I have received two e-mails and a dozen photos from Buffalo’s Fran and Tom Dixon. They left Buffalo’s cold to vacation in the Antarctica. From the tone of the emails and the pics, they are having a marvelous time. Bundled up, of course. The icebergs, sky, water and penguins beautiful. Each photo striking. Must be the play of the sun on the cold objects in the photos. Everything sharp and distinct.

They even went down in a submarine 400 feet. I’m impressed.

I will share some of the photos with you in the next few days. Need Sloan’s help in moving them over.

Fran and Tom visit Key West 3-4 times a year. Always stay at the Ocean Key House. Tom has a minor interest in Ocean Key. I believe their next Key West visit will be in February.

The 26th Key West Half Marathon & Runfest is scheduled for this sunday morning. Lori who has been cutting my hair for 25 years will be running in the event. The 13.1 mile jaunt no big deal for her. She has been a long distance runner for years.

Freezing cold in the Northwest and Northeast U.S., yet Key West has enjoyed 80 degree weather the past two days. Hope it continues.

Florida State Road A1A may soon be the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway. Runs 340 miles along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Florida may also soon provide specialty license plates with “Margaritaville” emblazed thereon.

A State Senate Committee approved both items wednesday. Both are expected to become law in due course. A fitting tribute to Jimmy Buffet, a man loved worldwide.

Last night an enjoyable one again. Dinner at Brady’s Irish Pub. Carola and pierogis. In addition to good company.

Chatted with Tammy and Rich again. Tammy a manager at A&B Lobster House, Rich a manager with Ed Swift’s trolley car operation. Together with Carola, we talked about the new Bob’s Restaurant on Margaret Street. For years prior thereto, the old Michael’s Restaurant. I was the only one who had attended so far. I loved it! Carola has plans to attend next weekend. Tammy tried to make reservations for St. Valentine’s Day. Too late already. Booked.

Met George. We talked for a long time.

George is a retired Coast Guard regular and reserve member. Twenty eight years. Following which he was a school teacher for a number of years. Now retired, he keeps busy doing paperwork for his son’s Rhode Island business and also crabbing in Key West waters. His wife Marge, who I did not meet, spends her time in what I suspect is an enjoyable past time, She does historical research.

I may run into George next week. He told me about some places I have never heard of which sound like fun. Can’t believe there are places I have not experienced in my 30 Key West years. But, there are.

Today, big! Syracuse/North Carolina at noon. North Carolina presently ranked #7 nationally. I will be watching the game at Jack Flats with Fred Klein, a fellow Syracuse graduate. Dan Riordan is in town for 2 months. A Syracuse die hard, also. Look forward to his joining me soon at some of the games.

Today’s podcast 5 years old. Involves Trump when he was President. Title: Mr. President, Have You No Conscience?

Doctors and hospitals have gone crazy complying with patient protection laws. They bend over backward to comply and protect. Pharmacists do not. A gaping loophole in federal healthcare regulations are permitting some leading drug store chains to turn over a customer’s most sensitive private healthcare information to law enforcement agencies. Without a warrant.

My message intended primarily for women. A warning, in effect. Drugs in any way even remotely involved with abortion and birth control are daily ending up in the hands of authorities. Prosecutors included if they want them. All eight of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains automatically turn over prescription records of thousands of Americans to law enforcement entities secretly. 

Women be aware! What you can do, I am not sure.

Trump has been ordered to pay the New York Times close to $400,000 for a frivolous lawsuit he brought. The actual amount $392,638.69 in legal fees for the New York Times and 3 of its writers stemming from a “frivolous” 2021 lawsuit that had already been dismissed.

Donald generally loses. Has he wakened to the fact it costs him money not only for his own attorneys (who he seems to rarely pay) and now the attorneys for those he sues?

Jesus has been called upon to be involved in the Iowa caucus monday. By a Trump supporter, who else? She is evangelist Patricia Lage who said she was calling on Jesus to lend a hand on monday. The weather forecast predicts an exceptionally cold monday. Like minus 20 degrees. Lage said, “I am declaring that it be warmer in Jesus’ name.”

What happened to people praying/hoping privately and in silence? Too much God publicly in politics today.

My closing topic involves something that has become increasingly bothersome to me. The ignorance of some Congressional persons. Those who speak knowingly about an issue where they have absolutely no knowledge of the law involved nor have taken the time to check the law first before speaking out on a matter of great concern.

I am motivated to comment based on statements made by some Democratic Congresspersons re Biden’s recent bombing of Houthi rebels in Yemen. Biden said the bombings “were to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce.” 

Note first that even prominent Republicans supported Biden’s decision. Senate Majority Leader McConnell and House Speaker Johnson  both supported Biden. If they were critical in any fashion, it was to say Biden should have so acted sooner. The term used was “long overdue.”

 Congressional bipartisan support was mixed. Those opposing said what the Democrats opposing had said. The bombings were an act of war and the Constitution requires Congressional approval first.

The Democrats ignorant lazy idiots all. The Republicans opposing playing politics.

The law is clear and supports Biden one hundred percent. Biden has authority under the War Powers Act, aka War Powers Resolution, passed by Congress in 1973. The Act requires the President to inform Congress within 48 hours of military action and requires the termination of military action within 60 days of its commencement if Congress has not officially declared war or authorized the military action. 

The Democrats critical of Biden embarrassed him for a brief moment. Following which they embarrassed themselves greatly. In addition, they should have supported their leader Biden in these dangerous tenuous times. A Trump he is not.

Enjoy your day!

Florida has pythons. In excess of one million and growing. Other invasive species, also. As the weather and other conditions are good for humans, so it is for certain species.

The next species to overcome Florida’s environment are expected to be monkeys. A surprise! But then who expected Burmese pythons. The “brand” name Lieurance, They are macaque monkeys. Popularly referred to as crab eating macaques.

One strain of macaque monkey already established in Florida is the Rhesus macaque which carries a deadly strain of herpes. Acquired from eating crabs. The crab eating macaque exists in significant numbers already in Florida because of the genius of Florida government which imported them for biological testing. 

How will the monkeys become a problem? Simple. Same way as the Burmese python did. They will escape from confinement. Either as a pet or in an aquarium. Moved out into society by a hurricane. Bingo! Spread all over and then propagate like crazy. The monkeys are very sexual. Their gestation period only 165 days.

Texas Governor Abbott says Texas isn’t shooting migrants because “the Biden administration would charge us with murder.”

What else would Abbott expect? Congratulations?

Girl scout season is upon us. Prices will be higher for the first time in years.

After my haircut and manicure yesterday, I decided to enjoy breakfast out. Went to I-Hop. Difficult though it may be to believe, Key West’s I-Hop breakfast is excellent and cheap. Their over 55 menu very reasonable.

It was the second time in a week I have done I-Hop for breakfast. A young fellow named Caesar has waited on me. Talented, efficient. He should find a position at a restaurant where the tabs and tips are higher.

I spent the rest of the day in. Tired for some reason.

It is already 75 degrees this morning. Temperature will soon rise to 80. Amazing! Yesterday was in the high 60’s. For a short while, 71. Crazy weather. Glad for the warm day.

Tonight will be Brady’s Irish Pub and Carola. Friday special Polish pierogis which I enjoy. I first had them in high school. My girl friend was Polish and her mother used to make them for me. When I became a lawyer, the mother became my client. She would bring me bags of home made pierogis. I refused to take money from her.

Today’s podcast 7 years old. A bit different. I would title it: Retirement Not Laying in the Sun Under a Palm Tree. Concerns a Blog TALK Radio Show I did back then.

Trump time. 

Trump did participate in his summation in the New York fraud case. A few minutes. Enough time to break court rules he had agreed to, insult the judge, defecate on others, proclaim his innocence, etc. All of which in my opinion did him no good. He had been warned by the judge in writing prior to receiving permission to speak and nevertheless did it “his way.” Frank Sinatra he is not. 

I sense Trump fears these court fights are losing battles. He now has decided to participate on a limited basis in his own designed fashion to save his ass. His “magic” will not serve him well in a court room.

Trump also announced he will attend the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial that is scheduled to begin next week. Trump said: “Yeah, I’m going to go to it and I’m going to explain I don’t know who the hell she is, I have no idea.”

I am not sure what his appearance or attempted testimony will accomplish. Trump did not testify at the first trial where he could have. A federal judge has already ruled in this second case that Trump defamed Carroll again as a matter of law. The only issue the jury will have to decide is damages. How much? The first case resulted in a $5 million verdict by the jury re sexual assault and defamation. 

Trump is trying to retry the first case where he could have and should have testified. He attended, but opted not to testify, to defend himself with his own words.

Trump’s problem is he refuses to play by the rules. Established legal rules. In all the cases he is involved in, he “makes his own rules.” Not the way to play. The rest of us play by the rules, so should he.

It is called “respect for the law.”

Another Trump issue involves abortion. Trump proudly said on FOX News this week that he took abortion rights away. He did it with the termination of Roe v. Wade. Suggesting his three appointees to the Supreme Court were responsible. He was correct! He should not be proud of it. Rather sad that he admittedly was part and parcel to destroying a vital part of women’s rights.

As a result, Trump will lose a significant number of female votes in November.

Now to Marjorie Taylor Greene.

She who has “humiliated many,” has been subjected to a major humiliation. Which, I think is good. Retribution of a sort for her ill used tongue.

Greene is a MAGA Queen. She has used her Congressperson status well in that regard.  Payback time arrived. She had a book signing for her recent book MTG: No one showed up for the book signing. “No one” means so few people.

It’s a tough life. What goes around, comes around!

I am off to my Monkey Smoothie fix. Nothing real monkey involved. I fear not the drink.

Enjoy your day!

Jim Jordan and his MAGA controlled Judiciary Committee have been defecating on the law by bringing all kinds of baseless hearings against Democrats, Biden, in support of Trump, etc.  Manhattan District Attorney Bragg has had enough. He has put his foot down and said no more. 

Bragg filed a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee for interference in Bragg’s criminal case against Donald Trump.

Proper action by Bragg in my opinion. Congressional MAGA Republicans think they can do whatever they want. The law does not work that way. Bragg’s federal lawsuit asks the Court to enjoin Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee from interfering with a New York State criminal action. 

Jordan and the Committee’s conduct from my perspective is unheard of. I believe Bragg’s move will be successful.

Chris Christie suspended his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination. Sad. I have watched Christie’s career over the years. He calls them as he sees them. Straight forward. I do not always agree with him. However do respect his honesty, boldness and frankness.

Christie has been on Trump’s ass throughout this campaign. Properly so. He considers Trump not the man for the job, “unfit” the term he uses. He is one of the few major Republicans to be so forthcoming.

Christie made a right on observation last night: “Anyone who is unwilling to say (Trump) is unfit to be Presidnet of the United States, is unfit themselves to be President of the United States.”

Today’s podcast is 6 years old. Title: Conquest, War, Famine and Death, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

Ron DeSantis has been lost along the way in the Republican Presidential Primary. His own doing. He is incompetent as well as a failed image of the Trump he tries to be. His book banning legislation has not served him well. It has turned out to be an all encompassing tool. One school district has banned the dictionary.

The Escambia County School District removed over 2,800 books from library shelves as they begin a review process to determine if they are “inappropriate” for students. Included were The American Heritage Children’s Dictionary, Webster’s Dictionary for Students, and the Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary.

Such crazies! Such waste of time and money!

I clearly recall my grammar school years were spent with a thick red dictionary by my side at home. I needed it and used it constantly. I have no recollection of ever having  learned a “dirty word or thought” from its use.

A significant day in Key West history. January 11, 1829. The four owners of the island of Key West, John Simonton, Pardon Greene, John Whitehead, and John Fleming, signed an agreement regarding the division of the island. They split the island in four equal parts.

This day in 2010 was the second coldest ever for the Keys. Key West was 42 degrees, Marathon 39, and Key Largo 35. I was here. I remember the day well.

My yesterday began with a Monkey Smoothie fix in the morning. Napped and watched a couple of old movies on the TV in the afternoon. 

Last night the best! Fred Klein has returned. I introduced him to Brady’s Irish Pub. Typical of most, it was the Italian chicken parmesan special he found appealing. He enjoyed the entire meal!

Fred fell in love with the place. He did disappoint me in one regard. He was more impressed with Brady’s than Carola.

We had a great time! Introduced him to Carola. of course. Then Tony and his wife Candy. Tony a fisherman by day. Candy at one time lived in Kingston, N.Y. We talked about snow in northern New York. She had a photo sent her a couple of days ago showing a friend’s home in Kingston buried in snow. We both agreed, better them than us. I do not care if I never see snow again.

Fred needs no one to introduce him. He is gregarious. Spoke to everyone around him.

Carola took a picture of us which I show here. Fred is a proud Syracuse graduate also. Note the shirt he wore last night. Fred will be joining me saturday at noon at Jack Flats for the North Carolina game.

Syracuse beat Boston College last night 69-59. A wild game! Syracuse led by 19 late in the first half. Boston College fought back to take the lead in the second half. Syracuse ended up winning the game on a 20-9 run.

Syracuse star Judah Mintz did not play. He was benched by Coach Adrian Autrey for a rule violation. He will play saturday against North Carolina, however.

The day ahead a bit busy for me. First my Monkey Smoothie fix. Then a haircut with Lori. Followed by a manicure with Tammy.

It’s a tough life!

Enjoy your day!

Some states still carry old crazy laws on their books.

New York has several: Public flirting is prohibited. A man on a street is prohibited from turning around and “looking at a woman in that way.” Adultery is a rarely enforced Class B misdemeanor in New York. It is also illegal in New York for a woman on a street to be wearing “body hugging clothing.”

Florida has a couple. It is illegal for a woman to fall asleep under a hair dryer. An unmarried woman cannot go parachuting on a Sunday. 

Indiana prohibits persons from going to the cinema or theater or ride in a public street car if they have eaten garlic within four hours. A kiss cannot be more than five minutes in Iowa. It is illegal to tickle a woman in Virginia. A man cannot purchase alcohol without the written consent of his wife in Pennsylvania.

Monday was busy for me.

Began with a visit to Dr. Norris to get the results of the multitude of tests I had recently taken. Everything started because of a pain for 3 weeks in my lower left side. Still have it 5 weeks later. Nothing showed up. More tests scheduled. 

Love when I get good results. Blood work ok. Blood pressure, also. 

One problem did appear. A new one. A large kidney stone in my right kidney. Too large to pass. Did not know I had the problem. No pain or other symptoms. Nevertheless in the interests of caution, I am on my way to a urologist to follow. Another CAT scan also scheduled to figure out why the pain in my lower left side.

Then to George at Zip Auto. An oil leak problem. Followed by lunch at Roostica. A while since I had been there.

Decided to go out Monday night. I had spent the weekend at home. Ended up at Antonia’s. Glad I went! Nicole bartending.

I had not seen Nicole since before COVID. She bartended part time at Antonia’s back then also. The one thing I especially recall re Nicole is that she was the first person to appear at my first book sale years ago. The first to buy a book of mine at such a sale. Before Nicole appeared, everyone else was selling their books. No one wanted mine till Nicole arrived. However by the end of the day, I had sold more than anyone else. Thrilled me!

Slowed down on Tuesday. Monday must have been too much for me. I only went out for a Monkey Smoothie fix at Date and Thyme in the morning. Otherwise remained in. Skipped The Grand in the evening.

The actual reason I skipped The Grand was my research and writing was on a roll. Writing I have found is like playing basketball in my younger days. When you had it, you were on a roll. Everything went in the basket. On an off day, nothing. Writing is the same. There are days when I seem blessed. I discover things to discuss in the blog. The words pour out smoothly. When not on a roll, it is hell! Nothing I discover researching turns me on. What I write is difficult. I have to revise and revise.

Yesterday was a “roll day.” The research and writing came easy. Flowed.  I did not want to stop and so continued into the evening.

It even extended to the early morning today. I woke at 3 for a bathroom break, then sat at the computer to check something. Everything working well. New items popping up. The words easy to write. Ergo, I have been at completing today’s blog since 3 am.

Later this morning, I will be at Date & Thyme for my Monkey Smoothie fix. Even Dr. Norris approves. Healthy, my friends. I feel energized! It’s the high protein content.

Tonight, Syracuse plays Boston College at 9. Too late for me. I am asleep generally by 9. Instead Fred Klein is joining me for the first time at Brady’s Irish Pub, I am confident he will enjoy Brady’s and Carola will have another loyal follower. 

Two items of local Keys interest.

On this day in 1861, the State of Florida seceded from the Union. Key West refused and remained under the control of federal authority for the entirety of the Civil War.

On this day in 1959, baseball great Ted Williams filed a Declaration of Domicile with the Clerk of the Court listing his address as Islamorada.

Today’s podcast 6-7 years old: Auschwitz Returns.

Trump continues his exaggerations and lies. The most resent is the cost of a gallon of gasoline. He claimed in the last day or two that gas was selling for $8 a gallon in parts of the U.S. Other parts, $5-7. His representation Fact Checked by everyone. Not a single gas station where fuel costs were that high. In fact, the most recent national average was $3.07 a gallon.

The man does not check, do his homework. He shoots from the hip. Comments off the top of his head.

No way he should be permitted to be President again!

Trump’s claim for immunity appears to have fallen on deaf ears before the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. on Tuesday. Following oral argument, Trump refused to rule out violence if the Appeals Court’s decision goes against him: “It’ll be bedlam in the country. It’s the opening of a Pandora’s box.”

Sound like encouraging lawlessness?

January 9th a day of unusual historical importance over the years. A few of the happenings.

The historical term “The die is cast” was born in 49 B.C. Spoken by Julius Caesar as he crossed the Rubicon.

Thomas Paine published “Common Sense.” The year 1776. Therein he advocated American independence. He was the Voice of the American Revolution.

Postal stamps come perforated today. Not always the case. Perforation first appeared in 1854. Prior thereto, a postal employee would cut the stamp(s) purchased with a scissor.

Remember “Where’s the beef?” Clara Peller asked the question for the first time in 1984 in a Wendy’s commercial.

The famous retired basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a noted blogger today. He presently is recovering from a fractured hip. In 1986, he scored his 34,000th career point. The record stood till this past year.

Lorena Bobbit achieved international fame in the early 1990’s when she cut off her husband’s penis after catching him cheating. Her trial began in 1994.

The Italian mobster show “The Sopranos” made its debut on TV in 1999.

Enough for today. Everything flowed.

Enjoy your day!

“God Made Trump.” A commercial. A video made commercial. A Donald Trump shared commercial.

Released on January 6, 2024 on Trump’s site Truth Social, it paints Trump as a “divinely chosen leader.” Depicted as an “instrument of God.”

Thank God! Thank you, God! Just what America needed and continues to need. A second Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ reincarnated. I bless myself and thank the Lord for making Donald. Where would our Nation be headed without him. His divine creation assures us we have nothing to fear. Even if he leads us in a path similar to that traveled by Adolph Hitler. Was Adolph divinely created as Trump is now asserted to be?

The video revealing Trump’s “divine creation” asserts: “On June 14, 1946, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.’  ‘So God gave us Trump.”’

Such is the video opening. It sets the tone for the entire video, framing Trump in a messianic light, as someone chosen by God.

Nothing happens around Trump without his knowledge, permission and consent. So it is safe to assume he is embracing this messianic message as part of his political persona. The narrative is a blend of grandiose claims and personal anecdotes, designed to elevate Trump’s image to mystical proportions. If true, he is in a sense Jesus Christ’s brother.

Trump knows and believes he was made by God, anointed by Him to lead. So believe Trump’s evangelical supporters.

I believe evangelical Christians without question are crazy. I believe without doubt Trump is crazy, also. He has to be crazy to believe he was divinely created to lead our country. If he succeeds in winning the Presidential election, he will march in step with the whacked Adolph Hitler. Concentration camps, persecutions, etc., will be his agenda.

Do not assume any words by me herein are in reality a belief in Trump’s divinity or other purported qualities. I am merely MOCKING HIM as he mocks so many others.

Note also that if Trump claimed he was divinely chosen to lead by the culprit who resides down under, I might believe the assertion. Perhaps if he was brother to Hades.

Trump is sick, vile, dangerous, evil, etc. A caring shepherd to his flock he is not. If he is elected, we will end up living a life of hell with him.

This whole idea of his divine creation is adulterated insanity that only Trump and his followers could construct. My concern is Trump probably believes it. 

Enjoy your day if you can after being bombarded with Trump’s shared message concerning his divine creation. Scary as all get out!

The Iowa Republican Primary is around the corner. Trump is covering the State with speeches. Properly so. He speaks with a forked tongue, however. Consistently. Knock and mock are his campaign tools. He is using them especially big time when referring to Biden. Typical crass remarks. The type he uses against everyone he disagrees with or wants to put down.

Donald is having a field day with his foul tongue. Friday evening he added Biden’s stuttering in a political speech. Accused Biden of excessive stuttering. Some 29 times when using the word democracy. Such did not occur. Not even once.

Wake up America! Do not let this perverted lying individual influence you. His reelection as President would be the worst thing that could happen to us.

He was at it again at a speech in Iowa saturday. What would he do if he did not have Iowa as a platform to spread his lies and despicable views?

In the saturday speech, Trump said the Civil War did not have to be. It could have been “negotiated.” Therefore, avoided. He was knocking Lincoln this time. No one is sacred as far as Trump is concerned.

Liz Cheney responded online by asking: “Which part of the Civil War could have been negotiated? The slavery part? The secession part? Whether Lincoln should have preserved the Union?”

Louis says too bad the Southern leaders are no longer alive. We could ask them. After all, they were the ones who decided to secede. Not the North.

Another “for shame” statement by Trump in Iowa involved John McCain. Trump is on a roll. He cannot leave the dead well alone. Trump said: “John McCain for some reason could have not got his arm up that day.” Referring to McCain’s thumb down vote in opposition to getting rid of Obamacare. He was also knocking McCain’s bum arm he received while a prisoner of war for 6 years.

I have to smile. Trump was able to avoid military service because he got a doctor’s report he had bone chips in his ankle or heel.

Another Trump Iowa hard to believe. He said in a speech saturday that January 6 was “patriotic and peaceful.” Not what I saw on TV. Not what you saw. Trump went on to call for the release of all January 6 rioters.

In another speech, Trump said the stock market was presently doing well because everyone knew he was going to win the election and because of “the fumes” coming in from when he was President.

Trump even commented re the physical rot in Washington, D.C. He said he was recently driving through the Capital and the deluge of paper and can garbage was obvious. He said it was there so long that it had “rotted” on the streets.

Another odd ball statement involved the effect he intimated immigrant children were having in our schools. So many immigrant children from different lands speaking their own languages and not English. No one knew what they were talking about. Further intimating it was affecting the educational process for American children.

So much for Trump.

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. I would title it Donald Trump…..King of Failure. 

Life changes. The world changes. Some interesting and eerie facts about the Middle Ages: People had no last names till 1066, archery was compulsory so that people were ready to fight in a war if necessary, cosmetics were lethal because they contained lead which when used frequently by women resulted in their early deaths, animals were criminally charged similar to humans which could result in their exile, imprisonment, and even death, eels could be used as a form of rent payment.

The cost of sugar is surging. Highest level since 2011. Cause: A lengthy dry spell in India and a drought in Thailand. Price increases in American sweets expected. Simple things like Oreos.

The weather outside is really frightful in the northeast. Twenty four inches of snow in some areas. New York State hard hit. A Northeaster.

A busy morning ahead. A visit with my primary care physician Dr. Norris to get the results of the several tests I took recently.

Never made it to breakfast yesterday. Spent the whole day and weekend in. Read, wrote, watched TV and napped.

Enjoy your day!

St. Distaff’s Day. Today. Celebrated in the UK and other European countries, though to a lesser degree than in previous centuries.

Strangely, there was no such person as St. Distaff. Never was, never will be.

A “distaff” is a tool used by women in the middle ages in “the process of spinning wool – or flax – into thread, which was the first step in making cloth.” The women were off for the Christmas holiday back then. Distaff Day came 12 days after Christmas when women returned to work.

It became a day for mischief for men who would have fun by setting fire to the women’s flax. The women retaliated by pouring water over the fires – and then the men!

Robert Herrick wrote a poem recording the event. The poem “St. Distaff’s Day.” A portion of the poem: “Partly work and partly play / Ye must on Saint Distaff’s Day:…. / If the maiden a-spinning go, / Scotch their packets, but beware / That ye singe no maiden’s hair; / Bring in pails of water, then, / Let the maids bewash the men.”

Herrick wrote a subsequent poem also. One most today have some degree of familiarity with. Herrick believed in enjoying life. In his day, all unmarried women were called virgins. Whether so or not. He offered them advice in his poem “To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time.” The poem’s opening line is most familiar to all: “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.”

Subsequent lines suggest the sun would rise and set, thereby stealing a woman of youth and warm blood. Herrick’s last stanza: “Then be not cry but use your timer, / And while ye may, go marry; / For having lost but once your prime, / You may forever tarry.”

All because of a day known as St. Distaff’s Day which was not referrable to a living person, but to a happy custom which was probably better.

Today’s podcast 6 years old. Forrest Gump’s “Stupid is as stupid does.”

 Trump can’t handle/oppose gun shootings.

There was a gun shooting in Iowa this past week. One student killed and seven wounded. Trump at an Iowa rally 36 hours following the shooting told his Iowa audience to “get over” the shooting. Trump was briefly sympathetic and followed up with the “get over it” thing.

Will he ever really oppose gun shootings? Will he ever take on the gun industry? He keeps blaming the Democrats, trans and the mentally ill. He’s the one who is mentally ill.

Step up to the plate, Donald!

Trump has “brass balls.” He now threatens the Supreme Court. He warns of “big trouble” as the Supreme Court agrees to hear the Colorado ballot case. “Big trouble” if the Supreme Court does not rule in his favor.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was recently hospitalized. He  and/or his staff failed to notify his bosses President Biden and the American people. The first 4 days of his hospitalization were spent in intensive care.

Not the way to run the business of government. An explanation is required.

Decided yesterday I had enough frolicking all week, Stayed in, except for an early morning stop at Date and Thyme for my Monkey Smoothie fix. I sense today will be the same, except for breakfast out. My body craves an egg, etc. breakfast. A once a week thing.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Long overdue! Longtime head of the National Rifle Association Wayne La Pierre resigned his leadership of the NRA yesterday. Days before the start of a New York civil trial that will scrutinize his leadership.

Whatever the reason for his resignation, it’s good! Great! Terrific! Unfortunate it did not occur years ago. The deaths of all the children and adults by guns weighs on his shoulders.

The weather finally broke. Hit 77 degrees yesterday. Unexpected. Hopefully the past 3 weeks have been our cold spell. Unless it is a long cold winter (unusual), a short 3-4 weeks of cold weather constitutes Key West’s winter.

The proposed Constitutional abortion amendment has reached the necessary number of signatures to put it on the ballot. The Florida Division of Elections has verified 910,946 petition signatures. Nearly 20,000 more than the required 891,523.

The U.S. Supreme Court has “awakened a sleeping giant” with its anti Roe v. Wade decision. People are coming out of the woodwork to restore abortion rights. This would not have occurred without the terrible Dobb’s decision.

Today is January 6. The day in 2021 when the insurrection on the Capitol occurred. Its ramifications not yet over. Not even close to being over. People remaining to be prosecuted include planners, perpetrators and others who supported the attack. Top people involved, like Donald Trump himself, have not yet been made to pay.

Why do Democrats keep knocking Biden? Do they want a Hitler type government? Overall, Biden is doing a great job. No one is perfect. Look at the December numbers for new jobs: 216,000. The unemployment rate continues to be low. Presently 3.7 percent.

Additionally, inflation is dipping. Gas prices in retreat. The national average for one gallon of gas yesterday was $3.09. It was below $3.00 at least twice in December.

Whatever Biden is doing is slow, but effective. He is not a bullshit artist like Trump who has a pattern of promising, most of which are never realized.

Today’s podcast some 7 years old. A fitting title Harry Truman and Key West.

Key West in the 1970’s! Nothing better. Two short films about those years will be shown at the Tropic Cinema in the next few days. I’m not sure and cannot figure out from the internet their names and what days the films will be shown. I suspect monday and tuesday. Will let you know when I know.

A European supermarket chain has stepped up to protect consumers’ interests. Carrefour, one of France’s biggest supermarket chains, will stop selling Pepsi Cola products because they have become too expensive. A clash between a major retailer and supplier over prices. Wow!

Carrefour’s stores are displaying a note along side Pepsi, Lay’s Chips, Quaker Cereals and Lipton Teas, as well as some other products, saying: “We are no longer selling this brand due to unacceptable price increases. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

Purgatory. A product of the medieval Latin Church beginning in the 12th century. Religious leaders at the time decided most people had sinned, though not sufficient to send them to Hell. A place was required where such persons could be “purified” before entering Heaven.

There is no mention of Purgatory in the Bible.

Thursday was a fun night at the new Bob’s on Margaret Restaurant. Jean, Joe and Louis had a good time as evidenced by a photo taken of us at the bar.

The battle is on! The election battle for the Presidency of the United States.

President Biden yesterday gave his first major general election speech. His attack on Trump a furious and stark one. The gloves are off. He made it clear that Trump’s reelection was a gigantic threat to American democracy.

Biden nailed Trump head on re January 6 three years ago. Properly blamed Trump and his supporters for the attack.

Biden stated: “Democracy is on the ballot. Your freedom is on the ballot.” He called Trump a “loser…..a person willing to sacrifice democracy to put himself in power.”

Go, Mr. President! Keep it up. America’s future, our future, lies in your hands.

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to take up the Colorado Trump disqualification case invoking the 14th Amendment. Oral argument has been scheduled for February 8. Such represents an “immediate review” of the issue.

Though better than nothing, I am uncomfortable. This Supreme Court is not one that operates by the book. Too political, I fear.

We shall see if the trend continues on an issue vital to the well being of our Nation.

Last night was Brady’s Irish Pub for me. Carola and the pierogi friday special.

Carola gave me a package of Irish chocolates. Love the woman!

Met an Ohio couple that have lived in Key West 3 years. Unfortunately, their names escape me. Old age! Anyhow, we had a lengthy conversation. Both are working at the same jobs in Key West that they did in Ohio. The husband is a school bus mechanic, the wife a school bus driver. They love Key West and their new life here!

Enjoy your day!

Great breakfast with Robert and Ally yesterday morning. Two whole hours at Date and Thyme. Nothing like an opportunity for an 88 year old grandfather to be with his 19 and 18 year old grandchildren. A learning process for each generation.

The two impress me no end. Both contribute heavily to their educations at FSU. Both worked this holiday season to make necessary bucks for the coming semester. Robert needed $1,200 to complete his tuition cost. Ally only $84. Both handle money differently. Does not mean either is a spendthrift. Rather, they approach paying their bills differently.

Robert has spent his Key West time the past two years working  at the restaurant next to the Green Parrot. Nothing fancy. A busy place however. Ally works as a hostess at The Reach. They each make different levels of money. Table waiting for Robert decidedly the more remunerative.

Be impressed by what I am about to share.

They both returned to Key West for the holidays December 9. They both were working within two hours, having made arrangements before returning to go to work.

Robert worked everyday, except for Christmas Eve. Ally a few days less.

Robert earned $3,200 in tips. Wow! Ally a bit over $1,000 hosting. She intends to be a waitress from this point forward.

Robert is exhausted. Can’t wait to return to school to rest.

Both had bank accounts with several thousand dollars salted away prior to this holiday. They handle money well.

Robert wants to do something special for himself. Feels he deserves it. He is going to buy a “good pair of shoes.”

Love the two! I am not worried about either.

Our conversation covered a multitude of items besides money. Their heads are in the right place.

Last night was a pleasure also. Dinner at the new Bob’s on Margaret Restaurant. So named. Located on Margaret Street. A winner!

The old Michael’s closed a couple of years ago. New owners. The same people who own Seven Fishes. They gutted the building and redid it entirely. The food was outstanding. I enjoyed an escargot appetizer and a rack of lamb. The desert was not to my liking, however. Can’t recall at the moment what it was. It is a class restaurant. Stands with the best on Duval and elsewhere in Key West in quality of the food and ambiance. And even better, though still expensive, about 25 percent less than those restaurants.

Try it. Guaranteed you will enjoy.

Suzette the bartender. She was bartender at the old Michael’s for years. Denny working the bar with her. I was with Jean and Joe Thornton. Suzette introduced us to Janice who was seated next to us. A pleasant woman. Sure we will run into her again.

The new Bob’s will be one of my spots going forward.

Staying with food, today’s podcast is 5 years old. Deals with one of then President Trump’s phony medical reports. Guaranteed you will enjoy!

Robert Frost: “In three words, I can sum up everything I have learned about life: It goes on.”

The Florida Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the abortion rights proposed amendment to the State Constitution on February 7. I hope the Court’s decision will not be a political one.

Nikki Haley knows how to handle Trump “when she wants to.” Which is not often enough. Trump has been increasing his attacks on her. She refers to them as “temper tantrums.”

Love it! She refers to Trump as the child he is.

Jesus’ existence as God a myth on the increase. Is nothing sacred?

Some are referring to Jesus more as having been a “man.” As God, less frequently.

Yellow fever was the COVID of Key West in 1899. In less than 3 months, 5,000 cases of yellow fever were reported.

The X-ray was reported to have been discovered in an article in an Austrian newspaper published this day in 1896. The article named William Roentgen as the discoverer of a type of radiation which came to be known as x-rays.

Henry Ford was progressive minded. On this day in 1914, he announced he was going to pay workers $5 for an 8 hour day, as opposed to $2.34 for a 9 hour day. In 1926, he reduced the 6 day work week to 5 days.

Ford’s brilliance was motivated by the fact he wanted his employees to have the money to buy the cars they were making and the time to enjoy them.

Trump unquestionably was an “economic pig” when it came to gutting taxpayers while Presidnet. An example his overcharging the Secret Service protecting him and his family members.

It has been revealed by a House Committee on Oversight and Reform that Trump’s properties charged rates far above government approved limits. In effect, prompting concerns that taxpayer funds were funneled into Trump’s private business interests.

Examples include Trump’s International Hotel in Washington charging taxpayers a $1,160 per room per night rate despite the government rate being $242. Another charge was $1,185 per room per night despite the government rate of $201.

Christofascists have become the heart of the MAGA movement. The 2024 election will be an historical one. The American people will be deciding whether to remain a flawed democracy or succumb to neofascism and autocracy modeled on Putin’s Russia or Orban’s Hungary with Donald Trump and his Republican fascist successors as dictators forever.

Such is the issue facing the American people in November. Pure and simple. Other considerations of no consequence.

Tonight, Grady’s Irish Pub. Carola and Pierogis.

Enjoy your day!

I have heat! 

Finally! What a difference a month makes. I began the process of ordering a new super duper heating unit a month ago. Took 3 weeks to get it. Reason: Shipped directly from China. Then a week to figure out how to use it. Seven years higher education was of no value.

Victory mine, however!

Elon Musk is not one of my favorite persons. However, perhaps I shall reconsider my feelings.

The reason my new heater I was finally able to use last night. With spectacular results!

It is tiny. The body itself plugs into an electric socket. Within moments , a room is totally heated.

I do not know the name of my unit. Not on it anywhere, nor the box it came in, nor the box shipped in directly from China. But, it is exactly the same in every respect as the one held on the internet this morning by Elon Musk. Musk in the article is described as its creator. The article calls it the Ultra Air Heater. The one pictured lacks any printed information on it, including its name.

All I know is it kept me warm all night. At the moment it is 61 degrees outside and I am writing this blog wearing only a tee shirt. A far cry from the past 3 weeks of being bundled in everything I could find.

I must give credit where credit is due. The new heater is tiny (size of 4 packs of cigarettes) and costs $39. Available via Amazon under many different names.

Key West weather 61 degrees at 7 am. No problem for me with the new heater. The high today will be 72. Low during the evening 64.

Today’s podcast China and Tampons. Tastefully done. Surprising. I did the podcast 6 years ago.

Syracuse lost to Duke last night by 20 points 86-66. It was Syracuse’s game in the first half. Duke came back strong in the second. Syracuse’s defense faltered dramatically in the second half.

Boston College next on wednesday January 10.

Drones are graduating. No longer will be used only for waging war. Beginning this year, we will have “delivery drones.” Reportedly will be “mainstream.”  Meals, prescriptions and household items at your doorstep in less than 30 minutes.. Imagine, no longer will a multi-ton vehicle be required to deliver a 5 pound package.

On this day in 1977, Apple Computer was incorporated in Cupertino, California, by Steve Jobs and 2 others.

Benito Mussolini asserted his right to “supreme power” this day in 1925, thereby effectively becoming Italy’s dictator.

Such did not occur overnight. Mussolini worked within the confines of the Italian constitution to accrue power, eroding democratic institutions until his movement gave way to his speech on January 3, 1925, before the Italian Parliament.

Sound familiar?

Today’s white Christian nationals are looking more and more like Nazis. Reflective of what our government will look like if Trump is reelected in 2024. The new government under Trump will make Hitler and Mussolini’s look like kid stuff. I “kid” you not.

A sign Florida voters want their say on abortion. Directly from them, not their legislators or courts. A group called Floridians Protecting Freedom has been collecting signatures to place a proposed Constitutional Amendment on the ballot in 2024.

Required are 891,523 valid signatures. Thus far 864,000 have been collected.

The way the issue should be decided! Of course, the State is opposing the move. Already Florida’s Attorney General has filed a court challenge regarding the wording of the summary that would appear on the ballot.

I never made it to the Grand last night. He who was to assist me with the last step in making the heater operational did not show up till after 4.  Tonight will be different. I have a need to get out. It will be Brady’s Irish Pub at 6:30 for me.

Enjoy your day!