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!

Corruptness oozes out of the White House.

For example, Trump has a two week cease fire with Iran. It has nothing to do with the failed Pakistan peace talks. The cease fire has roughly a week left before it expires. Trump announced that at 10 a.m. this morning he will block waterways to and from Iran with U.S. vessels. Means an aggravation of the war.  Most countries who depend on oil going through the Strait of Hormuz will move carrying valuable oil to all parts of the world. 

Prior to the cease ire, it was revealed in excess of 100 ships transverse the Strait daily. A big deal if Trump is successful in reopening the Strait. Wrong because of the ceasefire. I suspect Trump will also in due course charge each ship/country a fee for providing the reopening. Therein might lie the true reason why Trump wants to control naval movements through the Strait. One thing about Donald, he is always ready to make a buck.

Were you aware Trump considers himself the second coming of Christ. I think he is the ant-Christ rather than Jesus reincarnated.

Recently Trump issued a photo of himself in which he pictures himself as Christ. That alone should buy him a ticket to Hell!

In any event, the photo has him touching/anointing the forehead of someone. Some believe the person being anointed looks like Epstein. 

It is now being revealed that the Pakistan peace talks failed becuse the U.S. was “demanding,” rather than “negotiating.”

Hegseth’s “gospel” is really one of “carnage.” Jesus superimposed to make the Iran War a religious undertaking, when in reality it is a blatant improper undertaking.

Staying with Epstein, Melania appear to have dug herself a grave. Her address last week claiming she was Epstein free was impressive and believable. Good luck! Appears not so. Her and Donald’s former friend Amanda Ungaro has threatened to blow the whistle on Melania. Today purportedly the day for the Melania “black wash” to be revealed. Lets see what is revealed. Many now believe Melania went public last week with her “Epstein free” comments knowing Ungaro would soon be blowing the whistle.

I received a telephone call yesterday from my dear friend Fran Dixon. She and her two sisters are presently in Palermo, Sicily. Some 20 odd photos accompanied an e-mail she also sent me. Sicily beautiful! Ancient columns which reminded me of those in Greece. Dishes of food. All appeared “yummy.” Pictures of Fran which also looked good. Love the lady!

The girls return to the U.S. Wednesday. Two weeks later, Fran and husband Tom will skip down to Key West for a few days. I look forward to seeing them.

McIlroy won the Masters. A fantastic golfer!

Trump’s friend Orban lost in his Presidential reelection bid yesterday in Hungary.

Trump keeps making noise about Cuba. My sense is he sees it as an easy takeover. He is probably wrong again.

Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-Canel appeared on “Meet the Press” yesterday. His message clear. If Trump attempts a military takeover: ‘We’ll defend ourselves, and if we need to die, we’ll die.” He added, Cubans are ready to “give our lives for the revolution.”

A busy day today. Lunch with Theos and Dina at Roostica. Dr.Blass later in the afternoon re my ankle which is close to total healing and my head growth which he removed. The head biopsy was uncertain, so Dr. Blass removed the corrupted area. Bled big time and took stitches. I find out today if the piece removed (a chunk) was cancerous.

Enjoy your day!

I recall the story of the brown cow that ran down a hill at the end of which was a barb wire fence. The cow intended to jump over the fence. He did not quite make it. Left his testicles hanging on the fence.

Reminds me of the failure of the Iran War talks. I superimpose in my mind Trump in place of the cow. He really has got himself hung up. A war that he should never have started. A war with all kinds of negative effects for the U.S. and world at large.

I ask: What now, Donald?

China acted brilliantly for China. China worked the Iran War effectively. China and Iran weaponized the global economy to beat the U.S. at its own game. Trump not the mental genius he thought he was.

Gasoline prices a potent Democratic tool. Think…..Trump gave it to the Democrats!

Trump has a foul mouth. Uses “fuck” often. Democrats have begun using it. Minimally. No where as often as Trump.

Democrats should cease and desist. They should not become similar to Trump in this regard. Not the American way. I want to see the U.S. return to the way it was before Donald.

Hungarian elections today. Orban has been President for 16 years. Trump and Vance support him. Orban running second in race projections.

Moving on to other matters.

The patent for the first portable typewriter was issued in the U.S. this day in 1892. I used a portable typewriter while in college in the mid 1950s. We were not into computers yet on a volume basis.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt died this day in1945. An outstanding American President left us.

Joe Louis was a boxing great. He died this day in 1981.

Louis was Heavyweight Champion before World War II. Ceased professional boxing during the War while he served in the military. After the war, he returned to a brilliant career.

In the years immediately following the War, we listened to Louis’s fights on radio. Not at home. We would go downtown in Utica to the Stanley Theater which had huge waiting room area. And a radio! Packed we would listen to the fights. No TV yet.

The world’s deadliest “animal” is the mosquito. Kills about 760,000 humans a year. Mostly via malaria.

McIlroy had a bad 3rd round in the Masters yesterday. Shot one over par 73. Now tied for first place going into today’s final round.

The oldest photo of a U.S. President is that of John Quincy Adams taken in 1843. The photo was sold in a 2017 auction for $360,500. 

The Vikings actually beat Christopher Columbus to North America in the year 1,000.

Ants have three “castes:” Queens, workers, and males.

Enough.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Since the stroke, I have not slept well. Three hours a night generally. Last night different. Big time. I slept from 11 last night to 8:30 this morning. Never woke once. Wow! What a difference it makes. I feel different this morning. Energized. Full of piss and vinegar.

Hope the sleep pattern continues.

One problem, however. I am still researching today’s blog. Going to write a short one. Otherwise, I will be at the blog till mid afternoon.

I stayed with Artemis II from 7 last night to just after 10. I was proud with what had been accomplished. Three Americans and one Canadian on a 10 day trip around the moon. And they precisely landed the capsule in the Pacific at exactly the 8:07 p.m. time predicted. In the place they were supposed to land. All four happy. Joke full even when they were removed from the capsule.

The trip was international. Many of those working on the ground were part of a European group.

The next time we will land on the moon. Two or three such trips and we will be ready to head for Mars.

The peace talks begin today. Who knows how they will work out. Trump yesterday reiterated his total decimation claim if the talks failed. 

Peace may be impossible even from Iran’s perspective. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said his country is “resolute” in taking revenge against the U.S. Something I have said any times in previous blogs. Revenge is part of Iran body and soul.

Trump’s war of choice has come a war of regret.

Trump planning an Arch de Trump. Twice as large as Lincoln Memorial. It will stand near Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Initial anticipated cost $15 million. Don’t buy the figure! I am sure it will cost more as most Trump projects do.

I have a concern. Many claim it is fascist in appearance.

How does Trump get out of the war without people saying he surrendered?

I watched Melania the other day and her….. I have had nothing to do with Epstein. I thought she was stupid in making the speech. Few have made her a part of Epstein’s sexual girls. All she did by speaking was open the door re her involvement which was never really an issue.

First her husband did not know she was going to make the speech. Now it appears he did.

And it further appears her relationship with Epstein may have been more than nothing. I am not saying sexual. However pics and letters are suddenly popping up.

McIlroy is doing great at the Masters. He leads by six strokes after two rounds.

Kareen Abdul-Jabbar: “Asking questions is the only real protection we have.”

Los Angeles and certain parts of Southern California are being hit with a surge of typhus cases. Fleas the problem. Fleas from rats, opossums, and roaming cats.

A Texas couple thought a racoon got stuck in their chimney. The noise was “crazy.” It was not a racoon. It was a man who turned out to be a burglar.

Enough.

Enjoy your day!

Iran gets more and more complicated. Blame Trump and Netanyahu.

Trump was in a hurry to avoid his horrendous claims as to what he was going to do to Iran, including nuclear destruction. He was thrilled to get a ceasefire. Obviously the document was not properly scrutinized. Israel and bombing Lebanon remains a problem not addressed. Confusion exists.

Israel says Lebanon not part of the ceasefire. Pakistan says it was. 

Iran was to open the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, it has mined the Strait.

The ceasefire shaky. Very much so. Will it hold? Would surprise me if it did.

Trump is reluctant for the war to continue. He is keeping the U.S. on the ready, but reluctantly so. He merely wants to declare victory and get out.

What next? Who knows!

In the meantime, I expect gasoline prices in Key West to hit $5 a gallon by the weekend.

Trump is back on an old kick. He is blaming NATO for the Iranian problems. Amazing how the U.S., until recently the most loved Allied nation in the world, is now the most disliked by its former friends. Trump has done a magnificent job! He must be removed from the Presidency before he does worse, if worse is possible.

Military registration a problem? I don’t know. May be.

All males and male immigrants 18-25 are required to register within 30 days of their 18th birthday. Registration has dwindled in recent years. A process is in the works “for automatic registration” which will begin in December. The government says the purpose is to strengthen the system. More plainly said, I suspect it is to increase the pool of men eligible for the draft. Warmonger Trump so inclined. He apparently wants to assure the U.S. is capable to wage war where ever and when ever.

Trump has become “military war crazy.”

In addition to China, Russia is sharing some of its U.S. military knowledge with Iran. Great friend Putin is of Trump! Who needs a friend like Putin!

Trump has announced a 50 percent tariff on any nation supplying weapons to Iran.

Barron Trump has started a drink company. He is one of five partners. The company is called Solos Yerba Mate Inc. Mom Melania is one of the five partners. The drink a coffee one. The company recently announced its first flavor. Pineapple-coconut. The brew is expected to be available in May.

On this day in 1865, Robert E. Lee surrendered his 28,000 troops at the Appomattox Courthouse in Virginia ending the Civil War.

A day and time of sorrow for U.S. and Filipino troops. On this day in 1942, 78,000 troops on Bataan surrendered to the Japanese. Twelve thousand Americans and sixty six thousand Filipinos.

Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs reached #1 in the U.S. as “best.” Exceeding even Harvard who was ranked #3. Syracuse tied with Indiana University for the #1 spot.

The Maxwell School was near the law school at Syracuse when I attended. We were permitted to take one or two courses at Maxwell which would count towards our law degree. Maxwell had an outstanding reputation even back in the late 1950s when I attended law school. I took two courses. I have no recollection what they were.

Fran and her two sisters are all over the place in Sicily. I can see them pointed out as “those American ladies.”

A well organized trip. Today they are in Trapani from which they will also visit Selinuinte and Arici. I have never heard of any of these cities. Probably because I never visited Sicily. Fran has opened the door for me.

The ladies have six days left in their trip. Then home. Fran not for long. She and husband Tom will be returning in 3-4 weeks to Key West.

Yesterday a visit with Dr. Norris. Merely a check-up. 

Enjoy your day!

Trump blinked. Fortunately. The annihilation he was claiming was inconceivable. Even to the extent of nuclear destruction.

Iranians not stupid. They had thousands of citizens on the bridges. Children included. Waving huge Iranian flags over them. I doubt even Trump would have bombed the bridges with them upon it.

Trump’s bravado and off the wall threats turned most of the world against him. Except Israel, of course. Netanyahu conned Trump into the war and is happy the U.S. is in it. Netanyahu’s war desires exceed even Trump’s. 

China and Russia had to be thrilled that Trump has worked his way into a corner with the 8 p.m./midnight end of the world existence for Iran.

I said in yesterday’s blog I expected Trump would back off. He always does. He did. Fortunately! The ceasefire a strategic victory for Iran. Trump makes it sound as if the U.S. won. No way. Before the war, Iran had no formal claim to the Strait of Hormuz. The ceasefire agreement gives Iran a sense formal control over the Strait to Iran.

I would be surprised if the ceasefire holds. Crazies in a sense on both sides. 

Trump’s threat to kill off 90 million people and 6,000 years of existence made no sense.

Iran still has to get even. The conflict will continue one way or another till it does so. Iran will ultimately get the revenge it seeks. Trump wanted the war for two reasons. One to accommodate Netanyahu who bullshitted him. The other to remove U.S. attention from the Epstein files. No matter what Trump does, the files will be properly revealed in due course and I suspect to Trump’s detriment.

Trump is an evil psychopath. 

Christina Canterucci: “Trump is not only the most dangerous American President of the nuclear era. He is something terrifyingly new.”

The Iran War not the only dangerous thing Trump has gotten us into or is getting us into. Voting within the U.S. another. One where he is trying to bring control of voting under the veil of Washington. The Constitution says voting within States’ rights.

Trump wants to control voting. He continues to work on various phases to hopefully achieve that which he seeks.

The Department of Homeland Security is overpaying for warehouses. Intending to use them as jails to accommodate ICE and other special federal agent prison needs. As Rachel Maddow said: “Smells like corruption.”

Golf icon Butch Harmon says Trump will never be a member of Augusta National Golf Club. It has to do with Trump’s personality. Larger than life does not fly at Augusta. Trump does not align with the dignity and discretion expected. Harmon said: “He’s full of himself. His personality doesn’t fit the profile of an Augusta member.”

Trump’s personality continues to slide downward. Now at minus 17 points. The lowest of any President.

Key West temperature today will hit a high of 82 degrees.

I had a wonderful time yesterday at The Grand’s Happy Hour. My friends Theos and Dina arrived from Greece. They joined me. Nothing like Greek friends! Special people. I know from my many times in Greece and visiting friends like Theos and Dina.

I will see more of them during their week long visit here.

Today a big time visit with Dr. Norris. My concierge. He will straighten out one or two things for me.

I am feeling better. Not where I should be yet though.

Enjoy your day!