Would you believe?

Iguanas showing up with increasing frequency in South Florida toilets. Word to the wise: Look before you sit.

Iguanas first began appearing in Florida in 1960. Sexual creatures. They have multiplied in huge numbers. Similar to pythons. And as with pythons, it is now agreed by iguana experts that they can not be eliminated. Only, contained.

How do iguanas get in the pooper? Through roof vents. Takes them into a toilet’s sewer system.

Iguanas can hold their breath a long time. They can move through 3 inch toilet pipes with no difficulty for extended periods.

However, a sewer system is a foreign habitat to an iguana. Iguanas move through the sewer system seeking a way out. The “out” is the toilet bowl.

They are regarded today as an environmental hazard. They puncture sea walls, tear up sidewalks, and carry salmonella. My experience involved them eating up my flower beds and defecating in my pool. I twice had to have my pool drained. The flowers generally had to be replaced. Both the pool emptying and flower replacement expensive.

Until recently, it was illegal to kill iguanas. A protected species. No more. Now legal to kill them.

Florida has a habit of waiting too long to permit the killing of certain species. The python and iguana being two examples.

There is a humor factor involved. Iguanas are eaten by humans in Central and South America.  An everyday food. Supposedly taste like chicken.

Geraldo Rivera is a FOX News broadcaster. Respected. He does not always sing to the same tune as other FOX broadcasters.

Re the vaccine, Geraldo recently said, “You have no rights when it comes to the vaccine.” He believes everyone should be mandated to be vaccinated.

Something I do not understand. Many elected Republican officials and their followers threaten certain elected officials and sometimes their families with death for taking anti-Trump positions. Representative Paul Gosar placed an anime video on Twitter showing him appearing to kill Representative Ocasio-Cortez and President Biden.

These things have to be against the law. There must be a multitude of laws covering such things.

Why are these people not arrested and charged?

The Trump dispute with certain National Archive documents is ongoing. Earlier this week a temporary injunction was the issue. Yesterday, the court rendered a decision permitting the injunction pending oral argument. Arguments to take place November 30.

Two and a half weeks to oral argument too long due to the nature of the case. Time is off the essence. The court feels it is fast tracking the trial. It is not.

Attorney General Garland is crawling with the Bannon matter. It is so simple. Bannon was not even a Presidential employee.

Everyone must get off their respectives asses and move like yesterday! Otherwise the January 6 insurrection leaders will not be held responsible.

Everyone involved in the insurrection MUST be punished. Otherwise, it will happen again and again till successful.

Manchin is a hero to many Republicans. Whether intentional, he does their bidding.

Ken Langone is a billionaire Republican. He has never supported Manchin personally or financially. He has announced he will be doing so. Langone is especially impressed with Mancin’s dissection of Biden’s social infrastructure plan.

Langone said, “I am going to have one of the biggest fundraisers I’ve ever had for him. He’s special. He’s precious. He’s a great American.”

I disagree with Langone. Manchin is neither special, precious, nor a great American. He has become a destroyer. His 15 minutes has turned into 15 hours.

God help us! Seriously!

Enjoy your day!

Lovely and historic Curry Mansion on Caroline Street is being purchased by the Spottswood family. Wonderful that a local prominent family is purchasing the Inn.

The Amsterdam family has owned the Mansion since 1973. It is fortunate one local family got together with another to arrange the purchase. The Curry tradition will live on.

Trip advisor announced that Key West and Miami are among the top 10 winter destinations for Americans. Actually, the two cities are in the top 5.

An interesting side note. Key West has also become a favorite vacation location in recent years in the summer. Hard to understand. The heat/humidity is heavy and hurricanes always a threat.

Today is Veterans’ Day. A day we remember all those who have been part of the military. A special Thank You for Your Service Day.

Key West’s parade is at 4.

Over the years, I have found small town parades for whatever the reason the best. Such will be today’s parade.

I marched in several big parades in New York City while in the ROTC. Fifth Avenue. A long hike. I was especially thrilled when we marched past St.Patrick’s Cathedral. The Cardinal seated in front of the large center doors. A sharp “eyes right!” Always a thrill.

Surprise! It was announced yesterday that the U.S. and China had entered an agreement to combat climate change.

The U.S. and China are the world’s two biggest producers of carbon dioxide. The climate battle will only work if the U.S. and China work together.

The announcement was unexpected. Few details are available.

Manchin is on the move again. He continues to be a thorn in the side of not only Biden, but also the American people.

His word does not appear to be his bond. House progressives voted for the infrastructure bill based on the oral representation that moderates in the House and Senate would vote for the social infrastructure bill.

Manchin says he may not. He claims the issue should wait till next year. He is concerned about inflation. He is also concerned about more pressing issues. What? There is none more pressing than social infrastructure. Though I will concede there are other bills equally important. Voting for example.

A person is only as good as his/her word. Obviously Manchin cannot be relied upon.

Manchin’s day will come. A day when all those he has screwed with will dump on him. Deservedly so.

I watched the Kyle Rittenhouse trial off and on yesterday.

Some observations.

The judge is a whack. It happens. I know from experience.

The prosecutor is terrible. It is reported he is experienced. He may have had a lot of trials. Such does not make him necessarily good. He is one of the worst cross examiners I have seen.

Rittenhouse made an excellent witness. He even cried. Heavy sobbing hard to breath tears. Will not hurt him with the jury.

General Electric was founded in 1892 by Thomas Edison. It will soon cease to exist as General Electric.

It has been announced GE will split into 3 separate companies: Aviation, health and energy. The division will take place over the next 2 years.

I could not understand the reason for the split, except that GE’s long term growth looked rocky and it was best to do the split.

A Texas federal court rendered its decision yesterday re the Texas school mask mandate ban. The judge ruled against Governor Abbot and the Texas ban. The court held the ban violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Have to move. A haircut at noon.

Enjoy your day!

I met my new heart doctor Steven Rowe and certain members of his staff yesterday. I was concerned. Not with my health, but the doctor. Just the way I am when I meet a new physician who is assuming responsibility for my health.

Dr. Rowe passed with flying colors. I left with a comfortable feeling.

The two members of his staff who were part of the examination process also scored well.

The first was Natalie. She took preliminary information and ran some tests on me. A charming personality. I felt comfortable almost immediately.

I asked her name. Natalie. Hit me like a bolt of lightning. I had not heard that name in years.

Natalie was my first love. She became a nun.

April also attended me. She appears to be the Doctor’s right hand person. Knowledgeable. She is the go to person if I have a problem.

I hope I have no need for Dr. Rowe for anything serious for many years to come. I would not be happy with anything more than periodic examinations. I am only 86.

Bill Gates is the fourth richest man in the world. The father of Microsoft. Now retired.

Gates recently announced smallpox would be the next pandemic. He advised “tens of billions of dollars” will be needed for research and development to prepare for the attack.

A federal judge ruled yesterday that certain of Trump’s records in the National Archive were subject to the January 6 Committee’s subpoena.

The records must be provided by friday. It is expected Trump will appeal.

The judge’s opinion read in part: “The court holds that the public interest lies in permitting – not enjoining – the combined will of the legislative and executive branches to study the events that led to January 6.”

I hope a “fast track” system is found to move the appeal swiftly. Trump’s game is to delay, not arrive at the truth.

I have mentioned several times speed is of the essence. The 2022 elections are only a year away. The January 6 Committee’s decision must be available several months before.

Not only must the courts move their respective asses, so too must Merrick Garland and the Justice Department. A lot of investigation and research is not required in determining if a subpoena is proper and must be respected.

Keep in mind, Justice delayed is Justice denied. Time is extremely important in the January 6 investigation.

Books are being published by many concerning Trump. The frequency is like a new book a day.

One of the most recent became public news this weekend. Its name escapes me. Revealed an interesting story re Trump.

It was January 20. Trump was on U.S. One being flown to Florida as Biden was being sworn in.

Trump was on the phone with the head of the NRP. His disposition could be described as “pissed.”

He was ranting and raving to the NRP head that he was going to start his own party. He was unhappy the Republican Party had not supported him better in the election. It was their fault he lost.

The NRP head was telling Trump such would not be good for the Party nor him. Trump said he knew and didn’t care.

Another call came later in the day. The Party head told Trump that if he proceeded to split and form his own party, two things would happen.

The Party had been paying Trump’s voluminous bills in all the lawsuits beginning with election day. There was an agreement they would be paid. I suspect it involves the 63 cases Trump lost and many more. It has been estimated the legal bills are in excess of $100 million.

They would then become Trump’s responsibility.

The other had to do with the 40 million Republican Party e-mails that the NRP had given permission to Trump to sell to whoever in whatever portions. Estimated value to Trump of another $100 million. He would no longer be permitted to do so.

Trump backed down.

So much conversation re Trump running for President in 2024. I don’t see it. Everyone seems to forget there are 4 different investigations that will probably end up in charges against Trump. Trump will be too busy running from one court to another.

The four prosecutions under preparation involve the U.S. Attorney in New York City, the Manhattan District Attorney, a District Attorney in Georgia, and a U.S. Attorney in Washington,. D.C.

“Dr. Livingston I presume.”

Henry M. Stanley was a journalist-explorer. David Livingston was a doctor who had gone to Africa many years before to help the natives and had not been heard from since.

Stanley’s quest was to find Dr, Livingston, assuming he was alive.

The two met near Lake Tanganyika in central Africa. It was at that precise moment that Stanley said, “Dr. Livingston I presume.”

The Key West Airport has many deficiencies. Many describe it as a “mess.” Too much business for too small an airport.

Someone wrote in today’s Citizens’ Voice: “Seven flights departing in 42 minutes on Sunday. The airport is a complete disaster; it’s too crowded, people sitting on stairs, entry ways, etc. This is unsafe and unacceptable.”

Plans for renovations to the Airport are underway.

One of Key West’s finest events is the Christmas Parade. Aptly described as the best little city big time parade anywhere.

It is scheduled for December 4.

The last parade was 2019. COVID interrupted the parade.

All of Key West turns out for the parade. The parade itself miles long. The people standing curbside to watch equally long. Fifteen to twenty Santa  Clauses.

Highly recommended. Don’t miss it.

Syracuse played the first game of the official season last night against Lafayette. Syracuse won 97-63. The teams not in the same league. Syracuse far and away the best last night.

I was impressed. My sense is this is the year for Syracuse to have its finest team in years. Talent both on the floor and on the bench.

May the good Lord shine on the team!

Enjoy your day!

The U.S. is experiencing all kinds of chaos.

Strange things are happening.

Ted Cruz is at war with Big Bird. The shame of it all. Calls into question Cruz’s mental stability. Seems the longer he has been in the Senate, the more way out he goes.

Cruz a disappointment. A top law school graduate and U.S. Supreme Court clerk, big things were expected of him when he arrived in the Senate. He started off well. However several years ago began a radical decline as part of the conservative far right.

Things must be hitting bottom. He has taken on Big Bird. The issue vaccine propaganda. The 8 foot 2 inch Muppet has been encouraging youngsters to get vaccinated. Relating at the moment to the COVID problem.

Cruz apparently is unaware that Big Bird has been an advocate of  encouraging youngsters to get vaccinated for ages. All kinds of vaccines required to enter school.

Big Bird has been on this civic kick since Cruz was 2 years old. Never till yesterday has Cruz criticized Bird Bird for any other type mandated vaccines.

Saturday Big Bird went of TV and told the world he had gotten the jab. Big Bird said, “I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it’ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy.”

Cruz retaliated with it’s “government propaganda…..for your 5 year old.”

Cruz losing it when he has to take on Big Bird.

Yesterday a visit with my primary care physician Dr. Norris. No big deal. Merely a 3 month follow up.

Today another doctor visit. I have a new heart doctor. Dr. Rowe.

Dr. McIvor has been my heart doctor for 20 years. He closed his practice.

My visit 10:30 this morning. Ergo, this blog short.

I have discovered another reality if one lives a long life as I am. Now 86, all of my doctors for whatever have died or retired. Makes me nervous each time I get a new physician. Is the doctor any good? Will I be comfortable with him/her and him/her with me?

That’s it for today folks.

Tonight Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me for some fun. Listen to me rant and rave. www.blog talk radio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Pepe’s sold!

Key West’s oldest restaurant. In fact, the oldest restaurant in Florida. One hundred twelve years old

The new owners one of Key West’s most likeable couples. Danny and Maura Hughes.

They are familiar with the restaurant business. They are the owners of Two Friends Patio Restaurant on Front Street.

Danny says, “We don’t see ourselves as the new owners of Pepe’s, but rather as custodians of the legend…..The essence of Pepe’s will not change on our watch. Why would we mess with a 112 year old lineage that already works?”

Shelley McInnis now bears the title of “former owner” of Pepe’s.

I know Shelley from bocce. A hell of a bocce player! One of the best!

Shelley started working at Pepe’s in 1983. She bought the restaurant in 2015. Her time has arrived to sit back and relax.

I wish Danny and Maura great success.

How many times a year do we hear: “Where are you Bum Farto?”

We still don’t know. However Key West will be aware November 9 and 11. Bum Farto The Musical will be performed at the Key West Theater.

Got to be a winner! Bum’s story a winner!

It was time to get out again yesterday. A quiet drive late afternoon to Geiger Key. Enjoyed the sunday barbecue ribs.

Guaranteed I will be out today. A visit with Dr. Norris my primary care physician at 1.

What else today, I don’t know.

Vanity Fair’s Bess Levin published another interesting article on October 29: “The Lawyer Defending Texas’ Abortion Ban Is As Evil As You’d Expect.”

The man is Jonathan Miller. His thoughts hard to swallow. Way out.

Miller appears to be anti-woman. He has said women should just stop having sex if they don’t want to deal with unwanted pregnancies.

Levin also reported Miller believes the overturning of Roe v. Wade will provide women with an opportunity to change their “whoring ways.”

An informative article published in this morning’s New York Times: “Covid Gets Even Redder.” The thrust of the article being “partisan deaths” play a big part.

The article was based on a review of each and every U.S. county.

At the end of 2000, the counties were equally divided red and blue. Then the vaccine became available in large numbers. The vaccine proved effective.

The gap between red and blue counties quickly emerged. Last month alone, the gap revealed red county deaths grew faster than the blue. More so than in any previous time.

Proof once again that the vaccine does work. When will all Americans learn?

Enjoy your day!

My first time out in ages was last night. I was on the road again. I had my 3 vaccine shots, waited 2 weeks since the last.

Showered, shaved, etc. Excited. Wore a sport shirt and shorts. A mistake in itself.

I was not aware that a cold wave had come in and was to be in the Keys for a few days.

I was not dressed for the occasion.

I did not appreciate the cold till I reached the Pier House. The very cold wind was coming in off the Gulf.

Hurried to the Chart Room, Jean Thornton and warmth.

The Chart Room was packed. Like sardines. Fortunately, a young lovely lady took kindly to me. She guided me through the crowd. Amazing what the cane does for a person!

No Jean. John yelled over the crowd she was waiting for me at the Beach Bar.

Thrust my head down into the wind and headed for the Beach Bar.

Cold!!!

Jean and I chatted for about 10 minutes and I said we had to get out. I could take the cold no further. Neither could she and she had a sweater on.

Our initial intent was to have stone craps at Pier 1. They were out of stone crabs.

My first night out in ages was off to a good start.

We decided on the Hot Tin Roof. The walk to Hot Tin was another roughie. Into the cold wind blowing from the Gulf. For you who may be unaware, both the Pier House and Ocean Key sit directly on the Gulf.

Hot Tin Roof packed, also. We were fortunate to get 2 seats at the bar. Dinner was fabulous. Jean’s company even better.

A new bartender. Trish. She has only been there a short time. I understand she was hired because she had lived in Key West 19 years and knew everyone.

An excellent bartender. A charming personality.

On the way back to the Pier House parking lot, Jean and I stopped in to chat with John for a few minutes. The Chart Room was next to empty.

John says it is busy most nights. Crazy busy. Like never before.

Let me get into the cold weather for a moment. For me, Key West cold is anything 74 degrees or less. You who do not live here will not understand. Our blood is so thinned out by the constant warm weather, that the slightest cold air is hard to take.

It was 70 degrees last night. For the first time in months, I had to turn the heat on in the car. Got home. House cool, but not bad. By 3 in the morning, the house was a refrigerator.

A blanket was not enough. Turned the heat on. Then continued downstairs and made myself a cup of hot chocolate.

The house warmed up fast and I was comfortable the rest of the night. Heat still on as I write.

The weather report is the cold wave will continue for two more days. Then the temperature will return to the high 70’s and low 80’s.

When Jean and I arrived at the Ocean Key deck, the round bar and deck were chuck full with people. I spotted Tammy bartending. The crowd around the bar five deep. Best we could do was wave to Tammy.

Fantasy Fest was last week. The crowd this week should be nothing. Not so.

Figured out they were here for 3 reasons.

The Parrotheads are in town for the week.  Hundreds, thousands, so many. Not sure of the number. They take up everything on the island.

The boat races begin wednesday. Boats, crews, and owners already in town. They party hard evenings. Boat owners affluent. The boats expensive and need constant attention. Everyone brings the wife or girl friend. The group contributed greatly to the crowd last night.

Recall ZZ Top from the 1980’s? They were performing at the amphitheater last night. Four thousand tickets pre-sold.

And that my friends is why Key West was so crowded last night.

It was good to be back in the living world.

There was some talk re the SUV and scooter accident last week which resulted in the death of one person from the accident and another by suicide.

Why the suicide? He apparently was the cause of the accident.

The word on the street was the SUV driver was downtown with his girl friend. They had an argument and he left her. He was returning to their room at one of the motels on Northern Boulevard.

No information yet whether he was intoxicated.

In any event, he must have previously done jail time. Following the accident, he telephoned his girl friend and told her he could not spend any further time in jail. It was then he took the gun and shot himself in the head.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Services were held for Colin Powell yesterday.

Every service for a national leader is accompanied with emotion. Each a bit different. Each service intended to clearly reveal the nature of the person being honored.

Powell’s service was different. Without question, very different. It reflected more the man’s personal life than his professional one.

Most, if not all, watching had to be touched. I am not ashamed to admit the tears flowed more than normal. I checked with friends afterwards to get their reaction as they watched. Each the same. A teary eyed experience.

One of the stories told took place when Powell was Secretary of State. The Harlem Globetrotters were visiting him in his office. Several of the players formed a circle. Powell was part of it. They were tossing a basketball back and forth.

Everytime it was passed to Powell, he dropped it. Finmally one of he players asked why he was constantly dropping the ball. Powell’s honest response one for the books: “While you were shooting hoops, I was stealing hubcaps.”

Another story involved what I recall was acar owned by Powell’s son. Powell enjoyed tinkering with cars. He thought he knew everything about them.

The son’s car was making a noise. Powell spent a weekend eliminating the noise. Totally removed the engine. He had all kinds of hoists to assist him.

When Powell thought he had the problem fixed, he put the car back together.

The noise was gone. Another problem was evident, however. The car would only drive backwards.

Powell decided to take the car to a mechanic whose business was 3 miles away. Powell drove the car backwards the whole 3 miles.

Came across an interesting quote today: “Love, and be happy, and make others so.”

The quote in itself warm and sensitive. There was a uniqueness, however. The line comes from a book written by Mary Shelly: A character in the book spoke the line: The book Frankenstein.

Shelly was questioned as to what the line meant. She said it helped answer the question on the meaning of life. She was suggesting everyone should be “compassionate.”

The Weather Department has issued its forecast re what the Keys is to expect. Dry and warm.

The reason has to do with Los Ninos. Rather than a horrible season weather wise, Los Ninos would bring above average temperatures across the south and eastern seaboard this winter.

I have had the initial two shots. Two weeks ago today, the booster.

My doctor advises it takes two weeks to be sure the booster shot is performing as it should.

It is two weeks ago I received the booster shot.

Ergo, it is back to the highway for me today. Actually, this evening. I am going out! Can’t wait. The quarantine was getting to me.

Don’t know where I will go or what I will do. However rest assured I will do something!

Enjoy your day!

The place Chernobyl. The time April 25 and 26, 1986. Involved, a nuclear power plant. Chernobyl then a part of Russia. Today, the Ukraine.

Russia had installed 4 nuclear reactors.

The nuclear power plant exploded and burned.

Thirty percent of 190 metric tons of uranium entered the atmosphere as a result.

Today, some 35 years later, Chernobyl remains uninhabitable. Experts estimate it may not be habitable for 20,000 years.

Russia established a 19 mile wide “exclusion zone.” Three hundred thirty five thousand people were evacuated.

It was estimated monitoring and cleanup would continue to at least 2065. Even then, people would not be able to live in the area.

The actual number who died is uncertain. Uranium caused physical problems many times take years to evidence themselves. Sometimes, generations.

It has been determined that 6,000 children and adolescents alive at the time and in the area developed thyroid cancer. Many persons suffered from other radiation problems.

Eleven years later in 1997, a woman came to visit me. Her 10 month old daughter was with her. A beautiful blond haired baby.

A portion of one of the baby’s arms was missing from just above the elbow down. She had been born that way.

Turns out her husband lived and worked 14 miles from Chernobyl when the explosion occurred. His wife lived nowhere near the site.

Years later when living in the U.S., they met and married. The baby she was holding was their first born.

The mother suspected Chernobyl had something to do with it. Her husband was obstinate, however. He would not see a doctor, be tested, nor agree to have the baby tested, to determine why the baby was born with one arm dramatically short. I suspect mentally he did not want to bear responsibility.

The mother obviously had spoken to several doctors. All suspected Chernobyl as the cause. None knew enough to guide her further. She had been told the radiation could have affected her husband’s testicles and semen resulting in the problem.

Could I help?

I knew less than her doctors. I told her such, but agreed to look into the matter.

It took me 4 months to get a handle on it. I read a lot. Spoke with lawyers, doctors and scientists in the U.S.,  London and Berlin. The U.S. “experts” directed me to the London and Berlin ones.

I learned a lot. None of which was helpful to the baby.

Yes, the male’s testicles and semen most likely were the cause. However, I was advised there was no where to go to obtain monetary relief for the child. Others had tried with little to no success.

Russia, the Ukraine, radiation experts, other type experts, etc. blocked the way. I would end up devoting 5 years to a case that was absolutely non winnable.

I suspected the case was non-winnable when I agreed to look into it. It was not the first time I learned a basic tenet taught in law school was wrong.

We were taught for every wrong there was a remedy. Good luck! I could not get the baby a new arm. A for real one. I could not get her monetary compensation.

There was nowhere to go.

The case was so convoluted I knew I would even find a court to hear the case. Every court would deny jurisdiction. The case was a loser.

The mother understood. I had never given her false hope.

Chernobyl is today as it has been since the explosion. A ghost town, except for some environmental clean up experts. Persons who could not actually clean up. Rather were working to minimize the effects of the explosion.

Enjoy your day!

I am neither doctor nor psychiatrist. However I can recognize a person who is in trouble mentally. We all can.

I just finished watching Joe Manchin on Morning Joe. Ten minutes. I am mentally exhausted. His words like rapid gun fire. His thoughts jumbled. He quickly moved from one topic to another to support his position on the social infrastructure bill. Many not involved with the bill. It was hard to keep up with him.

I saw a man who has painted himself into a corner and does not know how to get out. His argumentative disposition and attempts at dominance in the interview scary.

He is one of many running our country. Thank God he is only one.

The problem is he holds all the cards. He controls the domestic life of the American people.

The interview and how he has been handling the most critical legislation of the day reminded me of one of the final scenes in the the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai.

A handful of British commando types had just blown up a railroad bridge that British prisoners of war had spent months building. An expected train of Japanese big shots had arrived. The bridge blew as the train was going over. The train ended up in the river. All but one of the commandos lay dead in or about the river.

Standing on a small hillside watching the event was the British doctor who had been caring for the prisoners. He spoke simple words that that accurately described the scene: “Insanity. Pure insanity.”

That is how I felt after watching Manchin. From the looks on the faces of those interviewing him, I sense they thought likewise.

My blog this morning was not intended to be a Manchin one. I have been working on a Chernobyl article that I intended to finish and publish this morning. It will have to wait another day. Manchin took precedence.

Enjoy your day!

Wow! Glorious victory turns into abject defeat one year later.

Democrats one year ago. One year later, the Republicans significant winners.

The 2022 elections are now a year away. The tide can turn again. Democrats must learn from their mistakes and pull off another 2020. It can be done.

A few of my thoughts.

Virginia. First time I saw Youngkins speak at any length was last night in his victory speech. An engaging speaker. The tongue of an orator.

One problem. He spoke Trumpism, yet in a different way. He flowered up Trump’s words. Made them sound acceptable.

He engaged his thoughts well. He spoke in phrases. He made MAGNA concepts appealing. The problem from my perspective is that most people would not pick up on the fact that he was mouthing Trump banalities only with a different dressing.

The people of Virginia bought the deception.

His words re education and police sounded good. Acceptable. Who can deny parents should have some say in how their children are educated. From mask wearing to what books should be read. As to police, he was not for defunding. Rather fund the police better, train them better. His saleable point that police are needed to protect us. Nothing about police indiscriminately killing blacks.

He spoke about Virginia. The man a master in discussing his State. He sounded like a candidate for President. As if his election would “save the nation,” rather than Virginia alone. He even made Virginia sound as if it were in bad shape. I was not aware till I heard him speak last night.

Beware. Watch him closely. He is 2024 Presidential timber.

His talent showed in another area. Though he spoke Trump thoughts, he refused to allied himself with Trump. Even refused to appear publicly with him.

A devil in disguise, Youngkins speaks with a forked tongue.

As to McAuliffe, he was not alone in losing. There were other notable Democratic losses.

He proved you can’t run against Trump alone. People are more concerned with their everyday personal problems. The economy, education, etc.

Democrats have to get their act together. Failure to do so will result in the Democrats resurrecting the dying Republican Party.

The Democrats beat themselves. Washington did not help. Merely reflected perhaps that the Democrats could not govern. Washington Democrats governed this past year as if it were their first rodeo.

New Jersey shocked me. I thought Murphy was an easy far and away winner. This morning the New Jersey race not yet decided. The two candidates are neck and neck. Very close. How close does not appear certain. One news source said the Republican Ciattarelli was ahead by 1,200 votes. Another, 61.

The Democratic losses in general are not determinative for the 2022 elections. Democrats will study why they lost, correct their errors, and be ready to meet the enemy the next time around.

I assume they will. If not, I fear our Nation may fall into the abyss I have several times mentioned in the past.

Manchin and Sinema contributed to a degree to the Democratic losses. Their stubborness made it appear Democrats could not govern.

Where do the Washington Democrats go from here?

Sinema appears to now be on board re the social infrastructure bill. The pharma drug issue turned her around.

That leaves Manchin out there fighting against the “hordes” of his own Party. What a hero he must think he is. Reminds me of the bad Queen in Snow White. Recall she would look in the mirror and ask: Who is the fairest of them all? Manchin probably looks in the mirror and asks: Who is the smartest of them all?

Manchin keeps slugging. He does not relent. If he keeps it up, he’s going to knock himself out with one of his own punches.

Filming for The Rose Tattoo in Key West began this day in 1954.

Most of the movie was filmed in a house on Duncan Street. Two doors from Tennessee William’s home. Two blocks from Lisa’s home.

The house still stands.

The film starred the Italian actress Anna Magnani and Burt Lancaster. Magnani won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. Lancaster spent most of his time while filming as a guest in Tennessee Williams’ home.

I returned to self-quarantine 3-4 months ago when things began turning bad again. I have reached the end of the road as a recluse. Saturday will mark 2 weeks since my booster shot. Doctor says the shot requires two weeks to take effect. I return to the outside world saturday night!

Due to my fanaticism re good health, I missed Fantasy Fest. One item received considerable attention.

Nudity. In all its grandeur! More than ever before.

I am a voyeur at heart. I am sure I would have enjoyed the scene.

Maybe next year.

Enjoy your day!