A two hour meeting yesterday via internet between Biden and Putin. The issue the Ukraine.

I had two feelings prior to the meeting and interestingly the two remained following the meeting.

First, I had a fear of another Munich. Chamberlain’s peace in our lifetime. Such would cause Biden to back down from his tough position in the meeting. He would give something to Putin to satiate him.

Putin would have won. Won and ready to “fight” another day in another place because he believes he has the U.S. on the run.

Second, the Cuban missile crisis. War was in the air. Seemed inevitable. Kennedy figured a way to  handle it. Causing Khrushchev to blink at the last moment. Who will blink first re the Ukraine?

Putin’s position simple yesterday. Either the U.S. and NATO provide Russia with “legal guarantees” that the Ukraine will never join NATO or become a base for response that can threaten Russia – or we (Russia) will go in and guarantee it ourselves.

New York Times columnist David Leonhardt in a piece in The Morning Newsletter today wrote: “Foreign aggression often gives political leaders a chance to rally nationalistic support at home, especially as a distraction from domestic problems. And Russia has domestic problems, like surging COVID-19 cases, slow growing wages, and rising prices. Last year, opposition groups held some of the largest anti-Putin marches in years.”

Leonhardt went on that the U.S. does not have united support for the war and united support would not be there in the event the U.S. gets involved.

Militant groups in the U.S. would not rally to the flag. Rather, would side with Russia. Providing Russia with the benefit of “insurgent guerrilla forces” on U.S. soil.

Leonhardt wrote that shots are already being intermittently exchanged between Russia and the Ukraine: “The two sides exchanged fire from machine guns and grenade launchers yesterday. International diplomats worry the skirmishes could offer Putin a pretext for invasion.”

Without actually fighting a war against Russia, Leonhardt indicated “Biden still has options. The U.S. could increase its military support to the Ukraine, which could make a potential invasion bloodier and more costly for Russia. (The U.S. is pursuing a related strategy in Taiwan.)”

Additionally, Biden and other European nations can increase “economic measures.” Severe sanctions.

Russia has serious economic problems already. It could not maintain an all out war very long.

In the back of my mind always sits the final consideration. A U.S./Russia war would mean the extermination of both countries. Nuclear devastation on a major scale. I am sure Biden does not want such. I have to believe neither does Putin.

Following is a Matt Gaetz scenario. Read it and draw your own conclusions. If Republicans take control of the House next year, this is what will occur based on Gaetz’s own words.

Gaetz envisions an extremist Republican takeover of House oversight: “We are going to take power after this next election and when we do, it’s not going to be the days of Paul Ryan and Trey Gowdy and no real oversight and no real subpoenas…..It’s going to be the days of Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor Greene and Dr. Paul Gosar and myself doing everything.”

I contine advising the U.S. judicial system is antiquated. Needs a complete overhaul.

A perfect example the trial date set by a federal judge in the Bannon case: July 18, 2022.

No way that date will be helpful to the January 6 Committee. It is too close to the November elections.

There is a wackiness in the way the judge selected the trial date. He asked the prosecution what they wanted. They said no later than April 15. The defense said mid October.

The judge in a Solomonic fashion split the “baby” down the middle. He scheduled the trial date between the dates suggested. A compromise!

Compromise no way to run this case. Time is of the essence. He should have “fast tracked” it to 2-4 weeks hence.

It never fails. Justice delayed is justice denied. The American people are entitled to a complete expose with regard to the January insurrection. July 18 is too late to be helpful to the January 6 inquiry.

New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote in his column this morning titled “The Age of Creative Minority” an observation re white evangelical Protestants. He wrote, “White evangelical Protestants are down to about 15 percent in the country. They vote for people like Donald Trump because they feel like strangers in their own land, oppressed minorities fighting for survival.”

To the 15 percent I say: Welcome to the club!

Armanda Gorman. No one knew of her till Inauguration day January 20. Her poetry stunned America. Such brilliance. And from a lady only 22 years old.

In 11 months, her fame has skyrocketed.

She was asked how she felt about her rise to fame: “It felt like I was kind of shot out of a cannon.”

Key West’s Lighted Boat Parade 8 pm saturday. Starting point Schooner’s Wharf.

One terrific Christmas show. Fifty/sixty boats decorated for the holiday. Large and small. People partying on the boats and on shore. Food and drinks. The larger vessels, live music and dancing.

Exciting! I know. I have done it many times.

Omicron has found its way to Florida. Two cases so far. One in Tampa and the other in St. Lucie County.

Both victims hospitalized. Information re whether vaccinated not yet available.

Beatle John Lennon shot to death outside his New York City apartment building this day in 1980.

Crazies never leave us. Thoughtless killings part of every generation. Increasing in number this generation.

Eighteen year old Kyle Rittenhouse continues to be the man of the hour.  His tongue as loose as his trigger finger was the day of the shootings.

He has become ballsy. His most recent tirade against LeBron James.

At issue, the tears he wept while testifying.

During a recent TV interview he replied “fuck you LeBron” after LeBron had mocked his tearful moment in a Twitter comment last month.

LeBron was asked about Kyle’s tears. He responded, “What tears?…..That boy ate some lemon heads before walking into court.”

Definitely going out tonight. First a manicure. Then meeting Jean Thornton at the Chart Room followed by dinner somewhere.

Enjoy your day!

December 7. One of the worst days in American history. As President Roosevelt said, “A day that will live in infamy.”

We defeated Japan. A nation that has become one of our closest friends. Personally and competitively.

The American spirit that brought military victory then is not the same today. Changed. Something lacking. We are a different people.

Robert Dole walks with John McCain today. American heroes in the finest sense.

Known to all as Bob Dole, he died in his sleep two days ago at the age of 98.

Dole fought in Europe during World War II. A young man from Kansas, his life plan was to become a doctor. The war interrupted. He became a member of the “greatest generation.”

He was severely wounded in Italy. His recovery time years. His pain and suffering from the wounds continuing to the day he died.

Dole’s suffered a shattered shoulder, withered left arm, his fingers wrapped around an ever present pen should some thoughtless stranger try to shake his hand.

He changed his mind as to his life’s course. He decided on the law and politics.

Dole was elected four times to the Congress and four times to the Senate. He stepped down to run for President on the Republican ticket in 1996. He was defeated by Bill Clinton.

Bipartisan. Old fashioned. Never swore.

He served in the Senate when Republicans and Democrats were congenial. Shared a few drinks and a round or two of cards at the end of a day’s work.

In his later years, he was recognized as the “rational voice of the Republican Party.”

Dole and McCain. Two warriors and statesmen now together in that other world. Looking down on today’s Senate, especially the Republican side, saying, “What a bunch of asses!”

An interesting comment in today’s Citizens Voice: “After moving here the first time in 1978, it is with sadness that we are departing. What was once fun and quirky has become annoying and rude. Thanks for the awesome memories. We wish everyone well.”

I agree with the observation. I have observed the change, also. As have many who have been a part of Key West for many years.

Things were changing before the pandemic. Slowly. Of course, change is inevitable. COVID accelerated the change beyond belief, however.

We now live in a Key West vastly different even from 5 years ago.

Friends gone for various reasons. Old age and money primary reasons. Death another.

Key West is over the hill expense wise. Rent a killer. Everyday expenses just as bad. Restaurants too expensive to eat in.

There is a new breed in town. Most are buying homes to flip them. Those that remain different. I cannot put my finger on it. However sufficiently different that I care not socializing with many. I recognize my concern, my problem.

I am not a snob. Nor are the many long timers in Key West who feel as I do. For whatever reason, the new “breed” who have arrived. As stated in the Comment: “Annoying and rude.”

The change is like a train traveling rapidly down hill whose brakes are not functioning. The change cannot be stopped. Key West is swiftly becoming a new world.

A villa in Greece or Italy or moving somewhere north in Florida a diminishing possibility. Age the key factor. If I was not so old, I would have been gone by now.

“Money” keeps floating in Keys’ waters or floating up on beaches. Generally, marijuana. Over the weekend, nearly 69 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value just under $1 million.

Amanda Gorman. The 22 year old poet who thrilled the nation at Biden’s inauguration. Now 23, her career as a poet is progressing rapidly.

Gorman’s “debut” poetry collection has been published: Call Us What We Carry. Gorman has taken our country’s past and through it reveals what she thinks will correct the present place the nation finds itself in.

I have read portions. A dynamite read. A must read!

Amy Coney Barrett was Trump’s last appointment to the Supreme Court. When announced, I wrote about her several times in October. My voice loud and clear. She was a disaster in the making. She disappoints me not.

The Mississippi abortion case rawly exposes her thinking. She, a woman, believes women are “incubators.”

Her solution to abortion is adoption. Dismisses the need to have a law permitting abortions.

What concerns me is her mental state. The same state of mind exhibited by the other conservative Justices. They all think they are upholding justice with their radical thinking. Even worse, they believe their decisions require tremendous courage and they are not afraid to make them.

Spoilers all!

Recall the song Spinning Wheel? Its opening words: “What goes up must come down / Spinning wheel…..”

The reverse is true also

I am referring to the stock market.

The DOW closed up 646 points yesterday. Recently, the DOW had drops of 900 and 600 points.

The ups and downs reflect an instability in the market. Experts claim the market is merely correcting itself. What if the market drops and keeps dropping for several days. A major recession. Just like that in a matter of days.

Woe then is we.

Enjoy your day!

Ernie Davis was special. Personally and athletically.

On this day in 1961, he became the first Black player to win the Heisman Trophy. The season had been a spectacular one for Davis and Syracuse University.

Days of football glory for SU. Davis, Jim Brown, Larry Csonka and others. Been a long time since the school has experienced football dominance as it did with these greats.

Davis never played beyond Syracuse. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 1962, died May 18, 1963 at the age of 23.

On his death bed, Davis said, “When I look back I can’t call myself unlucky. My 23rd birthday was December 14. In these years I have had more than most people get in a lifetime.”

I was fortunate to have been in Law School at Syracuse during certain of Davis’ years. I graduated in 1960.

I watched many of the home games. There was no Carrier Dome back then. It was the open aired Archbold Stadium.

Few were the games I watched in Archbold. I could not afford it. Where there was a will, there was a way however.

The new law school building was constructed next to the stadium. The law school was several stories high. Glass all around. When a game was being played, I went to the law library and looked for an empty one person desk area next to a window on an upper floor.

The game was mine for free.

Following Davis’ death and to this day, the campus is replete with memorials recognizing the great Ernie Davis.

One is a room in the Carrier Dome called the Ernie Davis Room. Special events are held there.

The 1980’s were years when I contributed huge sums to the University. I also became a pocket to go to when the University had a special need.

I received a call from someone in the sports department. The crew team needed $10,000. I knew nothing about crew. Was not even aware Syracuse was involved in the sport.

Tradition called for a new shell (crew boat) do be used each year. lt always had to be new.

The school wanted me to finance the new shell.

Ten thousand dollars was the cheapest amount ever requested from me. Almost a freebie. I agreed.

Turned out to be a big deal.

I was asked to name the shell and christen it. My mother had recently died. I talked to my dad about the shell. He knew as much as me about crewing.

In any event, we agreed to name the shell after my Mother. She had been born in Italy. Her name in Italian was Fortunata. In English, Fortune. Her parents so named her because she was the eighth and last born. She was the only girl. Seven boys before her.

I told my Father he would do the actual christening.

We showed up at the appropriate time at the Ernie Davis Room. Sitting there was the Fortunata shell.

Many people. I knew few. Again, the sport was not one I had ever been involved with. A party. Food and drinks.

Time came for the christening. I told Dad he would be required to make a short speech. Did not seem to concern him.

Visualize a U.S. Navy vessel being christened. The shell the same way. However instead of a bottle of champagne, it was a bottle filled with water from the Thames River in England. The Thames runs through London.

Apparently the sport has something to do with the Thames River.

Dad did his duty by God, the University and Mom. He gave the shell a good swat. The bottle split and Thames water flew everywhere.

My Dad’s talk was interesting. He spoke about Mom, including how she and the shell got the name Fortunata.

I was happy for him.

Today is the last day of Hanukkah. Eight days and nights of Jewish celebration.

Though not precisely correct, I wish all my Jewish friends a Happy Hanukkah!

Collin Morikawa. Twenty four years old. A professional golfer only 3-4 years. Already has distinguished himself big time. He has won 1 or 2 majors and several other tournaments.

He was playing in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. If he won, he would move up from 2nd to 1st in golf rankings.

An impressive record for a young man.

He went into the final round yesterday with a 5 stroke lead. Unbeatable. Or, so everyone thought.

Poor Collin blew it. Lost his 5 stroke lead in 3 holes over a 5 hole stretch. Suffered a complete breakdown. Could not recover.

First time this has happened to him. A cool player till yesterday. Proves everyone is human.

Collin will win again. Many times. May even be the one to threaten Tiger Woods’ record some day.

Australia continues with COVID “quarantine camps.”

A person who is diagnosed with the virus or one who has been in contact with an infected person is picked up and swiftly taken to a concentration type facility. The military picking them up are cloaked in “hazmat suits.”

Shades of Nazis picking up Jews.

If merely a “contact,” fourteen days the usual stay and an ok report from a doctor.

Life in the camps not easy. If an “inmate” merely steps too far outside their cells, they are subject to a $5,000 fine. Rooms are small. Meals delivered only once a day.

Inmates get mentally buggy. Valium is offered to make their stay easier.

Those retained are not reminded of their rights. Nor are they provided access to an attorney.

Is Australia the wave of the future?

Enjoy your day!

Love Christmas! It’s in the air!

Key West’s Christmas Parade last night. The best! I wrote about it earlier in the week. Thought about it often since. I was anxious to be there.

I forgot about the Parade!

Late in the afternoon and into dinner time, I had Syracuse basketball, the Alabama/Georgia game, and Tiger Woods’ golf tournament in the Bahamas I was watching.

The Parade was at 7. I remembered at 6 while switching back and forth among the three. It was too late to head out to the Parade.

All of Key West attends the Parade. I would have been a late car parker. Meant several blocks from the Parade route. Then the walk to the Parade. Even with the cane, I would not have not been able to make it.

So I missed the Parade.

Hopefully, I will get to see Santa Clause monday night. A Meet and Greet with Santa is scheduled for 6-8 at the Harborside Seaport.

Syracuse won. Beat Florida State 63-60.

A tough win. Syracuse behind by 8 at half time. Came back to win a close one.

Alabama did a number on Georgia 41-24. Georgia pre-game ranked #1 in the country, Alabama #3.

The golf tournament exciting. Seventeen of the top 20 ranked players in the world participating. Collin Morikawa finished with a 5 stroke lead going into today’s final.

Dr.Boros is well. Back to work. God bless!

Though I do not agree with the good doctor taking ivermectin instead of getting vaccinated, I’m glad he survived. The doctor issued a statement that he was “physically healthy and working on four projects at once.”

My question: Has he learned and been vaccinated? If not, I fear Boros is not as smart as the community thinks and as he does.

The Republicans and Trump have “radicalized” the Supreme Court. Six solid conservative Republican votes. The Court’s composition will change America dramatically over the next 2-3 years.

Issues to be decided include reproductive rights, gun laws, administrative rules, environmental rules, and voting rights.

Oh, the damage waiting to be done!

Ruth Marcus in a recent essay described the situation distinctly in the essay’s title: The Rule of Six: A New Radicalized Supreme Court Is Poised To Reshape The Nation.

Marcus observed that an every now and then “swing vote” seems no longer to exist. A new day that will “lead to bad results for a majority of Americans.”

Marcus was referring to Chief Justice Roberts.

Two new COVID study results.

One, pro-Trump counties now have far higher COVID death rates. The other, the risk of dying from COVID is 50 percent higher in red states.

The number of persons refusing to be vaccinated remains high. The single major contributor to eliminating the virus. Where ever people refuse to be vaccinated, how can lockdowns be avoided? Quarantine camps such as in Australia? Jail time as in Austria?

It is impossible for me to even conceive the use of Nazi type concentration camps or a place of isolation as leprosy victims were forced to live.

People are stupid. Wising up the only solution. Wise up and be vaccinated.

The alternative of failing to do so might not be as I have suggested. Could be equally worse or worse itself. A civil type war between those supporting vaccinations and those opposing. Those opposing willing to fight for their “rights” rather than accept the simple act of vaccination.

Happy Sunday!

It is going to snow today. On top of the Honolulu Volcanics. A series of volcanoes in the Pearl Harbor area on the island of O’Ahu.

The weather man predicts 12 inches of snow and winds of 100 miles per hour.

No time to be up there.

Snow can fall in the summer near high peaks. I know from experience.

Some 15 years ago on one of my European trips, it was July. Warm. I was staying in a swiss chalet half way up Mont Blanc. On the Italy side near Courmayeur.

When I woke, I walked out onto the balcony. Had to blink. Could not believe what I saw. Snow everywhere. Above me, at my level, and below. It was winter!

A blanket of white. By 11 am, the newly fallen snow at my level and below had melted. Summer again.

I have visited Courmayeur several times. A place God created. One of the most beautiful my eyes have seen. Surrounded by Mont Blanc.

Spring, summer, fall and winter there is always ice and snow on the upper levels of Mont Blanc. I sight to behold. The height and snow. What a combination!

Mont Blanc is part of the Alps. It is “mighty.” Height 15,777 feet. The highest mountain in the Alps and Europe.

Courmayeur is near the French border. Italy and France are connected by a seven mile tunnel which goes through Mont Blanc. On the French side is Chamonix. I have visited Chamonix each time I I have been in Courmayeur.

Two totally different flavors. One French, the other Italian. Physically and people wise.

The Italian people warm. The French cold, distant. The buildings though built differently are each beautiful.

Florida’s Governor DeSantis is a Donald Trump clone. He wants to be President.

He is authoritarian. Could be a Hitler in the making.

He is in the process of creating a “civilian military force.” Florida’s own. Under control and direction of the Governor.

He argues the civilian military group will exist to help the Florida State Guardsmen and assist in specific state emergencies.

I fear he bullshits us. The civilian force will be his personal army. DeSantis says he does not want “to be encumbered by the federal government.”

A civilian military is not uncommon. Twenty three states have such in one form or another. I am not aware if any have ever been used. If so, I would suspect infrequently.

The State would have to pay the bill/expenses of a civilian military.

It was reported yesterday that DeAntis is in the process of having 4 new anti-vaxxing laws created. Strange devious ways to get around federal laws that would prevent such activity. Somewhat like Texas has been doing with everything.

One item would be Florida not having to adhere to federal OSHA laws. Florida would set up its own.

Floridians would pay that bill also.

I smile. Florida’s senior population is conservative. Tight. Understandably. They will follow DeSantis till they recognize the bill is getting heavy. Then DeSantis may be out.

I am not sure that time will ever come, however. With all the things DeSantis has done and is now trying to do, I worry he might want to withdraw from the Union and run Florida as a separate entity. Don’t laugh. There is no reason for a civilian military answerable to him. Never forget, Hitler wanted the Gestapo.

We live in strange times. Anything is possible.

The New York Times published this morning an interesting article by Eugene Robinson: On Voting Rights, Democratic Senators Need To Face Reality.

Robinson’s position strong: “This is a demand, not a request…..Calls for voting rights for all Americans.”

Robinson asserts “the right to vote should not be a partisan issue. But it is.”

Republicans don’t care. They forget that what goes around, comes around. If problems cannot be reasonably solved by legislative action, I fear Civil War may be possible.

It could happen again.

Syracuse/Florida State in basketball this afternoon at 4. An ACC opening game.

Syracuse 4-3 and Florida State 5-2. Florida State a slight favorite.

I will be in front of the TV set beginning at 4.

Enjoy your day!

He’s done it again!

All 50 Republicans report they will vote to nix Biden’s requirement for businesses with 100 employees or more. A bill will be passed to that effect. Manchin announced yesterday he will vote with the Republicans on the issue.

Amazing! Manchin is all for bipartisanship. Early on in Biden’s administration, Manchin said he voted against many of Biden’s proposals to encourage bipartisanship.

So far, bipartisanship has been a one way street. Manchin threatening to vote with the Republicans. When will the man learn?

The House may not support Biden on this issue also. However there seems to be little concern. Biden will most likely veto the bill when it reaches his desk.

Today a big one in medical history. The year 1967.

Dr. Christian Barnard in Cape Town, South africa, performed the first human heart transplant. It was the talk of the world! Everyone excited!

Austria being buried with new COVID cases. Two weeks ago declared a total lockdown. It has not worked.

Thousands protested in the streets. Anti-vaxxers.

Austria has come up with a new approach. Unvaccinated Austrians will face huge fines and prison time for non-compliance with vaccine mandated rules. A fine of $4,000 or 4 weeks in prison.

I continue failing to understand why many do not wish to be vaccinated. It is a proven life saver. Is freedom more valuable than life?

Assuming it even is a freedom issue. I sometimes think it was originally “created” for political purposes. Took off! Now half the humans on earth have bought into the freedom argument.

Meghan Kelly on her show Meghan Kelly TODAY did a program involving “crossing over.” Dying and returning to life.

The show was aired 8/17/18. Her guest Cherie Aimee. Cherie was on the operating table when she suffered cardiac arrest. She flat lined. She was dead 90 minutes. No question about the time.

Her doctor continued giving her CPR the entire time. Other medical staff in the operating room told him to stop. The woman was dead. The doctor  refused. After 90 minutes, his efforts were rewarded.

Some of Cherie’s comments.

I was “in white space…..I felt free of the burdens of everyday life.”

She chacterized her surroundings as being “so beautiful.”

She said she was in “another realm connected to Heaven…..She gracefully walked through this door.”

In an instant, she claims her entire life flashed before her. A “life review of any experience her soul had ever undergone.”

She claimed she “definitely no longer was afraid of death.”

Tennessee Williams lived in Key West from 1941 till his death in 1983.

On this day in 1947, Williams’ play A Streetcar Named Desire openid on Broadway.

It is believed the final draft of Streetcar was written by Williams at the La Concha Hotel.

I have seen the movie version many times over the years. Never boring. Always consuming. I saw it again last week on TV. A shadowy event starring Marlon Brando.

Yesterday a busy one for me. A haircut with Lori, picked up my laundry, a bank stop, and a meeting. Would you believe I was tired? Normal things tire me frequently.

My plan was to stop at The Side Door  at dinner time and have a drink with David. He is always at The Side Door thursdays.

I never made it.

Enjoy your day!

The Mississippi case argued yesterday in the Supreme Court may have far reaching consequences not yet contemplated. If Roe v. Wade is reversed, war. War between the people of the U.S. A civil war.

The nation is where it was back in the 1850’s. Turmoil without pause. Leading to Civil War in 1861.

The same tensions exist today. Over a multitude of issues. Not just abortion. However the reversal of Roe v. Wade could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Women in very significant numbers will side with other pro-abortionists.

Persons who continue to recognize the breakdown in our legal and judicial system, will point to the reversal of Roe as a delegitimization of the Supreme Court. A bunch of political hacks who forgot the oaths they took when admitted to the bar and their sworn testimonies before the Senate Committee approving their nominations. The three most recent Supreme Court appointments, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, perfect examples.

Street demonstrations will neither be peaceful nor limited. All out war. Guns, bombs, knives, etc. I cannot see how the U.S. survives as it once was known. January 6’s will be common place. In state capitals and many other cities.

Many were not alive or have forgotten what life was like for women prior to Roe. Caitlan Flanagan in the 12/2019  issue of The Atlantic wrote a heart wrenching article showing what criminal abortion was prior to Roe. The title” “The Dishonesty of the Abortion Debate.”

Pre-Roe abortions were painful and many resulted in the death of the woman.

One of the most popular methods was the inducement of Lysol into the womb. One huge shot or over a period of time. Those induced over a period of time were referred to as “vaginal douches.”

Lysol actually advertised its product for such use. Dancing around the term abortion. Suggesting rather it was an effective form of birth control.

Lysol advertised its “family planning” capabilities for over 30 years from the 1920’s into the 1950’s. Lysol and the illegality of abortions crossed paths in the 1950’s and prior to Roe.

Women used the Lysol on themselves at home or went to a doctor or mid wife type who would abort them.

Many women died from the use of Lysol as an aborting agent.

Other methods involved a combination of boiling water and soap being shot into the womb. Less “safe methods” included the use of knitting needles and metal hangers.

There will be a return to such methods without Roe v. Wade.

There are a number of women who support Roe’s reversal. Small in number compared to the many who believe in and support Roe.

Men primarily make the abortion laws. Men are the ones who are anti-abortion.

Too bad some male medical problem has not yet come up whose treatment is illegal. Something to do with a man’s penis or testicles. The illegal/criminal solution a shot of Lysol. See how quickly these men would change their minds.

A little pain never hurts.

Enjoy your day!

There was a time government was a team sport. No more. The good of the country and its people not a major concern. Purchasing reelection is.

COVID has to be killed and buried. The best route the vaccine. However whether to be vaccinated has become a political football.

Iowa, Tennessee, Florida and Kansas are anti-vaccine. Federal mandates re vaccinations and employment vaccination requirements have caused many to accept termination rather than give up their “sacred beliefs.”

It is now coming out that some who have taken dismissal are being rewarded. Certain states have “bought” their positions.

Simply stated, lose your job because of a refusal to be vaccinated and collect unemployment.

The unemployment benefit increase is not equal to the lost salary. However it is sufficient to ease the burden.

States providing additional unemployment payments as an incentive against vaccination seems wrong to me. Morally, legally and otherwise.

It is anticipated other states will follow suit. A court case is sure to ensue. Then the answer as to propriety will be known.

Today is World AIDS Day. December 1.

AIDS came into being in the early 1980’s. Since Key West was a homosexual haven, its impact was felt.

I started doing Key West in the late 1980’s. AIDS meant nothing to me. My first confrontation was in Key West.

I noted thin sickly looking men. A few visits and I saw them no more. They had died.

I made friends with healthy looking folk. One fellow in particular. Enjoyed sitting at the Square One bar and chatting with him.

I noticed on one trip he had begun looking sickly. A few trips later, emaciated. Then gone.

I was impressed how Key West rallied to help its own. Those afflicted and those non-afflicted came together. One human family.

There is a celebration today to remember those who were lost to the disease. It begins at City Hall at 4:30. A procession of candle holders will march to the Knight Pier. At 5, a ceremony will take place.

Though AIDS is not the disease it once was, I guarantee the crowd at the Pier will be huge. It always is.

I wrote about hurricanes in yesterday’s blog and talked about them on my blog talk radio show last night. How this has been a “quiet” hurricane season

A major article in one of the national newspapers this morning involved the Keys and hurricanes.. There were 21 hurricanes in the season just concluded. None hit the Florida Keys. Many hit New York City.

Have things changed? A major weather change? Does not appear so. The “experts” claim it was merely pure “luck” that the Keys avoided the bullet this year. Twenty one hurricanes and not even one came close.

I wrote yesterday also that in the 30 years I have been doing Key West, the hurricane season has been extended time wise several times. It was reported today the National Weather Bureau is considering extending the season at its opening. June 1 will be moved back to May 15 if approved.

Blue Heaven is open again. One of Key West’s more notable places has been closed for several months. Even through Fantasy Fest. Major remodeling was done.

Terri White sang at Blue Heaven last night. It is expected she will be a regular this season.

Every country comes up with ways to “force” vaccinations. Greece has designed one a bit different.

Persons over 60 and unvaccinated will be fined $114 American money monthly. One hundred euros to the Greeks. The program goes into effect January 16.

Eighty six years old and I still learn.

I recall World War II vividly. I was 5-10 years of age at the time.

Even that young, I recognized there was much we on the home front had to do without.

My mother kept an empty coffee can on the stove. All grease, used oil, fat, etc. had to go into it. My job was to take it to the corner grocery store when full. We were given a few additional points to use when purchasing food.

Everything was in short supply. It was five years of rationing. Americans did not bitch, however. They cooperated.

Gasoline was limited to 2-3 gallons per week. No one complained.

On this day in 1942, gasoline was rationed for the first time on a national level. I thought it was to save gas to be used in the war effort.

This past week, I Learned I was wrong.

The government’s goal was not so much to limit gasoline usage. Rather to conserve rubber. Rubber was desperately needed for the war effort. Ration gasoline and cars would be driven less. The result being less wear and tear on tires. More rubber for the war effort.

Syracuse basketball.

I have said it before and repeat it again. Syracuse’s team this year is the best I have seen talent wise. They even play well together. Yet their record is only 4-3.

Syracuse’s problem is they get huge double digit leads in the first half and then cannot hold on for the win. Everything still working, but the lead whittles down.

Last night, a perfect example. Syracuse was 4-3. Playing Indiana that was 6-0. Syracuse won in double overtime 112-110.

Syracuse had an 18 point lead in the first half. An 11 point lead at half time. Indiana caught up. Grabbed the lead several times in the second half.

Then it was anyone’s game.

Enjoy your day!