Oh, the abuse which will be heaped upon me tomorrow if I am wrong. I believe today will be a Democratic wave. Not the Republican one most believe will occur.

First, I do not accept the polls as valid. To use a Trump term, I believe many are “rigged.” They are controlled by far right monies. Recognize also the stupid things said and positions taken by Trump selected Senate candidates. No matter how out of line, they continue to run neck and neck with their Democratic opponents.

Then the ladies. How upset they were just a few months ago when Roe v. Wade was reversed seems to have been forgotten. We are told the price of milk, eggs and bread is more important to them.

I don’t buy it.

Forget not the saying involving a woman scorned. They never forget. Memories like an elephant. My mother was that way. My former wife also. Years later and they still recalled.

The Republican Supreme Court in reversing Roe made women aware that certain men and groups consider them second class citizens. The ladies may not talk about it. However, they have not forgotten. They will express their innermost feelings as they cast their ballots.

Another consideration is Trump himself. People are becoming increasingly sick of our divided nation. A division lead and promoted by Donald himself. Even to this day. The people of the United States are a family. Disharmony at the dinner table cannot continue on a daily basis. Trump has to go together with those who support him.

Election surprises are not uncommon. Truman’s 1948 victory an example. He kicked the Republicans in the ass royally on November 2, 1948.

Several days later on November 8, Truman arrived for a vacation in Key West. He was greeted by a crowd estimated at 25,000 who lined his route from Boca Chica to The Little White House. It was the largest crowd ever assembled in Key West up to that time.

Keep in mind the hurricane season is not over. Technically does not end till November 30.

Nicole is on the way. A subtropical storm. Expected to become a Category 1 hurricane, nowhere near the strength of Ian. Nicole will hit landfall on the Florida east coast wednesday night bringing with it wind, rain , storm surge and flooding.

Landfall is not expected to involve Key West. Landfall presently estimated to be somewhere between Hallandale Beach and to a point 200 miles north.

Governor DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency for 34 counties in Nicole’s path.

Syracuse won its first game of the official season last night defeating Lehigh 90-72. Boeheim said after the game that the score would have been higher had he just played his usual 7. However the game was going so well he didn’t want to run the score up and the opportunity presented itself for him to play many more. Which he did.

Syracuse’s next game is November 15 against Colgate.

Jean Thornton telephone yesterday to invite me out for stone crabs last night. I begged off. My back has been out for several days. I opted to remain in. I would have enjoyed the company and the meal.

I’m going to try getting out today. The walls are closing in.

Enjoy your day!

Key West has been the home of many talented persons. Gems in their own right.

Steve Thompson one of such persons. Talented in many respects. An outstanding musician in his youthful days.

Steve’s story in his own words.

In 1965 I was a sophomore at Ballard High School in Seattle, Washington when I received a call from the Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. They were performing in town and asked if I would like an audition. I had won several state championships on my horn. I  played the baritone bugle.

The Air Force Academy was the best drum and bugle corps in the country. I jumped at the chance.

They liked how I blew the horn. They told me they would be in touch when I was ready to graduate.

Upon graduating from high school in 1967, I received  a letter to report to my recruiter between the 1st and 20th of September. I went in on the 19th. They told me I had to be at the Lackland Training Center in San Antonio, Texas by the 20th. The 20th was next day.

They took me to the induction center and rapidly processed me through. The next day, the Air Force had me on a jet to basic training. The only advice I got was to just be a face in the crowd, don’t let on I was getting special treatment and don’t let on I already had orders for the Air Force Academy.

I was 18 and being treated specially. I did as I was told.

I was so happy to get to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. There were only 33 horns in the corps and some were old enough to be my father. At the time the corps consisted of Air Force members, not cadets. It was years later that the system was changed and cadets made up the corps.

It was a pleasure to play with such good musicians.

I was promoted to sergeant my first year. Eighteen, my first year in the Air Force and promoted to sergeant! No question, they liked my playing.

For the next two years, I traveled all over the country. We performed for Nixon’s inauguration, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 1968, Disneyland, all the Air Force football games, graduations, and numerous Academy functions.

Steve left the Air Force after 3 years and went to college. A significant move on his part. What he learned formed the basis for his successful taco business which followed. A story for another day.

Tomorrow the big day. Mid term elections.

Are the pollsters right or wrong? Their success factor has been one of diminishing accuracy over the years. I attribute such to the influx of far right monies into the polling process. I suspect the numbers were manipulated by some pollsters.

This year’s election will suggest whether I am right or wrong.

If the polling numbers are not as have been advised along the way, there should be an investigation to determine why. Let the answer be correct and not one based on conjecture. The reason polling numbers cannot be permitted to be “rigged” is that many are influenced by them in the way they vote and if they vote at all.

An election year and inflation a major issue. An aggravation for Biden as it has been for most Presidents over the years.

Ronald Reagan described the problem well: “Inflation is as violent as a mugger, as frightening as an armed robber, and as deadly as a hit man.”

I tripped across a Milton Friedman quote that I am primarily sharing because of its humor. Though its accuracy cannot be questioned.

Friedman was an American economist and statistician who said, “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.”

Tom Brady returned! In yesterday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. He threw a touchdown pass with 9 seconds remaining in the game to enable Tampa to win 16-13.

It was only a one yard pass. But…..It came with no time left and is what Brady does. Generally with the yardage more significant.

It enabled Tampa to end a 3 game losing streak. Tampa’s last win was 10/9.

The basketball season officially begins for Syracuse tonight at 8. Syracuse opens the season against Lehigh at the Dome.

It is early in the season and the game is considered of no consequence. It will not be televised. The game can be watched streamed on Twitter.

Last season was one of Syracuse’s worst. This year considered a rebuilding one for the Orange. Nevertheless, Syracuse should still beat Lehigh.

Be well.

William R. Hackley was an attorney who settled in Key West in 1829 and remained till 1857. During certain of those years, he was a government attorney.

He complained on this day in 1830 juries were reluctant to convict those who owned and operated houses of prostitution. Hackley appears to have taken his position seriously during those his young years.

On November 6, 1830, he wrote: “One case of indictment against R.W. Cussans for keeping a disorderly house was tried but the juries at this place necessarily composed of men of no character and indeed impossible to get any jury here who will decide according to their oath.”

Juries at the time were composed of drunken and vagabond fishermen. What did Hackley expect?

An excellent lunch yesterday. Food and company the best. I was Steve Thompson’s guest at Louie’s Backyard. We sat at “Steve’s table,” the same one he has sat at when dinning at Louie’s all  these years. An inside corner table by the windows.

Steve is one of the most interesting persons I have met. I enjoy his company and his tales of old Key West. I made notes and will relate some of his recollections over the course of the next few weeks.

Met Patty. A Louie’s waitress for years. Obviously she and Steve know each other well.

On my way to Louie’s, I ran into the traffic jam of all traffic jams. A bicycle/auto accident on North Roosevelt Boulevard near U.S. 1.

I came onto U.S. 1 via Collee Road. Oh, the traffic! The Miami newspaper said the traffic jam ran 5 miles up U.S. 1.

It took me close to an hour trying to move from College Road to the Boulevard. I finally moved onto the shoulder and drove the short distance to the rear entrance to the Marriott. Took a shot. Worked out well. I entered the Boulevard at the farthest Marriott entrance. No traffic in either direction. I felt like Little Jack Horner.

The motor cyclist died. No further details are available.

Manchin has taken to referring to Biden adversely. Over the coal issue. Manchin makes himself sound like the coal miner champion. He is far from it. West Virginia coal mining has decreased dramatically over the years. It is not the huge industry it once was. Though Manchin makes it sound like it is and he is the reason why.

A 2020 study revealed only 11,418 West Virginians were employed in the State’s coal mining. Nine thousand one hundred twenty nine worked underground and 2,289 above ground. Coal mining represented only 5.8 percent of West Virginia’s economy.

Numbers for 2021 revealed coal employment numbers even lower. The lowest since 1890.

Manchin has to run for reelection in 2024. I believe he will change parties and run as a Republican. He acts like one. Her might as well wear the cloak of one. I mentioned yesterday he believes adjustments have to be made to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He wants to cut them.

College football a major enterprise today. Billions of dollars involved.

On this day in 1869, Rutgers and Princeton played the first college football game ever. Rutgers won 6-4.

They played with a soccer ball before 100 fans.

Syracuse/Pittsburg yesterday. My Syracuse is killing me. Pittsburg won 19-9.

Pittsburg looked terrific. Deserved to win.

Syracuse sucked throughout. Orange blood was pouring from my veins.

This week valid reasons for the loss.

Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader did not play again. Freshman Carlos Del-Rio Wilson his replacement. He was terrible. As good as he looked last week, he looked terrible this week.

Something going on between Coach Babers and star running back Tucker. Tucker carried only 13 times gaining only 29 yards.

Star receiver Gadsden rarely had the ball thrown his way.

Pitt’s star running back Israel Abanikanda did not play at all. Injuries. Pitt won without him.

Syracuse now 6-3, having lost its last 3 games.

Be well.

Manchin issued a statement thursday evidencing once again his turncoat colors. The issue Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. His tune consistent with that of the Republican Party: Programs wrong, something needs to be done, etc.

His attack 5 days before the mid term elections. He could not wait till after the elections.

He has become the Benedict Arnold of the Democratic Party.

Manchin called for a bipartisan deal to protect the solvency of the three programs. His cry: “We cannot live with the crippling debt.”

Manchin has millions. He does not have to worry about the help Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid provide those who have not been as fortunate as he has.

His cry consistent with his Republican friends. Social Security, etc. is burying us. Such bullshit!

Few elected to Congress understand the Social Security program. They believe insolvency of the Social Security Trust Fund may occur as early as 2026. They are told this by other uniformed political leaders and certain lobbyists.

I have written the true story over the years. I ask that you read my writing. Only one. The last one. I wrote it on 12/28/21. Titled: The Social Security Lie. It incorporates my first titled The Theft of Social Security 10/20/13. I wrote another in 2016 titled The Rape of Social Security.

You need only read the 12/28/21 publication. It lays the story out in detail, including the cure if one is required.

Trump is a teflon person. Amazing how he still stands with all the legal actions pending against him and his numerous court room failures.

He has taken another blow. Properly imposed.

A New York Supreme Court Justice ordered an Independent Monitor to make sure the Trump organization does not transfer any of its assets without court approval. Such done at the request of New York Attorney General Letitia James. She does not trust Trump, his family or people. James brought a civil lawsuit against the Trump organization. She properly fears the Trump organization might try to move assets out of New York and into foreign accounts in order to avoid the State from collecting should it win. The State’s victory appears certain.

Syracuse basketball begins monday night. Against Lehigh.

The team in a building mode this year. Six freshmen on the team. It is expected Syracuse will have a winning season, but not enough to make the NCAA Tournament.

Who knows?

Syracuse football this afternoon at 3:30. Syracuse plays Pittsburg.

Syracuse 6-2, having lost its last 2 games. Pittsburg 4-4. Syracuse a 4 point favorite.

Big lunch today! Steve Thompson and I are meeting at Louie’s Backyard at 12:30 for lunch. I’m looking forward to it.

Be well.

Many the movie has been filmed in Key West. Included are License to Kill, The Laundromat, The Beach Bum, Operation Petticoat and The Rose Tattoo.

Yesterday marked the 68th anniversary of the first day of filming of the The Rose Tattoo. November 3, 1954. The movie was based on Tennessee Williams’ play of the same name.

Williams lived on Duncan Street in Key West. The movie was filmed in a house two doors away from his. The movie starred Anna Mangani and Burt Lancaster. Lancaster stayed at the Williams home during the filming.

Anna Mangani won the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress for her role.

Lisa and family reside on Duncan Street. One and a half blocks from the former Williams residence.

The Williams home continues to be in excellent shape. It has been owned by the same snowbird couple for more than 30 years. They have taken excellent care of the property. The same cannot be said for the Rose Tattoo house. It was permitted to remain empty for years and not cared for. Finally a few years ago, the house was purchased and renovated. Not as well as it could have been, however.

Christianity continues moving a step too far. Saving souls not enough to do. Getting its nose in matters none of its business is. The Catholic Church a perfect example.

A significant portion of the Catholic Church is far right authoritarian in its thinking. The National Catholic Reporter on 11/3 published an article on redemption: For A Redemption Story, Look To The Phillies, Not The Astros.

What does baseball have to do with redemption?

The article spelled out the already well known cheating of the Houston Astros in 2017 by the use of a video feed to steal opposing team signs during the World Series championship season and the year after.

It’s no wonder Catholic Churches are empty, parishes combining, Catholic schools closing, etc. The Church has forgotten the work it was intended to do. Yes, stealing baseball signs wrong and even qualifies as a sin. A minor one at best. As bad as eating meat on friday when such was prohibited many years ago.

Not all religions have moved to the far right. The Jewish religion is being persecuted again. Increasingly so. By many of Christian faiths.

With anti-Semitism on the rise, American Jews are rightfully concerned. So concerned they are asking “where must we move.”

Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank, one of the Jewish faith, wrote an excellent article  0n 10/28 on the issue: “American Jews Start To Think The Unthinkable.” The unthinkable…..Flee the United States. Would you believe?

Jews constitute 2 percent of the U.S. population. Their fear a growing one.

Anti-Semitism in the U.S. has tripled since 2015. Jews subjected during that time to acts of harassment, vandalism and assault. Milbank succinctly wrote: “If it isn’t safe here, it won’t be safe anywhere.” He’s right.

The problem an increasing one. Just yesterday the FBI’s Newark offices issued an alert saying it had received “credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in New Jersey…..Stay alert!”

Elections tuesday. Vote not for any candidate who is anti-Semitic. In these tumultuous times, Jews have been added to blacks as groups to dislike/hate. Who is next? You, me, who?

Many dislike Biden today. Including members of the Democratic Party. A similar situation existed in 1948. Truman was President. New York Governor Thomas Dewey was running against him. Truman had nary a friend.

The election result was surprising. Truman won!

On November 3, 1948, the Chicago Tribune jumped the gun and mistakenly declared Dewey winner of the previous day’s Presidential election race in a front page headline: DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN.

Truman’s victory was shocking. Not expected. Beside appearing without public support, Truman had no money. Contributors were not inclined to be given to losers.

Media advertising was the way to go. Truman did not have sufficient funds. So he ran a 22,000 mile “whistle stop” railroad and automobile campaign. Truman stopped in every little town along the way. Described himself as the “underdog.” Eventually his appearances took hold. The crowds at his railroad stops grew larger. He spoke from the platform on the last car. People began a chant that grew louder with each stop: “Give them Hell, Harry!”

The Chicago Tribune was not the only media outlet to screw up and announce Dewey winner. H.V. Kaltenborn was America’s leading radio commentator. His voice distinctive. He went on the air announcing Dewey the projected winner.

I had two connections with Truman relating to his campaign and victory.

It was late summer 1948. The summer before eighth grade. Truman’s train would be stopping in Utica. My buddies and I rode our bicycles to the railroad station. We were able to wheel them up right in front of the platform. Truman no more than 5 feet away.

Impressed we were to see and hear the President.

Fast ahead 22 years to 1960. I was a senior at Syracuse University Law School. Truman long retired was appearing to provide several talks.  One of the events scheduled was a private luncheon with what was represented to be the University’s top 12 students. At the time, Syracuse had 35,000 students.

I was selected to represent the Law School. A distinction I thought undeserving. Though I had brought glory to the Law School by excelling in a national competition.

Luncheon was in a private dining room. Two round tables of 7 each. The extra person at one table Truman, at the other a University representative. Seating was arranged. I was seated next to Truman.

Wild!

Truman kept us entertained during lunch. His pride and humility both obvious.

Truman’s talk humorous. He had us constantly laughing. He spoke primarily of the 1948 election. He brought with him a copy of the Chicago Tribune and laughingly showed it off. He even had a recording of H.V. Kaltenborn’s statement to the nation that he had lost. He first mimicked the recording. Then played it. He had it down to a science!

Be cognizant my friends, the results of political elections can be surprising. How does the saying go…..Don’t count your chickens till they’re hatched?

A no hitter in yesterday’s World Series game. The Astros beat the Phillies 5-0. The Phillies threw 4 or 5 pitchers in on the way to victory. None gave up a hit.

The series now 2-2.

One month ago, I wrote advising there would be a turkey shortage this Thanksgiving. Not only a shortage, also that available turkeys would cost double what they did last year.

Nothing has changed, except the cost might be more than double.

Cost increase is attributable to increased costs turkey farmers have been experiencing: Food, fuel and fertilizer. PLUS, a particularly virulent strain of avian flu. More than 6 million turkeys have already died in 2020 alone. The number is expected to increase in coming weeks.

The Federal Reserve has increased interest rates 0.75 percent for the fourth consecutive time. It represents the sixth overall rate hike this year and represents the Fed’s most aggressive initiative since 1980.

The increase(s) are supposed to work. Have not so far. Their purpose is to break the back of inflation. On the other hand, though the text book approach, will it instead break the bank, break the economy?

Scares me.

Be well.

The mid-term politics have become overwhelming. Time for a change of pace. No harm in taking a day off.

My 12/17/15 blog an interesting one. Most may not be familiar with all its facts. Especially those set forth at the end. I once again share it with you.

THE PRESIDENT COULD NOT SPELL

Theodore Roosevelt was the twenty sixth President of the United States. His accomplishments many. Before , during and following his Presidency.

Roosevelt became known as the phrase maker. He was the first to call the White House “a bully pulpit.” He recognized the White House was a great stage to be heard from around the world.

Regarding trusts and corporations, his attitude was to “speak softly and carry a big stick.”

He viewed political extremists as the “lunatic fringe.”

When asked if he was going to run for President, he said “my hat’s in the ring.” A statement out of the old west. A boxer would throw his hat in the ring signifying he would take on all comers.

Roosevelt was visiting The Hermitage in Tennessee, the home of Andrew Jackson. He was given a cup of coffee. Finishing it, he exclaimed “good to the last drop.” The coffee was generally served at the Maxwell House in Nashville. Turned into a national coffee brand with a great advertising component: Maxwell House…..Good to the last drop.

An author, his first work The Naval War of 1812 was acclaimed.

A war hero, Roosevelt led the charge up San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. He later said it was “the greatest day in my life.”

He served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President McKinley. He later was Vice President when McKinley died from an assassin’s bullets.

Roosevelt was for a time a cattle rancher in the Dakotas. He also was an African hunter and an Amazon explorer.

Trusts/corporations had become too strong by the time Roosevelt became President. He curbed their power.

He is known as the man who saved football. College football had become dangerous. By the time Roosevelt became President, more than one hundred players had died from football incurred injuries. The public called for an end to college football.

Roosevelt was a sport enthusiast. He called a meeting in Washington of those who ran college football. He told them to shape up or he was going to ban football. He wanted football made a clean game.

They listened. New rules came into being. One, the forward pass. It was thought the forward pass would lessen the power crunch in the center. The forward pass was adopted, even though many considered it a radical idea.

Roosevelt’s face adorns Mount Rushmore, together with those of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln.

He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts in ending the Russo-Japanese War. Some were against his receiving the award. They said Alfred Nobel was probably turning over in his grave. The reason being that Roosevelt had completed the conquest of the Philippines. Many felt his actions in that regard militaristic and imperialistic.

Roosevelt was obviously a great man. He had one short coming, however. He could not spell.

There was no word check to help him.

Roosevelt issued an Executive Order in 1906. Henceforth, all White House documents would be printed with the revised spelling of three hundred words. The words having been proposed by spelling reformers.

Roosevelt’s Order required words to be spelled as spoken. Simple. Through became thru. Dropped, dropt.

Congress went crazy. The House voted 142-24 to repeal Roosevelt’s Order. British newspapers were outraged at the mockery being made of the English language.

The London Sun responded to Roosevelt’s actions by writing an editorial containing the new spelling espoused by Roosevelt: “We venture to think that even President Ruzvelt mite manage to get along very wel with the language that was gud enuf for Shakespeare and Milton.”

Roosevelt saw the handwriting on the wall. The whole world was against him. He backed off. The issue never to be heard again, except in historical perspective.

Enjoy your day!

A touching phrase by one of the greatest authors of all time Leo Tolstoy: “But their eyes when they met spoke fondly and kissed tenderly.”

Few authors have been held in higher esteem. Tolstoy was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times, the Nobel Peace Prize three times. Ironically, he never won.

His more significant works included War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Beautiful writings.

Beauty is found in many forms. Art, for example. Michelangelo a Tolstoy equal.

Today a significant one in Michelangelo history. It was on this day in 1512 the Sistine Chapel ceiling was opened to the public. One of Michelangelo’s finest, if not his finest, works.

I have had the good fortune to view the ceiling on two occasions. An experience. Truly God in His Heaven.

It took Michelangelo several years to complete the ceiling. A series of panels. Nine are devoted to Biblical history. The most famous is The Creation of Adam. The arms of God and Adam stretching toward each other. Fingers reaching to touch.

I am going to stick my neck out. I’m probably wrong. However, my gut suggests otherwise.

I think the political polls are out of line. Most elections are not close. Actually, the Democratic candidates will win a significant number by more than a hair.

How can candidates like Walker, Oz and Vance win? Doesn’t make sense. Something makes me believe Republican money controls the polls and has been dictating erroneous results this year. In the hope of subconsciously swaying the minds of voters.

I will eat humble pie when it turns out I am wrong.

Steve Thompson a lucky man. He lived in Key West through the exciting 1970’s and 1980’s . Knew everyone and everything. Richard Hatch, for example. Hatch responsible for Blue Heaven and Salute as we know them.

When I met Richard Hatch he seemed serious, and articulate, but still jolly. He lived in the back of my house and drove a Trolly.

I was surprised when he bought Blue Heaven and started to run it. Without restaurant experience, how could he have done it? His brother showed up who had been to Chefs school. From that day on, everything was cool.

They opened Salute on the beach with a parking lot.

It seemed everything was better the bigger they got. Now they have their own farm and grow their own food.

Richard has always been a nice guy and a successful dude. He said his good friend Kevin from Margaritaville helped him a lot. All of his places climbed right to the top. He and his wife ran the farm and restaurants too. They also raised a family, what else can they do?

Biden nailed the gas companies yesterday. Someone did in Citizens’ Voice this morning: “I drive up and down the Keys. Gas prices are 60-80 cents cheaper in Key Largo than in Key West. This is not right and seems like price gouging, and something needs to be done. Come on gas station owners, do what is right for the community!”

DeSantis is silent when it comes to anti-Semitism.

He knows leading the party means not offending the anti-Semites and racists of the Republican base.

Smart politics. Reflects poor character, however. It is that poor character that made it possible for Crist to make a fool out of DeSantis in the debate the other evening.

Be well.