Today is my birthday. Ninety one years old!

Interesting. Wild in a sense.

My body feels it. My mind not. My mind is as sharp today as it was years ago. I suspect the blog has kept me mentally alert.

My day will be as all others in recent years. Quiet. I may buy myself a special dinner this evening. Depends how I feel.

A portion of yesterday was spent with Corey and Robert. They were helping with the assemblage of the art work I acquired over the years. Both extremely helpful.

I am concerned about the pending heat wave that is supposed to hit Wednesday. A bad one on an already bad one!

How does Trump see his place in history? Comparable to historical greats. The most powerful men who ever existed. Including the bad guys. I suspect persons such as Attila the Hun, Caesar, Genghis Khan, Napoleon, Joseph Stalin, Adolph Hitler and Mao Tse Tung.

Power the key. As Trump recently said, power alone is not enough. Such a person must be willing to use it. Trump believes he is such a person as he is convinced he is willing to use power and has.

Ben Harrison’s latest musical wonder is around the corner.: Clouds Over the Sunshine Inn. July 14-18 at the Fringe Theater. Go! The worst thing that will happen is you will have a good time!

Interesting. In 2025, independent sellers on Amazon employed over 2 million people in the U.S. in the support of their businesses.

The Battle of Gettysburg ended on July 3, 1863. It was the most decisive battle of the Civil War.

George Washington took Command of the Continental Army on July 3, 1775. From there ultimately to first President of the United States. A long and dramatic career.

The Keys Publix Proposal adds 130,000 square feet to what presently exists. A City Commission is presently studying the Proposal. Area will be added for anchor tenants. However the plan does not contain any portion for residential housing. The Proposal in my opinion should not be approved unless it has some residential housing. Key West is desperate for housing.

Carmen Rodriguez has returned! She is singing at various locales about town. Visit one and sit down to an evening of pure joy listening to her sing. She is one of the best! 

George Washington, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were considered the most humorous of the Founding Fathers.

Venezuela had been warned its public housing towers might crumble in a quake. They did. Big time!

Enjoy your day! My day!

My cousin Maurice died two days ago. We had not talked in 19 years. He was two years younger than me. We grew up together, were close. He ended up living in Bowie, Maryland and I had settled in Key West.

We had an argument 19 years ago. The issues important to the both of us, but in the final analysis bullshit items. Nevertheless we never saw nor talked to each other for the past 19 years.

I cried instantaneously when told yesterday of his death. He has been in my mind since and the way we had drifted for 19 years. A waste! I am shedding tears as I share our relationship with you at this moment. Our separation a shame. The issues that we drifted over were not that important when reflected upon.

I missed the Washington fireworks and Trump’s speech last night. No way could I stay up that late for either. After having read this morning’s New York Times report re Trump’s address, I missed nothing. It was his usual deriding of others. This “communism” thing he should stop. He is creating an issue where there is none.

I found it interesting that over 400 “fascists” were permitted to march yesterday in Washington. Hitler’s people ok to Trump. Does not surprise me. He has read Hitler for years and I suspect admires him because he was a power person. Trump considers himself a power person.

Corey worked with me yesterday afternoon with my art collection. I am putting it together in hopes of selling some pieces. I acquired over 100 works in my lifetime. Roughly 50 are of value.

Yesterday, Pope Leo urged the U.S. to welcome, protect and assist immigrants. His message in effect that Trump should not treat immigrants as he does.

On Mount Rushmore, Trump moved from “patriotism” to “communism.” He’s playing an old game. Trying to make trouble.

He referred to his Democratic opponents as “evil communists.” Socialism and communism are not the same. Does not bother Trump, however.

Trump continues to believe his face should appear on Mount Rushmore. Difficult to understand. He in no fashion has traits consistent with those whose faces already appear.

While Trump, his family and friends make tons of money off the Crypto Coin, retail investors have lost $3.8 billion.

Today’s job market may be described a a “purgatory one.” For adults as well as recent college graduates.

The question has recently arisen as to what the cost is to take over Madison Square Garden for an event. The marriage of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce brought it to the forefront.

Rent alone is $600,000 to $800,000. For a 1,000 guest wedding with all the food, drink and frills, $10 to $12 million.

Had to be one hell of a wedding!

A stomach illness is spreading across the U.S. Cyclospena. More than 400 people have been infected in 18 states. It is caused by a parasite  which is transmitted through food and water contaminated with feces. It causes stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and severe diarrhea. No deaths have been reported yet. New York, Texas, Illinois and Michigan have the most cases.

The Abraham Lincoln penny entered circulation in 1909.

The first Farmer’s Almanac entered circulation in 1457 in Europe. It was first published in the colonies in 1639.This may be its last year. Publication is in September. The word is it will be no more thereafter.

There is always someone local who has fireworks and seems to blow them forever on July 4. Began a couple of blocks from me last night at 9. Ran loud for 2 hours.

What follows is interesting.

In 1776, Philadelphia was the largest city in the colonies. Thirty to forty thousand people. Some cobbled streets. Others dirt and gravel. Children dressed like miniature adults. Children’s clothes had not become common yet. By 1776, the Revolutionary War was almost one year old. Women fought in the war also. They were deeply involved in the day to day battles.

I expected that if there was to be a fireworks fire last night it would occur in Washington. I was wrong. One did occur in New York City, however. The Brooklyn Bridge. Caused by fireworks and garbage. Looked big time. It was not considered so. Nevertheless it did take 31 fire crews to put it out.

Robert and I will work on the art compilation again tomorrow. On my birthday unfortunately. However must do what has to be done when my help (Robert) is available.

Today will be a screw off Sunday for me. Not sure yet what it will amount to.

Enjoy your Sunday!

The opening passage to the Declaration of Independence. Adopted in the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, signed on August 2, 1776. Both wickedly warm days. No air conditioning, of course Men wearing heavy wool waist coats. Only open windows for air. Grossly insufficient. Nevertheless, the United States of America was born.

 I fear today may be a “tinderbox Fourth.” Trump has planned the biggest fireworks display ever. A combination of fireworks and heat could start a fire on Washington grounds. A possible calamity in the making.

It only takes one small spark landing in dry vegetation under the right conditions to start a fast moving wildfire.

If so, it would be another Trump faux pas.

The fireworks plan is it will take 40 minutes and be seen for a mile across Washington. It will launch from eight barges on the Potomac River, with additional sites running the length of the Reflective Pool. The poor Reflective Pool!

The size of the fireworks will probably set a Guinness world record. It could also spike the pollution previously mentioned in the form of soot and heavy metals. Nothing Trump does would surprise me.

Lets hope none of the bad things occur.

I have been fortunate to have experienced two July Fourth  events in Washington. I stood with the crowd on grounds near the Reflective Pool. Exciting! Singing and music preceded the fireworks.

Some are paying big dollars this year to view the fireworks, etc. Must be Donald’s friends. Tickets were sold to watch the activities from the Kennedy Center rooftop. The cost $25,000 for 36 persons. Who pockets the money? The U.S. government, the Kennedy Center or Trump himself?

New York City will have a special event for the Fourth. A parade of “tall ships.” Old time sailing vessels from 20 nations.

My oldest daughter Beth and her husband Marc live in Wellesley. A Boston suburb in effect. They are also boating fanatics. They own a large motor vessel which is parked in a marina about two blocks from the huge shopping center in downtown Boston. Many the night I have slept on board and was out on the water with them. Marc an expert large boat handler.

A couple of times the “tall ships” came into Boston Harbor on a U.S. holiday. We were out to greet and share time with them, of course. “We” included the whole world! I never saw so many boats!

They were exiting days. One that those in the New York area will experience today. Lucky them! That good!

Elsewhere throughout the U.S. many will enjoy cookouts with family and friends. Great eats and company!

Trump spoke at Mount Rushmore yesterday to honor Teddy Roosevelt. Recall how Trump has “intimated” he belongs on Mount Rushmore. In a pig’s eye! The last place he belongs!

Enjoy your Fourth! God bless our Nation! It will survive Trump! Hang in there!

Trump’s 250 Event and things surrounding it are falling apart at the seams. I will not recite them all. You read and hear about them every day.

There are two new, however.

One involves the Freedom 250 Stage. It collapsed during rehearsal. 

The other even worse from my perspective. The food at Trump’s Great American State Fair was virtually inedible. There were overwhelming complaints about the food offered for sale. The failure quality wise. Prices on the high side also. Bad food, high prices…..a great combination!

The Donald knows how to throw a party!

Hard to believe, but Abraham Lincoln could have sent a fax. Or, perhaps received one. Japan also had fax capability in the early 1860s.

The first fax came upon the scene in 1843.  It was in existence while Lincoln was practicing law in Illinois.

The fax was “commercialized” in 1863. Lincoln may have used it in his last years in the White House.

On July 2, 1964, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act into law. I consider Johnson one of our best Presidents. His Senate experience served him well as President.

Coca-Cola was originally called “Pemberton’s French Wine Cola. John Pemberton was a Civil War veteran who concocted the drink. At the time he was suffering from a saber wound and morphine addiction.

He formulated the “Pemberton drink” by copying the popular cocaine infused Vin Mariani wine that Popes and Presidents were drinking at the time. 

As Pemberton’s health decreased, Asa Candler stepped in and turned the company inro Coca-Cola in 1892.

I reported yesterday on the Texas nun ICE arrested. Further news reveals she is Black and has been a nun for 10 years. She did not have her papers on her, however. Nevertheless, ICE should not arrest the religious. Going a major step forward, ICE should arrest no one. They should be eliminated. A very unAmerican group!

Trump likes to do things in a big way. The fireworks at the White House on July 4 for example. The biggest ever. None in the past even compare. Over a 40 minutes time frame, 850,000 fireworks will be shot off. Figures out to be 354 every second. A real wow!

Hope it works that way! Most things Trump has worked on for the Fourth weekend have failed in one fashion or another.

Pope Leo XIV is having his problems. I give him credit, however. He is the boss and is running the Catholic Church as he believes it should be run. For years, the Papacy was intruded upon and tried to be run by power crazy wannabes. Those who wanted to exercise Papal authority. 

Under Leo, no more. 

A Church Society appointed four new bishops after Leo told them not to. Leo in effect has fired the Society and refused to recognize the bishops.

Congressional Republicans to a large degree support the high gasoline prices. They support Trump and the Iran War. Ergo, they have no choice but to support the elevated gasoline prices.

I suspect many will lose their seats in the midterm elections.

Euthanasia is legal in Canada. Since 2016. The law is called “Medical Assistance in Dying.” Requires the assistance of a trained medical practitioner who by law does it via injection.

Since 2016, 76,475 persons have died utilizing the law. The deaths represent 4.7 percent of all who died during that time.

New York City was hit by the heat wave yesterday. The temperature registered 100 degrees.

New York City has already projected to be “unhealthy” on Thursday. It is claimed the temperature will hit 111 degrees.

The heat wave has been ongoing in Europe for several weeks. It is causing Alp glaciers to melt. An uncommon occurrence. There is always ice at the top of the Alps!

I have spent many years in northern Italy and parts of France where the Alps are overwhelming and the glaciers in Summer remaining. Never hot enough for the Glaciers to melt.

My friend Anna had a home in northern Italy. It sat on the middle of the Alps. In Summer when the heat was horrible, we would leave her Novara home and go to the Alps accommodation. Cool!

What I share now I shall never forget. It was July 11 of some year 15 or 20 years ago. I rose at 7 and per my custom went out on the balcony to view the mountain and glaciers. What I saw blew my mind. Note again it was July 11. Everything was covered with snow! The balcony and the Alps all the way up to the glaciers. 

I could not believe it! Woke Anna immediately! She was surprised. A first for her also. She who had spent time in that house off and on for some 40 years.

Strange weather apparently does happen. By noon, the snow had all melted. I never saw it again in the Summer in all my trips to that house.

I reported yesterday that Trump’s earnings for 2025 based on his federal filing was $2.2 billion. A tidy sum!

I came across this morning Melania’s report. She did not do as well as husband Donald. Melania earnings were reported as a mere $17.3-18.2 million.

Poor Melania!

That’s it for today my friends.

Enjoy your day!

Will you marry me? Ho ho and a bottle of rum! However beware where the question is asked.

Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building this past week. The “needle.” The very top!

When they completed the climb, they unfurled a large black flag which appeared to be posted to an Instagram.

The couple Angela Nikolau age 33 and Ivan Beerkus age 32. They were arrested by police following the event.

Lovers! Beerkus proposed to Nikolau after reaching the top. The Instagram shows Beerkus getting down on one knee to propose.

Crazy! Stupid! Dangerous! No question, love is strange!

The Reflecting Pool might also be called “A Giant Duck Death Trap.”

The Pool’s present status is it is under “permanent repair.” So sayeth Trump. Trump further says the repair will come around July 4. Hope so! Doubtful, however. The National Park Service said in a court filing yesterday that it will “drain and repair the …..Reflective Pool after July Fourth celebrations…..conduct repairs, including assessing and repairing any damage to the lining.”

There is a Billionaires’ Vagina Club. Would you believe!

For women. High class monied ones. The physician specialist maintains her offices in the Silicon Valley. Whereas some doctors specialize in longevity, Dr. Sally Greenwald focuses on a woman’s “sexspan.”

Hers a booming business!

Putin faces increased pressure as Moscow is again attacked by drones.

When will the Russian people say they have had enough and dump Putin? Perhaps never. Fear a strange thing.

Russia’s death toll in the Ukraine War is 1.4 million. Ukraine has lost 600,000.

In most of the U.S., executions are a thing of the past. However, there is one State that has not slowed down. Executes at an increased pace. Our beloved Florida! Since January 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis has been signing death warrants at a record acceleration rate.

The number of Florida executions since that date is 32. In 2025 alone, Florida accounted for 40 percent of all executions in the U.S. A modern state record. Twenty seven in 2025, five thus far in 2026.

Does DeSantis and/or the people of Florida  have a “killing nature?” Something does not make sense here.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”

ICE arrested a nun walking to Church. A massive bipartisan eruption occurred. Democrats and Republicans alike. 

You don’t arrest a nun!

The nun was attired as one. White from the top of head to her toes. No way to determine she was other than a nun.

Sister Leticia Ugboaja was released several hours after her arrest in South Texas. 

ICE is clamping down. Recently has been significantly increasing the number of arrests it makes. In the past five days alone, arrests have shot to 10,000. Double the number of arrests it usually makes.

“Extreme heat” will build across the country beginning Wednesday. Key West in the area of the “extreme heat.” All we need! More extreme heat piled on the extreme heat we have been experiencing this past month.

Trump and family reaped vast financial rewards from a “meme coin” that generated losses for hundreds of thousand s of investors. Proving once again Trump and his people take care of themselves with little to no regard for others.

Venezuela is overwhelmed with thousands of dead bodies following the earthquakes. What can be done with them?

A seaport is turning into a temporary morgue. The bodies at the seaport are being moved into refrigerated containers in preparation for the possibility of mass burials. Deaths to date number 2,295. A miniscule number. Many many more yet to be found and buried. The number could be as high as 10,000. Burial bags have been ordered to cover that number.

Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh stressed the central bank could “deliver price stability.” A point he has emphasized repeatedly since taking over in May.

Warsh’s representations re anything are questionable. He is a recent appointment who was appointed by Trump. So they sing the same tune. More aptly stated, Warsh sings Trump’s tune.

Recall that Trump has consistently claimed inflation is not a problem. Trump has reiterated several times re inflation: “I love the inflation.”

U.S. prices have risen at a faster rate in the past 3 years. The May Consumer Price Index noted the 3 year high  was 4.2 percent. A wow!

Trump claims rising costs are a temporary energy driven side effect of the war against Iran and predicts prices will “come down like a rock” as soon as the conflict ends.

The war never seems to end. Prices will not come down as fast as they went up. They never do. Trump wrong again.

Bob Marley: “One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.”

The Tennessee Williams Museum is moving. July 5 it will close at its Truman Avenue location. It will reopen in the Fall at 604 Whitehead Street.

The two Key West Publix locations will soon be redeveloped. The Sears one has already begun. Big changes ahead for all stores in the Center. The Fay’s one under review by the City at the moment as to its proposed changes.

Though difficult to accomplish, I hope some rental units could be added. One or two floors would be a big help to our community.

Nurse Valerie visits me at noon today. Paige later in the day hopefully.

I have been receiving a number of calls and messages wishing me a Happy Birthday! The day is July 6. Yesterday a call from Jean Thornton and a message from Lynda and Bob Frechette. A few days ago a gift from Fran and Tom Dixon. Others I cannot recall at the moment. The mind gets a bit weaker each year. 

Thank you one and all.

Enjoy your day!

Victor Willis has died. At age 74. A musical giant during his time and that of his group The Village People. Willis was the oft helmeted police officer leading the Village People. He wrote “YMCA” and “Macho Man.”

Never to be forgotten.

A bottle of Coke had a “fixed price” for years. From 1886 to 1959. Five cents a bottle.

Obviously no Donald Trumps during those days!

The largest floating structure is a Shell offshore natural gas facility. Its length 1,601 feet.

A miniature prune plant tree is a major producer of fruit. One hundred fifty to three hundred pounds each year.

A strange piece of information. Coke cans sink in water. Diet Coke cans float. Why the difference? It has to do with “sugar” content. 

Regular Coke contains 39 grams of sugar whereas Diet Coke none. Diet Coke contains artificial sweetener. Artificial sweetener weighs much less than sugar. Ergo, lighter as a result of which the can of Diet Coke floats. 

McDonald’s Big Mac sells 1.5 million per day. Totals 550 million per year.

There was a time whales were facing extinction. So the U.S. Congress passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act in 1972 to save whales from extinction.

Assuming it were possible to walk to the moon, it would take 9 years.

There are an estimated 74 million fathers in the U.S. Of that number, 239,000 are stay at home dads.

The U.S. Mint produces tons of coins. Approximately 15 billion a year.

Canadian geese fly big time. Canadian geese can fly 1,500 miles per day. Wow!

The length of the Great Wall of China is 13,171 miles.

When you consider jean expense, understand it takes 1.5 pounds of clothe to make one pair.

Levi Strauss and Company’s income from jean products in 2025 was $6.3 billion.

The signing of the Declaration of Independence took place at the Pennsylvania State House. It was adopted on July 4, 1776 and officially signed on August 2, 1776. Both occurred in “the melting heat of a Philadelphia Summer.”

The Founding Fathers wore wool waistcoats and unclean clothing. Respectfully, they smelled. Open windows were not enough to deal with the body odors.

A dangerous heat will hit the U.S. around the holiday weekend. Temperatures in some areas will exceed 100 degrees.

The Tennessee Williams Museum is relocating to Whitehead Street.

Key West’s Key Lime Festival returns. July 1-5. Enjoy Key West’s native pie during those days!

A bit of the Trump. Only a bit. He warrants nothing more.

The Reflective Pool continues to be embarrassing. Only for Trump. His baby! He planned it. Trump is having a hell of a time trying to keep it “blue” and lacking in green algae.

Donald’s screw up.

I doubt it will be cured and ready for July 4.

It is reported the Trump family pulled in at least $2 billion in 2025. The White House a money maker for the Trump family. 

Conflicts of interest have always been prohibited. Not for Donald and his children, however!

Enough of Donald for today. He deserves no more.

Some Louis.

I was watching an old movie yesterday afternoon. Starred Gene Tierney. A lovely! An equally great actress. She was born 1920 and died 1991. Her life not easy. She had to deal with emotional problems.

I met her several times in Cooperstown, N.Y. at parties catered by Walter Rich at his Cooperstown home. Rich owned the Cooperstown & Susquehanna Valley Railroad which ran through Cooperstown. Tierney was a guest at Rich’s Cooperstown home. In addition to being a beauty and movie star, she was charming and kind. I considered my time with her special.

Last night, The Grand. Enjoyed Steve and Cindy. Ellen showed up for a while. A lovely person. Matt his usual kind self.

Steve and I ordered the broiled snapper. Blackened and buried in a white cream sauce scattered with tiny shrimp. Unusually good. A meal to die for!

Then home and early to bed. Slept fairly well.

Before falling to sleep, telephoned my dear friends Fran and Tom in Buffalo. Great people! There should be more like them!

A screw off day ahead for me. I have nothing to do.

Enjoy your day!

My 91st birthday is July 6. Received a gift today from my dear friends Fran and Tom Dixon together with a lengthy handwritten and warm card. One line especially moved me: “At 91, you have become a classic…..and classics only increase value.”

Love them both!

Greece. Love the country! I am in a loving mood this morning.

I have spent extended periods on different Greek islands over the years. First stop always the mainland and Athens. 

Greece is and has been for years repairing the Parthenon. I have visited the Parthenon twice. A difficult trip up the hill. Well worth it, however.

The most restoration has been to the Parthenon’s western facade. Takes visitors back centuries. An emotional experience.

George Washington dictated and signed a letter in 1781 formally accepting the British surrender at Yorktown. In it he wrote of an “ardent desire to spare the further effusion of blood.”

The letter is presently being displayed for the first time in London.

Was Robin Hood for real? I am not sure. However this morning I came across a news piece in the Smithsonian Magazine. It read: “Major Oak, the 1,200 year old tree mentioned in the Robin Hood Legend is presumed dead after failing to produce leaves.” The claim is Robin Hood used the massive tree as a hideout while escaping from the Sheriff of Nottingham.

You can now see Betsy Ross’ sewing table in Philadelphia. Her Great-great-great-great Grandson made the “sewing table” available for viewing for Flag Day. It is believed Betsy Ross created the first American flag at the sewing table.

Attila the Hun was not a nice guy. He is considered one of the most fear-inducing figures in history. 

Attila was ready to sack Rome in 452 CE. Upon his arrival, Pope Leo I, also known as Pope Leo the Great, met with him. Following their talk, Attila withdrew from Rome. He never invaded Rome. 

Pope Leo is given credit for the withdrawal.

Julius Caesar spread Rome’s influence throughout Europe. Europe at the time consisted of France, Belgium and parts of Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands. Caesar’s conquests added not only a substantial amount of land to Rome’s holdings, but also great wealth.

Sloptopia. A relatively new word. Beginning to pop up. It is intended to follow the end point of the human internet. It represents a new language using glyphs. I find it confusing, other than the little I have just shared. But it’s on its way!

Social Security needs a fix. Congress must be open about it. Many Americans depend on Social Security. For many, it is their sole source of income.

Re vaccines, we all should be concerned about children being in school without measles, mumps, polio, and chicken pox. Vaccines the only way to guarantee it. Vaccines have worked for decades.  Now Trump and the inept Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are screwing things up.

Key Plaza, home to one of Key West’s two Publix Super Markets, will be undergoing a six month City of Key West review to determine if a major renovation is feasible. A big deal. A major study. Important! Especially as far as additional housing is concerned.

Key West’s heat is the hottest I have experienced in my 30 years here. I ride in my car to keep cool. We have also been advised to beware of July 4th. An additional heat wave expected on top of the one we are presently experiencing.

The present U.S. Supreme Court is and has been a detriment to effective government. Republicans control the Court six votes to three. The result is too many Trump favorable decisions.

Victor Hovland beat Scotty Scheffler in the Traveler’s playoff yesterday. It only took one hole.

No Trump today. It’s the same bullshit.

Corey spent some time with me last night. Setting up the air cooler I bought and bringing me a huge fan he does not need at his home. Cooled things down big time!

Tonight, The Grand for me. They have a terrific Happy Hour! The people as good as the food.

Enjoy your day!

Mel Fisher was a California chicken farmer who ultimately discovered off Key West the $400 million shipwreck the Nuestra Senora de Atocha.

Struck gold, etc.!

Fisher’s career took a winding path to Key West and fortune. He spent his childhood and university years in Indiana Then a stint in the U.S. Army. Followed by the time in California where he worked on his parents’ chicken farm.

By the 1960s, Fisher was immersed in the world of shipwreck hunting and had become fixated on finding the Atocha. A Spanish galleon that sank off the Florida Keys in 1622.

In 1985, it paid off. He found a significant portion of the long lost ship. The ship contained gold, silver, jewels, and other artifacts worth about $400 million. Made Fisher a for real millionaire!

Fisher now long dead. There was a time when he lived in Key Haven where I did. I never met him. However my son in law Corey Malcom knew him and worked under Fisher when Fisher headed the Board of the Mel Fisher Museum. Some others still alive who also knew him are Steve and Cindy Thompson. They were Chart Room friends. The Pier House hangout that many drank at every day for years. 

Then also is the beloved Jean Thornton. She got to dive off Fisher’s boat after he had made his discovery. She found some gold and other items. Provided her with an additional wealth which she has yet to run out off. Jean and husband Joe travel often. The best of trips. I jokingly like to say that whenever they go anywhere, Jean dips into her “gold cache” to finance the trip.

Mel Fisher’s name and accomplishment will forever be an integral part of Key West lore. He did it big time!

The Reflecting Pool not better yet. However Trump and his people say it is getting there. Healing well!

Time will tell. I find it difficult to believe anything Trump or his people say.

The Iran War. A cease fire in effect yet they keep shooting at each other. The most recent word by the Trump people is that an accord has been reached. Iran in typical fashion says nothing. Lets see what tomorrow or the next day brings.

Venezuela needs our help. Speak up Donald! What is the U.S. position to be re assistance. The number of dead exceeds 1,400. The number missing even worse. Estimated at 50,000.

Trump involved through his sons in a billion dollar mining deal. Also so involved is U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick and his two sons. The contract involves the U.S. and Kazakhstan where the mine is located. Tungsten the product. There are other American investors also.

Ahead of the deal, the Trump Administration approved preliminary applications for as much as $1.6 billion in federal funding for the American company, now called Kaz Resources.

First it was Trump and Lutnick who were negotiating the deal. Their sons got into it and continued the negotiations. A PATTERN OF SELF-ENRICHMENT IN THE SECOND TRUMP ADMINISTRATION THAT HAS FEW PRECEDENTS IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

Moving on to non-Trump matters.

Thomas Jefferson was a pasta fanatic. In 1812, Jefferson served “macaroni pie” at a State Dinner. Italian pasta “inspired” him.

I do not eat Chef Boyardee pasta. Do not enjoy it. However there was a time during World War II when it was popular. The Company made 250,000 cans a day. The pasta was a massive supplier to Allied military troops.

Not sure they liked it. But, they ate it!

The brands creator, Hector Boiardi, was awarded the prestigious Gold Star for his pasta contribution to the war effort.

On January 27, 1950, President Truman ordered U.S. forces to Korea.

A hurricane may be forming off the southeastern mid Florida coast. We will not know for several days. If it does develop, the word is it will be a weak one. Whatever happens, heavy rainfall expected for Central Florida next week.

Thomas Jefferson: “The Earth belongs to the living, not to the dead.”

Jefferson wrote the preceding passage in a letter to James Madison in 1789. His position was no generation had the right to bind future generations to its lore or debts. Jefferson believed that laws should expire every 19 to 20 years so that the living always govern themselves.

Another Ben Harrison hit! “Clouds Over the Sunshine Inn.” July 14 to July 18 at the Fringe Theater. Ben describes his work as a “delicious musical!”

Rats, leaks and broken elevators. Repairing breakage plagues federal buildings. Trump alone cannot be blamed. Correction of defects now in the $50 billion area. The problem lies with Congress. Acquiring the funds to do the job a laborious project and no one wants to spend the time.

Biden refers to Trump as “a loser” referring to the Reflective Pool and other projects.

A manicure at 11. Followed by lunch somewhere. At some point today must also grocery shop a bit. Cupboard bare again. Hate grocery shopping. Costs too much money even for one person!

Enjoy your day!

Interesting pieces of information.

We begin with Benjamin Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin was the Founding Father with the best sense of humor. Found a funny aspect to everything. One of his most famous comic pieces was “Fart Proudly,” which he wrote while living in France. The writing was a satirical proposal encouraging scientists to find a way to make human flatulence smell pleasant.

President Trump should read it. 

Medieval feasts contained plenty of roasted meat. However, turkey was not on the menu. Turkey did not arrive in Europe till after the Middle Ages. The turkey source to Europe was from Central Asia and Russia.

President James Buchanan had a nickname: “Ten-Cent Jimmy.” He was a cheapo. When running for Senator from Pennsylvania in the early 1840s, he advocated for laborers to receive a pittance of just 10 cents for one day of hard work. The miserly label was revived when he ran for President in 1856. Even made it into a song his opponent John Fremont and supporters sang. Nevertheless, el cheapo Buchanan won the election. 

Interestingly, Buchanan is ranked as the “worst President the U.S. ever had.” He will soon lose the distinction. No question. He will be replaced by Donald Trump.

Deaths in the Venezuela earthquake have now exceeded 1,400.

After the U.S. military victory in Venezuela, Trump claimed he would be running Venezuela. He has already taken barrels of oil out of Venezuela. My question is whether Trump will now provide the assistance Venezuela requires to extricate itself from the earthquake disaster? I think Trump will back away and do little.

New York City’s Aqueduct Racetrack is closing after 132 years. It is New York City’s last remaining racetrack. Last renovated in the 1950s.

Off track betting hurt attendance. In the early 1970s, New York City introduced off track betting. Betters never had to set foot at the racetrack thereafter. New York City had six racetracks in the early 1900s.

Aqueduct is one on the oldest thoroughbred tracks in the U.S.

“Defy Bra makes it look like I’m wearing a proper bra but feels like I’m not wearing a bra at all.” So sayeth a woman with big breasts writing about Defy Bras. No hooks, boning, metal clasps, or adjustable straps. No architectural components that typically make up a bra.

Would you believe? A new study finds people who eat onions have better long term health. 

Raphael is showing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One hundred seventy one of his works. His art has been described as “sublime poetry.” He the “Prince of Painters.”

More than 50 years ago when I was constantly in New York City working, I would view such an exhibit. Several times to make sure I absorbed it all. Unfortunately as regards art, my life is different today. Key West however has significant artists and galleries that compensate for my New York City losses.

Trump celebrates everything as a “success” or a “victory.” Like the Iran War. The U.S. has not won. Trump knows it and just wants to get out of a disaster he got us into. However, he still claims the U.S. has won the War.

Hostilities continue for the third day over the Strait of Hormuz. What kind of a ceasefire/end of hostilities is that?

It is getting cooler. However, still hot! Today projected in the low 80s as opposed to the high 80s and low 90s it has been on a constant basis recently.

No question about it. There is a grocery price emergency in America.

The Ukraine is doing well against Russia. The Ukraine is stepping up its long range strikes. Putin is hurting. The Russian people suffering. They are experiencing a fuel shortage and a steep drop in their stock market.

New York City was once known as New Amsterdam. Back in 1664. Its population at the time 2,000. In 2024 and now known as New York City, its population was off the wall!

There was a time in 1673 when New York City was briefly under the control of the Netherlands. It was named New Orange during that brief period after Netherlands leader William of Orange.

Andover is a boarding school. Obviously for children of the rich. In the 2024-2025 school year, tuition was $73, 780.

The Gettysburg Address is a mere 272 words. Proving verbosity not required to make a point.

FAX machines are still in wide use, though we rarely see them. Their use is in the health care industry which uses them to convey patient medical information.

There are 132 rooms in the White House,

A young Julius Caesar was once kidnapped by pirates. The year 75 BCE. His ransom was 50 talents. A ton of money at the time. Nevertheless Caesar was ransomed. He returned, fought and captured those who had held him captive. Following which he executed every one of them.

I began with Benjamin Franklin and end with Benjamin Franklin.

The first official U.S. coin was minted in 1787. Its design inspired by Benjamin Franklin and was named the Fugio Cent. Below the image on the front side were the words “Mind your business.” Its author Benjamin Franklin. Only he could have been that humorous.

That same Fugio Cent, minted from the first batch, sold at auction in 2015 for $94,000.

Enjoy your Sunday!

One of the most reported thefts ever is da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” from the Louvre Museum in 1911. Shocked the art world!

The theft was pure simplicity. Vincent Peruggia the thief. Not a criminal per se. A painter and decorator. He had occasionally worked in the Louvre so it was a familiar place to him and his face was known.

On the evening of August 20, 1911, he walked into the Louvre near closing time. He was wearing working clothes. He went to a closet he was familiar with. There he hid himself for the evening. 

In the morning just after the Louvre had opened and there were few people therein, he left the closet and walked to where the Mona Lisa hung. He took it to another hidden area where he removed the art piece from its frame. He then took the painting and hid it beneath the overalls he was wearing. And walked out of the Louvre undetected!

He immediately went to his simple abode. There he lived with the Mona Lisa for two years. Never tried to sell it. He wanted it to merely enjoy its beauty.

There is more to the theft story involving other persons. I plan on spreading the tale over time. A bit every now and then. A particular aspect of the theft each time.

One of the interesting features will be Pablo Picasso. The police did not initially suspect Peruggia. The primary suspect was the famous artist Pablo Picasso. Would you believe?

Dirty politics at play. Pete Buttigieg was separated from seeing his 4 year old twin sons for 24 hours as the police investigated a false report to Child Protective Service. State police confirmed they found the report unfounded.

Those responsible for the false report should be prosecuted to the ultimate. The scenario sick.

The great beautiful actress and singer Ann Blyth has died. She was 98. She starred in such movies as Mildred Pierce for which she received an Academy Award nomination, The Great Caruso, Brute Force, Thunder on the Hill, Murder She wrote, Kissed, The Student Prince, The Buster Keaton Story, Slander, and many more. I especially enjoyed her in Mildred Pierce, The Great Caruso, and The Student Prince. 

Vance compares himself to Nixon. He would. They perhaps are the same in many ways. To me, it sounds like Vance placed a cord around his neck by making the comparison.

Vance is a difficult person to understand. Even Trump is down on him in many ways.

Saks has emerged from Bankruptcy. Its plan is to focus on luxury shopping and services. High end department store shopping!

Today will be cooler in Key West. The projected high 85 degrees. Still a killer!

Cuba continues to be in severe crisis. Trump this past week pushing it to horrible by sanctions he imposed this past Tuesday. The country is reported to be on the brink of “humanitarian catastrophe.”

Donald has a tendency to hit and hurt small countries when they are down. He is a bully type in that regard.

Africa’s Ebola outbreak continues. Ever growing. Could be the biggest Ebola outbreak ever. God forbid it reaches our shores!

Two employment types that no longer exist. Telephone switchboard operators and milkmen.

I recall both clearly. From my youth and early adult days.

The telephone company building had several floors of row after row of telephone operators. I did some legal work for the telephone company in Utica and was familiar with the situation. Most if not all were women. A huge building to house them. 

I am very familiar with the milkman position. I was one when I went to law school. It was one way of financing my education.

I rose at 3:45 each morning. By 5 a.m. I had been to the dairy and had my milk truck loaded and iced. Delivered till just after 8 a.m. I could carry five full milk bottles in one hand. Ran up and down driveways. Recovered empties. Then hurried home to shower and dress for law school. I was sitting in my first class at 9 a,m.

Today is Mango Fest Key West Day. To be celebrated from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Bayview Park. It will include food and music as well as special mango related items. Go and enjoy!

I have a ton of Trump matters to write about. Boring and sick. I am saving some for tomorrow. As bad as his news items are, Trump is still President and it is our country he is screwing up.

Paige is a female physiotherapist who helped me to walk again two years ago. She only got me half way. I still slouch and need a cane.

I finally got her back! I cannot tell you how thrilled I am! I am confident she will get me the other 50 percent so I walk tall and straight and hopefully do not need a cane. She gave me four new exercises. We walked a bit. She tired me, however. Success will take at last 6 months. Ok by me. I just want to walk like other people.

Paige will visit with me once a week.

Enjoy your day!