The best predictor of voting behavior is voting behavior. Democrats won in every significant state except one yesterday. Key win states included Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio. Republicans only Mississippi. Each state competitive races.

There is a message. Democratic crepe hangers chill out! Especially former leaders. Polls have been inaccurate in many respects the past several years. Votes count, not polls. 

Biden’s way is the way. He keeps calm and carries on.

Syracuse/Canisius tonight at 7. ACC Network Xtra, if you can get it. Syracuse a 13 point favorite.

How much Harry Truman was loved in Key West. On this day in 1948, the President arrived for vacation and was greeted by a crowd of 25,000. They lined his route from Boca Chica to the Little White House.

The GOP debate tonight. Again, Trump will not be participating.

Consensus seems to be Trump did himself more harm than good in electing to testify in the New York City civil fraud case. His testimony was botched. He compromised his chances of limiting damages on appeal. Perhaps even created a bumpier road for himself in his criminal cases.

Love olive oil! The Italian in me.

Unfortunately, the global price of olive oil has risen 32 percent since May, at which time it had already hit a 26 year peak. Cause: Extreme heat, wildfires, and drought. Cut harvest yields.

Tuberville finally placed under pressure by his fellow Republicans yesterday. He says he will review his options.

Trump loyalists planning martial law for the first full day Trump is in office if he is reelected: “Going full blown Nazi!” They would do so by invoking the Insurrection Act.

Crazy, crazies!

Grandson Robert Malcom wrote re rivalry yesterday in Nole Gameday: “Hurricanes HC Mario Cristobal Discusses Matchup against FSU, Importance of In-State Rivalry.” NoleGameday.com.

Enjoy your day!

Syracuse won its first basketball game of the season last night. Beat New Hampshire 83-72. A first win ever for Syracuse’s new coach Adrian Autry, also. 

Syracuse began the game well. Was up 20 points in the first 10 minutes. Things got a bit heavy in the second half, however. Autry had to revert to the 2-3 zone defense in order to win. He said he began practicing it last week just in case.

Syracuse plays Canisius tomorrow night at 7. May it continue its winning ways.

First time in ages I’ve seen a Florida State action moving on a correct path. I refer to the court merger that is under consideration. Locally, the Key West area was opposed. Monroe County, also.

Florida’s Judicial Assessment Committee unanimously voted friday against the measure. The matter goes next to the Florida Supreme Court which makes its recommendation which then goes on to the State Legislature. Let’s hope neither body screws things up. I always especially worry about Florida’s Legislature.

Caught a TV show last night covering Evel Knievel’s life. Knievel was an American stunt performer. Riding a motorcycle up, up and away over nothing to something. Occasionally not making it.

In the 1970s, I had a condo at the Jockey Club in Miami. Knievel was visiting the complex. Staying on his 150 foot plus yacht. Instead of a helicopter on the back end, he had two motorcycles hanging over.

We became friends.

I received a telephone call from him one friday morning. What are you doing buddy, etc.? He told me I had 30 minutes if I was interested to pack a small bag and meet him on his boat. He was off for a few days to the Bahamas and who knew where else.

I made it in 15 minutes. It was 4 days of big time fun!

Knievel died 16 years ago.

In 1898, a Catholic missionary in Key West wrote: “There is not a town in the South where there have been so many apostasies.”

Not knowing everything, I was unfamiliar with “apostasies.” Looked it up. Also known as “apostasties.” Means the act of refusing to follow, obey, or recognize a religious truth. Sounds like a sin to me.

I find the missionary’s observation still alive and kicking re Key West. A problem, of course. It is not true. I have found in my 30 years here that Key West is a conservative community.  An excellent place to raise a family. Yes, there is that “wild” part of Duval. That’s it, however. What community does not have its purported wild area?

Today is a significant date in Russian history. The Bolshevik Revolution took place this day in 1918. The Red Russians led by Vladimir Lenin overthrew the provisional government of the White Russians led by Alexander Kerensky.

Kerensky had to flee Russia to save his life. He ultimately ended up at Columbia University teaching Russian history. Two days a week he came to Manhattan College where I was a student to share his knowledge.

I took two Russian history courses from Kerensky. How exciting it was to listen to a man who was a part of Russian history and its significant revolution.

Some Fantasy Fest data. Sixty million guests. Twenty eight misdemeanor citations issued in the Fantasy Fest zone. Most for lack of attire. Revenue generated $30 million.

The TDC investigation should be thorough. Extensive. Significant changes in the operation of the TDC are called for.

Sixty million dollars in revenue with inadequate oversight is wrong. 

The investigation should look into financial exchanges with hotels, other activities that benefit from the TDC, and any outside vendors they employed.

Findings could be significant.

Trump lost it several times on the stand yesterday. He is his own worst enemy. He repeatedly attacked  the Judge, yelled at the Judge, attacked Attorney General James and others. He rambled on failing to answer many questions. The Judge had to warm him a courtroom is  not a political arena.

Washington comments re Tuberville’s tactics are all talk and no action. The Washington cry: “Tuberville should be expelled, impeached, and tried for treason.”

But, no one does anything.

Enjoy your day!

As with many people, I spent COVID confined to my home. After almost 2 years of home confinement, I found it difficult to go out. Even though it was ok. I had become accustomed to staying in. Finally broke through and began. One night a week turned into two, two into three, etc.

Discovered new places to greet and meet. For whatever reason, avoided Duval. Then began hitting La Te Da. The far quiet end of Duval.

Finally made mid Duval saturday night. Antonia’s! One of my favorite dining spots pre-Covid. Walked in. Bar full. TK bartending. Had not seen TK in 3-4 years. He gave me a hi Louis and said you’ll have a seat in 3 minutes. I did. Two persons were leaving. 

As I was sitting, Joe Thornton came up and gave me a hug and hello. Followed by Jean. They had just finished dinner at a table. They joined me for a drink at the bar.

My meal was outstanding. Fettucine with a clam sauce. Oil. Clams tiny. Outstanding. One of the finest meals I have had in recent months.

The interior of the restaurant has been updated. Lovely!

Simply stated, I enjoyed.

Last night was sunday. I went over to Brady’s for dinner and some pro football watching. Sat next to Patrick. A first time meeting. Great con- versation. Patrick is a 60 year old construction worker erecting a building at the Navy base. He has been here for one year. Married, a couple of kids already college graduated. A daughter getting her Masters.

Resides in Brooklyn. Gets back to wife and family as often as possible.

We talked as only New York City persons can. Recall I went to college and did much business in New York City in the last 25 years of my practice.

Enjoyed my time with Patrick. Hope we run into each other again.

As I write, Trump is testifying in the New York City civil trial. Should be interesting. Can’t wait to learn how he did. Read a couple of articles earlier this morning that Trump hopes he may get the judge to throw him in jail overnight for contempt. He believes it will help his case on appeal and in the election.

The man has no shame! Other people would be ashamed to spend any time in jail, let alone be indicted.

The Syracuse basketball season opens officially tonight. Against New Hampshire. Seven o’clock. Hope I can get it on TV.

Syracuse has a new coach. Adrian Autry. Syracuse a 14.5 point favorite.

I hope the basketball season is better than the football one has been.

New House Speaker Johnson accused Biden in the past of bribery when he was Vice-President. House impeachment is now in his hands. Word is he will proceed hard against Biden.

Beware of Johnson. He is Trump in disguise.

Newest trend: No clothing allowed party. Same as a party with clothes. No sex. Not a swinging event. Children allowed.

Some things are too much, even for me.

I enjoy frozen cooked chicken. Especially Tyson Foods frozen chicken products.

Into each life a little rain must fall. Tyson has issued a warning and is doing a recall on 29,819 pounds of fully cooked breaded chicken pattys which it produced 9/5/23. Small metal parts have been discovered, The chicken comes in 24 ounce plastic bags containing “Fully Cooked Fun Nuggets Breaded Shaped Chicken Patties.”

An important day in American history. On this day in 1860, Abraham Lincoln was elected the 16th Presidnet of the United States.

How long will the people of the United States have to put up with Judge Aileen Cannon who is handling the Mar-a-Lago documents case in federal court in Florida?

Her errors of judgement affect us all. Trump is entitled to a fair trial and an impartial judge. He has neither. Everything going his way (generally when it shouldn’t) is not fair. His judge is biased. In his favor. Not “blind” as judges/justice are/is supposed to be.

Grandson Robert had another article published in Nole GameDay on November 4: “Florida State Fans and Former Players React to 24-7 Win Over Pitt.” NoleGameday.com.

Enjoy your day!

The drums of war are beating. Increasingly so. A serious multi-nation conflict is moving from a possibility to a probability. Most anti-U.S. nations have long range nuclear capacity. Portions of the war will be fought on U.S. soil.

U.S. reaction will be the same as when World War II occurred. Most will volunteer to immediately defend our nation. In today’s society, such will include females as well as males.

Which my friends means though I in my late 80’s would not qualify, my grandchildren would. Robert is 19, Cameron 26. Even Ally would be eligible at 18.

The world is out if its mind. Those in our country who contribute to an inevitable war are likewise not thinking rationally. What we are seeing daily on TV which is occurring in Gaza will happen here. Minds will change once young family members are off to war and their homes and friends around them in the U.S. are being destroyed.

It is a sick world we live in!

Syracuse lost its fifth straight football game last night. Defeated by Boston College 17-10.

I give up! I feel sorry for the school, the team, the students, and the die hard alumni like me. I have reached the point where I even feel sorry for Coach Babers. Though I primarily blame him. His coaching sucks! That simple.

I watched the first half from the bar at Brady’s. Enjoyed a bowl of chicken soup and a couple of drinks. Left at half time. I could not take any more.

Calora bartending. Respect the lady. Her day began at 10 in the morning and she was still there when I left after 9 last night. Today her day off. She has a full day of soccer, etc. with her 11 year old son. I recall those days. We had 4 children within 5 years. Always running somewhere with them for something. Though my former wife did it much more than I. My time was committed more to my law practice. It required day and night attention and even a good portion of the weekends.

Robert had two articles published in Nole Gameday yesterday: “Jeremiah Byers On Offensive Line Depth And Brotherhood At FSU” and “Florida State Tight End Kyle Morlock Feels Like The Offense Is Finally Hitting Its Stride.” NoleGameday.com.

Robert may be a sports writer in the making. Who knows. His inquiring reporter talents obvious.

Key West’s Tourist Development Council is referred to in the short as the TDC. Been in operation 20 years. Receives a small percentage of hotel billings. Close to $60 million a year.

Very little, if any oversight over the years. Now an “audit” discovers serious irregularities. Mismanagement of money. It always happens if no one pays attention. Which seems to be the case here.

The matter cannot be swept under the rug. Requires deep investigation and future serious scrutiny.

I have never seen it to fail in my many years. A public or semi-public entity will go along seemingly doing a good job and all of a sudden it is discovered some one or more persons are misusing funds for personal benefit.

Conservative former Federal Judge Michael Luttig on friday warned in his continuing charging of Donald Trump that the former President is an “imminent danger to América…..the Constitution must disqualify him.”

Emily’s List added new House Speaker Mike Johnson to a list of Republicans it is targeting for their views on abortion ahead of the 2024 election: “Johnson and his supporters have made their plan to ban abortion crystal clear.”

I continue to warn re Johnson. He masks his “evil ways” with religion and a warm charming wit. Beware! The man is dangerous.

Johnson is the enemy of democracy in many ways. He has supported and is expected not only to support but now push for dramatic cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

He’s a “bad guy” in disguise. A danger to social programs designed to help American people in need.

Will Donald Trump openly testify (though in a shaded fashion) as his sons did in the New York City civil fraud case monday, or will he repeatedly take the 5th?

Anti-Semitism and Columbia University.

Forty year old Dr. Shai Davidson is an Assistant Professor at Columbia. He received his doctorate from Cornell. He said yesterday: “I’m a Jewish Columbia professor. I wouldn’t allow my children to go here now.”

John Roberts is Chief Justice of the Supreme court. He has led the Court for many years. He has lost control in recent years, however.

The Supreme Court is now a ship afloat without a captain.

When is someone or some group going to do something to get Tommy Tuberville off his kick?

Republicans have found the way to have one of their own or a small handful practice destructive government. I recall when they once were the holier than thou’s of government.

Enjoy your day!

A Truman Day to remember.

It was on this day in 1948 that the Chicago Tribune jumped the gun and mistakenly declared New York Governor Thomas Dewey had defeated Truman. Front page headline: Dewey Defeats Truman. 

Truman had won!

The Chicago Tribune wanted to be the first to announce Truman’s defeat. Everyone thought Truman would be defeated. Except Truman, of course. The Tribune published early and before the polls were closed.

H. V. Kaltenborn was similarly greedy and quick to the punch. He was a national radio broadcaster for NBC. Before the polls were closed, he announced Dewey’s victory and Truman’s defeat.

Was Kaltenborn surprised!

Truman let neither forget. For years he showed off the newspaper to audiences and joked about the Tribune. Kaltenborn had a unique twang to his voice. Truman learned how to copy it and would mimic Kaltenborn every chancce he got for years.

I was privileged to enjoy two experiences re Truman’s 1948 election.

In the Fall of 1948, Truman was campaigning from the back of a train. All over the United States. He appeared in Utica at the railroad station on the back of the train. I was in the eighth grade. Two of my buddies and I rode our bicycles to the station to hear the President speak. Hundreds were there by the time we arrived. We politely but brazenly maneuvered our bicycles so we were in the front row looking up at the President.

In 1960, I was a senior at the Syracuse University College of Law. Truman had been out of office for years. He was at Syracuse University for a series of talks. A luncheon was organized at which Syracuse’s 12 outstanding students would privately meet and dine with Truman. I was picked to represent the Law School. I wasn’t the smartest law student. Only graduated 16th in my class. However, I had recently won a regional moot court competition. First time Syracuse had ever won and I suspect that was the reason I was selected.

It was a big deal. I was seated next to Truman. What a luncheon companion!

Truman in his talk had a copy of the November 3, 1948 issue of the Chicago Tribune with the glaring headline that Dewey had defeated him. He showed it and joked about it. He also mimicked H. V. Kaltenborn. Perfectly. 

Never forget Truman is an integral part of Key West’s history also. He made 11 trips totaling 175 days when he was President visiting Key West. He also returned after he had left the Presidency. Key West loves Truman!

On this day in 1965, Sears opened a store in the “new shopping center” on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

I miss Sears! It was the best we had. Did not think so when I first moved here 30 years ago. Learned when Sears left, something is better than nothing.

New House Speaker Johnson is already playing games. He had the House pass a $14.5 billion aid package for Israel. Much less than Biden and the Senate say is needed. Nothing for Ukraine.

Heard from Steve Thompson. He sent a photo from he and Cindy in the Canary Islands.

I could not recall the name of Kelly McGillis’ first Key West restaurant in my article the other day. Went with its next name First Flight. Since the article, several have noted my error. The name of Kelly’s first restaurant was Kelly’s Caribbean. Sorry.

Syracuse/Boston College football tonight at 7:30 on ESPN.

I have no enthusiasm left to express.

A new scientific discovery! Starfish do have heads. The entire starfish is the head. As the starfish developed over the centuries, its body was “expressed” and only the head remains. All five sections.

The study was led by a group of scientists at Stanford University and the University of Southampton.

I subscribe and believe college campuses are places for free thought. However, there is a limit to everything in this world. Campus theoretical and intellectual exchanges have gotten out of hand.

Cornell is one of the finest higher education institutions in the world, not just the United States.

The anti-Semitic threats are exceeding reasonableness. A 21 year old junior has been arrested and federally charged for a series of online posts which threatened to kill and harm Cornell’s Jewish students.

As a result, Cornell has cancelled today’s classes because of the “extraordinary stress” the campus is experiencing because of the arrest and further because of the unease over the Israel-Hamas war which has been escalating for weeks.

“Now and Then” is the newest final Beatles song. One which modern science has made possible. Two live and two dead Beatles will be heard performing together!

Aging frequently on my mind. Understandable. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar thinks about it also. He describes one facet of aging as an eternal fight between mind and body: “Sometimes I feel like the real me is slowly peeling away from my body like old, dried wallpaper. Sometimes we are like a doddering old couple who once were in love and now are just roommates silently tolerating each other.”

Enjoy your day!

 There are dead bodies buried all over Key West. A valid representation.

Son in law Corey Malcom did a lecture this morning titled The Many Cemeteries of Key West. Final conclusion to the effect that the island of Key West is Cayeo Hueso, which translates to bone island. The only problem Corey said was that the Cayeo Hueso title is a false one. There is no factual data to support it, other than a sole representation by a person several hundred years ago.

Corey set forth the history of Key West cemeteries. Thirteen over the years. The first where Truman Annex stands today. Begun in 1822. Referred to today as the Old Grave Yard. Some Truman Annex residents living over dead bodies.

By 1845, people were being buried all over Key West. Almost where they dropped. In back of homes, all of the south beach area, etc. Then came the hurricane of 1846, swept the randomly buried bodies up and drove them into the ocean. Something had to be done. The City purchased land to create what is today’s City Cemetery. Condemned houses to do it.

However, people were still buried helter skelter. One of the Mallory daughters is buried at or near Hog’s Breath for example. Today’s Audubon House originally was the Geiger House. Four of Geiger’s daughters are buried in the backyard of the Audubon House  Salt pond dead bodies were buried behind what is now Beal’s on North Roosevelt Boulevard.

There was a special cemetery for “lost souls.” Those who died in or near Key West, but had no connection to Key West. Like sailors.

There is an African Cemetery at Higgs Beach. Slave ship deads from the 1860 era. Buried in the Higgs Beach area. Discovery began in 2008. Actual number buried 296. Initially only 15 graves discovered. Corey worked on this project. Eventually more discovered. Basically in three areas. Where the first 15 were found, on the other side of the West Martello Fort, and across the street where the former dog park was located.

Higgs Berach is actually a compilation of several other small old cemeteries also.

A Post Cemetery still exists. A former military cemetery. 

Four hundred bodies were dug up and reburied near Pensacola. A Washington, D.C. decision. However, the cemetery still exists because the bodies of family members were not exhumed since they were not “military.” Also still remaining are the bodies of  “Buffalo negroes.” They were blacks who fought for the Union in the Civil War. Not considered citizens at the time.

There are bodies around churches and under them. St. Paul’s an example. Under and about. Still burying members in the Church’s backyard.

Dead buried bodies everywhere. Ergo, Corey says Key West is truly “an island of bones.” 

Excellent lecture!

Met two charming women at the lecture. Nancy Seidel and Betty Darst. Nancy a library board member. Both ladies read the blog. Love ’em!

This is a Malcom day. Grandson Robert has another article published in Nole GameDay: “Pitt HC Pat Nardazzi Discusses Florida State Matchup, Challenge of Defending Jordan Travis.” Nolegameday.com.

I was exhausted by dinner time. However knew I had to get out. Showered again. Always makes me feel better. Headed to Brady’s for dinner. And Corala, The best bartender in town! Sweet, charming and attractive.

I had not eaten all day. Not the time to drink. Only had a bloody Mary. Wanted the tomato juice. Enjoyed fish and chips and Corala.

Corala has an 11 year old son. This Halloween he wanted to go out with his friends. Too old for Mom! How well I remember my four and Robert and Ally. i loved walking along as they trick and treated. Then they were too old for me. Sad!

Corala has an elderly father who resides in Ireland. She often speaks of him. Visits him for one month every two years. A good daughter! 

Between the pandemic and a few extra years of age on top of it, I have had to begin getting out again. I am doing well. However how much I missed! For example, I drove over by the new Casa Marina and the beach next door the other day. Where there were several beat up tennis courts, there now stand 20-30 pickle ball courts. Were they packed! Primarily 50-70 year olds.

I thought no way for me at 88. Nor would I have done it 20 years ago. I have always feared a heart attack. I have had a bum heart for 20 years.

A Sons of Italy friend from several years ago, moved to the Villages right after Irma. He played pickle ball here. Was always trying to get me to join him. No way!

Two months after moving to the Villages, he had a heart attack and quadruples by-pass.

Putin signed a bill revoking Russia’s participation in the nuclear test ban treaty. He keeps threatening. He screwed up Russia with Ukraine. I visualize Iran and North Korea at some point joining in a nuclear war threat. Perhaps even China.

What the hell is going on? I blame Trump for all the crazy things happening. He showed a different U.S. to the world. One which continues to worsen.

I have been critical of the TDC for 3 years. Occasionally asking why do they continued to spend so much money for advertising when there were already too many tourists coming to Key West. Too many bodies continues to endanger and fragment Key West.

The TDC took in $59 million last year.

Today’s news advises the TDC is under scrutiny. Its spending raising “serious ethical concerns, possible law breaking.”

Heads will roll in due course.

Enjoy your day!

The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in St. Peter’s is perhaps the finest piece of art created by man. It was opened to the public for the first time this day in 1512. Michelangelo the genius who painted the ceiling.

Michelangelo began the work in 1508 when he was 33. He finished when he was 37.

The ceiling is known as “the Creation of Adam.” Clearly shows the stretching of God’s finger and Adam’s finger toward each other.

Michelangelo returned to the Sistine chapel in 1534 to paint “The Last Judgment” on the wall behind the altar.

I was fortunate to have visited the Sistine Chapel 35 yeas ago and to have viewed the ceiling’s magnificence. An emotional experience.

Steve and Cindy Thompson were in Rome this past week. I urged both of them to view Michelangelo’s work. It is a once in a lifetime experience.

Watched an old movie on TV last night. Top Gun. Starred Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. Brought back memories of Kelly McGillis.

She and her then husband lived in Key West before, during and after the movie was made. Their home was in Key Haven as was mine.  Did not know Kelly well. I was friendly with her husband. We would run into each other at parties, etc.

The two purchased 3 restaurants during that time. One was First Flight which originally was the building that housed the offices of Pan American Airlines. Pan American began  in Key West.

They also owned The Grand. The third restaurant’s name I cannot recall.

Kelly now lives in North Carolina. Returns every year in September for Womenfest.

Spoke with Fran Dixon in Buffalo last night. Wished her a Happy Birthday! Still a kid! Fifteen years younger than me. She and Tom will be down Thanksgiving week. I look forward to their visit.

Jimmy Buffett was born on Christmas Day. The day may have imbued him with the joy and happiness he was able to spread during his lifetime.

Fantasy Fest is for adults. No question an adult party. No place for children.

I read somewhere about a local father who complained that while he was walking through Fantasy Fest with his two young children, two woman passed by completely nude. Not even sprayed anywhere.

The father was justified in saying not for his children’s eyes to see. On the other hand, what was he doing walking with them through Fantasy Fest? These moralistic complainers bug the hell out of me!

There is a nationwide shortage of milk carton material. The material used to create one pint school milk cartons.

The country may run out of milk cartons this week. Even worse, the shortage could last several months.

Rick Ramsay is the best of the best when it comes to Sheriffs. An example is his announcement yesterday that he had returned certain monies to the County. Monies he had not spent in the fiscal year. $2,705,921. 

Politicians either spend or overspend. Rarely return a penny. Our Sheriff returned $2.7 million.

As it turns out, a sad and embarrassing day in American history. Clarence Thomas took his place as the newest Justice on the Supreme Court this day in 1991.

Too many religious zealots. The most recent to come to our attention is the new House Speaker Mike Johnson. More dangerous than Jim Jordan would have been. Johnson comes on to us with a smile and friendly manner. It covers a MAGA fanatic.

Do not be deceived!

Ron DeSantis is a liar. Similar to Donald Trump. He swears he does not wear lifts. Photos taken the past few years clearly show he does.

Why does he not own up to it? No one really cares if he wears them. Why lie?

I was born in 1935. I am 88. A life expectancy table indicates men born in 1935 had a life expectancy of 59.9 years.

I am not complaining the stats are incorrect as applied to me. Happy so!

Donald Trump’s eldest son Donald Trump Jr. takes the stand today in the New York City civil fraud trial. His testimony, or number of times he takes the 5th Amendment, should be interesting.

Enjoy your day!