Pray tell, where does Trump get these supporters? The most recent to come to light is Candance Owens. A 31 year old black woman who formed and leads BLEXIT. A far right  black Republican conservative group.

BLEXIT was the group present on the South Lawn of the White House yesterday for the brief talk by God: Trump standing on the Truman balcony far above the 300-400 black BLEXIT’s standing below him.

Allegedly young Republicans. Not sure if Republicans, conservatives, or anything actually.

The talk had been promoted during the week preceding it as a law enforcement one. Two thousand persons had been invited. The HUGE outdoor rally advertised failed to even closely reach its goal.

Many of the 300-400 Brexit persons came from elsewhere. Most had their travel and lodging expense paid by Candance Owens’ BLEXIT group. All were given blue BLEXIT T shirts which they were mandated to wear without exception. Also face masks to wear, with no requirement that they had to be worn. There was no social distancing. They stood shoulder to shoulder looking up at the President.

The black attendees were required to fill out a form that in effect notified them that BLEXIT, a campaign urging Black Americans to leave the Democratic Party, would be covering travel costs.

Trump referred to the group as Black Conservatives.I wonder how many were even enrolled with a political party.

Candance Owens was running the show. A former liberal Democrat now a Republican conservative.

Trump was expected to discuss law enforcement with the Conservative Blacks.

Owens was a staunch Democrat activist till 2017. In 2015, she criticized conservative Republicans in a writing. She wrote about the “bat-shit-crazy antics of the Republican Tea Party.” She further wrote, “They will obviously die off then we can get on with the OBVIOUS social changes that need to happen.”

Something occurred in 2017 that affected her politically. What, I do not know. All of a sudden the staunch Democrat became a black hearted Republican. As she wrote in 2017, “Overnight…..I realized that liberals were actually the racists. Liberals were actually the trolls.”

Owens came to Trump’s attention this year. The Republican Party will take as many blacks into its ranks as it can. Especially smart ones. A mere 10-15 percent of the voting population are black and Republican.

Those on the White House lawn have been referred to as “secret paid protesters.”

Owens is planning an “anti-Black Lives Matter” event. Her followers have been urged to attend and have been further advised a limited number will receive travel stipends.

Regarding BLEXIT which Owens formed in 2018, she said, “We have to take this mask off. We have to unmask America.”

A question. Where is the money coming from to finance BLEXIT? I wonder. I doubt she is independently wealthy. She is a 31 year old college drop out.

Trump must be disappointed he failed to win the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. He need not worry. His name has already been submitted for the 2021 Peace award

He was nominated by Laura Huhtasaari, a right wing Finnish politician. She said she nominated Trump based on his “endeavors to end the era of endless wars.” She felt Trump had been “snubbed” in failing to receive the award this year.

How Cubans and Cuban cigars came to Key West.

In 1868, M. De Caspedes started a revolution on his estate in Bayamo, Cuba. The Spanish government immediately crushed the uprising.

Such led to the first mass Cuban migration to Key West. De Caspedes and his followers.

They brought with them the knowledge and seed to make Cuban cigars. The hand rolled Cuban cigar business was established using clear leaf Cuban tobacco.

The football season does not look good for Syracuse. My team lost to Duke yesterday 38-24.

Duke had lost its first 4 games this season. Syracuse was 1-2.

Syracuse had played exceptionally well against Georgia Tech which was the team’s first win. I expected the same against Duke.

It was not to be.

On obvious reason is Syracuse receivers could not hold on to the ball. Perfect throws dropped from their hands.

Some day, glory will be Syracuse’s again. I hope I am around to see it.

Enjoy your Sunday!

It has been a while since I discussed pythons and iguanas. Two of Florida’s most disliked reptiles.

This past week, two workers at the Florida Python Elimination Program were working in the Everglades. They caught a record breaking female Burmese python. Just under 20 feet.

Besides its length, there is one additional factor involved. They caught the python with their bare hands!

Two crazy guys!

Iguanas are a total absolute pain in the ass! The only way to describe how they affect humans. They eat our flower beds, defecate in our pools, etc.

Florida was late in deciding to deal with the python problem. By the time Florida got to them, there were too many pythons to deal with. Like in excess of 1 million.

Florida is aware of its delay and the result thereof. Florida acknowledges pythons will never be eliminated. The hope is to control/manage the population.

Florida has equally been late in dealing with the iguana population. They’re all over the place!

When I first started visiting Key West 30 years ago, there were no iguanas. Then they began to appear on the golf course. In trees and on the ground. All sizes. Looked like tiny dinosaurs.

They are prolific. Enjoy sex. They frequently engage in the practice. Iguanas today without any doubt exceed the 1 million pythons.

For the past 2 years, Florida has been trying to deal with the problem. Good luck! Will not do any good. The State is too late again.

Florida now permits “private hunters.” Their game iguanas. They are hired by property owners, not the State.

One such hunter is Quentin Garcia. He has been in the business 2 years. In that time, he estimates he has killed 3,000.

The law permits snares, trapping, and BB or pellet guns. Garcia prefers the guns.

Iguanas are not an endangered species. Never the less, Florida law requires they be killed with one shot. The first one. Recommend a bullet to the brain. Garcia aims for an ear.

A problem arises if the iguana is not dead. Not supposed to shoot it again. In pain. However, I do not know what is done next.

The Villages in mid Florida is the largest retired persons community in the U.S. Most residents black hearted Republicans. Trump their hero.

My few Democratic friends who live there try to keep their politics secret. It’s that bad.

Some are coming into the new light of day.

Residents get around on golf carts. Signs have been seen on them in increasing numbers. The signs saying Go Biden. Note the increasing numbers no way compares with the number still supporting Trump.

J. Ronald Johns died. He was 84. His friends referred to him as Johnnie.

Johnnie had 2 homes. One in Utica, the other in Key West. Summers in Utica, winters in Key West.

We became friends. The Utica connection made it possible. We were not close friends, but knew each other. We both belonged to the Key West Yacht Club which brought us together with some frequency.

Johnnie was a mild mannered man. Everyone liked him.

He was a bean farmer. The farm just outside Utica. His grandfather established it. The family has run it since and continue operating it to this day.

I would run into him occasionally on the Key West golf course. He was an excellent golfer. Not scratch, but close enough.

My golf club in Utica was the Yahnandasis. Every summer a Member-Guest Tournament. I asked Johnnie to be my guest.

Understand, I am the world’s worst golfer. My handicap 35. Horrible!

I could be helpful in a tournament, however. A par or two, an occasional birdie, and I made my contribution. Especially where I got 2 strokes on a hole.

Three days. The tournament serious business.

We were in the sixth or seventh flight. My poor playing caused us to be that low.

We played wonderful for 3 days. Johnnie played a bit over his head, as I did. I smiled every time we won a hole. I would look at the guys we were playing, point to Johnie, and say, “My horse!”

Not only did we win our flight, we won the whole tournament. The result being based on overall score for the 3 days.

I felt terrific. I’m not supposed to win. I never win. We split $700 and each received a Gorham crystal bowl.

As I indicated before, Johnnie was my “horse.” We won because of his playing, not mine.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo continues to do an outstanding job with his handling of the coronavirus crisis. He continues to stay on top of the problem.

New York was in great shape till recently. Suddenly clusters began appearing in various parts of the City. One part those where Orthodox Jewish communities are located.

Cuomo limited all religious services to 25 percent. The Orthodox community went crazy. Argued a violation of their religious beliefs prohibited by the Constitution.

The Jews took Cuomo to federal court. The first hearing was friday. The Jewish religious wanted a temporary injunction prohibiting Cuomo from limiting their services in synagogues.

The federal judge ruled in favor of Cuomo. A telling portion of the Judge’s decision: “How can we ignore the compelling state interest in protecting the health and life of all New Yorkers?”

If Cuomo had been running the coronavirus pandemic for the whole U.S, we would not still be in the position we have been for several months.

A study recently concluded 59 Americans have more wealth than 50 percent of the population. The study further revealed the “59” increased their wealth substantially in the several months Covid-19 has been a problem in the U.S.

Syracuse/Duke today. Duke a 2.5 point favorite.

Hope I can get the game on TV. Getting Syracuse games on TV an absolute pain in the ass in Key West! And, I have a special sports package. The problem arises because of a war between the ACC and Comcast.

Enjoy your day!

White supremacists and similar type groups continue to be on the move. Each act or contemplated act the worse yet.

The most recent plan diabolical from its inception. Kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer, try her, then execute her. Following which the group involved would move into Wisconsin and start a civil war.

The rebels the Wolverine Watchmen.

Fortunately, officials became aware and informants were able to infiltrate the group several months ago.

Thirteen have been charged with the plan. Six federal, seven state. They will be tried for treason.

These are Trump’s people. Trump has been on Witmer’s back for more than a year. They do not agree among other things how the coronavirus epidemic should be handled. Trump has spoken poorly of her.

Even following the arrests. Trump spoke of the group’s goodness and not a favorable word re Witmer. His attitude very negative. No words of happy the plan failed, etc.

Last year for the first time, federal officials warned that domestic terrorism is the worse danger facing the U.S. It’s members people who support Trump and in return are supported by Trump.

The U.S. must engage in a war against domestic terrorism. Its danger equivalent to the coronavirus epidemic. The only valid solution is to get Trump out of office. They’re his people. Mine is not a political cry. Rather, a practical one.

Biden must be elected. The House and Senate controlled by the Democrats.

Then we will be able to work to weaken and hopefully get rid of these hate groups. We will have neither a Trump or Barr to deal with.

Presently, we are like Hitler and his people in the mid and late 1930’s. If Trump is reelected, Trump will become Hitler and the U.S. Nazi Germany.

It’s up to you, me, the people…..everyone!

Trump is unhappy with many. Always has persons on his “hate list.”

Presently it is Michigan Governor Gretchen Witmer for her handling of the Covid-19 crisis, Attorney General Barr because he refuses to arrest Biden and Clinton for purported wrongdoings in the 2016 election, Secretary of State Pompeo for his failure to release Clinton’s e-mails, and FBI Director Chris Wray who overall Trump has found not to be supportive.

Today has to be another bad one for Trump. He is sick, looks like he is going to lose the election, losing cases in the courts, his tax records getting out, very few things going his way.

Trump received 2 nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize. I am sure he had dreams of sugarplums dancing in his head.

The winner was announced this morning. It was not Trump.

An organization did. The World Food Programme, a U.N. entity. The organization has been providing food to 90 million people a year.

What has Trump done to equal such? Nothing even close.

The New England Medical Journal is probably the most respected medical publication in the world. Not political in any fashion. In fact, the last time it published anything of a political nature was back in 1812.

This week became the time to be politic again. The Journal wrote a blistering editorial about Trump’s failure in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.

Part of the editorial: “National leaders had the opportunity to limit the virus’ spread and prevent widespread illness, deaths, and lasting economic turmoil. Here in the United States, our leaders have failed that test. They have taken a crisis and turned it into a tragedy.”

When Trump was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night last year, the doctors who were to treat him were required to sign non-disclosure agreements. Two refused. They were not allowed to care for Trump.

Same thing with Trump’s Walter Reed hospitalization last week. Only doctors who signed non-disclosures were permitted to care for the President.

I have written increasingly over the past 2 years concerning what I viewed as an impending food shortage. Many mocked me.

It is here and is growing. Getting worse each day. More people in need of food assistance and less food available.

It is believed that over the next 12 months the shortage will increase faster and to a bigger extent.

The next 12 months will reveal that food banks will be short 8 million packages. Means 8 million will go hungry.

It is projected 1 out of 5 will be out of cash by election day. More Americans are slipping into poverty.

The surge for food at the food banks is unprecedented. The demand surge greater than ever and increasing by the day.

Food banks require among other things large donations. Donations have been drying up because of the U.S.’s growing economic problems.

Soon the U.S., the greatest nation on earth, will find 50 million of its citizens without sufficient food on a consistent basis. As the economy continues to crumble, the hunger crisis will escalate.

Unquestionably, troubled times ahead. How will the U.S. handle it?

Scarlet fever is returning.

How many have even heard of scarlet fever? It is a yesterday disease that was solved with anti-biotics. No vaccine available. However the anti-biotics worked efficiently.

Till now.

The scarlet fever virus is mutating. Its resurgence becoming obvious.

Scarlet fever may each epidemic proportions as it did years ago. One of the worst times in the U.S. was the first half of the twentieth century. It was the leading cause of death among children. Children from 5-15.

I have a somewhat clear recollection of when I had scarlet fever. I was 4-5 years old. We lived in a 3 story 6 apartment house. I was taken to the hospital. The charity one. Not that I knew such at the time.

I recall 2 things distinctly.

When the ambulance people were taking me out of the building, there was a sign by the front door. I cannot recall its exact wording. What it said in effect was the building was quarantined, DANGER!, no one could enter.

That’s the way it was in the late 1930’s.

The other distinct recollection was my parents could not visit me in the hospital. They stood on the lawn outside waving and trying to talk with me. I was inside on the other side of the window. Waving at them and laughing.  I did not understand what was going on.

Another doctor visit yesterday. Afterwards, I drove down Duval. It was noon time.

Not many people again. Appeared to be all tourists. No mask wearing. A couple more stores closed. The windows reflecting a stark emptiness.

Enjoy your day!

The primary thought running through my mind last night was why was I watching the Vice-Presidential debate.

The debate changed nothing. Pence and Harris both unimpressive.

Pence was his usual self. Did his job Always supportive of Trump. Never spoke ill of him. His performance so lacking that a fly got more attention.

Pence has a bad problem. He lies. He was consistent with past speeches in that regard last night.

Harris bothered me. My thoughts centered on whether she was Presidential timber. She was great in her preprepared responses. Hesitant otherwise.

Harris reminded me of a sports team that made it to the championship game for the first time. Like the Super Bowl or Final Four. A team has to have been there before in order to win. This was Harris’ first time. Seasoning required.

Rather than throw the baby out with the wash water, lets try something else first. Give the moderator a button to press that cuts the speaker off if the speaker speaks beyond his or her time. Debates for the highest offices in the land should not be a free for all.

Trump received some anti-body treatment while in the hospital. I believe it is called Regeneron. Still in its testing stage.

Trump considers it a miracle drug. Made him feel great. Says it might be good to give to the American people and at no cost.

Yesterday’s MIT Technology Review reported the drug was tested using fetal cells originally derived from an abortion.

What would God say? The Trump administration has consistently said fetal cells from any source should not be used for testing or as a part of a drug. If Regeneron is approved, will Right to Lifers permit its use in their bodies?

Sound way out? Think of all the stupid cases that have gone to the Supreme Court on abortion/birth control issues equally far out.

Regeneron’s final product will not utilize fetal cells in its testing or preparation. In its place will be cells from some hamster organ.

Amy Coney Barrett will be approved for the Supreme Court. It would take an apocalyptic event to prevent it.

I have written several times as to my opposition. It is based primarily on her religious background.

Recently, she is being palmed off as a Roman Catholic. Perhaps she is. Yesterday and for most of her adult life she has not. She and her husband have been members of People of Praise. A charismatic group who have beliefs way out. Like a wife must be subservient to the husband in all things. Seems her group interprets the Bible as Scalia interpreted the Constitution. To the letter.

She has said in the past that abortion is “barbaric.” It is believed she will vote for its repeal. She is anti-Obamacare. She is and/or will be against everything that has been fought for and decided favorably for the American people in the past 60 years.

I mention this religious thing again today because of Senator Durbin. He said on TV yesterday that religion would be off limits in questioning Barrett. Wrong!!! In this instance it is her religious foundation and beliefs that are crucial in deciding what “fairness” means to her while sitting on the Supreme Court.

Suppose she was a member of some Satanic group? Ok to question her on her religious beliefs then?

The woman is going to spend 30-40 years on the Court. She should be questioned on anything and everything that might affect her judgment.

Trump claims he is transparent. As transparent as a brick wall!

Will we ever be told when Trump was last tested negative?

In fact, his whole medical scenario re his recent hospitalization should be an open book.

I consider Stephen Miller the Joseph Goebbels of the Trump administration. Goebbels was Hitler’s Propaganda Minister. He even looks like Goebbels.

Miller sits at the right hand of God. His office next to Trump’s. Trump relies on his thoughts. Miller writes most of Trump’s speeches.

It was announced he has been infected with coronavirus.

Trump keeps telling us the economy is good. If so, why are so many corporations announcing big number furloughs?

The most recent Regal Cinema. Closing all U.S. theaters thursday. The move affects 40,000 employees.

Trump has been twice nominated recently for the Nobel Peace Prize. I am not certain if the nominations were for this year or next.

Friday, this year’s winner of the Nobel Peace Prize will be announced. I will be shocked if it is Trump.

The vaccine! The vaccine! The vaccine!

Even Pence last night said with confidence we would have a vaccine this year. He even used the word “soon.” Said with an aura of confidence.

Trump has done even better. I can recall several months ago when it was next year. That moved down to next month, next week, days, and now “momentarily.”

Would Trump lie to the American people by announcing and pushing a vaccine or other drug allegedly to cure coronavirus so he can be reelected?

YES!.

Helen Reddy recently died at age 78. Her recording of I Am Woman became a feminist anthem.

Trump lost his credibility almost as soon as he took office in 2016. Doctors have generally been considered credible forever.

Today, not those attending Trump for Covid-19. They refuse to provide Trump’s recent medical records.

Amazing how Trump contaminates everyone he comes in contact with! And I do not mean solely coronavirus wise.

Another doctor visit at noon.

Enjoy your day!

So much news to share. My preparatory notes this morning overwhelming. Too many to organize properly. Ergo, it’s Morning Stew time!

Trump announced late yesterday that he had told the Republicans to withdraw from any further stimulus negotiations. As far as he was concerned, the talks were over till after the election when he would give the people the best stimulus package ever!

Who is he kidding!

Reminds me of Little Jack Horner. Donald being Little Jack Horner, of course: “Little Jack Horner / Sat in his corner, / Eating his Christmas pie; / He put in his thumb / And pulled out a plum, / And said, ‘What a good boy am I!'”

Word this morning is Trump is reconsidering. Appears steroid psychosis was the driving force in his statement last night.

Pence/Harris tonight. The battle of the Vice-Presidential candidates.

Don’t expect a sweet calm exchange. Both are skilled debaters.  Pence calm and a skillful liar. Reminds me of Trump on occasion. Harris an experienced former prosecutor. Blood will flow. One will be on the ground when it’s over.

Pence has a heavy burden. He has to answer for the 210,000 Covid-19 deaths. He was #2 in command. He also was the head of the Commission Trump appointed to manage America’s war with the virus.

He never took command of anything in his 4 years as VP. His leadership of the Commission a disaster. Trump would lie and Pence would support him.

Remember the children that wee separated from their parents at the southwest border? Babies ripped from their mother’s arms?

It was revealed yesterday that Jeff Sessions and top Justice Department officials were the “driving force” re the “migrant children separation.”

Sessions’ orders were that age of the children did not matter. Separate them all, even babies.

Greece. My beloved Greece.

During my first two visits, there seemed to be a secondary police force. Dressed in all black. The Golden Dawn. A neo-Nazi group.

Scared the hell out of me. Day or night, they looked at you and followed you with their eyes. Always in a group. Aryan appearing. Young, tall, fair skinned and blond.

Greece were hurting. No work, no food, etc. They took over.

The regular police were still there. They turned their backs whenever someone was being beaten on the streets. I discovered half the police force were also members of Golden Dawn.

People eventually were able to work again, put food on their tables,etc. Golden Dawn’s popularity diminished.

Some 6 years ago, the head of Golden Dawn was arrested and charged with forming and running a criminal organization. The trial took 5 1/2 years.

The jury has returned. The leader was found guilty.

If we do not resolve our problems with neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and other far right radical groups, people similar to Greece’s black shirts will be walking the streets of America all day, every day.

Under Trump, the rich got richer and the poor poorer. Something we all know.

Billionaire fortunes increased dramatically. To dizzying heights.

On July 1, 2019, the billionaire fortune totaled $8.9 trillion. One year later on July 1, 2020, it had increased to $10.2 trillion.

The group were all happy to say, “Thank you, Donald!”

In October 1927, work began on Mount Rushmore. Took 12 years to complete at a cost of $1 million.

Rushmore is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The scene of many Indian battles in the last half of the 19th century.

The Indians who still live where Mount Rushmore is located, initially strenuously opposed the project.

The faces of the four Presidents are constructed in the following order: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt.

Jefferson presented a problem. Two years after beginning work on Jefferson, the stone began to crack. Jefferson’s face was totally removed. His new head was located on the other side of Washington.

I wrote recently that we are on a path to scarcity as far as food is concerned. It has become impossible to grow enough, feed the animals, transport the finished product to the stores, etc.

The reason our super markets are beginning to evidence less items on shelves is not because people are hoarding.

They don’t have the money to hoard. It is because coronavirus has made it impossible to get the food produced and to super market shelves.

More and more food banks are opening. Not to feed the homeless and normally poor. There is a new group. The “formerly comfortable” who today do not have the money to put food on the table.

I have written to the issue at least twice. Each time people commented I did not know what I was talking about. The validity of my words is now becoming obvious.

Key West for example has 2 food banks rapidly going to 4.

In the past year, those needing food in Key West has almost doubled. The new high points being food packages provided: 13,500 and 14,035 in August and September respectively.

A new hurricane. A big one! Delta. Already a Category 4 and has not hit land yet.

It is heading toward the Mexico Yucatan. Then to the U.S. gulf coast. Anticipated it will be a 4 also when it hits U.S. shores sometime next week.

The DOW dropped 600 points yesterday after Trump’s announcement he was ceasing stimulus negotiations.

We live in an age of distrust. Even with 210,000 dead from coronavirus in less than a year, Trump cannot accept the horrors of Covid-19.

Trump has been tweet crazy the past 2 days. Result of the steroids. He wrote some obviously wrong comments re coronavirus. Facebook deleted them. Twitter hid them.

Cornell came out with a study yesterday. The study indicated 38 percent of American people believe as Trump does that coronavirus is a hoax, will soon disappear, etc.

A hefty number. No wonder many do not wear masks.

The crazies are out there.

The most recent Donna Lorraine. A former candidate for a California Congressional seat. Now a conservative commentator.

Newsweek carried her story.

Lorraine claims the Democrats deliberately infected Trump’s microphone and podium prior to the debate a week ago yesterday. With the coronavirus bug.

Lorraine could provide no evidence to support her claim.

Pence has been drinking Trump’s Kool Aid too long. He initially refused a plexiglas shield between he and Harris for tonight’s debate. Also wondered why the desks could not be closer together.

Last night, he changed his mind. I suspect only because he looked stupid in the positions he was taking.

Guy de Boer, publisher of KONK Life, E-Blast, and morning radio show host on Station WPIK. The show is Keys Talk-In the News.

Guy’s 8 o’clock guest called in. She coud not-make it. Guy called me 3 minutes before air time: “You’re going on this morning!”

We did 10 minutes re Trump.

I enjoyed it.

I have many more notes. Blog already long enough. I am saving them till tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!

Key West is a funky town. Properly so. People who live here do so because they enjoy the atmosphere. Tourists, also.

Things get a little out of hand occasionally.

Karl Tanzer aka Count von Cosel worked at the Key West hospital. He fell in love with Elaine Hoya Mesa. The difference in their ages significant He could have been her father.

Elaine was in love with Karl as well.

On this date in 1940, Karl was arrested. Elaine had died. He was heart broken. She was buried in the cemetery. Some time later, Karl removed her body. He took Elaine’s body to his home.

Karl placed her in his bed. They slept together for several years.

Karl was arrested for keeping Elaine’s body in his home.

Because of a technicality, Karl was never convicted of any crime. He was not even tried.

Sickish! Ghoulish! Key West, however!

The Regal Cinema in the Sears Shopping Center took a bad beating in 2017 from Irma. Took forever for the repairs to be completed. Worth waiting for, however. The new Regal was extremely comfortable. Best movie seats I have ever sat in. Tons of leg room. Backwards, forward, up, down. A delight!

Coronavirus is affecting many American industries. One is the movie theater business.

Layoffs/furloughs are substantial when a major business goes down.

Regal Companies has announced it is closing all its theaters in the U.S. on thursday. Five hundred thirty six people will join the ranks of the unemployed.

The numbers keep growing.

Regal announced the closing was “temporary…..we will continue to monitor the situation closely.”

It is not the virus alone which is keeping people away. It is the nature of home entertainment. Movies by the thousands are available on TV. Many free. The ticket prices, pop corn and soda became too expensive.

Today a big one in 1927. The first talking movie ever opened. The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson.

Silent movies were dead. Talkies the new kid on the block.

I watched Biden in an MSNBC Town Hall last night. The event outside in Miami.

Biden was outstanding. Presidential. As if he has been training for this job forever. He has. His entire life.

What was most interesting, Biden had a detailed plan worked out to solve any problems raised by the audience. Facts, not bullshit. No yelling either.

Lester Holt could have done better. He was not as bad as Chris Wallace. Not even close. However he did a few followups to  questions asked. I thought his followups stupid. Like he was trying for a “gotcha.” He asked questions about issues that were remote or non existent.

Yesterday, I thought Trump’s illness was a made up one. Today I think it was the steroids affecting his brain. Perhaps both.

Steroids are part of the coronavirus treatment procedure and can make a person off the wall for a period of time.

Trump was so afflicted when he took the ride Sunday and when he returned to the White House last night. Most of his tweets yesterday were way out.

It was reported yesterday and today that son Donald Jr. is concerned about his father’s health. He feels his father is “acting crazy.” The President’s appearance one of desperation. His sick body and mind trying to project strength.

Donald Jr. was alarmed.

He went to Ivanka and Jared. Asked for their cooperation in going to the President and telling him how bad he was doing and to back off.

Ivanka and Jared refused. They had been telling Trump “how great he was doing.”

Donald Jr. said he would not approach his father alone. He needed assistance in telling “Dad” he was acting crazy, the steroids were affecting him, etc.

When Trump arrived at the White House and after he got off the helicopter, he appeared to have difficulty breathing. Especially after he climbed the outside stairs to the Truman porch.

He stood for a good several minutes at the top of the stairs. Breathing appeared difficult. His face was pancaked under a coat of orange powder.

He saluted. I don’t know who he saluted. Great sharp salute. Lasted 23 seconds. His face never moved. Not one muscle.

Instead of immediately going to bed, he waited around. Waiting to make a video of his return. American flags flying.

Trump was jacked up by the steroids. His few words made it obvious. There was a power and excitement in whatever he said.  He could have flown to the moon without a spaceship.

Sad.

If China, Russia or Iran decided to do something terrible to the U.S., Trump cannot be trusted to handle it. I hope decisions have been made for Pence to take over temporarily in such instance.

CNN viewed Trump’s Sunday joyride and “the next to crazy Monday” as “steroid induced psychosis.”

New York City was a disaster several months ago. Cuomo worked hard at it and the numbers are way down. Although there was a slight increase this past week.

When things were bad, ICU beds reached the point of being unavailable. Regular rooms were turned into ICU rooms. Hospitals and staff were over loaded and over burdened.

As of October 1, New York City hospitals had 19 percent of regular beds empty. In addition, 25 percent of ICU beds were available.

Lets hope none are needed.

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou tonight. Nine my time. Guaranteed to be special. Trump alone could eat up the entire half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

I question Trump’s Covid-19 scenario.

For two reasons.

First, his credibility has been lacking the entire four years in office. Why not lie and misrepresent now. The inconsistencies from the White House, doctors and Trump himself makes one question the legitimacy of the claim he has been infected. Trump’s actions alone in the past 3 days raises the question of legitimacy to its highest level.

Second, Trump is Hollywood at its best in this gambit. The polls indicated he was on his way to being beaten badly. Something needed to be done to turn the tide. Something big, daring and dramatic. He would become a coronavirus victim.

If Trump’s personal Covid-19 lacks legitimacy, it magnifies his recklessness. Raises the question how one so reckless can be depended upon to protect his people. The first charge of a President.

It takes few words to reveal my thoughts and concerns.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday I congratulated Charlie Brown and Peanuts on their 70th birthday. The response has been amazing!

I was deluged with telephone calls and e-mails. Everyone knew or knows Charlie Brown. A tone of excitement accompanied each communication.

I should not have been surprised. Peanuts is read every day by 330 million people spread over 22 countries.

May Charlie and the comic strip Peanuts be around for generations to come. Anything that makes so many people happy deserves to be.

Back to Lucy. Yesterday’s Lucy.

Cathy and I did Cocktails at 7 last night. Lucy always a part of our meeting.  Lucy does not drink. She merely sits on Cathy’s lap the whole time we are laughing away.

I mentioned Lucy is blind. I failed to mention she is also deaf and has diabetes. Thank God her “mother” takes such good of her.

Lucy walks around the house alone. She has the layout down pat. Occasionally she is in too much of a hurry or screws up some how. Her head and a wall come into contact.

She used to jump off and on Cathy’s bed. No more. Cathy lifts Lucy on. She has to take Lucy off the bed in the morning. She no longer jumps. Does occasionally fall of the bed, however.

I learned last night Lucy’s sense of smell is still intact. Cathy was picking on some small pieces of pork dipped in some type sauce. Lucy’s tongue hung out. She continued to want more.

Lucy is a good girl. Takes her two shots a day for diabetes without complaint.

I telephoned Donna early this morning. She was in the hospital. Has been there since wednesday. Being discharged today. Some stomach problem.

My lesbian wife has had some hard times recently health wise. She had a knee replacement 4 weeks ago. Still dealing with that.

Louie’s Backyard. One of Key West’s finest and most beautiful restaurants.

I am referring to Louie’s this morning for a couple of reasons. One because it has been a long time since I have. The other involves The Key West Concierge.  Island Genn wrote about Louie’s in Key Wester’s 9/30 publication.

Louie’s opened in 1971. Its home is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The restaurant sits on one of the best ocean front locations in Key West. Facing the Atlantic. Water racing up to  its Afterdeck outside bar.

Key West as everyone knows is a bit funky. Proudly so. Next door to Louie’s is Dogs’ Beach. A small beach set aside for dogs.

The other side of Louie’s is the home of the Coconut Beach Resort. A series of old Key West homes refurbished and connected down to the corner and around the block. Each end connecting with the ocean.

An interesting story concerning me and what is now the Coconut Beach Resort.

In 1996 there was no Coconut Beach Resort. Merely houses with people living in them. The house immediately next to Louie’s was for sale. The house today part of the Coconut Beach complex.

It was for sale. I was looking to buy a home. The asking price $70,000. Cheap by any standard back then. Needed work. I liked the set-up. One problem. I did not want to live next to a restaurant. I let it pass.

A mistake obviously. I would have made a killing at some point selling it.

The home had fame. Jimmy Buffett once lived there.

Earlier in the year when coronavirus started hitting the U.S. big time, I wrote food at some point would become a problem. There would be a distinct scarcity. Mentioned it in writing and on my blog talk radio show several times thereafter.

I write about it again today.Food is becoming increasingly scarce. Note that your supermarket is not always fully stocked. Many items you wish to purchase not available, Prices of course rising constantly.

The problem involves water and an inability to transport food products at a cost that can be afforded. Then too certain food products, whether meat or various canned goods, are not available in sufficient quantities for the producers to make a profit.

The American public is ending up on the short end..

People with no or little dollars have always gone to food banks. Now another group has joined them. Those who were able to afford groceries and no longer can. One reason being out of work.

The demand has become greater. The supply either the same or less. The moral being the food banks at some point will be insufficient to satisfy the needs of those who no longer can put food on the table themselves.

Then what?

The government continues to fail the American people. The Senate is going home again for a couple of weeks. Only a small group remaining to approve Barrett for the Supreme Court. The stimulus bill still sitting with no action by the Republican Senate.

Credibility has been a problem vexing the White House while  Trump has been President. Credibility failure has followed Trump into the hospital.

Trump’s medical condition is no joke. People have a right to know.

Apparently the President and his advisers think not. The “medical report” by a group of Trump’s attending physicians at one point was treated by them as a joke. Conflicting stories are coming out as to Trump’s real condition.

When a President of the U.S. is sick enough to be confined to the hospital, his physical condition must be an open book.  The people must be informed.

The Florida Department of Health is providing Monroe County residents free coronavirus testing. Take advantage of it.

ID required. An appointment must be made. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 786-910-9764. Walks ins will not be allowed.

I end today with Mount Rushmore.

On this day in 1927, work began on Mount Rushmore in South Dakota. On land once owned by Native Americans. Mount Rushmore is located in the Black Hills. Site of many Native American movies.

The Native Americans involved consider Mount Rushmore sacred ground. They strongly opposed the project. To no avail.

The project took 12 years. The cost $1 million. Funded primarily by the U.S. government.

The four Presidents were completed in the following order: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

Thomas Jefferson created a problem. His face was still being worked on 2 years after it began. Cracks started appearing in the stone. Jefferson would not remain in place for all time.

Jefferson was completely removed and begun again on the other side of George Washington.

Enjoy your day!

Missed Charlie Brown’s birthday. It was yesterday. Sorry. Never the less, the loving spirit of the Peanuts comic strip was born in effect when it made its appearance 70 years ago on October 2, 1950.

Happy Birthday Charlie Brown! Happy Birthday Peanuts! Happy Birthday Snoopy! Happy Birthday the security blanket! And most of all, Happy Birthday to Charles M. Schulz who penned the comic strip.

First named Li’l Folks, the strip was later renamed Peanuts.

Friend even to Presidents. Charlie Brown mentioned occasionally by John Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush.

Today, the comic strip has 330 million readers in 75 countries. It is published daily in 22 languages.

It is thought Charlie Brown has been such a continuing success for so long because of Charlie Brown getting up and trying again after being down. It is called perseverance.

Charlie Brown was a trendsetter in pet relationships. Snoopy.  Pets were members of the family and truly best friends and companions.

Schools are open in most parts of the country. I thought the schools were being prematurely opened. I was wrong.

The kids are going. Nothing coronavirus wise of any significance is happening.

In all of Monroe County, there have been only 3 confirmed cases. The 3 located in the northern part of the County.

I got into wearing masks with Robert. He is a Junior at the Key West High School. He said masks were no problem. Everybody wears one and no one complains. The only time they may remove the masks is during lunch.

I checked with an emergency room friend in one of the most northern cities in New York. She says she has not observed any problems. She mentioned a 7 year old who came  into the emergency room this week. Not for a coronavirus related problem.

She talked with the 7 year old. The little girl was wearing a mask. She asked her if she liked the mask. The girl nodded a shy yes and then proudly said, “We have a mask break for one minute every morning and afternoon.”

Adults should have adapted to mask wearing as children apparently are doing across the country.

Our President is in the hospital. At his age, coronaviirus could be very serious.

I don’t know what it is, but I feel bad that Trump is ill and may die. My writings clearly suggest I like neither the man nor the way he is running the country. Think he is a bad guy. Recommend everyone vote for Biden.

I must add I doubt Trump feels bad about anyone or anything. He is the original I don’t like prisoners, I don’t like Muslims. His feelings regarding Jews is obvious. He stands for all the bad things America has become.

Yet, I feel sorry for the man and wish him well.

Frank Bruni wrote in a New York Times Opinion piece yesterday about Trump. The column: The Pandemic Comes For The President.  Its thrust was no one is invincible. Not even the mighty Donald.

Bruni wrote: “The Presidency and the President are always national mirrors, in many different ways at once…..Trump has shown America its resentments. He has modeled its rage. Now he personifies its recklessness.”

He wrote America is “infected,” it has become a “morality case.”

Every day it is something new about Amy Coney Barrett.

CNN Politics reported yesterday that in the late summer she and her husband were diagnosed with coronavirus. Her husband was asymptomatic. The Judge “felt a little under the weather but recovered.”

My concern is her tendency to be secretive. She has failed in many respects to make full disclosure re professional matters and her religion. Forget not she is 48 and being considered for a lifetime job. Nothing is secret under the circumstances.

The fact that she and her husband had coronavirus may appear non consequential on its face. It probably is. However in today’s climate where the major issue in the election is coronavirus, she should have mentioned it.

Marsha is a long time reader of this blog. From Syracuse, New York. We have never met, except through the blog. We have become good friends.

Marsha sent me a lengthy column she came across. No author. The words intuitive. I share come with you.

“I wonder…..why we all seem to be Russians waiting in line for toilet paper, meat, and Lysol.”

“Why we all look like we are in bad need of a haircut or a facial or a reason to dress up again and go somewhere.”

“There are no images of the first family enjoying themselves together in a moment of relaxation.”

“We are rudderless and joyless.”

“We have lost our mojo. Our fun, our happiness.”

“We have lost the challenges and the triumphs that we shared and celebrated. The unique can-do spirit Americans have always been known for.”

“We are lost.”

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Do whatever you can to help the cause. Few are they who are not touched by its curse.

There is an urban exodus. A return to the suburbs. A topic I have written about many times.

There are three reasons for the exodus.

The first involves technological improvements. People can work from home. The second the destabilizing threat of rising crime in the cities. Third and finally, people cannot make a living in the cities as they once did. Tied into the fact that city rents and living costs have failed to recognize that fact yet and make city living very expensive.

The urban exodus is expected to be an accelerating one over the long term.

A common example of the financial crush city living is causing, many live in flats with multiple roommates.

Key West is not the only City experiencing the dilemma.

Even great cities sometimes go away. They cannot seem to make it back. Goats were grazing in Rome’s Forum a few decades after the Empire collapsed.

On this day in 1995, O. J. Simpson was acquitted. “If it doesn’t fit, you must acquit.”

I watched the trial everyday for 3 months. Would not miss it.

I had rented a condominium at 1800 Atlantic for the season. Except for 2 days when I had to fly back to Syracuse for a sensitive hearing, I remained in Key West.

My days all the same. Up early. Walked the ocean along South Roosevelt Boulevard. Back to the condo. 1800 had a great pool. I took a cool refreshing swim and laid out on a lounge to sun dry.

Then my day really began. Watched the trial from the comfort of a barcalounge. Exciting! My eyes and ears remained fixed.

The evening was a late dinner somewhere. Generally at Square One. It had become a meeting place. We joined our local and snowbird friends most evenings there.

This is the fourth day in a row that Hackley has written in his 1855 diary about his piles. The poor guy had a real problem!

He wrote, “The piles will not stay up and are very sore. Bathed in the tub yesterday 3 times. Kept a piece of cotton with ointment on the parts and put some more Mustang Liniment on at night.”

I write about poor Hackley’s medical problem because I had a serious hemorrhoid problem twice in my life. Surgery for the first. The problem returned however.

Strangely, nothing seems to have changed as to how to medicate the problem. Every thing today as it was in 1855. I  lived in a hot bath, tried all kinds of ointments.

May Johnson continues to fascinate me. I make the following observation for the second time. Conservative school teacher May is not the quiet angelic type. She is not even good looking as the one photo I have seen indicates.

Yet she has the men here in Key West and away chasing her. Or maybe she is chasing them.

She went dancing at La  Brisa last night with Charlie and Fritot. They gave her a letter from Everest. He never comes home. Supposedly “her love.” They write and she goes out with others in Key West.

Even her mother appears upset with her meanderings.

After La Brisa, the three “went to Sybil Curry’s, lots of boys and girls there. Charles and I came home at 11 o’clock. KICKING TIRED.”

She warns that a “cyclone is brewing.” If it hits, it will be interesting to read about an 1896 hurricane from a person who was there. An

I have been self-quarantined for way more than 200 days. I gave up counting at 200.

Not a very exciting time.

Tonight is Cocktails at 7.

I met Cathy over the internet. Cathy lived in Key West in 1988. She read the blog and wrote me. We became friends.

A long distance romance, if anything. Cathy lives in Seattle, Washington.

Whatever, I have come to enjoy my one night a week having a drink via Skype with Cathy.

Her dog Lucy is part of the experience. Lucy always on Cathy’s lap. Lucy is blind.

Enjoy your Day!

I have been up since 1 this morning watching the news. The President and Melania have tested positive for coronavirus.

As much as I dislike Trump, no one wants another person to suffer and/or die. Trump who has had no empathy will receive tons of it from people like myself who oppose him. Because we have empathy!

The news has already filled everyone in on what transpired. I am not going to get into those details. However, I do have thoughts to express.

There is an old saying…..”The chickens have come home to roost.” In Donald’s case, the hoax has come home to roost.

Another applicable saying comes to mind. Concerns something coming round and biting a person on the ass….Coronavirus came around and bit Trump on the ass.

Finally…..”What goes around, comes around.” The President was a sitting duck for that one.

I am sure I will have more to say in the coming days.

The debate! The disgraceful one tuesday night. Trump made a mockery out of it.

Spencer Bokat-Lindell is a staff editor for the New York Times Opinion page. Appears to be relatively young. Deep in experience, however. Before his editorial position with the New York Times, he was an editor at the Paris Review and AXIOS.

He penned an article which appeared in the New York Times yesterday. Titled “Debatable.”

He described the debate as “an acutely cursed spectacle, the logical descent of political pornography intercourse snuff files.”

Interesting language. Is this the way today’s young describe things? Is this the new English? The language of this generation?

At 85, I have to wonder.

It is obvious I do not consider Amy Coney Barrett worthy of a Supreme Court seat. Little things keep popping up about her. Like her religion which she conveniently failed to disclose when she was going through the Senate approval process in 2017. In addition, her anti Roe v. Wade thinking concerns me.

More items not previously disclosed by her have come to light.

In 2006, she permitted her name, together with many others, to appear in an ad. The ad called for the overturn of Roe v. Wade.

When Barrett filed her Senate disclosure form for 2017 when she was a nominee for the Circuit Court, she failed to disclose her participation in the ad.

At some point also before her 2017 Senate review, she failed to report her reference to Roe v. Wade being a “barbaric legacy.”

The ad and language required disclosures . She failed to disclose. Hid her positions.

As she did her religious involvement with People of Praise. A charismatic group. Not affiliated with the Catholic Church. Its tenets make me wonder how she can render “blind justice” when sitting on the Supreme Court bench.

Politely said, the woman is a sneak.

Watched Joe Biden on one of his train stops yesterday in Ohio. Alliance, Ohio.

A sloppy performance. Where were the advance men? The people who go into a community and make sure there is a large turnout. They also know down to the minute how a speech is to be set up.

None existed in Alliance. Makes me question if he even has advance men for his two days of train stops.

I know that of which I speak. I helped the Democratic advance man who came to Utica in the 1960’s for 2 different campaigns. Rockefeller’s race against Frank O’Connor for Governor and Hubert Humphrey’s race for President.

Got to know the advance man well. The same person each time. He was our house guest each time he was in Utica.

My criticisms of Biden’s train stop are not intended to be derogatory. Hopefully someone will advise him of wrong planning as I am herein.

Biden stood on the side of a railway car. Trimmed to reflect America and his candidacy. Biden had a microphone in hand. The podium only faced one end of the crowd. All to his right. Not sure how many heard him. Also the set-up indicated someone did not know what they were doing.

Another group of Biden supporters were on the other side of the railway car. They could hear nothing.

Biden was wearing baseball cap. Take it off! It covered his eyes, he had to look up to be seen.

Trump’s people attended also. Provided music and singing to interrupt Biden’s talk. Songs like “God Bless the USA.” The group also provided via microphone clips of Biden’s gaffs.

Biden’s appearance totally lacking in political professionalism.

Permit me to share how Harry Truman did it.

It was 1948. I was 12 and in the 8th grade. Me and two of my buddies rode our bikes to the railroad station to hear Truman speak. We arrived a bit late. He was already talking when we arrived.

He too was doing a train stop campaign. From the small deck on the rear of the last car. Most important. A huge crowd was in front of him. Everyone could see Truman and he could see them.

My buddies and I were upset. We did not want to stand all the way back.

We did something only kids could get away with. We rode our bikes to the front of the crowd. There was a 5-6 feet area between Truman on the back of the train and the crowd. We moved our bikes in front and had the best seats in the house!

I mentioned this happening in 1948 to Truman when I was a senior at the Syracuse Law School. Truman was spending 2 days at the University giving talks. A luncheon had been arranged involving allegedly top University students. The University’s top 12 and Truman.

I was selected to represent the Law School.

Two round tables. Six students at one. Six students plus Truman at the other.

Seating was determined by the University. I sat to the immediate right of the President. I told him the story of my bike friends and I in 1948 at the railroad station in Utica.

Truman was excellent company. He spent 2 hours with us. Recalled vividly the 1948 election itself. He was predicted to be the loser. New York’s Governor Tom Dewey an easy winner.

Election night, some big town newspaper (I believe a Chicago one) had an extra on the streets before midnight. Headline: Dewey Wins.

H.V. Kaltenborn was a noted radio commentator. That same evening he went on national radio and said Truman had lost.

As we all know, Truman won.

Truman was obviously happy recalling the evening for us. He mimicked Kaltenborn to everyone’s delight.

Several people called this morning asking if I had watched Rachel Maddow last night. I did not. Apparently it was the best show ever from all that called. The 11 o’clock news also described Rachel’s show in glowing terms.

I understand it is being streamed on MSNBC this saturday.

Just as I was ready to write today’s blog, I received a telephone call from KONK Life’s Guy DeBoer. He has a morning talk show. Always a guest. His guest for today had called in and said she could not make it. He asked me. The show was to start in 3 minutes.

Since I could do it by telephone, I agreed.

Guy may never invite me back again. The topic was Trump and everything involving him. I consider Trump to be worthless. He has done much damage to the U.S. nationally and internationally.

One topic involved Trump leaving the White House on January 20. I said the people would storm the White House if Trump did not leave.

Guy was of the opinion getting Trump out could be done peacefully. The people and the Constitution would prevent such an occurrence on January 20.

I disagreed. Trump would stay. ICE, the Border Patrol and certain terrorist groups would protect him. A civil war in the making.

I was a bit verbose this morning. My apologies.

Enjoy your day!