Child suicides have reached epidemic proportions. World wide. The cause the restrictions imposed because of COVID-19.

England appears to be studying the subject the most at this time. English physician David Greenhorn was interviewed by the Associated Press.

Dr. Greenhorn believes the epidemic is going unrecognized. Child suicide attempts have gone from a couple per week pre-pandemic to several a day.

As young as 8 year olds.

Dr. Greenhorn believes a year is a long time for a change in a child’s life pattern. Children get fed up. They are unable to see an end to the restrictions.

Dr. Greenhorn said with those 15 years and under, suicide attempts have gone from 20 per month to more than double that number. He also said, “We’re very surprised by the intensity of the desire to die among children 12-13 years old.”

His study revealed “children of 9” have “a genuine wish to end their lives.”

I am unaware as to the degree the matter is under consideration in the U.S. The problem cannot be an isolated one. Adds to the positivity of getting the kids back in school at this time.

Last week I appeared on Guy deBoer’s early morning talk show. The issue was children being held at the border more than 72 hours in violation of law. Biden has been trying to down play the problem as his people work hard on finding a solution. He has not held a press conference addressing the issue. Though it was advised last week that he would be holding one next week.

A concern has developed. The number of children is in the thousands.

The children must be taken care of. On the other hand, their immigrant contrast with that of my grandfather’s is eye opening. How could one generation of child immigrants land on American shores and take care of themselves without significant governmental assistance?

My grandfather’s name was Louis. I am named after him.

He arrived from Italy around 1900. He was 12 years old. A bastard in Italy. Knew neither his mother or father. Grew up on the streets of Naples.

He lost his papers. Immigrants wore papers which hung around their necks. Official type papers. My grandfathers were lost on the way over.

When he arrived at Ellis Island, it was discovered he had scarlet fever. The government had a hospital on Ellis Island to care, among other things, for those who arrived with contagious diseases. The reason humanitarian on the surface. The real reason in my grandfather’s case was the government wanted no one with a contagious disease to enter the country. Understandable.

My grandfather was in the Ellis Island Hospital 3 months. Then released.

Released to where and what? He could neither read nor write in Italian or English. He had little monies on him. He was aware of no relatives in the U.S.

I don’t know how, I don’t know why, but he made to Utica, N.Y. Two hundred forty miles north of New York City.

There he lived the rest of his life. Taught himself to read and write English. His penmanship beautiful. I always wished I could write as he did. Never did.

Utica was a cloth goods town. Primarily cotton. My grandfather worked in the largest Utica factory his entire life. He ultimately became supervisor of a large floor of workers. Which meant he went to work in a suit and tie. Less I forget, a vest also. Always wore s hat. Even while working.

He purchased a 6 family home. Married twice. His first wife died. He had 8 children between them.

He almost died in the flu epidemic of 1918-1919. A religious story for another time.

With no help. he achieved a degree of success. Never became a millionaire or anywhere close. However got along.

Why did my grandfather succeed with little help and much more is required to assist those coming across the southern border today? Maybe we try to provide too much assistance. I don’t know.

What I do know is my grandfather was not the only one coming into the U.S. in 1900. The Italians came in droves. As did the Irish before them. Most made a good life for themselves without all the immigration problems confronting the U.S. today.

Two days in one week of massive shootings in the U.S. Eight in Atlanta Asian massage parlors, 10 in a Boulder supermarket.

I watched a Senate Committee yesterday discuss the subject. The usual ranting and raving from both sides.

The problem is a very old one in the U.S. What I heard yesterday was the same I have been hearing the past 20 years.

I do not know if the problem will ever be solved.

George Segal died yesterday. An actor. He was 87 years old.

He played serious and humorous parts.

He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. He played Alfred “Pope” Solomon on the Goldbergs.

His movie performance I enjoyed the most was the 1973 movie Blume in Love. All his artistic talents were required for the job. A sensitive portrayal of a man whose wacky wife leaves him and he chases her all over the world seeking reconciliation. Finally achieved yeas later.

May he rest in peace.

Iceland had a surprise last weed. There is a volcano located about 20 miles from Iceland’s capital city Reykjavik. It had been dormant for 6,000 years. It exploded last week.

Relatively small, it was not a danger to the capital or any surrounding towns. However it spewed flames, lava and smoke for several days. The lava flows extended 1,600 feet.

You never know when!

Big weekend coming up for Syracuse. The Sweet Sixteen. The sportscasters have begun with their predictions. Sixteen teams will be involved. I suspect Syracuse will not move seed wise. Probably seeded 10 or 11.

No one believes in Syracuse. My faith however has been renewed. Go ‘Cuse!

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night.I enjoyed doing the show. Covered everything that could be fit into one half hour.

Enjoyed myself.

Enjoy your day!

Spent yesterday morning from 8 to noon undergoing some medical tests and blood work. Part of my annual heart check up. No time for the blog. By the time I researched and wrote it, it would have been 5 or 6 in the late afternoon.

Ergo, today a Morning Blog. My attempt to cover 2 days in 1. No order. You get my notes in the order they are stacked on my desk.

Enjoy!

Monopoly seems to have lasted a lifetime. Still ongoing. Remember from my youth. Played the game for generations with friends, my parents, my children, and my grandchildren.

The game will never die. Some variations have come out over the years. A new Key West Monopoly set will be available for purchase in the fall. In time for Christmas.

Casey Arnold is a Key West businessman. He came up with the idea of a Key West game. He contacted Hasboro Gaming who owns the rights to the Monopoly game. He received permission to proceed.

The new game is basically the same as the old. It will reflect Key West, however. Tokens will include a Kino sandal, slice of Key Lime pie, rooster, conch shell, manatee, and fishing boat.

No question. Most of us will be playing Monopoly again. For me, with Robert and Ally.

A South Beach update.

First, a possible murder. Two North Carolina men and a Pennsylvania woman. The two men raped the woman. She later died in her hotel room. It is claimed the two men gave her a pill before raping her.

The men were aged 21 and 24. The woman 24.

The men have been arrested.

I received a call yesterday from a friend. She wanted to share what she was seeing in South Beach.

Tons of people. Thought City government did the right thing in imposing the 8 o’clock curfew. Things were getting out of hand. A riot was inevitable.

The surprise was that the partiers were not college kids alone. Most were young adults. Those already out of school. Described to me as “young professionals.”

Interesting.

Filibuster. Biden has to get rid of it. I keep repeating myself.

He will have to crawl before he walks. First, a return to a Senator having to stand and argue his position for hours.

A few months later, a better way. Get rid of it in its entirety. By that time, Biden will have secured the support of the two recalcitrant Democrats or picked up some Republican Senators.

Biden and he country need the filibuster gone. Otherwise much needed legislation will move. McCullough will have succeeded “in scorching the earth.”

The word filibuster is derived from a Dutch reference to pirates. Evidence of its evil beginnings.

Filibuster became popular in the U.S. in the 1850s. I suspect because of the slavery issue at the time.

It has been used since in order to prevent action on a bill on the Senate floor.

There was a time when U.S. budgets were in the hundreds of thousands. Then millions. Followed by billions. Now, trillions!

Wow!

The recent stimulus package which has become law was $1.9 trillion. Talk now is of a $3 trillion infrastructure bill.

The condition of the U.S. economy today requires America to spend overwhelming dollars. The only way to stave off a recession.

Infrastructure is the best way to proceed. The money will create tons of jobs. Employment will rise dramatically. People will have money in their pockets to spend for items not necessary for survival/basics.

Biden has an immigration problem of magnitude on his hands. Especially involving children without parents. Now in excess of 3,000.

He thus far has played the game of blocking out news re the problem. I don’t blame him. However not healthy for the U.S. nor Biden.

The press have been a problem. They want access and ability to obtain news re the immigration children. Biden has been polluting press access. His conduct not one of transparency.

Critical though I am, I believe he will turn the problem around. Access however should be available even before he achieves his goal.

Mask wearing continues to be a problem. Many did not and do not want to wear them. Thank you, Donald. Government officials cater to their desires. The laws re masks are generally permitted to be flouted.

DeSantis advised last week he was not only opening Florida to businesses, he was also exempting old and new fines re failure to wear a mask.

Prior to DeSantis’ remarks, the Key West police were doing a better job re the masks. Giving out tickets. They stopped however based on DeSantis deciding the fines were not collectible.

Now no  one wears a mask. Not quite accurate. A mere handfull at any given time.

The Citizens’ Voice carried an interesting comment re the situation in this morning’s newspaper: “It appears that on the one-year anniversary of the lock down, St. Patrick came and drove the masks out of Key West.”

Last week, 8 killed in Atlanta. Yesterday, 10 in Boulder. A gun problem unquestionably. I continue to wonder if we as a people are ever going to get the gun issue under control.

I thought progress was being made. The NRA had been weakened. However, then came January 6. Even I who have never handled a gun or cared to, wondered if maybe this was the time for me to carry.

If January 6 was reflective of what is to come, then I need to protect myself. The issue of personal survival now part of the mix.

A thought concerning the Asian women murdered in Atlanta.

Respectfully, I thought any Asian problem in the U.S. ended with World War II. Never heard of any since, except those Trump motivated against China.

With the shootings, groups, organisations, and individuals have come out of the shadows and advising how horrific it has been for Asian women. The racism ran deep.

Glad they were there to tell us who were unaware. They should have been more vocal, if at all, before the Atlanta deaths.

Such is not the point I wish to make however. It is with the massage parlors themselves. Generally advertising Asian women inside. Publically known Asian women were the workers. Most if not all knew or suspected the massage parlors were dens of inequity.  Whore houses. Brothels.

A parlor provides “massage services for a fee.” As early as the 19th century, it became common knowledge the massage parlors were being used as a “euphemism for a brothel.”

In 2019, the Polaris Project estimated there were 9,000 massage parlors in the U.S.providing sexual services. “Full services” and “rub and Tug” available. The latter referring to only hand jobs being offered.

A 2011 study in New York city reported the “house fee” paid up front to the “mama-san” was $60 to $100 per visit. An extra $40 was required to be paid to the sex worker for a massage and “happy ending.” Oral and full service required an additional fee on top of the $40.

The massage parlors run like the whore houses in days old run by the Mafia. Girls are moved from one massage parlor to another for variety and safety purposes. A raided massage parlor reopened within a few days under a new corporation. The corporate trail made it virtually impossible to trace ownership.

My criticism once again is simple. Those now arguing in support of their Asian sisters should have been out there years ago arguing that their people were being used as prostitutes in the slave trade. Why weren’t they?

Their may be one explanation. They knew these women were working in the trade because they needed the money. To support themselves and their families. The apple cart was not to be turned over less the ladies not have a source of income to provide a somewhat decent life.

Key West has 2 Asian type parlors that I am aware of. I mentioned this 2 years ago in a blog. All of a sudden 2 appeared in Key West. One on Duval and the other on the corner of U.S. 1 and Eisenhower. Still there. Names Asian Massage Key West and Island Massage Spa.

On this day in 1775, Patrick Henry before the Virginia Provincial Convention spoke, “Give me liberty, or give me death.”

Syracuse, my Syracuse! I spent the season crying and moaning how terrible we were doing. Kept saying the best material ever player wise, but not getting it together.

Richard Nixon when discussing an election, said the campaign must peak as election day is reached.

Syracuse seems to be peaking. Wow!

First, I was shocked the team even got into the NCAA Tournament. Further shocked when I saw they were a #11 seed in the Midwest Region. Not bad.

Syracuse’s first game was against # 6 seed Sand Diego State. Syracuse won.

The next game this weekend pitted Syracuse against #3 seed West Virginia. Syracuse won.

Syracuse plays in the Sweet Sixteen this weekend.

They look terrific. Especially Buddy Boeheim. He has really come out. His shooting fantastic. He has scored 30 and 25 points in the 2 games mentioned.

I became irritated before the West Virginia game sunday night. In the pre-game show, the sportscasters analyzed the pending game. Gave all of 15 seconds to Syracuse. Spent several minutes thereafter talking about how good West Virginia was, that they should have been the #1 seed rather than #3, etc. Syracuse forgotten.

I do not know where Syracuse is going from this point forward. I hope their peaking continues. It would be nice to go to the Final Four once again. Even better, to win the whole thing.

I have tons more of notes. Blog already too long. I may be able to use some in tomorrow’s blog.

Tonight my blog talk radio show. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. Join me. I rant and rave. Love it! www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

The barbarians were not stopped at the gates of Miami. An uncontrollable mob. Miami Beach was the place to be this season. The spring breakers came in droves. More than anticipated, more than ever before.

Short of a death occurring, all has been bad. So bad that Mayor Dan Gelber announced a new curfew yesterday. Eight o’clock in the evening. The party over at that time. Bars closed. Students relegated to their hotels. God help the hotels!

Thursday and Friday fights occurred in some South Beach hotels. Tables, chairs and other items of furniture used in the melee. Damage done.

I can only imagine what last night was.

In addition to the South Beach 8 pm curfew, the causeway was shuttered. Cars stopped by police. Only those with homes or hotel reservations permitted through. The rest turned away.

The best way to understand what was occurring is contained in the words of Miami Mayor Gelber when he announced the 8 pm curfew yesterday: The crowds were “more than we could handle.” The spring breakers came “without intention of following the rules.” The result “a level of chaos and disorder that is just something more than we can endure.”

Referring to the two previous nights, “it feels like a rock concert, wall-to-wall people over blocks and blocks.” South Beach “feels like a tinder, it feels like just any match could set it off.”

The police are in danger of being “overwhelmed.”

A “state of emergency” is declared.

The purpose of the curfew and causeway restrictions were to protect the community from personal and physical damage. A further consideration was COVID-19. No social distancing. Too many people. Crowds jammed together. A coronavirus field day in the making!

I compliment Mayor Gelber. Only a few days earlier, Governor DeSantis had lifted all restrictions on businesses and other activities. Also advised fines would be waved for those who received tickets for failing to wear masks.

Mayor Gelber stood up against higher authority in order to do the right thing. His attitude my town, my way. An attitude required against the most inept governor in America. A man who followed Trump religiously. A person who has permitted vaccine be given to his rich and wealthy donors, while others went without. A man who has screwed up the Florida distribution of the vaccine royally.

Now to what I perceive will be the end of this dilemma. Key West will be invade next!

Do you think these young adults are going to remain in Miami if they have to be home by 8. Mom and dad never imposed such a ridiculous curfew on them.

They came to Miami to have fun. If not Miami, somewhere else. Key West the logical destination. A mere 140 miles away.

Over one of the 3 day holiday vacations this past year, things were getting out of hand in Miami. The city was effectively closed down.

The students were not to be dissuaded. The y came for fun and were going to have fun. The cry went up…..Key West, an open city!

They came in unexpected droves. Our police authorities handled the problem well. This time however the crowds might be just too big to control.

Key West has a problem. Its normally sensible bar, restaurant and business people have deviated from good judgment during the crisis. They have fought state wide and locally for business to go on as usual. Local elected officials have had a hard time protecting their interests and those of the rest of the community. In a few instances, the Key West City Commission has acted above and beyond. In most however, sucked up to the money people in this town.

Key West’s Mayor Teri Johnston and the City Commission are going to have their hands full the next two weeks. Extraordinary steps will be required to stop and/or keep the hordes under control. It may not be possible.

Interestingly, I spoke at length re the problems the spring beakers would bring to Key West this year. I spelled out in my blog talk radio show Tuesday night that Miami had a midnight curfew running to 6 in the morning. I doubted the college students would be happy about it. They would not. That is their nature. And probably the way many Americans think today. Feel they can do what they want. This is a free country. Rules do not apply to them.

Ergo, onward to Key West! The open city. The cops won’t bother them.

May they find a surprise in store for them.

One last item. A further comment by Mayor Gelber. He blames among others the airlines’ recent cheap flights program: “Last month you could get here from Philadelphia, New York, or Chicago for $50 round trip.”

A separate issue. The Miami Herald reorted yesterday that Key West has decided not to enforce its strict ordinance requiring people to wear masks in public.

This was a day or two before the Miami problem began occurring.

Miami-Dade County did the same thing several days ago. Then on thursday Miami announced its police would resume enforcing a mask and curfew law despite Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order opening Florida businesses 100 percent and  canceling payment of mask fines.

An example of standing up to superior authority when that authority is blatantly wrong.

The Key West police are handling the mask problem differently. They will ask those not wearing masks to wear them. If the people refuse, the police will walk away. No attempt will be made to enforce Key West’s mask ordinance in view of Governor DeSantis’ Executive Order.

What will the police do the next few days when the anticipated Miami onslaught arrives?

Now to the important. Syracuse/West Virginia at 5:40 this afternoon. March Madness at its finest on CBS.

Enjoy your Sunday!

The world is learning. America has a new leader and he is not a Donald Trump. The new Sheriff in town is Joe Biden.

Some people are complaining. Claiming Biden already is making trouble for the U.S. with Russia and China. Biden referred to Putin as a killer. The meeting with Chinese and American representatives this past week in Anchorage found both sides playing diplomatic hard ass. No name calling, however.

Better Biden openly acknowledged Putin a killer. He is. His track record in this regard clear.

I don’t know why China has a hair up its derriere. My gut feeling is China is testing the waters as regards Biden. Let’s see how tough he is type thing.

I am an expert at falling. I have many times in the past few years. I now require use of a cane. And I still fall, though much less.

Biden fell friday. Going up the steps of Air Force One. He apparently stubbed his toe on a step, fell forward, grabbed the handrail, went to pull himself up and fell again.

Got up and finished the step climbing with no problem. No injury involved.

He subbed his toe? Who has not?

Trump and Republicans are making a big deal of it. Trump especially. He who has been the biggest clown to ever sit in the White House has been tweeting negatively about Biden’s fall. Making fun of the President.

One tweet has Biden stumbling down the steps of Air Force One. Another also prepared by Trump has Biden being knocked over by a golf shot Trump’s father had just made.

Another tweet joked Biden needed a “Chair Force One.” A stair lift to help him up the steps.

The arrogance and poor taste of Trump. On the other hand, could less have been expected of him?

There was a case similar to Brown v. Board of Education 69 years before Brown. Brown was decided in 1954. The case I am referring to in 1885.

The Asian racial situation coming to light motivated me to do some research about Asians and their problems generally in the U.S. I came upon the case in question.

An 8 year old Chinese-American girl in 1885 helped desegregate San Francisco schools. The issue discrimination against an Asian-American girl.

Her name Mamie Tape.

One significant difference between Tape and Brown. Tape was finally decided in the California Supreme Court whereas Brown in the U.S. Supreme Court.

It was September 1884. Mamie’s parents were prosperous. Her father a very successful businessman. Their home in a very affluent neighborhood. Though Chinese, the family well respected and part of San Francisco society.

Mamie was born in the U.S. Her parents, immigrants. She was raised similar to an affluent white young lady.

The school of choice for affluent persons was Spring Valley Primary School. Mamie’s mother attempted to enroll Mamie. Never gave any thought she would be rejected.

Principal Hurley refused to accept Mamie citing scholar board policy against admitting Chinese children. Anti-Chinese sentiment was running high at the time. Chinese were assumed to be incapable of assimilating to mainstream American culture. Note Mamie’s parents and their family were totally westernized in language, dress and lifestyle.

Suit was filed against the Principal Hurley and the San Francisco Board of Education. The case was ultimately decided by the California Supreme Court one year later. Mamie won! The Court holding the Constitution’s “separate but equal” clause had no application.

Mamie was permitted to enter the previously all white school. Not just Mamie. The decision in her case applied to all San Francisco children. Chinese students from that point forward were admitted to all San Francisco schools.

Mamie’s decision did not seem to have any impact on other states.

I wonder if Mamie’s decision had any influence on Brown v. Board of Education. Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court at the time was Earl Warren. He previously had been Governor of California and a California prosecutor before becoming Governor.

Warren ran for the Republican nomination for President against Eisenhower. Eisenhower beat him. When the Chief Justice vacancy arose on the U.S. Supreme Court, Eisenhower nominated Warren.

Could Warren’s California experience with Mamie’s decision have influenced his thinking in arriving at the decision the full Supreme Court did in Brown? It has been mentioned historically that Warren pushed for the decision in Brown. Insisted it had to be a unanimous one. Convinced his fellow Justices there could be no other  decision.

Donald may be having financial problems. Could be. I suspect so.

Trump’s personal jet prior to becoming President a 757. Those were his glory days.

The glory days may be gone and the 757 with them.

The 757 sits in an airport in Orange County 60 miles north of New York City. The plane is need of extensive repairs. Big dollars involved.

The plane has not been flown at all since Trump left the White House. For his trips back and forth from Palm Beach Airport to La Guardia he uses his smaller 1997 Cessna 750 Citation X. Nowhere fashioned in gold as the 757. Trump even had 24 carat gold plated seat buckles on the 757.

I was thrilled beyond expectations last night. Stayed up till midnight watching the Syracuse/San Diego game. The first night of March Madness in Indianapolis.

San Diego State was favored. Syracuse destroyed them. With class! Seventy eight to sixty two.

Syracuse’s 2-3 zone defense worked all night. San Diego I suspect had never run into a zone defense before. They could not penetrate, get the ball in the center. They were relegated to taking 3 pointers which eventually did not fall. Embarrassingly so.

Buddy Boeheim excelled again. Scored 30 points.  Sixteen consecutive points in the first half. At a time when San Diego scored not one point and Boeheim was the only Syracuse player who did score. He made 6 of 8 shots from the field.

Syracuse’s next game is Sunday at 5:15 pm. Syracuse plays West Virginia. Will Syracuse win again? I don’t know. What I do know is Syracuse played as close to a perfect game last night as can be played.

Go ‘Cuse!

One week from today I get my second vaccine shot. I am thrilled. Two weeks later I hope to be out on the road again.

Enjoy your day!

Not even close to his first hundred days and President Biden is performing big time and speaking truth to the American people.

Refreshing!

Biden said he would see that 100 people would receive the vaccine in his first hundred days. He is scheduled to announce today that number has been reached. Forty seven days early.

At some point, Biden will have to deal right on with the filibuster. And he will. America cannot permit a Senate procedure which has past its time to stop him. Especially in days of many needs.

The Republicans will receive an epiphany. They will claim surprise. However, it is obvious they know it’s coming.

This week Biden called Putin a “killer.” Something  Trump was reluctant to do. Whatever wrongdoing Putin was guilty of at a particular time, Trump would say I asked him and he said he didn’t do it.

Some day the world will learn why Trump bought Putin’s lies. It will have to involve women and money.

Florida’s Department of Health has removed from its daily COVID report the number of people who received their second shots.

Florida claims its actions lie withing CDC guidelines. Moderna requires the second shot on the 28th day following the first. Pfizer on the 21st day.

The CDC recently advised those days are not rigid. There is flexibility involved. Can be late. The CDC however did not spell out how late.

DeSantis’ people said if the second shot day is not fixed and rigid, we do not have to report it all. And thusly was the decision made by Florida.

DeSantis and many others in this country forget a most important thing Fauci said: We are in “a race between vaccine and the virus.” One would think every elected official would recognize and move their asses with regard to vaccine shots.

Republican Senator Rand Paul is an obstructionist, a know it all and a pain in the ass. He also is a doctor. An ophthalmologist.

He never agrees with Fauci. Fauci rarely agrees with him. They frequently have words during Committee hearings where Fauci is speaking. It was face to face bickering yesterday. The issue mask wearing.

Rand told Fauci masks were not needed. He believes people are not a at the risk of COVID after they have recovered or have been vaccinated. Rand said it was all “theater.”

Fauci strongly responded: “Masks are not theater. I totally disagree with you.”

Fauci explained science believes the vaccine is good for 6 months. Not sure after that. One reason to keep wearing a mask. The other are the variants that are popping up. No one is sure how the virus will react to a variant. Another reason to continue wearing a mask.

Rand continued to disagree again claiming there was “virtually zero percent chance of anyone getting COVID-19 if recovered or received the vaccine.”

Pope Francis. One terrific person! Much like Biden. Francis has half the Church hierarchy against him.

It was on this day in 2013 that Francis officially began his ministry as the Catholic Church’s 266th Pope.

May God continue to help him in holding off the hordes of troublemakers he has to deal with on a daily basis.

An interesting piece of information. The Brooking Institute claims there were 300,000 fewer births in the U.S. in 2021. The reason coronavirus. It was noted that in Planned Parenthood’s recent fiscal year, it performed 354,871 abortions.

The Monroe County Commission is to be complimented. Actually, cheered! They voted to stand with Key West in its cruise ship problem.

The bubbas and business people claim the people want bigger ships and more ships visiting Key West. Of course, their pocketbooks are invcolved.

They have exerted their “influence” in getting the State legislature to introduce and presently have moving through committees a bill that would permit the State to preempt the recent vote by Key Westers to limit size and number of ships.

In the election, Key Westers voted in 3 referendums by more than 60 percent each for the limitations.

The State is wrong re the preemption issue. The bubbas and business people likewise. Though i can understand their position. Their pocketbooks are at stake.

An interesting article in the Key West Citizen this morning. The question was raised asking how the restaurant business has been doing since COVID-19 hit. The surprising answer, 8 new restaurants opened.

Would you believe!

Good for the new owners. They may have properly seen the future and took the gamble.

I wish each good luck. Once my quarantine is behind me, I have 8 new restaurants to try,

The Key West Art and Historical Society is to be complimented. Its curator Cori Convertino is to receive special recognition.

A new exhibit opens today. The History of Duval Street. It will run through August.

Exciting! Can’t wait to view the exhibit. After my self-quarantine ends, of course.

On this day in 1949, Harry Truman left Key West after a 2 week vacation at The Little White House.

The 11 trips and 175 days he spent in Key West speaks well for the community. Truman had to like more than the accommodations beach. He had to be enamored with the people. Their uniqueness.

March Madness is here!

Syracuse opens tonight against San Diego State. San Diego had a great season and is favored. It is the #6 seed in the Midwest Region. Syracuse the #11 seed.

The game will be carried on CBS at 9:40 this evening. Hope I can stay awake to watch the whole game. Hope Syracuse wins!

Go “Cuse!’

Enjoy your day!

Giving hurricanes names began during World War II. The Army and Navy began assigning the names of their wives and girl friends. Before then, hurricanes were named for the place or date or both of where and when the hurricane occurred. Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 an example.

Exclusive use of female names continued to 1978. Gender equality arrived. Hurricanes began being named with male and female names.

Greek names came into play when the allotted proper names for a season were used up, Greek names were added. Think about it. The Greek names generally come into play near the end of the hurricane season. Proper first and then Greek names.

The World Meteorological Organization is responsible for hurricane naming. It has decided Greek names/letters are too confusing. They recently announced that henceforth the Greek alphabet would no longer be used. The official death notice.

One problem. The Organization failed to advise the source of names to be used in replacing the Greek ones. We will probably learn as late season hurricanes occur this year. The naming may be the first notice.

Governor DeSantis full of surprises. Generally neither advantageous nor helpful to Floridians.

DeSantis announced yesterday that Florida would not be receiving Johnson & Johnson vaccine for several weeks. Later defined as 2-3 weeks.

The reason not made clear. DeSantis advised that reasons “beyond our conrol” were involved. Is he hiding something? He has been known to do so.

FEMA was contacted by the media. A FEMA representative advised Florida had received 6,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson last week. Received at the Jacksonville site. However, the FEMA representative further advised  vaccine availability in Florida is expected to run out shortly.

He further explained that the 6,000 was the last shipment till the State says otherwise. Suggesting the problem was with the State.

Florida coronavirus cases now total 1,981,024.

The State reported that the average number of new cases and deaths for last week were 4,491 new and 82 deaths per day.

State reporting is sneaky. Skill involved in the wording of the report. Note in the first set of figures that what initially appears as a whole week is in actuality “per day.”

Huge amounts of government spending has been involved in fighting COVID-19. Necessarily so. It’s war time. Funds in whatever amounts needed must be provided.

An interesting article this week noted that monies expended thus far totaled $6 trillion. Broken down, it represents enough money to give every taxpayer $41,870. If broken down so each American was counted rather than taxpayers, the amount would be $18,181.

COVID has required a speedy monies blowout in roughly one year. However spend we must till coronavirus is defeated, less it defeat us.

A significant number of $1,400 stimulus checks were direct deposited yesterday at 9 am. A few earlier.

I did not get mine. Whereas I previous received the $2,000 and $600 checks day one.

I suspect there are many as I.

A bureaucrat said those who failed to receive would in “coming weeks.” Made it sound like most had been paid. Understanding government and money, the “coming weeks” could be months. Note that just less than 9 million eligible Americans failed to receive the $2,000 checks in the first payout and are still waiting. Forgotten a better word.

I suspect the problem arises out of new steps added last year to determine who would get deposits first. Receiving $1,400 deposit in similar fashion as with the two previous stimulus checks was no more. The only condition then was direct deposit of a person’s Social Security check. I get my Social Security monies monthly that way.

No one is talking about the utilization of Social Security as a guide to depositing the new check utilizing the two methods previously used.

The problem arises because of something that was added during the Tump administration as to the pecking order for direct deposits. A person had to file a defiler, whatever that is. This is all confusing. The defiler or I guess check a box on a tax return advising you want your stimulus check direct deposited.

These two new groups have received their direct deposits to the tune $2.42 billion this week. Ninety million received the deposits.

There have to be millions of me. Those who do not file tax returns and have never “defiled.” Why was the system changed? When are my group who were first before going to receive payment?  Why the change at all? Was it Trump who made the change? If so, why?

Deposits and checks are going to continue to go out. Though again, I could find no listing for my kind of people. The forgotten ones this time around.

A screw job.

Biden and the Democrats should stop delaying with getting rid of the filibuster. The only way to get needed legislation passed swiftly and efficiently is for Biden and the Democrats to control. If they do good, the people will reelect them. If not, the Republicans will have their opportunity to show Americans they are the A team.

Manchin and Sinema are the bad guys here. Not the Republicans. Out of nowhere they have come to be Senate powerhouses. Biden should make sure neither gets money the Senators are seeking for their states. Then let the citizens of West Virginia and Arizona get on the backs of Manchin and Sinema. Cooperation will soon follow.

McCullough’s threat of a scorched earth should not be of concern. The Republicans have been scorching the earth for 10 years. America will survive. Though I do not believe McCullough could accomplish what he threatens.

Lynda Frechette came up with more goodies in her St. Patrick Day’s blog. Described as Irish Craic and Humor. One, “It doesn’t matter how big your house is, how much money you have, or that you wear expensive clothes. Our graves will be the same size. Stay humble.”

My leg is better. No pain yesterday and none so far today.

The doctor first suspected a blood clot or small fracture. Testing revealed neither. He was in a quandary. I was also. He said go to bed and elevate your left leg for 3 hours. Then elevate it again and as many times as you can. Oh, and take 2 Tylenol.

I have only taken 2 Tylenol.

The problem evidenced itself 2/27. It took till 3/17 to go away. I was in extreme pain most days. Acute.

I followed the doctor’s orders. Stayed in bed with my foot elevated . Pain began to diminish 2/12. Still stayed in bed. Out of bed only to go to the bathroom or downstairs for some food.

I am a happy camper today. May I stay so. Thank you for the many kind notes and phone calls.

I am still in self-quarantine. Three hundred seventy eight days. My second vaccine shot the 27th.

I am back to another doctor today. My heart doctor, Dr. McIvor.  A series of annual tests in order. Overdue. One later this morning. One monday. And others to follow. Don’t get nervous with the heart tests. Merely precautionary. If something new is discovered, I will then get nervous.

Enjoy your day!

Everyone is Irish today. It’s St. Patrick’s Day!

The wearin’ of the green. Even I am in green. I dug out an old green tee shirt and am wearing it as I write.

Think about it. Today’s title fits: From a Saint and Snakes in Ireland to Parades and Drinking Green Beer.

I am going to share some tidbits of information concerning St. Patrick and the holiday. Some you may know, or think you know. Others not and will be surprised.

St. Patrick was not Irish. If one goes way back, he has been described as Italian born as a Roman. Some say he is of English birth since when captured at 16 he was living in England. One thing is sure, he was not born in Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day was not always a big party. Not even a parade. Initially considered a celebration. It was a Catholic feast day. The first largely public celebration occurred in Boston in 1737.

Note again, no parade involved. Merely a party of sorts.

Now for the real confusion.

Confusion arises in trying to accurately determine  the date of the first parade and why March 17 is the day we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Repeating myself, the first celebration was in 1737.

The date of the first parade claimed by a number of communities. St. Augustine, Florida 1601. New York City 1762. New York City again 1776.

March 17 is also significant for other claims. His date of capture 432 A.D. His date of death 461 A.D.

All of the preceding have been claimed as having occurred on March 17 and such is the reason St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17. Obviously no one is sure why.

St. Patrick, the shamrock and the Irish are interrelated. Legend has it that Saint Patrick used the shamrock to describe the idea of God as a Holy Trinity. Three leaves on a normal shamrock. God consisting of Three Persons.

St. Patrick wore blue. Never green. People started cloaking images of him in green in the 19th century. For purposes of celebration and to commemorate St. Patrick’s use of the shamrock.

Snakes were never driven out of Ireland by St. Patrick or anyone else. There never were any snakes in Ireland. The snakes are actually a metaphor for the pagans St. Patrick drove out of Ireland.

There are more Irish in the U.S. today than in Ireland. Significantly more. The present U.S. population of those of Irish descent is 35 million. Ireland’s population is only 4 million.

The river running through Chicago is always green for St. Patrick’s day. Huge amounts of green coloring are hosed into the water. The greening of the river began in 1962.

I watched it being done yesterday in Chicago this morning on TV. Relatively large tug type vessel. Celebrants on board already partying one day early.

Corned beef and cabbage is a popular Irish tradition. Each year it is estimated 26 billion pounds of beef and 2 billion pounds of cabbage will be consumed worldwide. Also consumed worldwide will be 13 million pints of Guinness beer.

The one source considered accurate re Saint Patrick’s life is a work by St. Patrick himself wrote in the last years of his life. Confessio.

Normally I would be running around Key West tonight looking for an empty table to have corned beef and cabbage. Donna, Terri and I become a three some for dinner. Not tonight, of course. I still do not have my third shot and even if I did. there are too many virus carrying visitors in town.

Every restaurant will have excellent corned beef and cabbage. I happen to love corned beef. Especially when fatty. Last year, I began frequenting Shanna Key on Flagler one night a week. A true Irish restaurant, Shanna Key has corned beef and cabbage on the menu every night. I recommend it.

Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day. I will be spending my evening home in front of the TV set probably eating a ham and cheese sandwich. I might sneak a Beefeater in.

Second time I am writing about termites in a week. A different kind of termite. One I have never heard of nor believe experienced in my Key West home.

Called subterranean termites. The word is they are destroying Key West.

Termites come in many varieties. I thought there was only one. The kind that feed on wood in your house. Subterranean ones sort of make a line around the house outside and from there do the dirty deed.

Subterraneans are Asian in origin. They arrived in the Keys on Stock Island in the 1990’s. Entered onto Stock Island from a boat docked there.

Since that time they have developed a habitat throughout the Keys.

Subterraneans are most active in February and March. Now! They swarm during the two months having a significant impact on the Keys.

They are considered unusually bad because of their sheer numbers and potential to cause structural damage. Whereas the normal termites that are tented for in Key West are munching away on a home for several years before being treated, damage by subterraneans is an onslaught and must be treated quickly.

Harry Truman again. Beloved President. Lover of Key West. He visited again. On this day in 1950, he arrived for a three week vacation at The Little White House.

Truman made 11 trips to Key West totaling 175 days.

I wish someone had written a book about his walking experiences in the morning, the locals he met, the business establishments he frequented, etc.

Very infrequent I have come across such an item. Accidentally found in a diary kept by one of his assistants that noted every minute of every day. Unfortunately, not all the experiences I referred to were kept by the assistant. Perhaps too personal.

Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc) is a bigot. Unquestionably. You have heard his words the past two days re January 6 where he claims he feared not because those protesting were good American citizens. Noting he would have been afraid if they were Black Lives Matter or some other black organization. He did not refer to a second group as “some other black organization.” However the implication was clear.

Most of us have had encounters with bigots over the ears. I definitely have. I learned that a bigot does not know he is a bigot. Rather he considered himself a good citizen who loves all peoples and tries to help them. The “loves all peoples” is not reflected in his everyday life, however.

A bigot is delusional.

Years ago, I had to work in front of a judge who was a bigot. Many trials. A smart legal mind. Bigoted, however.

When I tried a case before him where the attorney opposing me was a Wasp, my objections were generally denied. My opponent’s always sustained.

However if I was trying a case against a lawyer of a different ethnic background, I won. I even won when the opposing attorney was another Italo-American.

I recall one attorney who I tried a number of cases against. In front of the same judge. Not only was he a Wasp, his automobile’s license plate number read: WASP 2.

Such is life.

Even funnier, the judge invited me to his daughter’s wedding. I could never figure out why.

Poor Socrates. One of the wisest men to have walked the earth. Greek. Way back when.

Two statements by him are often found in other writings. The quotes refer to “wisdom.”

“The only true wisdom is in knowing your knowing”

“I am the wisest man alive for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.”

Socrates’ wisdom did him in. His philosophy generally became diametrically opposed to the political leaders of Athens. They tried him for his “erroneous statements” and condemned him to death. It was 399 B.C.. Socrates was 71.

Socrates could have avoided death had he fled Greece. He could have. The opportunity was available. He declined wanting to make a point. What, I am not sure.

Death was by poisoning. Forced suicide poisoning. He drank the drink. Hemlock. He faced death calmly. He chatted with friends during the 2-3 hours it took him to die.

Regarding his pending execution, Socrates said, “I was really too honest a man to be a politician and live.”

Tuesday again. My blog talk radio show tonight at 9 my time. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. I will be putting the show together this afternoon. Whatever it ends up being, guaranteed it will be interesting. A quick moving half hour. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

March 15 is the Ides of March. The date most significant in 44 B.C. Julius Caesar was assassinated.

Sixty members of the Roman Senate conspired to kill him. Their excuse…..He had become too powerful and his power had become a danger to Rome.

One of Caesar’s assassins was Brutus. Brutus was Caesar’s closest friend.

Caesar was stabbed 23 times. He saw his good friend Brutus standing above him just before he died. Caesar’s last words were: “Et tu, Brute.” Translated: “And you, Brutus” and “You too, Brutus.”

Makes one think what are friends for.

In any event, the scene did not play out as described. Caesar never said the words attributed to him re Brutus. Shakespeare wrote the scene and created Brutus’ words in the “Tragedy of Julius Caesar.”

March 15, 1972 important to movie goers. Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” opened. Recognized as one of the greatest movies of all time.

A report came out last week that only 75 percent of House of Representative members have been vaccinated. The 75 percent number confirmed. Twenty five percent have not been vaccinated. This number not confirmed.

The 25 percent have created a behind the scenes serious problem. The House has not yet returned to normal rules of operation. Distancing one of the problems. Voting takes 3 times longer than in pre-Pandemic times.

The Office of Attending Physician in a memo continues to recommend social distancing and mask wearing.The Office of Attending Physician is seldom heard of. Such does not diminish its important role. The Office is responsible to and for the House of Representatives, Senate, and U.S. Supreme Court.

New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo is under siege. He appears to on his way out.

There is an investigation being conducted by the Attorney General’s office. Based on allegations made by several different women.

It would be nice if Cuomo was afforded the same rights as an alleged murderer. The murderer is not condemned to death till he has received due process in the form of a trial.

The investigation, though not perfect from a legal sense, is Cuomo’s due process. He should not be hanged until the investigative report is complete and made public.

Word is Cuomo has no friends, political or otherwise. His “friends” are abandoning him like rats from a drowning ship. Apparently Cuomo is a “hardass” the way he runs his political shop.

It is also reported some of his staff workers have begun refusing to come to work.

All disturbing, but not any indication of guilt.

The U.S. over the years with accusations of sexual wrongdoing by power figures against women has become what I would describe as “Guilt by Allegation.”

Not fair, not right. Due process required in these instances.

Note, I am not suggesting his guilt or innocence. Let the investigation be the judge.

Some things happen that are hard to believe. The NCAA tournament selections came out last night. I was convinced Syracuse had little if any chance.

I was mistaken.

Syracuse has been invited to the tournament.  Even more surprising, as a #11 seed. Syracuse opens in the Midwest Region friday night at 9:40 in Indianapolis. Syracuse’s opponent the #6 seed San Diego State.

An 11th seed is not bad. If my memory is correct, Syracuse was an 11th or 13th seed when it won the Final Four. It was a #11 seed when it made it to the championship game. Whatever.

Go ‘Cuse!

Enjoy your day!

Some have arrived. Many more will be coming. College students on spring break. Barbarians one and all. Bringing with them two of the Four Horsemen: Pestilence and Death.

Pestilence the infectious COVID-19 disease. Death speaks for itself.

The coronavirus traveling with them will infect other students and locals.

Illness and death will follow.

Not worth the trip.

At the moment, the college people are just arriving. Their numbers increasing each day. The next two weeks will find Key West bursting at the seams.

No face masks. Kissing and sexual intercourse. No social distancing.

Wonderful!

Their numbers may increase unfavorably. Miami is the spring break destination this year. However Miami has not eliminated or eased up on many restrictions. Even after Governor DeSantis ordered restrictions removed 100 percent.

The merchants and residents of Miami are smarter than the Governor.

Miami curfew a problem. In bed by midnight not attractive. Unless two have already agreed to spend the night together.

Florida remains in chaos re the pandemic. DeSantis may have removed the restrictions. Makes no difference to the virus. It never went away.

Additional virus will be brought by the students to our island community. Including variants.

Guaranteed a number of locals, students, and those who live wherever they return to will be infected. Within two weeks following the end of spring break, the numbers will confirm the representation.

Local merchants and know it all students to blame. Nothing can be done. The die is cast. What will be, will be.

Key West an historical place for many reasons. Another was added this past week.

The Little White House received through the benevolence of a Texas millionaire one of Harry Truman’s limousines which was a part of his private collection.

The donated limousine was used by Truman when visiting New York City. The years 1945-1953. Nine different cities had private limousines specifically for use when the President visited.

It is different today. Air Force One carries the Presidential limousine whenever the President travels on it.

Truman’s limousine received limited service. Mileage as of this date 32,000.

The Limousin will be part of the Little White House Tour. Rides will be available. Conchs are those born in Key West. Some families are deeply rooted in Key West. Their Conch ancestors go back several generations.

Termites are Conchs in a sense. They have been a part of Key West for many many years.

Termites come to mind because of a photo in yesterday’s Key West Citizen. The picture was of Sloppy Joe’s. Not from years ago. Rather taken early in Key West’s lock down because of the virus.

The photograph was of Sloppy Joe’s. Sloppy Joe’s was tented. The first tenting in 103 years.

Hundreds of children are crossing the Rio Grande from Mexico to the United States daily. Some with parents, some without. Those without clutching a piece of paper with the name, address and telephone number of a relative living in the U.S.

A video appeared on the internet this morning showing the crossing by adults and children.

These are desperate people! It is evident in their facial expressions. Most have already traveled 2,000 miles. Determination written on the faces of adults. Fear on the faces of children. Most of the younger children terrified, crying, and worried.

Seventy five percent of the children are teenagers 15-17. The remaining 25 percent of a lesser age.

Biden has his hands full. The primary reason the numbers of those seeking refuge has increased is that Biden said during the campaign he was going to solve the immigration problem. He gave no date, however. Note he has only been President 52 days. He needs time, even though those coming to U.S. shores do not recognize the problem.

I am confident Biden will deal with the problem and not the way Trump did.

The Department of Health and Human Services are the point. It reported this past week there are 8,500 minors in shelters. An additional 3,500 stuck in Border Patrol stations waiting for beds to open elsewhere.

The average influx of minors has been 500 a day. However, this past wednesday the number hit 700.The Department further reported there has been a three-fold increase since December.

Biden has had a “tent facility” erected in Texas to ease the situation till more adequate arrangements can be made. He intends to open further tent facilities in California and Virginia shortly.

My left leg is improving. I am into my third week of problems with it. The pain was horrible. Walking next to impossible. Even with the cane.

Don’t ask me what the problem is. No one seems to know. I have had tons of tests from everything serious to non-serious. Still don’t know.

Fortunately I am happy to report the leg seems to be getting better the past 2 days. Significantly so.

My problem has nothing to do with falling.

Enjoy your Sunday! Walk, run, bicycle…..Use those legs!