Amazing what I learn researching for this blog. Today, that which drives human sperm wild.

The smell of lilies of the valley.

Sperms have noses which they use to navigate toward a woman’s egg. Researchers experimented with a range of floral fragrances and lilies of the valley came out on top. The flower’s fragrance causes sperm to “wriggle” in the same direction at twice the normal speed.

Research was carried out at Ruhr University in Germany in 2003. A new sperm protein hOR17-4 was discovered. The new sperm protein acted as a receptor for sperm, the same way protein sensors in the nose detect smells. The net effect causes the sperm to double its speed and change its undirected swimming to direct movement.

The sperm accordingly was able to wag its tail harder. And get to the female egg better!

The discovery has assisted in fertility treatment. It turns sperm into Olympian Mark Spitzes.

Whenever I enter Key West’s Klu Klux Klan into a discussion, there is amazement. Few are aware what a bastion of Klanism Key West was in the 1920’s. Powerful best describes it.

An example is this day in 1923 in Key West. The Klan paraded in full, white  robe regalia with a fiery cross heading the procession. They rode through town town in 18 automobiles without stopping and without a word being spoken. The vehicles were all the same make and their license plates were masked.

Trump is returning to Facebook and Instagram. He already has been welcomed back to Twitter.

His 2 year suspension has been lifted.

A bonanza in the making for Facebook. Facebook needs the money.

An overall disgrace. The three social media sites mentioned will now be complicit in the spread of Trump’s hate and extremes.

Golf is an honest game. Cheating rare. Players, whether professional or amateur, play by the rules and penalize themselves for game violations.

Some do not, however. Like Donald Trump.

Among golfers, a player who cheats is looked down upon.

Trump played in a Florida tournament over the weekend. He lost. He claims he won. Other players say he did not win. Trump continues to claim he did. Others say he can only be claiming victory by having cheated.

Bess Levin became aware of the story. She wrote an article concerning his cheating in Vanity Fair: Trump Claims Winning A Golf Tournament He Appears To Have Cheated In Makes Him Unfit To Be President.

I agree.

Levin worked hard over the weekend. Another liar story. This one involving George Santos.

Levin revealed more Santos lies: An assassination attempt, a 5th Avenue mugging, and 300 drag shows a day in New York City schools.

What an imagination the man has!

Enough for today. I have a noon haircut appointment.

Enjoy your day!

In an interview with the Associated Press, Pope Francis criticized laws criminalizing homosexuality and called on bishops to welcome LGBTQ people. Francis said, “Homosexuality is not a crime, we’re all children of God.”

I knew little of Ticketmaster prior to its fiasco here in Key West with ticket sales for the Jimmy Buffett event. What I am learning is an eye opener.

Ticketmaster is an American ticket sales and distribution company whose business is world wide.

I wrote yesterday how horrible the price of the Buffet tickets have become. Prices shooting up like a rocket to the moon.

Turns out yesterday the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee held a 3 hour hearing re Ticketmaster and Live Nation the company it merged with in 2010. The purpose of the hearing was to examine Ticketmaster’s selling methods in the wake of last year’s Taylor Swift debacle.

The hearing was bipartisan. Truly so. Been years since any hearing can be described as such. Such reflects how sensitive and horrific Ticketmaster’s actions are considered. Senators from both sides were highly critical of Ticketmaster, suggesting it is a monopoly and probed whether a lack of competition in the ticketing industry had unfairly hurt customers.

The questioning was “blistering.”

Sen. Richard Blumenthal said Ticketmaster’s merger partner Live Nation had “absolutely unified both parties.” Something most have thought would never happen again.

Today’s Citizens’ Voice had 2 comments relating to Ticketmaster.

“How do these new music festivals during peak season, when hotels would be full anyway, benefit anyone but the organizer? Instead of taking tours, visiting local bars, music venues and restaurants, they are at the Amphitheater. Without the event, hotels would still be full and local businesses making money.”

“Coffee Butler Amphitheater is owned by the City of Key West and managed by Rams Head. The City needs to amend the management contract and direct Rams Head to sell tickets first to the residents of Key West (who own the venue) and then a day or two later can sell the remaining tickets.”

Key Westers are properly upset. The Jimmy Buffett show a screw job and rip off.

When the amphitheater was in the planning stage, many questioned the value of one. Did Key West need one? Especially large enough to handle an attendance of 3,500. Greed took over. At which point the amphitheater was made to look like the second coming of Christ.

Ben Harrison’s new musical showcases an all star band. Harrison’s event “El Isleno 1921: The Untold Key West Story” runs at the Fringe Theater 2/15-2/25. Local buzz is to the effect the show is exceptional. Opening night is already sold out.

Money floating in Keys waters!

Yesterday, 140 pounds of cocaine washed up on Lower Keys shores. Estimated value $2 million.

Discovery of documents remind me of the religious song Onward Christian Soldiers. They keep popping up. Always more. Never ending.

First it was Trump. Then Biden. Yesterday Pence. This morning Carter. Carter returned them immediately and apparently nothing intentional was involved.

Who is next?

I can see Obama, Bush, etc. All of them!

The problem, except for Trump, appears to be innocent mistake. Except for Trump, all others returned on discovery.

Germany has agreed to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Word is Biden will announce at noon today the U.S. will send Abrams tanks.

There has been a steady increase in military hardware to the Ukraine over the past year. Next war item are planes.

Do the tanks, and planes if so, supplied by NATO forces make the creep towards a war with Russia an actual leap into outright combat? We keep getting closer.

Speaker McCarthy refuses to reappoint Reps. Schiff and Swalwell to the House Intelligence Committee. McCarthy says his decision is “not anything political, integrity matters.”

What a joke! Blatant lie and bullshit on its face.

The real reason is twofold. Both men sat on the January 6 Committee and are anti-Trump. The other is Marjorie Taylor Greene. McCarthy is giving her her pound of flesh.

McCarthy’s decision political retribution at its worst.

Enjoy your day!

Furor in the streets. Rebellious talk. Key Westers upset!

The issue: Cost of tickets for Jimmy Buffett show at the Amphitheater 2/9 and 2/11. Being sold via Ticketmaster. First appeared as available last week at $99 for lawn and $149 for reserved seating. One week later, price of tickets now $475 for lawn and $3,700 for VIP seating. Current prices noted in a Citizens’ Voice comment this morning.

I wrote in my 1/18 blog that the opening prices were outlandish. In effect, screwing Key Westers. Remember, Key West built the Amphitheater. The 3,500 available seating area apparently not for locals. I was referring to the opening prices. The new ones beyond the reach of most locals. The few that can afford that kind of money will not spend it for a few hours of Buffett splendor.

If the Key West Citizen wants to perform a service for its readers, it should do an investigatory story of how ticket sales came to be in the hands of Ticketmaster and how much the City gets as their cut. I’m sure Key West participates.

If there is anything where people have a right to know, the pricing of Amphitheater tickets is the issue!

I concluded in my 1/18 blog that Ticketmaster’s openings cost for tickets left a sour taste in my mouth. I close today’s blog with “…..it leaves a sour taste in everyone’s mouth!”

A doctor visit yesterday with my primary care physician Dr. Norris. First time in 7 months. The July Tampa operation left me down on the medical profession in general. I had been seeing tons of doctors. The way it is when you are in your mid 80’s. So I said, Screw it! Stop doctoring. Does not make sense. I know it. My visit yesterday was recognition of my own stupidity. Ergo, I am back to doctoring. Next visit an appointment with my heart doctor.

It was close to 5 when I left he doctor’s office. Decided to grab a dinner out somewhere. Decided on Happy Hour at Roostica. I no longer drink. However the Happy Hour menu has been praised forever it seems by many. Time for me to try it.

A good deal! I enjoyed limoncello wings. One of my favorites and a diet Pepsi. Total bill $13.

I was impressed the place was almost completely full. People doing the specials and regular menu. I have always recommended Roostica. Best Italian restaurant in the area. The sauce is like my grandmother made. ‘Nuff said.

On this day in 1898, the Battleship Maine was ordered to sail to its death. It was anchored off the Tortugas when ordered to Havana Harbor where it ultimately was blown up.

The death of the Maine gave birth to the Spanish-American War.

Joseph Morton was an American war correspondent for the Associated Press in the European Theater during World War II. He was captured by German soldiers on 12/26/1944 while in a log cabin high on a mountain in Slovakia with 15 Allied intelligence officers. Morton was covering a U.S. operation for a story.

Morton had war correspondent ID requiring him to be treated as a prisoner of war according to the Geneva Convention.

The SS for some reason had ordered the summary execution of all “Allied commandos.” Morton obviously was not one.

Nevertheless, Morton was executed by firing squad this day in 1945 at Mauthausen-Gusen  Concentration Camp.

Morton was the only Allied correspondent to be executed by the Axis during World War II.

Another shooting. In California. The second in days.

The mass shooting occurred in Half Moon Bay in two separate localities. Seven persons were killed.

It is time to put an end to these slayings. I know, I am being repetitive as well as most of the U.S. population.

Though Biden accomplished something re guns for the first time in 30 years, more has yet to be done. The U.S. is the only nation in the industrialized world that has the mass shooting problem. We have not been able to clean up the mess because of the Republican Party. Their own members even are unable to make the party move.

The gun manufacturers own the Republican Party. Additionally, gun manufacturers for years have been brain washing gun purchasers.

It has to stop! Blood should not flow on American streets!

Love Bess Levin! She writes well. No bullshit. Calls them as she sees ’em.

Levin wrote in Vanity Fair 1/23 re Ron DeSantis. The article titled “Ron DeSantis Believes In Free Speech As Long As You Only Speak About The Awesomeness Of Straight White People.”

How can DeSantis be elected President if he hates blacks? Is he building a mountain too high to climb? American voters are not stupid as was proven by the November 2022 election results.

The man is crazy! I refer to George Santos.

The latest revelation: He planned an engagement dinner to a man while married to a woman.

The invitation to the dinner read: “Pedro and I have decided to join our tooth brushes.”

Enjoy your day!

Streetcars are making a resurgence across the United States. Public transportation of long ago is returning.

The resurgence is most obvious in Omaha, Nebraska where the City Council recently voted to proceed with such a project. Warren Buffet is a local resident and opposed the rebirth of street cars in Omaha. His voice though heard was not heeded.

The project as approved will cost $306 million. Buffett considered the plan too expensive and inflexible.

San Francisco has always had a street car system. Recall the many you have seen in movies involving San Francisco. The street car line there is the historic F Line.

I am old enough to recall street cars. We had them in Utica, NY. I rode them in the late 1930’s. The demise of the street cars came with the birth of buses.

Yesterday was special. I did not know how special it would be till actually having experienced it. Steve and Cindy Thompson invited me over to meet the family.

Family involved Rich and Linda Thompson from Alaska and Orlando, Rich and Steve’s sister “Sam” from Seattle, and Cindy’s sister Christine who resides in Key West. I was the sole outsider.

The afternoon the most memorable I have spent in Key West. What a wonderful group of people!

Rich and Steve are twins. You would never know it. I think the term is fraternal. Do not look alike at all. However have similar dispositions. If you know Steve, then you are aware what a great guy Rich is.

Rich and Linda spend 6 months a year in Alaska and six months in Orlando where they have had a second home for more than 25 years. Rich is an Alaskan fisherman. Salmon and halibut the primary catch.

Rich showed me a couple of pictures of halibut he had caught. Normally, 20-30 pounds. The ones he showed me had to be pushing 1,000 or better. They were bigger than many great white sharks. He will be sending me a pic and I will publish it when received. Probably next week.

I received a salmon education. Many types. I knew from nothing. He had brought with him from Alaska certain salmon which he prepared and cooked for our entre. Two types. White and red king salmon. Delicious!

Rich and Steve have a sister they call Sam. Her real name Sandra. A Seattle resident. Retired after 21 years with the Seattle law firm Perkins, Coie. Considered smart. Not because of her employment. Rather her experience in 1997 as when she appeared on Jeopardy. At “half time,” she was ahead of the other contestants. Thought she had it won. So did her family. Got buried in the second half, however. Still considered intelligent by her siblings, however.

I thought she was so merely based on our conversations over the afternoon.

I have forgotten neither Linda nor Christine. Each contributors in their own way.

Nor is Cindy forgotten. A smart tough woman. She and Steve must have had an exciting time together over the years.

Searching for a word or two to express my thoughts re the afternoon succinctly, all I can come up with is these were “real people.” A long time since I have been with such a group.

Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Thousands marched throughout the U.S. in protest of its overturn.

The Republicans finally won in their efforts to get rid of Roe. Turns out it is the worst political mistake made by either party in years. Even women who have supported right to life for years, think the Supreme Court decision wrong. Their anti-life feelings re Roe had minimized with the years. The right to protect and control their bodies overcame political and religious fanaticism.

The warm weather will slowly turn cold this week. Cold fronts coming in. By thursday night and during friday, temperatures will be in the 50’s. The temperatures will remain cold for a few days.

Enjoy your day!

The Thompson home is full. Steve and Cindy ae entertaining Steve’s bother Rich and his wife from Alaska and his sister “Sam” from Washington State. Party time in the Thompson household!

I plan on stopping by this afternoon to meet them.

Very busy yesterday.

The Syracuse/Georgia Tech basketball game. Syracuse won 80-63.

The game started off slowly for Syracuse. As all games have this season, Syracuse immediately ell behind by 11 points. Fortunately, the Syracuse defense tightened up and the ball began finding the hoop leading to a Syracuse 17 point victory.

The team played well. Especially, Joe Girard. He had a stellar day. Sparked the team. Scored 18 first half points. Twenty eight total. Attempted 10 3 point shots. Made 6.

Sloan showed up as the game was ending. S is a marvel! Been helping me for years. I could not do without her. She is the technical brains behind the blog.

Last night was dinner with Jean and Joe Thornton at La Te Da. Meal and company the best. I enjoyed a bone sticking main course. Meat loaf. Oh, so good!

Chris stopped by a couple of times. Chris owns La Te Da. I have known him more that 20 years. First met when he owned Antonia’s. He steadily over the years has been refining the La Te Da property. The result a comfortable beauty. The quality of the food and surroundings match.

The only negative of the evening was the waiter knocked over a large glass of water on me. I finished the meal soaking wet from the waist down. The bottom half of my shirt and shorts.

A day in history which was a big one for Key West and the railroad industry. It occurred this day in 1912.

Henry Flagler was on the first train to arrive from the mainland in Key West. Its arrival officially opened the Overseas Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad. A large crowd greeted Flagler and the train in Key West.

Another shooting! Twelve hours ago in Monterey, California, at a ballroom dance event. Ten dead, ten injured.

One gun man. Male. Still at large. Nothing further known concerning him at this time.

Jean, Joe nd I spoke of many things last night. One, the price of eggs.

Prices keep rising. Cause the Asian flu outbreak in the U.S. which infects chickens. Price of eggs went up 11 percent just in the month connecting November and December. Overall, the price went up 59.9 percent last year.

Speaker McCarthy keeps getting battered. Deservedly so.

Syndicated columnist Stephen V. Roberts wrote in “The Price of Pride” yesterday: “Kevin McCarthy finally claimed the House speakership after 15 embarrassing ballots, but it was a hollow and hazardous victory. By caving to the demands of his own party’s hardliners, he obtained the title, but diminished its value. He’s turned himself, and his office, over to the hostage takers, and he’s put the country’s financial future at risk.”

Roberts quoted Democratic Rep. Jim McGovern: McCarthy has “given everything including his dignity.”

So sayeth the truth.

Enjoy your Sunday!

One of the first things a visitor to Key West learns is of the Key West Cemetery. Especially the writing on some of the stones.

The most famous is “I Told You I Was Sick.”

Amusing. Can’t help but laugh.

There are other noteworthy sayings. Like “I Always Dreamed Of Owning A Small Piece of Key West.”

Message from Garcia: Visit the Cemetery. Take a leisurely walk through. The messages tell the Key West story.

Some jobs have their scary moments. Take the engineers operating a train engine over a new bridge and tracks for the first time. The purpose of the trip to determine if the the tracks and bridge are safe.

Such occurred this day in 1912. Florida East Coast Railroad engine #201 arrived in Key West at 2:45 am. It was the first engine and crew to cross the Bahia Honda bridge. The purpose of the trip was to test new tracks in the Lower Keys.

Can you imagine if the tracks or bridge failed? The engineers and crew must have made the trip with their hearts in their throats.

The Supreme Court continues to be embarrassed by the leak. Now it is the formal report of the investigation of the leak.

I wrote yesterday how it sucked, its weaknesses. One weakness mentioned was the Justices were not interviewed. That one hit the wall. Immediate adverse clamoring that the Justices were given a pass.

The Court’s response was swift. Yesterday, it was revealed the Justices were informally questioned. No statement taken from any of them nor affidavits attesting to the veracity of what they were saying.

Which contributes further to the stink arising out of the leak.

Re the leak, Joan Biskespic, CNN Senior Supreme Court Analyst, wrote on 1/20: “Overall, it is paradoxical that an institution that cloaks itself in secrecy and casts itself above other Washington institutions would be exposed on such a sieve.”

The Supreme Court is supposedly most knowledgeable and honest. No Bible needed with them. Till recently. Its human weaknesses now being exposed.

There is a way to have conducted an inquiry as to the source of the leak. One the Justices had to know about. One most attorneys are.

Whenever something of magnitude arises requiring investigation and so there will be neither conflict nor question as to method or result is to hire a major law firm with experience in such investigations. There are respected firms nationally that specialize in such work.

It’s not too late. The Court should retain one to do the job. even to the extent of deposing the Justices.

America has lost faith in one of its most cherished and respected institutions.

Support for Ukraine is showing a crack in the dyke this week. First time.

Ukraine says it needs heavy tanks. Leopard 2 tanks. There are 2,000 sitting in NATO European countries. Ukraine says the war is at a point where the tanks are needed in order to have continued success. No tanks and Ukraine may be buried.

Euro NATO with one exception is willing to do what it can. Those that have Leopard tanks are willing to share. The one exception is Germany. Germany has been talking a big game throughout the war about the necessity to support Ukraine. Problem is Germany. Germany has not put its money and equipment where its mouth is. They have done less than many.

Germany has the largest number of Leopard tanks in Europe. They say they are willing to share if the U.S. says it is ok and will do similar sharing.

The U.S. has not openly taken a position. Note however the U.S. has given more in money and equipment than any other nation. Biden’s problem is he does not want to give Putin a reason to say NATO has stepped over the line. Which means Putin will attack other European nations and perhaps even the U.S. We’re talking nuclear war if such occurs.

The U.S. does not have Leopard tanks. It does have a comparable, however. In huge numbers. Nine thousand to be exact. The MI Abraham tank.

Assume for the moment, Germany and the U.S. ship the tanks requested to Ukraine. Such it is claimed will make it possible for Ukraine to win their nation back. I don’t know. Beyond my mental capacities. One thing I believe however is that the war will only be won when Ukraine is able to physically attack Russia itself. Bomb Russian cities. Make the Russian people suffer. As the Allies did in World War II with Germany.

Heavy are the burdens resting on Biden’s shoulders. May God show him the correct path.

Busy day ahead.

Syracuse and Georgia Tech at noon. Who knows who will win? I have given up with predictions.

Sloan thereafter.

Tonight, dinner at La Te Da with Jean and Joe Thornton.

Enjoy your day!

Shorty’s Café was located at 215 Duval Street in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Same block as Sloppy Joe’s. Just a few doors up the street.

Today, Shorty’s Market. Different owner, different type business. An open front market and deli.

Back in the 70’s and 80’s, a popular café. Steve Thompson a daily visitor. One of Steve’s taco stands across the street.

As Steve wrote…..

Shorty’s Café opened early each day. The most punctual place in the keys I would say.

It had a counter around the perimeter of the place. Horse shoe. So you were facing every other hung over face.

A.J. ran the place like a ship at sea. Stainless galley as clean as could be. 

His mother ran the cash register and kept a sharp eye. If anyone pulled anything you just knew they would die.

We all went there every morning, it wasn’t far. Some mornings it looked like a star-wars bar.

A.J. owned the conch house next to Sloppy Joe’s. When he sold it, we were sure sad to see him go.

Remember the leak of the Dobbs case! The Supreme Court finally issued a report following what was described as an investigation as to who leaked the case. The report advised the identity of the leaker could not be determined.

The report was issued yesterday.

The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshall in charge of the Supreme Court. The investigation, or any type investigation for that matter, is not part of the job description for the U.S. Marshall, nor did the Marshall have the investigative experience to conduct such an investigation.

No Justices were questioned. At the very least, Alito and Thomas should have been. Actually, all the Justices. Plus, Jinny Thomas.

An overall lousy investigation. A white wash.

There is a growing lack of confidence in the Supreme Court. Any wonder!

A local New Mexico prosecutor advised yesterday that Alec Baldwin would be charged with 2 counts of involuntary manslaughter.

I consider the charges bush league made by an inept prosecutor who appears to be seeking fame and glory.

Let’s see how this plays out in the final analysis.

Donald Trump has used and abused the judicial system for years now. Like it belongs to him. His court room failures speak well for the type of cases he brings. Mostly to delay, buy time.

A federal judge sitting in south Florida has finally said…..ENOUGH!

The Federal Rules of Procedure are clear. If an attorney or client bring a baseless lawsuit, they can be fined for wasting the court’s time and taxpayer monies. The type lawsuit is described as “frivolous” and the fine is labeled a “sanction.”

The judge was in charge of Trump’s lawsuit against Hillary Clinton

The sanction just under $1 million, to wit: $937,989. Trump and his attorneys must personally pay it.

The judge wrote in his opinion re the sanctions: The lawsuit’s “inadequacy as a legal claim was evident from the start.” The judge further chastised Trump for his “pattern” of misusing courts for his political agenda.

Enjoy your day!

George Santos has been many things. Some true, some false.

His most recent background item appears to have been his time as a drag queen.

Bess Levin is an excellent investigative reporter. She comes up with some beauties. She reveals one which Santos has failed to list. Perhaps because this one is true.

Levin spells it out in her 1/18 article in Vanity Fair titled “Report: George Santos, Supporter of Anti-LGBTQ + Laws, Participated In Drag Shows And Went By The Name ‘Katara’ In Brazil.”

Levin wrote, the “serial liar” has more. What she further shared adds to the veracity of her article. The article contains a photo of Santos in drag. Not bad looking!

Levin adds: “Meanwhile, he’s aligned himself with deeply bigoted members of the far right.” She describes Santos’ switch from drag queen to opposing gay rights as “flagrant hypocrisy.”

Debt ceiling problems begin kicking in today. Slowly at this point. Nothing but talk will occur. Impacts will slowly rise into June. The government knows how to borrow from Peter to pay Paul to pay debts till then.

I spell out again some of the areas in danger: Social Security, Medicare, salaries of government employees, Veteran benefits, and a crashing stock market.

Whacko statement of the day: “Not all students who menstruate are female.” So sayeth Minnesota Democrat Rep. Sandra Feist. She wants napkins/tampons available in school male bathrooms as well as female ones. She introduced a bill to that effect: The Menstrual Equity Bill.

Reaction to her bill was all one way. Buried Feist’s position with fact and ridicule.

The oldest person in the world died yesterday. A French nun. Sister Andre. She was 118.

Records kept in the U.S. estimate that 1 in 5,000 people are above the age of 100. Eighty five percent are women – a phenomenon not well understood. The new “oldest person in the world” today is American Maria Branyas Morers who is 115.

Two movies filmed in Key West in the late 1950’s.

One is the Rose Tattoo. Written by Key West’s own Tennessee Williams. Filmed on Duncan Street in a house 2 doors from Williams’ home. Lisa also lives on Duncan 1 1/2 blocks away.

Filming began this day in 1956. Anna Mangani and Burt Lancaster starred. Mangani won the Academy Award for Best Female Performance for the film. Lancaster was a guest in Williams’ home during much of the filming.

Another movie filmed in Key West is Operation Petticoat. Filming began this day in 1959. The movie starred Cary Grant and Tony Curtis. A World War II submarine comedy.

The movie continues to be run on TV on a frequent basis. It’s that good!

Another Steve Thompson story re Key West of another day.

Steve had a taco shop in the 200 block of Duval across from Sloppy Joe’s. Stan was an owner of Sloppy’s at one time.

Stan was the owner of Sloppy Joe’s in 1973. When he took an option to sell to Walter Perry.

I enjoyed visiting with Stan at the bar. We were both open late and he wasn’t far.

He said he only hired female bartenders. I guess they attracted more big spenders.

I asked him what happened to the other pool table. He said he had a fight there last week was nearly fatal. He said we never have trouble but when we do you can be sure it’s someone playing pool.

Stan said Walter exercised the option on the very last day. He thought the deal was off, he thought they couldn’t pay.

So that was the end of Sloppy’s for Stan, but every tourist still goes there if they can.

Enjoy your day!

“What happens in the ladies room stays in ladies room.” An extension of the Vegs saying.

It was the first day of the Speaker vote. Three female representatives were in the ladies room. Rep. Debbie Dingell reported on the confrontation between Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert. A brief strong argument between Greene and Boebert. Subject matter concerned why one was not supporting McCarthy’s election.

Nothing more known except after a hurried exchange of words, one immediately exited the ladies room.

On this day in 1991, Eastern Airlines went out of business. Closed down for good.

I was shocked. Never expected a giant airline such as Eastern to go under. Eastern has been operating for more than 60 years. It had been my carrier of choice.

Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will appear on two separate evenings in February. February 9 and 11 at the Coffee Butler Amphitheatre. Tickets $99 for general admission lawn and $149 for reserved seating. The Amphitheater’s capacity 3,500.

Buffett a son of Key West. His success was born here. Even though an international star, he found the time over the years to appear and do a free concert. Generally on Duval. People packed the streets for blocks.

It appears Buffett concerts have gone the way of housing in Key West. Expensive! Sad also. His free street appearances were a wonderful tribute and thank you to his beginnings. Locals benefitted. Fewer locals and more tourists will be at the Amphitheater. Many will have come in just for the concerts. The hotels and restaurants will do a booming business.

I take nothing away from Buffett. A great person and entertainer. Generous in many respects. If this is how it now is, so be it. Leaves a bit of sour taste in my mouth, however.

Enjoy your day!

The most important issue facing the U.S. today is dealing with the national debt limit. Its ceiling is being reached. It must be paid. Failure to do so will, not may, result in economic disaster the likes of apparently not comprehended by Congressional Republicans nor the American people.

Default will make 1929 pale in comparison.

There have been a number of articles written this past week setting forth the consequences of a default. One of the best is that published in the New York Times 1/13 titled “The U.S. May Finally Breach The Debt Ceiling. Here’s Why That Would Be Very Bad.”

I am analyzing the problem in a two fold fashion, as the New York Times did.

Just approaching the debt limit can hurt the economy. It happened in 2011. Congressional Republicans and Obama engaged in a standoff. It was resolved just in time to actually avoid hitting the limit.

The result nevertheless had dire consequences. Coming close rattled investors, consumers and business owners. Stock prices plunged. Markets became volatile. It took the economy a half year to recover.

Interest rates rose. Mortgage rates jumped substantially. Home buying died.

The S&P downgraded the U.S.’ credit rating for the first time.

Consumer confidence and small business optimism plunged.

Note, all these things occurred where no default occurred. One came close, but only close.

The economy will have far worse consequences if the U.S. fails to pay the debt and a breach occurs.

Investors would demand higher interest rates on U.S. borrowing. Interest payments would rise dramatically.

The stock market would nose dive. Employee invest plans drop dramatically.

International bond markets would destabilize. U.S. Treasury bonds would no longer be seen as one of the safest investments in the world.

The U.S. would not be able to pay the salaries of federal employees.

Social Security checks would not go out.

Ten percent of the American economy would be killed immediately.

Three million jobs would be lost.

A 30 year mortgage would increase by an additional $130,000.

And finally, the national debt. Republicans are preaching how high it is and they intend to reduce it. Well, a default in meeting the pay the nation’s one year of bills would automatically result in $850 billion being added on to the national debt.

Congressional Republicans are balancing an economic nuclear bomb on their fingertips by playing the game they are. I cannot help but wonder if they actually know what they are doing.

Last night not Tom Brady’s time. The Cowboys beat the Bucs 31-14.

Brady did not play his usual game. One of the worst playoff games in his 23 year career.

Brady is 46. Time to pack it in. Retire.

He will still be recognized as the greatest professional quarterback in history. Perhaps the greatest professional pro football player ever.

Syracuse lost to Miami last night 82-78. Too bad. It would have been Syracuse’s biggest win of the season. Miami is ranked #17.

Syracuse fell short in the last minute of the game. Mintz made a “freshman mistake” and what might have been a win became a sure loss.

Such is life!

The South continues to fight the Civil War. Assholes one and all.

Martin Luther King Jr. is a federal holiday. Mississippi and Louisiana cannot let go their Confederate spirit. They celebrate the same day honoring Robert E. Lee. Both States refer to the day as King-Lee Day.

Virginia did the same till 2000. Arizona till 2018.

An icon and diva of the American and Italian cinema died yesterday. Gina Lollobrigida. She was 95.

On this day in 1961, President Eisenhower delivered his farewell address. In it, he warned against the “military-industrial complex.”

Over the years, his words have gone unheeded. Now, the complex is too big to control. We’re stuck with it.

Enjoy your day!