The Majority Leader of the Senate Chuck Schumer is of the Jewish faith. He spoke of the rise of anti-Semitism in the U.S. It has been rapid and widespread. He said what Jews fear most is its “normalization and intensification.”

Schumer told the story of his great great grandmother who resided in a small Ukrainian community. The Nazis came and gathered her and 30 members of her extended family on a porch. They directed her and the group to follow them. She refused. They immediately shot and killed her and the 30.

Schumer fears the same could happen in the U.S.

An interesting piece of information appeared in yesterday’s Washington Post. Ninety percent of the money for military aid to Ukraine is spent in the U.S. The military weapons provided by the U.S. are manufactured in the U.S. and then sent to Ukraine.

The Palestinians control Bethlehem. They have for years. Many Christians reside in Bethlehem with them. 

The Palestinians have always permitted Christians to celebrate Christmas. Religious services, decorations, etc., the whole works. Till this year. Due to Israel’s treatment of Gaza’s Palestinians since the Hamas attack, Bethlehem’s Palestinians have prohibited Christmas celebration this year by the Christians. Christmas cancelled. Nothing. Zip.

Another podcast from 5-6 years ago. Deals with White Nationalism. Note the familiarity of what was occurring then to what is today and my thoughts as to what might happen in the U.S. a few years down the road.

A plane fueled by fat and sugar has crossed the Atlantic Ocean. Virgin Atlantic successfully made the flight with one of its commercial jets. No gasoline was used. The fuel was 100 percent “sustainable aviation fuel.” It was reported the use of non-fossil fuel such as fat and sugar creates 78 percent less carbon emissions.

Such is the wave of the future. The transition not ready for a today occurrence. The cost of engine changeovers would be too expensive. However, it is on the table for implementation.

Judge Cannon confuses me. She is the Florida Federal Judge in charge of the Mar-a-Lago documents case. Most of her rulings have been pro-Trump. Most without basis in law. So much so that rumors have been circulating of late that the Department of Justice might seek her removal from the case.

Cannon came out with a ruling that the legal world has found shocking. One which destroys a primary defense Trump has been asserting. Cannon wrote: “Trump was not authorized to possess those documents.” Adding, he did not have the power to declassify.

Cannon covering her ass?

Tuberville claims “Admirals and Generals” called him over the Thanksgiving  holiday to thank him for his position in holding up 300 plus promotions. He claims they further advised that what he was doing was not causing any problems.

Washington questions the veracity of Tuberville’s claim and has responded with: “Name the Admirals and Generals!”

Trump recently went after Judge Engom’s wife. His conduct blatantly wrong. Let’s cut the bullshit. Any other defendant would long ago have been sitting in jail for the crap Trump has heaped on the Judge, the Judge’s wife and the Judge’s staff. Wrong is wrong and must be dealt with. Especially in the judicial system. Equal justice does not exist when Trump is permitted to get away with the things he is saying.

Went out into the cold 67 degree weather last night. To Brady’s for Carola’s company and chicken parmesan. Met Rodriguez. He was the chef at Tavern ‘n Town for years. He will be the chef at the new Michael’s which is presently under total renovation. The food will be guaranteed spectacular!

Big day ahead. Monkey smoothie at Date and Thyme, haircut with Lori, manicure and pedicure with Tammy.

It’s a tough life.

Enjoy your day!

I was out yesterday at noon. It was a chilly 74. degrees. Back out again at 4 on my way to The Grand for happy hour. It was a cold 70 degrees.  The rapid 4 degree drop could be felt.

The night was in the high 60s. I slept buried under a heavy quilt. At the moment, it is 68 degrees. The high today will only reach 74.

Understand for we who live in Key West, these temperatures are COLD. Our blood has thinned over the years. 

Tomorrow the weather will return to normal. Temperatures will be in the low 80s through monday.

I should not complain. Checked Utica’s temperature again. The night temperature 25 degrees, reportedly felt like 15.

The hurricane season ends tomorrow. We have been lucky. No major storms this year.

Today’s podcast from 5 or 6 years ago. An appropriate label might be The Disintegration of a Nation.

A sad but humorous experience yesterday. I fell for the first time in a long time. As I was leaving The Grand. The steps got me. A waiter helped me up.

I have lost close to 50 pounds the past year and a half. Doctor says it is good. My pants which were tight at the waist are now too large. I pull them tight with my belt. As I was being helped up, my pants fell. In front of The Grand on Duval! Rapidly pulled them up and hurried to my car. As I sat there, I could not help but laugh and mentally refer to myself as a dumb ass. Buy new pants!

Syracuse beat LSU decisively last night 80-57. Syracuse was ahead by 5 at half time. Outscored LSU by 18 points in the second half. Mintz scored 33 points.

Next game saturday at noon against Virginia. May Syracuse win another.

The Christmas tree in front of the White House like me fell yesterday. Ended up on its side on the ground with all its lights still on. High wind gusts the cause. The tree fell at 5 pm. It was back up by 6.

Puerto Rico has serious health problems. Everything. More people than normal are dying. Its health system is crumbling.

On this day in 1981, the exceptional and beautiful actress Natalie Wood died. She was 43. She drowned while boating. A sad major loss.

Enos was a chimp. He was the first chimp-astronaut. He launched this day in 1961 from Cape Canaveral aboard a spacecraft, orbited the Earth twice and safely returned.

Jimmy Carter attended services for his wife Rosalyn yesterday. Ninety nine years old. He made a sad appearance. Looked his age. Mouth hanging open. You could not look at the pictures of him without feeling sorry for him in every respect. May God take him soon.

Tonight my game plan is Brady’s. I have a desire for their wednesday special chicken parmesan. 

Enjoy your day!

Travel Newsletter listed the 10 Must-Try Foods in New York from Albany to Syracuse. Listed was “Utica Greens.” A class dish which originated in my home town. A combination of escarole, hot peppers, bread crumbs and Pecorino Romano cheese, sauteed to perfection. A part of every meal in Utica’s Italian restaurants.

Chicken Riggie’s also listed. However credit for the same was given to Rome, 14 miles west of Utica. I disagree. Chicken riggies a Utica dish also. Forever, as with the greens. Rigatoni pasta, pieces of chicken, hot cherry peppers, and a creamy tomato sauce.

Go Utica and its great Italian foods!

A retired jurist for whom I have great respect Federal Judge J. Michael Luttig believes the United States will “never recover” from the damage caused by former President Donald Trump and his allies. He stated the efforts to deny the 2020 Presidential election results have severely “impacted” the confidence of Americans in their democracy, elections, Constitution, and rule of law.

Trump and his allies have “hinted” they will deploy the military in American cities in a second term to quell domestic unrest. Such would mark the end of American democracy.

A use of American troops within U.S. borders is a no no. The Insurrection Act however gives a President broad powers to deploy the military to put down violent domestic uprisings. No President has ever invoked it. Trump appears intent on being the first.

Beware my fellow Americans! Trump is not good for us and our Nation. Do not be hoodwinked into believing he is.

Former Senator Claire McCaskill: “Trump doesn’t care about America nearly as much as he cares about himself.”

The anticipated 20-30 inches of snow for upstate New York and Utica overnight never occurred. Spoke with someone in Utica this morning. Yesterday’s snow has melted. This morning finds the sun shining and no snow. A fortunate weatherman screwup.

Monica Lewinsky has written several articles for Vanity Fair this past year. No more the young lady who was engaged in a liaison with then President Bill Clinton. Today’s woman is an intellectual thinker.

Her most recent article: “We the People…..Demand More Amendments!” She recommends six new codicils to the U.S. Constitution. Ones which will add safeguards to bulwark democracy.

Read the article. Lewinsky is perceptive and right on! Covers matters like getting rid of the Electoral College and forging in the long anguishing Equal Rights Amendment with a reassertion of a woman’s right to reproductive freedoms.

House Representatives continue to be off the wall. Now they want to investigate the “traitorsome” Anthony Blinken. They refer to him as a “despicable con artist” who is organizing Arab and European countries around the back of Congress and Israel.

Amazing the mental acumen they possess to be able to come up with these things.

Evangelical groups are in bed with Trump. Flagrantly and without shame. Using religion to support one of the most evil and corrupt political leaders our Nation has ever known.

There is one prominent exception, however. Iowa’s GOP Evangelical Leader Bob Vander Plaats. He is President and CEO of the influential Christian group The Family Leader. He “unloaded” on Trump saying in effect: Trump is conning Evangelicals. He refers to Trump as an “authoritarian tyrant and megalomaniac” who “makes matters worse.” He further accused Trump of “creating lifetime enemies” among people with “his venom and hate.”

Can’t argue with truth!

Grandson Robert Malcom has written an introspective piece involving FSU in Nole Gameday: “Florida State Fans and Former Players React to Rivalry Win Over the Gators.” NoleGameday,com.

Key West’s Holiday Parade saturday night! An event! Miss it not!

Always exciting. Especially for the young ones. Watch them scramble for the candy thrown from the floats. Santa Claus’s galore. So many!

The Parade begins at Bayview Park at 7.

Senator Tommy Tuberville can only be described as anti-American. He continues to down our military. Last night he said: “We’ve got the weakest military that we’ve had in your or my lifetime…..Infiltrating our military is all this weakness.”

If, and I only say “if” our military is presently weakened, it is because of Tuberville’s blocking of 300 plus promotions which are leaving necessary military positions unfilled.

The backlash at his statement was immediate and significant.

Ernie Davis was one of Syracuse’s greatest football players. In 1961, he became the first Black college football player to be named winner of the Heisman Trophy. Unfortunately, he never got to exhibit his greatness professionally. He died in 1963 of blood cancer after a 13 month battle against the disease.

There are many important issues confronting the U.S. Supreme Court. Trump has been making a mockery of the courts. Soon some of his cases will reach the Supreme Court and continue his mockful use of the court system.

A case is now pending before the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court will meet in private conference December 1 to decide if it will take the case. The issue is whether honking a car horn is a Constitutionally protected form of free speech.

What a waste of valuable time for for the federal judicial system and Supreme Court with which to deal.

A pic of Thanksgiving dinner at La Te Da with Don and Chris. I’m getting old and shrinking in the process. I was sitting up straight. I have lost 4 inches in the last few years.

War is an ongoing topic. One or more somewhere every year. Ernest Hemingway’s insight on war is interesting: “I know war as few other men now living know it, and nothing to me is more revolting. I have long advocated its complete abolition, as its very destructiveness on both friend and foe has rendered it useless as a method of settling international disputes.”

The “draft” in 1864: All men in Key West between the ages of 18 and 45 were ordered to report for the “militia.” A special commission was established to rule on exemptions.

The weather in most parts of the country is taking a nose-dive. Getting cold! Snow in the north. More coming. Dropping temperatures in the south, including Key West.

My home town Utica already has snow. Low temperatures. Yesterday, it was 39 degrees. Today the high will be 40 and the low 23. Tomorrow, the winner! High 30 and low 23. Plus tomorrow will also bring 6-10 more inches of snow.

I have not seen snow in 17 years. Hope to never experience it again.

Key West was a comfortable 78 degrees yesterday. The cold up north will affect us however as it normally does. Today’s temperature will be a high of 79. The cold will hit tonight. Temperature will drop to 70. Tomorrow, a real impact. High only 74 degrees, low a cold 67.

People who do not live in Key West find it hard to understand that we feel cold at 74 degrees. Sixty seven will be horrible! Especially for me. My new living quarters are without heat.

No podcast today. Problems again. Sloan working on them. Getting exasperated in the process. Word Press working on it also. No podcasts for a few days.

Enjoy your day!

Thanksgiving behind us. Christmas next. 

Key West does it up big. The Christmas boat parade and the regular Christmas parade. My concern today with the boat parades. The Key West area now has two. The Schooner Wharf one and most recently Stock Island’s.

I have done the Schooner Wharf one several times. Both on water and on land. On water, better. More exciting. Good drink, food, music, dancing, greeting old friends, making new friends. 

I write early about the boat parades because the boats fill  up early. Make reservations now. Don’t wait. Spend the few bucks involved. Well worth it.

Schooner Wharf’s is December 9, Stock Island’s the day before December 8. 

I have spent the past 3 weeks with a new place to start my day. The organic food store on Fleming Street. Date & Thyme. Same thing every morning for me. A Monkey smoothie. Don’t know what is in it. All I know is that I feel a hell of a lot better since starting it. Staff nice, also. Always a smile. Remember your name.

Frank Romano and Joseph Liszka opened Key West Fragrance and Cosmetics in 1971. Their business became a Key West mainstay for years. Popularly known as “Key West Aloe.” Walking into their retail outlet could only be compared to what it must be like to walk into Heaven. The beauty and fragrance unparalleled.

Frank and I became friends in his later years. I enjoyed knowing him. His personality was special.

I have a portrait that Jack Baron painted of Frank. Jack’s partner Bob Burton gave it to me when Jack died.

Maya Angelou. Read slowly savoring the words: “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.”

Newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson’s wife Kelly has her own religious beliefs/ideas which are as far out as some of her husband’s.

She founded a counseling company that equated gay with bestiality. Not very surprising as the Speaker himself once claimed legalizing gay marriage would lead to people marrying their pets.

The new House Speaker’s wife may have abhorrent out of touch views. Her friends however are quick to report “but she’s a nice lady.”

More Shakespearian lines which are part of our everyday jargon today: “Too much of a good thing” – As You Like It, “It’s Greek to me”- Julius Caesar, “Such stuff as dreams are made on” – The Tempest, “Made of sterner stuff” – Julius Caesar, “Foregone conclusion” – Othello, “The world’s mine oyster” – The Merry Wives of Windsor.

More to come.

A Julian Assange podcast from yesteryear.

An opinion piece in this morning’s Washington Post motivated this observation: At 38, I knew everything. At 88, I realize how little “everything” is and realize also that most younger think as I did at 38.

Rape has always been a weapon of war. It has become increasingly so in recent years. An example is the sexual violence Hamas perpetrated upon Israeli women and children on October 7. 

Cochav Elkayam Levy, head of a non-governmental commission investigating crimes against women and children on October 7, said, “The torture of women was weaponized to destroy communities, to destroy a people, to destroy a nation.”

Pot calling the kettle black. Trump’ comment labeling the U.S. as a “third world country of perverts.”

Syracuse won its final football game of the season. Beat Wake Forest in a close one 35-31. Syracuse finished the season 6-6. Six wins qualifies the team for a bowl bid in late December. Not much to be proud of. However a win and small bowl better than nothing.

The game involved a wild finish. Syracuse staved off a Wake Forest push in the last 2 minutes of the game. Wake Forest got to Syracuse’s 2 yard line. Garrett Schrader got to play quite a while after several weeks on the bench due to injuries. He was Syracuse’s hero passing and running. Responsible for 4 touchdowns.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Today is November 25. A day of some historical significance. I share some of the events which occurred on that day.

History speaks often about Custer’s Last Stand at Little Big Horn. Little is reported on the U.S. Army’s retaliation.

Such did occur on this day in 1876. U.S. troops under General Ranald Mackenzie destroyed a village of Cheyenne while the Indians were sleeping. Killed were 200 Cheyenne, most of whom had participated in the Battle of Little Big Horn where Custer and his men died. The Cheyenne Chief was Dull Knife. He had participated in the Custer massacre together with Chiefs Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. He was not in the Cheyenne village that night when Mackenzie’s troops wreaked their revenge.

Jews have historically been put upon. One example is what occurred this day in 1744 in Prague. Austrian forces pillaged and killed many of the Jewish population.

Delmonico’s was one of New York City’s finest restaurants forever it seemed. As far back as 1834 when it provided a meal of soup, steak, coffee and half a pie for 12 cents.

Woody Woodpecker made his debut with the release of Walter Lantz’s “Knock Knock” this day in 1940.

Cowboy singing star Gene Autry’s single “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” appeared on music charts this day in 1949.

My good friend Theo Markis in Greece…..When will you be visiting Key West again? I miss you!

A Florida school removed the Bible from its library shelves under provisions of DeSantis’ relatively new education laws. The Bible had been challenged for “sexually explicit content.”

The Volusia County Schools were involved. The removal turned out to be temporary. After removal, it was returned. The finding upon review was that State law protected the Bible.

One for the Lord!

A sick incident! A 30 year old female middle school teacher in Arkansas exchanged nude photos with a 14 year old boy to “gratify her sexual desires.”

An issue being debated on State and local level: Some folks want 7,954 additional permits to be made available for building on vacant lots in the Keys. Pure madness!

The Keys are already overbuilt. Especially the Key West area. The State already mandates 24 hour evacuation for permanent residents in advance of a Category 3 hurricane.

Two problems. One US 1 to Miami not large enough (lane wise) to handle even the present number of persons if all mandated to evacuate did so. The other is there is not enough gasoline for all the cars that would tank up to make the drive north.

Bob Smith was a dear Key West friend. He died many years ago. A somewhat famous Key West figure. His ashes are embedded in the Chart Room bar. He wrote a book whose title I cannot recall. He said that back then there was not enough gas in all the stations for Key Westers to fill their cars. So the evacuation rule was impossible to comply with.

His observation was correct then. Still correct in spite of all the additional gas stations that have popped up since he made the observation.

Florida legislatively and government wise makes a lot of bone headed decisions. This could be another one in the making.

The TDC turned into a golden goose with little oversight. Cut it back 90 percent. Key West no longer needs the organization’s “success.” We have way too many tourists and investors. All to the detriment of long time residents and the community as a whole.

Brady’s Irish Pub for dinner last night. Went specifically for one of the friday specials, Polish Perogies. Brady’s is an international food emporium!

Carola bartending. Love the lady! Great conversationalist. A concerned person.

Met Whalen. Hails from Wisconsin. He has been in Key West working off and on for 2 years. Presently renovating a house. Look forward to running into him again.

Syracuse plays its final football game of the season. Against Wake Forest. Today at 2. If Syracuse wins, it goes to a bowl game. It would be a disgrace. Better my team loses and fades into the sunset for this season.

If today’s podcast had a title, it would be Gun Madness. A podcast from several years ago. Its message even more applicable today.

Enjoy your day!

He was A MAN…..JOHN MC CAIN.

Oh, the humor of it all! On this day 160 years ago, a visitor to Key West wrote: “It will cost a fortune to live here, at least $100 per month for a family of 4 or 5. Eggs $1 per dozen, cabbage 6-8 cents per head, tomatoes 20-22. Beef and potatoes you cannot get.”

Modern science is wonderful! Man’s achievements amazing!

On November 22, 1910, the Key West Naval Station sent wireless messages to the Mare Island Naval Yard near San Francisco. Distance 3,880 miles. Every word between the operators distinctly read. Today, we press a button on our cell phones and are speaking voice to voice in seconds.

Discrimination 1942. On this day, the Florida State Board of Health’s mobile x-ray unit was at the Monroe County Courthouse grounds in Key West to screen for tuberculosis. White residents this date, Black residents the following.

Live and learn. Common phrases in Shakespeare’s plays which are part of American dialogue today: “A wild goose chase” – Romeo and Juliet, “For goodness sake” – Henry VIII, “One fell swoop” – Macbeth, “Mum’s the word” – Henry VI, Part II, “All that glitters is not gold” – The Merchant of Venice, “Eaten out of house and home” – Henry IV, Part II, “Knock, knock! Who’s there?” – Macbeth, “It’s Greek to me” – Julius Caesar.

Interesting and amazing!

There are more which are saved to another day and another blog.

Pro-Palestinian protestors forced Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade to stop. A group of 30 ran into the street and glued themselves to the parade pavement.

These Palestinian protests are getting crazier with each episode. Most have to be planned. Gluing one’s self to the street…..

Trump’s various threats made re his several litigations are too much. I wrote so a few months ago. I repeat it again. He’s literally getting away with everything short of murder. In some cases, might be encouraging the same. 

Enough is enough! 

A legal challenge has been filed against Macy’s alleging Macy maintains policies that perpetuate “illegal racial discrimination.” Such that denies career advancement to white straight men.

America First Legal is the party bringing the charge. It is a legal group led by Stephen Miller. You will recall he was a close adviser/intimate to Trump when he was Presidnet. He wrote most of Trump’s speeches. I compared him in those years to Hitler’s Joseph Goebbels.

Whether he is on the correct side of this issue, I do not know. His mere “association” with the claim makes it questionable in my eyes.

New House Speaker Mike Johnson’s views are becoming more apparent. He said letting people get abortions was causing “an American holocaust.”

Johnson has been Speaker approximately one month. In that time, his true inner nature has become evident. One observation he made is that humans are “inherently evil” and need to be “restrained” by the government.

I warned you this guy was bad news!

Robert and Ally telephoned me from Corey’s parents’ home in Cape Coral yesterday to wish me a Happy Thanksgiving Poppa! 

Love them!

Celebrated Thanksgiving with Don and Chris last night at La Te Da. We enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Outstanding!

A good time with good people. Syracuse snowbirds I have come to know well over the last 20 years.

Syracuse finally won a basketball game in the Maui Invitational. Destroyed Chaminade yesterday 105-56. Don’t get excited. The score does not mean Syracuse is that good. Merely means Chaminade is that bad.

Two great evenings. Tom and Fran Dixon wednesday night, Don and Chris Teich last night. Tonight open. Any takers?

Enjoy your day!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Enjoy family, friends, food, and beverage.

Normally, a happy joyous occasion. However in recent years because of political aggravations has become a bit less harmonious at many tables.

Whatever, do your best not to argue. Instead merely enjoy. Nothing better than family, friends and a hearty meal!

Dinner last night at Brady’s with Tom and Fran Dixon. A good time as usual.

Short blog, long podcast today instead. Today’s is some 5 years old and was done during Trump’s Presidency. If it were to have a title, I might have labeled it God Is A Republican.

Enjoy the holiday!

Me thinks Donald Trump protestith too much. He reminded a crowd of Iowa voters over the weekend that he is “not into golden showers.” Purportedly in an attempt to rally Republicans to vote for him in the caucuses. Wonderful! Just what Iowa voters wanted to hear!

Why does Trump bring it up periodically? The “topic” goes back to June 2016 and what may have occurred in a Russian hotel suite in Moscow. The claim is he had prostitutes urinate on the bed. A bed that the Obamas had slept in. It is believed the Russians have a tape of the event. Now referred to as the “pee tape.”

Trump has mentioned the event several times over the years. Again, why? His repetitions would appear to give weight to the story.

Lord Action said: “Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Though his observation is old in years, it applies to Trump today. He has power. Seeks more. Wants the absolute power a next Presidency will give him.

Lord Action’s words are well known. Referred to constantly. Little is known of Lord Action, however. He is described as “the magistrate of history.” One of the great personalities of the 19th century and is universally considered to have been the most learned Englishman of his time.

Big news!

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a brief cease fire and a hostage release.

The deal cannot be enacted till thursday at the earliest to allow time for judicial approval at the Israeli end.

The release is limited to 50 hostages. Women and children. A certain number of Palestinians will be released also.

The pause will be for four days. The deal as set forth is reportedly a “first phase.”

Christian nationalists recently partied at Mar-a-Lago and warned of God’s wrath if Trump lost again. The group believes their religious faith should have dominion over American government. They openly fantasized of returning to power and crushing their foes. God on the march!

Their plea simply to create a theocracy in the United States. Trump on their side.

The MAGA pastor Jim Garlow is one of the group’s leaders. He recently prayed with now House Speaker Mike Johnson to save a “depraved” America from the “judgment that we clearly deserve.”

Podcast time.

Today a sad day in American history. On this day in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Camelot came to an end.

Angela Merkel became Chancellor of Germany this day in 2005. She became one of the strongest forces in European politics over the next decade.

I recall an experience involving her on one of my Greece visits. I was in Athens staying at the Gran Britannia Hotel. Directly across the street was the Greek Parliament. A large building in the center surrounded by an even larger piece of land covered in concrete.

I woke to screams and yells. Went out on the balcony and saw thousands of people carrying signs and protesting in Greek about something. Whatever it was, I did not want to miss it first hand. Threw on some clothes and ran out to join the mob.

I understood nothing of the Greek language. As the saying goes, it was all Greek to me! One thing was clear however. These people hated Merkel. Every time a speaker mentioned her name, they spit.

Greece was suffering deep woes economically at the time and they were blaming it on Merkel. They were upset with the way she had handled and was handling Greece’s economic involvement in the European Union.

Syracuse lost again yesterday in the Maui Invitational in Hawaii. Gonzaga embarrassed Syracuse 76-57. Syracuse’s shooting, foul shooting included, sucked. Forget making 3 pointers. Syracuse could not find the basket.

A tough season ahead.

Enjoyed happy hour at The Grand yesterday with Steve and Cindy.

Tonight dinner at Brady’s Irish Pub with Tom and Fran. They have never been and want to see what excites me so much about the place.

Enjoy your day!

SMART Ride. An annual bicycle ride held once a year for 20 years has ended. Its last event this past weekend.

Not for a lack of success. The ride this past weekend raised $1,280,381. Over the 20 years, $15,000,000.

The ride from Miami to Key West. Covered two days. This past weekend, more than 500 cyclists participated. Its purpose when it began in 2003 and through this year was to raise money for HIV/AIDS victims. A significant observation is that 100 percent of the proceeds were distributed among HIV/AIDS service organizations throughout Florida.

SMART became the second largest AIDS bike ride in the country and the only one of its size to give back 100 percent.

If so successful, why is SMART ending? One reason is the number of participants involved is diminishing. Most participants are now older. With AIDS numbers dropping, younger persons are not joining the event. Another reason is the Director of SMART. He has been so involved for all of the 20 years. He would be difficult to replace. Ergo, the time had arrived for the event to conclude and conclude it did on a successful note.

A Charity Turkey Shoot was held this day in 1932 at Fort Zachary Taylor. One of those shooting well enough to be awarded a turkey was Ernest Hemingway.

The Rose Tattoo was filmed in 1954 in Key West. The movie was an adaptation of a Tennessee William’s play and starred Burt Lancaster and Anna Magnani. The house where most of the filming occurred is located on Duncan Street. One and a half blocks from Corey and Lisa’s home. 

Today in 1954 was the last day of the filming. Final scenes were shot at the then Mardi Gras Club on Duval Street.

Multiple sclerosis plagued Key West during this time in 1984. Twenty three cases. Medical researchers were puzzled why Key West had so many cases. On average, a town of Key West’s size should have had less than one.

Podcast time.

On this day in 1980, 87 people died in a fire at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. I had been a guest there for 2 nights one week before.

Last night, the Chart Room with Tom and Fran Dixon. They are in Key West for a week. My dear snowbird friends for 15 years from Buffalo.

It was the first time I have been in the Chart Room in a year. I went last night because it was across the street from Ocean Key where the Dixons are staying and convenient for them.

One of the reasons I stopped going to the Chart Room was the exorbitant cost of drinks. Roughly $16 each. The three of us had 2 drinks each. The bill with tax exceeded $100. Ridiculous! It will be a long time before I return again.

There are two possible hurricanes developing. One in the Caribbean, the other in the Atlantic. Neither expected to affect Florida.

It was Syracuse/Tennessee in the Maui Invitational yesterday. Syracuse lost 73-56.

I could nor get the game on my TV. Watched the rolling score on my computer. Two hours sitting and waiting for the numbers to change.

Sport writers following the game reported Syracuse made only 35 percent of its shots and were out rebounded by 15.

I’ve gotten too old. I can only remember Syracuse’s golden days in basketball and football. Long gone in recent years.

Tonight happy hour with Steve Thompson at The Garden.

Enjoy your day! 

Syracuse fired Dino Babers yesterday. Though I hate seeing anyone fired, it was inevitable and necessary. He was not getting the job done. He had 8 long seasons and, with the exception of one, failed.

This season alone, he lost 6 of the last 7 games. Only 1 remaining. Assistant Coach Nunzio Campanile will take over as interim coach.

Babers contract buyout is reported to be significant. In 2022, it was $10 million. His annual salary $3 million. Syracuse made a business judgment and let Babers stay on following last season. A hell of a lot cheaper! Finally however, Syracuse’s central administration could wait no longer.

Politics these days attracts candidates with strange backgrounds. Courtney Casgraux is a 41 year old woman running for a Congressional seat in Oregon. A lovely erudite woman.

It has been revealed with photos, etc., that when she was in her 20s and 30s she worked as a Dominatrix in New York City charging $500 an hour.

She is remaining in the race. What her constituents have to say about it will be interesting.

Casgraux adopted as one of her campaign slogans following the revelation: WHIP inflation now.

Manchin says Biden has gone too far to the left. Claims he should have remained in the middle. Manchin says he is considering going after the “radical middle.”

Sounds to me like he is considering a third party run. 

Pure egotism. Could never win. Only hurt. Quite possibly permit a Trump victory.

Home prices have gone up nearly 40 percent in the past 3 years. Listings are down 20 percent. Interest rates are at a 20 year high.

All erodes buying power.

The UN says Gaza’s largest hospital Al-Shifa has become a “Death Zone.” Medical services have been shut down.

Remaining are 291 patients, including 32 babies. All in extremely critical condition. Thousands of patients and civilians who were sheltering at the hospital have left and fled south.

Yesterday was the reintroduction after years of the Key West Lou Podcast. I await your reactions.

My game plan is to run one a day. Some of the podcasts go back to 2015. The last around 2021.

I did the podcasts on Facebook. This blog is run on Word Press. The two not always compatible. Sloan has worked many hours to place the podcasts on the blog. Everything not possible, however. One problem are the pictures which appear at the end of the podcast. Cannot get rid of them. They must remain. Do not click on any of them. You will lose everything.

The way to handle the problem is when the end of the podcast is reached, merely scroll down and over the pictures till blog verbiage is reached. Then begin again.

A Princess Free Zone comment: “When a clown moves into a palace, the palace becomes a circus.”

Franz Schubert. A famous name in musical culture. An Austrian composer of the late Classical and early Romantic eras. His life short. Born 1797, died  yesterday’s date 1828. He and Beethoven were close friends. He served as a torch bearer at Beethoven’s funeral.

Schubert got syphilis. The treatment killed him, not the disease. In those days, it was treated with mercury.

One of Schubert’s best known works is the Ave Maria. He composed it in 1825 when he was 28 years old.

Rosalyn Carter died yesterday at the age of 96 at the Carter rural home in Plains, Georgia. She had been placed in hospice friday. She and her husband of 77 years Jimmy Carter shared their home for many of their years and hospice together at her end. The former Presidnet has been in hospice since February.

There is a saying that when two people have been close in life and one dies, the other passes soon thereafter to be with that person. It may happen with Presidnet Carter and would be both a blessing and a joy.

As first lady, Rosalyn Carter was active. Her husband respected her judgment and advise. He required her to sit in at all Cabinet meetings. She represented her husband at international meetings. Because of this and other activities as First Lady, Time Magazine called her the “second most powerful person in the United States.” The President referred to her as “an equal partner in everything I ever accomplished.” She influenced her husband throughout his public career and the many years following.

The two were as one. Truly so.

May they soon be again.

FSU’s star quarterback Jordan Travis was seriously injured in saturday’s 45-13 victory over North Alabama. He will be unable to play further this season.

Although 11-0, those who rank colleges are concerned the injury will affect FSU’s “quality of play” and are already drop ranking in some instances FSU from 4th to 5th or 6th.

Sucks!

FSU has earned the right to be one of the top 4 playing for the national title.

Robert wrote a striking piece following the game: “College Football Reacts to FSU Star Jordan Travis’ Shocking Injury.” Read on Nole GameDay. NoleGameday.com.

Syracuse/Tennessee basketball at the Maui Invitational in Hawaii today. Available on ESPN2 at 2:30 pm ET.

Tennessee is ranked #8 nationally. Syracuse unranked. Both 3-0. Tennessee a 14 point favorite.

Enjoy your day!

An addition to today’s blog. A Key West Lou podcast from yesteryear.

Preparing to move, I went through everything. Cleaned house so to speak. Not just drawers and closets. Even my computer.

Starting around 2015 and in addition to my daily blog, I began doing a daily podcast. Titled: What Bugs Me Today. There was a lot. Trump was running for Presidnet. I continued doing the podcast through Trump’s Presidency. That is not to say the blogs were all about Trump. There were enough problems in the world I talked about. Some even humorous.

I have in excess of 1,000 saved podcasts. 

I went through some. Modestly and with all due respect, they are good. Some excellent! I did not get rid of them. My intent is to share one a day with you as part of the blog. Your comments will quickly let me know if I should continue. I will run them for a few days to get your reaction.

Not realizing at the time they were made that someday I would reuse them, none are dated nor do I know the subject matter unless I listen to them first. Too much to so do. Ergo the game plan is I will release one at a time to you willy nilly. The interesting thing I discovered in those I did review is that most of yesterday’s problems are today’s also. So in a sense they are relevant. 

I did take the time to listen to the first one being shared today. It is about Afghanistan and heroin.

Just click on the red button in the middle.

My best friend died 34 years ago yesterday. My mother. Seventy five at the time. She was a diabetic who did not take care of herself.

I continue to miss her everyday. Love you, Mom!

Watched an old movie yesterday. All The King’s Men. Stared Broderick Crawford. He played Willie Stark. A take off on Huey Long.

The movie was a constant reminder of Donald Trump. Amazing! There was a Donald Trump before Donald Trump!

A major Key West problem is affordable housing. It is a national problem also. Something has to be done.

Key West’s success in attacking the problem has been negligible. Rents continue to go up. Key West provided housing has waiting lists 2-5 years long. Their rent levels off the wall. Expensive! A few dollars short in many instances of the market price for similar private housing.

Help is wanting. Nothing realistic being done to solve the problem. Lots of talk and little realistic solving of the problem.

Early dinner last night at Brady’s. Fish and chips. Ran into Barbara and Danny again.

These pro-Palestinian protests are getting out of hand. Too many, too large. I find it amazing how they developed so rapidly. At first I recognized the right to protest, demonstrate. Now I am beginning to wonder if there has been some organizational person or group financing, arranging, etc. the protests. Nothing to base my concern on. Merely a gut feeling.

The most recent protest in Sacramento halted a Democratic Convention meeting.

The cross I carry for Syracuse football is becoming oppressive. The team lost again last night. This time to Georgia Tech 31-22.

A strange game. Georgia was up 24-3. Syracuse made it 24-22. Ran out of scoring ability at that point, however.

Wish the season would end!

I  could sense the anticipated cold wave beginning last night. I should have worn a sweater when I went out.

Enjoy your Sunday!

The weather predictions for the coming week the worst.

The rain storm predicted for the coming holiday week has been expanded to include snow in some areas and has been described as a “super storm.” The weather report has further been expanded to include the whole country. Weather experts warn everyone to brace for “El Nino weather” to unleash SNOWMAGEDDON.

I doubt snow in Key West. Has it ever? The prediction for southern states is “wetter and colder.” The torrential rain predicted for the week could be an early sign of a climatic weather shake-up.

A power failure last night . The first in a long time. Around 6 pm. Lasted 40 minutes. Seven hundred forty three properties affected. Mine one, of course. No big deal. I was in bed watching TV. Turned over and tried to take a nap.

I haven’t seen George at Zip Auto on Stock Island in probably a year. Took my car in for a tune up, etc. No specific problem. Took all of a half hour.

George chastised me again. He always does because I do not drive the car enough. He claims and I believe him, cars are made to be driven. If you don’t, they slowly break down on their own. I have a 2010 Volkswagen Beatle convertible. Purchased new 13 years ago. Only 53,000 miles. From George’s perspective, I drive too little and accordingly hurt the car.

Archeologists have opened the tomb of Jesus for the first time in years. It lies beneath a Roman temple. The place where Jesus’ body was buried for 3 days after the crucifixion. 

Most, not all, believe the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is the place of His burial. The Roman temple is beneath the Church.

In the fourth century, Emperor Constantine, a recent convert to Christianity, ordered Jesus’ tomb to be found. They located a 200 year old tomb built by Hadrian beneath the temple. The tomb was similar to the one described in the Bible and concluded it was the place where Jesus was buried for 3 days. They decided they had found the “site.”

The tomb was unsealed for the first time in centuries in 2016 for a very brief period.

The “site” is recognized as the “best guess” place  as to the tomb’s location.

Rosalyn Carter is in hospice care at home with her husband former President Jimmy Carter. She is 96. Amazing the two have survived so long and are able to spend their final days together. 

The Supreme Court’s new ethics code has been nailed with another description: Barely worth the paper it’s written on.

Ron DeSantis’ asshole approach to everything has caused his steady but sure decline. His taking on Mickey Mouse one example. Man v. Mouse a sure loser!

Bess Levin in a Vanity Fair 11/16 article mocked DeSantis’ foolhardiness: Ron DeSantis Says His Deranged Vendetta Against Disney Basically Saved America.

How?

DeSantis is a “Junior Trump.” He lies like him. In the final analysis, he believes the lies himself.

Maryan Zin  lives in Kiryat Ono, Israel. On October 7, her daughters Dafna 15 and Ela 8 were kidnapped by Hamas. They are being held hostage. She wants to be taken to Gaza to see them.

Her story is a short self-written Opinion piece in The Washington Post 11/17.

John F. Kennedy: “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.”

At 8:00 tonight, Syracuse/Georgia Tech football. Both teams appear equally matched with 5-5 records. Winner will be eligible for a bowl bid.

Read Robert Malcom’s article published yesterday in Nole Gameday: Braden Fiske Reflects on Win Over Miami and FSU Career Ahead of Senior Day. Fiske an offseason transfer who has climbed his way to a starting role on the defensive line and has become a major playmaker for FSU. NoleGameday.com.

Everything in Central Park in New York City is there by considered choice. Not by nature. The result of a design competition held in the 1850s. 

Interesting.

Enjoy your day!

Biden is doing a great job. Why do even many Democrats want him out?

I believe Biden has been one of our best Presidents.

Democrats are buying Republican bullshit. Republicans lie and repeat the lies. Too old, doing the worst job ever, etc. And Americans, including Democrats, begin believing it.

Wake up folks! Do you want an Adolph Hitler facsimile to be your next President?

Joe Manchin is playing with fire. He says there is “plenty of time” for him to launch a third party Presidential bid. Such could be detrimental for Joe Biden.

Manchin has always been a selfish-spoiler. He pushes coal and fossil fuels yet never responds to inquiries of the coal oil plant his son owns in West Virginia and from which he gets a cut of the profits each year. He also has played games politically since Biden became President because his one vote in the Senate was necessary to pass anything. He played the “game” well for his benefit and many times to the detriment of Biden and the American people.

Manchin has announced he is not running for reelection to his West Virginia Senate seat. The reason as everyone knows is because all indications are he is destined to lose. He is the sole major Democrat holding office in West Virginia which has gone solidly red.

Americans have a right to guns. How about to public peace and safety?

New House Speaker Johnson in an October broadcast interview expressed a discomfort with “queer youth.” Noting one in four students today were such, he said students today identify as “something other than straight.” He called this part of American culture “dark and depraved.” He claimed he was troubled that such American wickedness was inviting God’s wrath.

Anti-gay and forgetting there is supposed to be a separation between church and state in government.

The separation factor brings to light the flag Speaker Johnson has hung outside his office. Some liberals believe it represents Johnson’s Christian extremism. The flag is called the Pine Tree flag, better known as the “Appeal to Heaven” flag. Some say it “leads into a universe of right-wing religious extremism…..which in the past decade has come to symbolize a die-hard vision of hegemonically Christian America.”

Chris Christie predicts Trump will be a felon by the spring.

Grandson Robert Malcom has the lead article in Nole Gameday sports news re FSU. The article was published late yesterday afternoon: “North Carolina Head Coach Brent Dearmon Comments On The  Opportunity To Play Florida State.” In substance, Coach Dearmon wants his team to take advantage of the game and knock undefeated FSU off.

The article can be read at NoleGameday.com.

Dinner last night at Salute’s with Steve and Cindy Thompson. I have not been to Salute’s in years. Food excellent. I enjoyed lasagna. The view of the beach spectacular. The food and view a winning combination.

Baseball cards continue to have a value. Only ten 1914 Babe Ruth Rookie baseball cards survive. One is going up for auction. Bidding starts at $2.5 billion.

Syracuse/Georgia Tech football tomorrow. Both teams 5-5. Favorite a toss-up. One sports writer has Georgia Tech winning by 1 point. Another Syracuse by 6.5 points.

The game at 8 pm on the ACC Network.

The Tourist Development Council investigation is in its beginning stages. Based on news reports, I question whether the non-criminal investigation is being properly handled. The criminal investigation by State Attorney Ward is proceeding on a more reliable route. A proper formal one. The TDC is investigating itself. Not the way to go. Independent outside investigators the way. The only way.

I have always been impressed by how the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District protects us in Key West from the disgusting buggers. We are basically free from the problem in Key West and outside close areas. To appreciate how good a job is being done, go north of Key West where the Control District is not available. Some days, a virtual “wall” of mosquitoes. 

To assist in its endeavors, the Control District announced it has acquired its third helicopter to support with its aerial spraying.

Thanksgiving travel this coming week. Weatherman advises a Thanksgiving storm which will deluge parts of the U.S. with heavy rain. Bringing with it travel chaos.

The rain is expected over central and eastern U.S. Road and air travel will be disrupted.

The storm has been described as “significant.”

Word is Tuberville now wants “out” of the 9 month dilemma he finds himself in. However, he can find no face saving way to go. He has backed himself into a corner. He is embarrassed. One public figure said, “He’s dug in so far…..he can’t see the top.” He has no graceful exit.

The man made his bed and is now forced to sleep in it.

Tough roll of the dice, Tuberville. Your “position” is about to boomerang against you. You called the shot and now must pay the penalty.

A manicure with Tammy at noon today. Followed by a visit with George at Zip Auto. Car needs some work.

Enjoy your day!

Little is heard of the War of 1812. We have been lead to believe we won the War. We beat the hell out of the British in New Orleans in the War’s final battle. A victory that took place 6 weeks after the War had officially ended.

The alleged reason America became involved in the War with Great Britain, the false reason,  was to force the British to refrain from removing U.S. seamen from American ships to work and fight on British vessels. There was a second reason also. To force the Brits to lift restrictions on U.S. trade with Europe.

Both reasons basically hogwash. The U.S. started the War. The U.S. invaded Canada. The reason being then President Madison and his political cohorts believed it was the divine destiny of the U.S. to control all of North America. The intent was to make Canada part of the U.S. A land grab pure and simple.

Madison thought the Canadians would be joyed to be a part of the U.S. He was so wrong! They were inflamed! They had no desire to join their neighbor to the south.

When we hear of the War, it seems like the War was fought in Washington, D.C. and New Orleans. Rarely and only for a short time. The War lasted 3 years. Two of those were fought in the Niagara Falls area and a few in what then was the American northwest Indiana and Michigan. The War involved 3 major battles. Two in Canada in 1812 and 1813, one in the west in 1814. The U.S. fared poorly in each.

Historians who dare to delve into the War, view it much like Vietnam. Believe the U.S. lost the War. Some prefer to describe the outcome of the 3 battles as draws.

The British might have decisively defeated the U.S. were it not involved in a heavy war with France at the time. The troops Britain could send to Canada and the U.S. to engage in the War were limited. The British relied on Indian tribes to fight with them as allies. Indians for a number of reasons were unhappy with the U.S. Tribes joined together to assist Great Britain. Their leader was Tecumseh, a Shawnee. He was a skillful warrior and leader. Articulate. Well educated. He could dine with British generals and officers and their ladies comfortably. 

Tecumseh viewed Americans as wanting to eliminate Indian tribes everywhere in their quest for expansion. Of the six tribes making up the Iroquois Nation, 4 sided with Tecumseh and the Brits. Two with the Americans. Other tribes in large numbers joined Tecumseh and the Brits also.

When the war between Britain and France ended, the War of 1812 took a decisive turn. The Brits now had troops to send to the U.S. to fight. To wage the battle on American soil. Britain quietly sent 9,000 troops to invade Washington, D.C. They wanted to capture the American capital and end the conflict. They almost succeeded. It took less than one week for the Brits to land and reach Washington. The White House, Capitol and certain federal buildings were burned. Dolley Madison made her famous White House escape at the last minute taking Washington’s portrait with her.

The reason for Washington’s fall was twofold. Surprise one. The Americans never knew the British were coming. The other the American troops defending Washington. They were ill equipped and trained. They were militants and not actual members of American forces.

Having run over Washington, the Brits than moved on to Baltimore expecting similar success. They were fooled. Baltimore was defended by well trained U.S. military. The U.S. won the battle. Fort McHenry after three days of heavy attack still stood. The American flag proudly flying. The birth of the Star Spangled Banner.

The War moved to New Orleans. General Andrew Jackson in charge of the American defense. The Brits were decisively defeated. The irony of the whole thing is the War had officially ended six weeks earlier. It took that long for the information to reach New Orleans. However the victory made the U.S. look good. Contributed heavily to people believing the U.S. won the War.

The War’s conclusion has left history with we three final versions. A happy one for all involved. Americans “think” they won the War. The Canadians because they knew for real they had won and had avoided being swallowed by the U.S. The British because they forgot the whole thing. The conflict to them merely a fly on one’s sleeve.

The biggest losers were the Indians. Tecumseh was killed together with 7,500 Indians. The number though not large in itself represented a significant number of Indian warriors.

I cannot understand why Americans were not taught the U.S. was the aggressor and basically lost the War, except for Fort McHenry and New Orleans. We condemn history changing today yet did it with the War of 1812.

I went out last night. In between showers and circumventing some flooded streets. It was Brady’s for fish and chips.

An enjoyable evening. Always a pleasure to be in Carola’s company. Sat next to a charming couple at the bar. Danny and Barbara. Snowbirds. They are from Missouri. They have owned a home in Key West for years. Danny still working. He owns a company that deals with pharmaceuticals.

Enjoyed their company. Confident we will run into each other again.

A haircut with Lori later this morning. Tonight, Steve and I are going out. First time since his return from his 3 week European vacation. I am anxious to hear about it.

The Sound of Music premiered on Broadway this day in 1959. Mary Martin starring.

One year later in 1960 was my introduction to Broadway musicals. In a period of 2 months, I saw The Sound of Music, My Fair Lady, and Camelot. What a way to begin!

Enjoy your day!

What a game! What a night! From the depths of despair to the heights of surprising joy! Pure exhilaration!

Syracuse/Colgate basketball. Syracuse down by 16 points at half time. Midpoint in the second half, Syracuse being beaten by 24. I was in the depths of despair. Basketball was going to be like football? Then the comeback began. Two points here, a foul shot there, an occasional 3 pointer. Some steals. 

Syracuse won by 4 points: 79-75.

Wow!

I could not get the game on my TV. Don Teich was texting me as the game progressed. With increasing frequency. Especially as Syracuse closed the score. The last 2 minutes every few seconds.

Thank you, Don!

What does the comeback portend for the season? I don’t know, but can only hope for the best. I clearly recall the winning seasons, the Final Fours, the big wins. Please Lord, again.

Next the Maui Tournament starting monday. Syracuse against #7 Tennessee. If successful, will then face #2 Purdue or #11 Gonzaga.

The Supreme Court’s new and first time ethics code described as “toothless…..too little too late…..lacking in an enforcement mechanism…..continues its previous self-review system which was a failure…..wholly inadequate.”

The Supreme Court will continue to lose the confidence of the American people. Something it cannot effectively operate without.

Appears there will be no government shutdown.  With a friday deadline facing the House, new Speaker Johnson did the correct thing to fund government departments till mid-January and the rest through February. He surprised me. The bill passed contains no spending cuts or policy changes that Republican hardliners had sought.

It took significant Democratic support to pass the bill. The Senate is expected to vote in support of it later this week and Biden has indicated he will sign it.

Interestingly, the bill passed is the same one Kevin McCarthy proposed that caused his demise as Speaker.

We are a nation drowning in hatred. Anti-Semitism an example.

Yesterday, hundreds of members of Detroit’s Jewish community flew to Washington, D.C., to march in solidarity with Israel in its war against Hamas. Some did not make it. There was what has been described as a “malicious walk-off” by some bus drivers. Buses that had been arranged for to transport the Jewish demonstrators from the airport to the march.

A “flood watch” was issued yesterday for South Florida. Heavy rain predicted. The “watch” to last till 10 am thursday.

The “flood watch” was not predicted for Monroe County. It was expected to hit Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties.

Someone forgot to tell the rain man. It has been raining lie hell here in Key West steadily for over two hours. I can safely assume Key West streets are already flooding.

ABC’s Jonathan Karl has published a new book. The book Tired of Winning. Described as a bombshell.

Karl was interviewed by MSNBC’s Jen Psaki monday evening. She questioned Karl about a former official in Trump’s White House who had some tough and shocking comments about his former boss. The former official went unnamed by request. His reason because he fears “retribution” from Trump against himself and his family. He refuses to go public in any fashion for that reason.

The quote by the official in Karl’s book: “He lacks any shred of human decency, humility or caring. He is morally bankrupt, breathtakingly dishonest, lethally incompetent, and…..ignorant of virtually anything related to governing, history, geography, human events or world affairs. He s a traitor and a malignancy in our nation and represents a clear and present danger to our democracy and the rule of law.”

Stephen Colbert spoke openly re Trump on his “Late Show” last night: “Donald Trump is a fascist.”

Afraid of dying? Mark Twain said, “I was dead for billions of years before I was born. Why should I be afraid now?”

I was not a fan of Elvis Presley in his hey day. In my old age, I find I enjoy listening to his recordings and watching his movies. It was on this day in 1956 that he made his movie debut in Love Me Tender.

Truman Avenue in Key West so named this day in 1948. The City Commission voted to change the name of Division Street to Truman Avenue in honor of President Harry S Truman’s visit to Key West.

I am writing from home now. Finally got all hooked up by Sloan last night in my new residence. Though I enjoyed the library, it was knocking the hell out of me. I was working off my laptop. Print small. Tired my eyes and therefore my body each day. Now my huge 3 x 2 foot screen is back and I can see and punch away easily.

Enjoy your day!

Date & Thyme has been in Key West for years. So have I. Yet until two weeks ago, our paths never crossed. 

I recently moved into town and was looking for a place nearby for breakfast or lunch. Date & Thyme is located at 829 Fleming St. It is a treat. An organic cafe and market. Natural foods. Delicious! I experimented a bit and have settled on a Monkey Smoothie. It has become my breakfast treat.

The staff adds to Date & Thyme’s charm. By the third day, all knew me by name. A bright cheery greeting awaits me every morning.

Try it my friends. It’s a winner!

I have been working out of the library for two weeks till my computer set up is ready to go. Supposedly will be tonight. Sloan is coming over at 5:30 to do the necessary.

The Monroe County Library on Fleming St. is great. A vital part of Key West. The number of people in and out each day prove it. The Library on Fleming St. was dedicated this day in 1959. Been around a long time. A benefit and joy to many.

Aircraft carriers today are huge. Carry numerous planes and 5,000 plus military personnel. The center of any Naval Task Force.

On this day in 1910, the first plane to take off from a ship occurred. The event took place off the deck of the scout cruiser USS Birmingham off Hampton Roads, Virginia.

A thought I came across on the internet: “Why not put women in charge of the sex abuse cases” in the Catholic Church?

The Supreme Court has succumbed to public pressure. It has adopted its first code of conduct ever. Fifteen pages. Let’s see if they abide by it.

Robert Kennedy Jr. is not his father. The two diametrically opposites in many respects. Do not be taken in by his famous name. The man is on a par with or worse than Donald Trump.

Believe Donald Trump’s threats to use the Presidency as his personal vengeance machine. “Getting even” will be in the forefront of his mind.

“Call me Ishmael” is one of the most famous opening lines in fiction. Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick.

First published in 1851. Initially a flop.

Melville died in 1891. Moby-Dick still a non-entity at the time. The book was suddenly “discovered” in the 1920s, following which it became a staple for high school reading lists across the U.S.

Grandson Robert Malcom wrote an interesting article re former player and fan reaction to Florida State’s win over Miami: ” Former State Fans, Former Players React to Rivalry Win Over Miami.” NoleGameday.com.

Enjoy your day!

Let the drums roar and the banjos play, Steve and Cindy Thompson have returned from their lengthy trip to Rome, Spain and another country before boating back to the U.S. Steve and I chatted quite a while this morning. Their trip a winner in all respects!

Don and Chris Teich have taken a home in the Casa Marina section for the month of November. A beauty! I visited them saturday night and then we dined at Milagro’s. My first time there. Ambiance and food excellent.

I was dead sunday. Not from my saturday evening with Don and Chris. Rather from doing my blog all week at the library. I was using my laptop. The small print knocked me out each day. My home setup has a special large scree with large print. Ergo, I spent sunday napping and watching TV all day.

Steve’s return provided me with his wifi. Sloan will be putting it on my home operation tomorrow night as well as hooking everything up. Beginning wednesday, I will be doing my blog from home on the big screen. A relief it will be!

New House Speaker Johnson is heading for his first major disaster. A government shutdown. A “tiny” Republican group stands in his way. Passage of a necessary money bill only possible with Democratic votes which Johnson’s two proposals could not get because both were far from what House and Senate Democrats claim is required.

A heavy rainfall can be devastating. Especially in Key West where much of the City is at zero sea level.

On this day in 1954, the rain was astronomical. The extent hard to believe. A total of 19.8 inches of rain fell flooding streets, cars and homes. Damage at the time estimated at $100,000. Imagine what it would be today!

After 5 straight losses, Syracuse finally won a game. Record now 5-5. Syracuse beat Pitt saturday 28-13.

One more victory and Syracuse will have earned a bowl bid. A disgrace!

FSU was lucky saturday. Squeaked out a 27-20 victory over Miami. The outcome in doubt throughout. FSU remains undefeated and continues to be ranked #4 nationally.

There is a concern election day November 2024 will be more violent than January 6 should Trump lose.

Bess Levin has an excellent read re Marjorie Taylor Greene in a Vanity Fair 11/7 article: “Marjorie Taylor Greene Has (Almost) No Friends Left in Congress.”

Enjoy your day!

As communities go, Key West is a small one. Roughly 19,000 off season, 29,000 in season. When it comes to honoring veterans however, Key West does it big time. Big city time! 

I am not sure why. However the gratitude to veterans manifests itself extraordinarily on Veterans Day.

Attend any event or just watch the parade and you will be left with an unusual sense of pride and thanks.

Such has been my experience for 30 years living in Key West.

Today is Veterans Day. Key West began its honoring festivities last week on November 4 at the College of the Florida Keys with a Salute to Veterans and a special salute to U.S. Army veteran, CFK alumnus, CFK instructor, and Key West Police Officer, Danyle Gray.

The Parade is today. Watch it  and glow with pride.

Thursday night I enjoyed an excellent dinner at the bar at La Trattoria. Sat next to Angelique. Enjoyed her company. She is a liquor distributor, Lives in Big Pine.

Last night it was Brady’s. Enjoyed pierogis and Carola. Watched Georgia beat Wake Forest in a close basketball game.

Tonight special. Dinner with Don and Chris Teich. They have taken a home for the month of November. They  have been visiting Key West as long as I have been here several times a year. They are Syracuse residents and Syracuse die hard fans.

There is a benefit to my recent move. My new abode is without a garage or other shelter for the car. The car sits on the street all night as most do in Key West. It poured big time last night. The sound woke me. This morning when I went to  get in my car, I noticed it was sparkling clean. The rain done it!

The Little White House was constructed in 1890. Acquired fame when Harry Truman used it while President. Eleven trips totaling 175 days. A few more visits after leaving Office when he would stay at The Little White House or with friends he had made while previously vacationing here.

Truman truly loved Key West. Key West loves him to this day and perpetually will continue to do so.

Mac McAnally was a friend, guitarist, and long time member of Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band.

He spoke with Buffett the day before his death. Buffett’s final words to him with a broad smile on his face: “What a hell of a ride, keep it going, keep the party going.”

Trump is crazy. The man does not exercise good judgment. He has opted to exercise his right to provide a defense in the New York City civil fraud case. On monday, the defense will start with Donald Jr, then Eric, followed finally by father Donald Sr. All have previously testified in the case.

It’s a risky strategy. The Trumps can do themselves no significant good. They are giving State attorneys one more chance to “grill” them.

Some things are hard to understand. Crystal Clanton is a white woman. Today, a protege of Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni. In yesteryear, a hater of blacks.

In 2015 when she was 20, she sent texts disparaging blacks: “I HATE BLACK PEOPLE. Life fuck them all…..I hate blacks. End of story.”

Clanton became friends with Ginni Thomas while the two worked with the conservative youth Group Turning Point U.S.A. Clanton’s position was terminated in 2017 when the texts became public.

After the termination, she went to work personally for Ginni Thomas and lived in the Thomas home for almost a year. She later received one of the most prestigious judicial clerkships in the country on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. 

She appears to be on her way to a clerkship for Thomas on the U.S. Supreme Court. Thomas says he will consider her.

Some things are simply difficult to understand. A black justice housing and otherwise enabling a woman who expressed hatred for blacks. A Divine intercession? 

Clarence and Ginni are one strange couple!

Syracuse/Pitt football 3:30 this afternoon. Only available on ACCN. Syracuse 4-5, Pitt 2-7.

I speculate not on the outcome of the game.

Enjoy your day!

A sure fire method that will will result in an increase in population. A power failure. Especially when the weather is on the cool side.

On this day in 1965, the great Northeast Blackout began with a severe power failure lasting 13.5 hours. Left 30 million people in 7 states and part of Canada without electricity.

Nine months later, a significant rise in births was recorded in the 7 U.S. states.

Today in 1989 was a significant day in world history. I recall it clearly. East Germany opened its borders. The Berlin wall was no more. Germans danced atop it.

Anti-Semitism. It happened before. It is happening again. The beginning. Even in the United States.

It was on this day in 1938 that Nazis looted and burned synagogues as well as thousands of Jewish owned stores and homes in Germany and Austria in a program of deliberate persecution.

Presently, anti-Semitism in the U.S. is in its infancy stages. Growing rapidly, however. Hopefully it will run its course and cease before it reaches Nazi level.

In going through tons of papers preparatory to moving, I came across the cover page of one of the KONK Life publications for 2018. I had just published Irma and Me. Guy de Boer was kind enough to advertise its publication for me. My thanks to him.

I am proud of Irma and Me. The story of the hurricane and how it affected me and some friends. It was the only book I wrote which sold well. Which also pleased me. The book is still available on Amazon.

Syracuse has basketball victory #2. Beat Canisius last night 89-77. Syracuse had a 20 point lead in the first half. Canisius was able to close it by making 7 of 11 three pointers in the second half.

Both teams shot foul shots poorly. Both were 11 of 27. Syracuse has to do better from the foul line if it wants to be a top team this year.

Syracuse’s next game is tuesday against Colgate.

Gigantic words of wisdom in this morning’s Citizens’ Voice: “Instead of suspending a TDC official, let’s suspend the whole program…..The destruction of Key West as a hometown started with this ‘heads-in beds’ debacle.”

I would not suspend TDC in its entirety. Instead would reduce it dramatically. Key West will always need some degree of advertising. However nothing like the monster it has become. It has hurt Key West badly. Also, the corruption coming to light was inevitable.

Local government bodies announced yesterday their own investigations. This morning State Attorney Dennis Ward announced he is entering the investigation. With one of his own. He announced he will be seeking an independent audit and bring the TDC issue before a grand jury.

The stink will grow. Heads will roll.

The Republican debate last night, less Trump of course, found Haley surging, DeSantis holding his own, and Ramaswamy flailing.

Ramaswamy evidenced a very bad problem. He continuously insulted women – across the board. Ain’t going to win anything that way.

I reported yesterday re the rapid increase in the cost of olive oil. A news article this morning in Breaking News: “Grove Robbers Target ‘Liquid Gold’ As Olive Oil Prices Triple Globally.”

Criminals across the Mediterranean region are stealing olives, branches, and even cutting trees to get their hands on the fruit that has tripled in price. Some of the trees have stood more than one hundred years.

Enjoy your day!