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keywestlou · 2 years

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BLIZZARD OF 1977

BLIZZARD OF 1977 - https://keywestlou.com/blizzard-of-1977/Buffalo's snowstorm dominates the news. Understandable. Six and a half feet. Buffalo had an even bigger one in 1977. Eight feet plus. Described in inches at the time. One hundred plus. A three day storm. Biggest ever, before or since. The snow began falling on friday January 28. Drifts reached 30 feet in some places. Snow plows were useless. Snow too heavy and deep. Earth moving front end truck loaders were utilized. Brought in from Canada and other U.S. areas. Snow removal a unique exercise. The front loaders filled dump trucks with snow. Toronto provided 2 huge machines which somehow became part of the dump trucks. The machines melted the snow. The water was dumped into street sewers. The water then ran into Lake Erie. The process worked till the federal government said stop! Too many environmental issues would result. By midnight friday, 10,000 cars were stranded in Buffalo. Two thousand on Main Street and eight thousand otherwise on City streets. The stranded vehicles affected snow removal. Buffalo hired 50 tow truck companies to remove them. Saturday afternoon, dump trucks and payloaders were dumping snow directly into the Niagara River. President Carter and Governor Carey issued emergency declarations. The temperature remained a consistent minus 7 degrees Fahrenheit for several days. Winds as high as 51 mph. The winds contributed strongly to the high snow drifts. On sunday and monday, Buffalo and surrounding communities banned unnecessary travel. A serious banning. Arrests made. Fines up to $500 and 90 days in jail. Necessary. Stranded cars prohibited streets from being cleaned. They ended up being buried under the snow. Could not be seen. Still snowing on monday. The sun finally broke through on wednesday February 2. Schools remained closed till February 14. Closed a total of 10 "school days." Besides my research, I have to thank Buffalo's Fran and Tom Dixon. They lived through the blizzard of 1977 and shared their recollections with me. This past weekend's blizzard of no effect as far as the Dixons were concerned. Early reports advised the storm would be 5-6 feet. However, a narrow one in width. The Dixon home was on the periphery. They got all of one inch. So much for snow. Key West has a bubba system. Those born in Key West take care of each other. Some families going back 3-4 generations. Bubbas are a closed society. Do business with each other. New residents to Key West have a difficult, if not impossible, time breaking in. Steve Thompson ran into the bubba system in his early Key West years. Most of Duval was bordered up in early '73. A little business on the 200 block was all I could see. I felt lucky to find a location at 208 Duval for my first store. Key West was just taking off and I couldn't ask for more. I had a ten year lease and I was happy as could be. Then they built a pizza place right in front of me. I have to admit it really did suck. But it forced me to find a second spot a few blocks up. It was probably the worst looking building in Key West. When we were finished, it was one of the best. 501 had been boarded up for years and was in bad shape. The landlord said, "Only a 3 year lease, you'll have to wait." He wanted to see if I would do what I said I would do. Unfortunately, I think he had some other motives too. He wanted to make sure I would fix his building first. In my whole life, that decision was my worst. I put in tile floors, sinks, bathrooms, walk in cooler, all to City Code. I installed windows, doors, gingerbread, signs, and I was ready to fold. The City finally gave me a permit, I was broke and who knows. B.O. opened a fish wagon across the street with only a hose. Luckily, the store took off from day one and did very good. My last year I asked the landlord for that extension. He said he didn't like my manager. He would have to go. I hated to fire him, but I couldn't say no. In December, I met my friend Tony in Miami for our annual ski trip.. He handed me a letter from my landlord, and that was just the tip. It said I had two weeks to vacate, there were too many drunks around. I was surrounded by his bars and I didn't even sell beer. So that was another lesson learned the hard way. When your lease is up, you are going to pay. B.O. was a bubba and they do whatever they want. I always liked Buddy, but I wasn't even a freshwater conch. Enjoy your day!

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bluesdoodles · 8 years

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Skegness Solid Live Music More Blues than Rock in 2017

January drawing to a close, Christmas lights a fading memory. Then your calendar clicks around to Butlins, Skegness for the Great British Rock & Blues Festival, the next year of musical journeys begins. This year the emphasis is on Blues, Rock has fallen if not silent but reduced to a whisper this year, upsetting some and definitely changing the balance and feel of the weekend.

The Introducing Stage got the show underway from 4pm Friday until the early hours of Monday morning. The gaps were minimal the music quality, meeting of friends chatting about what stood out and having fun was the order of the day. The grumble about the lack of rock was justified. The title of the weekend is Rock & Blues so you would expect a balanced mixture. Everyone who knows me knows that I love my Blues of every hue, but I love the energy of Rock, the power of Rock and energy of the stage shows and this year this injection of power was missed. Without the balance of Rock and Blues, we didn’t have the contrast of razor-sharp, sparkling blues guitar and the full-on power chords and stinging licks of granite fueled rock.

Bluesdoodles, Liz Aiken enjoyed the weekend visiting the stages catching acts, missing others. With four stages this was a hectic few days. Starting off with the highlights across the days on Introducing Stage, run by Steve Stanley, of Solid Entertainments with the help from Paul Stiles and the Blues In Britain Team to hand out the voting disks. The Skeggie road takes us to Centre Stage – designated as ‘The Rock Stage’ by the Butlins programming team. The journey continues with a visit to Jaks with its late night sessions jams and a distinctive atmosphere, organised by Blues Matters. Finally, our travels and weary feet take us to Reds, 2017 the Blues stage. The programming was without argument patchy by the Butlins team what was good was very good, interspersed by mediocre and poor. The Road was definitely a Blue cobbled street rather than a rocky trail throughout the 2017 weekend. Let’s hope this is a transition year and next year the balance between Rock and Blues is restored. There are so many young exciting bands on the circuit that would be delighted to entertain the Skeggie crowds.

Now, for the music. GT’s Boos Band got the show under way and they were one of the thirteen excellent bands who delighted the crowded area at the heart of the Skyline Pavilion. The bands played for the chance of performing on a stage at Butlins 2018, decided by public vote. The three successful bands this year were Friday Night – Tom Walker Trio, Saturday, Southbound and the final finalist on Sunday was Greg Coulson Band. The competition was tough every band bought an interpretation of blues and rock that shows the depth of live music in the UK today. Tom Walker Trio, played a set that sparked including originals and an interesting, entertaining interpretation of Joe Bonamassa’s John Henry. Hitting the authentic blues spot Backwater Roll certainly pleased the audience in a packed area. Saturday night showed that this stage is getting more popular every year as the place to find new festival gems that you will want to see live again. Southbound were great on the night with a live performance showcasing the power of the rhythm section as they delivered their distinctive Blues Rock with a bucket of soul sound thrown in for good measure. Matt Edwards Band with Stuart Dixon on bass impressed as did their 2015 album Four Berry Jam. Matt has a voice that makes you listen and his guitar playing has an infectious tone. Amy Eftekhari’s performance of Somewhere Over The Rainbow got the crowds purring with delight. Then it was Sunday two performances really stood out and on another day Elles Bailey would have won. Her vocals have power and the addition of Nick Garner on harp added another dimension to this class act; for me the winner of Sunday night. But the popular vote went to Greg Coulson, who delivered by surrounding himself with excellent musicians and a confident stage presence on the day. His experience as keyboardist with The Selectors shone through combined with strong numbers from his forthcoming debut album. This was party music that lit up the Introducing Stage.

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Centre Stage is where queues form every night long before the doors open. At least now they are entertained by the adjacent Introducing Stage. This year designated The Rock Stage for the first time had one certainty rock would be hard to find. Friday night opened with one of last year’s winners Sugarman Sam & The Voodoo Men. Wow, the transition to main stage fitted the band perfectly with a strong set. The music was hefty blues-rock, punctuated with authentic blues licks that curled around the rhythm section. Sugarman Sam, is growing as the new number She’s A Woman demonstrated. The following act was Eric Sardinas & Big Motor highly anticipated and deeply disappointing in the delivery. Yes, a string did break, but why the length of time off stage, as so many said surely someone of this calibre should have a spare guitar tuned for slide, do a different number or have a guitar tech. It was left to the bass player, Paul Loranger who held the fort not once but twice as Sardinas left the stage and flounced off again. What the band played was good but the flow of the set was disjointed and definitely an off night for this colourful performer of Rock-blues.

Saturday with two sessions the afternoon opened by Texas Flood another winner from 2016. What a winning Rock n’ Roll set. Texas Flood definitely washed away any cobwebs with a rip-roaring high octane set that rocked. This is the rock we want to hear at Skeggie, but why the early timing? It was not as if the evening bands were that exciting. The energy was high, the timing sharp they certainly did Wales proud! The interplay between guitar and bass was sharp and entertaining. Closing the afternoon the Helen Hardy Band entertained. A good R n’ B band the covers we know and flowed through the auditorium as Saturday afternoon drew to a close. Saturday night. Kenney Jones & The Jones Gang, may not be classic rock but this was a band that delighted the crowds with songs from his vast back catalogue. Kenney Jones, the drummer who was the heart of three of the great bands The Small Faces, Faces and The Who. The crowd sung along with delight to Itchycoo Park and more. Leafhound, a rock band were well received with Luke Rayner’s guitar sounding superb, the most underrated of the weekend. (Bluesdoodles spent most of the time in Reds and Jaks this just didn’t rock our boots)

Last day of the festival with a feeling of the night after the day before. The last of 2016 Introducing Stage winners the Rainbreakers started things off. This is a band that never rains on your parade but brings a ray of sunshine Once again proving what a great launch pad the introducing stage is as they also stepped into Centre stage limelight delivering a storming set. The testimony to this was the queue for the merch as people wanted to get their hands on the latest E.P. Rise Up. This was R n’ B with attitude, full of tasty riffs and delicious licks in the eclectic selection of numbers. A class act with loads of potential to be a name on everyone’s lips. Popa Chubby Band closed out the afternoon with his own brand of Blues and R n’ B with his trademarked lead breaks, held together by a solid rhythm section. The crowd really warmed to him many hearing him for the first time. Definitely class blues BUT definitely not Rock as Poppa described his music as Working Class Blues. The night was not about rock but there were three acts that delighted the audiences. Kicking off the double celebration of the Rocking Blues was Laurence Jones with his new line-up. He built the energy, excited the packed house, the guitar was sweet. Laurence full of confidence gained from years of touring and playing live across Europe and the UK. The set was one-hundred percent Laurence with ribbons and bells as he showcased his latest album Take Me High. That is definitely what he did he took us high in to a dazzling blue encrusted music with the edge of rock With Joanne Shaw Taylor up next we were going to be in for a Wild ride. Reflecting her current album, the set was full of deep blues riffs and licks that curled around the audience with a sensuous and stylish flow. The interaction between Joanne and her bassist Luigi Casanova adds energy a visual focal point. Then she breaks away and soars into her renowned guitar solos that hit the spot where musical memories are made. Tonight, was the best I had heard her vocals the balance was perfect so voice and guitar were in balanced harmony. Closing out the festival on Centre Stage was Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel where many re-lived memories and reminded many of the sound track of their youth.

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The weekend selection at Jaks was vast, full of delights and festival gems plus the fun of Saturday afternoon Jam. Ranging from the gently harmonious blues from Fran McGillivray to the dynamic sounds of blues with a punk attitude and sassy energy from the Husky Tones as this duo caught your attention. With a new album out soon this is a band we will be hearing lots of as they ask Who Will I Turn To Now? Closing the night as the other stages fell silent we danced into the early hours with The Revolutionaires led by the charismatic and energetic Ed Stephenson. Saturday afternoon is all about the Jam which two young men, Mikey Maclennan and Steve Liddle ran with style as unfortunately Jam stalwart Gary Boner from Roadhouse was unwell following a recent operation. Everyone wishes Gary a speedy recovery and a hearty welcome back to Skegness 2018. Saturday evening was a night of magic live-music. With two of the acts for many the bands of the weekend. Firstly Catfish who played a blinding set. Deep emotional blues full of verve and style as Matthew Long with his voice and guitar dominated the stage capturing the audience so that no-one was tempted away. Catfish’s rendition of Make It Rain was stunning and the emotions were charged and there were tears of joy as the passions of the audience and the band connected. Their new album, out 28th January, Broken Man will be a hit of 2017 there is definitely nothing broken about this band. How do you follow that with Dom Pipkin & The Ikos and some New Orleans infused music. Closing the night and welcoming in Sunday were LaVendore Rogue. A band that is like marmite with the supporters outweighing those who cannot connect to their interpretation of the blues. Mixing up the set with old Hokie Joint numbers and tracks from the debut album, Light Up With they definitely shone music into our soul tonight. Sunday evening, without Roadhouse they pulled a blinder by filling the gap with Ash Wilson. The anticipation was high, many had seen him play dual guitar in the Sean Webster Band. On stage he was joined by Bob Fridzema and Roger Inniss who played on his debut album, Broken Machine. Joining him on drums tonight was Wayne Proctor sitting in for his brother Phil Wilson who was otherwise engaged playing drums with Laurence Jones on Centre Stage. The set was mature, accomplished a quality performance of R n’B from everyone on stage. We heard covers like My Babe done the Ash way. Ash’s vocals are strong at times sounding like molasses with the bass drum the heartbeat like cotton popping in a sun-drenched field as he Holding Hands was sung. The Revelator a Jesse Davey number picked up the tempo. There was a pure synergy between these top drawer blues musicians a delight to behold and listen to. Be delighted to see him on the Blues main stage next year. Following this Will Johns & Friends, with Mikey Maclennan once again coming to the rescue as stand-in drummer. He met Will and the band a few minutes before stepping on Jaks stage with them to play a festival set. What a brilliant job he did. Very entertaining with witty repartee, brilliant guitar with a fantastic tone. What a high quality set of blues. The festival had one more act as the clocked turned into Monday, Jaks was packed as everyone squeezed a few more musical memories out of The Great Rock & Blues Festival 2017. Kris Barras Band, who delivered blues rock with power and a force to be reckoned with. Another live act that delivers every time building on the studio sound heard in their current album Lucky 13. Blues Matters once again delivered music that will hold many memories and hats off to the DJ Clive Rawlings who each year acts as the glue that held the sessions together.

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Reds this year was coloured with Blues of every hue and shade. With Friday and Saturday dedicated to firstly to the harmonica and then to Alligator Records. Opening the festival for Reds was A Harmonica Explosion, a night where this German folk instrument was re-shaped in tone and playing by Southern States Blues musicians to be forever connected. Blues and harmonica are a perfect pairing. Opening the night was Giles Robson Band, a very entertaining set engaging the audience who were delighted to participate when asked. The music was an explosion of blues harp as we stepped on board the steam train and followed Giles on a ride full of tonal twists and turns of the blues-harp. Later on in the evening he was joined by three more renowned harp-players Magic Dick, who for some reason was not on top form, James Harman beset with frustrating technical issues so his harp was silent for far too long and the cream of the night a musician on fire Billy Branch. When they all played together at the end of the evening we were treated to a harp firework display. The acoustic set from Martin Harley opening on Saturday afternoon was a melodic delight as he explored the tonal ranges of his lap Weissenborn guitar. The covers took us deep into the Delta full of acoustic twists and turns gently kick-starting a harmonious Saturday in Reds turned Blue. The tempo then changed and Reds was packed as loyal fans of Nine Below Zero were once again caressed by the band that knows how to deliver. The only disappointment was this set was on in the afternoon many felt it suited an evening slot. The music drew you in the blues was delivered and everyone left with a deep sigh of contentment. The evening was a celebration of all things Alligator. With a first for Skeggie a Q&A session with Bruce Iglauer President and founder of Alligator records. Lots of interesting questions and we all gained an insight into how a blues label works. Three blinding sets unfurled showing the diversity of electric blues. Marcia Ball got the Alligator Party rocking turning Reds into a Roadhouse for this Blues Spectacular. Proper Chicago blues played by a wonderful group of musicians who with a smile opened up the joy of the blues and entertained. Marcia Ball sung like an angel accompanying herself on the piano with the musicians that pulled together to showcase the sound they just love to share with everyone who listens. Blues is heavenly when played this well. The harmonious and interesting combination of drum shuffles, sax, keys and the power of vocal lyrics was infectious with the guitar pulling the show together. Wow! How do you follow that? Easy when you have the depth of Alligator artists to choose from. Next up blues with a difference a trio, Moreland and Arbuckle. All eyes are focused on Moreland with his cigar box guitar and Arbuckle’s, harp and vocals. A high octane band playing Roots music that rocks you to your core. Electrifying raw delta infused music that gets the adrenalin pumping feet tapping and you get a warm feel good glow as the music surges through your veins. Closing tonight we headed deep into Southside Chicago for authentic urban blues with Toronzo Cannon. Having learnt his craft in the competitive and demanding Windy city club scene it takes a special blues magic to rise above the crowd. Toronzo has that with style and a flourish as he melds smooth vocals and stinging guitar chords. With a mix of his own numbers with strong lyrics and a couple of covers; what a dynamic end to an evening that enveloped you in Chicago Blues and so much more.

Sunday at Reds was a mixed package for me opening with Lil Jimmy Reed featuring Bob Hall on Keys this was the perfect blues smoothie for early Sunday afternoon. Followed by Paul Jones and Dave Kelly as a duet Sunday was a smooth affair. The evening was a mix David Knopfler on acoustic guitar, disappointed, The Blues Band as ever delivers British blues with style and aplomb. Closing the night is Jamie Williams and The Roots Collective; this is blues infused with English Folk and roots music. Closing the festival on Reds they delivered a stylish set that didn’t for me shout out the blues. Not a celebration but a party we all enjoyed.

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There were many highlights of every Blue hue the strongest stages over the whole festival weekend were Jaks and the Introducing Stage. The night celebrating Alligator Records was a combination of brilliant blues drenched music. The three young bands who won The Introducing Stage Sugarman Sam & The Voodoo Men, Texas Flood and The Rainbreakers, all added a shine to the festival. Memories of 2017 will be many and all tinged in blue rather than rock. The acts that you should run to see again are Catfish, LaVendore Rogue, Ash Wilson, the winners of the Intro Stage and Elles Bailey. Joanne Shaw Taylor in this form is a force to be reckoned with, Marcia Ball , Moreland & Arbuckle, Toronzo Cannon and the harp supremacy that is Giles Robson.

Skegness Solid Live Music More Blues than Rock in 2017 Skegness Solid Live Music More Blues than Rock in 2017 January drawing to a close, Christmas lights a fading memory.

#Blues #Butlins Big Weekend #Butlins Music Weekend #Butlins Skegness for the Great Rock & Blues Festival #centre Stage #Festival #Festival Music #Great British Rock & Blues Festival #Great Rock & Blues Festival #Introducing Stage #JAKS #January 2017 #live music #Reds Stage #rock #Skegness 2017

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latoyarubalcava3546 · 7 years

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Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, & More Stars React To Their Golden Globes Nominations!

It's an honor just to be nominated!

And the stars who received nominations for the 75th annual Golden Globes were definitely basking in the glory.

The full list of nominees, announced Monday morning, included films like Get Out, The Disaster Artist, and I, Tonya. TV nominees included Big Little Lies, Game of Thrones, Stranger Things, and Will & Grace.

Honorees of the big and small screen reacted to their projects' nominations with gratitude, excitement, and, in the case of Seth Rogen, jokes about "big Hollywood awards." See the stars' reactions (below)!

Over 7 years ago we began the journey to get @GreatestShowman made into a major motion picture. Through all of the (literal) blood, sweat and tears .... giving up was never an option. As it is said - with great risk comes great reward. Thank you #HFPA! @goldenglobes http://pic.twitter.com/qgyZ5v9AUh — Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) December 11, 2017

THE DISASTER ARTIST get nominated for big Hollywood awards!! What a story!! https://t.co/OAtIDytCYk — Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 11, 2017

Thanks for the congrats, everyone! Much love to my #InsecureHBO family & congrats to the other nominees! #GoldenGlobes https://t.co/ZLMoyq11v0 — Issa Rae (@IssaRae) December 11, 2017

Congrats @DavidKHarbour and @Stranger_Things for the #GoldenGlobes nominations! Happy days💕 #DadDance @netflix http://pic.twitter.com/vhRXU2VK4p — Millie Bobby Brown (@milliebbrown) December 11, 2017

Congrats to our very own hero @DavidKHarbour The Duffer Bros, and the entire cast and crew, our family of weirdos and freaks @Stranger_Things @ShawnLevyDirect us https://t.co/EZaSKPxOzL — Noah Schnapp (@noah_schnapp) December 11, 2017

Billie Jean King congratulated Emma Stone and Steve Carell's nominations for Battle of the Sexes, the biopic about her famous battle on the tennis court.

Congratulations to #EmmaStone and @SteveCarell on their @goldenglobes Best Actress and Best Actor nominations for @billievsbobby! Two great people who delivered two incredible performances. Proud to have played a small part in the film's success! #GoldenGlobes — Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) December 11, 2017

Baby Driver director Edgar Wright gave a shoutout to the film's lead actor Ansel Elgort:

Go, Baby, go! https://t.co/yoVo1GzA27 — edgarwright (@edgarwright) December 11, 2017

And here's what Baby himself had to say:

😳 I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! Violetta woke me up this morning telling me I was nominated for a GOLDEN GLOBE for baby driver!!! I kept asking if I was still dreaming 😭 Honestly never expected this would happen for me. Thank you HFPA and Edgar Wright and Sony pictures! Wow wow wow. — Ansel Elgort (@AnselElgort) December 11, 2017

Nicole Kidman on being nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series for Big Little Lies:

"We are all aware of how rare it is for a show and it's cast to be honored in such a huge way, and we are all incredibly grateful. Thank you to the Hollywood Foreign Press for giving the show so much love. It was made with love, guided by the incredible David E. Kelley and Jean-Marc Vallée as well as my partners in passion Reese Witherspoon, Per Saari and Bruna Papandrea. The character Celeste is so precious to me and the recognition is deeply appreciated."

Meryl Streep on being nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama, for The Post:

"I'm thrilled for the movie, for Steven and Tom, and for the incredible ensemble of actors who made this movie need its moment in history. Thanks HFPA."

Emma Stone on being nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, for Battle of the Sexes:

"Thank you to the HFPA for this honor and thank you beyond measure to the one and only Billie Jean King. She is a brilliant, brave and game changing human being and I wish to be half the woman she is someday. I share this with the whole cast and crew of BATTLE OF THE SEXES, a film I feel very lucky to have been a part of."

Sam Rockwell on being nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri:

"I want to thank the members of the HFPA for this honor, and to also thank and congratulate Martin McDonagh, my friend and collaborator, for bringing Dixon, Mildred, and the characters of Three Billboards to the screen. It is both exciting and humbling to be joined by Willem, Armie, Christopher and Richard, all of whom I have admired for many years. I am thrilled for Fran, Martin, Carter and the cast and crew who made Three Billboards."

Congrats to all nominees! Who do you think will take home the Globes on January 7?

[Image via 20th Century Fox/HBO.]

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lorettalivingston6911 · 7 years

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Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, & More Stars React To Their Golden Globes Nominations!

I look younger now than when I was in my early 20s

It's an honor just to be nominated!

And the stars who received nominations for the 75th annual Golden Globes were definitely basking in the glory.

THE DISASTER ARTIST get nominated for big Hollywood awards!! What a story!! https://t.co/OAtIDytCYk — Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) December 11, 2017

Thanks for the congrats, everyone! Much love to my #InsecureHBO family & congrats to the other nominees! #GoldenGlobes https://t.co/ZLMoyq11v0 — Issa Rae (@IssaRae) December 11, 2017

Billie Jean King congratulated Emma Stone and Steve Carell's nominations for Battle of the Sexes, the biopic about her famous battle on the tennis court.

Baby Driver director Edgar Wright gave a shoutout to the film's lead actor Ansel Elgort:

Go, Baby, go! https://t.co/yoVo1GzA27 — edgarwright (@edgarwright) December 11, 2017

And here's what Baby himself had to say:

Nicole Kidman on being nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series for Big Little Lies:

Meryl Streep on being nominated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama, for The Post:

"I'm thrilled for the movie, for Steven and Tom, and for the incredible ensemble of actors who made this movie need its moment in history. Thanks HFPA."

Emma Stone on being nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy, for Battle of the Sexes:

Sam Rockwell on being nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture, for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri:

Congrats to all nominees! Who do you think will take home the Globes on January 7?

[Image via 20th Century Fox/HBO.]

Real celebrity on the items

from LL Celeb Fueads http://ift.tt/2iTeqly via IFTTT

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keywestlou · 6 years

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HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

Happy Fourth of July!

Independence Day. The birthday of our country.

Two hundred forty two years old. It was July 4, 1776 at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia that the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

We are a young nation. Compare our age to that of European nations. Still growing. Tensions abound. The Trump era crazy and dangerous.

America celebrates. Tonight, fireworks! In Key West, off the White Street Pier.

This past week has been strange politically. Relatively quiet. We have not heard from Rudy Giuliani and other Trump cohorts who were making the news. Are they quiet because of Michael Cohen on the verge of possibly flipping?

Cohen is making noise like Trump when he wants something. He is using the media. Cohen seems to be telling the Second District he wants to jump fence and play on their side. Thus far they have not picked up on his offer.

Spent yesterday afternoon fine tuning last night’s podcast. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Thoroughly enjoyed doing the show. Covered a multitude of sins. Wish I had had more time.

Casey joined me for dinner before the show. At Roostica.

Casey and his 70′ x 30′ catamaran sit in the water off Hogfish. Casey new to Key West. Been here all of 10 days. Yesterday, he took his dingy and visited Wisteria Island. He is interested in Key West lore. The day before he went out into the Gulf a bit and did some diving.

Jennifer waited on us. It has been two years since I last saw her. She was pregnant at the time and due any day. She proudly showed me her son’s picture. Two years old. A handsome little man.

Good friends Fran and Tom Dixon have arrived. Buffalo their home. They visit four times a year. Stay at Ocean Key. Tom is on the Board.

We are doing dinner tonight. Meeting at 6 at the Chart Room. My turn to host. Probably the A&B Lobster House. Plan on calling for a reservation since today is a holiday.

Fran is concerned for me. She thinks I am not well fed. She brings me food from Buffalo. Tonight, I will receive at least 4 jars of homemade sauce containing pork, sausage and meatballs. Plus low carb bread and home made candy.

Love the woman!

You have to believe in guardian angels! God, too! Two examples evidencing why.

A few days ago, the cruise liner Norwegian Gallery was 28 miles off the northwest of Cuba. A crew member fell off the ship. His fall seen. The ship backed up and searched. Could not find him. Authorities notified. Air and sea searches proved fruitless.

The next day, the cruise ship Carnival Glory was traveling in the opposite direction. Twenty one miles off the north coast of Cuba. Saw the crew member in the water. He was rescued. In good health.

The man had been in the water 22 hours. Treading. No life jacket. Fortunately the water is warm and calm this time of year. Even more fortunate, a shark did not come upon him.

Did the man have a guardian angel? No question in my mind. God was looking after him.

A Thailand event the other example.

A 12 member soccer team and their coach got lost in a mountain gave in north Thailand. The boys 11-16.

The cave is part of a huge mountain. Full of corridors of all sizes. Some entrances small. The boys had to squeeze to get through. The team was able to get down into the heart of the mountain about one mile.

Then stuck. Water all around them. The caves have flowing water in various depths.

They could not get out. Spent 10 days in the dark and without food. Searchers and divers arrived from all over the world. A total of 1,000 looking to provide assistance. Two British divers found them over the weekend.

All basically in good health. Food, water and medical assistance provided.

At this point it is clear the kids and their coach had a special guardian angel looking over them. God directing their rescue.

The rescue is not complete however. It has been raining since the team got lost. The rainy season. Every day. The rain sometimes six inches in an hour. Cave passage ways flooding.

The team will have to swim and dive in order to get out. A mile.

None know how to swim or dive. Present plans are to teach them how to swim and dive. Then take them out. Two professional divers guiding each team person.

It is estimated the plan will take months. However so far the only way determined to get them out.

Hope the guardian angels and the good Lord stay with them.

Children detained in chain linked cages. We should be ashamed! I do not understand how Trump supporters find nothing wrong with the scenario: “They broke the law.” “They brought their children into the U.S.” “They invited what is happening to them.”

For shame!

The Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis is expressing its concern and disagreement. Statues of Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus sit on the lawn of the Church in a chain linked enclosed cage.

BOB says it is a holiday. He is not writing today.

Enjoy your Fourth!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY was originally published on Key West Lou

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keywestlou · 2 years

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I’M BACK

I’M BACK - https://keywestlou.com/im-back-5/I'm back! What a wonderful feeling! A new game plan. The blog will be published daily for 3-4 weeks. Then to podcasting also. Three podcasts a week. One to 3 blogs per week also. The past 2 months have been hell. I temporarily stopped doing the blog in preparation for my parathyroid surgery in Tampa July 13. Late in June, I fell down the stairs. Fractured 2 vertebrae. Hospital, 4 day stay at Lisa's, pain for 10 days. The pain excruciating! The parathyroid surgery went well, except the outcome not as anticipated. Could be some problems down the line. I was home a week recovering from the surgery when my right ankle swelled to the size of almost 2 soft balls. Pain. As bad as the fractured vertebras. Difficult to walk. A potassium problem. I am on a heavy daily dosage of potassium. It has been a month. Pain and swelling gradually reducing. Swelling down to one soft ball. Pain down to 10 percent. Doctor says another 4 weeks and ankle will be ok. Whatever, I am finally back! Thrilled! My maladies kept me confined to home, with few exceptions. Walking and driving next to impossible. My few home departures revealing. Key West quiet. Duval has many empty stores. Restaurants and bars with limited service. Help the problem. Hotels expensive. Rediculously so. Grandson Robert left for college friday. His first classes today at Florida State. Excited! A new world is opening to him. Ally is a high school senior. She begins college next year. Which will mean a whole new world for Lisa and Corey. Corey spent more than 30 years at Mel Fisher. Corey became a world respected expert re Spanish wrecks and slave ships. He has moved on to another position. Tom Hambright has been the beloved Monroe County historian for 36 years. He retired. Corey has replaced him as Historian. Corey and Robert starting new careers at the same time. Many who are not targets of an investigation nevertheless seek to avoid subpoenas. Lindsay Graham being the most recent example. Such should not be the case, especially where the individual is an elected official and not a target. These individuals are taking advantage of the court system and its built in delays to avoid testifying. The law should be adjusted to prohibit elected officials under such circumstances to avoid giving testimony. The alternative is always available for them to take the Fifth Amendment if they have something to hide. Formal religion has been on the downslide the past 40 years. Churches consolidating and/or closing. People either practicing religion in their minds and homes or abandoning religion entirely. People need to believe. In something or someone. It is an inherent need. Trump has replaced God for many. Most of his followers cultists. He is their new God. God help us. I went out for the first time in weeks last week. Fran and Tom Dixon were in from Buffalo. We met by prearrangement at the Chart Room. First time in at least a year I was there. John bartending. Steve Thompson came down when he heard I was in. It was good to see them. I missed my Chart Room family. Steve brought with him some notes he has put together regarding Key West in the 1970s. An addition to materials he provided me a yar ago. Great tidbits re Key West. His historical recollections are first hand. He lived them. I will occasionally share one with you. Today's share concerns Mamoo. First time I heard the name. Mamoo a 1970s character. Mamoo hung out on lower Duval. He was the one always having a ball. He had an Aussie accent and wore a sarong. That's a skirt from the waist that hangs long. He was always around, he never went far. He 86ed from Sloppy's for handstands on the bar. It would have been ok and they wouldn't care if he only had been wearing underwear. He came to Steve's taco stand every day. He wanted his burrito made a certain way. Extra everything with sour cream. A whole half pound with beef and bean. We called it the Mamoo Special and it was a big hit. If you were on Duval in the 70's, you probably tasted it. That one item turned out to be gold. In all, over a million were sold. Jean and Joe Thornton are in town. My ankle has prevented me from seeing them yet. I've made it to Geiger Key twice in the last 2 months. Like the place. The setting perfect. Like being in the quiet middle of wetlands. News reports indicate an extra large influx of Cubans. Most caught and returned. Several of their boats have found a final resting place at Geiger Key's docks. Why, I don't know. They are interesting to see. How people can endanger their lives and those of their families is difficult to understand. Drowning is as certain as reaching the Keys. It is worth a trip to Geiger Key to see the boats. Food for thought in many respects. Jean Thornton worries about everyone. Like me during my recent days of infirmity. Captain Peter, aka British Peter, one of her recent concerns. She has telephoned her concerns to me recently via telephone. Peter supposedly now living in the Melbourne area. Does not answer his phone. Even his family does not know where he is. Peter is on in his years. I am 87. I would guess he is around my age. Steve and Cindy Thompson have been in Melbourne this past week. They found Peter. He is ok. Problem is he has a new telephone. He is having difficulty learning how to work it. Sounds like me. Anyhow, Jean and everyone else happy Peter is alive and well. A couple of brief comments re Steve and Cindy Thompson. Husband and wife forever. Steve visited Key West for the first time in 1972. He came down full time in 1974. He lived the Key West life in its hey day. Knew everyone and everyone knew him. Met and married Cindy. A charming couple even today. Cindy had her own Key West life. She was Jimmy Buffett's assistant for 23 years. So much for my first blog. Hope you enjoyed!

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keywestlou · 3 years

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SANTA CLAUS SHORTAGE

SANTA CLAUS SHORTAGE - http://keywestlou.com/santa-claus-shortage/Everything is in short supply! Even Santa Claus! There are national and regional companies that rent Santa Claus to malls and stores. They are having a problem this year. Too few Santas available. Two reasons. One, many retired due to the pandemic. The other health concern related also. Santas that still want to work but have a fear of contacting COVID so are taking this year off. Numbers never lie. The demand increase for Santas over last year is 120 percent. The decrease in available Santas 10 percent. The old law of supply and demand. Many businesses and families noting this year's problem have already made reservations for "meet and greet" next year. Those places that will have Santa this year have a new set of rules. Included are any child over 2 must wear a mask. Social distancing is in play. No lap sitting will be allowed. Sadness takes many forms. The Santa problem is one. I was out last night. Almost like the old days. Fran and Tom Dixon are in town. It was our night together. We met first at the Chart Room. Good to see them! Friends for years! Fran looked her delightful best as usual. Always a deep tan. Tom his normal cheerful self. There were two other couples at the bar. The lady portion of one had lived in Utica for 20 years. We reminisced about the town. She and her boy friend have been coming to Key West for 20 years. The other couple told me we had met last year. I remembered their faces, but not names. We chatted briefly. It was good to walk the length of the bar chatting with the visitors. I was doubly happy that my old friends Fran and Tom were spending the evening with me. It was cold. Around 68 degrees. Did not want to have dinner outside at the Pier House. Instead, we went across the street to Ocean Key. A quiet night through out town. Thanksgiving visitors had left. The three of us raised a bit of hell at the Hot Tin Roof. Company and meals both good. Fran mothers me. For years. This year's gifts included two cheese cakes. She made them both while here in the kitchen of their suite at Ocean Key House. Several different type candies. Always good! One failure. Fran supplies me with face masks. Ten or twelve at a time. She makes them up in Buffalo. Well done. She forgot to bring them this trip. I will have to survive with the tons of face masks I have. Both from Fran and which I purchased. I was always afraid I would run out. The Democrats have to stop screwing around. For experienced politicians, they appear inept most times. They have to bring back the filibuster. It is REQUIRED to save the country (especially a voting rights bill), enable Biden's overall programs to pass, and help America's people to live a better life. OTHERWISE, the U.S. will move dramatically closer to a change in government style, to a radical lifestyle for its people, and my sense is a government tending Nazi in nature. I filled the gas tank last week at $3.35 a gallon. Driving in town last night, I noticed each station had the same price. $4.25 a gallon. Enjoy your day!

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keywestlou · 3 years

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SANTA CLAUS SHORTAGE

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keywestlou · 3 years

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THE ANCHOR AROUND OUR NECKS

The anchor around our necks is a compilation of Joe Manchin, Krysten Sinema, House Progressives, and Republicans.

Their attitudes…..Our way or the highway! If any fail to get what they want, they are prepared to tear the government down.

Joe Manchin thinks he is glorified. Knows everything. When actually knows little.

Manchin does not make sense. His tune changes daily as to what is important.

He represents West Virginia. Coal country. Understandable he wants to protect the coal industry. Not the reason he is anti-climate change however. The media continues to hide the fact that Manchin and his family own good portions of two West Virginia coal plants. Enersystems Inc. and Farmington Resources.

He is protecting his own economic base when he is anti-climate control.

Kyrsten Sinema is one of the U.S. Senators from Arizona.

She is cashing in on her opposition to the $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill. Today for example 5 lobbying groups, who have asked her to oppose the bill, are sponsoring a fundraiser for her.

The shame of it all. The lobbyists could not wait till after the social infrastructure failed. Sinema could have told them to wait. However, everyone involved including the Senator apparently wanted the nation to know whose side Sinema is on.

Sinema has additionally let it be known she is opposed to paying for the $3.5 trillion bill by increasing taxes on major corporations and the rich.

The Progressives, especially in the House,cannot be blamed for playing hardball. FDR was probably the last time progressives achieved anything significant.

Problem is the size of the bill. The Progressives assume this may be the last time for years when they will be able to get anything of significance. So they want it all! May not be the correct way. A bit here and there every year may continue to be the best way.

Republicans. Useless. A destructive force. A dying entity. Playing out their last hurrah.

Ford is to be complimented. Putting their monies on the line.

Ford announced yesterday that together with a South Korean supplier they will spend $11.4 billion on 3 plants to produce electric cars and 1 truck plant.

Eleven thousand jobs will be created.

Got to love New York’s new Governor Hochul. She spoke sunday before worshipers at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn. She told the worshipers, “God wants you to get vaccinated.”

Pfizer’s CEO said “normal life” will not return without continued coronavirus vaccines. Shots will be required on an annual basis as is the flu shot.

Good friends David and Marilyn live in Kentucky. For many years, they owned a second home in Key West. They sold it a couple of years ago. They thought Key West was changing, etc. David told me they planned on becoming world travelers.

They have.

Received an e-mail from David this morning. He and Marilyn are leaving for Greece. Fly first to Athens for 3 days. Then onto a cruise ship for a trip through the Greek isles and other European ports.

I envy them! I miss Greece! Of course, I sent them an immediate response recommending some of my favorite Athens’ places to visit, dine, etc.

Enjoy, my friends!

I cheated for the second time yesterday on my new quarantine. Enjoyed a late lunch at Geiger Key with Tom and Fran Dixon.

They leave Key West today to return home to Buffalo. In two days, they fly to France to spend one week visiting the French wine country.

Ted Williams will forever be known as one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

This day in 1941 was one of the most significant in his baseball career.

It was the last day of the baseball season. A doubleheader. Williams made 8 trips to the plate. Got 6 hits. He ended the season with a .406 batting average. The first player since Bill Terry in 1930 to hit .400.

Williams was a fisherman. He purchased a home on Islamorada, the Fishing Capital of the World. Spent well over 20 years living there. Most in retirement.

He wrote he sold his home on Islamorada when he had to wait to cross U.S. 1. The town had become too busy for him.

Syracuse plays its first ACC game saturday against Florida State. Kick off 3:30.

Syracuse is 3-1, Florida State 0-4. Nevertheless, Florida State is favored by 4.5 points. Two of Florida State’s losses were against ACC teams, whereas Syracuse’s first ACC game will be against Florida State.

Tonight, I rant and rave. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Join me. The show is fast moving and interesting.

Enjoy your day!

Manchin is on a “trip.” Among other things, a mental case. He considers himself glows everything

THE ANCHOR AROUND OUR NECKS was originally published on Key West Lou

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keywestlou · 3 years

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SPORTS DAY TODAY

Great day today! What could be better? The Ryder Cup by day and Syracuse football in the evening.

It is 11:30 and I am just beginning to write the blog. Started at 6 this morning with the research. Have been running back and forth from the office to the TV. Hopefully the blog will go smoothly and I can soon return to the TV full time.

Another hurricane on the way. Sam. Purported to be a big one. Already a category 3 and only in mid Atlantic. Expected to be a 4 when it hits land. No certainty yet where “land” will be. Maybe Florida, maybe not. All land points remain open.

Whatever, a biggie. Sounds dangerous.

Great people these Taliban. They live by the Quran and die by the Quran. Properly so. It is their religion.

The Taliban announced they will begin carrying out executions and amputations of hands. Must be permissible in the Quran. However, the Taliban advised the executions and amputations will no longer be public. I assume, though I might not be correct, the Quran does not spell out a place for execution.

I cheated on my quarantine last night.

Tom and Fran Dixon are back in town. Travelers they are. Fear not caronavirus. They leave Key West to return to Buffalo tuesday. Leave for France for a week friday.

Love their company. We have been friends 15 years. Met in Key West that long ago. They live in Buffalo. Visit Key West frequently. Tom owns a small piece of the Ocean Key House.

We met at the Chart Room. I told them the time I would arrive. My marching orders were they should be done drinking and have paid the bill. I wanted to spend no time in the Chart Room. My beloved Chart Room scares me during the pandemic. It is small and when packed there has to be a lot of virus jumping around.

I walked in and they were ready to walk out.

We ate on the Pier House Deck. Another of my requirements. We had to eat outside. The food was wonderful. The company excellent. We had a great time.

They have to be good friends to put up with me.

The Maricopa County audit is complete. No improprieties found. Biden even garnered 300 plus additional votes in the audit.

It was announced that a new audit has begun. In Texas. Strange. My recollection is Trump won Texas by 5.5 percent of the vote. Though it was the closest Presidential race in decades.

The Texas audit initially will be of 4 counties. Two Republican and two Democratic. Guess the goal is to try to show cheating in the Democratic counties.

The new audit as stupid as the Maricopa County one was. Waste of time and money.

Apparently Trump imposed on Governor Abbott to have the Texas audit initiated.

I cannot understand how Republicans stand loyal to Trump. Republicans have always supposedly been the smarter of the two political parties.

A recent poll indicated 78 percent of Republicans believe Biden lost and Trump won. The poll was done by CNN/SSRS.

I close with a couple of coronavirus items.

The CDC Advisory Board announced yesterday that persons over 65 and those in long term care facilities will be the first to receive booster shots. Pfizer so far approved. Moderna approval expected in the next 2 weeks.

Pfizer booster shots will be available beginning next friday.

Trump continues to run the Republican Party. His craziness continues to warp the Republican Party. Pennsylvania another new state for audit, investigation…..whatever it will develop into.

The Pennsylvania Senate is leading the probe. They have issued or are in the process of issuing 9 million subpoenas. The subpoenas are to all Pennsylvania voters. Require the voters to provide specific personal information. Most or all of which is not of the Senate’s business.

A lawsuit already commenced by the Democratic Pennsylvania Attorney General claiming the subpoenas not legal in any fashion.

This “crap” has to stop! The courts are the only place these oddball improper activities by Trump or his henchmen can be halted. When an entity such as a State Senate does something like the subpoena thing in makes people wonder if Trump might not be correct in asserting the election was rigged.

Enjoy your day!

SPORTS DAY TODAY was originally published on Key West Lou

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keywestlou · 3 years

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KEY WEST KILLING THE GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GOLDEN EGGS

I was out on the town again last night. Dinner with Fran and Tom Dixon at one of Key West’s finest restaurants. I am intentionally not naming the restaurant.

The food and service outstanding! The best.

Prices likewise outstanding. Off the wall! Expensive beyond belief! Most entries $60.

I should have known. If hotel rooms, homes to purchase, and rental apartments are expensive, why not dining out food?

Everyone likes to make money. Bothers me the level charged is gluttonous. Key West is killing the goose that lays the golden eggs.

The restaurant had a good crowd. Several families with little children. How they could afford the bill, I cannot understand.

I read in one of the travel magazines a couple of weeks ago that Key West was the most expensive place to vacation in the U.S. What an achievement! Wondered then and wonder now whether such a distinction is a good one.

Many first timers may not visit Key West again. An equally fine vacation can be found in other places in Florida and the United States. Second homes equally as nice, if not better in many instances, available for purchase other than Key West. Rentals a joke. Working staff pay most of their salaries for rent. The result not uncommon to find 3-4 people sharing a 2 bedroom apartment.

Hotels and restaurants have staffing problems. Many left because of the pandemic. Many not returning because of the astronomical cost to live here.

When you call for a restaurant reservation and are told tables only available too early or too late, it is not because the restaurants are doing a bang up business. They do not have the staff to operate their businesses! Tables must intentionally be left empty.

I give it 2-3 years at the most. The gluttony will come to an end. The number of people coming will decrease dramatically. It is nature’s way of balancing things out.

Surfside a disaster. Only 9 persons found thus far. Each dead. One hundred fifty two still under the wreckage. No one knows if any are alive.

A national tragedy.

Beginning in 2018, there were two engineering reports. The first reported “major structural damage.” It was followed one month later by a report from another engineering group. This one directly to the condo board. Reported the building had serious problems.

In between somewhere, a third entity reported the building was “in very good shape.”

Heads are going to roll! Misfeasance, malfeasance, whatever. Accountability required. Absolutely no question in view of the reports involved.

Do not be surprised if along the way, investigation reveals “money may have changed hands” It has been reported the cost of repair prior to the building’s fall was in the area of $9 million.

College taught me how to think. To question, to challenge. Understandable. The purpose of a college education is for students to learn “how to think.” Note not “what” to think. But, “how.”

Leonard Petts on 6/25 in the Miami Herald wrote an excellent Opinion piece on the subject. His motivation as well as mine in writing this piece is how to think will not continue if Republicans like Florida’s Governor DeSantis have their way.

Last week, DeSantis signed a bill requiring the State’s public colleges and universities to survey students and faculty concerning “indoctrinating students.” DeSantis hinted those failing to show “intellectual diversity” would face budget cuts.

Petts suggests “today’s Republicans are terrified of educated, curious, open minds. You know, people who can think.”

DeSantis uses simple understanding terms. He makes people think the State will control what college kids learn. Not the faculties or the students themselves. Somewhat like Hitler did in the late 1930s.

DeSantis’ questionably activity came 2 weeks after he pushed to ban teaching of the “critical race theory.” The academic framework which “originated” with legal scholars over 40 years ago.

The purpose of what DeSantis and his cohorts are trying to do “is not further intellectual diversity, but to prevent it.”

Petts believes Conservatives find education dangerous.

Pew Research Center in a recent study found “the better educated tend to be liberals.” Their conclusion based on the premise that once a person learns to think, the less susceptible “thin reasoning and easy answers.”

Petts added “perpetual resentment” is on daily display. He wrote, “I mean is anyone overawed by the profundity of Matt Gaetz and Marjorie Taylor Greene? How about Louie Gohmert? Or, even Ron DeSantis?”

An interesting line from Pett’s writing: Conservatives work “to make the world safe for ignorance.”

It was announced yesterday that the Trump corporation/business was going to be arrested this week.

Sounds strange, I know. However this is how it works.

The corporation is first arrested. Some time following, the officers. The officers can be arrested at the same time as the corporation. However, it appears prosecutors are only going to arrest the corporation first.

The Trump corporation in this instance is Trump, his children, son in law, other titled officers, and principals.

My gut feeling is the government needs more Michael Cohens. Which means the government may not have sufficient wrongdoers willing to “blow” some other “person or persons” in.

It comes as the officers sweat more, feel the noose tightening. Then it is a race to see who will talk first. Cooperation leads to no sentence or a shorter one.

KEY WEST KILLING THE GOOSE THAT LAYS THE GOLDEN EGGS was originally published on Key West Lou

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keywestlou · 3 years

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SOPHIA LOREN.....86 / LOUIS.....SOON TO BE 86

Read the famed movie actress Sophia Loren is 86. Since I am 9 days short of being 86, thought I would write about certain aspects of her life .

Sophia is returning to the cinema after an 11 year absence. Excited.

The film a Netflix drama “The Life Ahead.” Sophia plays a Holocaust survivor who now befriends children of deceased sex workers with whom she once was a street walker also. She befriends 12 year old Mono, a Senegalese orphan.

The film is directed by Sophia’s son Edoardo Ponti.

Apparently this is Sophia Loren time for me. This past week I watched her interviewed on TV. The interview had to be at least 15 years ago. Her son Edoardo interviewed her.

Sophia’s love life was a part of the interview. She was in love with two men at the same time. Cary Grant and Carlo Ponti. She fell in love with Grant while making a movie with him.

Who to marry? Weighty. She opted for Ponti. Remained good friends with Grant, however.

Additional writings I reviewed prior to writing this portion of her life names Carlo as Edoardo’s father.

In the TV interview, it was intimated, suggested, Grant was Edoardo’s father. Sophia and Edoardo laughingly danced around the issue.

In a recent interview, Sophia said in spite of being 86 she felt 20.

I can understand. Mentally, I have remained 35. Sharp. My body however isn’t 35. It seems to be falling apart. The number of doctor visits and hospital tests attest to the fact.

No problem. Happy to be here, doing what I do. The cane no longer bothers me.

Sophia has her physical problems. In one of the articles I read, there was a picture of Sophia being pushed around in a wheel chair.

Such is life!

Florida Governor DeSantis is inept. Mentally deficient. Trump smarter.

DeSantis is sneaky also.

He recently signed a bill into law that bans “vaccine passports.” He made a big deal of it. No way was he going to impose the vaccine passport requirement on the people of Florida.

He failed to advise that another portion of the new law allowed the State to “use any means necessary to vaccinate” citizens. If the virus gets out of hand, the State can “force…..vaccinations” and such power is “immediately enforceable.”

Sort of hypocritical.

DeSantis “wants his cake and eat it too.” Which means he “can’t have it both ways.” A person cannot have the best of both worlds.

The Houston Hospital situation is interesting. The hospital told its employees they had to be vaccinated n order to continue employment. If not vaccinated, no job. They could not continue employment with the hospital.

Some 150 plus employees have sued in federal court to have the hospital’s decision declared illegal.

Now comes the City of San Francisco. Thirty seven thousand employees. San Francisco has passed a “somewhat” similar determination.

A quirky decision.

The San Francisco ordinate or what ever it is called, requires workers to be vaccinated within 10 days of “final approval by the FDA” of a vaccine.

Thus far no vaccine has been “finally” approved. All vaccines permitted to be used are for “emergency” purposes.

Donald returned in a public appearance last night. Trump did a “rally” in Wellington, Ohio.

Trump ranted about items of which he disapproved.

One was the Biden administration embracing the critical race theory. He mocked “woke generals.”

Woke is defined as an alert to injustice in a society, especially in the area of racism.

The military under Biden teaches now its members the history of racism in the U.S. Trump does not want it continued. Makes sense. Trump is a racist. No way should people be made aware of the evils of racism.

Trump told his admirers that the military will revolt if the teaching continues. He claims privates will refuse to follow orders of a general.

Trump slammed Biden repeatedly during his 90 minute speech. Throwing in lengthy asides that the 2020 election had been stolen.

A final theory espoused by Trump was that Biden was “squandering the hard earned respect the U.S. had earned on the world stage.” He claimed Biden and his people “were bowing to our enemies and embarrassing our country on the world stage.”

Dinner out tonight with Fran and Tom Dixon at Hot Tin Roof. A fun evening guaranteed!

SOPHIA LOREN…..86 / LOUIS…..SOON TO BE 86 was originally published on Key West Lou

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keywestlou · 3 years

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FINALLY.....A FUN NIGHT

I went 412 days in self-quarantine. Six weeks since. I have found it hard to go out. Interesting, since I was out almost every night before the self-quarantine.

My desires had changed. Watching a movie on TV became better than out on the town. I have only gone out about 6 times in the past 6 weeks.

Neither good nor healthy. Finally broke the glass ceiling last night.

Fran and Tom Dixon are in town. Buffalo residents. They visit about 4 times a year. Always stay at Ocean Key House. Tom owns a small piece of it.

The three of us have been friends more than 15 years. Good people, fun people.

We met at the Chart Room last night. By design. The first time we have been out together since before coronavirus. Game plan was the Chart Room and dinner afterwards.

It was yesterday! We sat and laughed for about 2 hours at the bar. I was with people I knew and liked!

They drank. I did not.

Time to eat arrived. We decided the Pier House. Tom went back to get a table. Returned and shocked me.

It was 7. Hostess told him no tables available till 9:30.

Tom walked across the street to Hot Tin Roof. He is obviously well known there. Ocean Keys’ gourmet restaurant. No table even for him. No table for anyone. They were taking no more reservations. Booked solid for the rest of the evening.

No problem. We laughed and enjoyed ourselves for another hour at the Chart Room. In the meantime, Tom made a reservation for sunday night at Hot Tin Roof.

On the way home, my stomach was churning. Stopped at 5 Guys for a cheeseburger. About 1 1/2 years since I had been in. The place was packed. A lot of families. I enjoyed my greasy cheeseburger and fries. Then home.

An observation. Last night was like season. Key West packed. Difficult to find a place to eat. The Chart Room wall to wall.

Why? The Dixons and I discussed the situation.

Two reasons.

The first is people have accumulated a few dollars staying in during the pandemic. They have not gone out. Europe difficult because of the virus. So they opt for Key West. The busiest vacation spot in the U.S. at the moment.

The second reason involves how expensive Key West has become. A national travel magazine mentioned two weeks ago that Key West was the most expensive place to vacation in the U.S.

People who have accumulated a few bucks want to tell their friends back home they spent a week in Key West. Then back it up with what their hotel room cost. Last night one of the leading Key West hotels’ cheapest room was $1,000. Most expensive, $2,500. Eighty seven percent occupied.

I kid you not.

Visitors have to be crazy to spend that kind of money for a room.

Restaurants the same way. Prices astronomical!

Note that Key West is into its slow season. Not this year!

The Surfside condo collapse last thursday scary. How does something like this happen in this day and age? The building coming down reminded me of Twin Towers on 9/11.

So far 4 persons discovered dead. None alive. One hundred fifty nine still not found. Dead or alive!

An engineer said he reported in 2018 that there was a “major error” which dated back to the building’s origin. He said a lack of proper drainage on the pool deck had caused “major structural damage.” He thought that might be the reason the building fell.

Other engineers are guessing at the moment the concrete or metal piping inside the concrete had eroded and failed. I am confident that at some point the precise reason will be determined.

Rescue workers from around the world have arrived to assist. Dogs trained to sniff live humans walking about.

The pictures on TV show massive pieces of concrete that had fallen. How could anyone survive the falling concrete?

I am hopeful there will be survivors. Air pockets and small spaces are beneath the fallen slabs of concrete.

Another reason as to cause has entered my mind. Was the fall the result of a human act? Don’t laugh. Who ever thought 2 planes could be flown into the buildings on 9/11 and they would collapse?

If something can happen, it will happen.

Biden’s press appearance with several Republican Senators the other day on the White House driveway may not have been as intended. Biden the only one smiling. Everyone else poker faced. Even Joe Manchin.

Biden saying we have bipartisanship. No one else seeming to agree. None saying they agreed or denied it. No one smiling, other than Biden.

It is still a long road to getting an infrastructure bill to which everyone can agree.

FINALLY…..A FUN NIGHT was originally published on Key West Lou

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keywestlou · 3 years

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BIGGEST THREAT TO AMERICA IS AMERICA

Famed New York Times writer Nicholas Kristoff wrote a soul searching Opinion piece 6/23/21. Titled: The Biggest Threat to America Is America Itself.

Why would America be a threat to itself? Isn’t America the greatest nation on earth?

Kristoff believes America is not what it used to be. It has been sliding downward in many areas. Some of the reasons as Kristoff sees them. Each a sliding mediocrity.

The Greeks have higher high school graduation rates. Children live longer. Fifteen year olds in Russia, Poland, Latvia and many other countries are better at math. Twenty percent of American 15 year olds can’t read at levels expected of a 10 year old.

Kristoff believes the “greatest threat to the United States is less a surging China and a rogue Russia than our under performance at home.

The U.S. says “we’re Number 1.” Not true. In a recent study, the U.S. was ranked Number 28 in health, safety and well being.

The U.S. is not as good as it thinks with regard to women. Sliding backwards here also. The U.S. was one of only 3 countries out of 163 that has gone backward in well being over the last decade.

The U.S. has dropped economically as well over the past 10 years.

Kristoff wrote: “So it’s great that we again have a President respected by the world. But we are not ‘back!’ We must face the reality that our greatest vulnerability is not what other countries do to us but what we have done to ourselves. The United States cannot achieve it’s potential when so many Americans are falling short of theirs.”

Louie Gohmert is a Republican Congressman from Texas.

Crazy!

He describes January 6 as “mostly peaceful.”

I wonder what desk he was hiding under?

A comment in yesterday’s blog: “If election rules are fine as they are like Mitch says, than why are the GOP state legislatures rewriting them all?”

Elton John confirmed yesterday he will be doing “a big concert at Syracuse’s Carrier Dome on 9/10/22. The show is part of his final U.S. shows ever. Will still perform. However, not on the road again.

John refers to his final road show as his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road.”

Did the nuclear stress test yesterday morning. Took about 4 hours. I was totally exhausted the rest of the day. Cancelled an evening out with Fran and Tom Dixon. Rescheduled for tonight.

I am thoroughly beat at the moment. Worse than yesterday. When the blog is finished, I will be on the phone with Fran.

I have had a multitude of stress tests over the years. First on the tread mill. I was young then. Years ago was graduated to the nuclear stress test. Easier. You lie down and the doctor orders the nurse to shoot whatever the nuclear stuff is into your body. Within 10 seconds, your heart beats like hell. Just as if you were at the 12 or 13 minute mark on the tread mill.

The test went well. Dr. McIvor came in for the nuclear injection part. Always a doctor present for that moment. In case the patient blows up?

Three nurses. The boss nurse was Jo. She ran the room well. She moved me around well. I knew everything that was going to happen before we were in a next phase.

I’m going to bed.

Just spoke with the doctor’s office. I am not supposed to be tired. Then why am I tired?

Enjoy your day!

BIGGEST THREAT TO AMERICA IS AMERICA was originally published on Key West Lou

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keywestlou · 4 years

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A DIFFERENT THANKSGIVING.....I DON'T LIKE IT

I’m a good boy. I always play by the rules. I can especially understand why I will be alone this holiday. Would not make sense for a guy who has self-quarantined for 296 days to not.

I love holidays! Love family and friends getting together. Miss it. Not just this day. All the holidays. Divorce changes things like family gatherings.

Lisa is making me a dish and having it delivered. I am looking forward to it.

I will not be alone. Cathy of Cocktails at 7 will be with me via Syype. She is alone. We will suffer through a portion of the day together.

I’m even going to shave and dress a bit for the occasion.

The details of the first Thanksgiving not as most think. No turkey. Deer instead.

The Wampanoag Indians 90 strong and their Chief Massaoit brought the meat. Deer.

Turkeys were indigenous to the area. However for whatever reason were not on the menu.

The Pilgrims provided local sea food consisting of mussels, lobster and bass. Also fruit, including pumpkin. Whether in pie form, I could not ascertain.

No potatoes. In a sense, they did not exist yet. At the time, potatoes were just being shipped from South America to Europe.

My Buffalo friends Fran and Tom Dixon are enjoying the holiday in Paris. I envy them! I am confident they are having one terrific time.

Interestingly in spite of my travels, I never made it to Paris. There is still time.

As many now do, Fran is now making face masks. I received several from her before they left for Paris. Well done. Comfortable. All kinds of designs.

The Keys face a definite problem re rising sea levels. No question, upward bound. Twenty five yeas from now, things will be out of control if we do not start dealing with the problem in the reasonable future.

It has been determined that half of Monroe County roads will be covered. Discussions and studies already underway.

The main problem will be money. Estimated in the billions.

I think Everest is back.

May in her diary entry for this day 1896, mentions “Ev.” several times. I sense the romance: “Ev. and I had the parlor to ourselves until 6:30.”

The politicization of the Supreme Court is obvious from a decision rendered last night. Why last night, I am not sure. Strange in itself. However has nothing to do with the politicization of the Court.

The decision a 5-4 one. Involved limiting gatherings in churches and synagogues. New York’s Governor Cuomo had been limiting because of coronavirus.

The Court decided Cuomo’s limitation violated the freedom of religion clause of the Constitution. The majority decision read in part: The restriction was “far more severe than has been shown to prevent the spread of the virus.”

New Justice Barrett voted with the conservative side. Chief Justice Roberts with the liberals.

I believe the decision a political one because it is one that without question would please the evangelicals who support religions generally. A Catholic group and a Jewish group were the parties who brought the lawsuit and whom the majority decision supported.

There is something wrong today when a particular group refuses to see the harm large groups of people bring. Coronavirus spreads easily under such conditions.

Further, the majority has to be blind if it does not see nor take into account that 62,000 Americans have died from the virus in less than one year.

Michael Flynn and Donald Trump are birds of a feather. Bad guys.

Trump yesterday pardoned Flynn. Very strange to me. Flynn twice in open court plead guilty to the charge against him.

Flynn’s strangeness in his thought process first came to my attention at Trump’s inauguration. It had been announced Flynn was to be Trump’s National Security Adviser.

Flynn was seated only a few feet away as Trump was being sworn in. He was texting at the moment. Texting a former business partner. They were discussing a nuclear power project that would require lifting sanctions on Russia. Flynn said, it was “good to go.” Flynn further said he could see sanctions on Moscow “ripped up.”

I wonder who will pardon Trump. I do not believe he can pardon himself. Even if through some devious plan he gets himself pardoned, it will do him no good against State charges. New York is ready to go after him once he is out of office.

Disney is hurting because of the virus. Disney announced it will be laying off 32,000 employees from the theme parks in Orlando. The lay offs will begin in the first half of 2021.

Florida’s Governor DeSantis is lacking in mental acumen. His intelligence resides in the seat of his pants.

DeSantis announced yesterday that he was doubling down on two virus problems. Not the correct way, however.

He decided that local governments cannot fine people who do not mask-up. He also prohibited local governments from ordering restaurants to close without public health or economic data to justify the move.

DeSantis supporting the economy rather than the health of Florida’s citizens.

At least he’s consistent. He is Trump’s lap dog. Does everything as Trump suggests. That is why Trump on more than one occasion has said, “DeSantis is America’s best Governor.”

Keep in mind that thus far Florida has had 962,000 confirmed cases. Included are 18,253 who died.

Enjoy the holiday best you can!

A DIFFERENT THANKSGIVING…..I DON’T LIKE IT was originally published on Key West Lou

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