Today is Trump’ Day. His Inauguration. Many observations to be made. Beginning with yesterday.

Trump held 2 events yesterday (Sunday). One a rally at Capital One Arena in the afternoon. He was to address 20,000 supporters at the Arena. Before which he and Vance visited Arlington National Cemetery.

I did not consider the rally “pure American.” Kid Rock sang several songs, including the “We the People” anthem of his which included insults of Anthony Fauci and the media. Also included the lyrics “Let Go Brandon,” a phrase many supporters of President Elect Trump use to knock President Biden.

The rally was boastful. Trump discussed among other things illegal immigration, denigrated Biden, danced with the Village People to YMCA, repeated many of his campaign exaggerations falsehoods, introduced Elon Musk to speak. Musk had his minor son X with him. X was jumping as his father had in previous days in support of Trump.

Trump mentioned that Jon Voight, Mel Gibson and Sylvester Stallone were in the audience. He labeled them his Hollywood Ambassadors. Their job to help Hollywood get back on its feet financially. Hollywood has been suffering financially the past several years. It has become cheaper to make movies elsewhere.

I do not know Voight’s political leaning. I would assume Republican. Republican Trumpie.

Mel Gibson bothers me. Ever since his movie many years ago re Jesus Christ where it became evident Gibson was an anti-Semite, I have disliked him. Is Trump an anti-Semite? Never clear. He has been very helpful to Israel.  

I am unaware of Sylvester Stallone’s political leanings. I know him better as Rambo and Rocky. He may very well merely be a Trump supporter.

Trump said he will sign an Executive Order Day One of his Presidency to delay the TikTok ban. How can he do so? The Supreme Court has spoken. Trump has no authority under the Constitution or otherwise to do so.

He is acting as a “King” by so doing and not a President.

Regardless of who is President, Trump or some other person, we must remember we are a nation of laws, not of personal whim or caprice.

The years 1944 and 1945 were significant ones for Allied forces during World War II. The RAF dropped 2,300 tons of bombs on Berlin in 1944 alone. In 1945, the U.S. dropped 2 atomic bombs on Japan. 

I believe both destructive actions were warranted.

People support their leaders. Otherwise, the leaders would not be able to gain and control a government. I have had the opportunity to speak to several persons of German extraction who lived in Germany during World War II. They claim they had no choice but to support Hitler and the Nazis. I don’t buy it. People permit dictators to take power. Dictators don’t just step in. It takes time and public support.

Ergo, the German people in Berlin in 1944 and the Japanese people in 1945 paid for their poor judgements.

Such has occurred in other countries since World War II. The “punishments” yet to come.

I worry it could happen in the U.S. Half our people support the Trump administration taking office today. How many years will Trump’s influence be effective? What things will change for the American people?

I hope mine is only a concern and nothing more.

Today is also Martin Luther King Day. He fought for civil rights. It earned him a place in the National Mall.

I have visited the National Mall on two occasions. No dictators honored there. All for real American heroes.

On this day in 1942, Nazi officials held the notorious Wannsee Conference in Berlin to organize the “final solution.” The extermination of Europe’s Jews. 

Could it happen again? Yes. Jews have been persecuted and exterminated for thousands of years, not merely hundreds. 

I worry the problem could become more extensive in coming years.

Biden preemptively pardoned additional persons this morning. Anthony Fauci, retired Gen. Mark Miley, and law makers who served on the House January 6 Committee. Includes Liz Cheney. Trump has threatened them with “retribution.” Biden said, “Our nation relies on dedicated public servants every day. They are the life blood of our democracy. Yet alarmingly, public servants have been subjected to ongoing threats and intimidation for faithfully discharging their duties.”

Three Israeli hostages were released by Hamas. Big deal!

Something strange going on. Putin has recently been openly mocking Trump on Moscow TV. Putin began by initially mocking Melania. Now he refers to Trump as “Grandpa.” Putin – Trump’s friend!

Several Florida cities have voted to remove fluoridation from their drinking water. After roughly 60 years of fluoride in the water.

As you are aware, I am 89. I lived through the time period when New York voted to fluoride. It was a huge help in reducing cavities. So much so that over the years it caused dentists to suffer financially.

It is difficult to understand why a significant portion of U.S. society wants to get rid of things that work. Like fluoridation and vaccines to prevent measles and polio. These people if successful will be issuing death and disability warrants for a significant number of Americans in future years.

Last night, I watched an old movie made for TV. It was in two parts: Sandburg’s Lincoln.

Hal Holbrook played Lincoln. Extremely well.

Lincoln’s wife Mary Todd Lincoln was not portrayed realistically. She was featured as a kind caring spouse instead of the “bitch” she was.

I was taken by the Civil War in college. Took several Civil War courses. The TV movie was not realistic. Many liberties taken in making the film. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it.

On this day in 1930, the first radio broadcast of The Lone Ranger took place. I probably began listening to it around 1940. Loved it. Enjoyed the TV version which came out years later.

The musical theme was exceptionally stimulating: “Hi ho Silver, away!” Whenever compact discs for use in cars became available, many musical ones came out. Sometime in the mid 1970’s. One was the Lone Ranger’s “Hi, ho Silver, away!” Told the whole Lone Ranger story. Exciting! I generally listened to it when I was on a long drive. I have not heard it in years.

I close with today’s Key West weather.

I woke at 3 and could not sleep. So began working on this blog for a couple of hours. Slept a bit again. Returned to the blog at 7.

Yesterday’s Key West temperature was 76. A beautiful day. Blue sky. Not a cloud to be seen.

At 3 this morning, it was 66 degrees. At 7, still 66 degrees. Raining off and on also. The weather projection for today is it will be 66 all day. We are receiving a bit of the extreme cold hitting the northeast.

We will survive. I am amused as I say that.

Enjoy your day!

I suspect Trump only nominated Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a spot because he wanted a Kennedy name supporting him. Now that he is elected, he does not need further Kennedy support. 

Kennedy is a disaster in whatever fashion viewed. Especially his dislike of vaccine use. If Kennedy achieves the position sought, he would work his ass off to negate the use of vaccines in the U.S. The result would be massive epidemics. Especially where measles and polio are involved. Guaranteed!

A comment to this blog yesterday identified how many feel about Kennedy acquiring a power position: “RFK, keep your damn stinkin’ paws off my vaccines.”

I share some occurrences which happened when certain vaccines were recently not available.  A lack of measles vaccine in the UK in 2024 resulted in a rise in measle cases. At the same time, WHO’s European region reported a 5-fold increase in 2022-2023.

A clear message here. Beware of RFK Jr.

Syracuse beat Notre Dame yesterday 77-69. A surprise! At one point, Syracuse was down 17 points. Came back.

Clemson next. Tuesday evening at 7 at Clemson.

The People’s March yesterday was successful. Thousands participated.

A first! Snow fell on Miami, Florida this day in 1977.

Bruce Springsteen’s single “Born in the USA” was released in 1985. One of those tunes that will be forever popular.

On this day in 1994, Elton John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Air Force One has 4,000 square feet of floor space.

TikTok is off line in the U.S. today. Stopped as of yesterday. One hundred seventy million American users are now without.

What next?

Biden is spending his last full day as President in South Carolina. A state that helped him become President.

I close with an experience I personally found exciting.

A recent article in the Orlando Sentinel concerned insurers denying millions of dollars in claims over Basquiat fakes. The insurers involved seek such a ruling to avoid paying millions to owners. 

Reminded me of an experience I had many years ago. My practice included representing a large number of insurance companies. One had a claim involving a Dali piece. The company knew of my art collection in which I had two Dalis and my art background and experience. My two Dalis of course were originals.

The company did not hire me to represent it as an attorney. It hired me as an “art expert” to refute the authenticity claim. The insured’s “Dali” was claimed to have been stolen. We had to work from photos.

I examined the photos and some paper work involved. Concluded the Dali not original.

What was my experience qualifying me to testify as an expert?

Utica was blessed to have a large spectacular top of the line museum called the Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute. The three names were families from the 1800’s and early 1900’s who were exceptionally wealthy and left tons of money to erect the museum and do other things of benefit to the community. While in grammar school and high school, I took art classes there. When I returned to Utica after law school, I took 2 years of oil painting. Only one evening per week. Fun. Took me two years to complete one oil.

I also painted at home in my spare time those two years. However at the end of two years, my practice grew and was keeping me sufficiently busy so I had no time for painting. I became a “collector” instead. Studied new works and old. Especially the new who I thought might become famous. My hope was to buy cheap and sell years later when the works had become expensive. I have been correct in some instances in this approach.

I spent spare time assisting The Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute. Eventually became a member of its Advisory Board. Learned a lot in that capacity.

There is a Dali Museum in Tampa. Outstanding! I made several visits to the Museum over the years and literally spent hours inside each time. For the mere pleasure of it all.

Such was my background.

We won the trial! The jury determined the painting was a phony. I was thrilled!

I did not charge the insurance company an “expert’s fee.” I was representing them in a ton of insurance cases. Merely charged my usual attorney hourly which was significantly less.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Would you believe! Mary Poppins’ “A Spoonful of Miracles” was inspired by the polio vaccine.

The song was written by Robert and Richard Sherman. Robert’s son was reluctant to be shot so the vaccine was put on a sugar cube and his son ate it. The song was born as a result.

We live in an era where vaccines are attacked. Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should note that the polio vaccine eliminated transmission of the disease within 25 years in the U.S.

Something else should be kept in mind when deciding whether to eliminate the polio vaccine. In 1988, polio was epidemic causing in 125 countries. In 2023, only 2.

The numbers speak for themselves.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. tried to stop COVID 6 months after the vaccine became available. He failed, of course. Should have failed! The man does not know what he is doing when it comes to vaccines. If he is successful, measles and polio will skyrocket!

Heavy rain yesterday afternoon. Very heavy all afternoon. 

Exceptional cold weather is forcing the Inaugural inside the Capital Rotunda for the swearing in ceremony and the Capital One Arena for the parade. Each will hold much smaller groups. The thousands who pre-paid for planes, hotels, etc. will be out of pocket. Many may just stand outside and cheer. We shall see.

Today is the People’s March. The anti-Trumpers. Thousands are expected in Washington to participate.

TikTok shuts down in the U.S. over the weekend. Unless Biden intervenes, which is not expected.

Antiabortion advocates now looking for the man involved in causing the pregnancy to become involved in the cases where abortion bans are being enforced.

On this day in 1929, New York Daily Mirror columnist Walter Winchell debuted The Walter Winchell Show. His trademark opening line: “Good evening Mr. and Mrs. North and South America and all the ships at sea…..let’s go to press!”

I close with an item I have mentioned a few times in the past. Key West has a housing problem. Reasonably priced housing. Whatever has been built in recent years may bear an indication of reasonableness. However, far from it.

I have suggested in the past the empty parking lot and former Sears store in Searstown be utilized for cheap housing. 

Publix now owns Searstown. Increased grocery prices may help Publix pay for it. Whatever, Publix has asked the public to suggest uses for the huge empty parking lot portion. The answer simple: Cheap housing!!!!! For real cheap housing!!!!!

Enjoy your day!

Tattoos are not relatively new. Body decorations go back hundreds of years.

A study is presently being done on the bodies of more than 100 mummies from the Chancy culture, a group that lived on the Peruvian coast between 900 and 1500 C.E.

Today, more than 30 percent of Americans sport tattoos.

The Chancy tattoos used a much finer needle than is used today. Such required exceptional skill and effort.

I am seeing more “C.E.” following the years number. What does it mean? I looked it up. It is an abbreviation for “Common Era.” Numerically equivalent to A.D. Refers to the time period from the birth of Christ to present day. It is used as it is considered “religiously neutral.” The claim is many non-Christians objected to A.D. which is a a direct reference to Jesus as Lord.

Some things I do not understand. It is only recently I have come across/noted C.E. in my 89 yeas of life. When did it begin to be used and what group pushed it?

I shall be chastised re the following topic. Big time! Right is right, however. This may be a first for me. I compliment Donald Trump re his position involving the subject matter which follows.

The 2028 Olympics are to be held in Los Angeles. Years involved before receiving the designation involve planning, money and time. Selection is a big deal for a city economically and otherwise.

Certain Republicans, primarily MAGAs, are pigs. I do not include Trump in that grouping for purposes of this report.

A group solicited Trump to have the Olympics moved from Los Angeles to another city. The fires were used as the excuse. The claim was Los Angeles and California mismanagement the reason the fires got out of hand. Proof Los Angeles cannot handle the Olympics in 2028. It was pointed out to Trump that California was a blue state and should not benefit for that reason also.

The “conspirators” attempting to induce Trump to make the change included Newsmax’s Rob Finnerty and Ohio Congressman Jim Jordan. Their thoughts and those of others was that the Olympics should be relocated to a “red city…..where you know things are gonna be” properly handled. What a joke!

Trump to his credit disagreed. A meeting was held this past wednesday evening at Mar-a-Lago involving Trump and Los Angeles Olympic organizers. Trump vowed to support the Games as part of the City’s comeback from the devastating wildfires. Trump said, “These are America’s Olympics. These are more important to Los Angeles and I’m going to be supportive in every way possible and make these the greatest games.”

Thank you Mr. President for not kicking a politically opposed area when it was down.

Trump’s Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessert is against raising the minimum wage. It has been stuck at $7.25 an hour since 2009. Thirty states and a number of cities have increased the minimum wage on their own, however.

Bessert testified yesterday before a Senate Committee. Today his sex preference is popping up on the internet. He is gay. It should be of no consequence in this day and age. I thought we had moved past sex preference as an issue.

I advised yesterday that Obama, Bush and Clinton would not appear at Trump’s Inaugural. I reported it to you as I saw it on the internet. My information was wrong. Later publications indicated the three past Presidents would be present at the Inauguration ceremony. However they would not attend the luncheon to follow. Michelle Obama will attend neither.

Responsibility for deeds, good or bad, has a way of eeking out. It has been revealed that Nancy Pelosi was behind the campaign to remove Biden from the race. She and Biden had been friends for 50 years. Biden remains hurt from Pelosi’s behind the scene activities.

Trump has resurrected the Village People. His favorite musical group. The Village People will be performing at his Inauguration.

Trump’s favorite Village People tune: YMCA.

Biden is commuting the sentences of nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders. The commutations will extend to those serving long jail terms. Those who received harsher sentences for drug crimes that they would under current practices.

Biden said, “This action is an important step toward righting historic wrongs.”

I agree.

Eisenhower’s famous last words: “Beware the military-industrial complex.” He was correct!

The words were spoken this day in 1961 and were part of Eisenhower’s Farewell Address as President.

Today is the birthday of four famous persons. Each deceased. Benjamin Franklin, Al Capone, Muhammad Ali and James Earl Jones.

Witches were not only “popular” in the Colonies. On this day in 1775, 9 old women were burnt as witches for causing bad harvests in Kalish, Poland.

On this day in 1976, Barry Manilow’s “I Write the Songs” was introduced.

I close with Popeye. Why not?

Popeye made his first appearance in the comic strip “Thimble Theater” this day in 1929.

Enjoy your day!

At the moment, I measure Trump’s government to be by the prospective Cabinet members he has designated. I base today’s comments on three of them. My comments arrived at with a significant degree of certainty based on their testimony before Senate committees the past two days.

Hegseth was a disaster. His problem one of pure incompetence. Not even close to being qualified to run a military of 3.4 million persons. His experience derived from womanizing, alcohol, and ineptness in running two small entities. A loser. If he is a loser, then the U.S. is a loser also.

Pam Bondi really worries me. I spent much of yesterday listening to her testimony. She is a fortyish good looking blond. Knows how to throw her hair back, twinkle her eyes, and otherwise be charming when responding to those that agree with her or she thinks she is hoodwinking with her responses. A smart woman unquestionably from an intellectual perspective, also.

A Trump supporter all the way. Though she understands her responsibility is to support the Constitution, she left me believing there is no question she will be “Trump’s lawyer” which is legally improper. Woe is we!

The Democrats on the Committee were ready for her. It was a battle. Only because she was reluctant to speak truth re her positions. Sometimes her temper got to her and she slipped a bit and revealed her true self.

I was ashamed of the Republican members of the Committee. They were true diehards all. Trumpies. Republicans have forgotten how to speak to truth. If just occasionally, it would be refreshing.

I was very impressed with Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii. She took no guff from Bondi and did a good job of bringing out some of Bondi’s true positions.

I only got a brief look at Marco Rubio. He has been a Senator for 18 years. I have not always agreed with him philosophically. However, I believe he knows the role he faces as Secretary of State and overall will do a good job. He impressed me in his responses. We will be in good hands internationally with him, assuming Trump listens to him occasionally.

There was joy yesterday everywhere that Israel and Hamas had finally arrived at a deal. The war was over. Technically, sunday.

I was concerned the peace document was too long and had too many ifs and this’s. Anything could go wrong. With a multi-faceted agreement, going wrong is absolutely certain to occur

I woke to this morning’s news that Hamas has said: Wait, there is something else we want. Ergo, something has already gone wrong.

It bothers me that the agreement fails to release all the hostages at once. Apparently there are only three Americans remaining. Two of the three are to be released immediately. The third later on.

Biden delivered his Farewell Address last night. He warned of the rise of a new American “oligarchy.” He compared today’s tech moguls to 19th century “robber barons.”

Former Presidents Obama, Clinton and Bush will not attend the Inaugural. They join Michelle Obama in declining to appear.

My congrats to all of them!

A person who does not respect others is not entitled to respect.

Many fast food chains have either closed down completely or reduced the number of its restaurants over the past few years. Now comes one that is expanding. Big time! Shake Shack, a burger chain. Plans on opening 1,500 new locations. Presently has 329 company operated restaurants in the U.S. and 200 plus internationally.

On this day in 2009, the “Miracle on the Hudson” occurred. U.S. Airways Captain Sullenberger safely landed the plane he was flying on the Hudson River. All 150 passengers and 5 crew members were saved as a result.

The “Phantom of the Opera” ran 13,981 times on Broadway. Over the years, I saw it three times. It was like rereading a good book.

Starbucks has a new policy! Buy something or leave.

I stopped doing Starbucks in Key West several years ago. Too many teenagers doing nothing but taking up space and making a lot of noise. Generally buying nothing. I also found seats unavailable because adults were seated and sleeping. Consuming nothing.

There was no room for me or a chair in a comfortable location. Stopped going!

Sexual abuse cases involving priests are now some 40 years old. Still ongoing. Cases still pending.

Parishes appear to be paying  all or a significant portion of pay outs to victims. An example is New York’s Rockville Centre Diocese. Located on Long Island, its 136 parishes have thus far paid out $53 million of the approximately $323 million payments to victims. Insurance has also contributed.

It has not been easy. Each parish filed for bankruptcy and contributed. Even those not sued. 

Involved were 600 victims.

I close with the weather. Key West will be cool again today. High 70 degrees. Most of the day in the high 60’s. Sweatshirt weather.

Enjoy your day!

Oh, the pain! Not my back. Syracuse’s loss last night. Louisville decimated Syracuse 85-61.

A sign of how bad things have become is the cell phone texting involving me and other Syracuse fans. We have been texting through Syracuse games for years. Hip, hip hooray or shit!

Now nothing. Why? Because we have all become “dying” fans. Not literally, of course. Either not watching every game or too upset to even convey our bad feelings to each other.

I never thought this day would come.

The Los Angeles wildfires. Ongoing. Twenty four hours a day. Additional strong winds on the way which will cause fires to spread even more. The fires move with exceptional speed. Here, there and everywhere. New evacuation orders constant.

The insurance crisis I warned is already being discussed. Becoming evident. Noises being made about not enough money to cover all the losses. Available funds will be insufficient to no more available. Insufficient funds mean insolvency. It will leave a large number of policyholders depending solely on federal funds which will also reach a limit. What then? 

A disaster no one paid sufficient attention to happening.

Pete Hegseth’s hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee took place yesterday. He was buried by the Democrats, held up by the Republicans. A disgraceful hearing overall. The Senate failing in its obligation. I fear Hegseth will be approved by the Committee. Republican Senator Ernst advised last night she would support the candidate.  I was disappointed in her approval. She is a former military person. Hegseth has consistently advised women should not have “fighting” positions in the military. The Senator capitulated to Trump.

Hegseth had no easy task. He is however a charmer and TV type announcer. Nevertheless, he has had a messy life and skillfully avoided responses to his sexual abuse history, alcohol drinking, financial mismanagement and lack of experience for the Defense Secretary position.

I found amusing that the most persons he has ever been responsible for/managed in the past was 100. The military alone is 3.4 million.

I came away from watching him with the following conclusions: He is a smooth talker, has been redeemed by his Savior (He threw God into the mix several times), does 5 sets of 47 pushups a day, and the Republicans on the Senate Committee proudly covered his shameful ass.

Two prominent persons have entered the limelight where Trump is concerned. Speaker Johnson and Michelle Obama.

Trump is pissed the American flag would be flown at half mast on Inauguration Day. It is being flown in honor of Carter who recently died. A better man than Trump will ever be.

Trump does not care about the Carter respect item. His concern is that it will take away from attention to his inauguration. He has been complaining.

Speaker Johnson announced yesterday that for one day, Inauguration Day, the flag will return to its normal position.

Shame on you Speaker Johnson! You and Trump combined are insufficient to make one Carter.

Michelle Obama is doing her thing. What she believes is correct from her perspective. Good for her!

Regardless of what is being said re her absence, she did not attend Carter’s wake because she did not wish to sit next to Trump. It is now announced she will not attend Trump’s inauguration nor entertain Donald and Melania in the White House prior to transition as has been the custom. Michelle’s attitude is well taken: Screw you Donald for all the bad/evil/untrue things you said about my husband!

The job market continued to surge in December. Two hundred fifty six thousand new jobs. Only 155,000 were expected.

The projection for this year under Trump is that inflation will continue or slightly go up. Groceries and fuel prices will remain the same.

I do not agree. What happens will depend on what Trump does. If he is able to do many of the things promised, our economy will be in poor shape. Even before year’s end.

An interesting Citizens’ Voice this morning. Concerned Key West tree cutting. Twenty seven trees are being cut on the 900 block of Caroline. A request is under consideration to cut 211 trees at Searstown. Who authorizes these mass undertakings? Trees provide shade. Especially on Caroline. Cut power usage/air conditioning bills. Why 211 trees at Searstown? I didn’t even know there were that many. Someone tell me why these trees in both places are being cut.

I close with my personal observation that Democrats will return to power. Two reasons involved.

The first is that Democrats will have seen the error of their ways and corrected them.

Secondly, Trump will screw up sufficiently to cause many who voted for him to return to voting for the Democratic Party.

Enjoy your day!

Jack Smith’s Report re Trump and January 6 and the documents cases released. Dramatically at midnight.

The little I read most interesting. The Report is broken down into three parts. Smith’s cover letter to Attorney General Garland, the January 6 incident titled Volume I and the documents case titled Volume II.

I read the detailed cover letter at 2 this morning. Pulled no punches. I briefly glanced at Volume I involving January 6. Too long in mid morning to read. One hundred thirty plus pages. I will read the two Volumes over the next few days. For the moment, the cover letter.

Smith wrote Trump’s cases represented ones “in which the offenses [was] the most flagrant, the public harm the greatest, and the proof the most certain.”

Smith described Trump’s efforts to retain power as “criminal.” He claims Trump took his MAGA faithful for easily manipulated fools.

I came across two interesting comments re Trump in the internet this morning. Neither had anything specifically to do with Smith’s Report. Both comments had to do with Trump and his preparedness for a war. 

One, “Trump is as unprepared for war and other matters as he was for the COVID epidemic. His lack of experience and inability to take any advice from people will be his downfall. Appointing a clown like Hegseth plays right into the hands of our enemies.”

The other, “The only historical analogy I can think of is Nero. Trump is the modern Nero, instead of playing a lute while the U.S. literally burns, it is going to be ‘truths’ and ‘tweets’ trying to convince us that all is well as we go up in flames.”

The airplane has developed and moved faster as a part of our existence. “Plane” includes space vehicles. 

An interesting flying event involves Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was the first U.S. President to travel by plane on official business. He did so in 1943.

My back must know when I have plans. Tonight, two different events available for me to enjoy. The Grand Happy Hour and the Syracuse/Louisville game. I woke with my back out of whack again. Can’t win. It must be mental. Hope it goes away during the day so I can get out tonight.

There was no blog yesterday. Sorry. My day was otherwise full.

One thing was on my mind all day. It however had nothing to do with my not getting the blog out. My Cousin Albina was buried yesterday morning in Utica. She was on my mind all day. Her Church and cemetery known to me. I could sense her movement all day. Up to and including her body being lowered into the ground. 

Her father Frank had an interesting experience many years ago. He was being operated on and died on the table. He was declared dead and then came back. My Uncle Frank spoke of the event the rest of his life. He was sorry he had returned. He described the bright light and colors. A fence. His previously deceased family members on the other side. All welcoming him. When he got to the fence, he was told it was not his time, he had to go back.

It saddened him to return. Where he had been was a happy place.

It took my Uncle a long time thereafter to die. He was a very old man when he left us.

I am sure he and Albina are together today. As well as my Aunt Ange, another wonderful person.

I close with a Key West real estate experience. Some 35 years ago when I was looking for a home to purchase, I looked at everything. Location and price wise.

One of the places I checked out was Truman Annex. Told the realtor to show me the cheapest and take me through everything price wise to the most expensive.

The cheapest at the time was a one bedroom, one bath for $79,950. I ended up purchasing a four bedroom, four bath with pool on the the ocean in Key Haven for $700,000.

A similar one bedroom, one bath is for sale today in Truman Annex. Sales price $795,000.

Enjoy your day!

Finally, I saw a Syracuse basketball game that left me happy. Not only did Syracuse beat Boston College, it looked good doing it. Syracuse won 79-71.

I was not going to watch the game at Brady’s because of my back. Steve called me to say he had the game on TV and I should come over. He had prepared a special chair for me.

The chair was terrific. I was comfortable throughout the game. Occasionally had to move my butt around a bit, but did well.

The game was tied at half time. At a point in the second half, Boston College had an 8 point lead. I said to myself, here we go again! Then Syracuse went on a 10 point run. Turned the game around.

In the last few minutes, the game became close. Back and forth. I said to myself, Syracuse is going to blow it again! As they have consistently in close games this season.

However, Syracuse did not! Prevailed! Played exceptionally well in those few minutes.

Starling had his second 20 point game. Two in a row. Scored 26. Hope he keeps it up.

Louisville is Syracuse’s next opponent. Tuesday at 7 pm.

The Los Angeles/California fires are one of the most disastrous events we have seen. When and how will it end? There is not enough water for this type disaster. Homes and entire neighborhoods leveled.

“Cause” of the fires requires an “s” at the end. The more I read, I see so many causes. Even by homeowners themselves.

I continue to ask where all the money is going to come from to help. Everything is limited. Even government and insurance company monies.

American ingenuity definitely must come into play.

Ulysses S. Grant’s first name was not Ulysses. Nor did he really have a middle initial S.

His name a major screw up that followed Grant most of his life. He was born Hiram Ulysses Grant. Until a clerical mistake was made in his West point application. The perpetrator of the error was Congressman Thomas Hamer who nominated Grant. He listed his name on the application as “Ulysses S. Grant.” The application called for a middle initial so Hamer added “S” for Grant’s mother’s surname Simpson.

The “new name” stuck. Grant was thereafter known as Ulysses S. Grant. His classmates nick named him “Uncle Sam” because of the U and S.

How many recall the “Amos ‘n Andy” radio show and then TV show. You have to be around my age to remember I suspect.

The Amos ‘n Andy Radio Show debuted on this day in 1926. A different name at the time: “Sam ‘n Harry.” Changed two years later to Amos ‘n Andy. The show became one of the most famous shows in America.

In 1951, it was made into a TV show. The radio show continued and ran till November 11, 1960.

The relationship between smoking and cancer became public on this day in 1964 based on a Report by U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry that such was possible/probable. Suddenly became serious business. A matter of concern.

Due to Terry’s Report, smoking began to recede. Significantly. I recall prior to the Report attending many banquets as a young attorney. Everyone smoked, including me. The smoke was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Today no one even dares to sit at a banquet table and smoke.

On this day in 1958, baseball great Ted Williams filed a declaration of domicile with the Clerk of the Court listing his residence on Islamorada. Williams had a second home and then his primary residence on Islamorada for years. He was a fisherman. Islamorada had and still has the reputation of being the Fishing Capital of the World.

Williams remained a resident of Islamorada for years. Sold and moved when it got so busy that he had to wait to cross US 1 becuase of the traffic. That was the end of Islamorada for him.

Eight days before Trump becomes President again. I wonder how many of his “first day” promises he will keep.

Screwy Key West weather yesterday. Supposedly was going to warm up. It got colder. Not sure what today will be yet.

Enjoy your Sunday!

This Albina thing is going to be interesting.

I have had two Albinas in my life. My grandmother who was my Dad’s mother and Albina my cousin.

My cousin Albina died monday. She was 80. She was in a nursing home in Utica for years and prior thereto lived in Utica her entire life. I have neither seen nor thought of her in years. Keep in mind, she died monday. Wednesday for some unknown reason she came to mind and I discussed her with a friend. I was unaware she had died. I discussed her in depth. Once many years ago when I was around 40, I went through a bad time. She was there for me. 

We grew up together. Initially, we both lived in my grandparent’s three story 6 apartment house in the Italian ghetto in Utica. We were all Italians. I did not know for years there were any other type peoples.

Then my parents purchased a two family home in another neighborhood. Albina and her family immediately moved in upstairs and lived there longer than I.

Ergo, there were periods when Albina and I were close.

Thursday, I received two memos indicating Cousin Albina had died the previous monday. Immediately I knew she had been there with me the day before trying to let me know she had moved on.

Then there is our grandmother Albina. The best of the best. One of the finest people I have ever known. Loved her dearly. We all did.

You are going to think I am whacky, but my grandmother “appeared” to me twice after she died. Note the woman had raised me in my early years while my mother worked. Grandma only spoke Italian. Never learned English. I spoke Italian before English. I am ashamed to admit I am able to speak little Italian today.

I had been sick. The doctors thought I had cancer. The worst type. Tons of tests. I would get the results the next day. I woke from my sleep in the middle of the night the evening before. My grandmother was walking in front of my bed. She had been dead for years. My home was old, but lovely. Radiator heat. Large radiators. I had covered them with wood. It was summer so they were not operating.

My grandmother sat on the radiator. It was a younger version of her. She basically told me to worry not, everything would be ok. Then she rose and disappeared.

The next day I got the medical reports. No cancer.

There was another time some 20 years later when she appeared to me again. The same middle of the night thing. I had a problem that was weighing on me. She said worry not and faded away.

I believe my grandmother appeared to me each time and I further believe Albina was trying to say something to me on wednesday.

Crazy, I am not.

I want to stay with Albina for a moment. Who would name a person Albina? What a strange name! Never ran into another person with it.

I always considered it Italian, but never never even came across an Italian with that name except for my grandmother and Albina.

Did a little digging this morning. Albina is a feminine name. Of Roman and Swedish origin. Derived from the Latin “albas.” Means “white” or “”bright.”

The name is still popular in Europe. Especially in Russia and Ukraine. A couple of other nations, also. There is a Saint Albina as well as a popular European singer today by the name of Albina. The name was also popular during early Christianity.

Even if I had known, I still would not have named any of my daughters Albina.

At 3 this afternoon, Syracuse and Boston College meet in basketball. I had planned on watching the game at Brady’s with Steve Thompson and Dan Reardon. Was going to call Fred Klein to join us. A Syracuse grad also.

It will not be.

For some reason every time I plan on watching a Syracuse game from Brady’s, I wake with a bad back. No way could I sit and watch the game today.

Michael Halpern’s Celebration of Life will be held today from 5 to 8 pm at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. The place will be packed.

I close with Dry January. This month is set aside for people not to consume alcohol at all or reduce their intake a bit. The goal: A healthier you!

Enjoy your day!

Is the U. S. hurting economically? Not for everyone. Except for groceries and fuel, few.

An example of the “prosperity” affecting America today, car financing sticks out. In 2024, more people than ever paid $1,000 a month for cars. Additionally, the typical borrower financed $42,113 of their new car purchase. The average payment hitting $754 a month.

Re those paying $1,000 or more per month, such was paid by 18.5 percent of borrowers. Nearly 1 in 5.

People bitching, but a goodly number apparently living well. I’m beginning to think Trump lies about things like the economy and eventually the lie sticks. It becomes truth.

FOX out of hand again. Spouting lies about the California wildfires.

The latest involves female fire fighting personnel. The top Fire Chief and two other leaders of the top 12 in the Los Angeles Fire Department are women. FOX has been falsely stating the whole leadership is female and inferring they are lesbians. Would you believe!

Let me say something. I have reached a point in life where I believe men have had their turn at running things for centuries. Time to give women a chance. They cannot do worse and probably will do better. Many women work full time, raise children, care for their homes, etc., all at one time. And they do a good job!

Let the ladies have a chance at running things!

One of the reasons the California fires are out of hand appears to be insufficient water. So says Trump among others. How much water does it take to control the raging blazes? Lots. These fires are unheard of in their violence and velocity. As to the water, remember nothing is without limit.

Carter’s Washington religious service was one of the finest I have viewed. Especially the speakers. The entire event was understated as it should have been for Carter. He was an understated man.

Michelle Obama was not in attendance. Her seat next to Barack was vacant. On the other side of the space sat Trump. I suspect Michelle did not want to be seated next to Trump. Later, it was claimed she had a scheduling conflict and was in Hawaii.

Trump gets sentenced today in New York. The hush money case sentencing. The case where he was found guilty of 34 criminal felonies. Good! About time he had to pay the “penalty.” No jail time. He will merely be a convicted felon. So designated when he gets sworn in on January 20.

The man gets away with everything. If it was you or I who were so convicted, we would do time.

I at some point would like to know what’s in Jack Smith’s January 6th Report. I cannot believe it was a love fest as Trump claims. I watched on TV.

Anita Bryant has died at age 84. She had it all at one time as a singer, model, actress, etc. Then she went anti-gay. Back in the 1960’s or 1970’s. And kept it up. Openly and harshly.

In her first full year as an avowed anti-gay, she lost 80 sponsors. Ended up going bankrupt and losing her husband as a result. Her bigotry was her undoing.

The weather is anticipated to improve slightly today in Key West. The high will be 72, the low 60.

To Key West residents, anything 74 or under is cold. Has to do with the blood of persons living in Key West year round. Their blood thins from the heat.

I am cold at the moment.

I close with  some grooming/etiquette activities from the past. Nowhere like what we do today.

Examples.

Body hair was a no no with Romans. From the top of their heads to their toes, body hair anywhere on the body was removed with tweezers. Each hair singularly plucked out. Painful! Slaves were used for the hair removal.

Bird dung was used to cure baldness. Stunk!

Ear wax was removed with metal prongs. Also used to clean fingernails. Doctors believed wax contributed to deafness and had to be removed.

Wigs were styled with animal fat. Stunk, also!

Milk baths were popular with aristocrats. Pale was the way to appear. Milk baths were believed to keep the skin pale. Sometimes perfumes and scented oils were added.

Enjoy your day!