“Call me Ishmael.” Opening line to Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. One of the most famous opening lines in literary history.

Melville published Moby-Dick this day in 1851. A failure. Turned few on. Melville died in 1891. Moby-Dick still an economic flop.

It took to the 1920’s for Moby-Dick to become a literary success. It was “discovered.” Actually, Herman Melville the author was discovered. At the same time in the 1920’s, his first novel Billy Budd became a popular best seller.

I envy Steve Thompson that he came to Key West in the 1970’s and became a part of the island. At the same time that he discovered Key West, he likewise discovered the Chart Room. A winning combination!

Steve became friends with Phil Tenney.

Phil was a Chart Room regular in the ’70s. One of the nicest people I met in the Keys. He shared his 19 foot Mako with all of us and showed me how cool catching lobsters was.

His dad was a diplomat overseas for a while. His mom drove a Porsche and I sure liked her style. They talked about living overseas and strange places. All the ancient cities and mysterious faces.

Phil had a woodshop on Caroline Street. The door was always open and it was really neat. He had all the best stuff from band saws to jointers.

His index finger was shaped like a spiral pointer. He said he looked up when a car honked his horn. He was on the drill press and he saw the bandages torn. He had a wire in his finger from a previous repair. He said it reminds him to pay attention when working there.

Phil now owns probably the best restaurant in the Keys. Everyone knows it by its first name, Louie’s. Louie’s Backyard.

Phil and his wife Pat bought Louie’s in 1983. Today, Phil and his son Jed run the place.

I experienced a bit of a calamity a few days ago.

I live on the golf course. Two blocks in from the 18th fairway. There is a whole block of houses across the street from me that are directly on the golf course. All homes are 2 stories.

In the five years I have rented here, my home has been hit by errant golf balls 5-6 times a week. A loud noise. Never any damage. Till last week.

My bedroom on the second floor. A golf ball hit and broke a bedroom window. Glass all over the floor, a dresser, TV set and my bed sheets.

Called the realtor who manages the property. He said your house too far in to be hit by golf balls. Just what I needed. Bullshit! Anyhow, the manager is now trying to determine who is responsible for replacing the window. The homeowners association or my landlord.

Yesterday, a carpenter showed up. To fix the window? No. To cover the entire window with a piece of plywood. The board was drilled into the house.

Nothing is simple in Key West. Probably take months to resolve the issue.

I got my cleaning lady Sylvia and her husband Jose over to clean up the mess, change the sheets, etc.

Harpoon Harry’s own a boat that was in the Powerboat Races. Big stuff! Boats expensive to purchase. Expensive also to maintain and operate. Not kid stuff.

The Harpoon Harry boat won the friday races. A big deal! Congratulations in order.

Donald Trump has advised he will be announcing his candidacy for the Republican nomination for President in 2024 tomorrow. Woe is we!

He can’t win. He’s lucky he won the first time.

If he loses a primary, he will run independently to be a spoiler. If he wins a primary, I cannot believe the people will elect him again. The odds actually are he will lose a primary and run independently.

Even a good and talented person like Theodore Roosevelt could not win as an independent.

What Trump will succeed in doing is helping to elect the Democratic candidate.

Enjoy your day!

There was a time when an education represented in most instances the ticket to economic success. Unfortunately, no longer the case. Not as much a certainty.

It was for me. It was for Steve Thompson.

Steve knows and openly admits it.

When I got out of the Air Force, I enrolled in Seattle Community College in accounting.

There was a taco stand in Seattle called the Outrageous Taco Co. It was a small storefront in the University District. They expanded all over the city in the next two years. I went there dozens of times and studied the whole operation.

A large corn tortilla on a flat grill with all the fixings and sour cream on top. You could watch the whole process right in front of you.

Not only did I think it was the best thing I ever ate, I thought I could run that operation myself. That’s how clueless I was. A couple of years of Accounting in Junior College and way too much confidence.

My twin brother invited me to Fort Lauderdale and that was all it took.

My girl friend and I hitchhiked to Florida. That was 1971 and the last time in my life I ever hitchhiked anywhere.

My folks suggested I go to work for a restaurant before investing in one. That turned into the best advice of my life. I went to work for Taco Viva in Fort Lauderdale for $1.62 an hour. Not only was that job extremely physical and mental, I realized immediately I knew nothing about the restaurant business. 

After six months of hard labor and sleeping on my brother’s couch, I went to work for the first disco on Fort Lauderdale Beach. It was called the Village Zoo. It was a whole new world for me. Bell bottom pants and celebrities. I served Alice Cooper, Della Reese, Joe Namath, Jerry Lee Lewis, and met dozens of really neat people.

I kept hearing about Key West and how laid back it was. After a year at the Zoo, I had enough saved up to open my own taco stand. Or, so I thought.

A couple of trips to Key West and I found a location on the 200 block of Duval. 

My good friend Dave Moran who I met in Lauderdale came down to help me. I had no idea he was a master carpenter and I owe everything to him.

A lot of help from friends like Dave and a lot of luck and I got open in March 1974.

After years of planning to get open, I could not accept that from now on life was just one taco after another. That was the day I realized I had to keep opening stores or I’m going to go nuts.

And finally, all those accounting classes started paying off. The second store was in Gainesville across from the University, 500 miles away. The third was in Cocoa Beach, 350 miles north. The next three were in Key West: 501 Duval, Sloppy Joe’s, and Key Plaza Shopping Center. The last two were Satellite Beach and Merritt Island next to Cocoa Beach.

In 1981, I married Cindy the love of my life. We immediately had two lovely daughters and I realized right then and there, this is the only really important thing I will do in my life. 

One at a time, the stores disappeared as the rent went through the roof. Cocoa Beach was the last to close in 1996.

The Gainesville store is still operating under the name Burrito Brothers. It’s across from the University of Florida football stadium, The Swamp.

One thing I realized after 50 years in business, the fun is in creating, not maintaining. 

The Democrats have sealed control of the Senate with the win in Nevada. The win small, less that 1/2 point. Whatever, a win is a win.

The Democrats now 50 seats. Republicans, 49. The Georgia run off next month. Regardless of who wins, the Democrats will retain control because of the Vice-President’s vote.

Despondency is upon me. Syracuse lost again last night. Blown away by Florida State 38-3.

After winning the first 6 games, Syracuse has lost the last 4. The second half of the season has been a slow death.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Somewhere in the last 24 hours, I read or saw on TV an item suggesting Trump was a dead rat on the floor no one wanted to touch. Strong analogy. I agree, however. Republicans are walking around Trump instead of removing him from Party influence.

Trump is dead politically. He cannot accept it. His party knows it even if he won’t admit it. Republicans simply do not know how to get rid of him.

Again like a dead rat on the floor, everyone sees it. No one wants to touch it. Some major Republican honchos better assume the responsibility. Otherwise Republicans will fare even more poorly in 2024.

Words by H.L. Mencken: “Love is like war: Easy to begin but very hard to stop.”

Kathleen Martinez is an archeologist affiliated with the University of San Domingo. A criminal attorney turned archeologist.

She has been searching the past 15 years for Cleopatra’s burial place. She believes she may be close.

Martinez recently discovered an underground tunnel at Taposiris Magna, a temple dedicated to Osiris, the God of Death. The tunnel is 6.5 feet tall, 4,300 feet long, and 43 feet underground. The tunnel is located in Egypt, west of Alexandria.

Not only does Martinez believe Cleopatra lies nearby, she also is convinced she will find Cleopatra buried along side Mark Anthony.

Her search continues.

There are parasites among us. Always have been. Modern day parasites are motivated by money and position. Biden was in Egypt yesterday at a major UN environmental conference.  Anti fossil fuel people from all over the world were present. The meeting a big deal in efforts to clean up the atmosphere.

A Republican Congressional delegation was also present. They represented the benefits of fossil fuels and spoke in support of their continued use. The thrust of their words were it was wrong to demonize fossil fuels.

Joe Manchin types. Personal gain more important that the health of the world.

Syracuse/Florida State tonight at 8. Will be televised on the ACC Network.

Enjoy your day!

Veterans Day! Remember and honor all who fought to preserve our Nation.

I have found Key West recognizes our men and women very well. Better than celebrations I experienced in other cities.

Key West will begin at 11 this morning at the Veterans Memorial Garden in Bayview Park. I have attended several times. Most veterans will be wearing their caps. Some in uniform. The best is the look on their faces. Never fails. Pride!

The Parade at 4. Begins at Duval and Virginia Streets. Always well attended. The Parade itself exciting.

Today had its beginnings with the signing of the Armistice ending World War I. It was on a friday on the 11th day of the 11 month in the year 1918 at 11 am. The signing of the Armistice at that time not only officially ended World War I, it was also to signify the ending of the “war to end all wars.” Unfortunately, it was wrong in believing all wars were ended. No more wars to be. Man has proven he is a warmonger at heart. There is always a group or nation so inclined. Which means unfortunately wars will be with us for all time.

On November 10, 1954, the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial depicting the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima in 1945 was dedicated in Arlington, Virginia. The Memorial is immediately next to the Arlington National Cemetery.

I visited Washington, D.C. many times over the years before retiring. Always on business. Never saw anything.

In retirement I have been fortunate to visit 3 times as a citizen tourist. I recommend it to everyone. Don’t wait. Go soon. If you can, visit with children or grandchildren. Everything is exciting. Most free. The kids make it extra special. They get to view things they are studying.

Donald Trump in the news big time! He is held responsible by most for the Republican loss.

Trump is not taking it well.

Bess Levin wrote a piece on 11/9 titled: Trump Is Blaming Everyone But Himself For The Midterms. And, Yes, That Includes Melania.

Levin reported one of Trump’s advisers said, “Trump is livid” and “screaming at everyone.”

Levin wrote Trump “fucking” hates DeSantis.

Levin wrote another article the next day on 11/10 titled: Rubert Murdoch Knees Trump In The Balls While He’s Doubled Over Coughing Up Blood.

The message emanating from Murdoch’s media empire clear: Pack up your bags bitch. You’re done.

Levin describes how Trump is to be regarded: “As a has been loser who, at this point, couldn’t win an election for deputy director of the Mar-a-Lago Park and Recreation Department.

The New York Post depicted Trump as the anthropomorphic egg Humpty Dumpty, naturally headlined “Trumpty Dumpty” and “Toxic Trump.”

How I see Trump at the moment: An emperor without clothes.

He does not know it.

Trump’s loss in the midterms is consistent. He has lost at every turn since his stunning 2016 win. The question to be answered: Can he bounce back?

He will try. He will fail. Too many Republicans have seen the light as Republican losses in the midterms indicate. Trump will not be able to bounce back.

One of the most unforgettable questions in history “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?”

It was asked on November 10, 1871. Scottish journalist Henry Stanley found missionary David Livingstone. He had been unheard from for years. The world wanted to know if he was alive, where he was, what he had been doing, etc. Stanley found him near Lake Tanganyika in central Africa.

One of Key West’s most popular and best restaurants is Bagatelle. Located at 1150 Duval Street. Once a 2 story house on Fleming Street next door to the Library. It was moved to its Duval location 11/10/1974.

The 41st Annual Race World Off Shore Key West Off Shore World Championship runs through sunday. Wednesday’s races were canceled for fear of possible rough waters caused by Hurricane Nicole.

The races are powerful and dangerous. Extremely dangerous. Referred to as the “ultimate test of skill for racers.”

Syracuse/Florida State tomorrow. Both teams 6-3.

Syracuse’s final home game. Syracuse a 7 point favorite.

Enjoy your day!

Great day for America yesterday. The good guys won, the bad guy lost.

Women first and foremost! Winners all! The pollsters would have had us believe the ladies forgot how upset they were with Roe being reversed. No way! Women never forget. They were the leading factor in the Democratic victory, the Republican loss.

America won! Another way of saying Democracy won. Republicans thought Democracy was an empty issue. Tried to bury it with inflation and crime. Valid issues. However of lesser importance when basic American values were being trampled upon.

Then there was Trump himself. Viewed himself as the winner leading up to yesterday. He never sees what is. Yes, he won in 20216. He has however been a loser in every type political competition since. Many times a year, including yesterday.

Trump always the winner. In the event he failed, not his fault. In an interview yesterday during the day before any returns were in, Trump referring to “his candidates,” said, “Well, I think if they win, I should get all the credit.” He followed it up with, “If they lose, I should not be blamed at all.”

Yesterday marks the beginning of the end of the political Trump and MAGA. The American people went back to their roots and began the rejection process.

Some observations.

Who controls what. It appears the Democrats will not control the House. They will be in the minority anywhere from 1-5 votes. Manageable. Will still handicap Republican activity. There will be impeachments, etc. Not enough to hurt. The Democrats must win the Senate. Close. Will be several days before we know who has won. A Supreme Court seat might come up. One reason alone for there to be Democratic control of the Senate.

Biden must be complimented. He lost the first Presidential mid term by the narrowest margin in 40 years, assuming the House goes Republican. By a handful of votes. Not the 20 to 60 the nation is accustomed to.

I have one fear. Trump’s candidates, those that love and admire him so much, who lost, will not go quietly into the night. Some will erroneously contest the election results. Ballot fraud again. A sinking ship issue. However they will be happy to go down with their Captain at the helm.

Enjoy your day!

Oh, the abuse which will be heaped upon me tomorrow if I am wrong. I believe today will be a Democratic wave. Not the Republican one most believe will occur.

First, I do not accept the polls as valid. To use a Trump term, I believe many are “rigged.” They are controlled by far right monies. Recognize also the stupid things said and positions taken by Trump selected Senate candidates. No matter how out of line, they continue to run neck and neck with their Democratic opponents.

Then the ladies. How upset they were just a few months ago when Roe v. Wade was reversed seems to have been forgotten. We are told the price of milk, eggs and bread is more important to them.

I don’t buy it.

Forget not the saying involving a woman scorned. They never forget. Memories like an elephant. My mother was that way. My former wife also. Years later and they still recalled.

The Republican Supreme Court in reversing Roe made women aware that certain men and groups consider them second class citizens. The ladies may not talk about it. However, they have not forgotten. They will express their innermost feelings as they cast their ballots.

Another consideration is Trump himself. People are becoming increasingly sick of our divided nation. A division lead and promoted by Donald himself. Even to this day. The people of the United States are a family. Disharmony at the dinner table cannot continue on a daily basis. Trump has to go together with those who support him.

Election surprises are not uncommon. Truman’s 1948 victory an example. He kicked the Republicans in the ass royally on November 2, 1948.

Several days later on November 8, Truman arrived for a vacation in Key West. He was greeted by a crowd estimated at 25,000 who lined his route from Boca Chica to The Little White House. It was the largest crowd ever assembled in Key West up to that time.

Keep in mind the hurricane season is not over. Technically does not end till November 30.

Nicole is on the way. A subtropical storm. Expected to become a Category 1 hurricane, nowhere near the strength of Ian. Nicole will hit landfall on the Florida east coast wednesday night bringing with it wind, rain , storm surge and flooding.

Landfall is not expected to involve Key West. Landfall presently estimated to be somewhere between Hallandale Beach and to a point 200 miles north.

Governor DeSantis has already declared a state of emergency for 34 counties in Nicole’s path.

Syracuse won its first game of the official season last night defeating Lehigh 90-72. Boeheim said after the game that the score would have been higher had he just played his usual 7. However the game was going so well he didn’t want to run the score up and the opportunity presented itself for him to play many more. Which he did.

Syracuse’s next game is November 15 against Colgate.

Jean Thornton telephone yesterday to invite me out for stone crabs last night. I begged off. My back has been out for several days. I opted to remain in. I would have enjoyed the company and the meal.

I’m going to try getting out today. The walls are closing in.

Enjoy your day!

Key West has been the home of many talented persons. Gems in their own right.

Steve Thompson one of such persons. Talented in many respects. An outstanding musician in his youthful days.

Steve’s story in his own words.

In 1965 I was a sophomore at Ballard High School in Seattle, Washington when I received a call from the Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. They were performing in town and asked if I would like an audition. I had won several state championships on my horn. I  played the baritone bugle.

The Air Force Academy was the best drum and bugle corps in the country. I jumped at the chance.

They liked how I blew the horn. They told me they would be in touch when I was ready to graduate.

Upon graduating from high school in 1967, I received  a letter to report to my recruiter between the 1st and 20th of September. I went in on the 19th. They told me I had to be at the Lackland Training Center in San Antonio, Texas by the 20th. The 20th was next day.

They took me to the induction center and rapidly processed me through. The next day, the Air Force had me on a jet to basic training. The only advice I got was to just be a face in the crowd, don’t let on I was getting special treatment and don’t let on I already had orders for the Air Force Academy.

I was 18 and being treated specially. I did as I was told.

I was so happy to get to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. There were only 33 horns in the corps and some were old enough to be my father. At the time the corps consisted of Air Force members, not cadets. It was years later that the system was changed and cadets made up the corps.

It was a pleasure to play with such good musicians.

I was promoted to sergeant my first year. Eighteen, my first year in the Air Force and promoted to sergeant! No question, they liked my playing.

For the next two years, I traveled all over the country. We performed for Nixon’s inauguration, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 1968, Disneyland, all the Air Force football games, graduations, and numerous Academy functions.

Steve left the Air Force after 3 years and went to college. A significant move on his part. What he learned formed the basis for his successful taco business which followed. A story for another day.

Tomorrow the big day. Mid term elections.

Are the pollsters right or wrong? Their success factor has been one of diminishing accuracy over the years. I attribute such to the influx of far right monies into the polling process. I suspect the numbers were manipulated by some pollsters.

This year’s election will suggest whether I am right or wrong.

If the polling numbers are not as have been advised along the way, there should be an investigation to determine why. Let the answer be correct and not one based on conjecture. The reason polling numbers cannot be permitted to be “rigged” is that many are influenced by them in the way they vote and if they vote at all.

An election year and inflation a major issue. An aggravation for Biden as it has been for most Presidents over the years.

Ronald Reagan described the problem well: “Inflation is as violent as a mugger, as frightening as an armed robber, and as deadly as a hit man.”

I tripped across a Milton Friedman quote that I am primarily sharing because of its humor. Though its accuracy cannot be questioned.

Friedman was an American economist and statistician who said, “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.”

Tom Brady returned! In yesterday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. He threw a touchdown pass with 9 seconds remaining in the game to enable Tampa to win 16-13.

It was only a one yard pass. But…..It came with no time left and is what Brady does. Generally with the yardage more significant.

It enabled Tampa to end a 3 game losing streak. Tampa’s last win was 10/9.

The basketball season officially begins for Syracuse tonight at 8. Syracuse opens the season against Lehigh at the Dome.

It is early in the season and the game is considered of no consequence. It will not be televised. The game can be watched streamed on Twitter.

Last season was one of Syracuse’s worst. This year considered a rebuilding one for the Orange. Nevertheless, Syracuse should still beat Lehigh.

Be well.

William R. Hackley was an attorney who settled in Key West in 1829 and remained till 1857. During certain of those years, he was a government attorney.

He complained on this day in 1830 juries were reluctant to convict those who owned and operated houses of prostitution. Hackley appears to have taken his position seriously during those his young years.

On November 6, 1830, he wrote: “One case of indictment against R.W. Cussans for keeping a disorderly house was tried but the juries at this place necessarily composed of men of no character and indeed impossible to get any jury here who will decide according to their oath.”

Juries at the time were composed of drunken and vagabond fishermen. What did Hackley expect?

An excellent lunch yesterday. Food and company the best. I was Steve Thompson’s guest at Louie’s Backyard. We sat at “Steve’s table,” the same one he has sat at when dinning at Louie’s all  these years. An inside corner table by the windows.

Steve is one of the most interesting persons I have met. I enjoy his company and his tales of old Key West. I made notes and will relate some of his recollections over the course of the next few weeks.

Met Patty. A Louie’s waitress for years. Obviously she and Steve know each other well.

On my way to Louie’s, I ran into the traffic jam of all traffic jams. A bicycle/auto accident on North Roosevelt Boulevard near U.S. 1.

I came onto U.S. 1 via Collee Road. Oh, the traffic! The Miami newspaper said the traffic jam ran 5 miles up U.S. 1.

It took me close to an hour trying to move from College Road to the Boulevard. I finally moved onto the shoulder and drove the short distance to the rear entrance to the Marriott. Took a shot. Worked out well. I entered the Boulevard at the farthest Marriott entrance. No traffic in either direction. I felt like Little Jack Horner.

The motor cyclist died. No further details are available.

Manchin has taken to referring to Biden adversely. Over the coal issue. Manchin makes himself sound like the coal miner champion. He is far from it. West Virginia coal mining has decreased dramatically over the years. It is not the huge industry it once was. Though Manchin makes it sound like it is and he is the reason why.

A 2020 study revealed only 11,418 West Virginians were employed in the State’s coal mining. Nine thousand one hundred twenty nine worked underground and 2,289 above ground. Coal mining represented only 5.8 percent of West Virginia’s economy.

Numbers for 2021 revealed coal employment numbers even lower. The lowest since 1890.

Manchin has to run for reelection in 2024. I believe he will change parties and run as a Republican. He acts like one. Her might as well wear the cloak of one. I mentioned yesterday he believes adjustments have to be made to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He wants to cut them.

College football a major enterprise today. Billions of dollars involved.

On this day in 1869, Rutgers and Princeton played the first college football game ever. Rutgers won 6-4.

They played with a soccer ball before 100 fans.

Syracuse/Pittsburg yesterday. My Syracuse is killing me. Pittsburg won 19-9.

Pittsburg looked terrific. Deserved to win.

Syracuse sucked throughout. Orange blood was pouring from my veins.

This week valid reasons for the loss.

Syracuse quarterback Garrett Shrader did not play again. Freshman Carlos Del-Rio Wilson his replacement. He was terrible. As good as he looked last week, he looked terrible this week.

Something going on between Coach Babers and star running back Tucker. Tucker carried only 13 times gaining only 29 yards.

Star receiver Gadsden rarely had the ball thrown his way.

Pitt’s star running back Israel Abanikanda did not play at all. Injuries. Pitt won without him.

Syracuse now 6-3, having lost its last 3 games.

Be well.

Manchin issued a statement thursday evidencing once again his turncoat colors. The issue Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. His tune consistent with that of the Republican Party: Programs wrong, something needs to be done, etc.

His attack 5 days before the mid term elections. He could not wait till after the elections.

He has become the Benedict Arnold of the Democratic Party.

Manchin called for a bipartisan deal to protect the solvency of the three programs. His cry: “We cannot live with the crippling debt.”

Manchin has millions. He does not have to worry about the help Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid provide those who have not been as fortunate as he has.

His cry consistent with his Republican friends. Social Security, etc. is burying us. Such bullshit!

Few elected to Congress understand the Social Security program. They believe insolvency of the Social Security Trust Fund may occur as early as 2026. They are told this by other uniformed political leaders and certain lobbyists.

I have written the true story over the years. I ask that you read my writing. Only one. The last one. I wrote it on 12/28/21. Titled: The Social Security Lie. It incorporates my first titled The Theft of Social Security 10/20/13. I wrote another in 2016 titled The Rape of Social Security.

You need only read the 12/28/21 publication. It lays the story out in detail, including the cure if one is required.

Trump is a teflon person. Amazing how he still stands with all the legal actions pending against him and his numerous court room failures.

He has taken another blow. Properly imposed.

A New York Supreme Court Justice ordered an Independent Monitor to make sure the Trump organization does not transfer any of its assets without court approval. Such done at the request of New York Attorney General Letitia James. She does not trust Trump, his family or people. James brought a civil lawsuit against the Trump organization. She properly fears the Trump organization might try to move assets out of New York and into foreign accounts in order to avoid the State from collecting should it win. The State’s victory appears certain.

Syracuse basketball begins monday night. Against Lehigh.

The team in a building mode this year. Six freshmen on the team. It is expected Syracuse will have a winning season, but not enough to make the NCAA Tournament.

Who knows?

Syracuse football this afternoon at 3:30. Syracuse plays Pittsburg.

Syracuse 6-2, having lost its last 2 games. Pittsburg 4-4. Syracuse a 4 point favorite.

Big lunch today! Steve Thompson and I are meeting at Louie’s Backyard at 12:30 for lunch. I’m looking forward to it.

Be well.

Many the movie has been filmed in Key West. Included are License to Kill, The Laundromat, The Beach Bum, Operation Petticoat and The Rose Tattoo.

Yesterday marked the 68th anniversary of the first day of filming of the The Rose Tattoo. November 3, 1954. The movie was based on Tennessee Williams’ play of the same name.

Williams lived on Duncan Street in Key West. The movie was filmed in a house two doors away from his. The movie starred Anna Mangani and Burt Lancaster. Lancaster stayed at the Williams home during the filming.

Anna Mangani won the Academy Award for Best Performance by an Actress for her role.

Lisa and family reside on Duncan Street. One and a half blocks from the former Williams residence.

The Williams home continues to be in excellent shape. It has been owned by the same snowbird couple for more than 30 years. They have taken excellent care of the property. The same cannot be said for the Rose Tattoo house. It was permitted to remain empty for years and not cared for. Finally a few years ago, the house was purchased and renovated. Not as well as it could have been, however.

Christianity continues moving a step too far. Saving souls not enough to do. Getting its nose in matters none of its business is. The Catholic Church a perfect example.

A significant portion of the Catholic Church is far right authoritarian in its thinking. The National Catholic Reporter on 11/3 published an article on redemption: For A Redemption Story, Look To The Phillies, Not The Astros.

What does baseball have to do with redemption?

The article spelled out the already well known cheating of the Houston Astros in 2017 by the use of a video feed to steal opposing team signs during the World Series championship season and the year after.

It’s no wonder Catholic Churches are empty, parishes combining, Catholic schools closing, etc. The Church has forgotten the work it was intended to do. Yes, stealing baseball signs wrong and even qualifies as a sin. A minor one at best. As bad as eating meat on friday when such was prohibited many years ago.

Not all religions have moved to the far right. The Jewish religion is being persecuted again. Increasingly so. By many of Christian faiths.

With anti-Semitism on the rise, American Jews are rightfully concerned. So concerned they are asking “where must we move.”

Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank, one of the Jewish faith, wrote an excellent article  0n 10/28 on the issue: “American Jews Start To Think The Unthinkable.” The unthinkable…..Flee the United States. Would you believe?

Jews constitute 2 percent of the U.S. population. Their fear a growing one.

Anti-Semitism in the U.S. has tripled since 2015. Jews subjected during that time to acts of harassment, vandalism and assault. Milbank succinctly wrote: “If it isn’t safe here, it won’t be safe anywhere.” He’s right.

The problem an increasing one. Just yesterday the FBI’s Newark offices issued an alert saying it had received “credible information of a broad threat to synagogues in New Jersey…..Stay alert!”

Elections tuesday. Vote not for any candidate who is anti-Semitic. In these tumultuous times, Jews have been added to blacks as groups to dislike/hate. Who is next? You, me, who?