NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN…..JOE BIDEN

The world is learning. America has a new leader and he is not a Donald Trump. The new Sheriff in town is Joe Biden.

Some people are complaining. Claiming Biden already is making trouble for the U.S. with Russia and China. Biden referred to Putin as a killer. The meeting with Chinese and American representatives this past week in Anchorage found both sides playing diplomatic hard ass. No name calling, however.

Better Biden openly acknowledged Putin a killer. He is. His track record in this regard clear.

I don’t know why China has a hair up its derriere. My gut feeling is China is testing the waters as regards Biden. Let’s see how tough he is type thing.

I am an expert at falling. I have many times in the past few years. I now require use of a cane. And I still fall, though much less.

Biden fell friday. Going up the steps of Air Force One. He apparently stubbed his toe on a step, fell forward, grabbed the handrail, went to pull himself up and fell again.

Got up and finished the step climbing with no problem. No injury involved.

He subbed his toe? Who has not?

Trump and Republicans are making a big deal of it. Trump especially. He who has been the biggest clown to ever sit in the White House has been tweeting negatively about Biden’s fall. Making fun of the President.

One tweet has Biden stumbling down the steps of Air Force One. Another also prepared by Trump has Biden being knocked over by a golf shot Trump’s father had just made.

Another tweet joked Biden needed a “Chair Force One.” A stair lift to help him up the steps.

The arrogance and poor taste of Trump. On the other hand, could less have been expected of him?

There was a case similar to Brown v. Board of Education 69 years before Brown. Brown was decided in 1954. The case I am referring to in 1885.

The Asian racial situation coming to light motivated me to do some research about Asians and their problems generally in the U.S. I came upon the case in question.

An 8 year old Chinese-American girl in 1885 helped desegregate San Francisco schools. The issue discrimination against an Asian-American girl.

Her name Mamie Tape.

One significant difference between Tape and Brown. Tape was finally decided in the California Supreme Court whereas Brown in the U.S. Supreme Court.

It was September 1884. Mamie’s parents were prosperous. Her father a very successful businessman. Their home in a very affluent neighborhood. Though Chinese, the family well respected and part of San Francisco society.

Mamie was born in the U.S. Her parents, immigrants. She was raised similar to an affluent white young lady.

The school of choice for affluent persons was Spring Valley Primary School. Mamie’s mother attempted to enroll Mamie. Never gave any thought she would be rejected.

Principal Hurley refused to accept Mamie citing scholar board policy against admitting Chinese children. Anti-Chinese sentiment was running high at the time. Chinese were assumed to be incapable of assimilating to mainstream American culture. Note Mamie’s parents and their family were totally westernized in language, dress and lifestyle.

Suit was filed against the Principal Hurley and the San Francisco Board of Education. The case was ultimately decided by the California Supreme Court one year later. Mamie won! The Court holding the Constitution’s “separate but equal” clause had no application.

Mamie was permitted to enter the previously all white school. Not just Mamie. The decision in her case applied to all San Francisco children. Chinese students from that point forward were admitted to all San Francisco schools.

Mamie’s decision did not seem to have any impact on other states.

I wonder if Mamie’s decision had any influence on Brown v. Board of Education. Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court at the time was Earl Warren. He previously had been Governor of California and a California prosecutor before becoming Governor.

Warren ran for the Republican nomination for President against Eisenhower. Eisenhower beat him. When the Chief Justice vacancy arose on the U.S. Supreme Court, Eisenhower nominated Warren.

Could Warren’s California experience with Mamie’s decision have influenced his thinking in arriving at the decision the full Supreme Court did in Brown? It has been mentioned historically that Warren pushed for the decision in Brown. Insisted it had to be a unanimous one. Convinced his fellow Justices there could be no other  decision.

Donald may be having financial problems. Could be. I suspect so.

Trump’s personal jet prior to becoming President a 757. Those were his glory days.

The glory days may be gone and the 757 with them.

The 757 sits in an airport in Orange County 60 miles north of New York City. The plane is need of extensive repairs. Big dollars involved.

The plane has not been flown at all since Trump left the White House. For his trips back and forth from Palm Beach Airport to La Guardia he uses his smaller 1997 Cessna 750 Citation X. Nowhere fashioned in gold as the 757. Trump even had 24 carat gold plated seat buckles on the 757.

I was thrilled beyond expectations last night. Stayed up till midnight watching the Syracuse/San Diego game. The first night of March Madness in Indianapolis.

San Diego State was favored. Syracuse destroyed them. With class! Seventy eight to sixty two.

Syracuse’s 2-3 zone defense worked all night. San Diego I suspect had never run into a zone defense before. They could not penetrate, get the ball in the center. They were relegated to taking 3 pointers which eventually did not fall. Embarrassingly so.

Buddy Boeheim excelled again. Scored 30 points.  Sixteen consecutive points in the first half. At a time when San Diego scored not one point and Boeheim was the only Syracuse player who did score. He made 6 of 8 shots from the field.

Syracuse’s next game is Sunday at 5:15 pm. Syracuse plays West Virginia. Will Syracuse win again? I don’t know. What I do know is Syracuse played as close to a perfect game last night as can be played.

Go ‘Cuse!

One week from today I get my second vaccine shot. I am thrilled. Two weeks later I hope to be out on the road again.

Enjoy your day!

NEW EXPERIENCE…..A PRESIDENT WHO SPEAKS TRUTH AND GETS RESULTS

Not even close to his first hundred days and President Biden is performing big time and speaking truth to the American people.

Refreshing!

Biden said he would see that 100 people would receive the vaccine in his first hundred days. He is scheduled to announce today that number has been reached. Forty seven days early.

At some point, Biden will have to deal right on with the filibuster. And he will. America cannot permit a Senate procedure which has past its time to stop him. Especially in days of many needs.

The Republicans will receive an epiphany. They will claim surprise. However, it is obvious they know it’s coming.

This week Biden called Putin a “killer.” Something  Trump was reluctant to do. Whatever wrongdoing Putin was guilty of at a particular time, Trump would say I asked him and he said he didn’t do it.

Some day the world will learn why Trump bought Putin’s lies. It will have to involve women and money.

Florida’s Department of Health has removed from its daily COVID report the number of people who received their second shots.

Florida claims its actions lie withing CDC guidelines. Moderna requires the second shot on the 28th day following the first. Pfizer on the 21st day.

The CDC recently advised those days are not rigid. There is flexibility involved. Can be late. The CDC however did not spell out how late.

DeSantis’ people said if the second shot day is not fixed and rigid, we do not have to report it all. And thusly was the decision made by Florida.

DeSantis and many others in this country forget a most important thing Fauci said: We are in “a race between vaccine and the virus.” One would think every elected official would recognize and move their asses with regard to vaccine shots.

Republican Senator Rand Paul is an obstructionist, a know it all and a pain in the ass. He also is a doctor. An ophthalmologist.

He never agrees with Fauci. Fauci rarely agrees with him. They frequently have words during Committee hearings where Fauci is speaking. It was face to face bickering yesterday. The issue mask wearing.

Rand told Fauci masks were not needed. He believes people are not a at the risk of COVID after they have recovered or have been vaccinated. Rand said it was all “theater.”

Fauci strongly responded: “Masks are not theater. I totally disagree with you.”

Fauci explained science believes the vaccine is good for 6 months. Not sure after that. One reason to keep wearing a mask. The other are the variants that are popping up. No one is sure how the virus will react to a variant. Another reason to continue wearing a mask.

Rand continued to disagree again claiming there was “virtually zero percent chance of anyone getting COVID-19 if recovered or received the vaccine.”

Pope Francis. One terrific person! Much like Biden. Francis has half the Church hierarchy against him.

It was on this day in 2013 that Francis officially began his ministry as the Catholic Church’s 266th Pope.

May God continue to help him in holding off the hordes of troublemakers he has to deal with on a daily basis.

An interesting piece of information. The Brooking Institute claims there were 300,000 fewer births in the U.S. in 2021. The reason coronavirus. It was noted that in Planned Parenthood’s recent fiscal year, it performed 354,871 abortions.

The Monroe County Commission is to be complimented. Actually, cheered! They voted to stand with Key West in its cruise ship problem.

The bubbas and business people claim the people want bigger ships and more ships visiting Key West. Of course, their pocketbooks are invcolved.

They have exerted their “influence” in getting the State legislature to introduce and presently have moving through committees a bill that would permit the State to preempt the recent vote by Key Westers to limit size and number of ships.

In the election, Key Westers voted in 3 referendums by more than 60 percent each for the limitations.

The State is wrong re the preemption issue. The bubbas and business people likewise. Though i can understand their position. Their pocketbooks are at stake.

An interesting article in the Key West Citizen this morning. The question was raised asking how the restaurant business has been doing since COVID-19 hit. The surprising answer, 8 new restaurants opened.

Would you believe!

Good for the new owners. They may have properly seen the future and took the gamble.

I wish each good luck. Once my quarantine is behind me, I have 8 new restaurants to try,

The Key West Art and Historical Society is to be complimented. Its curator Cori Convertino is to receive special recognition.

A new exhibit opens today. The History of Duval Street. It will run through August.

Exciting! Can’t wait to view the exhibit. After my self-quarantine ends, of course.

On this day in 1949, Harry Truman left Key West after a 2 week vacation at The Little White House.

The 11 trips and 175 days he spent in Key West speaks well for the community. Truman had to like more than the accommodations beach. He had to be enamored with the people. Their uniqueness.

March Madness is here!

Syracuse opens tonight against San Diego State. San Diego had a great season and is favored. It is the #6 seed in the Midwest Region. Syracuse the #11 seed.

The game will be carried on CBS at 9:40 this evening. Hope I can stay awake to watch the whole game. Hope Syracuse wins!

Go “Cuse!’

Enjoy your day!

 

BYE BYE TO GREEK ALPHABET IN NAMING HURRICANES

Giving hurricanes names began during World War II. The Army and Navy began assigning the names of their wives and girl friends. Before then, hurricanes were named for the place or date or both of where and when the hurricane occurred. Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 an example.

Exclusive use of female names continued to 1978. Gender equality arrived. Hurricanes began being named with male and female names.

Greek names came into play when the allotted proper names for a season were used up, Greek names were added. Think about it. The Greek names generally come into play near the end of the hurricane season. Proper first and then Greek names.

The World Meteorological Organization is responsible for hurricane naming. It has decided Greek names/letters are too confusing. They recently announced that henceforth the Greek alphabet would no longer be used. The official death notice.

One problem. The Organization failed to advise the source of names to be used in replacing the Greek ones. We will probably learn as late season hurricanes occur this year. The naming may be the first notice.

Governor DeSantis full of surprises. Generally neither advantageous nor helpful to Floridians.

DeSantis announced yesterday that Florida would not be receiving Johnson & Johnson vaccine for several weeks. Later defined as 2-3 weeks.

The reason not made clear. DeSantis advised that reasons “beyond our conrol” were involved. Is he hiding something? He has been known to do so.

FEMA was contacted by the media. A FEMA representative advised Florida had received 6,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson last week. Received at the Jacksonville site. However, the FEMA representative further advised  vaccine availability in Florida is expected to run out shortly.

He further explained that the 6,000 was the last shipment till the State says otherwise. Suggesting the problem was with the State.

Florida coronavirus cases now total 1,981,024.

The State reported that the average number of new cases and deaths for last week were 4,491 new and 82 deaths per day.

State reporting is sneaky. Skill involved in the wording of the report. Note in the first set of figures that what initially appears as a whole week is in actuality “per day.”

Huge amounts of government spending has been involved in fighting COVID-19. Necessarily so. It’s war time. Funds in whatever amounts needed must be provided.

An interesting article this week noted that monies expended thus far totaled $6 trillion. Broken down, it represents enough money to give every taxpayer $41,870. If broken down so each American was counted rather than taxpayers, the amount would be $18,181.

COVID has required a speedy monies blowout in roughly one year. However spend we must till coronavirus is defeated, less it defeat us.

A significant number of $1,400 stimulus checks were direct deposited yesterday at 9 am. A few earlier.

I did not get mine. Whereas I previous received the $2,000 and $600 checks day one.

I suspect there are many as I.

A bureaucrat said those who failed to receive would in “coming weeks.” Made it sound like most had been paid. Understanding government and money, the “coming weeks” could be months. Note that just less than 9 million eligible Americans failed to receive the $2,000 checks in the first payout and are still waiting. Forgotten a better word.

I suspect the problem arises out of new steps added last year to determine who would get deposits first. Receiving $1,400 deposit in similar fashion as with the two previous stimulus checks was no more. The only condition then was direct deposit of a person’s Social Security check. I get my Social Security monies monthly that way.

No one is talking about the utilization of Social Security as a guide to depositing the new check utilizing the two methods previously used.

The problem arises because of something that was added during the Tump administration as to the pecking order for direct deposits. A person had to file a defiler, whatever that is. This is all confusing. The defiler or I guess check a box on a tax return advising you want your stimulus check direct deposited.

These two new groups have received their direct deposits to the tune $2.42 billion this week. Ninety million received the deposits.

There have to be millions of me. Those who do not file tax returns and have never “defiled.” Why was the system changed? When are my group who were first before going to receive payment?  Why the change at all? Was it Trump who made the change? If so, why?

Deposits and checks are going to continue to go out. Though again, I could find no listing for my kind of people. The forgotten ones this time around.

A screw job.

Biden and the Democrats should stop delaying with getting rid of the filibuster. The only way to get needed legislation passed swiftly and efficiently is for Biden and the Democrats to control. If they do good, the people will reelect them. If not, the Republicans will have their opportunity to show Americans they are the A team.

Manchin and Sinema are the bad guys here. Not the Republicans. Out of nowhere they have come to be Senate powerhouses. Biden should make sure neither gets money the Senators are seeking for their states. Then let the citizens of West Virginia and Arizona get on the backs of Manchin and Sinema. Cooperation will soon follow.

McCullough’s threat of a scorched earth should not be of concern. The Republicans have been scorching the earth for 10 years. America will survive. Though I do not believe McCullough could accomplish what he threatens.

Lynda Frechette came up with more goodies in her St. Patrick Day’s blog. Described as Irish Craic and Humor. One, “It doesn’t matter how big your house is, how much money you have, or that you wear expensive clothes. Our graves will be the same size. Stay humble.”

My leg is better. No pain yesterday and none so far today.

The doctor first suspected a blood clot or small fracture. Testing revealed neither. He was in a quandary. I was also. He said go to bed and elevate your left leg for 3 hours. Then elevate it again and as many times as you can. Oh, and take 2 Tylenol.

I have only taken 2 Tylenol.

The problem evidenced itself 2/27. It took till 3/17 to go away. I was in extreme pain most days. Acute.

I followed the doctor’s orders. Stayed in bed with my foot elevated . Pain began to diminish 2/12. Still stayed in bed. Out of bed only to go to the bathroom or downstairs for some food.

I am a happy camper today. May I stay so. Thank you for the many kind notes and phone calls.

I am still in self-quarantine. Three hundred seventy eight days. My second vaccine shot the 27th.

I am back to another doctor today. My heart doctor, Dr. McIvor.  A series of annual tests in order. Overdue. One later this morning. One monday. And others to follow. Don’t get nervous with the heart tests. Merely precautionary. If something new is discovered, I will then get nervous.

Enjoy your day!

 

FROM A SAINT AND SNAKES IN IRELAND TO PARADES AND DRINKING GREEN BEER

Everyone is Irish today. It’s St. Patrick’s Day!

The wearin’ of the green. Even I am in green. I dug out an old green tee shirt and am wearing it as I write.

Think about it. Today’s title fits: From a Saint and Snakes in Ireland to Parades and Drinking Green Beer.

I am going to share some tidbits of information concerning St. Patrick and the holiday. Some you may know, or think you know. Others not and will be surprised.

St. Patrick was not Irish. If one goes way back, he has been described as Italian born as a Roman. Some say he is of English birth since when captured at 16 he was living in England. One thing is sure, he was not born in Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day was not always a big party. Not even a parade. Initially considered a celebration. It was a Catholic feast day. The first largely public celebration occurred in Boston in 1737.

Note again, no parade involved. Merely a party of sorts.

Now for the real confusion.

Confusion arises in trying to accurately determine  the date of the first parade and why March 17 is the day we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Repeating myself, the first celebration was in 1737.

The date of the first parade claimed by a number of communities. St. Augustine, Florida 1601. New York City 1762. New York City again 1776.

March 17 is also significant for other claims. His date of capture 432 A.D. His date of death 461 A.D.

All of the preceding have been claimed as having occurred on March 17 and such is the reason St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17. Obviously no one is sure why.

St. Patrick, the shamrock and the Irish are interrelated. Legend has it that Saint Patrick used the shamrock to describe the idea of God as a Holy Trinity. Three leaves on a normal shamrock. God consisting of Three Persons.

St. Patrick wore blue. Never green. People started cloaking images of him in green in the 19th century. For purposes of celebration and to commemorate St. Patrick’s use of the shamrock.

Snakes were never driven out of Ireland by St. Patrick or anyone else. There never were any snakes in Ireland. The snakes are actually a metaphor for the pagans St. Patrick drove out of Ireland.

There are more Irish in the U.S. today than in Ireland. Significantly more. The present U.S. population of those of Irish descent is 35 million. Ireland’s population is only 4 million.

The river running through Chicago is always green for St. Patrick’s day. Huge amounts of green coloring are hosed into the water. The greening of the river began in 1962.

I watched it being done yesterday in Chicago this morning on TV. Relatively large tug type vessel. Celebrants on board already partying one day early.

Corned beef and cabbage is a popular Irish tradition. Each year it is estimated 26 billion pounds of beef and 2 billion pounds of cabbage will be consumed worldwide. Also consumed worldwide will be 13 million pints of Guinness beer.

The one source considered accurate re Saint Patrick’s life is a work by St. Patrick himself wrote in the last years of his life. Confessio.

Normally I would be running around Key West tonight looking for an empty table to have corned beef and cabbage. Donna, Terri and I become a three some for dinner. Not tonight, of course. I still do not have my third shot and even if I did. there are too many virus carrying visitors in town.

Every restaurant will have excellent corned beef and cabbage. I happen to love corned beef. Especially when fatty. Last year, I began frequenting Shanna Key on Flagler one night a week. A true Irish restaurant, Shanna Key has corned beef and cabbage on the menu every night. I recommend it.

Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day. I will be spending my evening home in front of the TV set probably eating a ham and cheese sandwich. I might sneak a Beefeater in.

 

 

 

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES ARRIVED IN AN ASIAN BOAT THAT DOCKED ON STOCK ISLAND

Second time I am writing about termites in a week. A different kind of termite. One I have never heard of nor believe experienced in my Key West home.

Called subterranean termites. The word is they are destroying Key West.

Termites come in many varieties. I thought there was only one. The kind that feed on wood in your house. Subterranean ones sort of make a line around the house outside and from there do the dirty deed.

Subterraneans are Asian in origin. They arrived in the Keys on Stock Island in the 1990’s. Entered onto Stock Island from a boat docked there.

Since that time they have developed a habitat throughout the Keys.

Subterraneans are most active in February and March. Now! They swarm during the two months having a significant impact on the Keys.

They are considered unusually bad because of their sheer numbers and potential to cause structural damage. Whereas the normal termites that are tented for in Key West are munching away on a home for several years before being treated, damage by subterraneans is an onslaught and must be treated quickly.

Harry Truman again. Beloved President. Lover of Key West. He visited again. On this day in 1950, he arrived for a three week vacation at The Little White House.

Truman made 11 trips to Key West totaling 175 days.

I wish someone had written a book about his walking experiences in the morning, the locals he met, the business establishments he frequented, etc.

Very infrequent I have come across such an item. Accidentally found in a diary kept by one of his assistants that noted every minute of every day. Unfortunately, not all the experiences I referred to were kept by the assistant. Perhaps too personal.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc) is a bigot. Unquestionably. You have heard his words the past two days re January 6 where he claims he feared not because those protesting were good American citizens. Noting he would have been afraid if they were Black Lives Matter or some other black organization. He did not refer to a second group as “some other black organization.” However the implication was clear.

Most of us have had encounters with bigots over the ears. I definitely have. I learned that a bigot does not know he is a bigot. Rather he considered himself a good citizen who loves all peoples and tries to help them. The “loves all peoples” is not reflected in his everyday life, however.

A bigot is delusional.

Years ago, I had to work in front of a judge who was a bigot. Many trials. A smart legal mind. Bigoted, however.

When I tried a case before him where the attorney opposing me was a Wasp, my objections were generally denied. My opponent’s always sustained.

However if I was trying a case against a lawyer of a different ethnic background, I won. I even won when the opposing attorney was another Italo-American.

I recall one attorney who I tried a number of cases against. In front of the same judge. Not only was he a Wasp, his automobile’s license plate number read: WASP 2.

Such is life.

Even funnier, the judge invited me to his daughter’s wedding. I could never figure out why.

Poor Socrates. One of the wisest men to have walked the earth. Greek. Way back when.

Two statements by him are often found in other writings. The quotes refer to “wisdom.”

“The only true wisdom is in knowing your knowing”

“I am the wisest man alive for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.”

Socrates’ wisdom did him in. His philosophy generally became diametrically opposed to the political leaders of Athens. They tried him for his “erroneous statements” and condemned him to death. It was 399 B.C.. Socrates was 71.

Socrates could have avoided death had he fled Greece. He could have. The opportunity was available. He declined wanting to make a point. What, I am not sure.

Death was by poisoning. Forced suicide poisoning. He drank the drink. Hemlock. He faced death calmly. He chatted with friends during the 2-3 hours it took him to die.

Regarding his pending execution, Socrates said, “I was really too honest a man to be a politician and live.”

Tuesday again. My blog talk radio show tonight at 9 my time. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I will be putting the show together this afternoon. Whatever it ends up being, guaranteed it will be interesting. A quick moving half hour. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

 

ET TU, BRUTE

March 15 is the Ides of March. The date most significant in 44 B.C. Julius Caesar was assassinated.

Sixty members of the Roman Senate conspired to kill him. Their excuse…..He had become too powerful and his power had become a danger to Rome.

One of Caesar’s assassins was Brutus. Brutus was Caesar’s closest friend.

Caesar was stabbed 23 times. He saw his good friend Brutus standing above him just before he died. Caesar’s last words were: “Et tu, Brute.” Translated: “And you, Brutus” and “You too, Brutus.”

Makes one think what are friends for.

In any event, the scene did not play out as described. Caesar never said the words attributed to him re Brutus. Shakespeare wrote the scene and created Brutus’ words in the “Tragedy of Julius Caesar.”

March 15, 1972 important to movie goers. Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” opened. Recognized as one of the greatest movies of all time.

A report came out last week that only 75 percent of House of Representative members have been vaccinated. The 75 percent number confirmed. Twenty five percent have not been vaccinated. This number not confirmed.

The 25 percent have created a behind the scenes serious problem. The House has not yet returned to normal rules of operation. Distancing one of the problems. Voting takes 3 times longer than in pre-Pandemic times.

The Office of Attending Physician in a memo continues to recommend social distancing and mask wearing.The Office of Attending Physician is seldom heard of. Such does not diminish its important role. The Office is responsible to and for the House of Representatives, Senate, and U.S. Supreme Court.

New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo is under siege. He appears to on his way out.

There is an investigation being conducted by the Attorney General’s office. Based on allegations made by several different women.

It would be nice if Cuomo was afforded the same rights as an alleged murderer. The murderer is not condemned to death till he has received due process in the form of a trial.

The investigation, though not perfect from a legal sense, is Cuomo’s due process. He should not be hanged until the investigative report is complete and made public.

Word is Cuomo has no friends, political or otherwise. His “friends” are abandoning him like rats from a drowning ship. Apparently Cuomo is a “hardass” the way he runs his political shop.

It is also reported some of his staff workers have begun refusing to come to work.

All disturbing, but not any indication of guilt.

The U.S. over the years with accusations of sexual wrongdoing by power figures against women has become what I would describe as “Guilt by Allegation.”

Not fair, not right. Due process required in these instances.

Note, I am not suggesting his guilt or innocence. Let the investigation be the judge.

Some things happen that are hard to believe. The NCAA tournament selections came out last night. I was convinced Syracuse had little if any chance.

I was mistaken.

Syracuse has been invited to the tournament.  Even more surprising, as a #11 seed. Syracuse opens in the Midwest Region friday night at 9:40 in Indianapolis. Syracuse’s opponent the #6 seed San Diego State.

An 11th seed is not bad. If my memory is correct, Syracuse was an 11th or 13th seed when it won the Final Four. It was a #11 seed when it made it to the championship game. Whatever.

Go ‘Cuse!

Enjoy your day!

ARRIVING…..BARBARIANS AT THE GATE

Some have arrived. Many more will be coming. College students on spring break. Barbarians one and all. Bringing with them two of the Four Horsemen: Pestilence and Death.

Pestilence the infectious COVID-19 disease. Death speaks for itself.

The coronavirus traveling with them will infect other students and locals.

Illness and death will follow.

Not worth the trip.

At the moment, the college people are just arriving. Their numbers increasing each day. The next two weeks will find Key West bursting at the seams.

No face masks. Kissing and sexual intercourse. No social distancing.

Wonderful!

Their numbers may increase unfavorably. Miami is the spring break destination this year. However Miami has not eliminated or eased up on many restrictions. Even after Governor DeSantis ordered restrictions removed 100 percent.

The merchants and residents of Miami are smarter than the Governor.

Miami curfew a problem. In bed by midnight not attractive. Unless two have already agreed to spend the night together.

Florida remains in chaos re the pandemic. DeSantis may have removed the restrictions. Makes no difference to the virus. It never went away.

Additional virus will be brought by the students to our island community. Including variants.

Guaranteed a number of locals, students, and those who live wherever they return to will be infected. Within two weeks following the end of spring break, the numbers will confirm the representation.

Local merchants and know it all students to blame. Nothing can be done. The die is cast. What will be, will be.

Key West an historical place for many reasons. Another was added this past week.

The Little White House received through the benevolence of a Texas millionaire one of Harry Truman’s limousines which was a part of his private collection.

The donated limousine was used by Truman when visiting New York City. The years 1945-1953. Nine different cities had private limousines specifically for use when the President visited.

It is different today. Air Force One carries the Presidential limousine whenever the President travels on it.

Truman’s limousine received limited service. Mileage as of this date 32,000.

The Limousin will be part of the Little White House Tour. Rides will be available. Conchs are those born in Key West. Some families are deeply rooted in Key West. Their Conch ancestors go back several generations.

Termites are Conchs in a sense. They have been a part of Key West for many many years.

Termites come to mind because of a photo in yesterday’s Key West Citizen. The picture was of Sloppy Joe’s. Not from years ago. Rather taken early in Key West’s lock down because of the virus.

The photograph was of Sloppy Joe’s. Sloppy Joe’s was tented. The first tenting in 103 years.

Hundreds of children are crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico to the United States daily. Some with parents, some without. Those without clutching a piece of paper with the name, address and telephone number of a relative living in the U.S.

A video appeared on the internet this morning showing the crossing by adults and children.

These are desperate people! It is evident in their facial expressions. Most have already traveled 2,000 miles. Determination written on the faces of adults. Fear on the faces of children. Most of the younger children terrified, crying, and worried.

Seventy five percent of the children are teenagers 15-17. The remaining 25 percent of a lesser age.

Biden has his hands full. The primary reason the numbers of those seeking refuge has increased is that Biden said during the campaign he was going to solve the immigration problem. He gave no date, however. Note he has only been President 52 days. He needs time, even though those coming to U.S. shores do not recognize the problem.

I am confident Biden will deal with the problem and not the way Trump did.

The Department of Health and Human Services are the point. It reported this past week there are 8,500 minors in shelters. An additional 3,500 stuck in Border Patrol stations waiting for beds to open elsewhere.

The average influx of minors has been 500 a day. However, this past wednesday the number hit 700.The Department further reported there has been a three-fold increase since December.

Biden has had a “tent facility” erected in Texas to ease the situation till more adequate arrangements can be made. He intends to open further tent facilities in California and Virginia shortly.

My left leg is improving. I am into my third week of problems with it. The pain was horrible. Walking next to impossible. Even with the cane.

Don’t ask me what the problem is. No one seems to know. I have had tons of tests from everything serious to non-serious. Still don’t know.

Fortunately I am happy to report the leg seems to be getting better the past 2 days. Significantly so.

My problem has nothing to do with falling.

Enjoy your Sunday! Walk, run, bicycle…..Use those legs!

MORNING STEW #48

I have not done a Morning stew since early December. My aching body has caused me to miss a day or two. This blog is catch up time. I am going to spell out items in the order they appear in my notes.

Enjoy.

The IRS will begin forwarding the $1,400 stimulus checks this weekend. Some already have arrived. Direct deposit will be first to receive.

Question: If culture wars are over, why is Dr. Seuss all over FOX News.

Most Republican Congressional persons are complaining the stimulus is too big. They forget the crisis is big too!

I have had one vaccine shot. My second the 27th. Vaccine distribution has been a problem in Florida. In addition to availability overall.

Spoke with a person yesterday who said he was in a chain drug store locally to pick up a few things. An employee asked him if he would like a vaccine shot saying that the vaccine would “spoil” if not used. The man got his shot. In fact, he has already had both.

Interestingly, he is not close yet to qualifying off an eligibility list. Including age limits.

I was unaware the vaccine could spoil. Did a little home work. They can.

Pfizer advises its vaccine has a life of 120 hours (5 days). If vaccine is older, Pfizer recommends the manufacturer be called for guidance.

The CDC maintains a COVID-19 Expiration Date Tracking Pool to follow the age of the vaccine at different levels.

What continues to bother me is that we have insufficient vaccine supply in various parts of Florida. Never the less, vaccine is apparently getting old/stale and may have to be disposed of without use. A disgrace.

The entire vaccine situation is in disarray. Not just in Florida. All over the U.S.

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key west loves Harry Truman.

Truman arrived in Key West on 3/12/1950 for a one month vacation.

Biden has ordered the deployment of 4,000 active duty military to help reach vaccine targets. Biden is handling the problem well. It is a war!

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops reveals a “near obsession” with abortion in its opposition to the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Spring Breakers are arriving. Key West beaches filling up. Many more expected.

The largest influx of college students is expected to hit Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Many believe a significant number will be unhappy with those two cities and move down to Key West.

Miami and Fort Lauderdale still have restrictions in place. The kids will not be happy.

For example, Miami has a midnight to 6 am curfew. Alcohol is prohibited on beaches.

Key West has been touted as an “open town.” Hordes will arrive.

Key West police are ready. Even horseback police officers will be involved.

St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner. The problem will be the same.

The virus will be around longer than it should because many deviate from the restrictions. Merchants as well as college guests and other visitors.

It is proper to disrespect someone who does not perform properly. Even those who lack the capacity to do good.

I speak of Florida’s Governor DeSantis. A horses ass no mater how you view him. You can’t make good out of bad.

This past week DeSantis issued an order for fines persons and businesses have paid or might have to pay for charges already made be withdrawn. Included are mask violations.

Query: How are safety rules to be enforced during Spring Break?

The “ass” is considered Pesidential timber for 2024. Amazing!

Note this is the same individual who “arranged” for vaccine to be provided to  two affluent communities in Florida because they represented some of his heavy financial supporters.

Trump has said many times that DeSantis is the best governor in the U.S. Understandable. Trump was DeSantis’ Pied Piper. He did everything Trump wanted. Bad guys. Sinful under the skin.

While everyone has suspected Trump’s financial problems n New York City would bring him down, it now appears Georgia may do it first. He is being examined down to his underwear for issues involving ballot counting durnig the Presidential election.

If such occurs, and I suspect it will, Donald’s own recorded words will do him in.

A new restaurant in Key West. The Southernmost Fish Company Restaurant. Recently opened where Michael’s did business for many years. I wish Southernmost good luck! Can’t wait for my quarantine time to be over so I can try it.

Syracuse, my Syracuse! What a lousy basketball season!

One week ago, Syracuse was off the bubble. Then Syracuse beat North Carolina State 89-68. Back on the bubble!

Two days later, Syracuse played Virginia. A better team. The game was tied. Virginia dropped in a 3 pointer at the buzzer.

Syracuse now off the bubble? Maybe not. Virginia a much better team and yet Syracuse almost defeated them. The word now is that Syracuse is an if.”

If Syracuse makes it, it is anticipated it will be as #68, the last team invited to play in the big tournament.

We will know tomorrow when the tournament choices and rankings are announced.

Merrick Garland was confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee this past week for the post of Attorney General. The Senate will confirm him, if it has not already done so.

Garland has been touted as “best” for the job for two reasons.

First, he headed the Oklahoma investigation 25 years ago. Second, he has been a respected federal judge for more than 20 years.

Both experiences qualifying on their face. However, I question such.

Twenty five years is a long time ago. No one can tell whether he is as good investigatory wise today as he was then. A good judge does not necessarily make a good prosecutor. Especially after 20 years as a judge. The mind changes. In some instances, the drive also.

I hope Garland does well and I wish him well. However, he causes me concern.

What does Joe Manchin really want? I think he wants his ass kissed. He wants to be considered a big guy in Washington circles. He  fortuitously has been placed in that position.

It bothers me.

Biden has a tremendous opportunity to accomplish much. The stimulus bill evidence of the ability he has. To move on, Biden needs Manchin’s support. More succinctly, his Senate vote.

He is the fly in the ointment.

The vaccine. Demand exceeds supply in many parts of the country. Florida, especially.

DeSantis this past week dropped the eligibility age from 65 to 60. He could drop it to 40. Would make no difference. There is not enough vaccine for the people already eligible.

Proof of the pudding are Miami, Florida City and Tampa. Lines long waiting for shots. Get to the head of the line and told there is no more vaccine. All out!

Many of these people waited hours.

“Promises made, promises kept” was a joke when it came to Trump. The only “promise” he ever kept was the tax cut for the wealthy which kept millions of dollars in their pockets.

DeSantis no better. Makes a promise. Cannot deliver. Not because he is devious. Rather he does not check facts out before he speaks.

Anyone recall Katherine Houghton? She was the lovely young daughter who planned to marry Sidney Poitier in Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn played her parents.

A terrific movie. I can’t see it enough.

Katherine is now 75 years old. Hard to believe!

An interesting fact which many may not be aware. Katherine Hepburn was Katherine Houghton’s aunt. Hepburn was instrumental in helping Houghton launch her career.

Done!

Enjoy your day!

BEWARE OF ICE…..GET RID OF ICE AS PRESENTLY CONSTITUTED

As an authoritarian figure, Trump wanted a quasi-military force he could rely on. Such would be his first line of defense if personally endangered. A group of this nature would also exist for intimidation purposes.

Trump selected ICE to be that baby, his baby.

ICE is short for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It is part of the Department of Homeland Security. It is the largest investigative  group within the DHS.

Ice was born in 2003. One of its duties to deal with border/immigration issues. They were a so so federal agency till Trump’s election in 2016.

Trump had a concern. Loyalty was most important to him. He needed a small band of marauders he could rely on to do as he dictated. To be his personal enforcement group.

He selected ICE. Made sure budget funds in significant amounts ended up in ICE. Selected a certain brand of persons to work as ICE agents.

Recall Trump’s first wife Ivana. She has mentioned several times over the years that Trump kept in  a drawer at his beside Hitler authored and other Nazi books.

Such was his bed time reading most evenings.

Trump wanted ICE to be his Gestapo unit. Loyal first and solely to him. To do that he wished as he wished

Trump succeeded.

I have written and discussed many times my fear of ICE. That it constituted an increasing danger.

If there was any question n my mind, it was put to rest the first time I saw ICE agents. Their mere appearance was enough to strike fear in a person.

Following some natural disaster (not Irma), many Key Westers were without living accommodations, water, food, etc. FEMA came in to provide such items to those in need. Persons deprived because of the disaster. What FEMA delivered was good, needed, and appreciated.

I am a curious animal. I wanted to see the operation. To understand first hand how the disaster was being handled. In the large parking lot behind the Fire Station on Simonton, huge tents had been erected. Chairs available. Social areas also available also under tents.

People were assassinated with paperwork, provided helpful information, etc.

All went well. I was impressed. My government was there and helping!

I enjoy walking around to see what is going on. I did so on 2 occasions at the FEMA site.

What failed to impress me were the ICE agents who I assume were there to make sure trouble did not erupt.

They scared me! All I could think of was Hitler’s Gestapo.

The agents were all the same. Tight muscle bound bodies.  Fair skinned/white. Primarily blonds. Each agent’s hair a crew cut. Not in recent day fashion. Rather the crew cut of many years ago. Roughly one inch tall. Stood straight up.

The men were dressed in dark green uniforms. Each carrying a side arm that was intimidating in itself. I know nothing about guns. These were big pistols for want of another description. One sitting on each agent’s hip.

It was obvious I did not belong. I was not signing up for anything. Knew no one. No one talked with me nor did I try to engage in conversation with anyone. I merely walked around looking.

The ICE agents apparently became concerned. Who is this guy? They started following me each time I was there. Never got close enough to engage me in conversation. I had no desire to speak with them.

Recall that point in the Trump era when he had immigration people going to major cities to weed out illegal immigrants. ICE accompanied the agents. The up front guys were not ICE. ICE’s function was to stand in the streets looking up at the building the immigration people were in. Intimidation time.

Immediately prior to Trump leaving office, he had the DHS enter into an agreement with ICE’s union (would you believe) giving the union the ability/power to indefinitely delay the implementation of any new policies affecting ICE.

The  agreement provided in effect the union ran ICE and not the DHS or Biden. Changes had to be made.

Trump’s purpose was to give him himself control over ICE after he was out of office. Sort of controlling things from the gave.

Got to give Biden credit. He recognized what Trump had set up. He was not going to tolerate it.

Biden almost immediately upon taking office had the DHS nullify the agreement with the Union. The grounds were that the agreement was not negotiated in the interests of the DHS nor was it in alignment with existing law.

And that is where it stands.

There are other problems as a practical matter. DHS has to transfer, terminate or in some fashion get rid of the ICE agents whose boots stomped in step with Trump. Replace them with agents who understand what democratic immigration and any other type enforcement calls for.

In short, get the Trump inspired bullies out!

Speaking of Trump. his stock seems to be going down every day. He lost the fraudulent election ballot cases, is threatening to sue the National Republican Party if they use his picture or name for fund raising, and the reception Trump received sunday night as he arrived at Trump Towers. Trump Towers was a what goes around comes around situation.

Key West and the lower Keys have been a U.S. Navy base for various purposes since well before World War II. Sometimes a bomb or other type explosive is found from days long gone by.

Such was the case on Fleming Key.

Yesterday, a 250 pound World War II era bomb was disposed of  by U.S. Navy Ordinate Disposal. They blew it up.

Safety not a problem. The U.S. Coast Guard maintained a safety perimeter around the area.

A job well done. Not the first rodeo so to speak for our professional military persons. This bomb discovery thing is somewhat of a frequent occurrence.

Enjoy your day!