So much happening! My thoughts everywhere. Random thoughts. I share them with you with no particular order. Merely as they popped up in my mind and then my notes. 

The Doncom doctrine. Trump’s substitute for the Monroe Doctrine. Will represent his take over of Venezuela and in the near future the attempted takeover of other nations. The American people will not stand for it!

Trump is a sinking ship. He is taking on water every day. He cannot remain afloat for a full 4 years. One way or another, he will sink.

The Oxford Dictionary has announced its new word for 2025: Rage Bait. Actually two words. Means the supposed effect of low quality control on the brain. Confusing. First time I heard of it was yesterday. Who speaks or writes it?

Scientists finally know what is actually happening when your mind goes blank. Scientists call the phenomenon “mind blanking.” A new study suggests a distinct mental state, separate from daydreaming or distraction. 

There is a cure for Alzheimer’s disease in humans in the making. The first step has been reached. Scientists have reversed the disease in mice.

Adult cremation is not new. Archeologists have identified the earliest adult cremations. Go back 9,500 years to Malawi in Africa. It is the oldest in situ adult pyre in the world. A unique approach. The head was removed before the body was burned.

Trump failed to timely appear for his recent 11 a.m. news broadcast. The one American people were interested in hearing. Concerned attacking Venezuela and capturing Maduro and his wife. Trump was 39 minutes late. Reflected a disrespect for Americans.

The broadcast took place in the Mar-a-Lago Tea room. A first time there for me.

Trump claims Venezuela “stole our oil.” I didn’t know. How? When?

He also said, “We couldn’t let them get away with it.”

If they stole it, why did he wait so long to recover it? Also, why didn’t he do something earlier? Why didn’t other Presidents do something to get the “American oil back?”

The truth be known, Trump is acting like a thief. The oil belongs to Venezuela and not the U.S.

Interesting. On January 1, 2026, copyrights for comic books, movies, musical compositions, and creative works from 1930, as well as readings from 1925, expired. We can now use things like Betty Boop, Nancy Drew, and the Maltese Falcon for free.

Senior sex lives after 65. Forty percent are active. Most satisfied. Men more interested. Women may be satisfied. For men, using it or losing it appears to be true.

A confusing problem. Seizing Maduro was quick. On the other hand, fixing Venezuela’s oil production will take years.

Rubio disappoints me. He’s a pretty boy with an evil mind. He said a couple of days ago that a military “quarantine” on some oil exports will remain in place to continue placing pressure on Venezuela’s leaders. This was before Maduro’s overthrow. 

He is coming off as one of Hitler’s aides.

We do not need Greenland! We have done well with the way things are for years. Donald is playing Adolph once more. What’s wrong with Trump?

He is truly sounding more like a Hitler type with each passing day.

Cuba may be next for Trump. An easy takeover. He is crazy! Look for war. I fear more may be coming. Hope I am wrong. The American people do not want wars. Neither does most of the world. In a short time, Trump has failed the U.S. and rest of the world.

Foreign nations and the Pope also fear Trump inspired wars around the corner. For example, Trump said Greenland will belong to the U.S. in 2 months. Smells of a war!

Donald may not realize it. However, he is more and more being a hothead. Why? Does not make sense. Threats, pressure and threats of annexation not part of the free world. Get off this kick, Donald!

Canada even in Trump’s sight. He’s nuts!

Even the Catholic Church is in turmoil. A group of 20 Cardinals sought to diminish Pope Leo’s power. They failed. Leo survived the onslaught. Spoke as God’s man on Earth. He spoke and acted as if God was so acting. An interesting story. Read it in detail. You will enjoy and find parts hard to believe.

The Papacy is a nation and government. It has had problems for several years now. Problems similar to lay nations. Men will be men.

A UN Security Council yesterday morning condemned Trump’s actions re Venezuela. Trump’s adminstration responded bullshit in effect. Makes me uncomfortable. U.S. respect for other nations falling apart. It is Trump against the rest of the world. As was Hitler.

The House has returned for January business. Guess what? Only 12 days of formal work scheduled. Does not make sense. One thing we need is a new budget by the end of January. The House is Republican controlled. When are they going to get off their asses and take back their power from Trump?

How does Trump invading Venezuela and capturing Maduro make American lives better? It does not. It may enrich Trump, Rubio and their friends in the final analysis, however.

A check on Trump is required. Constitutional ones sufficient. Republican Congress controls. They must function as the Constitution  intended. Not as a group of persons scared silly of Trump. Grown men at that.

Rubio has achieved the prominence he sought. Had to sell his soul for it, however. A pretty face with a sick mind.

How will the U.S. Senate vote if the issue of American troops on the ground arises to protect American oil interests in Venezuela?

Trump’s people fear Mark Kelly. The are seeking to defrock him of past glories earned. His Navy benefits seeking to be stripped amongst other things.

As I have been saying for some time. He would make  great President. Trump and his allies know it and are seeking to soil and taint the man improperly beginning now. 

Watch the battle as waged. Kelly a stand up guy. He will win no matter what lies and bullshit Trump, Hegseth and other Republicans throw at him.

I had two nurse visits yesterday. Dr. Blass this afternoon for my cancer wound. Do not like it. Always hurts!

Enjoy your day!

Trump’s world is crashing around him. Judicially and economically. Piece by piece. 

Now this Venezuela thing. After years of crying fentanyl, his reason for taking down Maduro appears to be oil. 

Joke of jokes. Major oil companies will bear the expense. A route he generally takes. Someone else will bear the brunt economically. In the end, it is the American taxpayer.

Rubio concerns me in this scenario also. A good looking face does not necessarily reflect a proper mind.

Another Kennedy Center problem. One which will also boomerang on Trump.

Again I mention Mark Kelly for your consideration for the Presidency in 2028. We need a return to a “good person” for the office. Kelly’s credentials are noteworthy and appear without blemish. A U.S. Senator, former astronaut and 25 year Navy veteran.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Caracas attacked. Successfully Trump says. Maduro captured and flown out of his country. Perhaps his wife also.

Not certain whether Congress contacted and advised by Trump first.

Trump appears happy at the moment. A brilliant victory from his perspective. He will make an announcement to the Nation at 11 this morning with details.

The attack was early this morning. Other locations in Venezuela were attacked also. 

The attack pure stupidity from my viewpoint. For months we have been advised Trump’s claim of drugs coming out of Venezuela to the U.S. not true. No proof of the same.

As Trump is dying economically, it appears he is attempting to gain success and notoriety in another fashion. By actually initiating a war on another country’s grounds. He is a warmonger. Moving slower than Hitler did, but moving.

Attorney General Bondi said Maduro would receive “American justice on American soil in American courts.” She referenced an indictment in the Southern District of New York. Proper place to try Maduro?

I have a feeling Trump will come out of the attack as well as he has with his actions at the Kennedy Center.

Appears Trump is prepared to wage war against two Nations simultaneously. He is threatening to utilize American troops in Iran. His purpose to “protect Christians.”

Trump is crazy. He was not elected to wage wars. It was to help the poor, lower food prices, lower rental prices, and things of that nature. He spoke one way during the campaign and has acted in another since elected.

Key West weather warming up a bit. Not by much, however. High today will be 73. The night was in the mid 60s. Hopefully our day time temperatures will soon return to the 80s with the evenings in the 70s.

A Keys’ great is celebrating his birthday today. Howard Livingston. Happy birthday, Howard!

In his senior years, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has become a prolific writer. He calls them as he sees them. Right on!

Three recent observations.

First, an unasked for happening. The U.S. hit 2,000 measles cases for the first time in 2025. The first time in years. The U.S. hit the 2,000 number last years ago.

Another. Older adults are still sexually active. Not surprising. Surprise is sexually transmitted infection rates are on the rise.

Finally, the much older are enjoying sex. Even at 90, I am. 

The problem diseases. Chlamydia has tripled in the 65 and older. Gonorrhea has increased six fold, syphilis tenfold.

The “why” clear. Only 3 percent of adults aged 60 plus use condoms. Keep in mind, more older persons are divorced, singles adopt a new life style. A new type dating. Safety forgotten. And most importantly, the elderly are enjoying sex at a time they feared they would not. They “go for it!”

Venereal disease in one’s golden years can make those years less golden.

So much for today. 

I am anxious for 11 a.m. to arrive. Can’t wait to hear Trump lie and misrepresent.

Please continue to keep in mind Mark Kelley for President in 2028. He would not make the mistakes and create the problems Trump does.

Enjoy your day!

Key West is famous for many things. One are the “drops” New Year’s Eve. Certain restaurants and bars drop something or some person from high at midnight. It is Key West’s Times Square ball drop.

There are several. Three have gained prominence. 

One is the Bourbon Street Pub Shoe Drop. A drag queen dropped from the second floor of the hotel portion.

Another is Sloppy Joe’s. A dropping Conch Shell.

The third is Schooner’s Wharf. A pirate wench dropped down a boat mast.

All attract crowds. Huge crowds. Each a fun event.

Staying with Key West for a moment, a piece of history. Not involving a dropping whatever. Rather, girls’ basketball.

It was on this day in 1928 that it was announced the first girls’ varsity basketball team was being organized at the Key West High School.

Some Trump. Too much Trump. Problem he was all over the place yesterday and into today.

Trump continuing to screwing around with Iran. Trump appears to enjoy the blood of war, as long as not his nor that of a member of his family. 

Trump claims Iran killing “peaceful protestors.” Trump says if it continues, “the U.S. will come to their rescue.”

I have never made a New Year’s prediction. Feel compelled to do so today. It is that Donald Trump will not be President next year at this time. His “record” is coming apart.  His problems manifesting themselves. He probably will have departed the U.S. and will be living in a country without extradition.

Trump claims U.S. born workers are experiencing a job boom. Data reflects to the contrary. No way, Jose! A Trump lie, misrepresentation, and/or bullshit. Your choice!

Word is Venezuela’s Maduro is holding out the olive branch. Wants to talk with Trump.

Trump’s administration has terminated Washington, D.C.’s three public golf courses. The National Links Trust has operated the courses for the past 5 years. The lease agreement was for 50 years. However, the Department of the Interior cancelled last week.

What plan does Trump have for the courses? His name? Taking them over completely and making them part of his worldwide owned golf courses?

Why can’t Trump leave well enough alone?

Thank you DT and RFK Jr. For the first time in more than 30 years, the U.S. hit 2,500 measles cases in 2025.The last time 2,000 cases were exceeded was in 1992.

Miscellaneous matters.

Snow. Heavy snowfall will continue today in northern New York State. Syracuse will get some. Not as much as the past few days.

Oswego County is north of Syracuse. It is expected snow falling on Oswego County over the next 36 hours will be considerably heavier than Syracuse has experienced.

The winter problem for the Community of Oswego and the County of Oswego as a whole is that they border on Lake Ontario. Winters are hell! Cold and snowy. I know from experience. I tried many cases in Oswego. Big ones! Very cold snowy winters.

The accident cases were big. For a community of relatively low income, they thought big when it came to awarding dollars. In one case, I walked away with a $2 million settlement the first day of trial. Received several $1 million results. Six figure results were frequent.

Hershey Chocolate was founded in 1894. The company continues to have a long life. What’s better than Hershey Chocolate candy?

Tootsie Rolls and the Korean War. Would you believe?

It was the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. U.S. Marines were in trouble. Surrounded by Chinese and North Korean forces. Radioed for help. Requested 60-millimeter mortars. Ordered them by their code name “Tootsie Rolls.”

The Marines received boxes of real candy tootsie rolls.

The Marines ate them. Ordered more of the mortar kind.

The candy served more than the one purpose of being eaten. Some of the rolls were heated and used to plug holes in bullet-ridden cars and radiators.

In the end, the Tootsie Rolls helped the Marines survive the Battle.

On this day in 1865, Joe Namath spurned the NFL to sign a record deal with the AFL New York Jets. Turned out to be a smart move on his part!

Live and learn. A polar bear’s life generally lasts into the mid 20s. If the bear is confined and receiving constant care. Otherwise, the bear’s demise is earlier. 

An Ontario wildlife refuge recently held a “sweet 16” birthday party for one of its polar bears. His name Ganuk. Gifted him. An oversized driver’s license, a large toy car stuffed with tropical fruit, a pumpkin birthday cake, and wrapped gift boxes loaded with snacks.

A big day for Ganuk!

Roald Reagan was sworn in this day in 1967 as California Governor.

I had the privilege once of meeting the man. It was when he still was Governor.

I was a member of Miami’s Jockey Club for a number of years. So long that I was treated special. The maitre de saved the best table for me for dinner each evening. I rarely dined elsewhere.

One evening I came down to dinner. Walked “to my table!” Two couples were sitting there. I must have looked strangely at them. Asked me if something was wrong. Without thinking, I uttered “my table.”

By this time, I recognized one of the men. Ronald Reagan. I had heard he was at the club. Staying on a large boat in the marina.

Embarrassment prevailed! I was embarrassed by my stupid comment. They were embarrassed because they were guests in the club and had remained sitting long after dinner enjoying the ambiance.

By this time, the maitre de appeared. All flustered and embarrassed. To them and me. 

We all made nothing out of it. Shook hands around. I took a table next to them. Second best, but ok.

When Reagan and his party were leaving, Reagan stopped at my table to apologize again. A gentlemen. We talked for about 15 minutes. While his friends waited at the bar.

I complimented him for the fine job he was doing as California Governor. Told him I hoped he would have the opportunity to run for President. I Would vote for him even though I was a Democrat.

I did.

Ankle till painful. Swelling going down. Must go to buy a few groceries today. The refrigerator is down to one bottle of water and one inch of orange marmalade.

I read an article earlier this morning listing Democratic candidates for President in 2028. I was disappointed. Mark Kelley’s name did not appear. Politicos do not know what they are doing if he is not in the mix. From my perspective, he was better than any of those listed.

Enjoy your day!

Happy New Year 2026! May it be a better year than the last one. Depends if we continue to  have Donald Trump as President. Though I question how much better Vance might be.

Two major Supreme Court decisions yesterday. Both bad for Trump. 

Trump’s sending the National Guard into U.S. cities came to an abrupt end. The Supreme Court deemed it unconstitutional. Chicago significant in defeating Trump.

The other case sort of secret. Came out of nowhere. There is law which permits the Supreme Court to handle certain cases secretly. This was one.

It hit the news around 10 o’clock last night. Trump and his lawyers did not expect the decision. Word is Trump went crazy when he was made aware. The decision has to do with money. I do not understand all of it. One phase concerns Trump possibly having received foreign dollars to use in his campaign. A no no under American law.

The Supreme Court gave Trump 72 hours to reveal the financial information he has thus far failed to do. Otherwise he faces contempt and possible jail time. The Supreme Court was very clear about this.

I find it strange that neither the Washington Post nor New York Times carried information re this decision in today’s publications. Short staffed for the holiday?

Another item involving Donald was carried on some early morning TV news channels this morning. It claimed Trump’s private jet had set down in the Teterboro Airport in New Jersey to refuel. The plane was also subjected to a search. Lo and behold, suitcases were found carrying $30 million to $50 million in cash. 

Trump’s plane was being refueled for an 8-10 hour flight. Sounded like its destination was the Mideast.

Trump was not on the plane.

The news suggested it was illegal to take more than $10,000 out of the U.S. Possibly legal if certain filings had been made. None could be found.

I am not sure of the law as set forth in my previous paragraphs. Merely laying them out per my understanding of the news involved.

Trump was sponsoring a large New Year’s party at Mar-a-Lago when he received the news. Word is he terminated the party and sent everyone home.

So much for Donald. His New Year’s holiday might not have been the best.

Steve called me to go out with he and Cindy last night. I begged off. My ankle would not have handled it.

Laid in bed intending to watch the New Year come in on TV. Never made it. Fell asleep at 10:30. Woke at 5 this morning. A good sleep.

Some other pertinent news/events which occurred this day.

The ancient Roman calendar started the year in March.

Live and learn. When did we start putting ice in drinks?

Keeping drinks cool goes back 4,000 years. Before refrigerators and freezers, humans would get ice from mountain tops and bring it to their homes. Their it was stored in makeshift containers to preserve its “cold.” Used primarily in drinks.

A fad only available as a luxury and used primarily by the rich.

Walt Disney: “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

On this day in 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

On this day in 1818, Mary  Shelley’s  “Frankenstein” was published.

On this day in 1892, the first immigrants arrived at Ellis Island. My grandparents and my mother were certain of my ancestors who came to U.S. shores by arriving at Ellis Island.

The weather outside was frightful yesterday. Cold. Will continue to be cold today, though warmer than yesterday. Yesterday was in the high 60s. I was cold yesterday and last night. Not the Florida weather I opted for.

My person for President in 2028. Mark Kelley. A U.S. Senator, former astronaut and 25 year Navy veteran. Not a Donald Trump in any fashion.

Enjoy your day!