No question. I am a senior. Ninety years old. Choking a problem. A daily one. Three to four times a day.

I have suffered for more than 15 years with the problem. Surgery was softly suggested only once. When it began. The doctor didn’t push it and I have never been a favorite of any kind of surgery. So I let it pass. Now, no one wants to do surgery on me. Unless I am actually dying, as with my recent heart and abdominal bleed problems. Otherwise, I am not considered a candidate for surgery.

So let me run through what I know and have learned about choking. Not nice.

Thousands of seniors die from choking every year. Of these, over 50 percent occur in people aged 74 and older. Hopefully, you and I will not be next. In the U.S. alone, over 5,000 people die each year from choking. For seniors, the risk is high due to weakened reflexes, dry mouth, dentures, dysphagia, or simply living alone. I suffer from all, except dysphagia which I do not know about because I’ve never been made aware it was a problem for me.

According to the National Safety Council, choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional death in older adults. And when it happens, you only have 4 to 6 minutes to act before brain damage begins. Consider ambulance assistance. Not good for the problem. Average ambulance response time is 7 to 14 minutes.

Every second counts.

Permit me to point out in a bit more detail the problems and risks due to “age related factors.”

Swallowing difficulties: Change in muscle tone and coordination can make swallowing more challenging. I have a throat growth that contributes to a smaller passage space.

Medication effects: Many common medications can cause dry mouth or affect swallowing reflexes. I take 16 prescription pills a day.

Dental issues: Missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures can lead to inadequate chewing. I wear dentures.

Reduced reaction time: Slower reflexes can delay recognition of choking incidents.

Living alone: Many seniors live independently, making “self-rescue capabilities crucial.” What is most concerning is that traditional rescue methods often fail when some need them most. I have been divorced 18 years and additionally lived alone 5-6 years before the divorce. Ergo, living alone is a problem for me.

The Heimlich Maneuver is useless for seniors. I have found it that way for me. Never has worked. 

Help is obviously required…..if available or nearby. Again a problem with emergency responders is they may not arrive immediately. So if you’re older and choke, you are on your own.

Let me share the “choking timeline” with you again. Zero to four minutes, brain damage begins. Four to six minutes, the risk of death occurs. Eight to eleven minutes, the brain actually dies.

Again, every second counts.

Two foods I rarely eat.

Meats. I have not enjoyed a steak or lamb chop in years. Not even a hamburger. No matter how much I chew, guaranteed to choke.

Bread. Would you believe! Lodges in throat easily, no matter how effective the chewing is first.

There are instruments available to help. Someone recently gave me one as a gift. I have yet to use it. Bulky. Difficult to carry. However, I believe I must learn and use it.

To those who choke, especially the elderly, I hope this bit of information has been helpful.

I repeat in conclusion that when choking occurs, it is “absolutely” necessary to dislodge that which is stuck immediately. Forthwith. Right away. Discomfort big time. Failure however to succeed in the dislodging can otherwise lead to death.

Moving on.

Pope Leo says he cannot broker a peace deal for Ukraine. His position is while a Pope can be advocating for peace, it would be less “realistic” for them to serve as mediators.

Ukraine claims Russia is using a growing and more frequent number of drones in its assault on them.

Putin playing games. “Testing” everyone. For the second time in a week, one or more Russian drones have entered a NATO member’s airspace. Last week NATO scrambled fighter jets to shoot down Russian drones in Polish airspace.

Putin is playing with “war.” One Russia cannot win if NATO reacts as it should.

The game Putin is playing is dangerous.

I did not watch the Emmys last night, except for the initial preceding hour where guests and participants were interviewed. The reason therefore is I do not watch TV stories and shows. At all. My TV time is limited to the news, old movies and preparatory information for my blog.

I recognized not one “star” during the preliminary interviews. Reflects my TV story/show watching time.

I have returned to Date and Thyme on Fleming Street. For a daily smoothie. They have a chocolate one that not only tastes good, but makes me feel good as I finish it. Unfortunately Date and Thyme is closed from sunday through wednesday this week for renovations. Can’t wait for it to reopen.

Their staff is equally as good as the products they serve. Mostly women. Sweet and charming. Remember you by name. Always a smile.

Thoughtful also. Wrote me several times while I was hospitalized.

Enjoy your day!

Many do not wish to read or hear Trump. They simply have had it with him. 

As a result, I am opting to write a blog that does not mention Trump in any fashion. A change of pace, so to speak.

Hope you enjoy the blog.

The hula hoop is back! An “adult” one. Bigger fun!

China will shortly open the world’s tallest bridge. The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge. The U.S. used to build the newest and largest of everything. No more.

New flavor addition to a popular food. Parmesan crust on a grilled cheese sandwich.

The first President with a full face beard was Abraham Lincoln. An 11 year old girl encouraged him to grow it.

The world’s first known barber shop opened in Chicago in 1893.

Wearing a beard has become a big deal in the U.S. Even I am wearing one. Thirty three percent of American men are reported to be wearing beards.

Disneyland and Disney World employees were banned till 2012 from growing beards.

Sandwiches that are no more: Oyster, Yeast, Pickle, Popcorn, Mashed Potato, and Toast.

Toast the strangest of all. A cold slice of toast between two slices of buttered bread seasoned with salt and pepper. The toast sandwich was revived in England in 2011. There still may be hope for us.

Columbus may not have discovered America in 1492 or any other time. Present history so suggests. One of two groups may have been the first.

The first group may have come from Africa. Called “Cloria people.” They crossed a “land bridge,” known as Beringia Link. Recent thought is the first group of Cloria arrived 11,500 to 13,000 years ago.

A more recently discovered group thought to be first arrived 21,000 to 30,000 years ago by sea Their movement remains under study. Name and further information unavailable.

Ancient Romans enjoyed life. Whether of the ruling class or populace. Contrary to popular opinion, putting bread on the table and simply enjoying life was more important than conquering the world.

Ancient Romans worked, played, socialized and enjoyed themselves. Fun important.

They constructed and availed themselves of public baths. Play artifices 24 hours a day.

Roman walls were loaded with graffiti. 

The Roman work day ended at noon. The reason is there were no clocks. Time was determined by the sun’s location. Up at dawn, worked till noon, played all afternoon and evening. Playing included participating and watching sporting events, theater performances, and the all important public baths.

Gambling was big! At all levels of society.

The Roman Forum was the center of public life. Right in the middle of Rome.

A temple was located in the Roman Forum. Not to worship a god. Rather, Julius Caesar.

Sixty seven million people collected Social Security benefits in 2024. Such takes a large number of people to function. As of September 2024, federal employees employed by Social Security numbered 58,409.

Poland is pissed about Russia’s drones flying over. Putin will most likely try it again. NATO will have no choice but to intervene if Russia does.

As the Los Angeles Olympics is looming, critics worry the Olympics’ cultural plan is not. The 2028 games are not yet in trouble. The Olympics require proper leadership. We have been in this position in the past and the Olympics survived big time each time.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Everything is Donald Trump. Even I am guilty. Nothing I nor anyone else can do. He is “the news, makes the news, whether right or wrong.”

However…..Syracuse played football last night and won big. So I write about the football game first. Why not!

Beat Colgate 66-24. The score and result expected. Suggests Syracuse will have a fairly good season. We will know beginning next saturday when Syracuse begins playing the big teams.

I enjoyed the game at Brady’s Irish Pub. Carola bartending. Love the girl! Enjoyed pierogis also. Love pierogis!

Enough of other things. Now for Trump.

I began yesterday’s blog with a brief statement involving war. Intimating the U.S. could at some point be involved in one. The entire portion laid the blame at Trump’s feet. 

My concern was to spell out the opening paragraph of yesterday’s blog again. It clearly expressed my feelings: “War looms. Nations threaten each other. One could take a step.”

I continue writing about Trump today. Must. He is an integral part of our lives.

Pentagon policy is off the wall. Whacky! Trump motivated.

Present federal policing plans for the U.S. now involve Louisiana. One thousand military.

Trump has been missing from the campaign to sell the “big bill” to voters. Why? Does he realize the bill is a loser and wants to distance himself?

Inflation is relentless! Must be repressed/stopped. Trump has failed in his efforts.

NATO failed to assist Poland against Russia’s drone attack. The failure of NATO to act has given Ukraine grave concern. Will Europe hold back its defense re UK?

Yesterday was 9/11. Twenty four years ago. Eight forty one in the morning. A plane carrying 20,000 gallons of gasoline crashed into the 80th floor of a New York City building.

We want no more of the same. I fear my concern is inevitable. We live in trying times. The world has changed. War a probability rather than possibility. Trump the factor in the U.S. being in this world war position today.

Trump and Congressional Republicans blame Democrats for Charlie Kirk’s death. Sick!

Trump’s push to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War too aggressive. Also lacks in legal propriety.

The change requires Congress’ Home Rules Committee to approve the change. The Committee refuses to do so.

Glad some one in government has common sense!

Medicaid continues to be an issue. Seems to be the only way to save money on Medicaid is to let people die.

Maganomics isn’t working. A dismal jobs report affirms earlier warnings about the economic impact of Donald Trump’s tariffs, immigration restrictions, and DOGE-lead firings.

Our friends South Korea and Japan are infuriated at the U.S. Too much backlash over trade deals. Trump has not and is not treating U.S. “friends” properly.

Trump believes the world is following him on trade. No way. Most if not all think Trump is crazy and a two face.

The Trump Administration wants to roll back airline passenger rights. Why not? Trump takes from the people and gives to the corporations. His way! Ergo, this roll back does not surprise me.

Love the following! Trump often insists he has an end to global conflicts. But when allies and adversaries alike appear to ignore him, he adopts a what-can-I-do-shrug.

Enjoy your day!

War looms. Nations threaten each other. One could take a step.

Russian drones targeted Poland. NATO responded with diplomatic disapproval. Many are concerned such was not sufficient, more was required.

Less encourages Putin to test the West’s resolve in yet more countries.

The NATO response failed to meet NATO’s requirements. Poland a NATO member. An attack on any member state is to be treated as if an attack on every NATO member state.

Bullshit is already hitting the airways. What does “armed attack” mean and what NATO member states must do in response.

At some point, sooner than later, a proper NATO response is mandated. Otherwise Putin and others of his ilk will believe they are free to do what they want and will. Then a larger and more significant conflict will be upon us.

I don’t want my home destroyed, my grandchildren Robert and Ally go off to war, and my community and friends take a beating.

Lets do the necessary and go back to where we were prior to Trump and “his national leader friends” who have ignored and laughed at him.

Consider my words. Otherwise enjoy your day!

Conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking to a crowd of students at Utah Valley University. Trump vows to identify those involved. The President said he was “filled with grief and anger” at the attack. Called Kirk “legendary.”

Trump wants European Nations to play his tariff games. 

Trump urged European Union officials to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India, saying the more would put pressure on Putin.

Actually whether Trump realizes it, he is driving us into a world war with his tariff games.

M & M’s have announced a new flavor. The Honey Roasted Peanut. Supposedly has a touch of honey sweetness in every bite.

Age does not mean our best years are behind us. Passion and potential have no expiration date. Older adults often accomplish remarkable things.

Diane Nyad swam 110 miles from Cuba to Florida at 64 and without a shark cage. Fasua Singh ran his first marathon at 89 and continued to do so past his hundredth birthday.

Age is not about leaving our prime time behind. It is about building on what we’ve learned, embracing new opportunities, and continuing to grow and prosper in meaningful ways.

I just wrote of age not being a barrier. However, I continue to suffer from age AND a combination with a recent physical illness whose recovery has dramatically slowed me down.

Last night I had planned on Brady’s Irish Pub. Never made it. Had a number of things to do during the day. Errand running events. Tired me out.

I continue failing to get a good night’s sleep. A major cause.

By 3 yesterday afternoon, I was exhausted. Cancelled Brady’s and went to sleep early instead. Though did not sleep a normal time span.

St. Valentine was NOT the saint of love. Historians don’t know for sure what he is remembered for. However, love not.

So what? Whatever makes us happy and turns us on is sufficient.

The first American boardwalk was in Atlantic City. The year 1870. Grew in size and use. In 1900, Boardwalk was considered an “official city street.”

Today the Atlantic City Boardwalk is more than 4 miles long and part of the 32 miles of boardwalk in New Jersey alone.

Electrical outlets. There is more than one type. They are not universal. There are actually 15 types of electrical plugs world wide.

Sidney Poitier was kicked out of his first audition because of a honey Bahamian accent. Such occurred in 1946.

He remained a dishwasher, bought a radio and spent his time mimicking the voices he heard. 

He was able to change his voice. By 1950, he wowed national audiences in the film “No Way Out.” He was the first Best Black Academy Award winner in 1964.

Some things accurate, some not. Some we believe are accurate which are not.

Groundhog day predictions thought to be accurate. However, their predictions are less accurate than the flip of a coin.

Enjoy your day!

There is a time to fight and a time not to do so. There is a time to stand for rights. There is no time for elected officials to act as cowards and fail to do what is correct.

The issue involves Key West’s rainbow crosswalks at Duval and Petronia Streets.

In the dark of the night. At 3 in the morning. City personnel painted black over the rainbow crosswalks. The City lacked the courage to do it openly. Even more, they lacked the courage to fight the battle openly and in the light of day. In support of Key West and its gay community.

No matter how you cut it, Key West is an LGBTQ+ community. Yes, our gay population has diminished over the years. Still considerable, however. Businesses continue to thrive who solely seek gay customers.

Vote everyone out who supported this sneaky devious move. Elected officials are elected to fight for what the people want. Appears Key West presently has a no balls adminstration. Our female leaders no compunction.

I have recently written two or three times re the issue. I wrote concerning Florida’s Governor and State Legislature. Both recently came out and said in effect they did not understand the crosswalk issue. Neither was opposed to them. Such being the case, where the hell were they and the Key West officials when the planning for the paint over event was taking place?

For shame!

This morning’s New York Times ran a photo of Epstein and several others. One person in the photo was blocked out. Thought to have been Donald Trump.

Epstein was holding a large check made out to him for $22,500 sign by D.J. Trump. The check purportedly for a woman both men were or had dated.

Trump denies his signature or check. Claims no knowledge of the event.

Time will tell.

Apple has introduced a new slimmer iPhone.” Less phone for more money.” Tinier, but more expensive.

Ollie North and Fran, key figures in the Iran-Contra scandal in 1980’s, were married. Both widowers. North 81, Hill 65. The marriage took place August 27.

LeBron James misrepresented.

LeBron was in China for Nike. Questioned at a public interview. His comments later reported in a newspaper also. Made it appear he had been interviewed by a Chinese newspaper for publication which again was not the case. LeBon took a beating till the matter was straightened out.

A Mussolini TV show born. Will start on MUBI in the U.S. next wednesday. The actor playing Mussolini has a line…..”He wanted to “Make Italy great again.”

“Kissing Bug” disease epidemic in the U.S. Contacts noted in 32 states. Referred to in some places as a Chagas disease.

Not mononucleosis.

Called “Kissing Bug” because the bug bites the face, generally around the eyes and mouth.

If left untreated, can cause heart or digestive problems or even death.

Trump went to dinner in a D.C. restaurant with Cabinet and staff members. His first Washington meal outside the White House this term. A group of women stood and shouted: “Free Washington, free Palestine, Trump is the Hitler of our time.” They were swiftly expelled by Secret Service.

A new Girl Scout cookie: Exploremores-a rocky road ice cream inspired sandwich cookie.

I finally got out last ight. The Grand. Limited myself to a bowl of tomato soup.

Unusual weather yesterday. Lets go back about 10 days. Has rained like hell every day! Not yesterday. Sunny. A very hot and  humid 90 degrees. The heat a killer!

Today, we are already back to rain storms.

Today a manicure with Tammy at Noon. Followed by a Smiley at Date and Thyme afterwards. Then have to pick up cleaned starched shirts at the laundry.

Date and Thyme is located on Fleming Street a block or two below the Library. It was my favorite for years. The best smileys. Then I got sick for two years. The heart and abdominal bleed. Stopped going. Went no where. Decided to return. Date and Thyme has the best health foods around. Try them and see.

I was greeted like a long lost war hero who had just returned. The staff made me feel spectacular!

Tonight an early dinner at Brady’s Irish Pub. Italian lasagna cooked by a Cuban the wednesdy specialty. Carola from Ireland bartending. I want to arrange seating and TV time for friday when Syracuse plays Colgate. The food specialty friday Polish Pierogis.

Amazing the food variations available. And all good!

Enjoy your day!

One of my dearest Key West friends over the years has been Jean Thornton. She and husband Joe Alabama graduates and fanatics. Fanatics till two weeks ago when FSU destroyed Alabama.

When Irma befell Key West and the Keys generally, I escaped to their home in Birmingham, Alabama for 12 days. It was a party!

My relationship with Jean has strained the past year. Prior thereto, we would frequently dine and drink together. My abdominal bleed kept me from seeing people, dining out, etc. Including my beloved Jean.

As a result, she refrained from calling me so much. Could not blame her.

Last night, I received a call from Jean. She was home in Birmingham, wanted to hear my voice and let me know she would be returning to Key West in about two weeks. Her call was also prompted by an Irma picture from 8 years ago of me sitting in her family room in Birmingham while escaping Irma.

I made my excuses for neither going out with her nor speaking with her the past year. She understood. Reminded me my bed in her home was still available in the event needed.

Jean does not read my blog. No one’s blog that discusses Trump and politics. She can’t stand Trump and hates reading about his exploits. She understood however that I had to write much about the man since he WAS THE NEWS every day.

Nevertheless, I want my beloved Jean to read one of my blogs. Ergo, I dedicate today’s to her. Promise no Trump.

I share with her some interesting but oddball stories. Few will be familiar with them.

Ghosts in the White House? Yes. Several stories. I share two involving Abraham Lincoln.

The source most credible. Winston Churchill. Churchill encountered Lincoln in the Lincoln bedroom, under strange circumstances.

Churchill had just stepped out of the bath and was “wearing” nothing but a cigar when he saw the former President by the fireplace. “Good evening, Mr. President,” Churchill reportedly said. “You have me at a disadvantage.” Indeed he did, but it’s hard to imagine anyone else being so witty in that moment.

It isn’t just humans who felt Lincoln’s presence. Ronald Reagan’s dog felt comfortable roaming every room in the White House, except the Lincoln bedroom. He would just stand outside the door and bark. Never entering.

Then there’s Mary Had A Little Lamb. About a real schoolgirl and her lamb.

Poet Sarah Josepha Hale first published a version of the poem in 1830. Fifty years later, an elderly woman named Mary Sawyer wrote about the real Mary. She was that Mary.

Mary Sawyer wrote pretty much the version we know and love today. Mary had rescued the lamb, repaired its health and raised the lamb.

The accurate detailed story is Mary had found the abandoned lamb, cared for it and then brought it to school. Hidden in a basket which she kept at her feet till the lamb bleated.  Caught. The teacher permitted Mary to take the lamb home at lunch time.

In a letter included in a 1928 book detailing the story, Sawyer says the lamb grew and had a few lambs of her own.

Kissing under a mistletoe was born under strange circumstances.

The practice classic. Mythology classic.

According to legend, the Norse god Baldur was killed by a sprig of mistletoe. He woke at 1 am fearing every plant and animal species were out to get him. His mother and wife visited every plant and animal asking he be left alone.

They forgot to ask the mistletoe. A sprig of the evergreen ultimately killed him.

His mother, the goddess  Frigia, wept tears that turned into white berries on the mistletoe. She was able to revive her son. As a result, she proclaimed the mistletoe the plant of love.

And now to the final oddball topic. Since we are both college fanatics, you Alabama and I Syracuse, I opted to search out oddball mascot names and their history.

Not intending to be insulting, mighty Alabama was not listed. I was surprised. One of the most powerful football teams ever, I would have assumed its mascot would be listed. Especially because of its size. Consistent with the quality of the team it represents.

Alabama’s mascot is an elephant. Big in and of itself. Named Big Al. Consistent with Alabama’s record. I had to call my grandson Robert to get it. He had it at the tip of his fingers.

Syracuse’s mascot is listed.  Otto the Orange.

Oto’s history.

Syracuse selected orange as its color/hue in 1890. No deviation over the years. Never changed. Syracusans love being known as The Orange.

Otto is an orange. Became the Syracuse mascot in the early 1980s. Prior thereto, the Syracuse mascot was  gladiator, goat, and dog that wore a blue baseball cap.

Syracuse got a new Dome in 980. One that I immediately purchased a 16 seat private box and bar in. Made me a steady patron for years. Missed only one game and that was because of a family wedding. I cheated, however. Listened to the game on my cell phone during the ceremony in Church.

A new Dome meant new other things.

Early on, a former student, Eric Heath, began appearing at games attired in the orange regatta with a blue baseball cap. The University was not polite to him for years. He was a paying customer. Had to but a ticket to get in.

He became known as Otto the Orange.

Popular he was, however. He ran all over the court. Everyone loved him.

In 2004, Nike proposed some changes at the Dome. One was get rid of Otto. Students and alumni rose in unison in opposition. Otto remains.

Jean, again no adverse knock re Big Al. An intimidating name. His appearance has to be intimidating also.

Your blog! Your day!

Can’t wait till we get a new President so you will be reading all my blogs again.

Enjoy your day!

Trump rebranding Department of Defense to Department of War, a “signal to adversaries America’s readiness to wage war to secure its interests.”

Trump is a Noble Peace Prize freak who wants the award desperately. It seems strange for someone who is supposedly interested in peace to stress the primacy of war.

Trump was met with mostly boos at U.S. Open as security delayed the match. The delay was 45 minutes as Trump was shown on screen and was met with an avalanche of boos. Each time mostly boos and few cheers.

More older people are dying after falls. In 2023, the most recent year data was kept, more than 41,000 Americans died from falls.

I am concerned. I have fallen 5-6 times in recent years. Hard falls. Head always involved. For a guy 89-90, not healthy.

Deaths from falls have also tripled in the last 30 years.  Among those over 85, death rates jumped to 339 per 100,000 in 2023 from 92 per 100,000 in 1990.

And I use a cane! I have 4. At home and in the car. I still fall.

Culprit for Americans is considered to be prescription drugs. I take 15 a day. Older people in Japan and Europe fall much less. They take fewer drugs.

Syracuse came from behind to beat Connecticut in overtime 27-20. Syracuse’s next game is Friday evening at 7 against Colgate.

Enjoy your day!

The GOP’s uneasiness about RFK does not appear to shake Trump’s faith. I would not expect it to. Nothing seems to bother Trump.

A U.S. recession could easily occur before Trump’s “golden age” impacts us. Most of what Trump is doing does not do the economy any good.

Maryland is not waiting for Trump to intervene in their State. It has deployed more law enforcement to Baltimore in anticipation of Trump’s threats.

Trump has launched his War Department rebrand without Congressional approval. Not the way to do it legally.

Putin threatens more troops to Ukraine as Europe readies post war force. Moscow claims no security guarantees needed if a peace deal is signed.

Who is Putin kidding?

Exchanging wedding bands is fairly modern. Historically, men did not wear bands. Women generally have as a gesture that the woman had entered into a marriage contract.

In the 1940s, men’s wedding rings became socially acceptable. Came to recognize the romantic link between the man and woman Cost was also involved. Male rings became affordable from World War II forward.

Came across a list of names and the year which male and female names were most popular. I was born in 1935. Most popular name was Robert. Robert was most popular for several years before and several years thereafter. The female name Mary was similarly popular in 1935 and for years before and after.

On this day in 1901, President William McKinley was shot by a 26 year old anarchist in Buffalo. He subsequently died from one of the three wounds he sustained. He developed gangrene to one of his wounds. The gangrene had gone undetected for several days.

Theodore Roosevelt was immediately sworn in as President.

The U.S. presently experiencing tensons with Venezuela. As a result, the U.S. has moved fighter jets to Puerto Rico.

Trump says “he’s not messing around.”

As of 2024, 1,135 billionaires were living in the U.S. Their collective worth $5.7 trillion.

A first! Magellan’s ship Victoria completed a circumvention of the globe in 1522.

The weather is making me uncomfortable. Very heavy rains in Key West the past several days. While other areas of Florida experienced no rain

Experts however predict a peak hurricane season with storms poised to form on all sides.

Rain, rain, go away. EVERYONE wants to play.

Including, Louis. I spent 58 days in the hospital followed by 2-3 months of home recovery. I am a pale face. Need a bit of sun on my face for a few days,

Thousands of Washington, D.C. citizens have been marching in protest to federal law enforcement tactics. They feel their civil rights are being battered. They are also sensing a state of constant fear.

Tom Hanks insulted by a West Point alumni group. Trump was instrumental in cancelling the prestigious Sylvanus Thayer Award to “an outstanding citizen” who did not attend West Point, but has a distinguished record of service that exemplifies the Academy’s ideas: “Duty, Honor, Country.”

A strong happening. One hundred lightning bolts strike Earth every second on average. Reason: The Earth’s atmosphere is filled with electricity.

Death comes in many forms and for many reasons. Euthanasia has become an epidemic in Canada. First legalized in 2016. Since then, 60,000 Canadians have died via euthanasia. 

A massive cultural shift in how people live and die in Canada.

Enjoy your day!

In a little covered speech last week, the President of Portugal referred to Trump as “a Russian asset.”

Freedom first: “If the federal government is really concerned with crime they would deploy security to every school in the country to PROTECT our most vulnerable citizens, our children. Spend money on children instead of imaginary crime in D.C. and where ever else Trump wants to send SS troops.”

Supreme Court Judges are concerned. Believe “someone is going to die.” The Judges feel thrown under the bus “by Trump’s use of the Supreme Court.”

Vance leaves much to be desired. He says Senators are “full of shit” after RFK hearing.

How is Trump’s health? He would rather talk about the state of his soul. Neither appears in good shape.

Armed troops on U.S. streets. For many, Trump makes that seem normal.

Kennedy is on thin ice. GOP Senators signaling Trump of the fact. Trump does not appear to be listening.

I am 90 years old. Old! Feel and don’t feel it. Depends on the day of the week.

There is another elderly person. Female. Older than me. Ninety nine. Eva Marie Saint. God bless!

Iran has almost no water left. Twenty eight million people without water.

The Chinese Communist Party is unscrupulous. An evil cult.

The Key West Police Department reminds the community that altering or painting public property without authorization is against the law. Recently several crosswalks were painted. Bullshit laws should not be followed. Such laws should be withdrawn.

A handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence by 33 year old Thomas Jefferson will soon be available for viewing. Only four copies available.

Next year, the U.S. celebrates its 250th Anniversary. One of the four copies will be on display at the New York Public Library beginning July 1, 2026. You may wish to see it.

Joe Scarborough ripped RFK’s testimony: “He just lied repeatedly.”

Hegseth declared he has “absolute authority” to kill suspected drug addicts.

Trump no longer optimistic about ending  Ukraine War. He says Russia has become lost to China.

Jesus Christ: “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone.”

Hard to understand. Trump is scrubbing slavery from our historical sites. He has ordered up an incomplete and self-serving vision of American history. Why?

A Democratic plight. A serious one. Fewer voters are registering as Democrats.

The U.S. was close to India for 30 years. Trump blew that up in a few months. The decision is now for India to make. Does it want to go with a capricious Trump or hedge its bets through a reproachment with China?

Powerball has risen to $1.8 billion. Third largest available payment in U.S. history. Odds of winning 1 in 292,201,338.

The U.S. added a paltry 20,000 jobs in August. Between May and July, a similarly dismal report. The average 29,000 per month.

Another place where jobs are being dramatically reduced. DeSantis wants to end, if he already has not, mandatory vaccines in Florida for polio and measles.

The biggest U.S. oil companies are eliminating thousands of jobs. Conoco Phillips of Houston one that has announced plans to reduce its global work force by up to 25 percent.

Enjoy your fewer work days.

Enjoy your limited day!