Chocolate chips cookies better to open with this morning than Donald Trump.

Who invented the chocolate chip cookie?

The answer surprised me. The time of its invention also. I always thought chocolate chip cookies have been around forever. A multitude of years. Not so. Ruth Graves Wakefield invented the chocolate chip cookie in 1938 at a time when I was only 3 years old. History tells us she came up with the concept while on a flight from Egypt.

The actual hands on invention occurred at the Toll House Inn in Whitman, Massachusetts. She added chopped Nestle semi-sweet chocolates to a cookie recipe to serve as a new variation to her customers. The cookie was originally known as the “Toll House Chocolate Crunch Cookie.” She first served it with ice cream.

The cookie was an immediate hit!

The Toll House Inn was located on the way to Cape Cod. Many celebrities were her customers even before the chocolate chip cookie introduction. Even more patronized the restaurant operated by Ruth and her husband following the introduction of the chocolate chip cookie. Some of her celebrity customers included Joseph Kennedy Sr., Cole Porter, Gloria Swanson, Joe Di Maggio, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Key West high today projected at 83 degrees. No precipitation. The no rain bit makes me laugh. At 6 a.m.as I am writing this blog it is pouring big time!

On this day in 1898, the Red Cross Society’s ship, State of Texas, arrived in Key West from New York with medical personnel and supplies. Its personnel and cargo were needed in Key West and also in Cuba where the Spanish-American War was ongoing. The ship served as a floating base.

Trump time.

King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived. The purpose of the visit is to ease tensions between the U.S. and Britain over the Iran War. The King is to address Congress. I doubt his words will reduce tensions.

Oil prices are jumping again as U.S./Iran talks appear to be deadlocked.

Trump is dissatisfied with Iran’s plan to open the Strait of Hormuz. Iran refuses to agree to Trump’s demands.

The prospective assassin’s at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was arraigned yesterday in federal court. Charged among other things with attempting to assassinate the President.

Donald and Melania “demand” Disney and ABC fire Jimmy Kimmel over a “joke” he uttered Thursday night two days before the Saturday dinner. 

Trump says all kinds of things about all peoples whenever he chooses. Some really really bad! Yet the President and Melania consider it wrong to say bad things about them. They assume of course that anything bad said is false. Which of course they are not.

In his Thursday talk, Kimmel described Melania as “so beautiful” and then went on to say “Mrs. Trump you have a glow like an expectant widow.” He also made cracks about Trump’s age and health.

Melania said Kimmel’s words were “corrosive and deepen the political sickness within America.” She referred to Kimmel as “one who spreads hate.”

Trump believes that networks whose hosts are critical of him should lose their right to broadcast. Fire the bums, in effect. Shouldn’t the President be held to the same standard? What’s good for the goose is good for the gander!

What happened to free speech, to the First Amendment?

What follows is something I heard only once on the internet. When I went back to find it, I could not. No one else ran it either.

The comment was that during the assassination attempt, Hegseth threw his wife down and threw his body on top of her for protection. If true, Hegseth has to be given credit. I say this in spite of the fact I consider him incompetent and inept.

I close.

Noting however I shall be doing The Grand during Happy Hour today with my dear friends Fran and Tom Dixon.

Enjoy your day!

Walt Disney went to Hollywood in 1923 with $40 in his pocket. A perfect example of how big oaks from little acorns grow.

The FBI has 38,000 employees. 

Michelangelo’s talents exceeded art. Actually he considered himself first and foremost a sculptor. A poet also. He wrote in excess of 3,000 poems.

Helen Keller met 13 Presidents, wrote 14 books , and was nominated for the Noble Peace Prize in 1953.

Eisenhower’s approval rating in December 1959 was 77 percent. Trump would love to have that number. Or even close to it! 

Russia is in the fifth year of the Ukraine War. Putin’s ratings at home are falling. The Russian people are voicing despair. 

Italy a complex nation. Every European country at one time or another sent its people to settle in Italy. Some remained, some left. Whatever, each established a piece of its culture within Italy’s borders. This settlement of Italy began some 4,000 years ago.

I have a clear memory of Woolworth’s. From my early youth till its demise. In 1979, Woolworth’s had five thousand stores world wide. Beginning in 1980, they began closing. The U.S. for example had changed. People were moving to the suburbs and shopping in shopping malls and centers. Woolworth’s continued to remain downtown, did not follow its customers.

A sad observation. John Wayne has always been America’s hero. One thing few today are aware of is that he was anti-black and anti-Semitic. Openly so. 

Jim Furyk has been named Captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup Team for the 2027 Tournament.

Anais Nin: “We do not see things as they are, we see things as we are.”

The first time President Truman was briefed on the Manhattan Project was soon after he took office in 1945. Truman eventually made the decision to drop the atomic bomb on Japan. Accelerated the end of the war and saved the lives of a multitude of American military. 

We live and learn. Benjamin Franklin only had two years of formal education. From 8-10 years of age. At 10, he had to quit school as his father required him to work in his printing business. How then did Franklin become so intelligent? He was self educated. He became a voracious reader.

John Archibald Wheeler: “In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”

On this day in 1990, the first McDonald’s opened in the Soviet Union.”

Octopuses have extraordinary intelligence.

It happens. In April 1942, the U.S.S. Sturtevant left Key West via the Northwest Channel. It “strayed” into the U.S. Navy’s minefield and was sunk. Seventeen Americans killed.

Lucille Ball: “Keeping busy and making optimism a way of life can restore your faith in yourself.”

John Wilkes Booth was killed 12 days after assassinating President Lincoln.

One of the deadliest fires in history occurred during the wedding of Marie Antoinette and the subsequent King of France Louis XVI. Fireworks blew into spectators. Three thousand persons were killed.

In April 1805, U.S. Agent William Eaton led the U.S. Marines in battle “on the shores of Tripoli.”

King Solomon had 700 wives and 300 concubines. A total of 1,000 women. Turned his heart from God. 1 Kings 11:3.

Humans began drinking cow’s milk around 8,000 BCE.

A very short bit re Trump.

Both sides have walked away from the Pakistan peace talks. The situation cannot continue in a “stalemate.” Hopefully both sides can get together without a further shooting/bombing war. Especially the nuclear one Trump seems to want.

The prospective assassin at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner will be arraigned today.

I conclude with my dear friends Fran and Tom Dixon. Tom is well. We were supposed to go to dinner together last night. I had to beg out. Started feeling poorly around 2 in the afternoon and got increasingly sicker as the day progressed. I feel well this morning. We are rescheduled for tomorrow night.

Enjoy your day!

Trump better be careful. The third assassination attempt on his life occurred last night at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Failed again. How many times will he be lucky?

The culprit 31 year old Cole Tomas Allen. A Californian. He was captured in time. Only one person shot. A Secret Service agent. His vest protected him from serious damage fortunately. Allen will be arraigned tomorrow morning on I am sure a multitude of charges.

I was watching the event on TV. Trump was seated at the head table. All of a sudden a group of Secret Service and perhaps some other federal agents swamped across the head table pulling everyone off. A number of Agents grabbed Trump and shoved him down with their bodies covering him as they dragged him off the stage.

Trump was typical Trump. He listens to no one. Trump tried to rise up 2 or 3 times as the Agents were shouting “get down.”

Trump was returned to the White House and made some comments. Among other things, Trump said the attack was a sign of “his historical significance.” He claimed, “I’ve studied assassinations, and I must tell you the most impacted people, the people who do the most…..they’re the ones they go after. And I have to say I’m honored by that, but I’ve done a lot.”

Trump called off the Witkoff and Kushner trip to the Pakistan peace talks. A waste of time from his perspective. Noteworthy is that the Iranian representatives had left Pakistan Saturday after downplaying U.S. involvement in the negotiations. 

Trump added, “We have all the cards.” If so, why then is the war not ended?

Many believe, and I agree, that the Iran War is draining the U.S. of critical weapons. Especially bombs and missiles. A high price to pay. China and Russia must be drooling in anticipation of what it might mean in the future for them in an altercation with the U.S. Our military is reported to be concerned.

Something unusual occurred April 18 in the Oval Office. Trump asked for the nuclear codes. Chief of Staff General Caine refused to provide them. He had no authority to refuse, but he did so. He then walked out of the Oval Office with head bowed.

Trump is crazy. I believe he would drop a nuclear bomb on Iran. Caine did the correct thing, even though he was without the power to do so. Took balls.

To the better things.

Brunch yesterday at the Celi’s. Third time. Guests all interesting. Intelligent. Includes me I guess, though I was actually referring to the others. 

Joanne Celi prepared the main items consumed. Her Italian heritage obvious. The main course was a breakfast casserole. Like my grandmother, mother and former wife made. Her husband Joe a consultant. For the big companies. Knows everything.

Fred and Joanne Klein present. Wonderful people! Especially Fred. A retired New York attorney.

Reiley and Cricket. I knew Reiley. First time meeting Cricket. 

Reiley raises and sells horses in Saratoga. He and Cricket will be off to the Kentucky Derby soon. Understandable. Reiley’s business involves racing horses. Cricket is a producer of shows. Exactly what I did not grasp. Will the next time. Involves TV, movies, shows, I assume. How exciting!

And finally Louis and his cane.

All leaving the next week to return to New York for the Summer. They will be back in the  Fall. With the exception of Reiley and Cricket. They will be back in June for a while when the three of us will have dinner together.

Chernobyl was 40 years ago. A nuclear plant. Exploded followed by a huge meltdown. At the time located in what was Russia. Subsequently became a part of Ukraine.

A mother came to visit me in my Utica office. She had her one year old child with her. Beautiful! One problem. She was born with one of her arms only half grown. It ended at the elbow.

The mother was single at the time. Nowhere near Chernobyl, though at the time she lived somewhere in Europe. She married some time following the Chernobyl nuclear explosion. Her husband had been working in Chernobyl, though not at the plant itself, at the time of the explosion.

Could I help, she asked. I told her I knew nothing about nuclear problems. She had seen a number of attorneys in Europe and the U.S. No one could help.

The little girl’s half an arm intrigued me from a legal perspective.

I spent two years working on the case. With an outstanding Italian lawyer who had unsuccessfully worked on the problem and a Russian attorney who was not able to make a viable legal case out of the girl’s arm.

The three of us together failed. We gave it our best, however. Russian law controlled and was an absolute block to our succeeding legally.

Everything is cause and effect in the law. We determined the husband was the problem. By the time we were in the case, it had been determined most males working near the explosion ended up with semen years later that bore whatever was necessary to shorten the little girl’s arm beginning in the fetus.

The case was hard enough. The husband/father was no help. He refused to mentally accept he was the problem. His semen. Uncooperative does not describe how bad he was.

Such was my Chernobyl experience. The wife/mother accepted my judgment after two years that nothing could be done.

Enjoy your day!

Measles is on the increase in southwest U.S. The key states involved are Texas, Utah, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Vaccine an issue. It has been clearly established that the measle vaccine is 97 percent effective. Control requires getting everyone needed to be vaccinated vaccinated. Now, not tomorrow!

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has recently been before a Congressional Committee for several days. To get the truth out of him is like pulling teeth. He was down big time on vaccines last year. The best he would give in his recent Congressional testimony was that the measles vaccine is “97 percent effective.”

Kennedy is killing people. Not his job. His is to keep Americans heathy and alive. He is merely another Trump Cabinet selection not qualified for the job.

The internet had a detailed presentation of the 1964-1965 World’s Fair. Held in New York City. Specifically Flushing Meadows in Queens.

I was fortunate to have visited the World’s Fair on two separate occasions. Once each year.

Huge! Covered 650,000 acres. One hundred fifty pavilions which covered everything to be expected in the “tomorrow.”

Walt Disney’s pavilion one of the best: “It’s a Small World.” 

The telephone exhibit impressed me. The telephone of tomorrow was featured. Push button! I am laughing also. The push button eventually came and went! 

The “Unisphere” overwhelmed everything as one arrived. A huge global sphere 140 feet tall.

Ford Motor had an auto pavilion. Introduced the Ford Mustang within it.

New York City built a special subway to the World’s Fair. Colored blue…..why I do not know. Rarely used today. Not to carry passengers. It is referred to as the “forgotten World’s Fair Railroad.”

I was impressed in my two visits. Amazing how most things that would happen did. Most if not all have come and gone. Again amazing how man’s ingenuity moves and people adapt to new things.

First eyeglasses? The first eyeglasses were of Italian origin. In 1286, an unknown craftsman fastened two glass lenses to a wood or bone frame to create the first eyeglasses. Not of much value. Corrected nothing. The glasses were merely for appearance purposes.

However, man did work at it. Eyeglasses terrific today. They make us all see and properly so. For the past 60 years in my case!   

“Free birth” being promoted. The term means rejection of any medical intervention during pregnancy or delivery. Also known as a “wild delivery.” Involves significant risk to the mother and fetus/child.

Key West weather continues to be summer like. Low 80s and sticky hot.

Lewis Carrol: “I can’t go back to yesterday – because I was a different person then.”

Saks Global is parent to Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. Saks Global entered Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in January. It was $3.4 billion in debt. Saks Global expects to come out of the Chapter 11 proceeding this summer. It has arranged for $1.5 billion in financing to assist itself.

The Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic is tonight. Seven p.m. at Mallory Square along the Key West Harbor. Don’t miss it! Can’t describe how funny! Hilarious! An example of what is to be seen. Open cockpit Conch Republic planes dropping bombs of unrolling toilet paper rolls on U.S. and Coast Guard vessels below.

This summer expected to be unusually warm across the U.S.

A month this, a week that. Each has acquired a number of names. A new one this year: “Masturbation May.” I did not make this up.

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive in the U.S. April 27 for a short U.S. visit. They will leave April 30. While here, the Queen will meet with Melania in a private meeting.

Tom and Fran Dixon were supposed to arrive yesterday. They never made it. Tom is in a hospital in Buffalo with an abdominal bleed. They will do surgery this morning to locate it. I hope they find it. You will recall I spent 58 consecutive days in four different hospitals 3 years ago with such a bleed. They never found mine. It eventually healed on its own.

Recall I was discharged after 58 days and told to go home and get my affairs in order. I had a week left to live. Fooled them all! I’m still here!

No Trump today. I feel good and do not want to disturb the good feeling.

Enjoy your day!

I pressed a wrong key. Lost my entire blog. Need to redo. Too tired. I have been awake since 2 a.m. Ergo, I only share the bit that didn’t get lost in never never land.

Sorry.

Trump considering giving himself the Congressional Medal of Honor. Crazy! Pompous ass! No way is he entitled to it, no way has he earned it! Many believe he will do it.

Perhaps he considers his leadership with the Iran War entitling him to America’s most prestigious award. The man is sick if he does!

How will Trump handle this? China has warned the U.S. that its ships will utilize the Strait of Hormuz regardless of any naval blockade and its tankers will get oil from Iran. China has warned the U.S. In effect, don’t screw with us.

SORRY FOLKS!

I hit a wrong key. Have had to redo the entire blog. A pain!

Trump thinks he is entitled to the Congressional Medal of Honor. For what? The Iran War? He may give it to himself. The man is crazy!

China has warned Trump. Itis going to send ships through the Strait of Hormuz. It is going to have tankers fill with oil in Iran. China’s message simply don’t screw with us. What will Trump do? Nothing I suspect. However note carefully the position Trump places us in. We are having difficulty handling Iran. Now a war with China?

Trump is planning a rage-fueled address at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner Saturday night. Described by some as a “revenge attack” on White House media.

Trump unquestionably responsible for inflated prices and inflation in the U.S. and world wide. If Republicans take a beating in the midterms, as I suspect they will, it will be Trump’s fault. 

Trump calls the U.S. a “stupid country” because he has to obey the Constitution.

Britain’s King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the U.S. April 27 to April 30. During that time, Queen Camilla and Melania will have a private meeting. 

Interesting. Trump’s Department of Justice shielded bankers and billionaires while exposing Epstein’s young female victims by name. Good job Donald! Take care of your own and those you want favors from or to do business with.

FBI Director Kash Patel said he and Trump are “as tough as they come.”

United Airlines warns it may need to hike prices by up to 20 percent to match the increase in jet fuel costs. Another “thank you Donald” situation.  

To other things.

“Free Birth” being promoted. Means rejection of any medical intervention during pregnancy or delivery. Carries with it serious risks. Not wise. A growing trend, however.

Key West weather. Low 80s. Hot!!! Perspiration time. Uncomfortable.

Lewis Carroll: “I can’t go back to yesterday – because I was a different person then.”

Saks Global is the parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, Nieman Marcus, and Bergdorf Goodman. Saks Global filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in January. It had $3.4 billion in debt at the time. It is expected to come out of Chapter 11 this summer having arranged for $1.75 billion in financing.

The Great Sea Battle of the Conch Republic this Friday at 7 p.m. Held per usual at Mallory Square along Key West Harbor. Don’t miss it! Hilarious! Fun big time!

Many arrived in Key West in its earliest years the same way. Their ships to elsewhere were sunk. Those who survived ended up on Key West. Some remained.

One was James G. Jnee. Canadian born. In 1850, his ship was wrecked on the Florida Reef. He ended up in Key West. He became Deputy Clerk of the U.S. Court, Mayor of Key West, Monroe County Sheriff, Monroe County Tax Collector, Justice of the Peace and a U.S. Marshall.

This summer is expected to be unusually warm across the U.S. 

A month this, a week that. Days to celebrate or recognize an occurrence. Now a new one: “Masturbation May.” I did not make it up.

Fran and Tom Dixon arrive later today.

Steve and Cindy return from their family cruise today.

It was a pleasure driving my car yesterday. The only negative, I needed gas.

Wow! Expensive!

Enjoy your day!

Trump has to go. No question about it. The 25th Amendment has to be invoked. Soon! Before he initiates more tragedy.

It has been reported that Trump was trying to figure out the nuclear codes. U.S. generals had to stop him.

Peace, no peace with Iran. Pakistan Peace Talks did not even begin. Vance never left for Pakistan.  The ceasefire ends today. However Trump has agreed to Pakistan’s suggestion that the ceasefire continue indefinitely for the moment. Iran has agreed.

Trump too volatile. No question he wants an end to the war. Then he threatens nuclear devastation. He’s gone!

Trump is easily the worst President in U.S. history.

Trump does not want immigrant children to be taught English. Wrong! Many will remain in the U.S. They should become adapted to American ways. I was the child of an immigrant parent My mother was born in Italy. I spoke Italian before English. However I could speak English by the time I entered kindergarten.

Jamelle Bouie: “Trump corrupts, and absolute Trump corrupts absolutely.”

To the mundane. Enough of Trump for today.

The Mets are off to a very bad start. They have lost 12 straight games.

Israeli soldiers have been sentenced to jail for damaging a Jesus statue in Lebanon. My support of Israel is diminishing, eroding because of Netanyahu, the Iran War, and anti-Catholic activity.

Britain is seeking to go “smoke free” for those born after 2008. Only the King’s approval remains.

Earn big bucks in the U.S. and pay big tax dollars! The way it is. I can’t understand why the media is making such a big deal out of McIlroy’s taxes that will be imposed because of his Masters winnings. He makes enough to afford the taxes.

I reached a point in my law practice where my earnings were not only large, but also could be described as spectacular! I never once was bothered by the taxes I had to pay. I was thrilled I had made so much money and was able to pay the taxes.

The Mariel Boat Lift began April 21, 1980. The first boat arrived from Cuba in Key West. Contained 48 Cuban refugees. By late Summer more than 130,000 refugees had arrived in Key West.

Syracuse basketball player Donnie Freeman has transferred to St. John’s and Rick Pitino. A Syracuse loss. An excellent player.

National Library Week is upon us. Libraries the best. I started going almost daily at 6 years of age.

Key West’s Library is a special place. My son in law Corey Malcom is Director not only for the Key West one, but all Monroe County Libraries running north almost to Miami. He and his staff do a great job!

The first novel written was “The Tale of Genji.” An 11th century text written by Murasaki Shikibu in Japanese.

The first Boston Marathon was run in 1897.

Charles Darwin: “If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.”

Yellowstone has not erupted in 70,000 years. Don’t get comfortable. You never know.

Very little is known about Homer. Including whether he was a real person.

Women’s jeans have pockets 48 percent shorter than men’s.

Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” contains 19,703 words.

A big day for me yesterday. Got my car back from the repair shop again!

My Buffalo friends Fran and Tom arrive in Key West tomorrow. Looking forward to their visit.

Enjoy your day!

When I write “can’t win them all” I am not referring to the Iran War. I am referring to Steve Thompson’s family.

For a month Steve has been reminding me his comparable aged family would be here today and wanted to meet with me. They are loyal blog readers. I have met some in the past. Do not think all. They were getting together for a boat trip. The boat left Fort Lauderdale yesterday and the trip would end Thursday. A quickie. Two stops. Key West and some island owned by the boat company.

Steve has a twin brother who I have met. He and his wife live in the warm weather in Alaska where they have a salmon fishing business. Spend the winter months in a condo in Tampa. I am not sure if Steve has another brother or two. I know he has at least one sister. One of the most charming women I have met.

Names I cannot recall. I apologize to them all. I am bad at name recollection.

Steve was excited they would be spending today at his and Cindy’s Key West home. I rent an apartment in their mansion home.

Steve has been bugging me the last two weeks not to forget their visit. I promised to shower, trim my beard, iron a shirt, etc. I would pretty myself up for them.

I received a telephone call from Steve last night. He had just finished dinner on the boat. He and the family were told the Key West stop had been cancelled. Bad weather. Such is life! I don’t have to trim my beard.

Key West weather has been fantastic the past few weeks. Low 80s. Summer heat. Water calm. I checked today’s weather. The same. I do not understand why the boat can’t make it. I am disappointed. 

Another time. Hopefully sooner than later.

Pakistan peace talks to recommence today Will they really meet? U.S. there and waiting. Trump anxious for a resolution. Initially, Iran said it had not agreed to meet. At the last minute the are sending a group to the talks. Whether they will actually negotiate, remains to be seen.

Trump in the meantime is threatening to wipe out Iran if they fail to negotiate and end the war. Asshole!

Ukraine is giving up on Trump. The U.S. not the help it has been in the past. Trump sucking up to Putin.

Trump probably wishing Iran would “please just give up.” No way. A big guy can’t piss on a little guy and expect to get away with it.

One way to end wars is to make it a requirement that politicians who start wars must be sent to fight. Trump should be in the front lines in Iran. Hegseth cowering right behind him. Ho, ho. If such were how things were handled, the Iran War would never have been.

Interesting statement on the internet this morning: “Trump is pissed because he found out Iran can put up a better fight than a 13 year old girl.”

Lets release all of the Epstein papers and learn the actual facts. No guessing. Just hard cold facts

Moving on.

Many say “burning down warehouses” isn’t the way. They forget we dumped 92,000 pounds of tea in a harbor, caused real economic damage and job loss, and kicked off a revolution.

The U.S. is the only country in North America that does not provide universal healthcare. How embarrassing. How difficult for many to stay healthy.

Not right. In the U.S., people making $184,000 pay a 12.4 percent tax rate. Those making $1 million only 2.2 percent.

Argentina experiencing an economic crisis. Many eating donkey meat. Hopefully such will not occur in the U.S.

It was 1973. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round a Yellow Oak Tree” topped U.S. pop charts and created a cultural phenomenon.

I spent much time in Pompano during the winter season humming and dancing to the tune. Those were the days!

Enjoy your day!

I graduated from the Syracuse University School of Law in 1960. Syracuse Law never had a famous political graduate. A Harvard we were not. Though many a judge graduated from the Law School.

Joe Biden graduated from Syracuse Law. Eight years later in 1980. In due course, Syracuse had a President! A big deal. The biggest!

I wanted to share Biden’s graduation from Syracuse Law with you. I don’t think I ever have. I was proud of my Syracuse Law days and the relationship I had with the Law School in subsequent years. Unfortunately, I never got to meet Biden. By the time he became President, my active days at Syracuse Law were behind me.

To Trump and his hair. I read an article outlining the many procedures Donald had over the years re his hair. A lot of time, pain and money involved. Must say, when in place it looks good.

I was under the impression this past week that peace talks were to begin today in Pakistan. Vance, Kushner and a third party already left for Pakistan. Probably there already.

Trump said peace talks were scheduled. And if they failed, the worst militarily would be heaped on Iran. 

Iran has consistently advised no talks/negotiations were scheduled. Even at this moment as I write this Monday morning.

Trump has been claiming Iran has agreed to give the U.S. its nuclear dust. Iran says “no way!” “Never!” Iran claims the nuclear matter is as sacred to Iran as Iranian soil itself.

What is going on? Consistent with Trump losing it? Or is he just setting Iran up to be bombed out of existence for failing to negotiate?

The Ballroom. Trump still at it. He is “fixated” with it. The recent Supreme Court decision gave him a “window” to do some work. Little, however. Only to “below the ground.” Whatever might be necessary “for the safety and security of the White House.”

Trump reads the language his way. Even better than a lawyer in viewing it. He reads it as giving him huge latitude to proceed as he wishes.

Trump is overhauling Obamacare. A bad thing!

He is doing so without Congress. Illegal.

Why is he doing anything? If successful, 2 million people will lose coverage.

Moving on to non-Trump issues.

Eight children 1 to 14 years of age were shot and killed in Louisiana. Seven were the children of the shooter. He was deranged and upset because of a divorce proceeding between he and his wife.

College degrees becoming a problem. A real one. 

Some colleges permitting students to take an “unlimited number” of courses leading to “quick degrees.” Such “devalues” the credentials received. Cheats the students and eventual employers. The graduates being ill equipped.

Rhubarb. The fruit. I have not thought of it in 75 years.

When I was young, my parents purchased a new home. One of our neighbors were Irish. Mary Buckley who taught at a local public high school and her elderly mother who I always referred to as Mrs. Buckley. Both took an immediate liking to me.

Mrs. Buckley was quite old. In her 80s I assume. She grew flowers, fruit and vegetables in her back yard. She taught me how to help her which I was happy to do.

One of the fruits was rhubarb. I had never had it. She cooked it for me frequently till she died. Loved it! Unfortunately, I have not had rhubarb since she passed on. I mention it today as I read about it in my preparation for today’s blog.

Four Presidents were college cheerleaders: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Regan and George W. Bush.

The Christmas Card was invented in 1843.

Teen pregnancies an issue again The problem has been under control for 60 years since helpful Nixon legislation. Title X became law. It was dedicated to female planning and reproductive health care. 

Hard to believe how successful it became!

In 1957, one in ten young girls gave birth. Today, the rate is closer to one in one hundred.

Trump wants to get rid of Title X.

The young have been supportive of Trump. Their support diminishing. Many young Republicans believe the Republicn Party needs a “complete overhaul.”

Enough.

Enjoy your day!

Michelangelo loved painting penises. Those he painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel the most famous.

I spent a lifetime believing he painted over 800 on the ceiling. Most believe he painted them and in such large number because he was mad at Pope Julius II who “bullied” him into painting the ceiling. Michelangelo did not consider himself a painter. He sculptured. Generally nudes. The penis exposed in its natural glory.

Julius II won the argument. Michelangelo spent 4 years from 1508 to 1512 doing the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Generally lying on his back. Paint constantly dripping on his face. His body developing all kinds of physical problems lying on his back for extended periods of time.

Julius basically gave him free reign as to what to paint and how.

Michelangelo returned years later to paint The Last Judgment in side areas of the Ceiling. He painted the Apostles in the nude. Christ on the Cross nude. Penis exposed.

The reason Michelangelo painted men with their “dicks” exposed was not because he was mad at Julius. It was because he believed that when man died, they appeared before God nude. Simple. Took me a lifetime to learn.

How many penises? I spent my life believing around 800. The number much less. The best I could come up with is 145 for both painting episodes.

I visited the Sistine Capel on two occasions. A thrill! First the long walk down a corridor totally enclosed in magnificent art work on the sides and ceiling. Following which you were in the Sistine Chapel.

Note that the crowd waiting to view the Sistine Capel and its ceiling were immense. It was shoulder to shoulder. Heads tilted back looking up. The Ceiling so high it was impossible to see the penises. They were normal size. You only knew about the penises from what you read.

Some writers have described Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel penises as the artist’s “Great Dick Feast” which contributed to the erroneous 800 number.

The Sistine Capel and the Vatican itself a “must” to see if you are ever in Rome.

Moving on.

Charles Dickens visited the White House. No one answered so he let himself in. He was there by invitation. He was looking for President John Tyler. Dickens walked around freely. Walked upstairs. He was shocked to see men spitting tobacco on the floor. 

Dickens finally met Tyler. They sat in Tyler’s office together. The meeting as reported by Dickens strange. They did not talk. Tyler looked down. Words never exchanged. Dickens stood, said thank you to Tyler, shook hand and left.

The open door policy was a common one, though Dickens was unaware. Jefferson had started it when he was President. It was the “people’s house” and he wanted it to be available to them. The policy continued for many years following Dickens’ visit.

The world’s strongest beer is Snake Venom. Sixty five percent alcohol by volume.

Beer was banned in Iceland for nearly 75 years till 1989.

Life Magazine was first published in 1936.

It is claimed Teddy Roosevelt wrote 150,000 letters during his lifetime. Having read the man big time, I believe it.

Teddy Roosevelt was the first President to win the Nobel Prize. Something Trump will never win.

The Wright brothers first flight flew 120 feet.

Silent Night is probably the most beloved of Christmas carols. Reflects peace. It was inspired by the Napoleonic Wars. Began as a poem re peace in 1816. Later became a song.

Who should bear the cost of college has become an issue. Parent and child, parents alone, child alone? The child can help by working part time. The child can pay it all by working and paying his or her own bills. Don’t tell me it is too expensive today. It always has been expensive. Money is relative. It was expensive when I went to college in the 1950s. I worked and paid my own way to get through. So did may of my class mates.

Robert graduates from Florida State in two weeks. He worked big time summers and while in school. Made big bucks. His parents helped. He handled some big items, however. I am proud of him!

Jake continues to be sick. His heart. Sad.

A bit of Trump. A small bit.

I am sick of reading about him. He has totally screwed up everything. At this point, both he and Iran are claiming the Strait of Hormuz is theirs to control. Trump’s lies permeating everything.

Enough of Trump and the war for today.

Enjoy your Sunday!

God help us! Trump is crazy. Bible crazy! He has put together a marathon Bible reading which will begin on Sunday and run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for one week ending Saturday evening. Besides Trump, his staff will take turns reading passages. Trump will do his thing Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Trump’s people refer to the Bible reading passages as “a national reading of God’s law.”

The White House issued a statement Friday praising the marathon reading saying it was an occasion to “honor Holy Scripture, renew our faith, usher in a historic resurgence of religion on American shores, and redirect the U.S. as one Nation under God.”

I trust no person who goes God and/or Bible crazy. Especially someone so bad as Trump. He has turned into a religious con artist.

The U.S. bombed Iran missile sites. Trump said there were no more. Following which Iran continued launching missiles.

How?

Reuters confirmed how: China secretly sent $5 billion in weapons to Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister admitted it. He called China a “strategic partner” giving Iran “military cooperation.”

The bottom line: IRAN IS STIL SHOOTING BECAUSE CHINA IS STILL SUPPLYING.”

Came across an interesting comment on the internet: “The War isn’t continuing by accident…..it is being allowed to continue.”

Trump has been claiming in recent days cooperation with Iran. Iran denies the claim. Our liar President at work again. For example, Trump says the U.S. has “strict control” over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says such is not the case. 

Iran nuclear sites are buried under missile rubble, except for one site. Pickaxe Mountain. So situated, that bombs/missiles will not destroy the site. Requires boots on the ground. Special Forces. It has been suggested that the walls of the facility be covered with chemical containments, also. Sickos all! This war is being fought differently from previous ones in many ways.

Trump claims the Iran War is all but over. His social media posts are positive in this regard. I don’t believe him. He lies too much.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared this past week before a Congressional Committee. He appeared to be backtracking re vaccines. Could be. From my perspective, he is soft peddling because of the mid-term elections. Probably marching orders from Trump. Kennedy will pick up the anti-vaccine cry after the mid-terms.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: “A political machine ran into a moral wall. The Vatican did not blink.”

Trump claims Iran has “agreed to everything.” Bullshit again! I’ll believe it when I see it happen!

Enough of Trump. We move on to the more mundane.

Gasoline theft moving into the big time. I refer to thieves stealing gasoline directly from a car’s tank.

Key West’s great weather continues today. The high 82 degrees. No rain.

The Great San Francisco Earthquake occurred this day in 1906. An 8.0 0n the Richter Scale. Big! Killed 3,000 and toppled numerous buildings.

Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prize winner and Holocaust survivor: “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”

I am going to finish with Dick Clark. The story will develop into a relationship with another person. An interesting tale.

Dick Clark. One of America’s entertainment greats. Host of “American Grandstand” and “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.” And more. He died this day in 2012.

I knew him, but not as well as I came to know other celebrities in my lifetime.

Clark had a Utica connection. After graduating from Syracuse University, he began his career as a newscaster at the relatively new television station in Utica WKTV. He worked there from 1951 to 1952. His dad was manger of Utica’s WRUN radio station at the time. The manager of WKTV was Michael Fusco who in my later years when I was successful attorney became my client for certain matters.

Clark changed his name for the WKTV gig. He was “Dick Clay.”

He followed Utica with a short time at a Syracuse station. Then went on to Philadelphia. 

WKTV was located outside Utica on Smith Hill. Clark began working with Utica youth in his two years there. That is how I met him. I spent considerable time at WKTV. I was in high school and a nobody. Enjoyed the atmosphere, however. Again, I did not get to know him well. I was one of many. Enough however that he knew me by my first name and I called him Dick.

A specific recollection pops into my head. I was in my first or second year of high school. My classmate Rosaleen Gilroy and I appeared on a talk show with Clark. Rosaleen was the love of my life in those days. My first. I am not sure if I was hers, though we went out occasionally together.

Sleigh rides were the big thing for winter fun in those days. Young couples would ride together in the freezing cold. The idea was to neck, if you were lucky. That was sex back then.

Rosaleen and I never got farther than pecking each other on the cheek. I was a hell of a lover back then!

We gradated from high school in 1953. I never saw Rosaleen again till the mid 1980s. Never even thought of her and I suspect she thought not of me.

I was in my box at the Carrier Dome for a football or basketball game. Religious were always welcome. A handful of nuns walked in. One was Rosaleen Gilroy! Wow! A nun!

We embraced and kissed. The kiss was like the ones on the sleigh ride. On the cheek. We chatted long. She was working the streets of Manhattan trying to dissuade young girls who were prostituting to get off the streets. The nuns had a house nearby and took the girls in.

I never saw Rosaleen again. 

Enjoy your day!