My fellow Syracuse University graduate and Key West neighbor, Louis Petrone, aka "Key West Lou", achieved his 90th birthday this past Sunday.  

On its own, the mere accumulation of so many years is cause for celebration, but, even more so, we must celebrate how his (triumph of the will) determination carried him through extended travail which would have vanquished mere mortals.  His myriad physical conditions, mishaps and problems are too many to chronicle or even diagnose, but here he is, a functioning, opinionated old fart with a concerned and loyal blog following numbering in the hundreds of thousands!

Hail to the Chairman!  May you enjoy even longer life and endure to have and relate many more adventures (including Boys Night Out), while apologizing to none and, surely, taking no prisoners.

Louis, you are an inspiration and role model who I am very proud to call my friend. You are one of a kind and a truly awesome character!

Rock on!!!