It is going to snow today. On top of the Honolulu Volcanics. A series of volcanoes in the Pearl Harbor area on the island of O’Ahu.

The weather man predicts 12 inches of snow and winds of 100 miles per hour.

No time to be up there.

Snow can fall in the summer near high peaks. I know from experience.

Some 15 years ago on one of my European trips, it was July. Warm. I was staying in a swiss chalet half way up Mont Blanc. On the Italy side near Courmayeur.

When I woke, I walked out onto the balcony. Had to blink. Could not believe what I saw. Snow everywhere. Above me, at my level, and below. It was winter!

A blanket of white. By 11 am, the newly fallen snow at my level and below had melted. Summer again.

I have visited Courmayeur several times. A place God created. One of the most beautiful my eyes have seen. Surrounded by Mont Blanc.

Spring, summer, fall and winter there is always ice and snow on the upper levels of Mont Blanc. I sight to behold. The height and snow. What a combination!

Mont Blanc is part of the Alps. It is “mighty.” Height 15,777 feet. The highest mountain in the Alps and Europe.

Courmayeur is near the French border. Italy and France are connected by a seven mile tunnel which goes through Mont Blanc. On the French side is Chamonix. I have visited Chamonix each time I I have been in Courmayeur.

Two totally different flavors. One French, the other Italian. Physically and people wise.

The Italian people warm. The French cold, distant. The buildings though built differently are each beautiful.

Florida’s Governor DeSantis is a Donald Trump clone. He wants to be President.

He is authoritarian. Could be a Hitler in the making.

He is in the process of creating a “civilian military force.” Florida’s own. Under control and direction of the Governor.

He argues the civilian military group will exist to help the Florida State Guardsmen and assist in specific state emergencies.

I fear he bullshits us. The civilian force will be his personal army. DeSantis says he does not want “to be encumbered by the federal government.”

A civilian military is not uncommon. Twenty three states have such in one form or another. I am not aware if any have ever been used. If so, I would suspect infrequently.

The State would have to pay the bill/expenses of a civilian military.

It was reported yesterday that DeAntis is in the process of having 4 new anti-vaxxing laws created. Strange devious ways to get around federal laws that would prevent such activity. Somewhat like Texas has been doing with everything.

One item would be Florida not having to adhere to federal OSHA laws. Florida would set up its own.

Floridians would pay that bill also.

I smile. Florida’s senior population is conservative. Tight. Understandably. They will follow DeSantis till they recognize the bill is getting heavy. Then DeSantis may be out.

I am not sure that time will ever come, however. With all the things DeSantis has done and is now trying to do, I worry he might want to withdraw from the Union and run Florida as a separate entity. Don’t laugh. There is no reason for a civilian military answerable to him. Never forget, Hitler wanted the Gestapo.

We live in strange times. Anything is possible.

The New York Times published this morning an interesting article by Eugene Robinson: On Voting Rights, Democratic Senators Need To Face Reality.

Robinson’s position strong: “This is a demand, not a request…..Calls for voting rights for all Americans.”

Robinson asserts “the right to vote should not be a partisan issue. But it is.”

Republicans don’t care. They forget that what goes around, comes around. If problems cannot be reasonably solved by legislative action, I fear Civil War may be possible.

It could happen again.

Syracuse/Florida State in basketball this afternoon at 4. An ACC opening game.

Syracuse 4-3 and Florida State 5-2. Florida State a slight favorite.

I will be in front of the TV set beginning at 4.

Enjoy your day!

He’s done it again!

All 50 Republicans report they will vote to nix Biden’s requirement for businesses with 100 employees or more. A bill will be passed to that effect. Manchin announced yesterday he will vote with the Republicans on the issue.

Amazing! Manchin is all for bipartisanship. Early on in Biden’s administration, Manchin said he voted against many of Biden’s proposals to encourage bipartisanship.

So far, bipartisanship has been a one way street. Manchin threatening to vote with the Republicans. When will the man learn?

The House may not support Biden on this issue also. However there seems to be little concern. Biden will most likely veto the bill when it reaches his desk.

Today a big one in medical history. The year 1967.

Dr. Christian Barnard in Cape Town, South africa, performed the first human heart transplant. It was the talk of the world! Everyone excited!

Austria being buried with new COVID cases. Two weeks ago declared a total lockdown. It has not worked.

Thousands protested in the streets. Anti-vaxxers.

Austria has come up with a new approach. Unvaccinated Austrians will face huge fines and prison time for non-compliance with vaccine mandated rules. A fine of $4,000 or 4 weeks in prison.

I continue failing to understand why many do not wish to be vaccinated. It is a proven life saver. Is freedom more valuable than life?

Assuming it even is a freedom issue. I sometimes think it was originally “created” for political purposes. Took off! Now half the humans on earth have bought into the freedom argument.

Meghan Kelly on her show Meghan Kelly TODAY did a program involving “crossing over.” Dying and returning to life.

The show was aired 8/17/18. Her guest Cherie Aimee. Cherie was on the operating table when she suffered cardiac arrest. She flat lined. She was dead 90 minutes. No question about the time.

Her doctor continued giving her CPR the entire time. Other medical staff in the operating room told him to stop. The woman was dead. The doctor  refused. After 90 minutes, his efforts were rewarded.

Some of Cherie’s comments.

I was “in white space…..I felt free of the burdens of everyday life.”

She chacterized her surroundings as being “so beautiful.”

She said she was in “another realm connected to Heaven…..She gracefully walked through this door.”

In an instant, she claims her entire life flashed before her. A “life review of any experience her soul had ever undergone.”

She claimed she “definitely no longer was afraid of death.”

Tennessee Williams lived in Key West from 1941 till his death in 1983.

On this day in 1947, Williams’ play A Streetcar Named Desire openid on Broadway.

It is believed the final draft of Streetcar was written by Williams at the La Concha Hotel.

I have seen the movie version many times over the years. Never boring. Always consuming. I saw it again last week on TV. A shadowy event starring Marlon Brando.

Yesterday a busy one for me. A haircut with Lori, picked up my laundry, a bank stop, and a meeting. Would you believe I was tired? Normal things tire me frequently.

My plan was to stop at The Side Door  at dinner time and have a drink with David. He is always at The Side Door thursdays.

I never made it.

Enjoy your day!

The Mississippi case argued yesterday in the Supreme Court may have far reaching consequences not yet contemplated. If Roe v. Wade is reversed, war. War between the people of the U.S. A civil war.

The nation is where it was back in the 1850’s. Turmoil without pause. Leading to Civil War in 1861.

The same tensions exist today. Over a multitude of issues. Not just abortion. However the reversal of Roe v. Wade could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.

Women in very significant numbers will side with other pro-abortionists.

Persons who continue to recognize the breakdown in our legal and judicial system, will point to the reversal of Roe as a delegitimization of the Supreme Court. A bunch of political hacks who forgot the oaths they took when admitted to the bar and their sworn testimonies before the Senate Committee approving their nominations. The three most recent Supreme Court appointments, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, and Barrett, perfect examples.

Street demonstrations will neither be peaceful nor limited. All out war. Guns, bombs, knives, etc. I cannot see how the U.S. survives as it once was known. January 6’s will be common place. In state capitals and many other cities.

Many were not alive or have forgotten what life was like for women prior to Roe. Caitlan Flanagan in the 12/2019  issue of The Atlantic wrote a heart wrenching article showing what criminal abortion was prior to Roe. The title” “The Dishonesty of the Abortion Debate.”

Pre-Roe abortions were painful and many resulted in the death of the woman.

One of the most popular methods was the inducement of Lysol into the womb. One huge shot or over a period of time. Those induced over a period of time were referred to as “vaginal douches.”

Lysol actually advertised its product for such use. Dancing around the term abortion. Suggesting rather it was an effective form of birth control.

Lysol advertised its “family planning” capabilities for over 30 years from the 1920’s into the 1950’s. Lysol and the illegality of abortions crossed paths in the 1950’s and prior to Roe.

Women used the Lysol on themselves at home or went to a doctor or mid wife type who would abort them.

Many women died from the use of Lysol as an aborting agent.

Other methods involved a combination of boiling water and soap being shot into the womb. Less “safe methods” included the use of knitting needles and metal hangers.

There will be a return to such methods without Roe v. Wade.

There are a number of women who support Roe’s reversal. Small in number compared to the many who believe in and support Roe.

Men primarily make the abortion laws. Men are the ones who are anti-abortion.

Too bad some male medical problem has not yet come up whose treatment is illegal. Something to do with a man’s penis or testicles. The illegal/criminal solution a shot of Lysol. See how quickly these men would change their minds.

A little pain never hurts.

Enjoy your day!

There was a time government was a team sport. No more. The good of the country and its people not a major concern. Purchasing reelection is.

COVID has to be killed and buried. The best route the vaccine. However whether to be vaccinated has become a political football.

Iowa, Tennessee, Florida and Kansas are anti-vaccine. Federal mandates re vaccinations and employment vaccination requirements have caused many to accept termination rather than give up their “sacred beliefs.”

It is now coming out that some who have taken dismissal are being rewarded. Certain states have “bought” their positions.

Simply stated, lose your job because of a refusal to be vaccinated and collect unemployment.

The unemployment benefit increase is not equal to the lost salary. However it is sufficient to ease the burden.

States providing additional unemployment payments as an incentive against vaccination seems wrong to me. Morally, legally and otherwise.

It is anticipated other states will follow suit. A court case is sure to ensue. Then the answer as to propriety will be known.

Today is World AIDS Day. December 1.

AIDS came into being in the early 1980’s. Since Key West was a homosexual haven, its impact was felt.

I started doing Key West in the late 1980’s. AIDS meant nothing to me. My first confrontation was in Key West.

I noted thin sickly looking men. A few visits and I saw them no more. They had died.

I made friends with healthy looking folk. One fellow in particular. Enjoyed sitting at the Square One bar and chatting with him.

I noticed on one trip he had begun looking sickly. A few trips later, emaciated. Then gone.

I was impressed how Key West rallied to help its own. Those afflicted and those non-afflicted came together. One human family.

There is a celebration today to remember those who were lost to the disease. It begins at City Hall at 4:30. A procession of candle holders will march to the Knight Pier. At 5, a ceremony will take place.

Though AIDS is not the disease it once was, I guarantee the crowd at the Pier will be huge. It always is.

I wrote about hurricanes in yesterday’s blog and talked about them on my blog talk radio show last night. How this has been a “quiet” hurricane season

A major article in one of the national newspapers this morning involved the Keys and hurricanes.. There were 21 hurricanes in the season just concluded. None hit the Florida Keys. Many hit New York City.

Have things changed? A major weather change? Does not appear so. The “experts” claim it was merely pure “luck” that the Keys avoided the bullet this year. Twenty one hurricanes and not even one came close.

I wrote yesterday also that in the 30 years I have been doing Key West, the hurricane season has been extended time wise several times. It was reported today the National Weather Bureau is considering extending the season at its opening. June 1 will be moved back to May 15 if approved.

Blue Heaven is open again. One of Key West’s more notable places has been closed for several months. Even through Fantasy Fest. Major remodeling was done.

Terri White sang at Blue Heaven last night. It is expected she will be a regular this season.

Every country comes up with ways to “force” vaccinations. Greece has designed one a bit different.

Persons over 60 and unvaccinated will be fined $114 American money monthly. One hundred euros to the Greeks. The program goes into effect January 16.

Eighty six years old and I still learn.

I recall World War II vividly. I was 5-10 years of age at the time.

Even that young, I recognized there was much we on the home front had to do without.

My mother kept an empty coffee can on the stove. All grease, used oil, fat, etc. had to go into it. My job was to take it to the corner grocery store when full. We were given a few additional points to use when purchasing food.

Everything was in short supply. It was five years of rationing. Americans did not bitch, however. They cooperated.

Gasoline was limited to 2-3 gallons per week. No one complained.

On this day in 1942, gasoline was rationed for the first time on a national level. I thought it was to save gas to be used in the war effort.

This past week, I Learned I was wrong.

The government’s goal was not so much to limit gasoline usage. Rather to conserve rubber. Rubber was desperately needed for the war effort. Ration gasoline and cars would be driven less. The result being less wear and tear on tires. More rubber for the war effort.

Syracuse basketball.

I have said it before and repeat it again. Syracuse’s team this year is the best I have seen talent wise. They even play well together. Yet their record is only 4-3.

Syracuse’s problem is they get huge double digit leads in the first half and then cannot hold on for the win. Everything still working, but the lead whittles down.

Last night, a perfect example. Syracuse was 4-3. Playing Indiana that was 6-0. Syracuse won in double overtime 112-110.

Syracuse had an 18 point lead in the first half. An 11 point lead at half time. Indiana caught up. Grabbed the lead several times in the second half.

Then it was anyone’s game.

Enjoy your day!

Hurricane season ends today. Thank God, no  hurricane beset Key West. Irma was enough. Hopefully it is buying us a few more years.

Weathermen describe this season as “quiet.” No question about it. A minor storm here and there. Nothing of consequence.

The Conch Republic Navy will celebrate the end of the 2021 hurricane season with a flag burning at 5 pm today. The event will take place at the USCGC Ingham at the Truman Waterfront Park.

I can recall when I first came to Key West some 30 years ago. The hurricane season ended 9/1. Later extended to 10/1. Then to 11/1. Now in effect 12/1.

Someone out there does not like us.

Special dessert last night. Fran’s cheese cake. Delicious!  I’m so lucky!

Start wearing a mask again. I don’t have to tell you why. Be safe! Be cautious! For yourself, family and friends.

There is one subject that is rarely discussed. Death. Seems to be the huge elephant in the room.The issue came up sunday evening while having dinner with Fran and Tom.

We got into age and dying. Fran is 71, Tom 75. Youngsters in effect. Their concern not similar to mine. I mentioned that at 86 I find myself thinking about it. Makes sense.

Fran asked how I felt about dying. Not really concerned. I have no fear. What will be, will be. My life has been long. Good and bad at different times. No complaints at my end, however.

Fran asked my thoughts re an after life. My response two fold.

Nothing. Dead means dead. I assume it will be black like having surgery. Once you are out, you’re out. Everything black till you wake. With death no waking, however. Black forever which means I experience nothing.

The second one I would hope for and prefer. If such is the way it is. There is an after life. Another life. The other side.

I will meet my grandparents and parents. We will be joined again. Could not ask for anything more.

The next morning (yesterday) I was skipping through the internet looking for an interesting blog topic. Their it was. A death story.

I share it with you.

Scott Drummond was 28 at the time. He was skiing. Fell. Got up and continued skiing the rest of the day. Experienced no pain or discomfort.

When he took off his glove, he found his thumb hanging by the skin. Totally separated from his hand, except for the skin.

He went to the hospital immediately and was rushed into surgery. They were going to try reattaching his thumb.

Scott died on the operating table. He was dead for 20 minutes. Then returned to life.

Scott much older now. Married 45 years. Has rarely spoken of the experience.

His words during his recent interview spoke volumes.

I “went to heaven…..People should not fear death.”

He was in a field of beautiful flowers and tall rees. A white cloud ahead. He could feel, but not see, a person walking next to him.

Scott had a distinct recollection of his whole life in his mind. Quickly. Every detail.

The person next to him suddenly stuck out his arm blocking Scott. The person’s arm was the first of any part of his companion that he had seen. The man said, “It is not yet your time, you have more things to do.”

Scott describes where he went as the “most peaceful place I ever have went.”

“I know there is a God without a shadow of a doubt.”

“I’m not afraid of dying.”

Several times he choked with emotion, his eyes filling with tears. He had to pause. I share Scott’s experience with you. Draw your own conclusions.

I found another story involving a woman that was dead 90 minutes. I leave it for tomorrow.

My Uncle Frank died on the operating table during a heart procedure. He was gone 30 minutes. Then returned.

My Uncle was a simple man. Uneducated.  Typical family man. His wife my Aunt equally pleasant. Three daughters.

The experience led him to say he was not afraid to die. His experience a happy one.

He described a cloud surrounding him. A green field leading to a low wood fence. He walked toward the fence. As he did his family came to greet him. All previously dead, of course.

His mother, father, brothers and sisters. They were smiling, greeting him. He was happy.

As suddenly as he had arrived, he returned. The doctors could not explain why.

My Uncle was a bit unhappy about returning. Where he went had that impact on him.

From that day forward, he would always say he was not afraid to die. Actually looked forward to it.

He died a good 20 years later.

The new variant is named Omicron. My curiosity got the best of me. What/where was Omicron?

Turns out no where. Omicron is the name of a letter in the Greek alphabet.

How far do we go with many of the racist arguments. Sometimes enough is enough.

Students at the University of Florida want “Black Friday” renamed. Black and white students alike. Consider the term racist. Discriminatory against Black people.

Some students thought it should be changed. Others were of the opinion the issue was being “overanalyzed.”

The reporter doing the interview at the end would advise that the term Black friday was not about “skin color.” It had to do with shopping. Some who initially though it discriminatory at that point changed their minds and indicated it was ok.

Tuesday again. My blog talk radio show tonight at 9. Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Good show. I rant and rave about things. A fast moving half hour. Join me at www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Everything is in short supply! Even Santa Claus!

There are national and regional companies that rent Santa Claus to malls and stores. They are having a problem this year. Too few Santas available.

Two reasons. One, many retired due to the pandemic. The other health concern related also. Santas that still want to work but have a fear of contacting COVID so are taking this year off.

Numbers never lie. The demand increase for Santas over last year is 120 percent. The decrease in available Santas 10 percent.

The old law of supply and demand.

Many businesses and families noting this year’s problem have already made reservations for “meet and greet” next year.

Those places that will have Santa this year have a new set of rules. Included are any child over 2 must wear a mask. Social distancing is in play. No lap sitting will be allowed.

Sadness takes many forms. The Santa problem is one.

I was out last night. Almost like the old days.

Fran and Tom Dixon are in town. It was our night together.

We met first at the Chart Room. Good to see them! Friends for years!

Fran looked her delightful best as usual. Always a deep tan. Tom his normal cheerful self.

There were two other couples at the bar.

The lady portion of one had lived in Utica for 20 years. We reminisced about the town. She and her boy friend have been coming to Key West for 20 years.

The other couple told me we had met last year. I remembered their faces, but not names. We chatted briefly.

It was good to walk the length of the bar chatting with the visitors. I was doubly happy that my old friends Fran and Tom were spending the evening with me.

It was cold. Around 68 degrees. Did not want to have dinner outside at the Pier House. Instead, we went across the street to Ocean Key.

A quiet night through out town. Thanksgiving visitors had left.

The three of us raised a bit of hell at the Hot Tin Roof. Company and meals both good.

Fran mothers me. For years. This year’s gifts included two cheese cakes. She made them both while here in the kitchen of their suite at Ocean Key House. Several different type candies. Always good!

One failure. Fran supplies me with face masks. Ten or twelve at a time. She makes them up in Buffalo. Well done.

She forgot to bring them this trip. I will have to survive with the tons of face masks I have. Both from Fran and which I purchased. I was always afraid I would run out.

The Democrats have to stop screwing around. For experienced politicians, they appear inept most times.

They have to bring back the filibuster. It is REQUIRED to save the country (especially a voting rights bill), enable Biden’s overall programs to pass, and help America’s people to live a better life.

OTHERWISE, the U.S. will move dramatically closer to a change in government style, to a radical lifestyle for its people, and my sense is a government tending Nazi in nature.

I filled the gas tank last week at $3.35 a gallon. Driving in town last night, I noticed each station had the same price. $4.25 a gallon.

Enjoy your day!

There was a time in recent years where everything in the news was Trump. Trump, Trump, Trump.

The pendulum has swung. Today it is COVID-19.

Though not better, more interesting. Especially the search for the ultimate cure and finding a way for everyone to agree to be vaccinated.

Coronavirus has become without question a world problem. The freedom argument being made in every country. Made with a vehemence.

Austria in deep trouble. Into a national lockdown. Many Austrians don’t like it. They seem to have become hard rock anti-vaxxers.

This past weekend, 40,000 marched in protest in Vienna. No care they were spreading the virus. Many failing to believe the vaccines protect humans.

The anti-vaxxers appeared to be more radicalized. Their mood “incensed” and “aggressive.”

“Provocative,” also. Many were carrying placards likening Austria’s new Chancellor Alexander Schallenberg to Josef Mengele, the sadistic physician at the Naxi concentration camp in Auschowitz.

South Africa has become a major player in the virus crisis, if the media is to be believed. One problem. Yes, the omicron variant is in South Africa. Yet, South Africa’s number of deaths is far below those of Europe and the U.S.

Why? There is no vaccine shortage, no lockdown, morgues overwhelmed, no mass casualties.

The numbers are far lower than experts had warned.

If such be the case, why are so many flying out of South Africa to other countries testing positive on arrival?

The vaccine mandate to vaccinate or lose your job is creating a havoc situation. Note I support the decision, though severe. The only way the virus problem will disappear is if most people are vaccinated.

The rule is severely affecting many hospitals.

One is Mount Sinai Long Beach Hospital. Seventy two healthcare workers were let go for failing to be vaccinated. The hospital then closed down because of a staffing shortage.

Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital suffered a similar experience. Many employees refused to comply with the mandate. They were let go. The hospital had to shut down because of a nursing shortage.

The question as to how long a booster shot lasts has been bandied about lately.

Doctor Fauci says we do not know yet. He believes it may last for a long time. Way out. However not enough data yet to make such an announcement.

The story of a 15 year old who could not afford a plane ticket. The young man traveled from Guatemala to Miami in the plane’s landing gear. He arrived safely. No adverse effects.

Strange! Temperature high in the sky 60 degrees below zero. The young man also lucky he did not fall out of the plane.

Such has happened in the past. Some die. Fewer make it as this young man did.

Enjoy your Sunday!

A no question about it line. Good health is the most important thing.

Its source the 1974 movie The Godfather: Part Two. Hyman Roth was always sick. He uttered the words.

Many illnesses. The most prevalent at the moment is COVID-19.

The virus seems to hit an area big time, reduce significantly only to return as strong if not stronger another time.

Three countries/geographical areas are experiencing a resurgence not expected.

One is Austria. So bad, the country is in total lockdown.

Another Australia. Infection rate skyrocketing. Australia has opened quarantine camps for those infected and those exposed to the virus but not actually infected. Army soldiers are collecting the already sick and those exposed and trucking them to the concentration type camps.

Africa is into the problem big time. So bad that 8 nations are refusing to permit airlines from the exceptionally infected areas to land in their countries. The U.S. is one of the countries.

On the local scene, a situation worth mentioning.

Dr. Bruce Boros is one of Key West’s finest physicians. A respected heart doctor. Seventy one years old. Purportedly a wise man. Not in every regard, however.

Dr. Boros is anti-vaccine. He believes in ivermectin. The drug used to deworm horses. The same drug the CDC has advised people not to use.

Dr. Boros and his wife have been taking ivermectin for 16 months. Last week, Dr. Boros attended a one day anti-vaccine summit. Dr. Boros told the gathering about ivermectin and advised he never felt better.

It was announced this weekend that 7 of the doctors attending the summit have become infected with coronavirus. Dr. Boros one of them.

Word is Dr. Boros is quite ill and treating at home.

I respect the Doctor. He was off base in this instance, however.

Cases are on the rise in the U.S. Deaths fewer. Just under 60 percent of Americans have been vaccinated. Still not enough. Of the just under 60 percent, 80 percent are the most vulnerable. Which in itself is a good thing.

The U.S. rise is reflected in the numbers. Last week, the U.S. experienced 93,904 new cases daily. An 11.6 percent increase from the previous week. Average daily deaths were 1,116. Down 4.6 percent from the previous week.

Most U.S. hospitals have staffing problems. Some have shut down their ICU facilities as a result.

People worldwide are crying “freedom.” A significant number. They vehemently oppose mandated vaccines. Many will become infected. A good number die. U.S. statistics show 90-95 of COVID sick in hospitals today are the non vaccinated.

New York Times columnist Eugene Robinson commented on the problem in this morning’s edition: “Anti-vaccinated zealots here and abroad who demand their ‘freedom’ have it exactly backward. The vaccines can free us from the plague, if we will let them. The unchecked virus offers only tyranny.”

COVID affected the market big time friday. The DOW ended the day dropping 905 points. The biggest single day drop in recent times. At one point during the day, it had dropped more than 1,000 points.

Experts claim the drop the result of the new 0micron variant which is doing a number in Africa. It has the capacity to move rapidly worldwide. The effect on the economy would be disastrous.

Enjoy your day!

History is history! What was was! Leave it alone! Don’t play with it! Don’t Change it! Don’t screw with it!

We learn from history. If so, keep it honest. Otherwise that “learned” will be false.

Two recent examples of “history change” which infuriate me.

Theodore Roosevelt has proudly sat astride a horse for more than 80 years in front of the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The statue will soon be removed and relocated to North Dakota.

The reason why involves the two persons standing aside the statue. One on each side. On one an African man. The other, a Native American man.

The claim leading to its soon to be removal is that the statue glorifies colonialism and racism.

A statue of Thomas Jefferson has sat in the New York City Hall for 187 years. It was moved monday. The reason being Jefferson owned slaves.

My advice why stop there. Remove Jefferson’s majestic statue in the Jefferson Memorial also.

What about George Washington? A slave owner big time. Lets remove Washington’s name from Washington, D.C. and the Washington Memorial.

Not correct to pick and choose. All or none.

Beware! The ongoing COVID problem could call for extreme government action. Action to be required because many people refuse to follow the rules.

Australia the perfect example.

Australia has begun forcibly moving residents from certain areas to quarantine camps. Those moved are positive cases and close contacts.

An Australian government official said, “Yes, these are strong measures, but THE THREAT TO LIVES IS EXTREME.”

Area persons primarily being sent to camps are from the northern portions of Australia. Primarily indigenous persons. The Australian army moves them by truck.

The Waukesha Christmas Parade SUV deaths total 8 dead and 40 injured. One of the dead is an 8 year old who died following brain surgery.

Eighteen children were injured and taken to Children’s Wisconsin Milwaukee Hospital. The hospital has advised it has insufficient staffing.

The reason claimed has to do with the COVID vaccination mandate. Certain nurses and staff have refused to be vaccinated. The national mandate for vaccines became effective November 15.

The hospital presently has 200 open positions.

Seventy percent of the nursing/medical staff who claimed a religious exemption were denied. Most have already begun looking for other jobs.

Things are so desperate in the hospital that even its CEO is working the emergency room floor.

Police advise the SUV driver drove his vehicle into the parade in a “zig zag pattern” in order to “hit as many people as possible.”

Corporate profits hit a record high in the third quarter. $3,139.1 billion. Two percent higher than the second quarter.

Long term rise dramatic. From one year ago, 28.2 percent. From the fourth quarter of 2019 – before any impact from the pandemic, 37.7 percent.

Such being the case, why is the Senate nickel diming the social infrastructure bill? Also arguing against any raise in corporate taxes?

For shame!

I wrote about Allyn Walker in my 11/15/21 blog. The transgender professor at Old Dominion University. The female who became a male. He called for the stigma towards pedohiles to be removed.

He claimed pedophilia was merely another form of sexual attraction and should be tolerated.

Old Dominion has “fired” Walker. His termination will begin May 22, 2022 when “her contract expired.”

Seventy professors signed a letter in support of Walker saying “not everyone who is attracted to children abuses the children.”

I wonder how many of the 70 are pedophiles themselves.

On this day in 1890, Key West was the largest city in Florida. Population 18,786.

Key West only about 28,000 today. Key West remained basically the same size while the rest of Florida flourished.

On this day in 1962, President John Kennedy was in Key West on official business. He was here to review the military installations and troops that had been part of the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Enjoy your day!

Thanksgiving…..An American holiday. Family time. A happy time.

Its history an interesting story. What began with a Pilgrim/Indian banquet died 50 years later. The Pilgrims by that time referred to as Colonists destroyed the Indian nation they had sat and partied with in earlier years.

The first Thanksgiving occurred in October 1621. A three day event.

We begin with the meal. It was not as most think.

The hosts were the Pilgrims. They invited their Indian friends the Wampanoags to join them. Ninety Wampanoags attended.

The meat portion was not as today’s. Deer, not turkey. The Indians brought 5 deer.

Wildfowl was available in large amounts. Turkey was not in the forefront, though there were some running wild in the woods. The Puritans provided some fowl dishes. Primarily goose, duck and passenger pigeons. Passenger pigeons are extinct today. A few turkeys.

Primary foods provided by the Pilgrims included mussels, clams, lobsters, bass and eels. Fruit was pumpkin. Whether in pie or other form not known.

Corn was the most prevalent vegetable. There were no cranberries. Potatoes did not exist yet in the new land. It was at that time potatoes were first being shipped from South America to Europe.

To drink! Surprisingly, little beer. Even though the Pilgrims had 1 or 2 beer makers among them. Water was the drink of the day.

The fowl/birds served were stuffed with onions and herbs. There was no bread stuffing. There was no bread at the time. Puritan bread  was made from maize, not flour.

Many historians believe the Pilgrims would not have survived without the help of the Wampanoags. The Indians taught them what and how to plant and how to survive the cold winters.

The kumbaya relationship did not last long. Greed entered into the picture.

As the years moved on, more and more Europeans traveled to the New World. Such meant the Pilgrims (now referred to as Colonists) had to move inland. The expansion pushed the Indians off their lands. Ceremonial and traditional lands were mutilated.

Indians were considered savages. The Colonists mandated English the language. Even for the Indians to speak.

Missionaries arrived. The move was to Christianize the heathen Indians. Change their Indian beliefs. Interesting in itself since the Puritans had originally come to the New World seeking religious freedom. That which they sought, they tried to deny the Indians.

Sounds like what happened years later in the West. The U.S. needed land for expansion. Beat the hell out of the Indians and moved them off from what originally was their land.

Another Western story. In fact, what is about to be shared is where westerners learned a way to rid themselves of some Indians.

The Colonists brought illness with them. Smallpox and diphtheria. They also played diabolical with the Indians. The Indians were provided with diseased blankets. Blankets that wiped out entire villages.

Things reached a boiling point in 1675 with the King Philip’s War which lasted till 1678.

Prior to the war, a peace treaty was entered into in 1671. By the treaty, the Indians were required to surrender all their guns.

It was agreed that Indian wrongdoers and Colonial wrongdoers were to be punished by their own people, regardless where and to whom a crime was committed. The Colonists failed to live up to the agreement. They hung Indians for every transgression regardless where committed and against whom.

The King Philip’s War almost completely destroyed the Wampanoags and other neighboring tribes.

The King Philip’s War was down and dirty. The Indians downtrodden. The War is considered by historians as the “deadliest war in Colonial American history.”

Interesting how relationships change. Interesting further how greed can be the major contributing factor.

It is said history repeats itself. Note again what happened to the Wampanoags in the 1600’s occurred again in the American west in the 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Enjoy the holiday, your family and friends, and do eat too much!