On June 17, 2018, I published in KONK Life a commentary titled Rudy Giuliani Sexcapades. At that time and even now, Giuliani is in the news almost every day. “Personal Attorney” to President Trump.

The talents that made him a force to be recognized are long gone. Dissipated. No more First Mayor, an outstanding prosecutor, a man of character, a man to be respected.

His present day attacks on former Vice President Biden lacking in respect and truthfulness.

Giuliani opted to sleep with a dog. He woke with fleas.

I am republishing last year’s Rudy Giuliani’s Sexcapades. The article continues to be timely.

And so it began…..

People who live in glass houses should not throw stones. John 8:7 says…..Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Matthew 7:1…..Judge not, that ye not be judged.

Rudy Giuliani has had a distinguished career. Till recently.

Giuliani attacked Stormy Daniels last week. He hit on her work career as a porn star, adult actress and porn movie director.

Giuliani’s adult life has had its moments of sleaziness. A Roman Catholic, he has been married three times.

He married his first wife Regina Peruggi in 1968. His second cousin. Second cousin marriages neither civilly nor religiously permitted. He met local TV personality Donna Hanover in 1982. Fell in love. Needed to divorce Regina so he could marry Donna.

Not simple. The civil divorce not much of a problem. Obtained in 1982. However being Catholic, he needed a Catholic Church annulment. Once difficult to obtain, no longer so in the 1980’s. Proper Church grounds and money made it possible. The days of Henry VIII long gone.

Giuliani’s grounds were he did not know Regina was his second cousin. Hard to believe. Italians know every cousin and their place in line to the nth degree. Whatever, the Church accepted he was unaware. That and a check resulted in a Church annulment one year later.

Rudy and Donna were married in a Catholic Church ceremony in 1984. They remained married till the early 2000’s. During those years, Giuliani had his affairs. One with his press secretary Cristyne Lategano. Donna became aware.

Father’s Day 1996 found the Mayor and Cristyne in a basement suite at Gracie Mansion. Donna went to the suite to confront Giuliani. His aides prevented her from entering the suite.

Still married to Donna, Giuliani became enamored with Judith “Judi” Nathan in May 1999. Cristyne abandoned.

The NYPD security detail assigned to the Mayor began chauffeuring Judi around. City provided chauffeur services. Buried in the books with convoluted bookkeeping.

The chauffeuring had its dangerous moments. On one occasion, Judi was being chauffeured into Gracie Mansion while Donna was being chauffeured out. Another occasion found Judi being chauffeured in with the Mayor’s mistress in a car following her. Giuliani had wife Donna, girl friend Judi and a mistress at the same time.

The year 2000 found Giuliani and Judi a public twosome. Southampton weekends included.

Giuliani called a press conference on May 10, 2000 and announced he intended to separate from Donna. He failed to tell Donna first. She learned of it from the television report.

Giuliani sued for divorce in October 2000. A major court battle ensued. Giuliani barred  from Gracie Mansion or seeing his children till a divorce was final. The issues were resolved and the two were divorced. Donna received a settlement of $6.8 million and custody of their two children.

Judi and the Mayor were married in 2003. On April 14, 2018, Judi filed for divorce after 18 years of marriage.

Giuliani recently claimed Stormy Daniels as a porn worker had no credibility. What credibility does a thrice married cheating husband have?

A President accused of infidelity and paying thousands to cover it up could have picked a lawyer with a better track record morally to represent him.

Birds of a feather do flock together.

Epilogue.

Giuliani acts more and more like Trump’s consigliere. Not surprising. Trump acts more and more like a Mafia boss.

Giuliani may be heading for deep trouble personally. The Southern District of New York has him under investigation.

Giuliani’s divorce case with third wife Judi is still pending. The fight over money. Makes the 1980’s movie War of the Roses look like kids’ stuff.

No children involved. The Judge admonished them to settle their differences and in effect stop hanging their dirty wash out.

I feel sorry for Giuliani. A distinguished lawyer and distinguished public servant. He seems to have lost it mentally.

TUESDAY TALK WITH KEY WEST LOU WILL NOT BE BROADCAST TOMORROW EVENING. NEW YEAR’S EVE. GIVING MYSELF AND EVERYONE ELSE A NIGHT OFF.

Happy New Year!

The legal process of eminent domain is increasing in awareness. It all has to do with Trump’ border wall.

My concern is that few understand what is involved. Many get their information from TV new shows. The political pundits rarely understand the issues. False information is given. Not intentionally. Rather from ignorance or poor preparation.

Eminent domain is a legal term. Defined it is the right of the government to take private property for public use, while requiring “just” compensation being paid the owner.

Eminent domain is the taking now and paying later owners reluctant to sell. Owners are reluctant to sell for one of two reasons. The property has been in the family for generations. Or, the owner’s attitude becomes if the government wants it, let them pay for it.

The government, at least under Trump, has a tendency to act before it is time to do so. The cart is put before the horse. An example is Texas. One hundred seventy two miles of land is intended to be walled. One hundred forty miles of that land has yet to be determined. In other words, no decision has been made yet where specifically the wall will run which obviously will control which properties are to be taken in that 140 mile stretch.

Already noises are coming out of Washington that the wall is being held up because of the reluctance of owners to sell. Not true. Cannot be true. If the majority of properties to be taken for example in Texas have not yet been designated, those owners are not saying no to the government. They have not even been approached since no determination has been made if their property will be needed.

The government makes an offer. Generally, the government low balls the offer. Hoping to purchase the property cheaply. Assume the homeowner is reluctant to sell for any reason. The government can obtain a court order rather swiftly permitting the government to acquire title.

The home owner goes to court. The homeowner is required to show that the amount offered is insufficient. Not based on fair market value.

A trial can be long. All kinds of real estate experts testifying. Thorough cross examinations detailed.

In my experience, I have never seen a property owner come out of such a court fight with less than that the government offered. Always more. In most cases, significantly more.

The cry oh the poor homeowner will be required to assume heavy legal costs. No way. At least not out of pocket. Attorneys generally take these cases on a contingency basis. Twenty five or thirty three percent of the difference between the offer and what a court has determined as fair value.

Everyone comes out ahead! I never had an unhappy client, even after paying me.

My day yesterday began with a 2:30 manicure with Tammy. Her operation busy. It’s that time of the year.

I had missed lunch. Drove down to the seaport intending to stop into Harpoon Harry’s. Good luck! I could not find a parking place within 3 blocks. It is that time of the year! Tourists galore!

Opted to drive over to the other side of town. To the Shana Key Irish Pub and Grill on Flagler. My first time. In 30 years, never stopped in.

Parking was easy. The bar huge. A very long bar. Most stools taken.

The crowd local. I doubt any tourists. Most 50-60 years old. I sensed most probably of Irish descent.

I intended to order a corned beef sandwich. A fellow nearby was eating liver and onions. Looked good. Been years since I enjoyed the dish.

I order the liver and onions. Outstanding!

I plan on returning.

I am not sure if liver and onions are an Irish dish. The menu said: “We serve traditional Celtic grub.” Whatever that means. All I know is the meal was delicious.

The College of the Florida Keys is sponsoring what should be an interesting evening. An historian speaking about “Florida’s Female Pioneers.”

The lecture is thursday January 9 at 7 pm. Admission $5 to be paid at the door.

I hope to attend.

What is the saying? As ye sow so shall ye reap. A biblical term. Appears many times in the Bible. Each time described slightly different. For example, Galatians 6:7 reads: “A man reaps what he sows.”

Trump is reaping what he has sowed. He is not a happy camper at Mar-a-Lago this holiday season. He is feeling the sting of impeachment and Pelosi. News reports indicate “his anger is boiling.” He is in a “slow burn.” The President is being deprived of “peace of mind.”

What goes around, comes around. How many people has he made unhappy!

Comments to this blog are many. Politics has increased the number dramatically. The Republicans and Democrats take each other on. You can always spot the Independent. Quiet and sane of mind.

Two interesting comments the past 2 days.

One by Jack Dorsey. A rhyme involving tweeting and the President: “He’ll tweet while you are sleeping / He’ll tweet when you’re awake / He’ll tweet when things are bad or good / He’ll tweet till things break.”

JustSaying comments frequently. I am not sure of his political affiliation. He appears to swing both ways. Comments intelligent.

Yesterday’s: Trump “soft gloved corporations, in taxes and regulations.” The result a “sugar rush economy.”

Whether I agree with a comment is immaterial. I love the exchanges that take place! We are a thinking society. At least my commentors are.

There is a new class of “disposable Americans.” Immigration judges. They are leaving the bench in increasing numbers. The primary reason is the number of Trump policy changes has “chipped” at their authority. A better reason might be they are persons of character.

So far this year, 45 have departed. That is more than double the number in 2018 and 2017 when 24 and 21 respectively left.

A joke involved. A serious one. The backlog of immigration cases is in excess of 1 million. Cases are being scheduled into future years. Which as a practical matter helps those seeking to immigrate. Most get to stay in the U.S. till their cases are resolved.

Enjoy your day!

Historians all agree that the Key West of the 1970’s was the best ever! Normality non-existent.

Jimmy Buffett arrived in late 1971. He thought “living in Key West in the early 1970’s was not like living in America.” The community was different. Off the wall!

Buffett said, “He was glad the gay community benefited from the fact that the Puritans had never made it this far south.”

Steve and Cindy arrived in Key West in the 1970’s. My Chart Room friends. Still here. The stories they tell. Especially Steve. He ran several small businesses in Key West over the years. Cindy was Jimmy Buffett’s personal secretary for more than 20 years.

They would know.

Christmas day found me back at Lisa’s. Lunch with the family. Left overs from Christmas eve dinner. Always better the next day.

Pythons have not been in the news of late. Fortunately! Made it however this past week. A 9 foot python was found in a Key Largo backyard.

Would you believe! Heart attack time! Took 3 animal officers to catch the beast. A job well done!

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman.

Truman died on this day in 1972 at the age of 88. Key West was very sad at the time.

Sand is gold! Few seem to realize it.

I wrote an article for KONK Life on 6/28/18 titled: “Key West Lou COMMENTARY: WORLD IS RUNNING OUT OF SAND. Covered the issue well.

Recommend you read it. konklife.com/key-west-lou-commentary-world-running-out of sand. Not that long. You will be an expert when finished.

I am back into sand today because of a brief news article concerning sand and the Mekong River. The river banks are collapsing. Half a million people are at risk of losing their homes. All because of the world’s insatiable demand for sand.

One of the most respected men in the past is now one of the least respected. Rudy Giuliani. He has lost it. His mind is going. Perhaps already gone.

He apparently wants to be Trump. He insults people easily as the President does. People not deserving of insult.

The most recent example George Soros.

You may not like his politics. He is a Democrat. However the man is deserving of great respect, even in his old age. Somewhere in his 80’s.

Giuliani appears to be on an anti-Semitic kick as regards Soros. In a recent interview, he referred to Soros as “hardly a Jew” and an “enemy of Israel.”

Soros is a Holocaust survivor. Giuliani had the gall to say, “I’m more of a Jew than Soros is.”

Anti-Semitic comments directed at Soros are not new. They have been repeated by Trump, Republican lawmakers, and by FOX News.

California has significant homeless problems. One hundred thirty thousand have no where to live.

A war of words has developed between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Trump.

In early December, the Governor blasted HUD for cutting back on assistance under Trump. He claimed Trump ws playing politics with the homeless issue.

Note, California is solidly Democratic.

The California homeless situation arose in the Democratic debate last week.

The Governor spoke to the issue once more in the days following the debate. He insists what is needed are “housing and supportive services” to solve the situation. Not “shelters” alone. Shelters only solve the “sleep” problem.

He accused Trump again of “playing politics.”

Trump’s Christmas gift to the Governor came on Christmas Day in the form of a tweet. Trump wrote the Governor was to blame for California’s homeless problem. He accused the Governor of having “done a really bad job.” Further adding, “If he can’t fix the problem, the Federal Government will get involved.”

If Trump were to carry out the threat, things would only get worse. Trump always makes things worse.

If Trump is truly interested in the homeless, he should look in his own back yard. Night time in Washington has the homeless sleeping everywhere but in a home or a bed. On the streets, in doorways, on benches, etc. Even across the street from the famed Trump Towers.

Christmas has come and gone. Kim failed to provide his promised “Christmas gift.” If a boast, may it continue to be so.

Trump today referred to Kim as a “wise guy.” To Trump such indicating he had successfully called Kim’s bluff.

Beware! Kim is crazier than Trump! Anything can set him off! Which would mean missile(s) being set off.

Enjoy your day!

‘Tis the season to be jolly! No question about it. My favorite holiday.

Christmas greetings to one and all!

Christmas eve with Lisa and family last night.

Lisa out did herself. Her best Christmas eve meal so far!

A Christmas eve as one should be. Warm and happy.

I wrote last week how college enrollments are significantly down. Fewer applications. Proof is what is happening with Robert. Only a sophomore in high school. Yet he is receiving letters and e-mails from colleges asking that he consider them when it comes time to apply. Two years from now for Robert.

The story of Christmas was first written in the Bible. By certain disciples and other men of religion. Following are several Biblical quotes that convey some of the feelings of the day.

“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son…..” Isiah 7:14

“A Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7

“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 1:20

A Christmas tree sitting in the middle of Duval in front of what is now CVS and previously Fast Buck Freddie’s. What before, I do not know. A photo of the tree in this morning’s KONK E-Blast. Time sometime in the 1940’s.

Strange experiences occur during war time.

It was 1914. World War I. Christmas eve.

A No Man’s Land existed between the German and Allied forces. With no prior agreement, both sides stopped shooting at midnight, came out of their trenches and shared the next 24 hours celebrating the holiday.

Then back to killing each other.

History provides us with 2 Englebert Humperdincks.

The first was the composer of the opera Hansel and Gretel. A Christmas favorite. He composed it in 1893 in Weimar.

It took many years for Hansel and Gretel to reach American shores. It was first performed on American radio on December 25, 1931.

Years later came the popular English pop singer. Same name. Englebert Humperdinck. No relation. He just took the name. Englebert #2 “adopted” the name early in his professional career.

Englebert #2 is still with us. Now, 83.

I remember his appearance, voice and songs he made popular well. He reached his highest popularity in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

Songs he made famous include Release Me, The Last Waltz, After the Lovein, and This Moment in Time.

I danced to his tunes many times.

Paul Krugman is the famous New York Times columnist. In a recent column titled Trying to Endure the Cruelty of a Donald Trump Christmas he wrote, “By Trump-era standards, Ebenezer Scrooge was a nice guy.”

A MAGA double header.

Yesterday, I reported the story of Nicole Marie Poole Franklin driving her SUV on a sidewalk to hit a 14 year old Mexican girl. She admitted to the police she did it because the girl was “Mexican.”

Turns out the 14 year old was not the first “hate” event of her day.  She was on a roll.

It was reported this morning that less than 2 hours earlier, she struck a 12 year old black boy as he was walking home from school.

I came across a note indicating the Klu Klux Klan had its beginnings on December 24, 1865.

Several veterans of the Confederate Army formed a private “social club” in Pulaski, Tennessee.

The hatred continues.

I will be spending the day with Lisa. Christmas in our family a 2 day event.

Enjoy your day!

I know. Christmas eve. Stay with God and country. Today a slew of Christmas stories. Tomorrow from Jesus’ perspective.

Today also some nutty items. Reflective of the insanity that prevails in some areas of our lives.

Robert Browning wrote “God’s in His heaven / All’s right with the world!”

Blasphemous I am not. God is in His heaven. However all is not right with the world. Lunacy prevails in many areas.

A perfect example concerns the ACLU. The ACLU has started a campaign to make tampons available in all men’s restrooms across America. The reason: To prevent discrimination.

From tampons to how some “modern day” Christmas traditions originated. A giant leap.

Decorated Christmas Trees.

The huge trees in German forests around which pagans  celebrated what was their Christmas holiday were decorated. Not as today, however.

Decorating Christmas trees became popular in the early 19th century in the U.S. New York woodsman Mark Carr opened the first Christmas tree lot in 1851. Today, 77 percent of households will have trees. Eighty one percent artificial, 19 percent real.

The artificial/real percentages surprised me.

The Rockettes.

First Rockette show 1925 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall. A dance group from Missouri. A hit! Became The Radio City Music Hall Rockettes.

A biggie with my parents. Several times we traveled to New York City to see the annual Rockette’s Christmas show.

A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Inspired by the Charles Schulz Peanuts comic strip. When first proposed, it was rejected by CBS executives.  Finally aired 12/9/1965. One half of America’s TV sets were tuned in. The show became an American tradition.

Linus’ famous line a forever one: “I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It’s not bad at all. Maybe it just needs a little love.”

Something we could all use.

Gingerbread House.

Queen Elizabeth I gets credit for the early decorating oi gingerbread cookies. However Germans insist the credit is theirs. They lay claim to starting the gingerbread house tradition. They refer to the German Grimm Brothers who wrote Hansel and Gretel. The gingerbread house part of the story.

The Nutcracker.

For many a “must” to see. Ballet. Premiered 12/18/1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. Performed for the first time outside Russia in 1934 in England. First time in U.S. in 1944 in San Francisco.

Captured America. Became a must see event in the U.S. in the late 1960’s.

Cookies and Milk for Santa.

Leaving treats for Santa and his reindeer dates back to ancient Norse mythology. America got into the tradition in the 1930’s during the Great Depression. The cookies and milk were left for Santa as a sign of showing gratitude during a time of struggle.

Boozy Eggnog.

Spiked eggnog makes a person happy. Originally started in medieval England as a posset, a drink made with hot curdled milk and ale or wine.

American colonists get credit for making it popular in the new world and adding rum to the drink. Even George Washington had a special recipe for eggnog.

Christmas Cards.

The first official Christmas card made its debut in 1843 in England. The idea of a mailed winter holiday greeting caught on in both Britain and the U.S. In the U.S., the Kansas City based Hall Brothers (now Hallmark) created a folded card and sold it in an envelope in 1915.

Today, more than 1.6 billion holiday cards are sold annually.

Department Store Santa.

Today mall kids throughout the U.S. sit on Santa’s lap. The tradition had its beginnings in 1890 in Brockton, Massachusetts. James Edgar owned a dry goods store. He had a Santa suit made, wore it to work, and permitted children to sit on his lap.

Within one year, the activity caught on. Santa’s were in stores all over the U.S.

New York City claims it had the first department store Santa. The City claims Macy had one since 1862.

Cookie Swaps.

Women always exchange dishes of Christmas cookies. I thought until I researched the issue last night that it was an Italian tradition. My mother and then my wife cooked tons of Christmas cookies. Buried plates with them. Visited other women exchanging cookies.

Never made sense to me. Italian women all made the same cookies. The exchange brought nothing new to the cookies.

The American tradition (not the Italian one) began in the late 1800’s. American women had parties where they exhibited their cookies. Did not necessarily exchange.

By the 1930’s, actual swapping began. The parties became known as “cookie exchanges.” By the 1950’s, “cookie swaps.”

Whatever, the exchanges, swaps, etc. are considered a “ladies only” event.

M. Venema is a reader/commentator to my blog. She published an interesting comment yesterday: “Nicole Marie Poole Franklin is what MAGA has created for us.”

Truer words never written.

On December 9, a 14 year old Mexican girl was walking on a sidewalk in Des Moines. Franklin an adult woman. She drove her SUV up on the sidewalk and struck the 14 year old.

She later admitted to the police that she did so because the girl was “Mexican.”

She further admitted she had smoked methamphetamine hours before.

The world has know many genocides, mass killings. Ethnic or religious driven. The Holocaust one of the worst ever. Six million Jews killed.

India is next in line. Indians dislike Muslims for religious reasons. Especially in the State of Assam where 1.9 million reside.

The Indian government has taken their citizenships away. Some from persons whose Indian family residence goes back 4 generations. The Indian government is constructing “camps” to hold Muslims.

The hate trend is moving forward. Shortly there will be an ethnic cleansing and genocide.

It is man’s innate nature to kill.

The Saudi resolution of Jamal Khashoggi’s killing is complete. Five found guilty and will be executed.

A sham.

The “hit men” have been found guilty and sentenced to death. The “masterminds” walk free. A mockery of justice.

There will be no Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou this evening. I will be at Lisa’s celebrating the holiday. Probably in the middle of a gigantic dinner at show time.

For those of you who celebrate Christmas eve, enjoy! A Merry Christmas to you! To my Jewish friends, enjoy your Hanukkah celebration.

For those of my friends who are agnostics or atheists, and I have many, enjoy your evening!

Key West gets relatively little rain in December. In fact, December is one of Key West’s driest months. Except this year!

It has been a wild ride!

Normally, Key West averages 1.8 inches for December. This year through December 21, 6.4 inches.

One news report at the end of November described the December projection as “a few rainy days.”

Was the report wrong!

Note the averages set forth for this December are only through the 21st. Yesterday turned out to be one of the heaviest December rain days in my experience. It poured all day. Heavy and down straight.

I have lived in my present home 3 years. Never any flooding. Yesterday there was for the first time.

Around 5, I opened the front door intending to go out. No way. My street was flooded. Five inches. Water coming up and covering sidewalks, moving into driveways.

If it was that bad where I live and a first time thing in 3 years, it would be worse on US 1 and most streets in Key West.

Cannot find an actual total for yesterday. I would project it at 5-6 inches.

The rain was not coming off the ocean. Off the Gulf. Unusual.

No rain early this morning as I am writing. Weather report advises light showers ending at noon. The worse of the storm is out over the Atlantic.

Key West was not the only area affected. All of South Florida. Heavy flooding. The Fort Lauderdale Airport was closed. Seven inches had fallen saturday night. Hollywood had 8 inches in a 24 hour period.

Tourists come to Key West to party at night and lie in the sun by day. No sunny beach days in a while.

What do tourists do?

The bars! Afternoon and night! Packed!

Makes sense.

Many will try the museums. A problem involved, however. Lines to purchase tickets mostly by standing outside.

I read a comment by a women who frequents Key West this time every year. First time rain. What would she do today? A problem. She’s pregnant. Acknowledged no drinking for her.

This morning’s KONK E-Blast carries a picture of the first Douglas School for African American children. A 2 story white framed building. The student body seated on the lawn in front.

The picture was taken in 1870. The Civil War had ended in 1865. Separate but equal technically became the law of the land via the Plessy v. Ferguson 1896 Supreme Court decision. Yet it was being practiced in Key West as a practical matter 5 years after the Civil War had ended.

In 1975, the TV series Caribe was being filmed in Key West. Stacy Keach was in Key West  for the filming.

There is a saying…..I would not trust that person on a stack of bibles! I would find it difficult to believe a Saudi Arabian Muslim on a stack of Korans!

The Saudis announced one hour ago that 5 Saudis had been  sentenced to death over the murder of James Khashoggi. Fifteen had been tried. Ten released for insufficient evidence.

I continue to hold Saudi Arabia responsible for 9/11. They are our friends. Gave us $4 a gallon gasoline.

Smart. Know how to handle people. Were up Trump’s ass during his visit there.

The trial apparently was not public. I was not aware of it till this morning.

The world is entitled to know all the facts claimed.

The Saudis are like Trump. They lie.

As another saying goes, I sense something stinks in Denmark here.

Trump and Kim “lovers.” Trump met with Kim face to face 3 times. Kim says Trump reneged on any deal at the last minute the third time they met. Kim wants sanctions removed. Trump has been reluctant.

Kim apparently has reached the end of the line. He has been promising a “Christmas gift” if nothing done by December 25.

Trump says he is not concerned. Lending a sense of I have everything under control. I hope better than he has had other things under control.

The worst threat would be a missile fired on the U.S. North Korea may have finally developed the capacity. The missile a nuclear warhead bearing one.

A good way for Kim to get the message to Trump that he is not screwing around.

Following their first meeting in Singapore, Trump announced, “There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea.”

Reminded me at the time and continues to remind me of Neville Chamberlain’s return from Munich. As Chamberlain got of the plane upon arriving home, he waved a piece of paper that apparently Hitler had signed and said, “Peace in our time.”

Hitler invaded Poland shortly thereafter beginning World War II.

Justice. An interesting term. Comes in various ways.

On this day in 1941, Wake Island surrendered to the Japanese. On this day in 1948, former Japanese Premier and Army Chief Heduki Tojo and 6 other Japan war leaders were executed in Tokyo.

What goes around, does come around!

Syracuse beat North Florida 82-70 saturday night. A good game. Syracuse had never before confronted defense problems with which the team had to deal.

North Florida is a 3 point shooting team. Prior to the Syracuse game saturday, North Florida was #1 in 3 point shots made nationally.

North Florida played their usual game. Took 47 3 point shots. Fortunately, only made 17.

Tomorrow night…..Santa Claus!

Christmas Eve my favorite holiday. Love the decorations, the kids going crazy over Santa Claus, the 7 fish meal, etc.

My children had a Santa Claus visit every Christmas eve. I continued the tradition in Key West with Robert and Ally. They are now 15 and 14. No longer believe in Santa Clause.

I will miss his visit.

Enjoy your day!

Political correctness can be taken to the extreme. Like saying Merry Christmas to an agnostic. Not proper.

The comedian Whitney Cummings tells the story of a Merry Christmas she said to a bunch of coworkers last year.

It was a few days before Christmas. She was leaving the studio. Shouted out a “Bye, guys! Merry Christmas!”

One of her coworkers was an agnostic. He reported her to Human Resources. She was called in.

When told that the agnostic had turned her in for the “Merry Christmas,” her response was, I don’t “know who believes in God and who doesn’t. And I also can’t guess either, you know?”

Her response correct. Too much is becoming expected of us in our daily lives.

December 21, 1988, was a sad day. Pan Am 103 went down over Lockerbie, Scotland. At 31,000 feet, a bomb exploded in an audio cassette which had been placed in a suitcase in the cargo area.

All 243 passengers killed, as well as the 16 crew persons.

One hundred eighty nine of the dead were Americans. The number included 35 Syracuse University students who were returning from an international study program.

Syracuse University remembers the day every year with various commemorative events. A statue has been erected in their recognition.

An occurrence such as the Pan Am bombing touches people everywhere one way or another. Many families and parents will suffer today recalling the event.

One of the Syracuse students was Suzanne Marce Miazga. Her home was Marcy, a suburb of Utica.

Speaking of Syracuse, the basketball team plays North Florida at 6 this evening in the Carrier Dome. Syracuse is favored. I wish the team well.

While the House of Representatives was voting to impeach Trump this past week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch Mcconnell was not idle. He had the Senate approve 13 more judicial nominations.

McConnell is proud of his handling of the judicial nominations. He has successfully packed the court with Conservative Republicans. An action that will affect American justice for the next 30-40 years.

Do not think once a person becomes a judge that their prejudices, political leanings, etc., are left behind. They are not. They are carried onto the bench every day.

I know from experience.

McConnell is proud of himself. He is fulfilling his promise to “leave no vacancy behind.”

Trump continues to preach the economy is good, has never been better.

Yesterday, I asked why then is the Federal Reserve pumping $350 billion on a repos basis to banks during the present 2 weeks.

Trump claims manufacturing is good. Everyone knows such is not the case. Industries are closing or scaling down all over the country. The most recent affected U.S. Steel.

U.S. Steel announced yesterday it was laying off 1,545 workers at its Great Lakes Works in Michigan. The layoffs will occur between May 1, 2020 and the end of the year.

Production will be transferred to the Gary Works facility. Only the production. No employees.

Good job, Donald! You did it again! I assume the tariff you imposed on China re steel is one of the factors leading to the layoffs at the Great Lakes Works.

The past 2 years have seen a large number of DNA tests being sold. Many given as gifts. A ton will be given as gifts this Christmas.

It was reported yesterday that there are privacy and accuracy concerns.

Enjoy the fun of the DNA tests. However, keep in mind the admonition reported herein.

On this day in 1912, President William Taft arrived in Key West. He toured the City, was honored at a luncheon, and then sailed away on a Navy to ship to Panama. The purpose of the Panama trip to inspect the construction of the Panama Canal.

On December 21 and 22, 1956, actor Burl Ives visited Key West. He was a guest of his friend Tennessee Williams.

Burl was in the Keys to pursue his hobby: Bird watching.

Enjoy your day!

Yesterday’s blog interesting. Thomas Paine’s American Crisis. Wrote and published it yesterday morning. One problem. It did not publish.

I was not aware till 12:30 this morning. I could not sleep and decided to do some research. Checked blog Comments first. Someone advised he could not get the blog and assumed I did not do one yesterday.

Problem same as a few weeks ago. Something now involving Go Daddy. Needed Sloan. Would not wake her at the late hour.

I was up at 5 this morning. Checked the blog. I could get in. Noted Thomas Paine blog had not published yesterday. Republished it this morning.

Everything working well. Yesterday’s blog now available for reading.

Sloan cannot deal with Go Daddy as to why the recurring problem. Go Daddy can only investigate if problem exists at time they are contacted.

We wait for another day.

Today’s blog a bit short. To keep your attention. Two days worth of blogs to read!

Today’s blog title asks the question…..Who is a deeply immoral person? Donald Trump, of course.

I did not phrase it that way. A leading evangelical did. Mark Galli. Mark is Editor in Chief of Christianity Today. A top evangelical magazine. Billy Graham founded Christianity Today in 1956.

Galli’s editorial may be his last. He had already tendered his letter of resignation to be effective in 2 weeks.

Whatever, there appears to be a crack in the evangelical duke.

Note that 80 percent of evangelicals supported Trump in 2016.

Galli admonished Trump’s evangelical supporters: “Remember who you are and whom you serve…..The facts in this instance unambiguous.” Trump using his political power to coerce a foreign leader to harass and discredit one of the President’s political opponents. “That is not only a violation of the Constitution; more importantly, it is profoundly immoral…..Trump is a deeply immoral person.”

Galli further wrote, “Remember who you are and whom you serve.. Consider how your justification of Mr. Trump influences your witness to your Lord and Savior…..It will crash down on the reputation of evangelical religion and on the world’s understanding of the gospel.”

Rain has discovered a new winter friend. Key West.

Rained again yesterday and will rain again today. The rain yesterday biting. Constant. A strong wind from the northwest. Accompanied by 66 degree weather mid afternoon.

I was out in the rain. Got wet again.

Had the heat on in the car to get the chill out of my bones. The heat on at home during the night.

Temperature back up today. Seventy nine high with an evening low of 72.

It was haircut time at noon. I am losing it. No question. My appointment was last thursday, not yesterday. The hairdresser not concerned. Immediately worked me in. Be aware it takes all of 5 minutes to run a #1 electric razor over my head.

Then to Harpoon Harry’s for lunch. It was around 2. Packed. I was surprised. Key West generally dead the week before Christmas. I got the last seat at the bar.

Decided to do some Christmas shopping. I am a last minute person. Thought I would be early this year.

Key West is not replete with great stores. Tops for clothing would be Ross’ and Sears and Roebuck.

I stopped first at Ross’. All the people. Lines long at checkout counters. Not for me. I turned around and left. I will give checks.

Key West loves Harry Truman and Harry Truman loved Key West.

Truman left Key West this day in 1949 for  Washington after a 3 week vacation at the Little White House.

The Democratic Debate last night from Los Angeles. Sponsored by Politico and PBS.

The debate the best yet. Could be because of the smaller number of candidates. Everyone had sufficient time to make their points.

The moderators left much to be desired. They all do during Presidential debates. Their 15 minutes of Presidential exposure brings out the worst in them.

Tough persons all. Their tone and conduct insulting. Appears they want the country to know how smart they are as inquisitors.

Last night the worst of the worse was Tim Albert. Hope he enjoyed himself.

The only moderators I would credit for having performed their responsibilities well were the 4 ladies who moderated the November debates. Andrea Mitchell, Rachel Maddow, Kristen Welker, and Ashley Parker.

It has become increasingly clear to me over the years that if you want something done correctly, let the women do it!

I mentioned several days ago about the gigantic Fed bailout in place these 2 weeks. The Federal Reserve is expected to flood banks and hedge funds with overnight funds. Pay today, money repaid tomorrow.

Referred to as “repos funds.”

In the present 2 week time period, $365 billion will be loaned to banks and financial institutions on a repos basis. Overnight loans.

Does not make sense? Why do the banks need such short term funding? Is there a problem again with the banks?

What is occurring is a “bank bailout.” Similar to 2008, though over a much shorter term. The problem is with Wall Street’s trading houses.

The problem primarily involving “collateral” for short term loans. Generally between banks and hedge funds.

There is a lack of good quality collateral. The Fed repos loans hide the problem and assures there will not be bank failures large enough in magnitude to bring the U.S. economy down in a matter of days.

I am concerned. However my concern goes deeper. Why has the media failed to share this information with the public? The people have a right to know the banks are screwing around again.

M I C K E Y MOUSE. Mickey Mouse!

Remember? The Mickey Mouse Club.

I bring those days to your attention because Tony Cole, one of the original Mouseketeers, is celebrating his 78th birthday today.

Happy birthday, Tony!

Enjoy your day!

I believe we live in crisis times. such being the case, today is the time to recall anther American crisis.

It was the winter of 1776. American troops were demoralized. They had recently suffered humiliating defeats. Washington feared his troops would go home and not return. The war would be over.

Thomas Paine was a concerned individual. His Common Sense publication had been a clarion call that began the Revolutionary War.

He wrote then: “These are times that try men’s souls…..Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.”

The preceding lines from Common Sense might be applicable today. However, such is not the thrust of what I write.

Paine felt another incendiary publication was required. One that hopefully would rouse the colonial troops to remain and fight.

He wrote “American Crisis.”

American Crisis met the challenge. His words a rallying cry.

Washington had American Crisis read to the troops. His dispirited men.

Paine’s rousing prose had its intended effect. Washington’s beleaguered troops mustered their remaining hopes for victory, crossed the Delaware, and defeated Hessian troops on Christmas night.

On January 2, the same troops defeated Britain’s foremost general Cornwallis in another battle.

The American Revolution was on its way!

Popeyes opened a fast food operation in Key West a few days ago. I have been trying to stop in and try the chicken. It has been 20 years or better since I have enjoyed Popeyes.

Problem is the new place is always crowded. Morning, noon and night. Parking lot full. Window service lined with cars backed up into the Boulevard.

It will be next week sometime before I will get the opportunity to try the new Popeyes.

The Nutcracker Suite an American tradition. Key West always does it its own way. There is the fish Nutcracker presented every 2 years. Outstanding!

A new Key West Nutcracker this year. A burlesque one. Sugar Rum Cherry: A Burlesque Nutcracker. A naughty holiday 2 act reverie.

The show opens tonight and runs through sunday at the Key West Theater.

A Key West hero who will be remembered forever is Mel Fisher. Now dead, he had an interesting career. Difficult at first, then success beyond anyone’s contemplation except his.

Fisher spent 15 years searching for the sunken Spanish galleon Atocha. Its treasure worth millions. Not easy. Fisher did not always have enough money. But he somehow came up with it whenever necessary.

While searching, he had to fight lawsuits and weather. He finally discovered the Atocha mother lode in 1985. $400 million in gold, emeralds and other special artifacts.

In 1986, a made for television drama film premiered. Mel Fisher’s success story. Dreams of Gold: The Mel Fisher Story. Starred Cliff Robertson.

I never met Fisher. Before my time. I have met Cliff Robertson, however. He returned to Key West several times thereafter. A good looking personable chap. Once spent an enjoyable evening in his company.

Fort Zachary Taylor having a special holiday celebration. Actually, 2 holidays.

Tomorrow and saturday there will be a presentation at the Fort demonstrating how Civil War soldiers celebrated Christmas and Hanukkah. Only 1 hour per day. From noon to 1 pm.

Watched Syracuse play Oakland last night. Syracuse won 74-62. Not a great game. However Syracuse won and that is the important thing.

I felt ashamed as I watched the game.

The Carrier Dome looked empty. Only 16,000 spectators. Less than half the Dome’s capacity.

Oakland made it a game. Behind by only 1 or 2 points several times.

With 6 minutes to go, Syracuse scored a 3 pointer and was 5 points ahead. The crowd had been quiet up to this point. Boeheim is aware how spectator participation can move a team to play better.

Boeheim turned to the crowd and raised his arms as if to say let’s start yelling and screaming. Let’s get into it!

The response close to muted.

An insult to Boeheim. An insult to the team.

Concededly Syracuse is having perhaps its worst season ever thus far. Things are that bad! Boeheim looking to the crowd for support an indication of such.

Boeheim said after the game,  “It’s sad, it’s sickening really, to see that we can’t get some help.”

Why did I feel guilty? Because I have been down on Syracuse this season. Down on a team that has provided me so much pleasure and joy over the years.

No more.

Go ‘Cuse!

The House impeached Trump yesterday. From my perspective, deservedly so.

Each House member got to speak. Some Republican comments were disgusting. One Republican compared Trump’s impeachment to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Another to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

One even called for a standing 60 seconds of silence to recognize the sadness of Trump’s impeachment. The Republicans all stood for the 60 seconds.

The crucifixion and Pearl Harbor inappropriate comparisons.

Trump was at a rally in Battle Creek, Michigan last night.

Trump does not know how to let the sleeping dead lie. He also seems to enjoy knocking American heroes.

Recall his words re John McCain. Trump did not consider him a true hero because he was captured. A capture that resulted in his spending almost 6 years in a Vietnamese prison. Severely tortured most of the time.

This year, Democratic Congressman John Dingell died. From Michigan. A tough representative. Highly respected.

His wife has replaced him in Congress.

Yesterday, Debbie Dingell voted 2 times to impeach Trump. Last night Trump made fun of her and her dead husband at the rally.

Trump made a big deal how he did everything for Debbie when her husband died. He had the flag lowered to half mast.

He inferred John Dingell was in hell. He said, “Maybe he’s looking up. I don’t know.”

Respectfully, the President is a scum bag. He lacks humanity. He lacks empathy.

On this day in 1941, Hitler took command of the German Army. He made himself Commander in Chief. His motivation being that the German invasion of Russia was a disaster.

Could it happen in the U.S.? A civilian President appointing/anointing himself Commander in Chief of the Military? Before Trump, I would have said no. Now, I wonder.

Enjoy your day!