COLLEGE PROFESSOR CALLS FOR STIGMA OF PEDOPHILIA TO BE DELIGITIMITIZED

Some arrogant half brained stupid people in the U.S.

A “non-binary” college professor expressed himself re pedophilia. Non-binary is a term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit comfortably with “man” or “woman.”

The man expressing himself was Allyn Walker, Associate Professor at Old Dominion University. He has called for the “stigma” of pedophilia to be “delegitimized.”

The professor was once a female. Now, a male.

He says the term “minor attracted person” should be used in preference to “pedophilia” because pedophiles might be hurt otherwise. Minor attracted person is “less stigmatizing.”

Walker claims “pedophilia is merely another form of sexual attraction and should be tolerated.”

The professor says he is not a pedophile, but admits to being “queer.”

Well, it is constantly said freedom of expression should exist at the college level. To this extent? There are limits to everything.

Which brings me to pedophilia and the French Catholic Church. The French Church has recently announced it will be selling Church assets to compensate sexually abused victims.

The right thing to do. Those abused have a right to be compensated for the wrong done to them.

The French Church is well heeled. It can afford to sell some of its art, gold, real property, and other assets and investments.

The Catholic Church world wide intentionally remained blind to the wrongdoing for decades. Now, the fiddler must be paid.

The announcement reminds me of the 1968 movie The Shoes of the Fisherman. Anthony Quinn played a Pope.

China was besieged with a starving population. China threatened all out world war to gain food for its starving masses. Quinn as Pope avoided the war by agreeing to sell all of the Catholic Church’s property to help the Chinese and ward off the war.

Closing statements and the Court’s charge today in the Kyle
Rittenhouse case. The matter will go to the jury for consideration late today or first thing tomorrow.

I do not have a feeling as to the outcome. I have not watched enough of the trial to be sufficiently knowledgeable.

There is one item I would like to address, however. One outside the trial itself. One that shows how media can cause twisted information to become part of a case.

A few days ago certain media outlets claimed Kyle’s mother said Biden was going to be sued for libel. The libel being he referred to her son as a “white supremacist.”

She warned Kyle’s attorneys would take care of the matter.

The mother denied Kyle was a white supremacist: “He is not a white supremacist. He is not a racist.”

The situation did not make sense to me at the time. However I did not have time to research it. I finally got to it yesterday afternoon.

The mother’s position came to light in a recent interview of her by FOX News’ Sean Hannity. The incident in which it is claimed Biden defamed her son took place more than a year ago on September 29, 2020.

It involved a comment made by Biden in his debate with Trump the evening of September 29. A portion of Biden’s comments became part of a Biden video at the time which was tweeted. Note again, during the Presidential campaign.

The video included an image of Kyle Rittenhouse carrying an AR-15 rifle with the caption: “There’s no other way to put it: The President of the United States refused to disavow white supremacists on the debate stage last night.”

The comment and video as prepared unrelated to what has been going on in the court room this past week.

A new Cuban revolt festering? Perhaps. A problem. Present revolutionary Cubans lack the money and equipment to wage a revolution.

Yesterday, Cuban exiles in Miami marched and participated in a car caravan in support of Cubans who were to mount a protest today in Havana.

Can Castro’s revolution be overthrown 62 years later?

Syracuse/Drexel basketball yesterday. Syracuse won 75-60. It did not look like Syracuse was a winner at the end of the first half which found Syracuse trailing 33-32.

The second half was another story. Syracuse came out aggressively and outshot Drexel 43-27.

Enjoy your day!

 

STEVE BANNON…..THE ODD AMERICAN

Steve Bannon has been indicted. He appears before a federal judge tomorrow in Washington for arraignment. The arraignment is only the end of the  beginning. Do not expect the criminal case to move with speed unless the judge arranges for it to so move.

The charges are criminal in nature. His case will proceed as all federal criminal cases do. It will be governed by the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.

If Bannon’s intent is to delay, the Rules provide the many steps he can invoke. It is his right to take advantage of them. Which means under normal circumstances, it will take around 2 years for Bannon’s case to reach the trial stage.

Not to the advantage of the righteous. The good guys will lose out if the case proceeds in the usual fashion.

On the other hand, Bannon likes to talk. He enjoys pontificating. He is happy for the world to know his desire to to see all established governments overturned. From the U.S. to the Vatican. It gives him a kick!

Where am I going? Bannon may not take the steps available to delay. He may want to sit before the January 6 Committee and mouth off his thoughts. Unafraid. The Committee will first have to offer him immunity. Which it would.

The man is a neo-Nazi at heart. Interesting in itself. Recall that Trump’s first wife said Donald kept a book authored by Hitler at his bedside. He read a bit from it each evening at bed time.

Whether Bannon appears is immaterial in one respect. He considers the indictment in itself a “badge of respect.” The way the man thinks.

Thus far it sounds like Bannon will control the procedures/time frame of the charges. The judge however can take control of the case time wise this week.

Two ways.

The judge can “fast track” the case. Move the time for Bannon to exercise his rights per the Rules. Shorten the statutory time tables.

Another way exists. Cases have imposed on them “scheduling orders.” The judge can say ok guys, we are going to wrap all pre-trial procedures up in 2 months fo example. All motions by such and such a date. At the same time, he can schedule the trial for a day certain. A day 2 months hence.

I have a concern. The trial judge is a Trump appointee.

I wonder how many of those indicted in big time federal cases can afford the attorney fees. They are overwhelming! Washington, D.C. is not known to be cheap. Additionally, I am not aware of Bannon’s source of income at the moment. Does he work! Have a job?

He may not have a job. However he does have very wealthy benefactors who believe he is correct in what he is doing to overthrow the government.

Two examples. Guo Wengui and Rebekah Harris.

Wengui is a Chinese billionaire.

Harris is part of the Mercer family. She is a Breitbart heiress.

The January 6 Committee will only be successful if everything moves swiftly. Delay means death to the purposes of the Committee.

A new term has become part of the English language. “Great Resignation.”

It refers to the large number of people who are quitting their jobs and looking for a better one. The number is overwhelming.

In September alone, 4.4 million Americans quit their jobs. Most from the middle class. They learned they were more valuable to employers based on their COVID experiences.

All seek a better job with better pay.

Gas prices have dipped recently. Though not dramatically. They still remain more than $1 higher than at this time last year.

The average cost of a gallon of gas today is $3.41. One year ago, $2.12.

Saturday Night Live did a number on Tom Cruz last night. A Tom Cruz/Big Bird skit.

Cruz deserves no better. His time in the Senate has continually diminished in quality since he took office. Down to debating with Big Bird the most recent example.

CALL ME ISHMAEL!

The opening line to Moby-Dick.

Moby-Dick was published this day 1851. It is considered a great American classic. The Story of Captain Ahab and his quest to catch a giant white whale.

Last night was Syracuse football. Tonight, Syracuse basketball.

May the basketball team do better than the football team did last night. Syracuse lost to Louisville 41-3. Never expected it. Actually thought Syracuse would win. The team was only a 3 point underdog going into the game.

Syracuse’s offense and defense both stunk. That is why Syracuse took the beating they did.

I expect the basketball team will win tonight. One hell of a team!

Syracuse plays Drexel at 5. Syracuse is a 16 point favorite.

I am a bit concerned, however. Syracuse scored 97 points in its opener earlier in the week. Drexel scored in excess of 100 points in its opener.

Enjoy your Sunday!

 

FREE SEX AFTER RECEIVING VACCINE SHOT…..WHAT A DEAL!

Many countries are offering all sorts of considerations to induce people to get vaccinated. Austria has the best offer. Without question! Whether a male or female is taking advantage of the offer.

Sex is legal in Austria. A manager of sorts must be involved. Sounds like the Austrian government promoted the brothel approach when it decided to legalize prostitution.

Germany legalized prostitution about 10 years ago. Germans were in favor. They rallied to the concept. The reason simple. The government was allowed to tax a prostitute’s earnings.

Whether Austria promoted legalized prostitution for the same reason, I am not certain. Whatever, the activity is legal in Austria.

Coronavirus hit the brothel business badly. Customers were concerned they would get the virus. They stayed away.

COVID is on the uptake at the moment in Austria. The government decided on inducements to motivate people to receive their shots.

Two ways involved.

The first harsh. Any person not vaccinated would be placed in lockdown. Not permitted to leave home. No excuses for doing so accepted. Want to leave the house: Get vaccinated!

The other had its benefits. Brothel owners and the government conferred. A plan was devised to induce customers to visit a brothel.

A vaccination was required. The vaccine shot given when the customer was at the brothel. The men were then offered free sex. A thirty minute visit.

It was anticipated the free sex would induce customers to get the shot and some free sex. Then return as a paying customer on another day.

It’s safe, guys! You got the shot!

Both sides won.

The offer was also available to women. Women are known to frequent brothels, though not in the same numbers as men. It was determined Austrian law required the offer be available to women. Austria’s equality law necessitated it.

The age for male participation was lowered to 14. A one time deal. The shot and sex. Then brothel sex no more till the young man reached the proper adult age.

I took a break while researching this morning. Watched a few minutes of TV. For whatever reason, Turner Classic Movies was running a Popeye cartoon. Eight minutes. Popeye’s girl friend Olive Oyl co-starring.

I have not seen a Popeye cartoon in at least 50 years. More like 75.

When I was a young man (I like the way that sounds), going to the  movies saturday afternoons was the thing. Ages probably between 6 and 12. It was for the young kids.

We did it every saturday. The Family Theater was 2 blocks away. Entrance was $.03. Yes, 3 cents. We are talking 1941-47.

The movie house was always packed. So packed, we were permitted to sit on the steps going up to the stage. Also the floor between the first row and stage. And wherever else management could squeeze us in.

The show routine was the same every week. Two movies. One a crime, the other a western. A serial. A cartoon.

The last time I saw Popeye was one of those saturdays long ago.

A good memory.

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman. The President visited Key West a total of 175 days.

On this day in 1948, the President, his wife and daughter, boarded the Presidential yacht Williamsburg in Key West. They took a one day trip to visit Fort Jefferson in the Tortugas.

This morning’s Key West Citizen in its Keys History section commented about an unusual occurrence that happened on this day in 1954. Something hard to believe.

The note claimed 19.8 inches of rain fell on this one day. Key West streets, cars and homes were flooded.

The inch number I thought might have been in error. I did a quick internet search. Could find nothing special re the weather that day. Such does not mean it did not occur. Merely means I could not locate the source of the information.

Syracuse/Louisville football at noon today. It is already past noon. I have missed the kick off.

Syrace a 3 point underdog.

Should Syracuse win today, its record would be 6-4. Enough for a guaranteed bowl bid.

Enjoy your day!

 

 

IGUANAS IN THE POOPER…..LOOK BEFORE YOU SIT

Would you believe?

Iguanas showing up with increasing frequency in South Florida toilets. Word to the wise: Look before you sit.

Iguanas first began appearing in Florida in 1960. Sexual creatures. They have multiplied in huge numbers. Similar to pythons. And as with pythons, it is now agreed by iguana experts that they can not be eliminated. Only, contained.

How do iguanas get in the pooper? Through roof vents. Takes them into a toilet’s sewer system.

Iguanas can hold their breath a long time. They can move through 3 inch toilet pipes with no difficulty for extended periods.

However, a sewer system is a foreign habitat to an iguana. Iguanas move through the sewer system seeking a way out. The “out” is the toilet bowl.

They are regarded today as an environmental hazard. They puncture sea walls, tear up sidewalks, and carry salmonella. My experience involved them eating up my flower beds and defecating in my pool. I twice had to have my pool drained. The flowers generally had to be replaced. Both the pool emptying and flower replacement expensive.

Until recently, it was illegal to kill iguanas. A protected species. No more. Now legal to kill them.

Florida has a habit of waiting too long to permit the killing of certain species. The python and iguana being two examples.

There is a humor factor involved. Iguanas are eaten by humans in Central and South America.  An everyday food. Supposedly taste like chicken.

Geraldo Rivera is a FOX News broadcaster. Respected. He does not always sing to the same tune as other FOX broadcasters.

Re the vaccine, Geraldo recently said, “You have no rights when it comes to the vaccine.” He believes everyone should be mandated to be vaccinated.

Something I do not understand. Many elected Republican officials and their followers threaten certain elected officials and sometimes their families with death for taking anti-Trump positions. Representative Paul Gosar placed an anime video on Twitter showing him appearing to kill Representative Ocasio-Cortez and President Biden.

These things have to be against the law. There must be a multitude of laws covering such things.

Why are these people not arrested and charged?

The Trump dispute with certain National Archive documents is ongoing. Earlier this week a temporary injunction was the issue. Yesterday, the court rendered a decision permitting the injunction pending oral argument. Arguments to take place November 30.

Two and a half weeks to oral argument too long due to the nature of the case. Time is off the essence. The court feels it is fast tracking the trial. It is not.

Attorney General Garland is crawling with the Bannon matter. It is so simple. Bannon was not even a Presidential employee.

Everyone must get off their respectives asses and move like yesterday! Otherwise the January 6 insurrection leaders will not be held responsible.

Everyone involved in the insurrection MUST be punished. Otherwise, it will happen again and again till successful.

Manchin is a hero to many Republicans. Whether intentional, he does their bidding.

Ken Langone is a billionaire Republican. He has never supported Manchin personally or financially. He has announced he will be doing so. Langone is especially impressed with Mancin’s dissection of Biden’s social infrastructure plan.

Langone said, “I am going to have one of the biggest fundraisers I’ve ever had for him. He’s special. He’s precious. He’s a great American.”

I disagree with Langone. Manchin is neither special, precious, nor a great American. He has become a destroyer. His 15 minutes has turned into 15 hours.

God help us! Seriously!

Enjoy your day!

 

SPOTTSWOOD FAMILY BUYING CURRY MANSION

Lovely and historic Curry Mansion on Caroline Street is being purchased by the Spottswood family. Wonderful that a local prominent family is purchasing the Inn.

The Amsterdam family has owned the Mansion since 1973. It is fortunate one local family got together with another to arrange the purchase. The Curry tradition will live on.

Trip advisor announced that Key West and Miami are among the top 10 winter destinations for Americans. Actually, the two cities are in the top 5.

An interesting side note. Key West has also become a favorite vacation location in recent years in the summer. Hard to understand. The heat/humidity is heavy and hurricanes always a threat.

Today is Veterans’ Day. A day we remember all those who have been part of the military. A special Thank You for Your Service Day.

Key West’s parade is at 4.

Over the years, I have found small town parades for whatever the reason the best. Such will be today’s parade.

I marched in several big parades in New York City while in the ROTC. Fifth Avenue. A long hike. I was especially thrilled when we marched past St.Patrick’s Cathedral. The Cardinal seated in front of the large center doors. A sharp “eyes right!” Always a thrill.

Surprise! It was announced yesterday that the U.S. and China had entered an agreement to combat climate change.

The U.S. and China are the world’s two biggest producers of carbon dioxide. The climate battle will only work if the U.S. and China work together.

The announcement was unexpected. Few details are available.

Manchin is on the move again. He continues to be a thorn in the side of not only Biden, but also the American people.

His word does not appear to be his bond. House progressives voted for the infrastructure bill based on the oral representation that moderates in the House and Senate would vote for the social infrastructure bill.

Manchin says he may not. He claims the issue should wait till next year. He is concerned about inflation. He is also concerned about more pressing issues. What? There is none more pressing than social infrastructure. Though I will concede there are other bills equally important. Voting for example.

A person is only as good as his/her word. Obviously Manchin cannot be relied upon.

Manchin’s day will come. A day when all those he has screwed with will dump on him. Deservedly so.

I watched the Kyle Rittenhouse trial off and on yesterday.

Some observations.

The judge is a whack. It happens. I know from experience.

The prosecutor is terrible. It is reported he is experienced. He may have had a lot of trials. Such does not make him necessarily good. He is one of the worst cross examiners I have seen.

Rittenhouse made an excellent witness. He even cried. Heavy sobbing hard to breath tears. Will not hurt him with the jury.

General Electric was founded in 1892 by Thomas Edison. It will soon cease to exist as General Electric.

It has been announced GE will split into 3 separate companies: Aviation, health and energy. The division will take place over the next 2 years.

I could not understand the reason for the split, except that GE’s long term growth looked rocky and it was best to do the split.

A Texas federal court rendered its decision yesterday re the Texas school mask mandate ban. The judge ruled against Governor Abbot and the Texas ban. The court held the ban violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Have to move. A haircut at noon.

Enjoy your day!

 

MY FIRST LOVE NATALIE BECAME A NUN

I met my new heart doctor Steven Rowe and certain members of his staff yesterday. I was concerned. Not with my health, but the doctor. Just the way I am when I meet a new physician who is assuming responsibility for my health.

Dr. Rowe passed with flying colors. I left with a comfortable feeling.

The two members of his staff who were part of the examination process also scored well.

The first was Natalie. She took preliminary information and ran some tests on me. A charming personality. I felt comfortable almost immediately.

I asked her name. Natalie. Hit me like a bolt of lightning. I had not heard that name in years.

Natalie was my first love. She became a nun.

April also attended me. She appears to be the Doctor’s right hand person. Knowledgeable. She is the go to person if I have a problem.

I hope I have no need for Dr. Rowe for anything serious for many years to come. I would not be happy with anything more than periodic examinations. I am only 86.

Bill Gates is the fourth richest man in the world. The father of Microsoft. Now retired.

Gates recently announced smallpox would be the next pandemic. He advised “tens of billions of dollars” will be needed for research and development to prepare for the attack.

A federal judge ruled yesterday that certain of Trump’s records in the National Archive were subject to the January 6 Committee’s subpoena.

The records must be provided by friday. It is expected Trump will appeal.

The judge’s opinion read in part: “The court holds that the public interest lies in permitting – not enjoining – the combined will of the legislative and executive branches to study the events that led to January 6.”

I hope a “fast track” system is found to move the appeal swiftly. Trump’s game is to delay, not arrive at the truth.

I have mentioned several times speed is of the essence. The 2022 elections are only a year away. The January 6 Committee’s decision must be available several months before.

Not only must the courts move their respective asses, so too must Merrick Garland and the Justice Department. A lot of investigation and research is not required in determining if a subpoena is proper and must be respected.

Keep in mind, Justice delayed is Justice denied. Time is extremely important in the January 6 investigation.

Books are being published by many concerning Trump. The frequency is like a new book a day.

One of the most recent became public news this weekend. Its name escapes me. Revealed an interesting story re Trump.

It was January 20. Trump was on U.S. One being flown to Florida as Biden was being sworn in.

Trump was on the phone with the head of the NRP. His disposition could be described as “pissed.”

He was ranting and raving to the NRP head that he was going to start his own party. He was unhappy the Republican Party had not supported him better in the election. It was their fault he lost.

The NRP head was telling Trump such would not be good for the Party nor him. Trump said he knew and didn’t care.

Another call came later in the day. The Party head told Trump that if he proceeded to split and form his own party, two things would happen.

The Party had been paying Trump’s voluminous bills in all the lawsuits beginning with election day. There was an agreement they would be paid. I suspect it involves the 63 cases Trump lost and many more. It has been estimated the legal bills are in excess of $100 million.

They would then become Trump’s responsibility.

The other had to do with the 40 million Republican Party e-mails that the NRP had given permission to Trump to sell to whoever in whatever portions. Estimated value to Trump of another $100 million. He would no longer be permitted to do so.

Trump backed down.

So much conversation re Trump running for President in 2024. I don’t see it. Everyone seems to forget there are 4 different investigations that will probably end up in charges against Trump. Trump will be too busy running from one court to another.

The four prosecutions under preparation involve the U.S. Attorney in New York City, the Manhattan District Attorney, a District Attorney in Georgia, and a U.S. Attorney in Washington,. D.C.

“Dr. Livingston I presume.”

Henry M. Stanley was a journalist-explorer. David Livingston was a doctor who had gone to Africa many years before to help the natives and had not been heard from since.

Stanley’s quest was to find Dr, Livingston, assuming he was alive.

The two met near Lake Tanganyika in central Africa. It was at that precise moment that Stanley said, “Dr. Livingston I presume.”

The Key West Airport has many deficiencies. Many describe it as a “mess.” Too much business for too small an airport.

Someone wrote in today’s Citizens’ Voice: “Seven flights departing in 42 minutes on Sunday. The airport is a complete disaster; it’s too crowded, people sitting on stairs, entry ways, etc. This is unsafe and unacceptable.”

Plans for renovations to the Airport are underway.

One of Key West’s finest events is the Christmas Parade. Aptly described as the best little city big time parade anywhere.

It is scheduled for December 4.

The last parade was 2019. COVID interrupted the parade.

All of Key West turns out for the parade. The parade itself miles long. The people standing curbside to watch equally long. Fifteen to twenty Santa  Clauses.

Highly recommended. Don’t miss it.

Syracuse played the first game of the official season last night against Lafayette. Syracuse won 97-63. The teams not in the same league. Syracuse far and away the best last night.

I was impressed. My sense is this is the year for Syracuse to have its finest team in years. Talent both on the floor and on the bench.

May the good Lord shine on the team!

Enjoy your day!

THE SHAME OF IT ALL…..TED CRUZ V. BIG BIRD

The U.S. is experiencing all kinds of chaos.

Strange things are happening.

Ted Cruz is at war with Big Bird. The shame of it all. Calls into question Cruz’s mental stability. Seems the longer he has been in the Senate, the more way out he goes.

Cruz a disappointment. A top law school graduate and U.S. Supreme Court clerk, big things were expected of him when he arrived in the Senate. He started off well. However several years ago began a radical decline as part of the conservative far right.

Things must be hitting bottom. He has taken on Big Bird. The issue vaccine propaganda. The 8 foot 2 inch Muppet has been encouraging youngsters to get vaccinated. Relating at the moment to the COVID problem.

Cruz apparently is unaware that Big Bird has been an advocate of  encouraging youngsters to get vaccinated for ages. All kinds of vaccines required to enter school.

Big Bird has been on this civic kick since Cruz was 2 years old. Never till yesterday has Cruz criticized Bird Bird for any other type mandated vaccines.

Saturday Big Bird went of TV and told the world he had gotten the jab. Big Bird said, “I got the COVID-19 vaccine today! My wing is feeling a little sore, but it’ll give my body an extra protective boost that keeps me and others healthy.”

Cruz retaliated with it’s “government propaganda…..for your 5 year old.”

Cruz losing it when he has to take on Big Bird.

Yesterday a visit with my primary care physician Dr. Norris. No big deal. Merely a 3 month follow up.

Today another doctor visit. I have a new heart doctor. Dr. Rowe.

Dr. McIvor has been my heart doctor for 20 years. He closed his practice.

My visit 10:30 this morning. Ergo, this blog short.

I have discovered another reality if one lives a long life as I am. Now 86, all of my doctors for whatever have died or retired. Makes me nervous each time I get a new physician. Is the doctor any good? Will I be comfortable with him/her and him/her with me?

That’s it for today folks.

Tonight Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Join me for some fun. Listen to me rant and rave. www.blog talk radio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

PEPE’S SOLD

Pepe’s sold!

Key West’s oldest restaurant. In fact, the oldest restaurant in Florida. One hundred twelve years old

The new owners one of Key West’s most likeable couples. Danny and Maura Hughes.

They are familiar with the restaurant business. They are the owners of Two Friends Patio Restaurant on Front Street.

Danny says, “We don’t see ourselves as the new owners of Pepe’s, but rather as custodians of the legend…..The essence of Pepe’s will not change on our watch. Why would we mess with a 112 year old lineage that already works?”

Shelley McInnis now bears the title of “former owner” of Pepe’s.

I know Shelley from bocce. A hell of a bocce player! One of the best!

Shelley started working at Pepe’s in 1983. She bought the restaurant in 2015. Her time has arrived to sit back and relax.

I wish Danny and Maura great success.

How many times a year do we hear: “Where are you Bum Farto?”

We still don’t know. However Key West will be aware November 9 and 11. Bum Farto The Musical will be performed at the Key West Theater.

Got to be a winner! Bum’s story a winner!

It was time to get out again yesterday. A quiet drive late afternoon to Geiger Key. Enjoyed the sunday barbecue ribs.

Guaranteed I will be out today. A visit with Dr. Norris my primary care physician at 1.

What else today, I don’t know.

Vanity Fair’s Bess Levin published another interesting article on October 29: “The Lawyer Defending Texas’ Abortion Ban Is As Evil As You’d Expect.”

The man is Jonathan Miller. His thoughts hard to swallow. Way out.

Miller appears to be anti-woman. He has said women should just stop having sex if they don’t want to deal with unwanted pregnancies.

Levin also reported Miller believes the overturning of Roe v. Wade will provide women with an opportunity to change their “whoring ways.”

An informative article published in this morning’s New York Times: “Covid Gets Even Redder.” The thrust of the article being “partisan deaths” play a big part.

The article was based on a review of each and every U.S. county.

At the end of 2000, the counties were equally divided red and blue. Then the vaccine became available in large numbers. The vaccine proved effective.

The gap between red and blue counties quickly emerged. Last month alone, the gap revealed red county deaths grew faster than the blue. More so than in any previous time.

Proof once again that the vaccine does work. When will all Americans learn?

Enjoy your day!

 

 

 

ON THE ROAD AGAIN…..FROZE

My first time out in ages was last night. I was on the road again. I had my 3 vaccine shots, waited 2 weeks since the last.

Showered, shaved, etc. Excited. Wore a sport shirt and shorts. A mistake in itself.

I was not aware that a cold wave had come in and was to be in the Keys for a few days.

I was not dressed for the occasion.

I did not appreciate the cold till I reached the Pier House. The very cold wind was coming in off the Gulf.

Hurried to the Chart Room, Jean Thornton and warmth.

The Chart Room was packed. Like sardines. Fortunately, a young lovely lady took kindly to me. She guided me through the crowd. Amazing what the cane does for a person!

No Jean. John yelled over the crowd she was waiting for me at the Beach Bar.

Thrust my head down into the wind and headed for the Beach Bar.

Cold!!!

Jean and I chatted for about 10 minutes and I said we had to get out. I could take the cold no further. Neither could she and she had a sweater on.

Our initial intent was to have stone craps at Pier 1. They were out of stone crabs.

My first night out in ages was off to a good start.

We decided on the Hot Tin Roof. The walk to Hot Tin was another roughie. Into the cold wind blowing from the Gulf. For you who may be unaware, both the Pier House and Ocean Key sit directly on the Gulf.

Hot Tin Roof packed, also. We were fortunate to get 2 seats at the bar. Dinner was fabulous. Jean’s company even better.

A new bartender. Trish. She has only been there a short time. I understand she was hired because she had lived in Key West 19 years and knew everyone.

An excellent bartender. A charming personality.

On the way back to the Pier House parking lot, Jean and I stopped in to chat with John for a few minutes. The Chart Room was next to empty.

John says it is busy most nights. Crazy busy. Like never before.

Let me get into the cold weather for a moment. For me, Key West cold is anything 74 degrees or less. You who do not live here will not understand. Our blood is so thinned out by the constant warm weather, that the slightest cold air is hard to take.

It was 70 degrees last night. For the first time in months, I had to turn the heat on in the car. Got home. House cool, but not bad. By 3 in the morning, the house was a refrigerator.

A blanket was not enough. Turned the heat on. Then continued downstairs and made myself a cup of hot chocolate.

The house warmed up fast and I was comfortable the rest of the night. Heat still on as I write.

The weather report is the cold wave will continue for two more days. Then the temperature will return to the high 70’s and low 80’s.

When Jean and I arrived at the Ocean Key deck, the round bar and deck were chuck full with people. I spotted Tammy bartending. The crowd around the bar five deep. Best we could do was wave to Tammy.

Fantasy Fest was last week. The crowd this week should be nothing. Not so.

Figured out they were here for 3 reasons.

The Parrotheads are in town for the week.  Hundreds, thousands, so many. Not sure of the number. They take up everything on the island.

The boat races begin wednesday. Boats, crews, and owners already in town. They party hard evenings. Boat owners affluent. The boats expensive and need constant attention. Everyone brings the wife or girl friend. The group contributed greatly to the crowd last night.

Recall ZZ Top from the 1980’s? They were performing at the amphitheater last night. Four thousand tickets pre-sold.

And that my friends is why Key West was so crowded last night.

It was good to be back in the living world.

There was some talk re the SUV and scooter accident last week which resulted in the death of one person from the accident and another by suicide.

Why the suicide? He apparently was the cause of the accident.

The word on the street was the SUV driver was downtown with his girl friend. They had an argument and he left her. He was returning to their room at one of the motels on Northern Boulevard.

No information yet whether he was intoxicated.

In any event, he must have previously done jail time. Following the accident, he telephoned his girl friend and told her he could not spend any further time in jail. It was then he took the gun and shot himself in the head.

Enjoy your Sunday!