President Biden addressed the nation yesterday afternoon. An impressive speech. Following which he immediately opened up the room to questions from the press.

His responses impressive, well grounded.

The question period lasted 1 hour 52 minutes. A long time for the President, any President, to stand and handle piercing questions.

Biden did very well. He was in command. Knowledgeable. His responses factual.

The only Biden response I thought a bit hairy was what would he do were Putin to move into the Ukraine. His answer in effect said it would depend whether the intrusion was a “minor incursion or a full blown attack.”

Did not sound good to me. Any Russian intrusion would require a forceful response by the U.S.

Biden’s response obviously not correct.

Later following the show, the White House clarified the response. A “minor” incident would be something like a cyber attack. Not actual boots on the ground (my words).

Ok. Problem resolved. Only one misstep in 1 hour 52 minutes. Well done, Mr. President!

This morning was another story. I watch Morning Joe. Enjoy the show and respect the work they do. Not today.

I have had a growing feeling over the past several months that Morning Joe is starting to attack certain people and issues not warranting the attack presented.

This morning solidified my judgment. Morning Joe does.

The show spent its first 16 minutes attacking the President and his response. Too much. Over the hill. Reminded me of FOX: “Balanced and fair.”

Today, Joe and the people at his table looked and sounded like FOX News. It was obvious the attack was planned. Everyone at the table had something negative to say. The attack was not warranted in length and degree of abuse.

For shame, Morning Joe. Your show too good to lower itself to that type game.

A question to the President I thought stupid and unwarranted. Considered it a play for attention.

Newsmax is a relatively new show. Similar in nature to FOX.

James Rosen their news person who asked the questions.

He said to Biden, “A poll released this morning by Politics Morning Consult found 49 percent of registered voters disagree with the statement that Joe Biden is mentally fit.”

Biden smiled and calmly responded, “I’ll let us make the judgment whether their correct.”

Rosen pushed on: “Why do you suppose such large segments of the American electorate harbor such profound concerns about your cognitive fitness?”

Biden responded, “I have no idea” and moved on.

The answer was what Rosen had sat through listening to Biden’s address and the almost 1 hour 52 minutes of questioning. The 1 hour 52 minutes is the longest question and answer period by the press to a President. No one could have done better. A minor misstatement re the Ukraine his only questionable response.

Between Morning Joe this morning and Rosen yesterday, I am beginning to think the press is increasingly a bunch of assholes.

The Supreme Court finally came down with a correct decision. It decided yesterday that the National Archive was required to turn over certain papers to the January 6 Committee. The decision clearly wrote that under the facts of the matter, executive privilege did not apply.

A major victory for the January 6 inquiry.

The decision was 8-1, with Justice Clarence Thomas dissenting.

As expected, the voting bills went down to defeat yesterday. What, if anything, is the next step?

Forrest Gump in the limelight again: “Stupid is as stupid does.”

The Czech vocalist Hana Horka died sunday at 57 from COVID.

She actually killed herself. She intentionally exposed herself to COVID-19 in order to get a “health pass” that would have allowed her to visit the sauna, theater, concerts, and take a sea voyage.

Czechoslovakia law requires proof of prior COVID illness or 2 vaccine shots in order for a person to freely move around and do things.

Hana’s husband and son got COVID over Christmas. Hana intentionally stayed close to them. Her goal to become infected. She did not believe in the vaccine. She had developed the herd mentality.

As her son said, “She went for it.”

She got it.

Her son holds the anti-vaccine movement responsible. Claims it has “blood on its hands.”

Murder numbers in the U.S. rose in 2021. The highest rise in 25 years. The number viewed in another fashion: 6.9 murders per 100,000 persons.

I realize people up North care little when I complain that temperatures in the 60’s are cold. I understand their thoughts. I sympathize with their weather problem. Nevertheless, we Key Westers are cold at the much higher temperatures.

Reflecting the tide has turned, the high today will be 76.

Enjoy your day!

All is not well at the Supreme Court. Ill will has developed. Does not seem to be getting better.

Neil Gorsuch the worst. Trump’s first nomination. The man’s inner being is not becoming more evident every day. It has arrived. With a blast! Quirks in his personality showing.

I am not referring to his legal thinking. Though he is too far to the right to do justice overall in the long run.

The man seems to be lacking in compassion and good will in his relationship with his co-workers. The other Justices..

Justice Sotomayor the prime example.

The Justices are all wearing masks, except for Gorsuch. He refuses to do so.

Gorsuch’s seat on the bench is next to Sotomayor. Sotomayor has been a diabetic most of her life. She is concerned. Gorsuch is totally aware of her condition. Nevertheless, he continues to refuse to wear a mask.

Sotomayor no longer takes her seat on the bench. Her seat remains empty. Instead she sits in her office and listens to arguments via a hook up. A system has been installed whereby she is able to ask questions.

Chief Justice Roberts asked Gorsuch to wear a mask in consideration of Sotomayor’s condition. He refused the Chief Justice’s request.

From day one on the bench, Gorsuch has been considered a “prickly justice,” not beloved even by some of his conservative soulmates on the Court.

His personality not engaging. He considers his legal positions more appropriate and handles a case’s discussion with the other Justices in a fashion that fails to encourage a kumbaya relationship.

While on the bench, he openly disagrees with the other Justices. Something new to the Court with Gorsuch’s ascendency.

Justice Alito another odd ball. He has an ax to grind.

Alito was under the impression when Chief Justice Rehnquist died that he would become Chief Justice. Bush did not select him. Instead appointed Roberts.

Alito continues to show his disdain and disrespect for Roberts since.

The Supreme Court no longer a happy place to work.

The voting bills issue.

Schumer began whatever he had in mind yesterday. So much fanfare leading up to this fight on the Senate floor. Schumer led us to believe the battle of the century was to take place.

Nothing of consequence occurred yesterday. I was busy in the afternoon preparing for last night’s blog talk radio show. Ergo, I was running back and forth from my office to the TV in my bedroom to catch parts of the “encounter.”

I was unimpressed with Schumer and the whole thing.

Today the second day of the encounter. Supposedly to be the best of the two. Even the filibuster will come under direct attack.

This Schumer inspired battle a waste. In fact, makes the Democrats look bad. All are aware it is an exercise in futility.

The Democratic Party requires balls. Time for Biden to take a cold hard grasp of the Party. Everything political should pass before him prior to being attempted.

Schumer has never impressed me. It goes back to 9/11. Another story. He is of no value to the Party.

At 4 this afternoon, Biden will hold a press conference. It has been touted as a big deal. Must be. It has been promised Biden will answer questions from the press. He has not done so in a long time.

Nice guy Biden has to become a tough hombre. The life of the country is at stake. Only he can save it under present circumstances.

I doubt they will build monuments to Joe Manchin in West Virginia. He is losing respect even there.

Most are unaware that he only won his last Senate race by 3 points. Significantly less that his previous victories in West Virginia politics.

The miners union has come out against him. They have always supported him. They were not happy with Manchin after he failed to support the social infrastructure bill.

Manchin’s support is now one source. The rich mine owners.

I started thinking about a year ago that one of Manchin’s problems was he did not have it mentally. I am serious. I have written and spoken about it many times. A swift camper he is not.

He proved it again yesterday.

Manchin was being interviewed He was attired in a bright red sweat or leisure suit. He responded to a question by saying the voting rights bills were not needed. The right to vote existed and the government would make sure the rights of the people were protected.

Not only is Manchin short on brain power, he fails to see what is.

Hollywood comes frequently to Key West to make a movie. Two had happenings occur on this day, though in different years.

The Rose Tattoo was filmed in Key West. Most of it in a house on Duncan Street. One door away from the Tennessee Williams home. Lisa lives on Duncan. One and one half blocks from where The Rose Tattoo was filmed.

On this day in 1956, The Rose Tattoo had its premiere showings in Florida at the Strand and San Carlo theaters.

Tennessee Williams who had written the play and resided for many years in Key West was on hand for the opening.

The movie starred Burt Lancaster and Anna Magnani. While making the film, Lancaster stayed in Williams’ home.

The other movie was Operation Petticoat.

On this day in 1959, filming began. The movie starred Cary Grant and Tony Curtis.

Words of wisdom by Dolly Parton: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”

This day in 1883, Thomas Edison turned the lights on. Powered by an electric lighting system employing overhead wires. The community Roselle, New Jersey.

Syracuse finally won another basketball game. Beat Clemson last night 91-78.

Syracuse’s record now a dismal 9-9. Don’t see how the team can make to NCAA tournament.

Cold here in Key West. The last two nights, the temperature was 61. High by day in the high 60’s.

Enjoy your day!

Today is a sad day in American history. The two voting right bills will be offered on the floor of the Senate. Offered knowing full well neither will succeed.

Majority Leader Schumer believes that by letting the people know who is for and who is against, it will help in getting the legislation passed somewhere down the road.

Manchin and Sinema should be cold shouldered, needs of their states ignored. Slow down federal checks flowing into West Virginia and Arizona. Will help do the trick. People/businesses do not like having much needed monies they have been accustomed to receiving cut off.

Show disdain for Manchin and Sinema. It will merely be the reverse of what they have been doing to the country.

There is a fear they will turn Republican. So what? What good are they as Democrats? Democratic control of the Senate is in name only if they fail to vote with the Democrats.

Republican control of the Senate will not change things much. The Republicans can vote for anything they want. Bills still have to be signed into law by the President, As the plaque on Harry Truman’s desk said: The Buck Stops Here.

Biden will veto.

Raising the question as to what have the Republicans accomplished?

Unless they have the votes to override the veto. Sometimes yes, sometimes no, perhaps never.

Biden has 3 more guaranteed years in office. A lot of Republican bills can be vetoed in that time.

The Democrats must stop pussy footing around. They must learn to play hard ball as the Republicans do. Meet fire with fire, meet blow with blow. Let the Republicans learn what frustration is.

COVID sits back and smiles as Republicans do when each wreaks havoc.

COVID is doing a number on our children. The U.S. is experiencing the highest rate of child COVID hospitalizations ever.

New data reveals an average of 893 new hospitalizations daily. Children are described as those 17 and under.

The highest hospitalization rates are among children newborn to 4 years. Those not yet eligible for the vaccine.

The CDC who released the information advised it expected the number to rise further in the next few weeks.

An advocacy group did a study as to how COVID has affected the rich and poor in the U.S.

The answer simple. The rich got richer and the poor poorer. It was reported “the 10 richest men in the world doubled their fortunes during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The wealth of the world’s 10 richest increased from $700 billion to $1.5 trillion. While the incomes of approximately 99 percent of the people around the globe fell during the same time frame.

As a result, more than 160 million people were forced into poverty.

Israel said it was going to a 4th shot and it did. Israel has reported the results thus far. The purpose of the 4th shot was to mitigate omicron. Israel has discovered the 4th shot was “not good enough.”

Syracuse/Clemson tonight at 9.

What can I say? I am defeated in this area off my life. I continue to not understand how one of he greatest teams in Syracuse history continues to lose.

It hurts.

Join me at 9 this evening. Today is tuesday. My blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I hit hard! My government should hit as hard! www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.com.

Enjoy your day!

Florida’s Governor DeSantis is openly rebelling against Trump.

It had to happen. More will also as time marches on towards 2024.

I wrote early last year that people were beginning to use Trump. Making him think they were supporting him. When in fact they were using him to expand their own political desires.

Trump has been grumbling for months that DeSantis could not be trusted. Trump has been upset because DeSantis had not said the “maga words.” Words to the effect he would stand aside if Trump ran for the Republican nomination in 2024.

The wall Humpty Dumpty sits on is beginning to crack. Trump will take a big fall in another year or so as more abandon him.

DeSantis has shown he fears no one. Not even the Supreme Court. He announced over the weekend that he opposed the Court’s recent decision that allowed medical facilities that receive Medicare or Medicaid payments to mandate vaccinations.

DeSantis is off and away! He fears neither person nor entity. Republicans now have two nuts striving to be head of their Party. They forget even the mighty shall fall.

Only in Florida. A losing candidate who subscribes to Trump’s way of doing things. Lose an election and claim you won. Refuse to concede.

The Congressman representing Florida’s 20th District died. A special election was held last tuesday.

The District heavily Democratic. The Democrat Sheila-Cherfilus McCormick beat Republican Jason Mariner decisively. By 50 points. McCormick received 46,663 votes, Mariner 10,883. Stated another way, McCormick received 79 percent of the vote, Mariner 20 percent.

Mariner refuses to concede. Claims Miami “stuff” was discovered. Intimating election fraud.

The guy is Trump crazy. With the difference in who received how much there is no way there could have been fraud of the magnitude complained.

I mentioned the Trump rally saturday night in Arizona in yesterday’s blog. I want to add to my thoughts.

One of the most unflinching Republican Congressman is Paul Gosar. Not just a far right hard ass Republican, the man is also pure unadulterated crazy.

Gosar spoke prior to Trump. He repeated a version of the “false assertion” that the Arizona vote in 2020 was fraudulent. He did so in the “darkest language,” invoking the image of a “building storm,” a metaphor commonly used by followers of the QAnon conspiracy theory.

He also called for the people involved in counting the ballots for Arizona in 2020 to be “imprisoned.”

Gosar is an example of the type of person who will be leading the U.S. government in 2024 should Trump win.

I watched a movie yesterday afternoon that I had never seen. All Fall Down. Based on James Leo Herlihy’s novel published in 1960. The book was so popular it was made into a movie two years later.

The movie starred Warren Beatty, Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, Brandon de Wilde and Angela Lansbury. A big time cast!

The acting was spectacular, except for Warren Beatty. It was his first movie. His shortcomings were obvious.

I am a Beatty fan. His later films reflected his stature as a star.

Why do I talk about the movie? The author of the book James Leo Herlihy was a frequent visitor to Key West. Spent long periods here with his friend Tennessee Williams. Herlihy’s residence was the Silver Lake District of Los Angeles.

The movie contained scenes of the lower Keys and Key West.

There was a bridge scene.. The bridge was a long one. Beatty and de Wilde were walking it. My sense was the makers of the film were trying to depict Key West. The bridge was nowhere near Key West nor was it the Seven Mile Bridge. The bridge’s foundations were not similar to Seven Mie.

The movie also contained a shot of Duval. The building in the film is not the same today. I suspect the building in the movie was the Cuban Club. However years after the film was made it was destroyed by fire. The reconstructed version is close to the original, but not that close. I could not identify it as the Cuban Club with certainty.

I envy Herlihy. The years he spent in Key West were different. A time and life style long gone never to return.

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He died April 8, 1968.

January 17 is celebrated this year as his holiday. Note the use of the words “this year.” January 17 is not always the day. The law establishing the Day decried it was to be the third monday each year. Ergo, the exact day changes every year only to return to the same date several years later.

Many a phrase King uttered had special meaning and are recalled often today by public speakers. One quote I share with you this day: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Very few persons meet the “measure of a man” in today’s society.

Enjoy your day!

Disinfectant, mouthwash, horse worm killer, and now urine. One’s own urine.

Non-medical science moves on!

If it was good enough for Gandhi, it should be good enough for you.

Technically referred to as urotherapy. Promoters claim it will cure COVID-19. Also, HIV, cancer, leukemia and obesity.

The “theory’s principle is Christopher Paul Key. An anti-vaxx “Vaccine Police” leader. This past week Key urged his followers to swear off COVID-19 inoculations and instead “drink their own urine as a cure.”

Key proudly proclaims: “I drink my own urine.” He advised that if drinking the “golden nectar” was bothersome, gargle, snort or inject it.

Makes me wonder. Is anything else being snorted?

Key is a follower/supporter in some fashion of conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.

Alex Jones sells online course work for learning the benefits of drinking the “golden nectar.”

Forrest Gump correct again: “Stupid is as stupid does.”

Many firsts with the COVID plague. The Epoch Times reported 1/13/22 re an Australian hospital in New South Wales where fully vaccinated patients exceed unvaccinated patients. Fully vaccinated meaning 2 shots.

The statistics reported for 1/9/22 revealed COVID patients represented 68.9 percent of those 12 and over. Only 28.8 percent the unvaccinated.

Last night in Florence, Arizona, Trump conducted his first rally of the new year. Titled: Save America.

Trump’s theme the same one he has been enunciating since the November 2020 election: The election was stolen.

He lies. Continues to lie. I doubt he will ever stop.

Interestingly, Arizona has 2.1 million voters. After multiple audits, less than 200 ballots were deemed fraudulent.

Trump made mention of the size of the crowd. All the way back! He also said cars were parked 25 miles back.

If so, why did the media not film the crowd so everyone could see if Trump was speaking the truth. Also, the parking situation.

Proof of a representation is what the eye can behold.

Two quotes from Maureen Dowd’s Opinion piece in yesterday’s New York Times. The article titled More Mojo, Joe!

“Oh, the tribulations of Joe Biden! Kyrsten Sinema humiliated him. Mitch McConnell disrespected him. The Supreme Court blocked him. Vladimir Putin scorned him. Inflation defied him. COVID stalked him. Even Stacey Abrams stiffed him.”

“As hapless as Joe Biden and his coterie are, we can’t give up on the President because he is all that stands between us and the apocalypse at the hands of Trump, DeSantis, Pence, Kristi Noem, and the future Chief Justice Amy Coney Barrett.”

As the world turns, it gets sillier and scarier by the day.

Enjoy your Sunday!

History repeats itself.

Construction of the Leaning Tower of Pisa began in 1173. Its compatriot is the Leaning Tower of San Francisco which opened 2009.

Six hundred forty five feet tall. Fifty eight stories high. Designated the Millennium Tower. A glitzy residential building.

The Millenium is tilting at the rate of 3 inches per year. Total tilt so far 24 inches. As the building tilts, it sinks sideways into the ground. Thus far 17-18 inches.

Engineering experts project that when the tilt gets to 40 inches, parts of the building will cease functioning. Elevators and plumbing will not work.

The Millenium tilted all of 10 inches in one year when steps were taken to stop the tilting. Four days work resulted in the additional 10 inches. The effort experienced limited success.

A solution has been accepted. Work to stop the tilting will begin in the fall. Required will be 18 foot steel pipes installed in bedrock 250 feet under the tower.

Wow!

Hope all works well!

A citizen has spoken again. In yesterday’s Citizens’ Voice: “If parents were only half concerned about keeping assault weapons out of schools as they are about keeping masks out of schools…..”

I was not a fan of Neil Gorsuch when he was nominated for the Supreme Court. My feelings have not changed since he became a Justice.

Gorsuch’s conduct on the bench since last friday justify my thoughts concerning the man.

Gorsuch has sat on the bench hearing oral arguments during that time while not wearing a mask. All other Justices did.

Justices Sotomayor and Breyer have not appeared on the bench during the time. They have sat in their private chambers appearing remotely on the bench.

The Court advised all Justices have received their vaccinations.

Sotomayor has diabetes. Makes her more susceptible to COVID. Her seat on the bench is directly next to Gorsuch’s. Beyer’s next to Sotomayor’s. The man is 83. I am 86. I can appreciate his concerns.

Why can’t Gorsuch appreciate their concerns? Be a good neighbor? A gentleman, considerate of others?

I have studied Gorsuch since he was nominated by Trump. He has turned out as I suspected. A far right conservative. A know it all. Similar to those on the streets and in school board meetings who argue against the masks. He thinks he is special.

Again, I cannot understand why he would insult his fellow Justices and himself by failing to wear a mask. Also in sending the wrong message to the American public.

Several years ago I wrote several articles re the desperate need for body parts. So few available that a market had developed for the sale of body parts. A profitable one.

For example, kidneys were going for $150,000-$200,000. The Chinese found body parts a money maker. They were removing them from their long term prisoners and selling them worldwide.

The story of a U.S. surgeon replacing a human heart with a pig’s hit the newstands last saturday. I intentionally did not write about it at the time. My primary concern was to see if the patient survived. So far he has.

The surgery/transplant a wonderous thing! Doctor’s believe it will only take a short time to do the necessary modifications so animal parts can be used on everyone. No more waiting in line hoping an organ is available. No more paying an exorbitant price if a person is able to purchase the necessary organ.

The key is the elimination of rejection.

Note that the patient in this successful story had been deemed ineligible for a heart transplant. His doctor told him his only chance was a new theory using a pig’s heart. The patient went for it!

The word is out. Home office has announced Key West’s K-Mart is closing in mid March.

Enjoy your day!

The Supreme Court is 007 in disguise. Except it needs no type firearm. The stroke of the pen suffices.

Insanity in one form or another prevails at all levels of government. Power not being properly exercised.

Proof is the Supreme Court decision yesterday which blocked Biden’s virus mandate for large employers. The mandate applying to employers of 100 employees or more regarding vaccine or testing of employees.

The majority decided against mandates based on their belief Congress had not authorized the Executive Branch to take sweeping actions under the authority of OSHA to address the continuing health crisis.

The majority wrote, the use of OSHA was “a significant encroachment in the lives and health of a vast number of employees.”

The vote was 6-3 with the far right conservative majority controlling.

The three dissenting liberal Justices wrote, the majority frustrated “the federal government’s ability to counter the unparalleled threat that COVID-19 poses to our nation’s workers.”

The dissent further went on to point out the decision could have gone either way depending on which solution the majority selected. The majority could have recognized the Court’s RESPONSIBILITY to safeguard lives. Instead the conservative six did what has come to be expected. Rendered a decision detrimental to the people, the little guy.

The nation is sick of the virus. The decision exemplifies the sickness which permeates many levels of government.

The number of new COVID cases will go crazy over the next year. Businesses will shut down because of the lack of employees. Hospitals and doctors will be underfunded because of lack of health insurance. Etc.

Not intending to be dramatic, blood will be on the hands of the courts also, the Supreme Court especially.

Query: How does the nation protect itself against a surging COVID?

I am beginning to wonder if the country can save itself from all the dangers besetting it if most in control don’t seem to care. If most who should care do not.

Another part of the decision involved the mandate as it applied to health care workers. The Court decided such mandates ok because they apply to workers at hospitals and other healthcare facilities that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs.

An added personal observation. There is no happy uplifting song applicable to the decision. Only a requiem song for the dead. The Court’s decision guarantees hundreds of thousand deaths that did not have to occur.

The Court has given itself a license to kill.

So bad the decision, I cannot even advise my usual enjoy your day concluding statement.

With the advent of omicron, the number of virus cases seems to have increased. Especially in the Key West area. The stories close friends share are unbelievable.

Recent friends inflicted include frequent visitor Don from Syracuse, Donna and Terri, and now Jean and Joe Thornton. Interestingly all had the two shots plus the booster.

Don got COVID for a second time. The second worse than the first.

Donna and Terri suffered through it. I only communicated with Donna. By telephone. She sounded horrible.

Last night, I found out Jean and Joe were hit hard. They have been in Key West for a few weeks. So the virus had to get them while here.

I spoke with Jean by phone last night. She says she is on the mend. She sounded terrible! Totally exhausted. Like each word was an effort to articulate.

She told me Joe was even worse. Scary worse. I am not even going to try to describe what he has been experiencing. Just horrible!

Jean said Joe was better yesterday. Not close yet to a recovery.

My admonition: Get vaccinated and boostered if you have not, wear a mask, and exercise social distancing. Better yet, stay home!

I recall my Catholic high school teaching by the good nuns: Stay away from the near occasions of sin. Re COVID, stay away from places where the virus has to be. We are all big people and know right from wrong.

Speaking of masks, we are now told to get better masks. I received my KN95s a few days ago.

Soon COVID could bring happy times with it. Sounds crazy, I know. However, it was announced yesterday a new study indicates cannabis could help in preventing the virus.

If so, think of what life may be. First, throw off your masks. Smoke pot, get high, and by so doing protect yourself from the COVID virus.

We will be dancing in the streets.

What a world it will be!

Tennis star Novac Djokovic should not be allowed to play in Australia. As a guest especially. Australia has rules to protect its people. They were hard hit.

Djokovic comes in to play in a tournament to begin soon and lies. He had the virus, did not report it, and did not do the required 10 or 14 day quarantine. Lied orally and in writing.

He still wants to play in the tournament. He’s #1 in the world. He should not be allowed. Everyone must follow the rules. Failing to do so, such persons must suffer the consequences. It’s like Commit the crime, do the time.

Last COVID item this morning. The virus has been affecting Army recruiting. Fewer are enlisting. The Army has increased the enlistment bonus from $40,000 to $50,000. A new requirement however: The enlistee must serve 6 years.

My grandson Robert. Continues to make me proud.

He is a senior due to graduate later this term. His classmates voted him the “Best All Around Personality.”

That’s Robert. Not surprising.

He continues to impress me. A top student, great tennis player, involved in all kinds of broadcasting activities. Everyone loves him!

I gave him a lecture last night. A grandfather’s prerogative. I told him he is the All American boy. People see it in him and respect him. I advised he must work to always be that type individual. I have seen too many reach their 30’s and 40’s and change.

News from the university and college level. Undergraduate enrollments are falling. Since the fall 2021 enrollments, the number is less 465,300. Yes, that number fewer students in one year.

The number is expected to continue dropping with the fall 2022 enrollments.

The decline since 2019 is 6.6 percent.

Universities/colleges are alarmed. The statistics indicate more than 1 million fewer students since 2019. The schools suffer. Dormitories and classroom buildings go empty with such a drop in enrollments.

I saw it happen in the 1980’s when I was Chairman of the Board of Visitors at the Syracuse Law School. The Chancellor put me on a special committee to find out why, what could be done, etc.

One discovery involved students from Jewish families on Long Island. A huge entering block each year. The economy prevented the families from sending their children to Syracuse. They did not have the money. Instead the kids went to community colleges near home on the Island.

Empty dormitories were a dime a dozen. The central administration wanted the law school to rent or buy one for law students. The law school is technically separate from the University, runs itself as a separate business.

Perhaps the law school was more frugal. Whatever, it had money.

The negotiation wasn’t difficult. The law school refused to buy or rent a dormitory. The University ended up giving a dormitory building to the law school for nothing.

Why are fewer persons enrolling? Two things. The pandemic. Jobs hard to come by. The other, the past decade has shown there is little value in a college degree these days. The wages paid to college grads are considerably less than they used to be. Ergo, why waste money going to college.

Ronnie Specter died yesterday at the age of 78. A singing icon from the 1960’s. She was lead in a three female group called the Rosettes.

They brought an “edge” to “girl group sound” at the time. Be My Baby their hit that introduced it.

Everything is up.  Consumer prices are experiencing their biggest rise in nearly 40 years. Inflation is up 7 percent. The rise has resulted in higher rents, food more expensive, and an increase in gas prices.

None good. Many economists are saying things will soon get better. I do not believe them. They will only get dramatically worse before turning to the better.

Enjoy your day!

The world is turning black. We are living in a dark time. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are returning. This time three: Dysfunction, Death and Despair.

They bring with them high prices for basics such as food and gas, drums of war in the Ukraine, COVID, people disrespecting rules/mandates to control the virus, a screwed up Congress (especially the Senate), America on the verge of a revolution, and more.

The plate is full.

We start with Atlanta today. President Biden is speaking re the voting problem. He is being insulted by some of his purported close supporters. They won’t be there.

Stacey Abrams the prime example. She has a “scheduling conflict.” No, she is saying to Biden screw you! You are not producing what I want.

Important voting groups have also announced they will not be attending. Voting coalitions. Black Voters Matter, Asian American Advocacy Fund, GALEO Impact Fund, and the New Georgia Project Action Fund.

What bothers me the most is those upset with Biden are “hanging their dirty wash out.” My Mother taught me family problems remain in the house. They are not for outsiders to hear.

Omicron continues to move fast. Canada now surging big time. Canadian hospitals reaching the breaking point. A day or two more and the problem will be as acute as that in the U.S.

The U.S. has declared a “very high risk” for travel exists. It has issued a “Do Not Travel” warning.

A Florida update.

Yesterday 125,996 new cases and 182 new deaths.

The numbers keep climbing. They will continue to do so. Many Floridians and tourists do not believe there is a virus problem. They are encouraged by Florida’s Gov. DeSantis who continues to govern with his head up his ass.

Food is in increasing short supply. Recall in history class we learned of the Irish potato famine. There is a new potato famine. A growing potato shortage.

The shortage affects french fries especially from Japan to Kenya. The planet is addicted to french fries and potato chips. Demand always high.

Cream cheese part of the potato problem. One of the Publix pics yesterday was of the freezer where cream cheese is stored for sale. Not one package of cream cheese was evident. Publix had none in stock.

McDonald’s in Japan has cut from the menu large and medium size french fries.

Japan is the U.S.’s largest overseas market for potatoes. Over 3,000 McDonald franchises.

Shipping a problem. Flying potatoes to Japan is under consideration.

South Africa is the world’s leading maker of potato chips. Potatoes are in short supply following a bad frost and excessive rains.

Kentucky Fried Chicken is having problems in Kenya. French fries are known as “chips.” Chips have been removed from Kentucky Fried Chicken menus.

Revolution possible in the U.S. Who would have thought?

We live in times similar to the 1850’s which lead to the Civil War. There will be one difference this time. The war will not be between the North and South. It will be between neighbors.

The real Joe Manchin continues to be revealed. His word not dependable. He lies, cares only for himself and his pocketbook.

He constantly tells us he is following the dictates of West Virginia coal miners. They are his people. He stands with them.

Sounds good. Would be good if it were true.

His “good friends” the West Virginia coal miners just made his life a lot harder.

The coal miners’ union has redoubled its efforts to get Manchin to support Biden’s agenda. Especially, Build Back America.

Turns out Manchin really has not been supporting the miners as he consistently professes. If the union is to be believed, Manchin is supporting the “mine owners.” Mine owners who vehemently oppose Build Back Better.

The why simple. Hits one in the face. Build Back America provides for a transition to clean energy. Bad for the coal business. Bad for mine owners. The owners are hell bent on squeezing every last penny out of coal before it goes away.

Remember pillow magnate Mike Lindell. He became a major Trump supporter. Seemed to have easy access to Trump. The White House appeared to always be open to him.

Mike Lindell has started an election “hub.” It is run by two January 6 female riot attendees. Aske Epp and Holly Kasun. The hub’s purpose is to support a host of groups and right wing activists. In simpler practical terms, to support an array of like minded individuals and causes fueled by Trump’s “Big Lie.”

Lindell claims the hub thing is costing him $1 million a month.

Lindell has also started a new election conspiracy group known as Cause of America. He claims Cause of America is costing him another quarter of a million dollars a month.

A million here, a million there. What’s the difference! Only money!

I don’t know if the news releases are accurate. Lindell sounds like a mad man.

If he has that kind of money to throw around, his pillow business has to be a gigantic success.

Great football game last night. Georgia/Alabama for the College Championship. Georgia won 33-19.

I was especially impressed by Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett. A spectacular player! He started at Georgia as a walk on.

NO BLOG TOMORROW. Doctor day. An office visit at 9:30. A test at 11:30.

Enjoy your day!

We begin with a coronavirus update.

The U.S. has hit another high. Seventy new cases per day. Dr. Fauci believes the number may hit 1 million by the end of the month.

Extreme stress for hospitals and staff the result.

First as to hospitals. The capacity crunch has or is reaching what many believed could not happen. Some hospitals are closing or refusing further COVID cases. Lack of space and staff the reason.

A no room at the inn situation.

As to staff, COVID proliferation cases have reached the breaking point. Too much work for too few persons. Nurses, doctors and technicians experiencing growing shortages in their ranks.

The cupboard is bare.

It is expected hospital space and staff problems will only get worse in the near weeks to come.

An administrator with the University of Kansas Health System said the “crisis standard of care” is being reached. Means too many sick with too few to care for them.

Staff will be required to decide “who lives or dies.” A decision lifesavers should not have imposed upon them.

Prominent elected officials preach safe COVID practices yet fail to adhere to the dictates themselves.

The most recent example Rep. Alexandra Casio-Cortez. It was announced yesterday she has become victim to the virus and is recovering at home.

Her fault. She vacationed in Miami over the holidays. Photos on the internet reveal her partying wearing no mask.

She became infected in spite of having received the full vaccination package in the fall. Two shots plus the booster shot.

Pure unadulterated negligence on her part.

It only gets worse.

Cyprus announced 20 cases of a new variant. A combination of Delta and omicron. The new variant has been labeled “Deltacron.”

Bad news deserves something uplifting in return.

Yesterday, I ran photos of Publix’s bare shelves. Today, I return to the supermarket. To the video I named Grocery Store several months ago. I ran it twice here. I run it again this morning. The time perfect. We need “a pause that refreshes.”

Do not leave when it is done. More of the blog follows.

Back to a non Covid issue. One I find distressing.

A new New York City law allows non-citizens to vote. Only as to New York City matters.

I find it amazing that at a time voting rights across the country are being diminished and destroyed, the door is being open to giving non-citizens the right.

Unless a court blocks the law, New York will be the first U.S. “city” to enfranchise non-citizens.

The New York City Council last month passed the bill giving the vote to non-citizens automatically. New York’s new Mayor Eric Adams could have vetoed it. He opted not. The bill became law yesterday.

The right to vote is dependent on the non-citizen having lived in New York for 1 month. The vote goes into effect next year.

New York is the first city to have given the vote to non citizens. It is not the first time it has occurred in the U.S. In the other places, all were towns. Maryland have 11 towns  and Vermont 2 that permit non-citizens to vote.

The U.S. is being driven in opposite directions. Those already entitled to the vote are being deprived of it whereas those not entitled by birth or act of citizenship are given it.

We continue to be a screwed up country.

Great football tonight! The College Championship Game. Alabama and Georgia. Should be one of the best games ever.

Enjoy your day!