Key West is into its Pride Week celebration. Began yesterday. Runs through sunday June 11.

Oh, so many events. Too many to list. Two I will mention, however. Not to be missed.

Saturday and sunday is the Pride Street Fair on Duval. The 700-900 blocks. The other probably the finest Pride event in the United States. The Pride Parade. Sunday at 5. 

More medical testing yesterday. Finished up early at the hospital. Early only because I began early. I was ready to go at 7:30.

The heart doctor said ok to remove the heart monitor. I was delighted. A pain to deal with. Instead of two weeks, was finished with it in 4 days. The doctor got the necessary information in the shorter time.

I was free! Tests not over, however. Two more pending. A nuclear stress test on 6/20 and an endoscopy on 6/28. Hopefully the end end!

I have learned the Key West hospital is not equipped machinery and staff wise to handle some of the tests. Proof is my nuclear stress test is scheduled for 6:30 in the morning. Glad to have even got it regardless of the time. I had to wait 3 weeks to get it scheduled and then 3 weeks after it was scheduled to have it performed.

It was early yesterday morning  when my med work, including the heart monitor, concluded for for a while. Decided to treat myself. Began with an early breakfast at Harpoon Harry’s.

I have not had pancakes in years. Saw the waitress bring an order to a table. Looked good! Ordered pancakes for myself. Absolutely delicious! Light! I will be having them again.

Spent the day laying around watching TV, reading, and napping.

Decided to go out to dinner. Might as well finish the day on a high.

It was Brady’s. Another winner food wise. I had the lasagna special. Recall I have said for some time Harpoon Harry’s has the best lasagna. It just moved to second place. Brady’s was even better. I did not think it possible. Even the salad with it. Fresh everything. Watched a couple of tennis matches. Could not have been a better evening.

There’s a law in California that women can’t drive in housecoats. Reminds me of an occurrence years ago involving my then wife.

She drove our children to school mornings. On the way home, she ran a light. Two cops stopped her.

They brought her home. She was only wearing her night gown.

We all laughed, except for my wife. Embarrassed and pissed off. No ticket, of course.

A two year drone study re great white sharks revealed great whites lurk near swimmers 97 percent of the time. Fortunately, the study also revealed the sharks moved around or completely ignored the swimmers.

Surprising news! France always thought to produce the best wines. Then Portugal received some attention. In recent years, California.

All three no longer numero uno. The prestigious Decanter World Wine Awards for 2023 went to Australia. Ten Australian wines were named Best in Show.

On June 20, McDonald’s is coming out with a new burger. Actually not new. Reincarnated. A burger it stopped making in the 1990’s. A Grimace cheeseburger.

The news brought to mind something I have written about on and off over the years. Time again.

“Wood pulp” is in certain foods. An ingredient in McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, and other fast food chain items.

The wood pulp is cellulose. Cellulose is a dietary fiber. It has no nutritional value.

The small amount is not harmful. Purportedly adds bulk and smoothness to whatever it becomes a part of. Some consider it healthy since it does not contribute to cholesterol as the hamburger meat itself does.

I have always thought, though I cannot prove it, that the wood pulp is added as a cost saving. I assume it is cheaper than beef.

Bess Levin yesterday published another interesting article in Vanity Fair. Humor in the title: Clarence Thomas Asked For An Extension On His Financial Disclosures, Which Probably Means Harlan Crow Bought Him An Island.

She followed the title with the opening line: “Or maybe it was the Hope Diamond.”

Enjoy your day! 

As the saying goes, to err is human. Was I “human” yesterday! Big time. A written lapus lingua.

The blog was titled D-Day and the main portion of the blog had to do with D-Day. Instead of June 6, I described it as January 6.

I knew I should not have written a blog yesterday. I was still tired from monday’s medical tests. Jean Thornton called me last night to bring the error to my attention and I immediately corrected it.

I’m tired today also. Eight am hospital test. No big deal. But left me tired. It is mid afternoon and I have decided nonetheless to do a short blog today.

Met a charming person at the hospital. Patty who registered me. Excellent personality. Constant smile. Concerned attitude. The hospital should give her a raise.

The hospital should also lower the air conditioning. Both monday and this morning, it was cold. Very cold. Could hang meat. I know. I worked during college summers and vacations in a meat packing house. Had to wear a heavy coat, ear muffs, a hat and gloves. 

The PGA/LIV merger a disgrace. The PGA should have nothing to do with Saudi Arabia. I’m convinced they were involved with 9/11, the killing and dismembering of an American reporter, and sell oil to Russia and otherwise do business with Russia.

I love golf. I am glued to the TV thursday through sunday watching the tournaments. I feel a part of me and a sport I love is being sold to a nation that could care less about the United States.

Robert Kennedy Jr. announced he is a candidate for the Democratic nomination to run for President. His father he is not. Not even close. I knew his father and worked with him politically when he was running for the New York Senate. I was not close or a personal friend. I was a political associate. My best time with him was a private 20 minute meeting during the campaign. He was a good brother, Attorney General, Senator and would have made an excellent President had he not been assassinated. Politics changed following his death.

Robert Jr. anti Fauci, anti COVID shot, believes himself to be environmentally bright, and has as one of his prime supporters Elon Musk.

I watched as much as was available the other night of Chris Christie and his New Hampshire announcement. Why people do not like him, I do not understand. He is unquestionably a better person in every respect than Trump and DeSantis. Pence is a loser. Who is left other than Christie?

I would still vote for Biden in opposition to Christie however if they were to run against each other.

It was announced today that 7 of the 9 Supreme Court Justices filed  financial disclosure forms. Thomas asked for an extension. Alito filed nothing and said nothing.

Thomas I suspect has a problem preparing his and doing it honestly. Alito I am sure believes he is above filing anything.

I can’t wait to see what Roberts files. He has a problem with the $10 million his wife earned in finding employment for attorneys, some of whom or their firms appeared before the Supreme Court. It has been suggested Gorsuch is not without sin. Anyone else?

Many Key Westers have noticed that things are back to normal this year. I refer specifically to the number of people visiting, the money they spend, etc.

Prior to COVID, the season ended Easter week. The sensation was clear and overwhelming. Tourism down big time, hotel and restaurant business likewise. Traffic back to normal. Not bumper to bumper and double to triple the time to drive anywhere.

An example is the occupancy rate at one of the top downtown hotels. Occupancy has had some 40 percent days this week. Restaurants getting hit also. Most have returned to soliciting local business. It is the only business when the season has ended. Alonzo’s has 50 percent off for locals on tuesday nights. A friend had dinner tuesday evening. The bill $200 for several persons. They were required to pay $99 and change.

So much for today.

Enjoy your day! 

June 6, 1944 a day of major consequence in the history of the United States. Also known as D-Day. Allied troops landed en masse on the beaches of Normandy in France. The day is recognized as the greatest military invasion in history. A massive land, sea and air assault.

Five beaches involved. Their names for the invasion as well known as the term D-Day itself: Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.

Involved on the part of the Allies 7,000 vessels including ships and landing craft and 195,000 naval personnel. In addition, 133,000 troops from the U.S., British Commonwealth and the Allies were involved in the initial landings.

At days end, 156,000 troops had successfully landed on the beaches. One week later, 326,000 troops secured the beaches.

Some 40 odd years ago, I visited Italy for a month. A family trip. My wife, 3 of my 4 children and my parents. I had rented a villa in a little town called Lavinio. A beach community on the Mediterranean. Part of Anzio.

Allied troops had earlier landed in Italy prior to D-Day. The Battle of Anzio began January 22, 1944 with an amphibious landing. The Battle ended months later with the capture of Rome on June 5, 1944.

One day, I took the car and drove around. I was alone. Came upon a military cemetery adjoining Anzio. It was the World War II cemetery for British soldiers who died in the Battle. A little more than 2,000 graves. I stopped to explore.

I had not yet seen Arlington so a military cemetery was new to me. 

The British cemetery was emotionally moving. Overwhelmingly so. Each grave stone the same set in perfect order. The grounds meticulously kept.

I walked through the rows of graves. Stopping to read the inscriptions on many. Most young men. Boys. Ages ranging from 16 to mid 20’s. Many in their 20’s captains and majors. I began crying. The tears incontrollably ran down my cheeks. Excuse me, snot from my nose. I was overwhelmed. The worst was when I came upon graves marked KNOWN TO GOD ALONE.

Heavy!

Many weird Florida State laws since DeSantis has become Governor. Not this one, however. It’s an oldie: It’s illegal to pass wind in a public place after 6 pm on thursdays.

The law was adopted in the 1800’s. Not clear why it became law. I could not find a reason why.

Still the law!

A touching story involving the recent India railroad crash. A dad found his son alive among bodies in a morgue following the crash.

The father refused to accept his 24 year old son was dead. Went to the scene. Checked the hospital. No son. Checked the temporary morgue that had been set up in a high school.

He was not allowed to see the bodies. However was nearby when commotion broke out. Someone saw a “dead body’s hand shaking.” The father saw it, too. It was his son. Alive!

The son was rushed to a hospital. He remains in critical but stable condition.

I caught Joe Manchin on two TV talk shows over the weekend. His face appeared physically terrific. He appeared 20 years younger. The man has either had a facelift or an overwhelming number of botox shots.

Manchin left viewers with two impressions.

One was that Biden has not done anything of value. Including resolving the debt ceiling problem. Despite repeated questioning, he refused to give Biden credit for anything he has done during his Presidency. His sole Biden comment was Biden had gone too far to the left.

The other, he left viewers with the impression he was considering a third party run for the Presidency. Never said it, but the impression was distinctly there.

I missed writing yesterday’s blog. My apologies.

I began the day at the hospital at 8 am for tests. Ran close to noon. By the time I was done, I was totally exhausted. Hit the bed for the afternoon. Still tired this morning.

I have another test tomorrow morning. A heavy one. Scheduled for 8 am. 

As Jimmy Buffett recently said, “Growing old is not for sissies.”

Enjoy your day!

Our society is getting more and more screwed up by day.

A Utah school district last week banned the Bible from school libraries. The Book of Mormons is under present consideration for similar treatment.

The Bible was removed from elementary and middle schools after being deemed inappropriate because it contained “vulgarity or violence.” It was permitted to remain in high school libraries.

As to the Book of Mormons, the school district says it will assess it for “all elements of the definitions of pornographic or indecent materials” as defined under Utah law concerning sensitive materials.

The Bible came under attack because of the protest of one parent, a mother, who complained it was “sex ridden.”

Thirty one percent of U.S. citizens are Christian. The Bible the basis of their beliefs. Purportedly the word of God. Vulgarity and violence, yes. Christ was crucified on the cross. His head embedded with a crown of thorns. Sex prevalent, especially in the Old Testament.

The Bible banned because of one woman. Based on a state law that fails to make sense.

The nation has been turned in many areas by a group of old white haired evangelical legislators who have a following consisting of weak minded nobodies they have emboldened to complain. I cannot believe our nation will continue down this path. People will reject this madness and at some point there will be a return to “normalcy.” Unfortunately, it is going to take a while.

DeSantis has been limiting local home rule. One of his whacko positions. He wants to be boss of everything. Can you imagine him as President? It won’t happen.

Such limitations are wrong. Some things are better handled by those who live and work in areas they govern.

Texas Gov. Abbott is ready to sign a bill that does the same thing. However, in one swift swoop. The bill would nullify any city ordinance or regulation that conflicts with existing State policy. Means no city could prohibit LGBTQ discrimination against city employees, limit predatory payday lending practices, restrict overgrown lots or unsafe festivals or inadequate waste storage, local work protests, etc.

DeSantis has been doing it piecemeal. Abbott going at it full force. Re both, why? Doesn’t make sense. Appears to me they want to create a fascist state. People neither need it nor want it. We can think for ourselves!

Ernest Hemingway: “The best writing is when you write in love.” He should know. He was married multiple times.

On this day in 1942, the Battle of Midway began. A four day naval battle. The U.S. won decisively. 

Japan lost 4 carriers, a cruiser, 292 aircraft and suffered 2,500 casualties. The U.S. lost 1 carrier, 1 destroyer, 145 aircraft and suffered 300 casualties.

The battle took place only 6 months after Pearl Harbor. It marked the beginning of a U.S. winning streak. Three years later, Japan surrendered.

Why the 339,000 new jobs in May? A trend that has continued in 13 of the last 14 months.

Some believe it is because more immigrants are being admitted and absorbing available positions. More immigrants are available to work because the Pandemic is over. COVID closed the borders. Most have reopened with the Pandemic no longer applying..

Imminent recession is predicted by many. Does not occur. Those who believe the economy is in a poor way are Trumpys who want a recession to bring down Biden. 

Sloan this afternoon. Much to do. Turning into a working Sunday.

Oh well!

No blog yesterday. Sorry. It was a tough day medically.

Began with a morning visit with Dr. Blass re need for an endoscopy. It has been scheduled for June 28.

In the afternoon, a monitor visit with the heart doctor’s office. I was fitted for one. Must wear it two weeks.

In the meantime, lunch at Harpoon Harry’s. Got into a long discussion with one of the waitresses and a fellow customer about bocce. The waitress plays 3 times a week. In the wednesday night league and with friends for fun on saturday and sunday.

The customer never played. I am sure he was sorry after hearing all the fun we had.

I was tired, but decided to go out for dinner. Wearing my new monitor friend.

Opted for Grady’s. Had a craving for their wings. Glad I went. Had a great evening!

Ran into Russell, an old friend from Don’s Place. A good 10 years since I last saw him.

Also met a terrific couple. Vanessa and Ty. As does Russell, both live near Grady’s.

I enjoyed six wings. Didn’t need more.

Enjoyed big time moreover talking with Ty and Russell. Ty a conservative, Russell a liberal. One a Trumper, the other a Biden supporter.

I was seated between them. Got into it a little bit. The two were too interesting to intrude upon.

Ty works with Island Door and Windows. He and I chatted a bit about the poor windows at the Golf Course complex.

Vanessa an interesting woman. She works for the State Attorney as a Victim’s Advocate. She has been with the State Attorney’s office 24 years.

Dev Shah is a 14 year old boy from Largo, Florida. He won a distinction that he will carry with him the rest of his life. He won the Annual National Spelling Bee Contest.

He correctly spelled “psammophile.” 

He deserved to win!

Psammophile is an organism that thrives in sandy soils.

If you think the word appears difficult, he had to first spell probouleutic, zwitterion and schistorrhachis to get at it.

His victory brought with it a $50,000 cash award.

Churchill Downs shutting down in the wake of 12 recent horse deaths.

About time!

My fear was it would take meetings ad infinitum, with continued racing, while trying to figure out what went wrong. Which would have, as a practical matter, meant more horses would die.

Racing operations will be suspended effective June 7.

It happened again. The monthly jobs report is higher than anticipated. Much higher.

Employers added 339,000 jobs in May. Only 190,000 had been forecast.

The great debt ceiling drama is over. The debt ceiling raised.

Both Presidnet Biden and Speaker McCarthy describe the agreement as a “reasonable and hard fought compromise.”

The New York Times added: “While Donald Trump may have once written a book titled ‘The Art of the Deal,’ Joe Biden is the one who actually knows how to get a deal over the goal line.”

What follows sounds like something DeSantis would have passed: On this day in 1904, the Key West Ministerial Association, because of lax views on the island regarding marriage, passed the following resolution: “No person is to be married who is known to have a divorced husband or wife still living, unless that person be the innocent party in a case of a decree granted for the cause of adultery.”

First hurricane of the season named Arlene. A tropical storm. Winds 40 mph. Perhaps some rain saturday and sunday. Arlene expected to be yesterday’s news come sunday by which time it will have dissipated. 

A nothing.

May they all be so!

Enjoy your day!

Al Pacino is about to be a father again at 83. His girl friend Noor Alf is 29 and 8 months pregnant.

Pacino thrilled!

Doesn’t turn me on. I will admit that at 87 I often think of getting to hold and play with a young one as a great grandfather. Enough for me.

The House passed the bill to raise the debt ceiling 314-117. The breakdown 149 Republican votes and 165 Democrat.

A bipartisan result. A negotiated compromise. Both sides did what had to be done.

McCarthy surprised me. He performed like a statesman. At the same time, keeping his job.

A Republican or Democrat victory? Close. I give Biden the edge. He gave away little to achieve the required result.

Republicans and Democrats who cried their side gave away too much were primarily two bit politicians who have yet to learn what governing involves.

Two Republican Presidential candidates will announce next week. Mike Pence and Chris Christie. Both considered having no chance.

I agree re Pence. Will not waste time discussing him.

I cannot understand why Christie is not given consideration this time around. Without question, he will take Trump on. Face to face, nose to nose, belly to belly. He has the balls to fight the fight. Something other Republican candidates lack. Respectfully, the ladies the fortitude. 

Christie will antagonize the hell out of Trump. Going to be interesting to see how Trump takes it.

DeSantis and the Florida legislature can deal with abortion, gays, book banning, guns and everything else, except for one problem. Human sex trafficking. Especially involving children. DeSantis and his team are doing a lousy job so far.

A Miami Herald editorial exposed Florida’s lack of toughness re human trafficking. Again, especially as concerns children.

The editorial quotes Republican State Representative Taylor Yarkosky re the child aspect: “If we can’t protect them from human trafficking, then I would ask this question of everyone in Tallahassee: What the hell are we doing then?”

One big shark!

In 1912, Capt. Charles Thompson, while fishing near Seven Mile Bridge, harpooned a whale shark after an 8 hour struggle. He got the shark to a sand bar where it took 5 days to die. Then towed the shark to Miami where he had it mounted.

The shark was 38 feet long and weighed 26,594 pounds.

National Donut Day tomorrow. Free donuts at Dunkin’ Donuts, Krispy Kreme and Duck Donuts.

Must purchase a beverage. 

Rainy weekend ahead for south Florida. Rain begins tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!