A negative item by a Laura Jones appeared on the internet. The article claimed tourists should avoid eating in Plaka. Plaka is one of Athens’ most exciting places. You have not “flavored” Greece unless you have enjoyed Plaka, including its food.

Jones agrees Plaka is picturesque. Again, it is its food she believes lacks quality.

I do not know who Jones is, but I submit she does not understand Plaka, its food, atmosphere, etc. I have experienced Plaka at least 20 times. I know Plaka. I love Plaka.

It is a typical Greek neighborhood full of restaurants. Sits at the base of Acropolis. The view special day and night. Especially evenings when the mountain top is lit.

You do not go to Plaka for the food. It is ok. Average. So are the prices. Not a rip off. You go for Plaka’s flavor and fun. If you want the very best Greek meals, there are other restaurants in other areas that are available. Where it will cost a ton, but be worth every penny. It depends what you are looking for. I guarantee one thing. You will be attracted more to Plaka than the very expensive restaurants. Not for the money alone. For the pleasure Plaka offers.

Let me share what” fun” is. Besides sitting, eating, drinking and watching the world go by, I have danced Greek style with men, broken dishes when it was legal, sung, and laughed with people from all over the world.

Do not miss Plaka if you visit Athens. Guaranteed you will return more than one time during the same trip.

Syracuse won again last night. Beat North Carolina State 24-17. Syracuse’s record so far this season 5-1. Ho, ho!

Evangelicals, Christians, Catholics, etc., whatever you want to call them, worry me. They are better described as “Christian radicals.” Off base, nuts. They want America to turn to God. Fine! However their “how” is a problem for me. They want Trump elected!

These Evangelicals, etc. forget Biblical teachings, the word of God. The teachings of God they promote do not sound like the Sermon on the Mount. The truth will make you free does not come from Trump’s mouth or theirs. Lies form the basis of their teachings. What happened to love one another? Gone. Replaced by hatred.

Live and learn. Oysters and pearls. Why mollusks such as oysters produce pearls. It’s a defense mechanism.

When an “irritant”, like a parasite or a shell fragment, gets trapped inside the oyster, the oyster’s mantle secrets layers of nacre, or mother-of- pearl, around the irritant. The secretion is a defense mechanism to protect the oyster from foreign substances entering the oyster’s environment.

It takes time to produce a pearl. Anywhere from 6 months to 4 years.

The mollusk producing the most pearls is the oyster.

Election day around the corner. Some politics.

Trump called Harris “retarded” at a dinner at Trump Tower in New York City this past week. At the same time, he railed against  Jewish voters supporting her.

I have always been an admirer of Chris Christie. He calls them as he sees them. No bullshit involved.

Christie, former Republican Governor of New Jersey, has become the latest to sound the alarm over Trump’s apparent mental decline. He claims Trump is not the same man who ran for President in 2016. Claims he is way different today and that his skills have dramatically declined. He describes Trump as “not nearly as good today” as he was.

Retired General Mark A. Milley says Trump is a “fascist to the core…..the most dangerous man in the country.”

His comments are available in Bob Woodward’s forthcoming book about Trump.

Milley was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for more than a year under Trump and continued under Biden in the same role for a period of time.

Vance makes me laugh. Also worry should he become Vice President.

He knocks Obamacare. Ho, ho. It became public this past week that his mother has received heath coverage by using Obamacare.

Vance reportedly advised his mother to get private health insurance under Trump. True. What he failed to reveal was she purchased private health insurance through the Affordable Care Act’s insurance market place run in Ohio.

Vance must learn two things. One, to tell the truth. Two, to tell all the truth.

I close with some information revealed this past week about Trump’s new $60 Bible.

This past week, Walz ripped Trump’s Chinese Bible as he described it.

Walz referred to Trump as a heathen and hypocrite Friday for outsourcing his “God Bless the USA” bible to China. He “outsourced” it by having the Bible printed in China. Walz said re the “outsourcing” charge, “This dude even outsourced God to China.”

Walz really nailed Trump when he said, “I don’t blame him. He didn’t notice the ‘Made in China’ sticker ’cause they put it inside, a place he’s never looked in the Bible.”

Two things come to mind. I thought Trump was politicking that manufacturing by U.S. concerns would no longer be farmed out to foreign countries. The other involves tariffs. Since the Bible was manufactured in China. will it be tariffed in any fashion. Excessively?

Enjoy your Sunday!

John Denver died this day in 2007 in an aircraft accident. Reminds me of a meeting I and part of my family had with Denver.

A long time ago. Lisa had to be 7 or 8 years old. Mary Lourdes, Lori, Lisa and I were in New York City. Vacation time. A hot summer day. Heavy humidity. Lisa was not doing well walking. Constantly complaining. 

It was time to get out of the heat. I took the family to a restaurant which I frequented often in those days. It has been so long its name escapes me.

Lisa would not give up being difficult. I told her when we were seated that movie stars frequented the restaurant. Of course, she did not believe me.

As we were eating, the table next to us became occupied. We all, including Lisa, recognized one of the persons seated. He was seated close to Lisa. It was the famous singer John Denver.

He began picking at Lisa’s french fries and talking with her. Made her day! Made mine! She stopped complaining and began believing her father knew what he was talking about.

Key West’s new City Commission met thursday. The meeting heated. Going to be an interesting time in City government the next few months. We need some give and take. Ergo, a good thing. The City needs shaking up. Things have gotten out of hand the past few years.

Not everyone agrees with me. A comment in this morning’s Citizens’ Voice reflects the same: “The City Commission meeting was painful to watch. Combative energy came from two of our new Commissioners and our outgoing Commissioner. Petty drama and cronyistic maneuvering for hours! No substance to be found! The Bubba system is back, baby! Sorry, public. You’re on your own.”

A Citizens’ Voice comment of value: “We need more affordable housing…..not more housing…..we need to convert expensive housing into affordable housing.”

Flooding still a Milton caused problem in Florida. Florida is flat. Flood water has to evaporate and/or slowly seep into the ground. Takes time. There is a lack of hills, water does not run off.

I find Trump’s positions amusing. One from 8 years ago when he vowed to “drain the swamp.” Now, he swims in it.

Trump’s mouth gets him in trouble again. The place Aurora, Colorado, this past friday. Trump claimed (falsely of course) that armed Venezuelan gang members were “invading and conquering” the community, “violent migrant animals…..barbaric thugs.”

Aurora’s Mayor Mike Coffman is a Republican. He said: Trump’s statements were “grossly exaggerated and have unfairly hurt the city’s identity and sense of safety.”

An early Trumpy. So described because of the number who attended a speech given by Evangelican George Whitefield this day in 1740. He preached to 30,000 people in Boston during the “Great Awakening.”

On this day in 1492, Christopher Columbus made landfall on a Caribbean island he named San Salvador. Thought today to have been Watling Island in the Bahamas. Columbus believed he had reached East Asia.

James Doohan was a Canadian actor best known for his role as “Scotty” in the TV and movie series Star Trek. He died in 2005.

Doohan was in World War II. He landed in Normandy on D-Day. Seriously wounded. Shot six times: 4 in the leg, 1 in the chest (stopped by a metal cigarette case), and 1 shot blew off his middle finger. All from “friendly fire.”

On this day in 1842, the children’s rhyme Three Blind Mice was published in a London Book.

Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day fall on monday October 14. The holidays occur annually on the second monday of October. The first celebration of Columbus Day in the U.S. was held this day in 1792 in New York City.

On this day in 1920, Man O’War ran his last race. Man O’War is considered one of the finest, if not the finest, thoroughbred to have ever run. His record was 20-1. His only loss was by a neck at Saratoga to, would you believe, a horse named Upset.

Boeing’s problems the past several years have become onerous. Plane and personnel problems. The inevitable has occurred. Boeing announced it is cutting its work force by 17,000 jobs. Management says the reduction is necessary to assist in recovery. Tough actions required.

A birthday date worthy of mention. Saturday Night Live is 50 years old! Would you believe!

Another would you believe! Roni Di Lullo became concerned with sun getting in her dog’s eyes while playing frisbee. She invented “doggles.” Dog specific goggles. Secured a patent. Her business now sells $3 million of Doogles annually.

I close with Syracuse football.

Syracuse plays North Carolina State at 8 this evening . Syracuse 4-1, North Carlina State 3-3. Syracuse favored.

Enjoy your day!

When I began this blog some 20 years ago, it was to share my everyday Key West experiences. Over the years, its contents have expanded to cover everything and anything.  With the expansion interestingly, the number of my followers has greatly expanded.

You have put up with my heart attack / teeth problems for 9 months. Though it appears I am at the end of the road with the problems, please bear with me as I share my recent experiences with food.

The Oreos were outstanding! Yesterday was a grilled cheese sandwich at Goldman’s.  I could not believe, you may not believe. Equally outstanding! It all has to do with taste. The grilled cheese spectacular! I could not believe how good!

This must be the way it is when a person returns to normal eating after a long period without. WOW!

One problem remains. I must chew more. Having lived on liquids, it was easy to consume. I drank and swallowed. Everything went down smoothly. Chewing added again and I must learn to chew more. I choked a few times yesterday with the grilled cheese because I was not chewing enough.

Guaranteed I will swiftly learn.

Hurricane Milton another disaster. Fortunately turned out not to be as bad as expected. Still horrific, however. The pics on TV are sad. I have experienced some hurricanes in my 30 years in Key West. Nothing as bad as what Helene and Milton have exposed to my eyes. Milton provided a “minimal” break because it did not hit landfall where anticipated and the surge was not as anticipated. Nevertheless a disaster!

The death toll only 16 so far. Millions without power. FEMA was ready. Water and food swiftly got to those in need.

Key West experienced a “maybe tornado.” Which means no damage. As to flooding, I made the run yesterday on my way to and after my manicure. No flooding anywhere.

Lucky we were! May we continue to be so. The hurricane season is not yet over. The experts say it will not end November 1, to expect a few more thereafter.

DeSantis pissed me off yesterday. Not unusual. I wish Floridians would vote him out of office. 

The press was interviewing him. A question was asked re Milton not being as bad as projected. DeSantis got upset. He seemed pissed off it was not as bad. Maybe I read him wrong. However that is how he came over to me.

A scary experience for a Milton victim which turned out ok. The identity of the individual involved was not available.

The person was a fishing boat captain. His boat turned over. He was in the water overnight during the height of Milton. He was floating in a cooler, wearing a life jacket and a locator beacon. The locator beacon is what probably saved his life. A Coast Guard helicopter found him 30 miles off Longboat Key in 25 foot waves and 90 mph winds.

Lucky was he!

Seems to be a DeSantis morning. He and his administration are off the wall. Weird, also. He is in a class with Trump and Vance.

What follows is an extreme example of the ends they will go to to enforce what they believe is “correct.”

This is an election year. There is a Constitutional amendment on the ballot. Number 4 titled “Constitutional Amendment Article I, New Section.” Strong TV ads being run by both parties re the ad. Concerns abortion.

Florida’s Department of Health sent a letter to at least two TV stations to “cease and desist” running a political ad calling for the repeal of the State’s six week abortion ban.

The letter penned by John Wilson, general counsel for the Department of Health, said the 30 second spot involved was a violation of Florida’s “sanitary nuisance” law which is commonly used to charge people with overflowing septic tanks or unclean slaughterhouses. 

An extreme devious use of a statute not even applicable. Typical Florida Republican action.

Obama spoke at a Democratic rally last night in Pittsburg. He buried Trump! Spelled out most of Trump’s bad moves and foils. Cut his balls off!

On this day in 1991, Anita Hill appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee examining Clarence Hill for the Supreme Court seat he had been nominated to. Hill accused Thomas of sexual harassment. Thomas denied her charge and described the hearing as “high tech lynching.”

I believed Hill then. Still do. I believe most Americans today do also.

Biden was Chairman of the Committee. As much as I have admired Biden over the years, he screwed up here. It was obvious he did not believe Hill, gave Thomas every deference.

I close with a strange item. A live and learn one for me. I assume for most, also. Involves a physical body issue.

Guess what? Both sexes have a uterus. Yes, men too. The “male uterus” is a tiny vestige embedded in the prostrate.

I know nothing else about it.

Enjoy your day!

Milton did its thing. Bad, I’m sure. How bad, I am not yet sure. It’s still dark outside and TV also not able to show damage till the sun comes up. I therefor leave Milton to tomorrow.

I was a little foolish yesterday. It was windy. More than normal. No gusts, though. Heavy rain on and off. Overall, no concern about going out from my perspective.

I was anxious for a Goldman’s toasted cheese sandwich. Got there at 1:45 pm. Note on door said Closing at 2. Did not even go in. Did not want to be rushed even if I was able to be served.

At that point, I noticed most stores in the Overseas Shopping Center were closed. Winn-Dixie was open. Ergo decided to pick up a few things. The store was next to empty.

Now that I am supposedly properly eating, I decided to buy some meats, etc. A change in my diet expected. Timely. I could not do it. Amazing! My mind went one way, my hands another. I purchased all those things I have for the past 9 months. Soups, yogurt, chocolate drink, juices, puddings. etc.

I know. I have to work on “mind changing.”

I did buy one thing different, however. A package of Oreos. Had no intention of so doing. Hard to chew, etc. For whatever reason, I grabbed a package of the shelf as I walked by. Gave no thought to the selection.

Last night, I tried 3. Only 3 because they were so good, I saw myself consuming the whole package. No problem chewing or swallowing. The best of the best however was the taste. The most DELICIOUS thing I had tasted in 9 months!

I noticed an unusual thing as I was driving home. The heavy wind was coming in off the Atlantic. When I got home, I saw on TV the Southernmost Point. Winds and big waves throwing water off the Atlantic over the monument.

Strange! Guess it might have been Milton’s tail running in reverse early in the afternoon.

This morning Keys Citizen “thought” a tornado passed over/struck Key West at 11:30 last night. The article gave no further details.

There will be flooding. Always is in Key West. The same streets and intersections all the time. I have a manicure scheduled for noon. I will know then if I am correct. I am sure I will be. The water will be 2-3 feet deep in some areas. People swimming in the intersections. Tourists, of course. They think its fun. Reality wise, dangerous. Forget not the sewer germs, though little of the flooding is from the sewers.

A live and learn. I have been in Key West 30 years, Never knew one of the best places to park your car if flooding is expected is the Key West High School parking lot. Huge. It was already full wednesday morning, though not a school day.

A perfect question asked in this morning’s Citizens’ Voice. The question precise in view of today’s society: “Does the number of people who hate outnumber the ones who want to be kind?”

I close with a tale originating in my younger days.

As a young lawyer, much of my work involved representing persons injured in accidents.  The lawsuits in most instances were defended by insurance companies.  Allstate the worst! Ruthless in the defense of all cases, whether small or large. Allstate’s aim was to discourage lawyers from suing Allstate insureds.

I hated Allstate!

In later years, my practice developed to the point where my law firm was the major insurance company representative in Central New York. The insurance companies couldn’t beat me so they joined my flock of clients.

I always refused to do legal work for Allstate. Allstate’s volume was large and would have represented a significant increase in my cash flow. However, I could not bring myself to representing the interests of the whore.

There is a reason why I share this with you. Spiro Agnew was elected Vice President of the U.S. His legal career included being an Allstate adjuster. From day one, I considered him no good. I was correct.

On this day in 1973, Vice Presidnet Spiro Agnew, accused of accepting bribes, resigned his office and plead no contest to one count of federal income tax evasion. He was all done being Vice President and further a person deserving of respect.

Enjoy your day!

Big day yesterday! At 3 in the afternoon, I had teeth! All of them!

Took 9 months, but finally got there. My implant dentist was Dr. Mullins at Old Town Dental. The best! He did wonders.

For me, a major event. So long not being able to eat or bite. Lived on liquids. Lost 65 pounds. The only benefit from the disaster.

I had been dreaming what would be my first meal. A steak! A filet mignon! I had not eaten one or lamb chops in the 9 months. Bravado exceeded my dream, however. I went to The Grand and “chickened out.” No, I did not even order chicken. Went with conch fritters. Worked ok. Could not finish. Four pieces too much food. Amazing!

I am going to have to creep back into normal eating. Not sure why. However, that was my conclusion last night.

Lunch today a grilled cheese sandwich at Goldman’s. The best! I have not been able to eat bread. You can’t muck up bread enough with only your tongue and roof of the mouth to break the bread down sufficiently. I was choking, had to stop.

Sorry to bore you with my eating problems.  A big deal for me, however.

I felt like I had a mouth of teeth at The Garden. Thought it was impeding my talking. Chatted with Chris on one side of me and a hurricane escaper to Key West Kelly on the other. Both said I was speaking well. Hope they were not saying so to make me feel good.

Steve and Cindy were not there. They went to Orlando last week. Steve does his doctoring at the Vet’s Hospital up there. When they went to leave sunday, their car would not work.  Cause not certain. Garage “guessed” what it might be. $1,000 to fix with no guaranty of it working. In the meantime, Steve and Cindy rented a car.

Their car worked fine and they got home late last night.

Milton a strange duck. 

Yesterday was beautiful in Key West. I learned last night today is the day we will have problems in Key West, if any. Winds and rain this morning so far.  Winds getting heavier. Around 50 mph.

I do not sense anything dramatic is going to occur.

Milton can’t make up his mind. Still over the water and goes back and forth between a Category 4 and Category 5. Still heading for Tampa area. Issue now is whether the north or south side of Tampa. The side determines the severity of the impact.

TV pictures of debris still remaining on roadsides due to Helene visible. Bad. Tall and huge. When Milton hits, each parcel, small or large will be a missile or bullet. Reason enough for people to get their asses out. Milton is going to be one of the worst hurricanes ever.

Impact later today or during the evening.

Florida Governor DeSantis continues to be an ass. He wouldn’t talk to Harris because “she had nothing to do with the hurricane.” He is happy now. Talking directly with Biden. What a pompous ass!

Florida under DeSantis has been a Trumpy/MAGA sort. He is no different than Trump. Both bad guys.

Helen reads this blog. She lives in northern Florida. She left a comment this morning. Words of wisdom: “For those of you attempting to evacuate the impending hurricane on I-75, in northern Florida, remember that the Congress persons in our district have steadfastly refused to vote for any FEMA funding.”

Bob Woodward is back with a new book…..WAR.

He always writes the truth. Nails Trump big in two instances.

The first is the information that Trump when President sent Putin COVID test kits for his personal use. This was at a time when we wee without any in the U.S. for our people. Even Putin knew Trump should not have done what he did. Told him to make sure no one would find out.

The other is Trump has spoken with Putin seven times since Trump has been out of office. Nothing wrong with that if rules are followed. The rules require Trump to first advise the U.S. government he was making the calls. Trump of course did not.

Germany and Greece were having political problems in 2012. The Greeks were hurting financially. They blamed Germany’s Prime Minister Angela Merkel for their austerity problems. 

Twenty five thousand Greeks gathered on several occasions to protest in Athens. On the grounds surrounding the Parliament.

I was concluding a two month Greece stay at the time. My last few days were at the Gran Bretagne Hotel in Athens which was located directly across the street from the Parliament located protest.

No way was I going to not experience the demonstration. I spent two days in the midst of it. Walking around. No one bothered me. I did not understand what the speakers were shouting. Greek was Greek to me.

One recollection was the name of Angela Merkel. Each time a speaker shouted her name, the crowd in unison spit on the ground.

On this day in 1855, inventor Isaac Singer patented the sewing machine motor. The name Singer attached. Most are unaware he had a partner. Edward Clark. 

The Clark family settled in Cooperstown, N.Y. Home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Some 40 mils from my home town Utica. Cooperstown is located on Otsego Lake. Beautiful country.

I was unaware of the Clark family nor their relationship to Singer. Soon found out. Needed a favor in Cooperstown. I was told the Clark family were the movers and controlled everything having to do with the community. It was a long time and difficult climb, but we finally got together and they were very cooperative in what I needed done.

In anticipation of the possibility that Milton might suddenly change course, Key West is hankering down. Schools and some government offices are closed today. Tomorrow will be decided after Milton passes us by today. Today’s garbage for example has been moved to tomorrow and thursday’s garbage to friday. I take the time to mention these miniscule Key West items since a number of people have stopped reading the Keys Citizen and only read me for the news.

Seattle’s Cathy Holka is a dear friend and frequent Key West visitor. I close with her story of a visit by Maria Gutsens. The ghost held her hand.

It is said Maria Gutsens still walks the rooms and hallways of the former Mercedes Hospital on Virginia Street. It is now an apartment house. Gutsens was the Matron of Mercedes Hospital for 23 years.

On this day in 1934, she received the Cross of the Order of Carla Manuel de Cespedes, an honor given by the Cuban government for “outstanding services rendered to Cuba and humanity.”

Many believe her “ghost” still resides at the former hospital on Virginia Street.  Periodically appearing, sometimes to help those sick.

My dear friend Cathy  lived in Key West for a time in the late 1980’s. She resided in the former hospital building. She claims she was under the weather one night, half asleep. Suddenly “someone” picked up her wrist as if to check her pulse. She saw “the figure” who then disappeared. Cathy claims she felt better thereafter.

I believe her and her story of meeting Maria.

Enjoy your day!

So many important things affecting the U.S. today. Each having a special importance unto itself.

I have decided that this day Hurricane Milton is the most important to our country. Ergo, my comments limited to Milton.

Projected already to be THE worst storm ever, or second worst storm, to hit the U.S.

The facts.

Still well out into the Gulf. Not expected to make landfall till early wednesday morning. Tampa projected as the bad luck area.

Milton turned from a Category 1 to a Category 5 yesterday in a period of hours. So unusual, it caused meteorologist John Morales to break down on TV while reporting Milton. He was visibly emotional as he reported. His words after advising how Milton had gone from a Category 1 to 5: “Incredible, incredible. Dropped 50 millibars in 10 hours.” Then his tears followed by an apology: “I apologize. This is just horrific.”

Milton is expected to drop to a category 3 or 4 as it hits Tampa. Still a major storm. Then Milton will cross Florida and exit somewhere around Orlando or Daytona Beach into the Atlantic Ocean. Still at a 3-4. Will drop to a Category 2 when in the Atlantic.

Less than 2 weeks ago, it was Helene that was the worst hurricane ever. No more. Milton replacing Helene. At a time when Helene’s cleanup is still at a minimal stage. Certain parts of Florida will be hard hit a second time. Oh, the woe coming!

An article in USA Today yesterday discussed Milton becoming a Category 6. The only problem, there is no Category 6. At least, not yet. The discussion at this stage hypothetical.

Key West and the Keys fortunate again. We have had heavy rains the past few days. Some of the storms with the rain coming down sideways. Sometimes as much as a 45 degree angle. Milton affects even though tons of miles off land and not yet having even reached a point opposite Key West.

There must be a heavy wind, though I have not heard it. Yet the streets and yards are replete in many Key West areas with downed leaves and palm tree branches.

Meteorologists advise the worst Key West will experience is a tropical storm. Late today probably. if at all. Flooding could be 2-3 feet.

Cape Coral is under emergency evacuation. Corey’s parents drove to Corey and Lisa’s home yesterday from Cape Coral. Spoke with Cheryl Yeast yesterday. She now lives in Cape Coral. She was leaving for Miami where she had already made hotel reservations.

It has been suggested Key West winds will reach 45 mph. Gusts will increase that number. Meteorologists have stated Key West winds could reach a “tropical stormforce.”

Scary difficult days ahead for those north of us. A prayer or two in order.

Today, a big one for me. I have a dental appointment at 3. I supposedly will leave the dentist’s office with a full set of teeth. Nine months and 65 pounds later!

I don’t care how heavy the rain or how badly the winds are blowing, I will keep the appointment. The teeth are an emotional thing for me. 

Those who can, enjoy your day! Those who cannot, evacuate or get to a safe place if you lack the fear you should be experiencing. No time for bravado.

Temperatures are rising. Trump and his people lying even more. Encouraging destruction of the America we know.

Violence encouraging words were spoken at Trump’s Butler rally saturday. Trump, his son Eric and Vance stated clearly Democrats planned the assassination attempts on Donald. Son Eric said, “They tried to kill him.”

Republican leaders are suggesting only a civil war will resolve what they view as the evil that is America these days. The suggestion even stronger when the idea is being floated that if Trump were to lose the election, a civil war is inevitable.

Provocative talk. Lies. Scary. Wrong.

I read on the internet yesterday re Donald Trump when he speaks: “If his lips are moving, he’s lying.” 

Trump’s fruit cake approach to problem solving is evidenced by his recent statement re shoplifters: Police should violently assault such Americans for “one rough hour.”

Hurricane Milton intensifying. Still over Gulf waters and is a Category 2. Expected to hit landfall in the Tampa area wednesday as a Category 3. Surges will be big again. Heavy flooding expected.

America being abused. FEMA will be strained. We’ll get through it all, however. Americans always do, one way or another.

The October edition of Vanity Fair carries an excellent article re the Catholic Church and its marriage with the Republican right. I recommend its reading to you. Detailed. Worth the time spent getting through it. The article is called Bad Faith. Its author Kathryn Joyce.

I searched for the article after reading at another place that the Knights of Columbus had in effect joined with the Catholic Church it supports in becoming MAGA thinkers.

I once knew the Knights of Columbus well. The KC to many. 

Utica had a magnificent building housing the KC. My Dad joined when I was very young. I never knew it to be political. I became a member myself. A Fourth Degree member. I started using the KC when I was 5 years old. I learned how to swim and play basketball there. Their gym housed my high school’s basketball games.

Members went to enjoy the edifice. Not think or talk politics. The pool tables, shuffleboards, friday fish fries, bowling alley, bar, swimming pool, showers, etc.

Every year for many years I recall a sunday set aside for a KC Communion Mass at a particular Church. Followed by several hundred members walking down Utica’s main street to a Communion Breakfast at a large hotel. A big deal! A proud Catholic sunday morning.

I have not been active with the KC for decades. From what I read, it is not the same. It has become a political arm and is in bed with the U.S. Congress of Catholic Bishops. The organizations are anti-Pope Francis.

The Catholic Church today is not what it was when I was growing up. Churches and schools have closed. Dissidents now control and are some kind of mongers. I support Francis. Those that do not, even if priests and bishops, are political hacks more than men of God on Earth to save souls.

I sensed the Catholic Church changing when I was in college. Interestingly, I attended Manhattan College. A Catholic institution. I began my separation from the Church while a student at Manhattan. Today, I am a fallen away Catholic. Does not make me happy. Hard not to be a Catholic when you grew up one.

Came across a list of historical oddities yesterday. Selected a few to share with you.

Hitler’s childhood doctor, Eduard Bloch, was a Jew. He was given special protection by the Gestapo. Hitler’s mother could not afford cancer treatment. Bloch reduced his prices. Teenage Adolf declared undying gratitude. When Austria was annexed, Hitler kept his word to the Jewish doctor.

George Eyser was an American gymnast who had a wooden leg. He competed in the 1904 Olympics. He won 6 medals: Three gold, two silver and one bronze. 

Uncle Sam was given a wife in the 1920’s. Named “Aunt Sammy.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture ran a radio show for farm owners which Aunt Sammy hosted. 

A Trump type ploy. Mao Zedong initiated a crack down on people with wrong opinions and free discussion. He asked for their opinions freely claiming no recourse against anyone. After receiving them, he cracked down on those who said the wrong things.

In the 17th century, coffee was thought to make men impotent. In an attempt to restore their husbands’ virility, a bunch of London women petitioned against coffee houses.

Bankers have always been considered whores. Even today. Nothing has changed concerning them. In the 18th century, the British Parliament actually debated a resolution for bankers to be sewn into sacks with snakes and dumped into the Thames River.

Supermarkets beware! One of the causes of the French Revolution was the price of bread. In the years preceding the Revolution, the price of bread rose to 88 percent of a laborer’s income. Prior thereto, the average worker spent half of his daily income on bread. In the 2 years prior to the Revolution, the grain crop failed. Such caused the cost of bread’s rise to 88 percent of wages.

The 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis was a “big day” for the USA. Two new items introduced. Carrier with the demonstration of his air conditioning invention. Visitors also experienced their first hamburger.

Enjoy your day!

I begin with a touch of humor this Sunday morning. Only because some unusually heavy stuff follows.

Napoleon had more than one Waterloo.

Actually, his won/loss record wasn’t bad. It was 53 wins, 7 losses. He lost a couple of significant ones, however. Russia and Waterloo the two most significant.

He also lost one not counted in the 53/7 record.  The reason simple. It involved rabbits, not humans. The rabbits caused his “retreat” as Russia did.

The skirmish occurred in 1807, right after the end of the fighting between Napoleon’s forces and Russia. The Treaty of Tilsit officially ended the fighting.

To celebrate the event, Napoleon ordered a rabbit hunt. He needed a victory. He could defeat rabbits, or so he thought. Ergo, Napoleon had thousands of rabbits collected and delivered to a battle site. Napoleon could not lose. So he thought.

The rabbits were released en masse. They charged Napoleon and his friends. It was a tsunami of rabbits. Napoleon and his friends turned, galloped and ran in the opposite direction. Napoleon found the safety of his carriage. He sat inside as the rabbits banged against the windows and carriage.

Napoleon was forced to retreat.

I never know where or how a topic is going to grab my attention. All of a sudden it’s there!

Publix a recent one. The cost of groceries nationally is excessive.. Unreasonable. Unaffordable. Whether your are feeding one, four, or six or seven.

No question in my mind, Publix is screwing the public. That was yesterday’s blog.

I received a comment almost immediately following its publication. From reader Randy. He wanted to know “if Publix was a huge Trump supporter financially, donating hundreds of millions to his campaign?”

I previously never gave it a thought. Always assumed major corporations and the affluent did contribute heavily to Republicans. Randy’s inquiry caused me to dig a bit. Understand, I would expect monied corporations and people to support Trump. They want their taxes cut. They are no different than average Americans who want to pay less also.

George Washington Jenkins Jr. founded Publix Super Markets in 1930. Today, it is the largest supermarket chain in Florida. Run differently than other supermarkets. It is employee owned. The Jenkins family share has been reduced to roughly 20 percent. The Jenkins family is affluent. Very rich today beyond their Publix holdings. Forbes ranked them recently as the 39th richest family in the U.S. Their earnings just over $11 billion each year.

Julie Jenkins Fancelli is a Publix heiress. She definitely is a Trump supporter. Big time.

Lets start with January 6. Julie provided the “lion’s share” of its funding. She contributed significant amounts from the George Jenkins Foundation. Three hundred thousand dollars here, four hundred thousand dollars there, etc. Note she denies any prior knowledge of the incidents that occurred on January 6.

It is also suggested Julie contributed to “dark money groups” sponsoring the January 6 rally. She was a witness before the January 6 Select Committee.

Julie donated through a tax exempt non-profit $3.1 million to Moms for America one year, $1.3 million another, $400,000 another, and $300,000 another. Julie’s contributions to January 6 groups was estimated by the January 6 Select Committee to have been at least $3 million based on the Select Committee’s December 22, 2022 report.

Julie appears to have been a Trump supporter directly or indirectly over the years in huge amounts.

Whether other Jenkins family members were contributors, I do not know. Too much involved to determine. I am not even sure I covered Julie’s contributions completely. I further am not able to comment whether Publix made any direct or indirect contributions to Trump.

The weather reports advise three hurricanes already are or in the process of becoming hurricanes out over the waters. One is expected to hit the Tampa Area Wednesday as a Category 3. The other two maneuvering around.

None of the three appear to be a danger to Key West or the Keys at the moment. You never know, however. Key West was to have heavy rains yesterday, especially between 12:30 pm and 1:30 pm. It did. Beginning at 12:30 and lasting one hour. Heavy, heavy. Winds also. The rain was coming down in a slant, not straight down.

Key West is scheduled for additional rains Monday and Tuesday. I assume caused by the hurricanes mentioned.

Rained heavy last night. Looked like rain at 8 this morning. Black skies. Nothing happened. The sun is trying to come out at the moment.

I watched Trump’s return rally at Butler, Pennsylvania yesterday. Butler was where he was shot in an attempted assassination 3 months ago to the day yesterday. Trump knows how to magnify things. Even to the day.

Trump was magnificent! He bled the crowd for every drop it was worth. Even brough tears to my eyes. Got every drop of sympathy from the attack on him,  the death of one person, and serious injury to two others. He and his new found friend and supporter Elon Musk with him. Musk spoke briefly. They’re in bed together. No question about it. In yesterday’s blog, I said Musk wanted to sit “at the table” in Washington. I was wrong. He wants a seat next to Trump in the Oval Office.

Musk sounded like a Democrat. As Trump is prone to do, Musk used Democratic verbiage as if such was a Republican position. No way, Jose! Statements like, “This is no ordinary election. The other side wants to take away your freedom of speech…..right to vote.”

I was watching the rally via the Jonathan Capehart Show on MSNBC. Capehart cut out the rally two minutes into Musk’s talk and never returned to Trump or Musk. I was upset he did not hear all Musk had to say. I am sure others felt as I did. I am curious as to why Musk is associating himself so openly and big bucks wise. Wanted to hear the reasons from his own mouth!

Trump and Musk are birds of a feather when to comes to lying. They are on the same wavelength when it comes to Helene’s impact. 

Trump accuses Biden and North Carolina’s Democratic Governor Roy Cooper of withholding or diverting relief funds from hardest hit Republican areas to the tune of “billions of dollars.” Claiming the funds were used for illegal immigrants. The Trump claim was quickly debunked as false.

Musk is similar to Trump when it comes to speaking with a forked tongue. He claimed in a post on X that FEMA is “actually blocking citizens who try to help.” Another lie.

Both men are using “conspiracy theory junk” to slam Biden and Harris. For shame! Falsehoods! The problem is people who are hurting tend to believe such lies.

Kamala Harris was back among Helene victims yesterday. Her second time.

I thought she spent too much time with “responders” opposed to actual victims of the hurricane. She should go back again for a third time and spend the new time with the victims themselves. A hug and a few warm words go a long way.

Tomorrow could be a very bad day in the Middle East. October 7 was was the day one year ago that Israel was attacked so violently. Iran bombed Israel a few days ago. Retribution time! Big time! Will Israel attack Iran’s nuclear facilities? Something a little less but extremely bad?

We shall see,

I close with a touch of Key West. One of Key West’s old but true stories.

On this day in 1940, Key West police arrested Carl Tanzler aka Count Carl von Cosel. Tanzler was a radiologist at a local Key West hospital. He was deeply in love with a younger women, Elena “Helen” Milagro. She died from some malady early in life. Two years after her death, he removed her body from her grave and took it home. She lay in his bed for seven years.

Tanzler was an eccentric romantic, to say the least.

He was finally discovered and arrested. Elena’s body was buried in a secret grave. Tanzler was charged but never tried. The Statute of Limitations had expired. He left Key West.

Though sickening, an interesting story. Part of Key West’s history. Tourists find it intriguing.

Enjoy your Sunday!

He’s the world champ! Donald Trump as a liar.

He has a system too many. He takes something he did wrong yesterday and accuses someone opposing him today of committing that wrong.

The most recent example. Trump claimed this past week that FEMA did not have sufficient funds to handle Helene problems. He blamed Biden for the shortfall. Claimed Biden had used FEMA funds to help migrants.

Terrible, if true! 

Not true, however.

In reality, it was Trump who used FEMA funds to deal with border wall and migrant problems in 2019. Nothing illegal about it. Presidents constantly move money around to get things done. It is called “redirecting.” Supposed to pay it back, however. Whether Trump did re the 2019 funds, I do not know.

Biden has never moved FEMA funds to cover other problems during his tenure as President.

The situation is borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. Common in everyday life where possible. Common in running a government. Must be done openly and paid back, however.

Trump’s statement was fact checked by Fact Checker Newsletter who issued the background re Trump’s lie.

I rarely get into sports early in the blog. Feel other items are more important. However a Syracuse item which occurred last night belongs near the top of today’s blog. Syracuse played Las Vegas in Las Vegas last night. Great football game! Las Vegas #25 in the country. Undefeated at 4-0. Syracuse with one loss at 3-1.

Syracuse won in overtime 44-41. Syracuse quarterback McCord threw 60 passes, made 43.

Next saturday, Syracuse plays North Carolina State at North Carolina State.

Why is Elon Musk giving so much money to Trump? The Wall Street Journal reports this morning Musk said he plans to commit around $45 million a month, notice the “a month,” to a new super political-action committee. The committee is called American PAC. Others will be participating with him also.

Why so much? He wants favors from Trump as a President. Wrong! Musk wants more. Represents buying governmental influence. He wants to sit at the table with the big man. Not what our founding fathers had in mind when they formed our government. Not the way the U.S. should be run today. 

Helene’s death toll up to 225. Seventy five persons remain missing.

What I am about to report is sick! Wrong! Make up your own mind.

Oklahoma is buying its public schools 55,000 classroom Bibles. Certain requirements involved: Must be leather bound or close to it and contain U.S. founding documents such as the Declaration of Independence.

There is only one such Bible available today. The one backed by Donald Trump and retailing for $60. Trump gets a piece of the action via a licensing agreement he has re the Bibles.

Trump refers to the Bible as the “God Bless USA Bible.”

Every nation has tried successively to avoid nuclear war, either by starting one or retaliating so a nuclear war is inevitable. Leaders and governments know only too well what could occur. That is the reason why a nuclear event has been avoided since World War II.

Except for Donald Trump!

Yesterday, he said Israel should retaliate against Iran by hitting/taking out Iran’s nuclear facilities. Such could easily precipitate a nuclear war involving  more than Israel and Iran. Yet, Trump’s advice was in support of nuclear proliferation when he said re Israel bombing Iran’s nuclear capacity: “That’s the thing you want to hit.” Said by Trump after Biden had said: “As long as they don’t hit the nuclear stuff.”

What’s wrong with Trump? Doesn’t he realize one nuclear attack is the key to allowing others? No one will be safe. Even the U.S. Including himself, Melania and Barron.

None of us want to live in nuclear fear. Persons my age remember how it was back in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s.

College students are not necessarily prepared for college. Book ready the issue. Colleges are complaining that “to read a book in college, it helps to have read a book in high school.”

The failure to have read earlier in high school contributes to the failure to be able to write. The basics. Like a sentence has a subject and a verb. Sometimes more.

I close with a shot at Publix’s high prices which continue to get even higher.

It appears Publix high costs are more so that most other supermarkets. The problem for consumers in the Keys is that Publix is the sole supermarket in most. Some will have the cheaper Winn-Dixie, also.

Publix prices keep rising. Slowly, but certainly. And frequently for the same item.

Prices skyrocketing! An internet article reflects it: Publix motto used to be “Where shopping is a pleasure.” Now it’s, “Bend over and pay up.”

Publix pricing policy simple: Up, up and away!

I complain and I buy only for one. Families have to be getting killed!

Enjoy your day!

Britain has ditched coal. Britain’s last operating coal power plant closed this week. Power primarily replaced by wind and solar.

Proves it can be done! Where there is a will, there is a way!

Wake up America! Britain is not the only country to rid itself of coal. Others include Iceland, Switzerland, Sweden and Norway. These countries have gone to hydroelectric dams, nuclear power plants and geothermal reservoirs.

A big day in American politics yesterday. The “marriage” of two opposing political powers representing different political parties. Kamala Harris and Liz Cheney appeared together at a Ripon College Rally in Wisconsin. Its purpose for Cheney to once again pledge her support and vote for Harris in the pending Presidential election.

Cheney anti-Trump. Considers him “depraved.” Added even her father the former Vice-President was going to vote for Harris.

Cheney’s move a class act. Reflects she stands for the Constitution and democracy. Two things absent with Trump.

I found their appearance together and the words spoken, especially by Cheney, to be moving.

Many prominent Republicans have spoken out in recent weeks they are supporting Harris. Adding they just can’t support Trump for the reasons we all know. I wish Mitt Romney would do the correct thing and come out for Harris. I suspect he is trying to hold the Republican Party together. Better he shows the courage it takes to do what Liz Cheney and other prominent Republicans have done. Hold the United States together!

One thing confused me. We are in an era where men hug women, women hug men, men hug each other, and women hug each other. Harris and Cheney never hugged. They shook hands several times. I found it strange.

The Longshoremen’s Dockworkers strike is ended for all intents and purposes. Biden has been given credit. The strike began a few day ago. The dockworkers are back to work to today.

I discussed the “strike” yesterday. My opinion was it was strange. Dockworkers were earning $39 an hour. Not chintzy. They wanted a $5 an hour raise spread over 6 years. The numbers did not make sense. The real reason for the strike was political in nature I thought. The head of the union is a good friend and Trump supporter. Additionally, the real reason dockworkers were concerned is that it is anticipated robotic automation is going to take over their jobs in five years.

Now, the strike is over. Not really. It is “suspended” for 90 days. Gets it beyond the election. The workers have to approve it within that time or they are back on strike.

Another thing I find strange is the report that a 62 percent pay raise is part of the deal.

Whatever is going on, at least it will not affect the election and I suspect there will be some resolution within the 90 days so there is no strike. 

The Helene death toll is at 215 and still rising. Hundreds of persons remain unaccounted for.

The insurance problem and its Florida impact came to light yesterday. Note the number is solely attributable to Florida. Insurance claims already total $657 million. Those are claims made. More will be forthcoming.

Trump continues to chant the economy stinks. He lies, of course. One proof of the pudding are the September new job numbers which came out yesterday.

Two hundred fifty four thousand. Clearly indicates the economy is doing well. Even gas prices are coming down. The major problem continues to be food. The cost of groceries. Off the wall!

I have been doing some reading on the issue. A lot has to do with who controls food growing, the supermarket chains that control sales, etc. It boils down to price gouging. Harris says she will do something about price gouging overall when she is elected. I believe her. She and Biden have handled the economy well. No one and nothing is perfect. Grocery prices stick out like a sore thumb. It hurts most Americans. Trump’s economic plan cannot be believed. His tariff plan is going to shove it up America’s ass! The only way it can be said.

Got a haircut yesterday with my friend of a quarter century Lori. My appointment was last thursday. she called wednesday and cancelled to this week. Gave no reason why. Not important. I have little hair in any event.

Yesterday, she mentioned why. She and her husband purchased a home up the Keys last year. I cannot recall which one. Lori does not like driving over the bridges when hurricane winds are predicted. Fifty to seventy mile per hour winds were predicted for last thursday. And we had them! 

I close with a Happy New Year to my Jewish friends. Rosh Hashanah! The New Year began at sundown Wednesday October 2 and ends after nightfall today October 4.

Enjoy your day!