The fears of climate scientists are here. Their dire predictions coming true. On a too frequent basis.

Maui and Southern California the most recent.

California has been hit with a double whammy. The anticipated flooding in Southern California now a fact. Plus a surprise 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck Ojai, California sunday afternoon.

Rain that already fell estimated as a “year’s worth” in 24 hours. Flooding catastrophic and life threatening.

Global warming caused weather events have become too much and too frequent. What next? Hurricanes keep threatening the Keys. Supposedly bad times ahead. Soon. All we can do is hope not. Hurricane winds are fickle. They deviate. Key Westers know that from experience.

Barbie’s run as the #1 box office movie has ended after 4 weeks. Replaced by the new movie Blue Beetle.

Mortgage rates have hit 7.31 percent. The highest in 21 years. On top of which median home sale prices are trending upward. Something I cannot understand. If interest rates are astronomically high, people will not be buying homes. Ergo, house prices should fall. So far, they have not.

The former President in home hospice and the former first lady into dementia.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter are entering their “final chapter” together reported their grandson Josh saturday. They “are still holding hands…..it’s just amazing.”

Josh added, “They’ve experienced everything you can together. I think the beautiful thing is that they are still together.” Last month, the Carters celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary.

Trump is being given kid glove treatment in his arrest proceedings. Makes the justice system appear unequal. I can see a former Presidnet getting some leeway/indulgence. However, not one such as Trump who has abused our Nation and its democracy in every sense. He deserves no special attention.

Another great golf weekend! Viktor Hoveland won the BMW Championship. Made 7 birdies on the back 9 in his final round. Shot a 28. Set a new course record of 61. Took home $3.6 million for his exceptional win.

I’m going to the movies this afternoon to see Oppenheimer at the Tropic Cinema.

Enjoy your day!

Doctoring has become different in recent years. Doctor visits rarely result in a face to face encounter with the doctor. Instead,  patients are examined, etc. by a Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner. Professionally trained, but not an M.D.

A primary reason is there are fewer doctors in many areas. Interestingly, most medical offices charge doctor rates even though the patient is not seen by a doctor.

The quality of care an issue. The present day system seems to work well in primary care situations. However, the jury is still out re specialty care.

An interesting article in USA TODAY exploring the problem titled “Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner or a Doctor: What Patients Should Know.” The article by Adrianna Rodriguez. I recommend it.

Yesterday’s Citizens’ Voice raised a sensitive local issue as to physicians leaving Key West: “I think we need an investigation as to why doctors are leaving the Key West area.”

I lost 2 cardiac specialists in one year. One by death, the other by retirement. My understanding is there are only 4 remaining cardiologists in Key West. Some primary care physicians have left also.

Why? At my age, I am especially concerned. Thank God for Dr. John Norris and his concierge program. I feel secure in his hands as my primary care giver.

I do not know the answers. I sense as many others do the problem. It requires attention.

DeSantis inspired and motivated school boards on the move. A most recent “gem” is one involving Orange County. The school board requires parental approval for nicknames. Part of its anti-trans policy.

The rain began last night. Came down heavy during the night. Sun shining brightly this morning. More rain is expected today. All part of one of the tropical storms moving past Key West on its way to a Mexican landfall.

Today is National Radio Day. Observed annually in honor of radio’s power to connect, delight and inform. So it is said.

St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Truman Avenue was dedicated 119 years ago. On this day in 1904.

If Trump keeps his mouth going 24/7, he will leave judges no choice but to hold him in contempt. Even worse, much of what he has already said will convict him in a court room of certain crimes charged. His mouth helping to bring him down.

Trump has opted to miss the first Republican debate. For 2 reasons. Both valid from my perspective.

First, he is way ahead in the primary polls. Why help the opposition to maybe “get him.” Second, he’s afraid of Chris Christie. Christie would “cut his balls off.”

Bess Levin in an 8/15 Vanity Fair article nailed Trump again. Titled: “Just Say That the Election Was Corrupt, and Leave the Rest To Me.” It references Levin’s belief that Trump is “beyond f–ked” in Georgia. The opening line of her article says it all: “The ex-Presidnet operated like a Mafia boss, and thanks to a new racketeering  charge, may go down like one too.”

South California soon to be hit with a rare hurricane. The anticipated hurricane down to a Category 1. Heavy rain in a short period of time the anticipated problem rather than the wind itself. The thrust of the storm expected to hit today. Named Hilary.

DeSantis’ reboot or rebirth candidacy more like his “last stand.” One in which he is not doing well.

Sad. Lolita the orca has died at the Miami Sea Aquarium after a half century in captivity. Lolita got sick and was dead 2 days later. Doctors treating her said it was the result of a renal condition. She was 57.

Lolita’s “beautiful spirit” made thousands happy over the years.

Hemingway’s words, whether in a novel or merely a statement made in passing, always contain a tinge of awe. Like: “I rewrote the ending to Farewell to Arms, the last page of it, 39 times before I was satisfied.”

Enjoy your Sunday!

The Chart Room was my bar, my place. I spent at least 5  nights a week there for 20 years. Generally from 5 pm to 8 pm.

COVID changed things for me. First, I feared becoming infected and spent the first 342 days inside. Only left home for a doctor visit or hospital test. Thereafter, only left the house a few times. When I did, I discovered my Chart Room had changed. So much so that in the past year, I have only been there two times.

The people were different. The locals I knew for years were no more. They had either left because of COVID or for economic reasons. A new breed of locals replaced them. Persons who bought during COVID or soon thereafter. Different from previous locals. The new group were know it alls. Difficult for me to warm up to. I’m not being snobbish. Merely stating a fact. One confirmed by the few locals remaining from the pre-COVID days.

Then there were the tourists. Horrible says it all. A different breed also. I can’t explain it. 

As a result, I stay away from the Chart Room. No fun anymore.

I have visited the Thai Island downstairs bar twice in two weeks. A winner! My new Chart Room! A locals place. People who have lived in Key West for years. The warmth and friendliness that once permeated the Chart Room can be felt. And the food served is terrific.

Last night an example. Met Steve at the bar. We were waiting for Cindy and her friend Ellen to return from boating. They go out on Ellen’s boat almost everyday.

Steve and I sat at the bar chatting for about an hour before the ladies arrived. Looking out the window in front of us on the dock where people watered their boats down. A worthy sight. Yesterday, one boat in particular. Two lovely ladies clad in what I would describe as less than bikinis. Good for a man’s heart and soul!

I will return to them shortly.

Suddenly a shout “Louis!” came from the end of the bar. It was Lori. Lori who I have not seen in at least 15 years.

I played bocce thursday nights for many years with Don’s Team. Lori played on another team on thursday nights. Lori used to wander the courts talking with everyone. Brought joy to each of her meetings. She was a “ball buster” at heart. Would tell you to your face she was one.

She was no different last night. Telling people on occasion what a “ball breaker” she was.

I went over to her and we hugged. She looked terrific! No change in the many years I had not seen her. It happened to be her birthday, also. Fifty years! Did not look it.  Youthful in appearance and attitude. 

I noticed that most who came in knew her and went over to talk with her.

Now for the two bikini ladies mentioned earlier. God was good! They sat next to me. Two extremely lovely women.

The one closest, Raquel. The other April. 

We talked. Especially, Raquel and I.

She had laid her baseball cap on the bar. It was labeled Fish ‘N Chicks & Nauti Buoys. Cool name. Her business. She has a fleet of boats. Takes people and families out for sunning, fishing, diving, etc. Clothing optional. Male and female captains available.

I have had the same cap for 10 years. Don’t ask why I neve bought a new one. Asked her if I could have one of hers. She ended up going to her car and getting me not only a cap, but also a tee shirt labeled with her business also.

I came out a winner. Good company, a new cap and a new tee shirt.

She told me a bit of her background. I may have the relationships screwed up. My recollection is Tim Oosterhout was her uncle. He was a prominent Key Wester when I first arrived 30 years ago. In fact, he went out of his way to introduce me to people. He owned the Casa Antigua, an old hotel on Simonton. She told me her mother now lives there and in addition to the boating business, Raquel takes care of the Casa Antigua.

She mentioned Hemingway. I told her I knew the story. When Hemingway first arrived in Key West in 1928, he and his then wife Pauline stayed at the Casa Antigua. Its name was the Trev-Mor Hotel. One of Key West’s first hotels. Hemingway had ordered a new Ford from the local Ford dealer whose business name was Trev-Mor Motors and was located on the first floor of the hotel. The car was several weeks late and the Hemingways continued to stay in the hotel till it arrived.

I have always thought Hemingway might not have settled in Key West for 10 year had the car been available when he arrived. The time he spent waiting for it was the time he discovered the wonders of Key West.

I ran into an old friend thursday at Roostica. I stopped in for lunch. Their Italian food is great. Especially their meat sauce. I enjoyed sausage buried in sauce, roasted peppers and onions. With a slice of thick Italian bread to dunk in the sauce as I ate.

Anyhow, as I walked in there sat Howard Livingston.

We both arrived in Key West about the same time some 30 years ago. Met at the Mangoes bar. Hit it off! Close friends for years. Then drifted as some relationships do. For no particular reason. He became busy as a singer, I with other things.

It was good to see him. We embraced mumbling I miss you tidbits, etc. When we first met, Howard was working at a plant in Chicago that made parts for diesel engines. He subsequently bought the place. Made it even bigger and more successful. Sold it. When he sold it, I recall him telling me he was going to take a million dollars of the profit he made and put it into becoming a successful professional singer. His dream. Love him, he succeeded!

We have been warned for two days to beware. Heavy rain beginning today and into tomorrow. From a tropical storm which will be moving over or near Key West. There was a day in 1926, in fact today’s date in 1926, when 8.09 inches of rain fell on Key West in 2 hours. 

I doubt the deluge we will face will be anything close.

Enjoy your day!

A different approach prohibiting Trump from becoming President again made the print this past week. It took form in an article in The Hill which reviewed a recent law review article involving disqualification in holding public office.

My blog today covers both The Hill article and law review article. The Hill presentation so well done that most of my blog is a plagarization of it. 

The Hill published the article yesterday. Titled: The Constitution Bars Trump From Holding Public Office Ever Again. Its author in an Opinion piece by Donald K. Sherman relied strongly on a law review article published in the University of Pennsylvania Law review, vol. 172, 8/14/23, titled: The Sweep and Force of Section Three.. It was authored by two law professors: William Baude of the University of Chicago and Michael Stokes Paulsen of the University of St. Thomas. Both are members of the conservative Federalist Society, which gives credence to the law review article.

A law review is a scholarly law journal that focuses on legal issues. A type of legal periodical. Each article deeply researched. A law review also provides a scholarly analysis of emerging concepts involving various topics. Lengthy, comprehensive subjects are generally written by law professors, judges and legal practitioners. Short articles, commonly referred to as “notes” or “comments,” by top law students.

In The Sweep and Force of Section Three, the two law Professors claim Trump is already Constitutionally forbidden from serving in public office because of Section Three of the 14th Amendment. The Section is known as the Disqualification Clause. The Disqualification Clause bars from office any government officer who takes an oath to defend the Constitution and then engages in or aids an insurrection against the United States. A disability only a two thirds majority of both houses of Congress can act to remove.

As Professors Baude and Paulsen note, “Section Three requires no prior criminal law conviction, for treason or any other defined crime as a prerequisite for its disqualification to apply.”

Which means Trump is already disqualified without a guilty verdict forthcoming in any of the pending cases against him.

The provision is  “self-executing without the need for additional action by Congress.” The Professors note that Section Three “can and should be enforced by every official, state or federal, who judges qualifications.”

The Professors further indicate that “the free speech principles of the 1st Amendment are superseded by Section Three.”

I’d like to hear what some other respected Constitutional scholars think about the application of the Disqualification Clause, including former Federal Judge and respected scholar J. Michael Luttig.

I find the Disqualification concept interesting. Whether applicable is for legal theorists with capacities far beyond mine.

Enjoy your day!

Boog Powell is 82 today. Happy birthday Boog!

One of professional baseball’s greats! Spent most of his career with the Baltimore Orioles playing first base where he helped win 4 American League pennants and 2 World Series championships. His 17 year career found him posting a .266 batting average, 339 home runs, and 1187 RBI’s. He was the American League Most Valuable Player in 1970. He hit 3 home runs in a game 3 times.

Boog moved to Key West with his family when he was 15. Still lives in Key West. His home in Key Haven. Graduated Key West High School in 1959. Led his high school team to two State Championships in 1958 and 1959.

He got the nickname “Boog” from his father. In the South, kids who often got into mischief were called “buggers.” Pronounced “boogers.”  His Dad shortened it to Boog.

I met Boog only one time. A good 25-30 years ago. I played golf. Was the worst. A 35 handicap. Someone asked me to join a group that teed off at sunrise mornings. Getting up that early did not turn me on. But, I went.

Everyone plays for money in Key West. Handicaps apply. Met Boog. He was in charge of things. He viewed me with great skepticism when I told him my handicap was 35. I told him I would live up to my handicap when he saw me play. I got my strokes!

I never played better than I did that day! I played like Boog must have when he hit 3 home runs in one game. I outshot everyone. Won probably $20.

Embarrassing!

Boog was upset. Made me feel like I had conned everyone. Made me assure him I would return the next day to give the guys a chance to win their money back.

I did not return. I would have been glad to lose to them. It was just too early for me to get up two consecutive days in a row.

I have never seen Boog since, even though I lived two blocks from him in Key Haven for 23 years. No reason, we just never ran into each other.

Boog, I wish you well on your 82nd birthday. I just turned 88. It doesn’t get any easier. Just take each day and enjoy. God has rewarded you with a long life for all the joy and happiness you brought to so many baseball fans and for the good guy you have always been.

The Florida Department of Health in Monroe County urges residents to drink plenty of water, avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, and spend time in air conditioning. As to clothes, loose fitting, light colored and wear a hat.

The light colored clothing interesting. Makes sense. My entire life has been wear white or light where the sun is concerned. Yet the many times I have been to Greece, one of the things that made me wonder was the color of the clothing Greek island people wore in the heat of summer. Black. Yes, black. Men and women alike.

I asked several people why as I was curious. Totally contrary to what Americans believe. The explanation had something to do with black absorbing heat from the body as well as the sun. Add to it island winds and time had taught the Greeks that black was the better choice.

Modern day science has also established that darker colors absorb UV rays thereby protecting a person’s skin.

COVID is on the upswing. Some people have returned to mask wearing. States on the rise fastest are Mississippi and Louisiana.

Florida is experiencing the upswing also. Somewhere between 20-40 percent.

However, there is no sign we are heading for anything big. Nevertheless, the upswing is there. Exercise caution.

Winn-Dixie to become Aldi. Aldi is buying Winn-Dixie stores in the Keys and southern U.S.

Dengue fever on the rise. Mosquito caused. Thank God we have a mosquito control board in the lower Keys. One which does an effective job.

So far the whole Florida Keys have reported 10 cases this year. Though the number is small, it is of concern since all of last year there were only 2 cases reported.

Global warming is attributed as the cause of dengue record highs this year world wide. The year 2022 found 4.2 million cases. A record historical high.

A rule to relieve stress: Rule #1 is, don’t sweat the small stuff. Rule #2 is, it’s all small stuff.

Have to hustle. A haircut at noon.

Enjoy your day!

The Key Coral Reefs require another “massive sexual orgy” in order to overcome the death throes they are presently suffering due to the unusually hot water temperatures.

The Key reefs are dying. There was a time when they experienced annual mass spawnings. In an effort to attract tourists in 1995, the spawnings were described as a “massive sexual orgy.” 

The federal courthouse in Key West on the corner of Simonton and Caroline streets is a magnificent structure. Construction on the building began this day in 1931.

Rudy Giuliani is out of his mind! He is on the attack in the Trump cases. Attacking the prosecution.

He’s nuts! He should be working hard to make a deal for himself. One where he will be testifying against Trump. It’s called cooperation. Otherwise, Giuliani will be facing a long time in jail. His conduct over the years lying for Trump may cause a deal he might make to require some jail time. Better than the long term he will face if he opts to try any cases where he is named as a defendant.

Could be there have been negotiations and an offer has been made to Giuliani. One which he might have found insufficient from his perspective. Such might be the reason why he continues his support of Trump.

It’s every man for himself at this point.

Giuliani was once a great attorney and public figure. He lost his way over the years. Time to find it again. I’m unaware whether they sell hair dye in jail commissaries. 

Will Trump show up for next week’s debate? The question of the moment. 

Interesting.

If he does, Christie will destroy him.

It is impossible for the Georgia case to be tried before the 2024 election as the case is presently structured. Too many defendants. Nineteen makes for a long trial. RICO cases take a long time to try besides. My guess is it will take at least 1-2 months to try the case.

Clarence Thomas has been on the wrong side ethically since he was sworn in. He failed to see what his sudden favor with billionaires represented. He accepted the trips, etc. with glee. His wife a cohort.

He is a disgrace to the position he holds. He has tarnished the honor of the robe he wears.

Time for him to go. It is also time for the Supreme Court to be governed with a code of conduct to assure another Thomas situation does not occur.

There are a number of sicknesses permeating our society. One involves the bald faced lies spread by conspiracy theorists. The most recent and most dastardly is that the U.S. government used lasers to start the Maui wildfires. On purpose!

The reason: The government wants to turn Maui into a “smart island.” I’m waiting for them to claim Biden was fiddling as Maui burned as Nero purportedly fiddled while Rome burned.

Even worse, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are spreading the claims. Millions have read them. Without any warning that the representations being made are entirely false.

Trump fears the unindicted co-conspirators in the January 6 case will turn on him to save themselves.

They should. Some will. Their call is clear. Testify to the truth against Trump or get convicted and go to jail. Trump is not entitled to “loyalty” in this circumstance.

Insanity grows. Carrying with it dangers not normally contemplated.

Most recent example of MAGA craziness is the MAGA hysteria about bombing Mexico. Why? To stop the flow of fentanyl from Mexican drug cartels. Securing our borders a secondary concern.

DeSantis is on the bandwagon. He recently declared he’s prepared to authorize drone strikes as well as blockading Mexican ports. War on a friendly neighbor? We need DeSantis as our Presidnet with the same certainty we need to blow a hole in our heads.

Happy hour last night with Steve Thompson at The Grand. 

The past 3 weeks, tuesday night happy hour has been packed. Last night, three of us. Steve, Louis and Ed. Even Matt not there. He’s in Cancun vacationing with his partner. Met Jerry who was filling in as bartender.

Still a good time. I enjoy my conversations with Steve. He is an oracle of knowledge when it comes to old Key West.

Key West was dead. No question the town has reverted to pre-COVID days. I like it. Peace and quiet needed on occasion. I was able to park on Duval in front of The Grand. Driving down Duval afterwards on the way home, I passed by La Trattoria. It was 7 o’clock. I could see through the window the bar was next to empty. Summer time Key West!

Enjoy your day!

Finally, Georgia indicts Trump!

A 98 page indictment listing 19 defendants and 41 criminal counts. The charge racketeering. 

Trump’s own mouth convicts him. A telephone call the world has heard numerous times.

Trump now faces indictment in 4 different jurisdictions. Impossible for him to come up a winner.

Each criminal case a nail in the coffin. Makes me wonder how those who support him for the Republican nomination can continue to do so.

A bit of Key West history. This day in 1924 construction began on the La Concha Hotel.

David Wolkowsky, the father of modern Key West, purchased this day in 1978 the Kress Building on the corner of Duval and Fleming Streets for $210,000. The Kress Building for years was home to Fast Buck Freddie’s on the first floor and Wolkowky’s penthouse on the roof. In between on the second floor were Jimmy Buffett’s and the Monroe County Sheriff’s offices.

Today Fast Buck Freddie’s has been replaced with a CVS. How things change!

The Woodstock Music Festival opened in Bethel, N.Y. this day in 1969. Key West’s Larry Smith and Christine Cordone were there!

Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville basks in his prolonged 15 minutes. Doing damage to the nation he swore to protect. He continues his “one vote” anti-abortion policy which blocks a Senate vote on a bill to confirm military promotions. Previously, a pro forma vote.

His position is nationally unpopular. Nevertheless, Tuberville continues his hard headed adamancy. 

As a result, the Army, Navy and Marines are without confirmed leaders.

The man is an asshole!

Today a Catholic feast day. The Assumption of Mary. A dogma of faith for Catholics. Jesus’ Mother ascended into Heaven, never having died as mortals do.

Assumption is a holy day of obligation for Catholics requiring Mass attendance.

Florida has many strange laws. Weird. Especially under DeSantis.

One DeSantis is not responsible for is a Florida law that makes it illegal to sing when you’re in your swimsuit.

Manicure yesterday with Tammy. The slow summer season impacting her business. Me and few other customers. Normal, however. That’s the way it is this time of year.

Tonight The Grand with Steve and Cindy Thompson.

Enjoy your day!

It was the Iowa Fair this weekend. No other candidate attracted as many supporters as Donald Trump. Like flies to flypaper!

Trump has come far since 2016. He has made a significant number of Americans as bad as himself.

Our country is in trouble if Trump wins next year. The United States will be no more.

Our path will be defined. Clear. The U.S. will be as Germany was in the 1930’s under Hitler and Japan under Tojo. What finally happened to Germany and Japan some 12 years later will happen to the U.S. It will be Germany and Japan’s 1945 for us.

So wise up, my friends. Vote Democrat in 2024. Tell your friends to do so also. We do not want to be what could be the inevitable.

Maui is a tragedy. The number of dead has reached 96. It will grow and be significantly more. The number of persons unaccounted for is in the thousands.

We MUST address climate change! More so than we have been doing. And convince the rest of the world to join with us in the task.

God is good. So is Oprah Winfrey. Oprah is already on the front lines in Maui helping.

She owns a part time home and 2,000 acres on Maui.

Oprah calls the disaster “overwhelming.”

She arrived on Maui thursday and could be seen handing out supplies at a relief station. Her purpose in going to Maui was to see first hand and determine her strategy to help. The handing out of supplies was merely a minor additional assist.

Oprah also went “to Walmart and Costco and got pillows, shampoo, diapers, sheets and pillowcases.”

Oprah is known for her generosity. It is expected her hands on help will be bolstered with large dollar contributions.

Jeff Bezos and Clint Eastwood also own homes on Maui and are helping.

The long awaited Georgia indictments may be the most interesting of all. It “will name” names and hopefully indict some “big shots” involved. Names that may surprise some of us. 

America wants to know who they are!

Great golf again! The final round of the Fed Ex St. Jude Tournament. Lucas Glover, the old man at 43, won for the second week in a row. This time in a playoff.

Glover was drenched in sweat at the end. Dunking his hands on the last few holes in the ice laden water cooler at each tee.

Glover’s hard work worth it in more than just the victory. He took home $3.6 million for first place.

Diana Nyad has an Opinion piece in this morning’s New York Times: What It’s Like to Swim in an Ocean That’s 100 Degrees.

Key West’s well known friend wrote: “Ten years ago, I swam from Cuba to Florida. I couldn’t make that swim today.” The reason obvious. The water too hot. In addition however, in such hot water the body heat Nyad, or anyone else, would generate would quickly lead to overheating and fatigue. Hyperthermia would conquer even the strongest of wills.

Enjoy your day!

In my last blog, I made reference to the fact that Christopher Columbus had not discovered America.

I worry how long, for how many years, Trump’s lie about having won the 2020 election will be considered truth by many.

A non-fact also engrained is Paul Revere’s ride. He didn’t do it. Israel Bissell did. How many have even heard of Israel Bissell? I have written about Bissell in the past. First time 12/10/13 “Israel Bissell” and most recently 1/1/23 “How Israel Bissell Was Cheated.”

My first blog repeated. It tells the story.

Listen, my children, / And you shall hear /  Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere.

The distinguished American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow made Paul Revere famous when he penned the above opening lines to his famous poem.

One problem, however. It was not Paul Revere who was the hero in 1775 at the time the first shots were fired at Lexington which marked the beginning of the Revolution. It was Israel Bissell. Historians suspect that Longfellow took a bit of literary license. Bissell did not rhyme as well as Revere.

Paul Revere did make a ride that day. Several men did. Historians conclude Revere only rode somewhere between 1.5 and 20 miles shouting….. To arms, to arms, the British are coming.

Israel Bissell rode 345 miles. The trip took 4 days and 6 hours. He rode from Watertown, Massachusetts to Philadelphia. The trip was over the Old Post Road.

Longfellow apparently took further literary license with the actual words Bissell shouted…..To arms, to arms, the war has begun. Again for rhyming purposes.

Bissell carried with him a message from the colonists’ General Joseph Palmer. The message told of the Lexington attack and what the colonists should do to prepare for the British invasion. The message also stated that its bearer, Israel Bissell, was charged with alarming the citizenry. He was to be given fresh horses along the way as needed.

Bissell rode two horses to their deaths on the four day trip. His first horse died 2.5 hours into the trip at Worcester. A second died further along the way.

Every community Bissell passed through rang Church bells and fired muskets. Many colonists supported a war with the British and were happy to know it had begun.

In the 1950s, two columnists writing for the Berkshire Eagle wrote poems finally giving Bissell credit for the ride. Gerard Chapman and Clay Perry.

Chapman’s poem was appropriately titled Israel Bissell’s Ride. Certain lines read as follows.

Listen, my children, and you shall hear

Of Israel Bissell’s yesteryear:

A port less patriot whose fame , I fear,

Was eclipsed by that of Paul Revere…..

Perry’s poem was titled I. Bissell’s Ride. Certain lines from the poem read as follows.

Listen, my children, to my epistle

Of the long, long ride of Israel Bissell,

Who outrode Paul by miles and time

But didn’t make a poet’s rhyme…

Two questions arose over the years having to do with Bissell.

The first is whether he actually made it to Philadelphia. Documents from the time indicate an Issac Bissell who only rode to Hartford. He stayed in Hartford. He did not continue the ride. He was a less than an honorable man. He billed the new United States government for a six day stay in Hartford.

Historian Lion G. Miles came up with the story. He found his information in only one source. The Massachusetts Archives. All other historians and documents disagree with Miles. Issac was not Israel.

The other issue that arose was whether Israel Bissell was of the Jewish faith. I was amazed at how much time and effort was spent to arrive at a definitive conclusion. Israel Bissell was not Jewish.

A few historians believe that Bissell’s ancestry was of a Norman French / Swiss source. The majority however concluded that Bissell was part of the Byshelle family who in 1639 left Birmingham, England. The family was part of a Puritan group. All Bissell’s were determined to have been descended from the Byshelles.

I suspect Bissell’s first name Israel is what caused the inquiries. Historians discussing the Bissell issue pointed out that most children born in the colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries were given Biblical names.

So goes the story of Israel Bissell. A man almost forgotten not by history, but by poetry.

On to Clarence Thomas. A Washington Post writer described Thomas’ luxury vacations as…..That’s what friends are for! Another wrote…..The Supreme Court Justice lifestyle is for me!

DeSantis seems to do and say everything wrong. Ain’t no Presidential timber in him!

His most recent wrongdoing involves his three young children. He takes them everywhere as he campaigns. Such is not the way little kids should be treated. It is hard enough for the candidate to campaign. However to drag his young ones along to impress people what a great parent he is is totally misleading. He is brutalizing the kids.

His head is screwed on wrong!

What I live and learn! How I live and learn! One way from my readers. Many who are friends also.

One is Fred Klein. New York City labor attorney. He and his wife snowbirds six months a year in Key West.

I wrote concerning my experience Friday night at the Thai Island Restaurant and sushi. Fred came back at me with some interesting information.

The Thai was in the James Bond movie License to Kill. I recall writing a few weeks ago about parts of License to Kill having been partially filmed in Key West. I missed the Thai part.

The bar at the Thai appeared in the film as the fictitious Barrelhead Bar located on Bimini in the Bahamas.

Even more interesting is Michael G. Wilson who was the sole screenwriter for License to Kill. Wilson was once Fred’s law partner.

Wilson wrote most of the Bond movies partnered with another. Several with the famed Richard Mailbaum. Due to the Writers Guild of America Strike in 1988, Wilson wrote the entire movie License to Kill alone.

Wilson also made cameo appearances in every James Bond movie made since 1977. He even got to talk in one. He had a few lines in License to Kill.

A small world indeed.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Oh, what a happy hour it was!

Yesterday at the Thai Island Restaurant. At the end of the Palm Ave. bridge on Garrison Bight. The last and only time I was there was a good 20 years ago. Upstairs in the restaurant portion.

An upstairs and downstairs. Only a bar downstairs. A dungeon. Old and decrepit. Clean, but run down. No air conditioning. Open windows and a fan or two. Perfect! Old Key West personified!

Met several new people. All Key Westers like me. Old in the sense of the years they have been a part of Key West.

One raised a subject with which I totally agreed. Those new to Key West have neither the understanding nor appreciation of what Key West was or is. Poor company to meet and be with.

I was with Steve and Cindy Thompson and their friend Ellen. No one is old Key West more than the Thompsons. They came to our island in the early 1970’s. Ellen is from Arizona. Met her for the first time. She and Cindy boat several times a week on Ellen’s 22 foot Maco. Steve and I were waiting for them in the Thai bar.

Seated next to me was Jordy. She with several friends. Her husband several stools away so I never got to chat with him. They have a home on United and another elsewhere on the island income producing. Been here some 15 years.

Names from this point forward escape me. Sorry.

Met a lovely lady who worked for Blue’s News for years. What a wonderful job that had to have been!

I have not seen Tonto for a couple of years. A bartender for many many years at La Te Da. Now retired. Did not run into Tonto. Did meet her sister and niece, however. Wonderful people! Asked them to remember me to Tonto and her partner.

My apologies if I missed someone.

The sushi! Outstanding! In this dump of dumps, great sushi!

Jordy had ordered a burger and fries. The burger a foot tall with everything on it. The fries had to be special hand cut. Big thick pieces. Salted just enough. I began picking on them without even asking Jordy’s permission. As good as the sushi.

I will return.

We must save that which is ours! The coral reefs. Unique to the Keys. The warm temperatures are killing them.

Yesterday, a group of 12 research divers embarked on a 10 day mission to visit several Iconic Reef sites in Keys waters. Their purpose to study the extent of recent coral bleaching from the hot sea temperatures and determine what can be done to remedy the problem.

Good show!

An example of how close German subs were to the U.S. in World War II. On this day in 1942, German submarine U-508 sunk the Santiago de Cuba and Manzanillo 15 miles south of Key West. The two ships were part of a convoy that sailed from Key West and were loaded with newly developed radio equipment destined for a base in the Caribbean.

There is a belief that evenings when there is a full moon affects the brains of some. Brings the crazies out.

Not to be believed. False.

I find its falsity to be amusing. One of my best friends while I was practicing law was a police lieutenant, Bob Mazza. Without fail, each month when it was time for a full moon he would mention, “The crazies will be out tonight.” He believed it and so did his Chief. Extra men were on duty those evenings. The next day Bobby would stop in and tell me what strange happenings occurred. Like the night a whacko threw an empty garbage pail off the roof of a 2 story building and hit Bobby in the head.

Christopher Columbus discovered America. We were taught such in early grammar school and no one ever contradicted it throughout the normal education process.

The truth is Columbus did not discover America. The first people were nomads who crossed the Bering Land Bridge thousands of years ago. The first Europeans to set foot in America were probably the Vikings led by Leif Erikson 500 years before 1492.

“Society” is like life, like the body. It decays gradually. One part at a time over a period of a generation or two.

One example is patriotism. A declining attribute in today’s society. Can America be saved? A Democrat victory in November 2024 will help, though not necessarily guarantee it.

Nutsy Marjorie Taylor Greene wants the U.S. to withdraw from NATO because “they are entirely beholden to Russia.”

So said she who is now considered number 2 in power in the House of Representatives.

It has to be something in the water! A local Scottish school district announced 17 sets of twins will be starting primary school next friday. Five year olds.

Not the largest number ever. In 2015, another school in the district had 19 sets of twins who entered primary school.

Clarence Thomas is a big time freeloader. Not just Harlan Crow’s fancy vacations. A new ProPublica report shows Thomas enjoyed at least 38 more luxury vacations. All from conservative benefactors. All while sitting on the Supreme Court.

None disclosed.

Ethics expert Don King says it best: “It’s just the height of hypocrisy to wear the robes and live the lifestyle of a billionaire.”

Enjoy your day!