with Germany and Italy yet.
The U.S. and Japan negotiated Japan’s expansion, the sanctions, etc. for months. Without success.
The U.S. had hoped the embargoes on oil and other key goods would lead Japan to halt its expansions.
The opposite proved correct. The sanctions and other penalties actually convinced Japan to stand its ground. Stand up for Japan.
Japan became increasingly angered. Thought U.S. conduct a part of Western interference in Asian affairs.
Importantly also, Japan felt the U.S. was not paying Japan the respect to which it was entitled. Japan believed they had earned respect as a world power beginning with the wars surrounding 1900 and its actions into the 1940’s.
Respect/face very important in Asian thinking. Neither was forthcoming from the U.S. There was a failure to recognize the new kid on the block.
Japan realized war was inevitable. Japan recognized the odds were stacked against them in a military confrontation. Success depended on surprise. The target Pearl Harbor. Four thousand miles from Japan’s homeland. The U.S. would not expect it.
Pearl Harbor was perfect. The U.S. fleet, except for carriers, in harbor. The fleet and U.S. morale would be destroyed. There would be no will to fight back.
Japan underestimated the U.S. and its people.
Sanctions a major cause compelling Japan’s decision to attack.
U.S. sanctions in effect today against China. The tariff wars. War, global recession possible. Perhaps imminent.
The issues the same. Overbearing sanctions, the economies of both countries in disarray. Everything moving at a rapid pace.
Trump the creator of the present scenario. His intelligence advise questionable. Where it does exist, he does not pay attention. He refuses to be properly briefed.
An example is Meng Wanzhou who was arrested/detained in Vancouver saturday. At the same time Trump was sitting with China’s President Xi in Buenos Aires.
Meng is CFO of China’s second largest technology company Huawei. Her father founder and a leading Chinese figure.
Huawei has been violating U.S. imposed sanctions by doing business with Iran. The reason Meng was arrested. She is awaiting deportation to New York for a federal court appearance.
Note again she was arrested while Trump and Xi negotiating at the G 20. An embarrassing loss of face for Xi.
The question also arises as to what right the U.S. has to impose penalties on China for doing business with Iran. The Iran problem is between the U.S. and Iran, not the U.S., Iran, and China.
Word is that Trump was unaware Meng was being arrested. John Bolton says Trump did not know and had not been briefed.
Makes one wonder what is going on at the highest levels of U.S. government.
The outcome of any military conflict uncertain. Both nations have nuclear weapons. China considered the world’s second most powerful nation. It may be questionable whether it is behind the U.S. militarily.
In the past five years, China has gone all out improving its military. In excess of 350 new naval vessels constructed with up to date nuclear missile capacity.
China has also constructed islands where none existed in Asian waters. Islands out of nothing. Now airbases with planes and troops stationed thereon.
It makes me question whether the U.S. is still the strongest nation in the world. I would not what to find out the answer.
Similarities exist between the Japan of yesterday and the China of today. Especially as regards each’s relationship at the specific time with the U.S.
Hopefully both the U.S. and China will negotiate their way out of this mess.
We are entering a Don’t Tread On Me situation. Where one side will not take it anymore. Similar to the Boston Tea Party, the Alamo, Pearl Harbor. Not a comfortable time.
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged 12/7/41, Allied Partner World War I, Buenos Aires, China, FDR, Great Depression, Huawei, Infamy, Japan, John Bolton, Key West, Key West Lou, League Of Nations, Loss of Face, Major World Power, Manchuria, Meng Wanzhou Arrest, Pearl Harbor, President Xi, Sanctions, Sino-Japanese War, Tripartite Pact, Trump, U.S., Vancouver, War Inevitable | 7 Replies
WHY PARIS IS BURNING
Public demonstrations in Paris out of control. A month already. Fires everywhere. Big time damage. Four killed, hundreds injured.
Why? Because the government has imposed a new and higher tax on gasoline which was scheduled to go into effect January 1.
Driving is expensive in certain European countries. Italy and France examples.
Gasoline costs much more than in the United States. At least two times as much. The price of a gallon of gas in France today $5.54. Italy similarly high.
People do not fill their tanks up. Too expensive at one shot. Put in 10 or 20 euros. Like you and I putting in $10 or $20.
In addition to gas, there is an additional financial burden. Makes the cost of gas look minuscule.
Most highways are privatized. The government rents a roadway for 50 or 100 years to a private corporation or sells it outright to the corporation. The corporation in turn agrees to maintain and operate the highway.
No bargain to the consumer. Those who operate motor vehicles on the highways. The corporations impose tolls. The tolls astronomical. Beyond comprehension. So bad that locals opt to drive on secondary narrow pot filled 2 lane roads. Where people’s lives are in danger.
Drivers do everything to avoid privately owned toll roads.
The toll roads are kept in tip top condition. Bridges replaced. Everything done. After all, a money maker for the private corporation.
Trump has pushed privatization to defray the cost redoing our infrastructure. Don’t even consider it. Fight the concept. A pig in a poke. A toll too far.
Tie the cost of a gallon of gasoline to the toll and it is easy to understand why Paris is burning.
Last night, the French government announced the tax increase would not go into effect. As one French leader said, “No tax deserves to endanger the unity of a Nation.”
Busy yesterday.
Sandy’s for a leisurely lunch. Read the newspapers. Then to Publix. I keep forgetting to buy shaving cream. Beard was cropping up again.
A manicure at 5 with Tammy. Slow day for her business. She says most mondays are lately.
Followed the manicure with a trip to Aqua for Dueling Bartenders. Rick Dery’s guest Bobby Nesbitt. A huge crowd. Great singing. Bobby opened with White Christmas. Put everyone in the mood.
Met Jean Thornton. We were scheduled to have a drink together. She left me at 7 to meet Haywood at Michael’s for dinner.
Mary showed up before Jean left. Then Lynda and Bob Frechette. Linda, too.
Mary and I had dinner afterwards at La Trattoria. I let Mary order. Don’t ask me why. The pasta was HOT! My esophagus burned all night!
Morgan appeared. A hug and kiss and a chat. Another hug and kiss as I was leaving.
Morgan absolutely impresses me. A beauty! Intelligent! Only 27 years old. She has a Masters in geography. Works with the government or one of its contractors at the Navy base.
The hurricane season technically ends November 30. Key West has a ceremony to commemorate the event. The burning of the hurricane flag. The ceremony was yesterday afternoon at the Waterfront Park.
I did not attend. Jean and Frank Holden did. Jean became irritated. Properly so. The beautiful large expanse of green grass that makes up the Waterfront Park was a mess. Uprooted in parts, sand thrown here and there.
The power boat race people by contract were permitted to use the area. They are required by contract to repair and replace any areas damaged. Apparently have failed or not gotten to it this year.
Jean is on Facebook this morning complaining about the situation and showing pictures of the grounds. She will goose the power boat people into performing. Don’t mess with Jean.
Syracuse/Northeastern tonight at 7. Syracuse 5-2, Northeastern 4-4. Too early in the season to project who will win.
I will be watching the game from home. My podcast follows the game at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. A fast moving hard hitting half hour. I vent. Get excited about the good and bad in things. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.
Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman. I repeat the statement often.
Which brings to mind another Truman story.
Truman had poor eyesight. Not blind as a bat, but close too it. It was 1905. He wanted to join the Missouri National Guard. Battery “B.” He knew he could not pass the eye test.
Missouri ingenuity came into play. Truman memorized the eye chart. Passed the physical with no problem. He became a private in the Light Artillery of Battery “B.” Served as a Captain during World War I. Retired from the Reserves 37 years after entering as a Colonel.
America is in mourning. President George H. W. Bush is dead.
Yesterday was emotionally heavy. The various activities shown on TV. Impossible not to shed a tear here and there. As they will be today and tomorrow.
Bush will be respected for the ages. What a man! What a President! Bush the personification of each.
Trump will never be. Character and virtue are required.
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged A Toll Too Far, Aqua, Autoroute, Blog Talk Radio, Bobby Nesbitt, Burning Hurricane Flag, China, Dueling Bartenders, Eye Exam, Facebook, France, French Highway System, George H. W. Bush, Jean Thornton, Key West, Key West Lou Blog Talk Radio, Key West Lou Live Video, La Trattoria, Lynda and Bob Frechette, Mary, Morgan, Privatized Highways, Publix, Rich Dery, Safety Vests, Sandy's Cafe, Secret Service /Golf Renatal Carts, Syracuse Basketball, Syracuse/Northeastern, Tammy/Manicure, Tariff War, Truman, Trump, Trump Private Clubs, Waterfront Park, White Christmas, Why Paris Is Burning, Yellow Vest Protectian | 10 Replies
GROCERY SHOPPING WITH THE BLIND
A unique experience yesterday. I took Terri grocery shopping. Donna was ill and asked me to step in.
It was the blind leading the blind.
I shop at the new Publix. Know where everything is. Terri shops at the old Publix. I knew where nothing was. Everything in a different place from the other store.
The experience began with the drive. I was on Whitehead approaching Truman. She said, “Take a left on Truman.” How did she know Truman was ahead?
When we arrived at Publix, she explained the game plan. We were to enter on the right side of the store. Get a cart immediately. She would drive. I was to lightly pull from the front to control direction.
We started on the right side of the store. Needed bacon. She got me to it.
So far, I was comfortable. Not bad. Then it began. Go 2 aisles right. Take a left. Half way down on the right. Top shelf. Box or can colored such and such. Brand name provided.
And so it went.
Occasionally, I took the wrong item off the shelf. She was able to tell by the size of a can if I did wrong. The size not being that much different from that which she wanted.
She directed. I followed. I was proud of myself. I did good.
She wanted me to go one way, I went another. I saw one of the items on her grocery list 2 aisles in the opposite direction from where she wanted me to go.
Blew it for her! Totally discombobulated! She was lost! Not panicked. Merely said to me, “You did wrong. I do not know where I am.”
I righted the wrong and we were on our way again.
I was impressed. She knew where most things were. The side of the aisle as well as shelf. Occasionally, she would tell me she was staying where she was with the cart. The Deli area an example. Too crowded for her. Gave me walking orders and off I went.
Checking out interesting. She can empty a cart, though I did. She pays with a credit card, not a debit. Merely push it in and it registers without her doing anything else.
I was impressed! Her only inability was driving the car itself. Who knows, some day.
Intended to go out last night and watch the Syracuse/Cornell game. Too tired. The shopping trip had tired me out!
Remained home and watched Syracuse beat Cornell 63-55. Cornell was winning by one point with 5 minutes to go. An unimpressive Syracuse game against a lesser opponent.
The nice thing was that Boeheim’s 2 sons were playing. On opposite sides. One for Syracuse, the other Cornell. Neither embarrassed themselves nor their father.
Driving down a street this time of the year in Utica and Key West the same. With one difference. Utica has snow. Otherwise, Key West homes are decorated as those up north. Christmas spirit exists regardless of location. The Key West homes I have seen absolutely beautiful. Obvious that a lot of thought and work were involved.
George H. W. Bush a frequent visitor to the keys. Primarily, Islamorada area. The President an avid fisherman.
Generally stayed at Cheeka Lodge.
Visited before, during and following his Presidency.
His biggest fishing experience involved landing a 135 foot tarpon. The largest game fish he ever caught. Bush was 84 at the time. Took him only 45 minutes to land the giant fish.
Bush used a live crab for bait. Afterwards he said, “It was a thrill of a lifetime…..A great fighting fish was finally baited.”
Bush’s character, sensitivity, caring, etc. coming out from every source. Things we did not know about him. I share two I came across.
In the 1950’s, the Bush’s lost their daughter Robin to leukemia. She was 2 at the time. Bush wrote a letter to his mother following Robin’s death…..”We need a legitimate Christmas angel, one who doesn’t have cuffs beneath her dress. You have to be a father to know this,” he wrote. “We need a little one who can kiss without leaving egg or jam or gum. We need a girl. We had one once…..But she is still with us. We need her yet we have her.”
In 2013, Bush shaved his head in solidarity with 2 year old Patrick, the son of one of the agents on his Secret Service detail who was being treated for leukemia and had lost all his hair. He was that type man.
Another nature disaster. The Alaskan earthquake friday in the Anchorage area. A big one. One 7.0 in magnitude.
Trump immediately responded. Issued an emergency declaration making it possible for the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA to act.
Trump told the people of Alaska, “Your federal government will spare no expense.”
Trump will fail Alaska as he failed Puerto Rico, Florida, northern Florida, and the California fire areas.
There is not enough money! It was more than color in Puerto Rico. Not enough money. Florida still owed billions to reimburse and /or complete rebuilding following Irma. No one hears about Florida’s Panhandle. Michael destroyed most areas hit. One city totally obliterated. We hear nothing about how great FEMA is doing in the Panhandle because it is not doing enough. California desperately waits dollars rather than criticism. Trump should sweep out the swamp people in his cabinet rather than recommend the forest grounds in California be swept.
He will fail Alaska also. His administration has misused, misallocated, and I don’t know what else, funds for natural disaster relief.
Talk is cheap. Put money where your mouth is, Mr. President. Our country needs you.
Enough for today.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged 135 Foot Tarpon, Alaska Earthquake, Bush 41 and Keys Fishing, California Fires, Cheeka Lodge, China, DHS, Donna and Terri, Emergency Declaration, FEMA, George H. W. Bush, Irma, Islamorada, Key West, Key West Christmas Decorated Homes, Key West Lou, Key West Lou Live Video, Leukemia, Michael, Old Publix, Publix, Puerto Rico, Robin, Shopping With The Blind, Syracuse Basketball, Syracuse/Cornell, Tariff War, Terri, Trump, Two Sensitive Stories, Your Federal Government Will Spare No Expense | 10 Replies
TONI TARRACINO SHARES HER LEGACY
Posted on November 15, 2018 by keywestlou
Captain Tony is a Key West legend. An icon. Remembered. Revered.
His former bar on Greene Street still bears his name. The bar inside and out as it was in his day.
Toni one of his children. Today, a concierge at the Marriott Beachside. Plus involved in a multitude of other things like marrying people, planning weddings, painting and blog writing.
Her blog is titled Sharing My Key West Legacy. http://tonitarracino.com. One of the best I have read. She has her hands on everything Key West.
I told Toni her material was so good I would be plagiarizing her recollections on occasion.
She wrote of the West Martello Fort. Its history. Today home of the Garden Club and a wedding venue. She mentions the Autograph Tree. Never heard of it. Yet, she knew.
The tree stands at the entrance to the Fort. People have scratched and otherwise written their names and initials on the leaves over the years.
Another story involves the fish sitting on the outside of Capt. Tony’s bar. Second floor level. People always turning their backs to the fish and trying to throw quarters into its open mouth.
Toni shared the origin of the custom.
As a girl, she helped out at the bar. There actually was a slow season then. The summer. The bar was hot. She and other staff would take benches outside and sit on them. The heat inside too much.
One of those sitting with Toni was a rabid Larry Bird fan. He used to stand, yell “top of the key” and try to throw quarters in the fish’s mouth.
Toni and friends thought it too hot for him to do it as he was. They convinced him to stand on the curb on his toes with his back to the fish.And then try to successfully throw quarters into the fish’s mouth.
A tradition was born. You know the story. A continuing event born out of heat, boredom, and today a bit of alcohol.
My Key West yesterday.
A manicure with Tammy. Business slow. Will pick up next week. Tammy said women like to pretty up for Thanksgiving.
Then a visit with Dr. Norris. He’s not concerned with what now has been determined to be a ligament or muscle protruding on the left side of my neck. Five inches long. I feared it was my carotid and I was heading for a stroke.
A late lunch at Cuban Coffee Queen. The Queen I was at is in the bowels of Key Lime Square. As is Dr. Norris’ office. I sat looking down the Square towards Southard. It was quiet. Peaceful. Few people. Sun hitting the trees and foliage just right. A relaxing moment.
On the way home, I drove pass David Wolkowsky’s home on Flagler. Someone was working on his Rolls Royce or some ancient roadster. The hood was up. David had two vintage vehicles. Each close to 100 years old.
Last night, Blue Macaw. Enjoyed!
Joe and Andrea back after 2 weeks in Ohio. Good to see them again. Terri singing. Donna at the bar, of course.
More Key West nostalgia.
Some small guys enjoy big ladies. Especially sexually. In 1993, Rocky was out and about. Rocky a 7 pound male Chihuahua. He saw an 80 pound female Rottweiler. One or both in heat. The dirty deed was done. The 80 pound Rott got pregnant.
The Rottweiler’s owners sued. I have no idea what the offspring looked like. In any event, the Rott owners won. The court awarded them $2,567.50.
Pythons have overtaken southern Florida. Actual number unknown. Estimated to be in excess of one million. Cannot be eradicated. Hopefully contained.
The government hires snake hunters. One recently killed the largest ever. A 17 foot 5 inch python weighing 120 pounds. In the Homestead area.
Imagine the beauty wrapping itself around you.
Another problem now out of control are iguanas. The State failed to pay attention. They eat our flowers and defecate in our pools. They are all over the roadways. A danger to driving.
The State has commenced a program to get rid of the iguanas. I hope it is not too late as with the pythons.
Tonight, Syracuse/Connecticut play basketball at 7 in Madison Square Garden. Two former Big East foes. Syracuse ranked #15 nationally. Connecticut not ranked.
I will be home watching the game.
A cold spell coming in. The temperature will be 75 degrees tomorrow. Down from 85 in one day. Most Key Westers will say they love it. I will say I’m cold! Just how it affects me.
Never got to the notes re world events I wanted to share. All less than a week old. Perhaps tomorrow. I got carried away today with Key West items.
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged Afghanistan, Beto O'Rourke, Bill Gates, Blue Macaw, Capt. Tony's, Chihuahua, China, Cold Spell, Cuban Coffee Queen, David Wolkowsky, Donna and Terri, Dr. Norris, Fish Over Capt. Tony's Door, Heroin, Iguanas, Judeo-Nazis, Key West, Key West Lou, Key West Lou Live Video, KONK History, Madison Square Garden, Netanyahu, Palestine, Poppy Fields, Pythons, Rottweiller, Sign Leaves, Soybeans, Syracuse Basketball, Syracuse/Connecticut, Tammy/Manicue, Toilets, Toni Tarracino, Top of Key, Trump, Weather, West Martello, Willie Nelson | 3 Replies
AN AMERICAN HERO FORGOTTEN BY HISTORY
Two men with Armistice Day stories to be told. Two men who exhibited love and respect for their country in different ways.
World War I ended on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 am in 1918. The Armistice has been signed at 5 in the morning, scheduled to go into effect at 11 that same morning.
Henry Nicholas Gunther was born in 1895 of German immigrant parents. In Baltimore. Raised and schooled there.
He became a member of the 313th Infantry Regiment. Known as Baltimore’s Own. He arrived in France in July 1918.
Gunther was involved in fighting in the Argonne on November 11. Front line. Just before 11 am, Gunter’s group was confronted by a German road block which contained a machine gun. His sergeant ordered Gunther to fix his bayonet and charge the Germans.
Gunther did as ordered. As he charged, there was a burst of machine gun fire. Gunther was killed. He died at 10:59 am.
The Americans were unaware of the truce. The Germans were. They kept shouting at Gunther that the war was over. Gunther apparently did not understand and kept coming. They shot him.
Gunther was 23 at the time. He was the last American to be killed in World War I.
General Pershing recognized Gunther at an Armistice ceremony the next day. He referred to Gunther as an American hero.
Today, Gunther is an American hero forgotten by history.
One hundred years later to the day, it was Armistice Day again. November 11, 2018. The free world commemorated the occasion in Paris. The heads of the world’s free nations in attendance.
Trump was there. In his room at the American Embassy at a very special moment.
There was a ceremony at an American cemetery. Aisne Marine American Cemetery. Fifty miles outside Paris. The final resting place of American soldiers who died at the Battle of Belleau Wood.
Trump failed to honor his country’s war dead. He did not attend. It was raining. He was the only world leader who failed to attend.
A tale of two men. One a hero. The other, I am not sure how to label.
Hemingway personally experienced war as an ambulance driver and war correspondent. He did not like war. I question how he would have addressed heroism. Whatever, he did write, “In modern war…..you will die like a dog for no good reason.”
Busy day yesterday.
My cell phone was screwed up. A simple problem I could not resolve. I am not mechanically inclined in any fashion.
Hurried over to Verizon in the Win-Dixie Shopping Center. They set me straight in seconds.
Then picked up Robert and Ally. No school because of the holiday. Robert now a freshman in high school and Ally in the eighth grade.
Both adults.
We went to Sandy’s Cafe. They’re choice. A favorite of theirs, also.
They shared with me their present day experiences.
Robert loves high school. He received an award as the outstanding freshman student of the quarter. Based on grades, activities, etc. He continues to practice almost daily his tennis. A star in making. No question he will be on the varsity team when they begin play in January. He went to a dance. With a group. Talked to girls, did not dance.
Ally a typical eighth grader. Top year at her school. A big shot. She had straight A’s on her recent report card. She is developing into a beauty. Pure femininity. She is anxious to get to high school. Her brother’s comments make her so. She knows there is another world awaiting her there.
I noticed yesterday morning a bulge on one side of my neck. Vertical. About 5 inches log. Protruding out of the side of my neck.
Panic set in. My carotid artery. I was on my way to a stroke.
Was in Dr. Ivor’s office at 3 to see nurse Susan Neill. She and McIvor have been caring for my heart for 12 years. She checked me out. Not carotid. Ran some tests. Found nothing wrong. Perhaps my weight loss had caused some muscle or blood vessel to protrude.
I felt better. Still concerned, however. I am a hypochondriac. Told her I was seeing my primary Dr. Norris wednesday for some blood results. I would see what he had to say.
Susan and I have become friends over the years. I learned yesterday was her first day at work in 8 weeks. She was wearing a big boot on one foot.
She was not a happy camper.
She was at St. Mary’s Church. Placing some flowers on the altar. As she turned to step down, she went down. Fractured some important bone in her ankle/foot. Now has screws, pins, and gross discomfort.
I hurt for her.
It was 4 in the afternoon. Too early to go home. Too early to really go out. Had a choice to make. Went out. To Blue Macaw. A couple of drinks, a light dinner and some good company.
Everyone with physical problems. Doug, who is a tour guide at the Hemingway House, is in intensive care. His heart. His co-worker Alisia told me.
Paul and Ron came in. Paul told me he is experiencing the same throat problems I complained about 6 months ago. He is undergoing a procedure friday to correct it.
What a world! What a life! It’s called getting old!
I was home by 8:30. Went to bed. Fell asleep almost immediately. Woke at midnight and could not sleep the rest of the night.
Doug Bennett writes an interesting blog…..This Week On The Island. A series of events marked with photos.
His opening and closing verbiage paragraphs always read the same. Part of the introductory paragraph: “Everything is true except for those parts that are lies.”
The last paragraph: “Key West, Close to Perfect, Far from Normal.”
I especially like his last statement.
Today, tuesday. My podcast show tonight. Nine my time. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.
Join me. I rant and rave about whatever moves me at the moment. A fast moving half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged Afghanistan Heroin, Aqua, Armistice, Beto O'Rourke, Bill Gates, Blog Talk Radio, Blue Macaw, California Fires, Carotid Artery, China, Communistic, Doug, Doug Bennett, Dr. McIvor, Dr. Norris, Dueling Bartenders, Hemingway Quote, Indiana Text Book Commisssion, Israel, Judeo-Nazis, Justice Building Blog, Key West, Key West Lou, Key West Lou Blog Talk Radio, Key West Lou Live Video, Madison Square Garden, Michael Relief, Modern War, Money, Netanayhu, Palestinians, Paul, Poppy Cultivation, Puerto Rico, Quakers, Red Scare, Robert and Ally, Robin Hood, Sandy's Cafe, Soybeans, Susan Neill, Syracuse Basketball, Syracuse/Oregon, Tale of Two Men, Tariff Wars, This Week On The Island, Toilets, Tom Luna, Trump, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou, Verizon, Veterans Day, Willie Nelson | 1 Reply
MY FAMILY AND ELLIS ISLAND
Ellis Island closed its doors as a point of immigration on this day in 1954. Today, it is an Immigration Museum. Visited by 2 million persons a year.
Prior to 1892, immigration was handled by the states. Effective January 2, 1892, the federal government assumed responsibility. Ellis Island was the first immigration center. The first person to pass through the new immigration center was 15 year old Annie Moore.
My family, my ancestors, passed through Ellis Island. My mother, her parents and 7 brothers. On my father’s side, his parents.
Ellis Island was named not for some public figure. Rather for the man who owned the island in the 1770’s, Samuel Ellis.
A bit of snobbery, prejudice, and caution involved in processing those arriving to the U.S. First and second class never stopped first at Ellis Island. They received a brief shipboard inspection.
Third class was another story. They were run through Ellis Island. These were the poor. The peasant and peons from the old world. My family among them.
Third class underwent medical and legal inspections. To insure against contagious diseases or legal problems that would make them a burden or danger to citizens of the U.S.
I am named after my father’s father. My grandfather Louis. He was 12 when he came over as a third class passenger. Just after the turn of the century.
He was held on Ellis Island for 3 months. Properly so. He had some contagious disease. I cannot recall what. He was treated, cured, and then permitted entry.
Two years ago, I met Valerie Leary and her husband at Martin’s. Visiting from Delaware.
Valerie together with several girl friends have been visiting Key West this past week. They did it all! Even the boat races!
Valerie and I got together last night at the Chart Room for a few drinks. An attractive woman. Fiftyish. A public servant since last we met. Now a Councilperson in New Castle, Delaware.
After a while, one of her group joined us. Megan. A lovely 27 year old. In the bug business. Her Dad’s. Will run it some day.
I filled Megan in on David Wolkowsky, the Chart Room, Pier House and Jimmy Buffett.
The ladies were undecided where to dine. I suggested several places. Eventually the conversation worked its way to stone crabs. Neither had ever enjoyed them. I sent them to Conch Republic.
There are always 2 sides to a story. Two feelings in opposition. Especially politically.
I am unabashedly a Democrat. A Liberal. I believe government among other things exists to help the less fortunate.
There are those who do not agree with me, think Trump is the end all, etc. Roughly 50 percent of the population.
With tongue in cheek and wishing to show this blog is fair and balanced, I share with you a Letter To The Editor featured in this morning’s KONK Life E-Blast. Written by a Paul Sofranac: “Most patriots are grateful to have a President such as Donald Trump. No, he doesn’t mince words and he is not PC but he’s as solid a leader we’ve had in a long, long time. Civility? What civility? Only results count and people love a benevolent dictator, one who cares for the nation and isn’t sold out to external interests or steep state agenda. Embrace him with all your might, as your whining accomplishes nothing but to bring further malaise and suspicion of ulterior motives for your rant.”
A quote from the opposite side of the spectrum. By Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A newly elected New York City Congressperson. Defeated in the Democratic primary a multi term Congressman.
During the campaign, she said, “I’m not running from the left; I’m running from the bottom. I’m running in fierce advocacy for working-class New Yorkers.”
William Holden was a terrific actor. The best of the best. He died this day in 1981 at age 63.
I knew Holden. Met with him several times. At La Costa outside San Diego. La Costa was a resort that catered to those who wanted to lose weight, work on an addiction problem, etc.
Back in the 1970’s and into the 1980’s, I used to go twice a year. To lose weight. A problem even back then. Eight hours exercise and 800 calories of food a day. It worked.
Holden went because he was an alcoholic. He went to dry out.
We met and became friends. Evening friends after the toil of the day was complete. We would sit in the bar at night, drink Perrier and smoke cigars. Sometimes Rodney Dangerfield would join us. A trip.
Holden a most humble person. His humility absolutely amazing.
Ronald Reagan and Holden were best friends. When Reagan and Nancy Davis married in 1952, Holden was Best Man. When Holden died, Reagan wrote, “I have a great feeling of grief. We were close friends for many years. What do you say about a longtime friend-a sense of personal loss, a fine man. Our friendship never waned.”
The college football listings are out. Syracuse ranked #12. The highest ranking Syracuse has achieved in 20 years.
It’s all on the line next saturday. Syracuse plays #3 Notre Dame. Notre Dame 10-0, Syracuse 8-2.
Syracuse can win.
Dueling Bartenders tonight at Aqua. Can’t wait. The best singing in Key West for the price of a drink.
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged Annie Moore, Bill Gates, Brazil, Chart Room, China, Councilperson, David Wolkowsky, Democrat, Dueling Bartenders, Ellis Island, Friendship, Immigration Museum, Irma and Me, John, Key West, Key West Lou, KONK Life, La Costa, Letter to Editor, Megan, My Grandfather, New Castle, Notre Dame, Paul Sofranac, Progressive, Rodney Dangerfield, Ronald Reagan and Nancy Davis, Russia, Samuel Ellis, Sewage, Socialist, Soybeans, Syracuse Football, Third Class, Trump, Valerie W. Leary, Waste Disposal, William Holden | 9 Replies
WHEN THE GUNS WENT SILENT
Today is November 11. One hundred years ago this day at precisely 11 am, the guns went silent ending World War I. An armistice had been arrived at.
One hundred years marks a call for major celebration. One is being held in France, the site of the worst fighting during World War I. World leaders present. France has prepared a commemoration.
A five day event. Began yesterday. The glory of the event dampened only by rain and Donald Trump.
The five day event is a Peace Forum also. Beginning tomorrow, three days of discussions involving joining together for mutual protection and climate change.
The first significant event yesterday. A visit to a U.S. Military Cemetery 50 miles outside Paris. The Aisne Marine American Cemetery. Two thousand two hundred eight eight gravesites, mostly American. An additional 1,060 names etched on a wall representing Americans who were missing, their bodies never recovered.
Trump opted not to go. The excuse was the rain caused security and logistical problems. The weather prohibited the use of a helicopter. Trump would have to have been driven.
All world leaders made the 50 mile drive, except for Trump. I wonder if Trump failed to go because of concern for his hair. I am serious. Not being facetious. Recall last week that Trump was caught in a drizzle as he spoke before being flown off somewhere. His precisely appointed hair was altered a bit as a result. He made mention of it the rest of the day.
Trump sent Chief of Staff Kelly and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dunford in his place.
The heads of all nations represented by their leaders. Trump sends the second team.
There is criticism Trump did so because he neither understands nor respects history. This was an American cemetery.
Today a similar story re Trump’s obvious disdain for the event. He makes like he does not want to be there. His conduct described as truculent and petulant. He appeared like a grouch to me.
There was a function prior to the actual ceremony commemorating the day. Trump did not attend the event.
Following the function, the world leaders walked to the Arch de Triomphe in a straight line, shoulder to shoulder, all carrying raised black umbrellas. All except for Trump. He rode over.
The commemoration took place at the Arch de Triomphe on the Champs Elysees in Paris. Well done.
No holding back. Europe concerned about Trump. France’s President Macron in his 20 minute speech said, “Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism.” Aimed right at Trump who a few weeks ago on national television said, “I am a nationalist. There I’ve said it.”
Europe is opposed to nationalism. History recognizes nationalism as the cause of World War I.
The event solemn. No word better describes it.
Mention was made that 100 years ago at 11 in the morning, the bells tolled all over Europe in celebration of the armistice.
There is a feeling that Trump neither knows nor understands history. Nationalism caused World Wars I and II. The League of Nations failed because of nations going their own way.
Patriotism as part of relationships between countries may best be described as love of one nation for another. Nationalism, hatred of one nation for another.
A luncheon followed the event. What happened there not yet reported.
Three more days involved. The Peace Forum. Trump not attending. He leaves Paris this afternoon and returns home. The subject matter of the Forum working together and climate change. Topics Trump not interested in. Whatever, an insult to the nations remaining.
So much for the commemoration and Trump.
Remained home last night. Watched Syracuse play basketball against Morehead State. Morehead a good team. I was impressed. Syracuse won 84-70.
In spite of the win, Syracuse did not look good. Something I fail to understand. We have 4 3 point shooters. Took few 3 pointers and missed most of them. The team generally drove to the basket. Seemed they did not finish when they did. Could have scored more baskets had they.
Syracuse has 3 point guards. All out with injuries. Have not played yet this season. Could be one of Syracuse’s problems. It’s like having a line man step in for the quarter back.
Boeheim has a deep bench. First time in years. He played it. The bench and starters did not jell. Maybe Syracuse cannot go deep.
Teri Johnston gets sworn in tomorrow morning as Key West Mayor. She has asked my beloved Terri White to sing.
Ernest Hemingway finished A Farewell To Arms the first three weeks he was in Key West. He wrote the last page 39 times before he was satisfied.
My car has been down for a week. I have not gone out during that time. I live one island up from Key West. Could have rented a car or used Uber. Decided instead to remain in and work. The car was my excuse to do some research and writing that was far behind.
Car now working. I feel house bound. Tonight, Louis is out!
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged 25% Tariff, A Farewell To Arms, Aisne Marine American Cemetery, Arch de Triomphe, Armistice, Battle of Belleau Wood, Bill Gates, Brazil, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Dunford, Champs Elysees, Chief of Staff Kelly, China, Commemoration, Donna and Terri, Grouch, Guns Went Silent, Hemingway, Key West, Key West Lou Blog Talk Radio, Key West Lou Live Video, League Of Nations, Macron, Marcon, Nationalism, Nationalism Is A Betrayal Of Patriotism, New Toilets, Patriotism, Peace Forum, Rain, Reinvented Toilet Expo, Russia, Sewage, Soybeans, Syracuse/Morehead State, Tariffs, Teri Johnston, Terri White, Truculent and Petulant, Trump, U.S. Military Cemetery, Vetereans Day, Waste Disposal, Wilson | 7 Replies
A NUMBER OF ITEMS…..
Posted on November 1, 2018 by keywestlou
Busy morning ahead. Doctor visit, hair cut appointment, etc. Ergo, I am briefly hitting on some items I think or would like to think need mentioning. No special order involved.
Fifteen thousand U.S. Army personnel now on the way to the southwest border. The number ha gone from 800 to 15,000 in a week. Fifteen thousand as many troops as we have in Afghanistan.
Watched Beto O’Rourke being interviewed for an hour monday night. Reminded me of Robert Kennedy.
Economy doing good? General Electric has a crack in its wall. Under financial stress. Dividend 119 years old. This year reduced to a penny a share.
Staying with the economy, General Motors experiencing tariff and market pressures. Eighteen thousand jobs to be eliminated. Salaried employees going via buyouts.
Harry Dent an economist. Called the financial bust of 2008. Says the DOW will experience a catastrophic plunge. As low as 6,500. Hard to believe that low. Claims it could happen as soon as the next few months. An economist I am not. However, I have been predicting a recession since last year. Thought it would occur late this year or early next year.
China’s President Xi has ordered his military to “prepare for war.” Diplomatic relations between Washington and Beijing have hit rock bottom.
Chart Room first last night. Tammy bartending. Parrotheads in town. Took over the Chart Room. I only stayed for one drink. All seniors, they were not talking to each other or to me. Merely staring ahead.
Drove over to Blue Macaw. Better. People communicating. Terri singing. Chatted with Lynda and Bob Frechette, John and Fiona, and Mary.
Syracuse football doing well this year. So far, 6-2. Saturday, Wake Forest at noon. Hopefully Syracuse will continue its winning ways.
Syracuse basketball has arrived. Thrilled I am! Played Le Moyne in a practice game last night. Syracuse won by 37 points. Don’t laugh that it was Le Moyne. Le Moyne made it to the Elite Eight last year. Season officially opens tuesday when Syracuse plays East Washington.
Beware! Big Brother increasingly looking over our shoulders. His presence has greatly increased since Trump became President. The U.S. is accelerating efforts to monitor social media to preempt major anti-government protests. Social media posts of American citizens who don’t like Trump are the force promoting latest U.S. military funded research.
Think of all that is happening involving the U.S. Question: Is the U.S. on the verge of a nervous breakdown?
On this day in 1512, the Sistine Chapel was exhibited to the public for the first time. One of Michelangelo’s greatest works. Thirty five years ago, I was in Rome and had the good fortune to see it. Magnificent!
Fantasy Fest over. I am waiting for the Citizen to print its analysis of the event. Business volume and number of participants. Up or down? I have been asking around what locals think. Generally, more risqué and fewer people.
This has been fun!
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged Afghanistan, Beto O'Rourke, Big Brother, Blue Macaw, Border, Chart Room, China, Donna and Terri, Fantasy Fest, GE Dividend, General Motors Layoffs, Harry Dent, Key West, Key West Lou, lite Eight, Michaelangelo, Parrotheads, President Xi, Sistine Chapel, Social Media Monitoring, Syracuse Basketball, Syracuse Football, Syracuse/LeMoyne, Syracuse/Wake Forest, Tammy, Trump | 1 Reply
WHAT A MORNING…..
Posted on October 30, 2018 by keywestlou
What a morning! When things go wrong, they screw up all the way!
It is now 12 noon. I am just starting the blog. Normally, I begin at 6 in the morning.
I had an 8 am doctor visit. Fasting blood work. Left the house at 7:45. Heavy going to work traffic. I was late. Got to doctor’s office 8:10.
Receptionist wanted to know why I was there. Blood work, I said. She said tomorrow.
She took pity on me and said sit down, I’ll work you in. Five minutes later, my blood was being drawn.
The doctor’s office is all of a 100 feet from the Cuban Coffee Queen. I stopped in for breakfast. Cuban cheese toast and coffee. Instead, I was served a regular huge portion of bread embodying 2 eggs and cheese. More food than I would eat in a day.
They said enjoy. I said what the hell and did!
Could not finish the sandwich. Too much.
Went to my car to go home to do this blog. Battery dead. I was beginning to suspect this was not my day.
Called AAA. Excellent repair man. Told me something was corroded and that was why the battery was not functioning. He did his thing and then charged the battery.
Everything in good order! One problem. My trip home delayed. The repair man told me I had to drive the car 45 minutes to charge the battery. More delay. I spent the 45 minutes driving up US 1 and back.
My podcast Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou tonight. Normally I prepare the show tuesday afternoon. I would have had to move my ass to get it done and done correctly if such was the case today.
For whatever reason, I prepared tonight’s show yesterday afternoon. Why, I do not know. First time. In any event, I will not be rushed when I finish this blog. God must have known the problems I was going to experience this morning so moved me to do today’s work yesterday.
Aqua’s Dueling Bartenders last night. Tom Luna and Rick Dery their usual great entertainers. Terri White guest performer. Now blind, you would never know it. Her performance outstanding!
Wife Donna with her, of course. Donna dressed in black. Looked fantastic. The black contrasted well with her white hair.
Sheila and her California designer friend Carol at the bar. Jean Thornton with them. Liz on the other side. Greeted Liz with a kiss. Enjoyed a couple of drinks with Jean.
Jean left and Mary showed up. I was a lucky man. All these lovely ladies to chat with.
In between, Catt Zinger and her sister Stephanie sat next to me. Tom Luna introduced me to Catt. What a history!
Catt and her husband now live in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Catt visiting Key West for 3 weeks. Lived here for several years. While in Key West, she bartended at Garden of Eden for 5 years. Also did some bartending time at Aqua where she got to know Tom Luna.
When Catt married 5 years ago, the service took place at the Garden of Eden. Eighty guests. A bus or train used to transport guests around as the couple did a pre-planned Duval crawl.
One stop was Aqua. Tom Luna bartending. A good friend. Catt said Tom went out of his way to make the stop a memorable one. The group spent 2 hours at Aqua. She is forever felt grateful to Tom for the fun time he provided.
Almost forgot sister Stephanie. Lovely, also. Not from Hawaii. Lives somewhere in Florida.
On the way home, I stopped at Dion’s on US 1 for Dion’s chicken. I have been in Key West for 30 years. Would you believe…..Never tried Dion’s chicken before. A popular item in Key West.
Took the chicken home and devoured. So good! Even better. Hard to describe how good. I will be enjoying it with some degree of regularity from now on.
Clayton and Valerie two of the most respected persons in Key West. Clayton left Australia many years ago and after time in a country or two ended up in Key West. I first met Clayton when he was bartending at Antonia’s. Valerie when she was bartending at Hot Tin Roof.
The couple has operated Vino’s on Duval for 8 years. Hard workers. They have 2 other Vino’s elsewhere in Florida.
The Fantasy Fest Parade resulted in a problem. With all the “perversity” going on, it is fodder for preachers who decry such “wrongdoing.”
A preacher ended up in front of Vino’s. Remained. Had a microphone electrically operated. Stood in front of Vino’s and would not leave. Told everyone in effect how bad they were.
The preacher was affecting Clayton’s business. People were not going into Vino’s. Those on the porch who had paid for a seat were being disturbed.
Clayton twice asked the preacher to please stop and move on. He refused to hear Clayton. Words were exchanged. Clayton was pushed by the preacher.
Retaliation is wonderful. Clayton cut the wire to the microphone.
The police arrived. The preacher was not arrested for battery. Clayton was arrested. For cutting the wire. The charge misdemeanor mischief.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Gillum will be in Key West thursday morning. At 8:30. An early bird. On Higgs Beach, behind Salute’s.
Come hear Florida’s next Governor.
A local blog this morning. Join me tonight for my podcast show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou at 9. Material all non-local. I have much to say. Hear my pointed ranting and raving. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged AAA, Amazon, Aqua, Battery Dead, Blog Talk Radio, Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, Catt Zinger, China, Clayton and Valerie, Cuban Coffee Queen, David Ward, Dion's Chicken, Donna and Terri, Dow, Dr. Norris, Dueling Bartenders, Duterte, Fasting Blood Work, FOX News, Garden of Eden, Harry Dent, Hawaii, Ian Welsh, Jean Thornton, Key West, Key West Lou, Key West Lou Blog Talk Radio, Key West Lou Live Video, Key West Wedding, Kill Liberal Opposition, Leprosy, Microphone Cord, Migration, Oittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, Preacher, Prepare for War, President Xi, Smallpox, Srephanie, Tom Luna, Trump, Tuberculosis, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou, Vino's | Leave a reply
OLD COUPLE
Strange experience last night.
I did not want to go into town. Parking a problem during Goombay and Fantasy Fest. Three different times my car has been towed. $200 plus each time. Additionally, after 25 years I have seen all there is to see about the events. I have rarely attended in recent years.
Diane Millikan is back. Gave her a call and said join me for dinner. Meet me at the new SONIC across the street from where you are staying.
Sonic a new short order food operation in Key West. Mega bucks involved for the property. I was curious what it was like.
I opted to eat at an outside table rather than in the car. One orders by standing in front of a huge screen. The size of a 50 inch TV screen. The menu listed. A press button operation. Someone answers and you place your order.
When the food and bill arrived, I noticed something unusual on the bill: CUST INFO: OLD COUPLE.
Bothered me. Not because I am old. Because SONIC obviously had to have a camera built into the screen that automatically deduced Diana and I are old. SONIC probably requires the information for their purposes. However, it irritated me someone was taking my picture and labeling me without my permission.
See if I eat their cheeseburgers again!
The food sucked. Not because of the picture taking. It did. And the tables were dirty. All of them. I had to clean one off before we sat down.
Today the day! The beginning of Fantasy Fest itself. A wild week ahead. Tourists galore. As many as 60,000 the night of the parade. Every year, I wonder where they sleep. There are not enough rooms in the Keys to accommodate all of them.
A Michael update. Michael’s strength and the surge unearthed 15 19th century ships that had been wrecked off Dog Island by a hurricane. The hurricane occurred in 1899. The ships are siting on the beaches.
Syracuse/UNC an interesting game yesterday afternoon. I missed the best part. I fell asleep.
With 3 minutes to go, Syracuse was losing. I think by 3 points. That is when I fell asleep.
I assumed Syracuse lost and never checked the final score when I woke. I did last night when I returned home. Syracuse won in a double overtime 40-37.
Friends have been e-mailing me and asking…..Wasn’t it a great game!
Not the first time this has happened to me.
This morning’s news advises that Trump announced following his latest rally last night that the U.S. was going to exit its nuclear treaty with Russia. A treaty that was entered into in 1987 between Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev.
Reagan at the time used a Russian proverb as to how he was going to handle whether Russia was complying with the provisions of the agreement. Doveryai no proveryai. Trust, but verify.
Trump claims Russia has been violating the treaty. Why rush to a North Korea type confrontation? All Trump had to do was ask Putin if Russia was. If Putin said no, then Trump should be comfortable with the response. As he was each time Putin told him Russia did not interfere in the 2016 election.
I suspect Trump is playing this new game to show voters he is tough. The November 6 elections around the corner.
Also, this confrontation in the making provides Trump with evidence in the Mueller investigation that he is not friends with Russia. He’s willing to go to nuclear war with them!
Realistically, I doubt any war is about to occur. Russia militarily is not our equal. Except in their new submarine fleet that can shoot missiles onto our shores.
The only way Russia could stand up to the U.S. militarily is if China joined them. A possibility always. Putin and Xi have been making all kinds of economic deals the past few years.
Behind Trump’s present blustering is John Bolton. A bad man. A war monger. Most previous Presidents have been able to avoid him. Trump, not. Bolton talks tough. As does Trump. Birds of a feather.
Trump is turning migration into a campaign issue again. People are escaping Guatemala to avoid harm, to seek a better life for themselves and their children, etc. Trump makes it sound like an attack en mass is coming.
Many of the 4,000 are stuck on a bridge over a river separating Guatemala and Mexico. Body to body. No food, no toilets, no water, no shelter, etc. Sounds like the aftermath of Michael.
One woman interviewed crying while kneeling on the bridge clutching her 11 month old infant to her breast. The baby had a fever. The baby was without a diaper. There were none.
I continue to say if people are willing to walk 2,000 miles and go through these type conditions, they cannot be bad. They are in need. In need of a better way.
Forget the money. We piss money away on many things. Here at least it would go for a good cause.
This is not a crisis. Authorities say except for a spike here and there, immigration is at a 40 year low.
Time to help a neighbor. We forget. Especially the Golden Rule…..Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Don’t respond with…..God helps those who help themselves. These people are trying to help themselves. They are walking 2,000 miles and jeopardizing the health and lives of themselves and their children.
Posted in Key West Lou | Tagged $1 Trillion. National Debt, $100 Million, 15 Ships Unearthed, Baby Bodies Stored/Not Buried, Bridge, China, Crisis, Diana Millikan, Dog Island, Fantasy Fest, Gorbachof, Guatemala, Irma, Jamal Khashoggi, John Bolton, Key West, Key West Lou, Key West Lou Live Video, Mexico, Michael, Migration, Professor Elizabeth Ogerby, Putin, Reagan, Syracuse/UNC, Trump, U.S./Russia Nuclear Treaty, Washington Post | Leave a reply