The weekend set of tornados over Kentucky and several other states have been an education for me.

Andrea Mitchell on her noon time show yesterday had an interesting guest. A professor from Penn State. An expert weatherman. An expert on tornados.

His interview an education.

He said the tornados that ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky had speeds up to 300 mph. Wild! A category 5 hurricane is 150 miles an hour. Both do serious damage.

The professor also said a 300 mph hour tornado shoots debris skyward to 35,000 feet. That’s where commercial airlines fly!

Hurricane speeds are labeled by “categories. Tornados, different. Appear to be labeled with “EF-B.” I think. Still trying to get my hands around tornados.

The National Weather Service categorized Mayfield as an EF-B, 136-165 mph.

As far as I can determine, no one sure yet as to the actual speed of the tornados at whatever point.

I saw a category 5 hurricane in 1992 three weeks after Andrew hit Homestead. The town leveled. Flat. An infrequent occasional wall left standing. I have seen the damage wrought by Irma, a category 4. Some buildings/walls left standing. Not much, however.

Mayfield is not totally flattened. Not a pancake, though close. Walls and roofs partially remaining on some buildings.

I am not sure whether Mayfield 300 or 150 mph. Merely sharing with you the little information and knowledge I have acquired.

It seems to me that once 150 mph is reached, whether 150 or 300 mph makes no difference. The damage is the same.

Winter time up north. Means turtles there being cold stunned.

Cape Cod an example.

Cold stunned turtles cannot survive.

Twenty cold stunned turtles were flown from Boston to Marathon’s Turtle Hospital. With a stopover at the New England Aquarium in Boston to prepare them for the trip.

The turtles are Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. The most critically endangered species of turtles in the world.

They were flown from Boston to Marathon courtesy of Turtles Fly Too.

Treatment over the next several months will consist of broad spectrum antibiotics, fluids, vitamins and a healthy diet. The turtles will reside in 75 degree F. tanks of water.

Custom House in the news.

The contract for the construction of the Custom House was awarded this day in 1888. The structure was completed at a cost of $107,955.96. The building was first occupied in the later part of 1891.

Mark Meadows does not appear very bright. Either he’s stupid, or his attorney, or both.

The more Meadows talks, the more he buries himself.

Paul Krugman in a today’s New York Times article re the failure to yet raise the debt ceiling wrote in How Saboteurs Took Over The GOP: “One of America’s two major political parties (Republican) isn’t just refusing to help the nation deal with its problems; it’s actually working to make the country ungovernable.”

Today one of the saddest in American history. The Sandy Hook massacre occurred this day in 2012. Twenty first graders and six teachers were shot to death.

Tuesday comes around swiftly each week. Tuesday evening my blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

Join me at 9 my time. An interesting week to talk about. The show itself a quick moving half hour. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

In most instances, FOX taints those who broadcast for them. An honest FOX broadcaster a rarity. One is Chris Wallace.

Wallace has been with FOX a number of years. He was able to maintain an honest high profile news personality without relying on falsehoods.

CNN terminated Chris Cuomo rapidly. He was CNN’s top anchor person. In only a few days, the CNN/Wallace deal was made. Wallace will host a weekday show.

Both Wallace and CNN come out on top in this deal!

From his time as New Jersey governor to today, Chris Christie has learned truth is the way to go. His recent positions are more honest than in the past. Not hard to do if you are increasingly anti-Trump as Christie is.

Christie appeared on yesterday’s ABC morning show with George Stephanopoulos. His words re January 6 right on: “In the end the facts are going to come out, but let’s not kid ourselves. This was a driven-from-the-top-process executed by C-team players. And that’s why it looks like a Keystone Cops operation, because it was.”

Only 12 days to Christmas. How time flies!

The question arises this time every year as to the best place in Key West to welcome the New Year. Three from my perspective. All “street events.”

The three are Sushi the Drag Queen and her red stiletto heel drop at the Bourbon Street Pub, the Conch Shell Drop on the roof of Sloppy Joe’s, and the Pirate Wench Drop from a mast at Schooner Wharf.

Each Key West’s Time Square rendition.

Time’s Person of the Year Award announced yesterday. Sixteen year old Greta Thunberg. The Swedish climate activist. She is the youngest ever to receive the Award.

Proof again that climate change/global warming is a real problem deserving of everyone’s attention.

“The whole town is gone.” Words uttered by a female employee who was buried under the rubbish of the candle factory in Mayfield, Kentucky.

Sex is a powerful force. Compels many to set duty aside for a few hours of decadent pleasure.

General Charles Lee was a British General who who joined Colonial forces.

Washington was in dire need of Lee and his men. Lee had his marching orders where to join Washington.

Lee was delayed on the way. For an evening of sex. He stopped to enjoy an overnight dalliance with a lady at Widow White’s Tavern in Basking Ridge, New Jersey.

Washington was pissed!

Things were already strained between the two. Lee was upset Washington had been given command of the Continental Army instead of him. It was easy to set aside the “rush” to aid Washington for a bit of sex.

Lee and Washington continued to have a strained relationship. Finally in 1778, Washington suspended Lee. In 1780, he outright fired him.

Enjoy your day!

What a night! The Christmas Boat Parade was absolutely spectacular!

First one I have seen in several years. Every boat new, except for the Morah one.

Jean Thornton and I enjoyed the evening together.

First, the Chart Room. Steve and Cindy there. Recall I wrote a bit of Steve’s history a couple of months ago. He first came to Key West in the 1970’s. Made his fortune in tacos…..all over Florida. Cindy was Jimmy Buffett’s secretary/right arm for years when his headquarters was located above Fast Buck Freddie’s in the Kress Building.

We chatted at the round table for about an hour. The room filled during that time. To the point where the noise was so deafening we could not hear each other talk. Cindy and I left to go to dinner. Steve and Cindy remained.

We were fortunate to have a reservation on the Pier 1 deck. Right on the rail as requested.

It was already dark. The temperature just right.

The boats began appearing. Like race horses working out, one at a time. Each, oh so beautiful. All sizes, different type decorations.

We were enjoying dinner when the table next to us got up to leave. Two women and a man. One of the women approached me. Are you Louis? Do you Write?

Her name, Deb. She reads the blog every day.

Deb and husband Louis originally from Wisconsin. Now live in Cape Coral. Hop down to Key West on occasion to party.

My kind of people!

Louis is a retired attorney also. In addition, my age 86.

Louis retired only two years ago. He felt the urge to do something in retirement as I did. He captains a charter boat.

I apologize to Deb who is the one who follows my blog. I mention Jean Thornton often. I am sure Deb was aware of the Golden Girl and would have enjoyed meeting her. Being ill mannered on occasion, I forgot to introduce Jean.

My apologies to Deb and to Jean.

Andre waited on us. He has been affiliated with the Pier House since 2007. Told me he was able to work through the pandemic, but things were tough. Everyone earned less.

One of the Irma refugees at Jean’s Birmingham home Hayward stopped by.

In leaving, Jean and I had to walk past the Chart Room. We had  agreed we would not be stopping in. Late and tired. As we passed the Chart Room door, there were Steve and Cindy at the bar. They had never left. Jean went in to say hello. I knew she would stay a while. If I went in, I would have done likewise.

Not for me, however. Kissed Jean and said good night. It was home to bed for me.

Key West has a birthday coming up. Its 200th. March 2020. The City is scheduling events for March 19-30.

Wild hurricanes! The damage as shown on TV similar to that done by a Category 5 hurricane. Blocks and blocks down. Irma did it in certain places along the Keys.

The worst damage I have ever seen was Andrew in 1992 in Homestead. The entire community flat. Like a pancake.

The tornado in effect was a series of ones. One series ran more than 200 miles.

Kentucky hurt pretty bad. A long time recovery ahead. Already 100 plus dead. There will be more.

Tennessee took a big hit also. Estimated 15-18 tornadoes ran through the state.

The best description of the tornadoes was you could see them “shredding nursing homes.”

Does this most recent natural disaster have anything to do with climate change?

Rand Paul represents Kentucky in the U.S. Senate. He has been a hard ass in previous natural disasters in other parts of the U.S. Always refusing to vote for relief funds. His conduct has been ongoing for 10 years. Disasters which included New Jersey’s Sandy Hook, Puerto Rico, and Texas’ Hurricane Harvey.

His time to ask/beg for assistance. Paul wrote to Biden yesterday saying, I “ask that you move expeditiously to approve appropriate resources for our state.”

Paul’s excuse in the past in voting against immediate assistance was that it should not be from new money which the government did not have on hand. There are never enough funds available for a new huge natural disaster. Paul has always wanted the money to be taken from from a place where it was already voted to go. Who should the U.S. screw? A foreign nation with monies already appropriated to its use?

Congress would take forever to decide who to take the money from. At a time when time is of the essence. Immediately following a hurricane or tornado is when money is most needed. Like yesterday! Not weeks or months ahead after Congress fights to the bitter end from whence the mones must come.

I watched the 1967 movie Camelot yesterday afternoon. One of the better musicals of all time.

Richard Harris played Arthur, Vanessa Redgrave Guinevere, and Franco Nero Lancelot .

I had the good fortune to watch Camelot on Broadway in its first year. Only Nero remained of the original cast. Outstanding then and again yesterday.

Grocery and restaurant prices continue to spike. Food is more expensive than it has been in decades. Consumers cannot win. It’s getting more expensive to dine out and it’s getting more expensive to eat home.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Amazing! Absolutely amazing! Trump suggested we drink Clorox. Now comes Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisc) who recommends mouth washing with Listerine to kill coronavirus. In fairness, he doesn’t suggest drinking it.

I am curious. What next?

It seems insanity prevails in the highest ranks of the Republican Party. How can anyone believe that Listerine or some other mouthwash will solve the virus problem? Those that do claim that “standard gargle mouthwash, has been proven to kill the coronavirus. If you get it, you may reduce viral replication.”

Two leading mouthwash manufacturers have “extensive web pages on their company sites deterring customers from thinking that they are effective measures against the virus.”

Listerine has had detailed information on its website saying “available data insufficient and no evidence – based clinical observations can be drawn with regards to the anti-viral efficacy of LISTERINE.”

The information has been available on the Listerine website since March 2020.

Coronavirus is a virus, not a bacteria. Mouthwashes are antimicrobial, meaning they are designed to fight bacteria, not viruses.

The U.S. Supreme Court has always been considered the “court of last resort.” If no where else, justice would be done at the highest judicial level in the U.S.

No more.

Another consideration is justice is supposed to be blind. Such signified by the Statue of Justice being blindfolded. The blindfold has been swept away. Today a majority of Justices are one minded and know well before a case even comes before them that its subject matter will or will not be supported by them.

Justices have become “special effects” actors on behalf of radicalism, the rich, and certain favored classes. As workers of old owed their souls to the company store, Justices owe their positions to special interests.

High court decisions are becoming more and more convoluted. The Texas abortion case the most recent example. It does not make legal or common sense how the Court ruled yesterday that the lower ruling in the Texas case remains the law till the Supreme Court finally decides it. However, abortion clinics may continue to bring lawsuits in lower courts in attempt to override the specifics as to how specific curtailing actions might be lifted.

The issue in the Texas case is not really abortions. It has moved on to being whether a lower inferior court can override a Supreme Court decision.

The seats the Justices now sit on are unsteady. They can fall. People will only take abuse so long.

A solution is to pack the Court. Biden must add additional Justices to the Court to swing the Court’s balance.

I wish to address the insurrection issue from a different perspective.

January 6 was not the only day when there has been an insurrection. For days and months before and since, insurrection is taking place on a daily place. Attempts in certain states to change voting systems, control who does what, etc. represent a form of insurrection. Another way to overthrow the type of government American people have been accustomed to for a couple of hundred years.

An interesting comment in this morning’s Citizens” Voice re DeSantis’ civilian military: “Presumably the new private army in Florida will be used to enforce the coming totalitarianism?”

On this day in 1898, the Battleship Maine plot in the Key West Cemetery was dedicated. Ten thousand attended.

Such number would not be attained or even come close to today.

The Christmas Boat Parade tonight at 8. I am meeting Jean Thornton first in the Chart Room. Following which we have a table reserved at Pier One at the rail for dinner and then boat watching.

The State and wealthy Key West business persons v. the people of Key West in the continuing cruise ship battle.

Big boats are beginning to arrive at Pier B. Pier B is privately owned.

A Norwegian vessel with a capacity for 3,200 persons arrived. It was met by a contingency of those opposed to vessels coming and going. Hundreds on the docks and small boats in the water protesting the boat’s arrival.

As I mentioned yesterday, New York’s surge is in the northern part of the state. The heavy cold and snow belt area. I spent more than 50 years living in the area.

The State is concerned. A new rule has been placed in effect. Masks must be worn in indoor public places, unless the business or venue implements a vaccine requirement.

The mask mandate begins this monday and will continue to January 15 at which time it will be reevaluated.

New York joins Washington, Oregon, Illinois, New Mexico and Hawaii in requiring similar indoor mask mandates.

Enjoy your day!

Eight days before the January 6 rally, Julie Fancelli wired a total of $650,000 to three organizations that helped stage and promote the event.

Julie Fancelli is a wealthy Publix heiress. Her Dad founded Publix. She has no formal position with Publix. She is merely a stockholder.

Julie is 72. She and her husband have two homes. One in Italy, the other Florida. They spend most of their time in Italy. She and her husband live a low key life. Julie is regarded as a “good woman” who gives to “worthy causes.”.

The purpose of her giving the $650,000 was to help people attend the January 6 rally.

The contributions were in three separate huge chunks of money.

One $200,000 to the State Tea Party Express to pay for ads encouraging Republicans to protest at the Capitol on January 6.

Another $300,000 to the Women for America First. The organization was one of the organizers of the January 6 rally at The Ellipse.

One hundred fifty thousand dollars to a non-profit offshoot of the Republican Attorneys General Association.

A statement has been issued on Julie’s behalf that she would never support “violence” as “unfolded January 6.”

Julie’s family and friends say she has become “obsessed” with right wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones. Jones and his show Infowars have been subpoenaed to testify before the January Six Committee.

It is claimed investigation has revealed Julie and Jones had one communication between 12/27 and 1/1 after Jones’ team explained to her how she could support his efforts to overturn Trump’s election loss.

Julie’s brother in law Barry Barnett said, “Julie is one of the finest people I know, and I am sorry she got tied up with this guy.”

Julie’s relationship with Jones has been described as her having an “affinity for Alex Jones and his conspiracy theories and that sort of thing.”

It has been reported Julie was set to travel to Washington, stay at the Willard, and attend the rally she helped fund, but cancelled the trip over COVID-19 pandemic concerns.

The most recent COVID surge continues.

An example is Michigan.

Michigan now “has more patients hospitalized for COVID-19 than ever before.” Michigan numbers shot up 88 percent in recent days. “We have more patients than we’ve ever had at any point, and we’ve seen more people die at a rate we’ve never seen die before.”

Jim Dover is President & CEO of Sparrow Health Systems. He reported that 75 percent of deaths are persons unvaccinated. He believes the number has not yet peaked.

Israel has been on top of the virus from day one. Israeli health officials have told their people to be ready for endless boosters: “We will need to take the 4th shot, the 5th shot, the 6th shot and the 7th.”

A Texas state judge has ruled enforcement of the Texas abortion law unconstitutional. The ruling comes before the U.S. Supreme Court has rendered its decision.

The judge ruled the law “violated the Texas Constitution because it allows private citizens to sue abortion providers.”

Brian  Williams is one of the most distinguished news broadcasters of our time. He signed off his MSNBC show last night advising it was his last.

His plan is to rest. However, he advised he will return in some capacity down the road.

He told his audience his “biggest worry is for my country.”

Enjoy your day!

Felt like old times last night! I was out and about with my friend Jean Thornton.

My evening began at 5. Without Jean. We were to meet later. First a visit with Tammy for a manicure.

Tammy and husband Rick run a large operation. Tammy the boss.

Tammy is short, without question beautiful, and tough. She runs the shop.Born in Vietnam. Rick in U.S.

Every year their nail salon erects a large decorated Christmas tree. I asked Tammy if she had a tree in her home. I was shocked to hear no.  Reminded her she had children and the tree should be for them.

She disagreed and told me why. They are Buddhists.

Made sense why no tree.

Then to the Chart Room to meet Jean.

I arrived a bit early. No Jean. John the bartender not working. Some new guy Marty.

One elderly couple at the other end of the bar. Apparently first time Key Westers. Enjoying themselves.

Jean arrived. Always good to see her. Husband Joe left in the morning to return home to Birmingham.

We talked of many things. One was Irma and my escape to their Birmingham home. Me and 6 others. Stayed about 12 days.

Jean and Joe’s home lovely. I had my own room and semi private bath. I told Jean to save it for me. Never know when another Irma will arrive.

Jean laughed. She said she and Joe call the bedroom Louis’ Room. Fear not she said, it is always there for you.

The Chart Room soon filled. Many people. All tourists. All noisy and rowdy. All yelling, no simple conversation. Jean and I sitting at the bar and sometimes could not even hear each other.

Jean finally said lets go. When we got outside, she said she could not take the noise any longer.

We had agreed on dinner at Berlin’s. The bar portion to the A & B Lobster House.

Due to COVID, I have not been to Berlin’s in three years. I was a once a weeker for years prior to the pandemic.

Sean one of the bartenders. Good to  see him again. A new bartender Steve working also. Nice guy. A personality.

The food the best I have had since I began going out a bit. No comparison. Enjoyed lobster bisque. So creamy. A meal in itself. My entre grouper.

Jean and I had a terrific time. Then the 2 block walk back to my car. A bit difficult. Walking will never be the same.

Jean left me with a hug and kiss at the car and was on her way to retrieve her bicycle. Jean always bikes around town.

We made a date for saturday night. We are going to watch the Boat Christmas Parade together.

We are all familiar with the Grammys. Key West for the first time will present its version the same night as the Grammys. The Izzy’s. I don’t know where the name came from. However, it is Key West and seems appropriate for the event.

The first Izzy’s will be a big deal. Scheduled for the Key West Theater the evening of 1/30.

Even a red carpet!

Guests are asked to dress appropriately for the event. I can see the tuxedos and gowns already.

I have the sense a bit of the “old” Key West may be returning.

A Waterfront show together with the Izzy event cause me to suggest such. The Waterfront Playhouse is presenting the musical “All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of April 19, 1914.”

Thirty songs and carols popular during World War I.

Those working on the show want to put “a human face ” on the war.

Probably will succeed. Irving Berlin’s songs alone worth the price of admission.

The show will run from 12/9-12/25.

A look at COVID’s status.

COVID is surging in certain parts of the U.S. Hospitals being overwhelmed. National Guards being looked to for assistance.

Three northeast states are involved with the National Guard. Maine, New York and New Hampshire. Maine and New York have already asked for National Guard assistance and are receiving it. New Hampshire has applied and has also asked for assistance from FEMA.

Two problems. Insufficient medical staff and bed usage reaching capacity.

The New York problems are in the northern part of New York. Even my home town Utica is having problems and receiving National Guard assistance. Bed capacity in New York’s northern part is down to less than 10 percent available capacity.

Why the spike in cases?

In Pennsylvania’s situation, hospitals are running out of beds because of the surge. Waiting time for admission is 10-20 hours in emergency rooms.

Geisinger is one of Pennsylvania’s largest health systems. It reports 90 percent of COVID patients are unvaccinated. The answer why the spike in cases!

The Republican Senate voted yesterday to rescind Biden’;s vaccination and testing mandates in companies of 100 or more employees. The vote was 52-48.

Democrats Manchin and Tester voted with the Republicans. Their failure to support Biden’s program has been described as a “symbolic act of defiance.”

I can understand with Manchin. As to Tester, I cannot understand why.

There is no concern the Senate’s bill will become law. Pelosi will probably not even introduce it in the House. If she did and it passed, it is written in stone Biden would veto it.

Ghislaine Maxwell’s trial could end tomorrow. It was supposed to take weeks. No more. Word is the prosecution has presented such a poor case, it is ready to throw in the towel.

We shall see.

Enjoy your day!

A two hour meeting yesterday via internet between Biden and Putin. The issue the Ukraine.

I had two feelings prior to the meeting and interestingly the two remained following the meeting.

First, I had a fear of another Munich. Chamberlain’s peace in our lifetime. Such would cause Biden to back down from his tough position in the meeting. He would give something to Putin to satiate him.

Putin would have won. Won and ready to “fight” another day in another place because he believes he has the U.S. on the run.

Second, the Cuban missile crisis. War was in the air. Seemed inevitable. Kennedy figured a way to  handle it. Causing Khrushchev to blink at the last moment. Who will blink first re the Ukraine?

Putin’s position simple yesterday. Either the U.S. and NATO provide Russia with “legal guarantees” that the Ukraine will never join NATO or become a base for response that can threaten Russia – or we (Russia) will go in and guarantee it ourselves.

New York Times columnist David Leonhardt in a piece in The Morning Newsletter today wrote: “Foreign aggression often gives political leaders a chance to rally nationalistic support at home, especially as a distraction from domestic problems. And Russia has domestic problems, like surging COVID-19 cases, slow growing wages, and rising prices. Last year, opposition groups held some of the largest anti-Putin marches in years.”

Leonhardt went on that the U.S. does not have united support for the war and united support would not be there in the event the U.S. gets involved.

Militant groups in the U.S. would not rally to the flag. Rather, would side with Russia. Providing Russia with the benefit of “insurgent guerrilla forces” on U.S. soil.

Leonhardt wrote that shots are already being intermittently exchanged between Russia and the Ukraine: “The two sides exchanged fire from machine guns and grenade launchers yesterday. International diplomats worry the skirmishes could offer Putin a pretext for invasion.”

Without actually fighting a war against Russia, Leonhardt indicated “Biden still has options. The U.S. could increase its military support to the Ukraine, which could make a potential invasion bloodier and more costly for Russia. (The U.S. is pursuing a related strategy in Taiwan.)”

Additionally, Biden and other European nations can increase “economic measures.” Severe sanctions.

Russia has serious economic problems already. It could not maintain an all out war very long.

In the back of my mind always sits the final consideration. A U.S./Russia war would mean the extermination of both countries. Nuclear devastation on a major scale. I am sure Biden does not want such. I have to believe neither does Putin.

Following is a Matt Gaetz scenario. Read it and draw your own conclusions. If Republicans take control of the House next year, this is what will occur based on Gaetz’s own words.

Gaetz envisions an extremist Republican takeover of House oversight: “We are going to take power after this next election and when we do, it’s not going to be the days of Paul Ryan and Trey Gowdy and no real oversight and no real subpoenas…..It’s going to be the days of Jim Jordan and Marjorie Taylor Greene and Dr. Paul Gosar and myself doing everything.”

I contine advising the U.S. judicial system is antiquated. Needs a complete overhaul.

A perfect example the trial date set by a federal judge in the Bannon case: July 18, 2022.

No way that date will be helpful to the January 6 Committee. It is too close to the November elections.

There is a wackiness in the way the judge selected the trial date. He asked the prosecution what they wanted. They said no later than April 15. The defense said mid October.

The judge in a Solomonic fashion split the “baby” down the middle. He scheduled the trial date between the dates suggested. A compromise!

Compromise no way to run this case. Time is of the essence. He should have “fast tracked” it to 2-4 weeks hence.

It never fails. Justice delayed is justice denied. The American people are entitled to a complete expose with regard to the January insurrection. July 18 is too late to be helpful to the January 6 inquiry.

New York Times columnist David Brooks wrote in his column this morning titled “The Age of Creative Minority” an observation re white evangelical Protestants. He wrote, “White evangelical Protestants are down to about 15 percent in the country. They vote for people like Donald Trump because they feel like strangers in their own land, oppressed minorities fighting for survival.”

To the 15 percent I say: Welcome to the club!

Armanda Gorman. No one knew of her till Inauguration day January 20. Her poetry stunned America. Such brilliance. And from a lady only 22 years old.

In 11 months, her fame has skyrocketed.

She was asked how she felt about her rise to fame: “It felt like I was kind of shot out of a cannon.”

Key West’s Lighted Boat Parade 8 pm saturday. Starting point Schooner’s Wharf.

One terrific Christmas show. Fifty/sixty boats decorated for the holiday. Large and small. People partying on the boats and on shore. Food and drinks. The larger vessels, live music and dancing.

Exciting! I know. I have done it many times.

Omicron has found its way to Florida. Two cases so far. One in Tampa and the other in St. Lucie County.

Both victims hospitalized. Information re whether vaccinated not yet available.

Beatle John Lennon shot to death outside his New York City apartment building this day in 1980.

Crazies never leave us. Thoughtless killings part of every generation. Increasing in number this generation.

Eighteen year old Kyle Rittenhouse continues to be the man of the hour.  His tongue as loose as his trigger finger was the day of the shootings.

He has become ballsy. His most recent tirade against LeBron James.

At issue, the tears he wept while testifying.

During a recent TV interview he replied “fuck you LeBron” after LeBron had mocked his tearful moment in a Twitter comment last month.

LeBron was asked about Kyle’s tears. He responded, “What tears?…..That boy ate some lemon heads before walking into court.”

Definitely going out tonight. First a manicure. Then meeting Jean Thornton at the Chart Room followed by dinner somewhere.

Enjoy your day!

December 7. One of the worst days in American history. As President Roosevelt said, “A day that will live in infamy.”

We defeated Japan. A nation that has become one of our closest friends. Personally and competitively.

The American spirit that brought military victory then is not the same today. Changed. Something lacking. We are a different people.

Robert Dole walks with John McCain today. American heroes in the finest sense.

Known to all as Bob Dole, he died in his sleep two days ago at the age of 98.

Dole fought in Europe during World War II. A young man from Kansas, his life plan was to become a doctor. The war interrupted. He became a member of the “greatest generation.”

He was severely wounded in Italy. His recovery time years. His pain and suffering from the wounds continuing to the day he died.

Dole’s suffered a shattered shoulder, withered left arm, his fingers wrapped around an ever present pen should some thoughtless stranger try to shake his hand.

He changed his mind as to his life’s course. He decided on the law and politics.

Dole was elected four times to the Congress and four times to the Senate. He stepped down to run for President on the Republican ticket in 1996. He was defeated by Bill Clinton.

Bipartisan. Old fashioned. Never swore.

He served in the Senate when Republicans and Democrats were congenial. Shared a few drinks and a round or two of cards at the end of a day’s work.

In his later years, he was recognized as the “rational voice of the Republican Party.”

Dole and McCain. Two warriors and statesmen now together in that other world. Looking down on today’s Senate, especially the Republican side, saying, “What a bunch of asses!”

An interesting comment in today’s Citizens Voice: “After moving here the first time in 1978, it is with sadness that we are departing. What was once fun and quirky has become annoying and rude. Thanks for the awesome memories. We wish everyone well.”

I agree with the observation. I have observed the change, also. As have many who have been a part of Key West for many years.

Things were changing before the pandemic. Slowly. Of course, change is inevitable. COVID accelerated the change beyond belief, however.

We now live in a Key West vastly different even from 5 years ago.

Friends gone for various reasons. Old age and money primary reasons. Death another.

Key West is over the hill expense wise. Rent a killer. Everyday expenses just as bad. Restaurants too expensive to eat in.

There is a new breed in town. Most are buying homes to flip them. Those that remain different. I cannot put my finger on it. However sufficiently different that I care not socializing with many. I recognize my concern, my problem.

I am not a snob. Nor are the many long timers in Key West who feel as I do. For whatever reason, the new “breed” who have arrived. As stated in the Comment: “Annoying and rude.”

The change is like a train traveling rapidly down hill whose brakes are not functioning. The change cannot be stopped. Key West is swiftly becoming a new world.

A villa in Greece or Italy or moving somewhere north in Florida a diminishing possibility. Age the key factor. If I was not so old, I would have been gone by now.

“Money” keeps floating in Keys’ waters or floating up on beaches. Generally, marijuana. Over the weekend, nearly 69 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value just under $1 million.

Amanda Gorman. The 22 year old poet who thrilled the nation at Biden’s inauguration. Now 23, her career as a poet is progressing rapidly.

Gorman’s “debut” poetry collection has been published: Call Us What We Carry. Gorman has taken our country’s past and through it reveals what she thinks will correct the present place the nation finds itself in.

I have read portions. A dynamite read. A must read!

Amy Coney Barrett was Trump’s last appointment to the Supreme Court. When announced, I wrote about her several times in October. My voice loud and clear. She was a disaster in the making. She disappoints me not.

The Mississippi abortion case rawly exposes her thinking. She, a woman, believes women are “incubators.”

Her solution to abortion is adoption. Dismisses the need to have a law permitting abortions.

What concerns me is her mental state. The same state of mind exhibited by the other conservative Justices. They all think they are upholding justice with their radical thinking. Even worse, they believe their decisions require tremendous courage and they are not afraid to make them.

Spoilers all!

Recall the song Spinning Wheel? Its opening words: “What goes up must come down / Spinning wheel…..”

The reverse is true also

I am referring to the stock market.

The DOW closed up 646 points yesterday. Recently, the DOW had drops of 900 and 600 points.

The ups and downs reflect an instability in the market. Experts claim the market is merely correcting itself. What if the market drops and keeps dropping for several days. A major recession. Just like that in a matter of days.

Woe then is we.

Enjoy your day!

Ernie Davis was special. Personally and athletically.

On this day in 1961, he became the first Black player to win the Heisman Trophy. The season had been a spectacular one for Davis and Syracuse University.

Days of football glory for SU. Davis, Jim Brown, Larry Csonka and others. Been a long time since the school has experienced football dominance as it did with these greats.

Davis never played beyond Syracuse. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 1962, died May 18, 1963 at the age of 23.

On his death bed, Davis said, “When I look back I can’t call myself unlucky. My 23rd birthday was December 14. In these years I have had more than most people get in a lifetime.”

I was fortunate to have been in Law School at Syracuse during certain of Davis’ years. I graduated in 1960.

I watched many of the home games. There was no Carrier Dome back then. It was the open aired Archbold Stadium.

Few were the games I watched in Archbold. I could not afford it. Where there was a will, there was a way however.

The new law school building was constructed next to the stadium. The law school was several stories high. Glass all around. When a game was being played, I went to the law library and looked for an empty one person desk area next to a window on an upper floor.

The game was mine for free.

Following Davis’ death and to this day, the campus is replete with memorials recognizing the great Ernie Davis.

One is a room in the Carrier Dome called the Ernie Davis Room. Special events are held there.

The 1980’s were years when I contributed huge sums to the University. I also became a pocket to go to when the University had a special need.

I received a call from someone in the sports department. The crew team needed $10,000. I knew nothing about crew. Was not even aware Syracuse was involved in the sport.

Tradition called for a new shell (crew boat) do be used each year. lt always had to be new.

The school wanted me to finance the new shell.

Ten thousand dollars was the cheapest amount ever requested from me. Almost a freebie. I agreed.

Turned out to be a big deal.

I was asked to name the shell and christen it. My mother had recently died. I talked to my dad about the shell. He knew as much as me about crewing.

In any event, we agreed to name the shell after my Mother. She had been born in Italy. Her name in Italian was Fortunata. In English, Fortune. Her parents so named her because she was the eighth and last born. She was the only girl. Seven boys before her.

I told my Father he would do the actual christening.

We showed up at the appropriate time at the Ernie Davis Room. Sitting there was the Fortunata shell.

Many people. I knew few. Again, the sport was not one I had ever been involved with. A party. Food and drinks.

Time came for the christening. I told Dad he would be required to make a short speech. Did not seem to concern him.

Visualize a U.S. Navy vessel being christened. The shell the same way. However instead of a bottle of champagne, it was a bottle filled with water from the Thames River in England. The Thames runs through London.

Apparently the sport has something to do with the Thames River.

Dad did his duty by God, the University and Mom. He gave the shell a good swat. The bottle split and Thames water flew everywhere.

My Dad’s talk was interesting. He spoke about Mom, including how she and the shell got the name Fortunata.

I was happy for him.

Today is the last day of Hanukkah. Eight days and nights of Jewish celebration.

Though not precisely correct, I wish all my Jewish friends a Happy Hanukkah!

Collin Morikawa. Twenty four years old. A professional golfer only 3-4 years. Already has distinguished himself big time. He has won 1 or 2 majors and several other tournaments.

He was playing in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. If he won, he would move up from 2nd to 1st in golf rankings.

An impressive record for a young man.

He went into the final round yesterday with a 5 stroke lead. Unbeatable. Or, so everyone thought.

Poor Collin blew it. Lost his 5 stroke lead in 3 holes over a 5 hole stretch. Suffered a complete breakdown. Could not recover.

First time this has happened to him. A cool player till yesterday. Proves everyone is human.

Collin will win again. Many times. May even be the one to threaten Tiger Woods’ record some day.

Australia continues with COVID “quarantine camps.”

A person who is diagnosed with the virus or one who has been in contact with an infected person is picked up and swiftly taken to a concentration type facility. The military picking them up are cloaked in “hazmat suits.”

Shades of Nazis picking up Jews.

If merely a “contact,” fourteen days the usual stay and an ok report from a doctor.

Life in the camps not easy. If an “inmate” merely steps too far outside their cells, they are subject to a $5,000 fine. Rooms are small. Meals delivered only once a day.

Inmates get mentally buggy. Valium is offered to make their stay easier.

Those retained are not reminded of their rights. Nor are they provided access to an attorney.

Is Australia the wave of the future?

Enjoy your day!

Love Christmas! It’s in the air!

Key West’s Christmas Parade last night. The best! I wrote about it earlier in the week. Thought about it often since. I was anxious to be there.

I forgot about the Parade!

Late in the afternoon and into dinner time, I had Syracuse basketball, the Alabama/Georgia game, and Tiger Woods’ golf tournament in the Bahamas I was watching.

The Parade was at 7. I remembered at 6 while switching back and forth among the three. It was too late to head out to the Parade.

All of Key West attends the Parade. I would have been a late car parker. Meant several blocks from the Parade route. Then the walk to the Parade. Even with the cane, I would not have not been able to make it.

So I missed the Parade.

Hopefully, I will get to see Santa Clause monday night. A Meet and Greet with Santa is scheduled for 6-8 at the Harborside Seaport.

Syracuse won. Beat Florida State 63-60.

A tough win. Syracuse behind by 8 at half time. Came back to win a close one.

Alabama did a number on Georgia 41-24. Georgia pre-game ranked #1 in the country, Alabama #3.

The golf tournament exciting. Seventeen of the top 20 ranked players in the world participating. Collin Morikawa finished with a 5 stroke lead going into today’s final.

Dr.Boros is well. Back to work. God bless!

Though I do not agree with the good doctor taking ivermectin instead of getting vaccinated, I’m glad he survived. The doctor issued a statement that he was “physically healthy and working on four projects at once.”

My question: Has he learned and been vaccinated? If not, I fear Boros is not as smart as the community thinks and as he does.

The Republicans and Trump have “radicalized” the Supreme Court. Six solid conservative Republican votes. The Court’s composition will change America dramatically over the next 2-3 years.

Issues to be decided include reproductive rights, gun laws, administrative rules, environmental rules, and voting rights.

Oh, the damage waiting to be done!

Ruth Marcus in a recent essay described the situation distinctly in the essay’s title: The Rule of Six: A New Radicalized Supreme Court Is Poised To Reshape The Nation.

Marcus observed that an every now and then “swing vote” seems no longer to exist. A new day that will “lead to bad results for a majority of Americans.”

Marcus was referring to Chief Justice Roberts.

Two new COVID study results.

One, pro-Trump counties now have far higher COVID death rates. The other, the risk of dying from COVID is 50 percent higher in red states.

The number of persons refusing to be vaccinated remains high. The single major contributor to eliminating the virus. Where ever people refuse to be vaccinated, how can lockdowns be avoided? Quarantine camps such as in Australia? Jail time as in Austria?

It is impossible for me to even conceive the use of Nazi type concentration camps or a place of isolation as leprosy victims were forced to live.

People are stupid. Wising up the only solution. Wise up and be vaccinated.

The alternative of failing to do so might not be as I have suggested. Could be equally worse or worse itself. A civil type war between those supporting vaccinations and those opposing. Those opposing willing to fight for their “rights” rather than accept the simple act of vaccination.

Happy Sunday!