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!

Aaron Wechter has passed on. Sad in itself. Even more sad, I did not know till yesterday. He died April 4.

Aaron was my first friend in Key West. Some 25 years ago. I met him at Louie’s Backyard Bar. He had been looking for a job. 

Aaron got one soon thereafter. He became the Concierge at the Casa Marina. The job suited him perfectly. He sat at a huge desk in the lobby. Actually, he looked like he was holding court there everyday.

He became my going out buddy. Every night. We ran with Larry Smith and I cannot recall who else. My feeble mind at work.

Even did Yom Kipper at his home. I sat at the table, read the prayers with everyone else and alone when it was my turn.

His wife Karen Leonard. They lived together forever. Married I believe earlier this year.

I was their guest for dinner occasionally. Karen’s cooking outstanding. I do not recall if Aaron contributed. If he did, I give him credit also.

He started marrying people. Whatever it took, he qualified for the position. He worked it into a full time business. His business name “Key West Weddings.” Did extremely well. He went anywhere and everywhere to professionally join people in wedlock. Always impressed me. If he had worn a white collar and black suit, he would have passed for a priest.

He did not like driving alone to wedding sites a few miles from Key West. I joined him on some of the trips. I recall one in Big Pine. A biggie. While waiting for the bride to arrive, guests were permitted to drink and eat. I played “guest.” Ate and drank well that day.

Time passes. People drift. Such was the case for Aaron and I. Also I started getting very sick several years ago which did not help.

While Aaron worked at Casa Marina, I needed a haircut. I had hair back then. Aaron took me to the Casa’s barber shop. Introduced me to Lori. She cut my hair and still does all these years later. Lori now owns the Blown Away hair dressing salon on White Street. It was there about six weeks ago that I ran into Aaron again. Many years later.

He had a huge bush of curly white hair. I almost did not recognize him. He said…..Louis.

We talked while waiting. He was sad. Very much so. Told me about the cancer that had recently been discovered within some part of his body, how he had to go to Miami for treatment, and how concerned he was. Actually, he said he was “scared.” Made my recent illnesses appear minimal.

That was the last time I saw Aaron. Christine Smith called me a few weeks ago to say she and Larry and some others were throwing a party for Aaron. For everyone to see him for what sounded like a last time. Wow! How terrible! How nice of Christine and Larry. Nevertheless, how sad. I said I would make it if I felt well. As it turned out I had a very shitty day and could not even get out of bed. Aaron did not make it also. He was not up to it.

As most of you are aware, I am not well. I am a candidate for the hereafter. Sooner than later. I believe there is only one God for all of us. Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Presbyterians, etc. Aaron hopefully will be at the Gate to the Hereafter waiting to greet me.

God love you Karen! Hang in there!

My dear friend Fran Dixon. She made it back to Buffalo yesterday after 3 weeks in Sicily. The return trip took her 24 hours. Atlanta was difficult she said. She had to get her baggage off the European flight and go through U.S. Customs. The line was brutal. She said she stood at one point one and one half hours and did not move one inch.

Whatever, glad she is back. Fran and husband Tom are coming to Key West soon. Actually next Thursday for a week. I look forward to their visit.

Trump continues doing a good job screwing things up. I will save my specific comments for tomorrow. Except for one. He has to be an asshole to get in a fight with Pope Leo, a good man compared to Trump.

I get my car back this afternoon. I am excited. Got it back two weeks ago. Supposedly fixed. I drove it about 15 miles and the problem returned.

Enjoy your day!

Buffalo is excited! Bands will be playing, trumpets glaring. Fran Dixon returns home after three weeks in Sicily.

Sicily will never be the same. Buffalo will now return to normal. Fran was missed.

Welcome back, Fran! 

There are studies for everything. Even when money is at a premium.

A recent study had to do with sperm. Male sperm, of course. The only kind. An organization called  Reproduction Biology and Endocrinology performed the study from 2018 to 2024, involved 15,000 men. The study was performed in four Danish cities and Orlando, Florida.

Interesting result. The best sperm is emitted in warm weather. Summer months. Pregnancy desired. Have more sex in July and August.

Robot dogs expensive! Wow the price! From $165,000 to $300,000 a piece. Price varies based on what is being protected. AI the most expensive. 

A study has revealed that humans were playing dice – shooting craps – during the Ice Age. More than 12,000 years ago. Cubes were made from bone or wood and were two sided.

A skeleton found recently beneath a Dutch church in Maastricht is thought to be that of D’Artagnan, the man who inspired the “The Three Musketeers.” He died in 1673 during a siege of the city.

This year the U.S.’ 250th Birthday! A big deal! A time to celebrate!

Being 90 years old, two previous U.S. birthdays come to mind. The 200th in 1991 was fantastic. Huge celebrations! I was 40 at the time.

The U.S.’ 173rd Birthday was an even better for me. Perhaps it was my age. I was 13 at the time. Me and my buddies did everything!

I fear our 250th will be a big deal, but not a very democratic one with Trump as President. Most things will be Trump, Trump, Trump! 

Which brings me to Trump today. His news making a big deal, but less. It is primarily the blockade which has yet to really have its impact felt. Few are challenging it.

China is coming out of the war significantly. Without firing a shot. It is supplying arms and military genius to Iran. Especially concerning U.S. military secrets.

The news this morning is that Trump is sending thousands more troops to the Mideast as he tries to squeeze Iran. Sailors and Marines, primarily. Trump’s present goal is to enforce the blockade.

Trump’s blockade gives me concern. He is not only blockading the U.S. and Iran from its use, he is also blocking a significant portion of the world who depend on the oil being shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Except of course for the few countries he wants as friends and will be willing to be his friends.

I fear if the blockade does not cease and desist soon, a World War can erupt. Against Iran and the U.S. Trump’ brains are in his ass when it comes to this war!

Vance is coming off as a loser also. He is knocking Pope Leo big time. Vance converted to Catholicism in 2019. It appears he considers himself a theologian as he takes on the Pope. What a joke!

Vance failed in the Pakistan peace talks, also.

He was heckled big time at a recent Turning Point U.S.A. anti-war protest.

Vance will never see the White House as President.

Enjoy your day!

My dear friend Fran Dixon sent me photos she took in Palermo, Sicily. One showed wet wash hanging from windows and balconies of an apartment house. Apparently common in Sicily.

I have spent much time in Italy. The Italians do the same. The reason being they do not have the energy to heat dry. Ergo they still resort to the way wet clothes were dried hundreds of years ago. Italy turns the air conditioning off at 8 or 10 in the evening. Again to conserve energy. Not enough electrical power available.

Poor homes and expensive ones all the same in this regard. A very beautiful Italian home will have clothes hanging to dry on its front porch.

Fran flies home to Buffalo tomorrow. Tom will meet her with open arms at the airport. In three weeks, both will return to Key West for a few days. Can’t wait to see them again.

One of Key West’s strangest stories involved Karl Tanzler aka Von Cosel. He was an x-ray technician who fell in love with a tubercular patient named Elena Hoyos. She died. He dug her grave up. Took Elena’s body to his Key West home where he lived with it for seven years till discovered. Kept her in bed. Did many necessary things to keep her body “fresh.” He actually slept with her for the seven years. He may even had sex with her. When Elena’s body was discovered, she had a vaginal tube in the appropriate place.

Elena’s body was removed and buried in the Key West Cemetery. Tanzler avoided criminal charges for some reason. 

After Elena was properly buried and Tanzler supposedly left Key West, a violent explosion blew her grave up.

The end of the Tanzler/Hoyas story.

John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln in the head, which ultimately killed him, this day in 1865. Booth yelled “The South is avenged!” as he jumped on the stage following the shooting.

The wheel is one of history’s oldest inventions. Goes back to 3500 BCE. Even older is alcohol. Invented/perfected thousand of years before the wheel invention.

Hard to believe…..Women were the first alcohol/beer brewers. By law. The Code of Hammurabi. Not only as to beer, also as to tavern ownership. Women only.

Sixty two percent of American adults drink alcoholic beverage today.

Time for a bit of Trump.

Is the Trump blockade working. A Chinese vessel was permitted to go through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump playing favorites? China coming out ahead in many respects with the Iran War.

Experts say Trump’s blockade will result in bigger economic risks.

Trump experiencing a huge backlash for his Truth Social photo depicting hm as Jesus. The man is sick. The furor following caused him to first say it was intended as him portraying a doctor. Bullshit! He finally removed the photo. 

A sicko he is.

Trump mocking Iran’s little speed boats when conflict with U.S. vessels occur. Trump forgets U.S. PT boats in World War II. Damage, if not a sinking, will occur to some U.S. boats.

Trump cannot win a war with Pope Leo. Everyone loves Leo! In addition to which Leo makes sense whereas Trump does not.

Some things I do not understand. Trump has provided a map showing the location of US. vessels during the blockade. Stupid! Nothing like giving the “enemy” a helping hand!

The U.S. is negotiating a 20 year “suppression” of all nuclear activity with Iran. Word is Iran would accept 5 years.

Lunch yesterday at Roostica with Theos and Dina. Been at least two years since my last visit. The waitress hugged me. She looked terrific! She has lost at least 40 pounds. Good for her.

I enjoyed polenta and meatballs. Theos and Dina a huge pizza. Apparently Greeks are pizza crazy.

They then dropped me off at Dr. Blass’ office. I may have finally reached the end re my ankle and head. Good! The treatments were not always painless.

Enjoy your day!