I began feeling down last week. Everything bothering me. Except, I I did not know. Dr. Norris, Lisa and Corey had to make me aware. And I fought them for a few days. Stupidly refused to go to the hospital. 

I was admitted friday night and released yesterday.

I honestly believe had I not been hospitalized, I would not be here today. I WAS SICK!

A brief run down of my symptoms. Gout. Big time. Whole leg. Both legs. My ankles a mess. Ankle bones sore. If touched, the pain was instantaneous and extreme. Exhaustion. Back pain. Hallucinations like you would not believe. I was talking like a nut. Had not slept in days.

For me the scariest was when I woke in the hospital one morning and had double vision which then moved to triple vision. The episode last 4 hours.

The overall concern was a stroke . A new blood clot in my system. It was also believed I had some sort of virus in my system.

I am still not perfect. I believe I was prematurely released. Both legs had corrected themselves, but two days ago my right ankle and leg to the knee blew up again. Big time with big pain. Also my temperature went up 30-40 points. Nevertheless the hospital determined I was better off at home for the remainder of my recovery rather than continued hospital confinement.

The symptoms remain the same today. Home care is on the the way.

Two observations. At 90, I am an expert in hospitalizations. The Key West Hospital has improved tremendously. The care unbelievable. On top of that another unbelievable, the food was outstanding! I have never eaten hospital food that good!

Also, Dr. Norris is the best of the best. An excellent caregiver!

I could have died. The suggestion in the air.

Enough.

Watched Pat Bondi yesterday. Our Attorney General. A liar, insulter, etc. We are not in good hands with her.

The Egyptian talks hopeful of leading to some sort of Israel/Hamas peace is not going to happen. Trump gets things going. Other nations enter into talks to accommodate his pushing. Then, nothing. In spite of the ongoing favorable, I believe another nothing is in the making.

Watched MSNBC from the hospital bed yesterday. A guest was an Israeli man who had been captured by Hamas initially and kept prisoner for 500 days before released. His wife and two daughters also. They died, however.

I cannot recall his name. He wrote a book titled Hostage which was released yesterday. His rendition of the facts concerning his capture, etc. sad. I cried.

Six former Surgeon Generals: “It’s our duty to warn the nation about RFK Jr.”

Germans have begun to eat pudding with forks. It appears the trend is going global. Crossing the Atlantic.

Country singer Zach Bryan warns in a new song ICE will “bust down your door.”

Price tags on goods to be purchased not a forever thing. Originated in the 1870s. Prior thereto, haggling the way business was done.

This day in 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began. In a barn. Took buildings down for two days. Three hundred killed. Property damage $4 billion dollars in today money.

Increased U.S. flight delays every day because of government shut down.

“Cats” debuted on Broadway this day in 1982. I saw it. Andrew Lloyd Weber, musical composer of “Cats” said in an interview: “You’re the luckiest person in the world if you know what u really want to do…..and you’re the luckiest person in the world if you can make a living out of it.”

My friends, I am glad I am here and able to write this blog. There were a few times this week I questioned “next” in my life, if any thing.

Enjoy your day!

Achtung is the correct spelling of the German word meaning “attention” or “caution.” Similar to “watch out” or “beware” in English. Due to misspelling over many years, it is generally spelled “actung.”

I bring the word to your attention because of the meeting Trump and Hegseth had with Generals, Admirals and certain non-commissioned officers yesterday at Quantico. Gave me the feeling our Nation is continuing to move in the wrong direction.

Hegseth called for the meeting. Such required U.S. miliary hierarchy to travel from all over the world to attend. Hegseth also invited Trump. Leads me to suspect the meeting was Trump’s idea in the first place.

Hegseth and Trump both spoke.

The meeting a mockery of our military from my perspective. I suspect the purpose of the meeting was to change and exercise firmer control over the military. Trump began by touting his political agenda which we have all heard many times before. It was followed by an audience silence. Trumped laughed and told them it was ok to react, to applaud and if hey did not perhaps be out of a job. His comments best described “control ones.”

Overall, the summit was a politically charged one. Not really one a government and the military should be having. Reflected Hitler type meetings beginning in the 1930s.

Hegsmith began by spelling out the new standards that were being imposed onto the military hierarchy. Fat generals were no longer permitted. He spelled out physical standards for troops also. Soldiering was going to be tougher. No beardos and no war. Those who failed to meet them would be out. Including Generals and Admirals.

Then swiftly the ball was passed to Trump.

It only took few words for me to feel uncomfortable about our President. I began to think he was not properly dressed. His words this year have taken on what could be viewed as stronger, more dangerous and scarry. Perhaps he was not properly dressed for the occasion. I began today’s blog with “achtung.” To remind people of the historical Hitler. First a politician. Civilian clothing clad. Then moved into a sort of unform by wearing a beige shirt. And other uniform type items. His supporters followed suit. Finally in 1939, Hitler clad himself in a field gray military uniform. As did his followers. Purpose without question to spell out he was “Commander in Chief.”

Is this the direction Trump is moving?

The first 44 minutes of Trump’s speech were generally the same bullshit he has been spouting. Biden, antigen, media, tariffs, border, his restaurant visit, no Nobel prize. Then the blow of blows in his 44th minute: We should use “some of thee dangerous cities as training grounds for our military.” God forbid! Never! Not at all!

He also exclaimed the value of the battleships of yesterday. The B-2 bombers also. He mentioned how he thinks often of the World War II TV show “Veterans at Sea.”

We cannot win today’s wars with yesterday’s miliary equipment. If we could, we would still be using them.

Re Trump’s words, George Wills afterwards said: “America’s can do spirit needs liberation from can’t do regulation.”

Lawrence O’Donnell: “Trump on the verge of outright insanity in a deranged speech to military commanders.” Not a commander in chief, “a “Disaster in Chief.” He further described Trump  a “clown.”

Yesterday a busy one. Recently had my annual physical with Dr. Norris. I have residual symptoms from the recent abdominal bleed and previous falls. Spent yesterday scheduling new appointments. One for tomorrow, both at the same place. Two Cat scans. One of the brain, the other my right arm. A neurological exam on friday. I am sure there will be more down the road.

Last night, The Grand with Steve, Cindy and Matt. Enjoyed fried calamari.

Tonight the wednesday night lasgna special at Brady’s Irish Pub, plus the good company of Carolla.

You can tell I am Italian at heart by the food I eat.

Syracuse will be tested again satuday. Plays SMU at SMU at 4:30. Brady’s also has an excellent prime rib dinner saturday’s at 5. It will be a good evening, especially if Syracuse wins. I don’t know.

Enjoy your day!

No blog yesterday. My annual physical with Dr. Norris ate up most of my time and left me exhausted afterwards.

It turned out to be a close Ryder Cup. At the end of the first day’s play, Europe’s lead a large one 11.5-4.5. What a difference Sunday made! The U.S. came back big time. Lost by only 2 points 15-13.

A valiant U.S. effort.

Play was abusive. By the fans. Especially towards McIlroy and his wife. Language and behavior.

Golf is a gentleman’s game. Fans should conduct themselves in a similar fashion. 

Lyndon Johnson was a comedian of sorts. He had an automobile transfixed into an amphibious vehicle. Drove on land and water. He pranked people with it. Told unaware passengers his brakes had failed and drove the car into a lake. Thoroughly scarring his passengers.

The New York Times reported Key West weather would have a “hot index” today of 104 degrees. Dangerous, even though the actual high will only be 7.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has ended his reelection bid. He was too far behind several other contenders.

I decided to change my breakfast restaurant of choice yesterday It has been Goldman’s for years. Its food good quality. However the food could be better, the help more courteous, and the seating improved. I generally breakfast alone. Sick of being limited to a small table, even when the place is half empty.

Opted to return to I-Hop yesterday. Guess what? Permanently closed. I was surprised. So it became Denny’s. I had a large booth. The eggs extra large. the potatoes outstanding. The breakfast called a $5 Smash. The toast left something to be desired. Redmond’s toast excellent in comparison.

Later in the day I enjoyed a healthy Smoothie at Date and Thyme.

Is Netanyahu going to make it possible for Trump to be awarded the Noble Peace Prize? Trump, note not Netanyahu, announced yesterday a peace plan was in place involving Israel and Gaza. Not firm yet, however.

I will believe it when I see it.

Both purportedly behind the plan authoritarian figures whose words often fail to materialize.

It appears the U.S. government will shut down at 12:01 am wednesday.

Major League Baseball announced robot umpires will be used in professional baseball beginning next season.

Trump’s plan to send troops to Portland remains riddled with uncertainties. It may never get off the ground.

Dolly Parton has “health challenges.” They are forcing a delay to her Vegas concerts till 2026.

Tropical storm Imelda heading for southeast U.S. today. Supposedly will not reach land. It is expected to turn sharply northeast this later this afternoon. 

Let’s hope so.

Expect heavy rain this afternoon, however.

It is 8:20 this morning. Still pitch black outside. The weather changed without me being aware. For real. It has been changed for some time without me having paid attention.

Enjoy your day!

I looked forward to yesterday. Syracuse would take down Duke. The U.S. would do well against Europe in the Ryder Cup.

My teams failed in both regards.

Duke defeated Syracuse by 35 points…..38-3.

Wow! Not expected! At least I did not expect it. True, our spectacular quarterback Steve Angeli did not play. He had fractured an Achilles tendon the week before. It was Rick Collins time to shine. He failed. In fact, the entire Syracuse team failed.

Syracuse’s total failure was hard to understand. One very good player out of the game should not have meant the whole team was bad. Yet Syracuse was.

Collins not yet star status. His passes slow. Delayed. Low. No where the competency of Angeli.

I found it hard to understand how an overall good team totally failed because one player did.

Such is life, however. This will not be a Syracuse year. Perhaps next year. Assuming Angeli returns.

The Ryder Cup no better. After two days, Europe is up 11.5-4.5. Where were our professional golfers? Europe only needs 2.5 pints more to win the Tournament.

My “sports day” was a complete disappointment! So bad I believe my despondency will continue through out today.

Nothing of comparable importance to report/comment on today.

The U.S. has started the Ryder Cup behind. A bad first day. At the end of Day 1, Europe leads 5 1/2 t0 2 1/2.

Hope still springs eternal. Seventy percent of the tournament remains to be played.

U.N. walks out on Netanyahu’s speech as Israel intensifies assault on Gaga City.

Toto the dog in the Wizard of Oz appeared in a different Oz film many years earlier than the one we are familiar with. As a result, she was a “pro.” Paid a higher salary than most human cast members. There were roughly 600.

Toto was Dorothy’s loyal companion in the Wizard.

Toto was paid $125 per week. The Munchkins only $50 per week. $125 per week equal to $3,885 in today’s money.

Trump was compared to Hitler in a scorching speech to U.N. members. The President of Columbia called for the U.N.to launch a criminal investigation into his U.S. counterpart.

World leaders upset with Trump. Properly so. He as gotten far out of hand.

Some around Trump “tasteless.” Presidential aid Stephen Miller’s wife Katie appeared on a TV talk show this week. She described her husband as being a “sexual matador” while bragging about him.

War Secretary Hegseth  requires a new pledge for reporters at the Pentagon. They can only report news he approves.

An interesting comment recently in The New York Times: “If only we’d fight as hard to save our democracy” as we do other matters.

The three most satisfying airports for passenger satisfaction in the U.S. are Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan County Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Trump flouts the ranks. What happened to checks and balances?

It is claimed Russia is helping China to attack Taiwan. 

How tough things are financially in war torn Gaza. Even renting a spot to pitch a tent can cost too much.

The Christian Right of today are more about vengeance than kindness.

Washington is four days from running out of money to fund the government. What will happen?

Trump has a tendency to capitulate when facing confrontation. I suspect he may re the clash and work out a deal with the Democrats.

It is coward time for Trump.

Trump claims he ended seven wars. “Unendable” ones. No way, Jose!

He claims he has been averaging a war a month. Again no way!

I give him credit for being a good liar. He and Pinocchio go hand in hand.

There is a 61 mile conveyor belt in the Sahara Desert. For what purpose: To make phosphate. Seventy percent of all the phosphate on the planet is in Morocco.

Production of the Ford Model T began this day in 1908.

Babe Didrikson Zaharias: “Practice which some regard as a chore, should be approached as just about the most pleasant recreation devised.”

Enjoy your day!

Comey’s indictment a “Rubicon-crossing moment. The Justice Department we have long known dead.” It has become an arm of the government to punish the President’s enemies, regardless of the law. A tragedy for today with lasting implications, even if the case is dismissed.

On this day in 1960, Kennedy and Nixon squared off in the first televised debate. From a viewing perspective, Kennedy was the winner. Nixon’s profuse sweating defeated him.

Orally and only listening, Nixon was the best. TV was new to politics, however. It was all in the seeing rather than listening.

China is the adult in the room now where climate is concerned. Focused and surging ahead while the West is distracted.

Trump announced pharmaceutical products may face tariff rate increases up to 100 percent, updated furniture 30 percent, and heavy trucks 25 percent starting October 1.

Disaster further impacts Gaza City.  Gaza City hospitals are closing and fleeing as Israeli forces advance.

Obama accuses Trump of “truth violence” re public health. He made the comment while in London two days after Trump made his public health announcement seeking to tie Tylenol to autism.

China wants a “super embassy” in London – sparking anger and spying fears.

I find the following surprising. In its numbers. The first time I have seen them so excessive. It was reported in several places yesterday in one report that 820,000 face dire hunger in D.C. Another report claimed more than one million people in Washington are food insecure. The numbers suggest roughly 1 in 10 children across the region are not getting enough food.

A shocking report yesterday. Hard to believe. One of the Nation’s outstanding college football coaches resigned. Clemson’s Debo Swinney resigned because Clemson’s season so far is 1-3. His decision. He was not pushed out.

He specific the Syracuse decision contributed to his resigning. He further claimed he refused to be embarrassed by this year’s record thus far. He claimed this year’s team was “absolute garbage.” Intimating the problem not his fault. He forgets you can’t win them all!

I find Swinney’s words disappointing. I have heard many times over the years that a person cannot be a good winner till he has been a good loser. It took Swinney a long time to reach the point.

Trump’s youth support has faded. Reason: They expect more from an “adult” leader. Like behaving like an adult.

One thing Americans fear most is war. Threat today more than just a possibility.

Syracuse my Syracuse! Looked like Syracuse was off to a great season. Still may be, though doubt surrounds the team’s expectations now.

Our great quarterback Steve Angeli suffered a fractured Achilles tendon. He is out for the season.

Replaced by sophomore substitute Ricky Collins.

Syracuse plays Duke tomorrow. Was expected to win. No more. Duke now a 5 1/1 point favorite.

I do not buy a Syracuse defeat till I see it. Syracuse will require a running game as well as the passing game Angeli provided.

We will find out beginning at noon tomorrow when the teams kick off at noon. The game is being played at the Syracuse Dome.

Enjoy your day!

Wrong to try to indict former FBI Director James Comey for alleged lies which occurred in 2016. Represents Trump trying to get even for something 10 years later, assuming the words were not true.

Trump played the big man. Criticized the U.N. in person for a broken escalator and teleprompter issues. The U.N. suggested Trump’s term was to blame.

Trump’s comments examples of his pettiness.

The Park Service removed the Statue of Trump and Epstein from the National Mall.

Time counts. Weeks especially. It has been 21 weeks since Trump gave Putin 2 weeks to end the war.

Can Democrats make the Republicans own the shutdown? Democrats are not fighting the fight. Republicans keep beating them. Reason simple. Republicans fight dirty. Democrats want to appear like the good guys. They may be, but still should knock the hell out of them. Democrats must appear to be part of the fight. They do not.

Per the Constitution, Congress has the sole power to declare war. The first was declared in 1788. Since that time, Congress has declared war only 11 times. Yet we fight wars without invoking the power of the Constitution and Congress. Supposedly legal as done. However, does not feel proper.

The last time the U.S. declared war “by the book” was World War II in 1942. Appreciate how many times we would “technically” have been at war if done correctly.

On this day in 1894, President Grover Cleveland issued a Presidential Proclamation pardoning followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormons) who had previously enjoyed polygamous marriages or habitation agreements considered unlawful by the U.S. government.

An “intensive culture of fear” is destroying the EPA from within by Trump. A shame! I should know better than most. M legal specialty was environmental law.

Robert De Niro is building a $250 million hotel on Barbuda, once a favorite island retreat of Princess Diana. A new ultra-luxurious hotel: The Beach Club Barbuda.

Barbuda is an island 30 miles north of Antigua.

De Niro describes the island as “very calm…very pleasant. Not many people around. Th donkeys come to you.”

Time for a Greek visit. I miss Greece.

Key West sunsets are the best! Come down and try one!

A spectacular dinner last night. Lasagna at Brady’s Irish Pub. Carolla bartending. A perfect evening.

I will be back at Brady’s saturday for the Syracuse/Duke game. Syracuse expected win. In spite of our star quarterback Dave Angeli having fractured his Achilles tendon. Carolla will be back also

A busy morning already today. A portion of my annual physical with Dr. Norris. Breakfast at Goldman’s. Then a haircut and beard trim.

Slept poorly again last night. Will the spend the rest of the day napping and watching TV. I’m tired.

Enjoy your day!

Speaking before the United Nations yesterday, Donald Trump told its members they were “going to hell.” 

His statement was not complete. He failed to join the U.S. in the group he was condemning. The U.S. is going down the tubes worse that most other member countries. Why? Because Trump is an incompetent inept leader. He has done much to damage the U.S. during his time in office. In addition of course to the many other nations he has hurt.

Trump was of the opinion among other things that other nations were too concerned with migration and climate change. He called global warming a “con job.”

Global warming not the con job. Trump is.

The escalating attack on vaccines shocks public health leaders.

The Statue of Liberty is 305 feet tall.

Kurt Vonnegut: “A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.”

On this day in 1806, Lewis and Clark returned to St. Louis. Their return marked with huge excitement. The trip from St. Louis to the Pacific and back a feat. Its purpose to explore the territory compromising the Louisiana Purchase.

Speaking on September 23, 1944, FDR described his dog Fala by name in a speech. He actually was attacking certain Republicans who earlier had made fun of his beloved Fala.

Have you ever noticed? Most cartoon characters only have four fingers. Goes back even before Disney. Concerned money. It was cheaper to draw four rather than five fingers.

Trump now changes his position on the Ukraine.  He is mad at Russia. Ergo now claims Ukraine can defeat Russia with NATO support.

Whacky on the move again! Referred to as “RaqaretTok.” The term of significant interest the past 48 hours. In effect claimed the world would end yesterday or today.

Blown again!

Statue of Trump and Epstein holding hands on the National Mall. The work is the latest installation by an anonymous group of artists who love doing this to Trump.

A meeting scheduled between Democratic leaders and Trump to discuss funding which ends September 30 was cancelled yesterday by Trump. Appears he does not want to talk. Would rather see the government stop working and try to blame it on the Democrats.

Trump knows how to piss the rest of the world off. Blames everyone else for everything. Now it is India. One of its billlionaires purchasing $30 billion of Russian oil. Makes it obvious not everyone loves Trump as he believes they do.

A Harvard Dean was paid $150,000 to testify as an expert against Tylenol in the Tylenol lawsuits.

Women outnumber men in the newest astronaut class 6-4.

The U.S. News & World Report announced today the Three Best National Universities in the U.S.: Princeton, MIT and Harvard.

Author F. Scott Fitzgerald was born this day in 1896. 

Seventy six percent of Americans say Trump does not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.

I agree. Actually, one hundred percent from my way of thinking.

Key West’s business community mourns the death of Attorney Cora Higgins.

On this day in 1932, the Post Office opened for business in the new Federal Building in Key West on the corner of Simonton and Caroline Streets.

The legendary jazz performer Theodore “Fats” Novarro Jr. was born this day in 1923 in Key West. I watched him play several times in New Orleans.

Tonight Carola and Brady’s Irish Pub.

Enjoy your day!

For years, my drink of choice was Beefeater on the Rocks. Rarely missed a day.

Time catches up with a person, however. Alcohol consumption is one. Years ago, I had to change to something else. For health and pleasure reasons.

I searched. Tried this and that. Discovered a smoothie. Kept experimenting. As with different gins, there are different smoothies. Finally hit on my new drink of choice. A smoothie prepared at and by Date and Thyme on Fleming Street.

An almost everyday inebriation for me.

Date and Thyme prepares several kinds. My smoothie of choice became Date and Thyme’s Happy Monkey Smoothie. Consists of peanut butter, banana, coconut milk and vegan chocolate protein. Six times a week at Date & Thyme. It would be seven. However, they are not open on Sundays. Not a problem. I have learned how to make my own at home. Purchase the necessary ingredients. Early on, a new sufficiently large blender. I add two ice cubes also to the smoothies I prepare at home.

Smoothies give me a bang, also. Different from alcohol, of course. Yet tastes good and leaves me feeling good.

Try a Date and Thyme Smoothie. Guaranteed you will enjoy.

Key West’s recent weather has been two-fold. Heavy rain and humidity. One worse than the other. Yesterday the temperature was 87 degrees. Felt like 107!

Sad. Very sad. Syracuse quarterback Dave Angeli is reportedly out for the rest of the season. A fractured Achilles tendon. Caught his left foot under his right early in the third quarter of the Clemson game Saturday.

Trump is lucky. American business leaders do not stand up against him. Why? They fear him. It is all about self-preservation. Their own!

The government’s working definition of “hate speech” now seems to include anything and everything that offends Donald Trump personally – including late night comedy.

North Korea’s Kim Jung-un agreeable to talking with Trump. Says he has “good memories” of Trump and saw no reason not to meet with him again – as long as the U.S. stops insisting on dismantling his country’s nuclear arsenal.

Jimmy Kimmel will return to ABC this evening. His suspension ended. He should not have been suspended in the first place. Trump continues to exert his influence to have people banned and fired. Retaliatory on his part. Not a democratic way to run a government.

There is what is known as the “Devil’s Bible.” Its manuscript a source of fascination for a few. Also known as the “Codex Gigia.”

The book is nearly 3 feet tall, 9 inches thick and weighs 165 pounds. Contains what appears to be a large picture of Satan.

The book goes back before 1648. It is the largest surviving illuminated manuscript of the Middle Ages.

It is now believed that worms do not eat the human body after death. Rather parasites residing in the living body eat the body from the inside out following death.

“Dr.” Donald Trump and his top health officials told pregnant women yesterday not to take acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, as it may cause pregnant women to get autism.

Trump, Kennedy and other national Republicans, who “think” they are medics and medically knowledgeable, are now anti-Tylenol for women who get pregnant.

Spirit Airlines to furlough 1,000 flight attendants before the end of the year as part of its second bankruptcy.

Was the Melania Trump recently in England with Donald not really Melania? Clothes and hair different. Also appeared her back was pushed out with padding. 

Was she or wasn’t she?

Maryland’s federal job base the worst in the Nation since Trump took office.

From electricity to rent, monthly bills are tying the inflation schedule.

Tit for tat. As Russia pummels Ukraine’s energy, Kyiv hits back at the oil refineries.

Trump is out to destroy the U.N. He is stripping the U.N. of funding as the global body faces a cash crunch.

The Ryder Cup this weekend. Great golf! I have been fortunate in the past to have attended two.

Syracuse ranked 4th in the ACC. How will Dave Angeli’s injury affect Syracuse?

Is Florida now the gun state? A recent court decision opens the door for gun carry.

Florida removed rainbows from Key West streets. However, residents replaced them with a spectrum of smiles and a riot of color during an informal Second Last March on September 15.

The removal was “inappropriate.” State said it was required for “safety purposes.” Bullshit! The Governor and State Legislature said they were unaware why such a fuss. They were not opposed to the crosswalks remaining.

The Grand today from 4-6 with Steve and Cindy for Happy Hour. Looking forward to it. Fun time!

Enjoy your day!

The U.K., Canada and Australia have abandoned the U.S. position re the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They became sick and tired of waiting for the U.S. to do the correct thing. They have spoken out in support of Palestine and left the U.S. to work out its own position and solution.

Charlie Kirk’s Memorial Service yesterday. He was portrayed as a Biblical character with all respect attendant thereto. Two hundred thousand attended the Memorial Service.

Something may stink in Denmark. The New York Times this morning reported that Border Guard Tom Honan was caught on tape accepting a bag filled with $50,000 in cash from an undercover FBI agent in September 2024. It was further reported Trump officials have shut down the bribery probe.

Americans hurting financially at the moment. Big time. Many can’t buy homes, get jobs or move in the present economy.

There is a growing belief that theatrics, not vital legislation, now dominates action in Congress.

Low income Americans are slashing spending. A wrong sign for the economy.

California has banned federal agents from using masks to hide their faces.

U.S. support for the U.N. under Trump is diminishing. His attitude is weakening the U.N.

President Abraham Lincoln issued his preliminary Emancipation Proclamation this day in 1862.

One of television’s great shows “Friends” debuted on NBC this day in 1994.

Until the 1970s, many schools required pregnant teachers to leave the classroom by midterm. In 1974, the Supreme Court ruled such policies were unconstitutional, establishing that women could choose to keep working while pregnant.

A study by the Programme for International Student Assessment ruled the U.S. lagged behind other developed countries in math and science. Its results revealed U.S. pupils placed in the lower half of developed nations.

Why?

On this day in 1968, formal ceremonies were held consecrating the ground in Key West on United Street where the B’nai Zion Synagogue was operating.

Monroe County working to transfer ownership of Higgs Beach property to Key West.

Key West has been lucky thus far this season re hurricanes. Lets hope the luck continues.

Rain on Key West streets has been another story. The rain in recent weeks almost daily has flooded intersections and streets. More than normal.

Enjoy your day!