Another example of decline in the U.S. in religious attendance. Hebrew schools are experiencing a significant drop-off. Enrollment fell by roughly 50 percent between 2006 and 2020. Information re the reduction can be found in a report by The Jewish Education Project, a nonprofit that supports Jewish educators.

The Hebrew schools are commonly referred to as supplementary Hebrew schools. Students attend in addition to public or secular private schools to learn the Hebrew language, Jewish rituals and history.

The number of schools that closed during the period covered in the study was 536.

I had an echo test at my heart doctor’s office yesterday. Deborah the echo tech performed the test. A charming woman. Originally from New York and California.

She “did me” last year also. May she do me next year and for many years to come. If I continue to be available for the test means I am still alive!

Treated myself to a late lunch after the test at Hogfish.

A 30 ton fin whale got into difficulties at sea off Bridington, East Yorkshire, England. Fifty five feet long. The whale washed up on the beach and died.

The whale’s body has become a macabre tourist attraction.

Authorities are having a problem. How to remove the carcass without cutting it up? The issue is still under consideration.

Cause of death has not been determined.

Supreme Court disclosures remind me of the song Onward Christian Soldiers. The adverse disclosures keep moving on as the Christian soldiers did. One consideration involved. The Christian soldiers marched in a noble cause. Nothing noble about the wrongdoings of the Justices or their spouses.

Yesterday two more negatives revealed re Clarence Thomas. His sugar daddy paid very expensive tuition for Thomas’ great nephew who he considers his son. At two different schools. Total dollar amount exceeding $100,000.

Then there is Clarence’s wife Ginni. She has developed a hell of a track record on her own. Yesterday it was revealed she emailed 29 Arizona legislators to overthrow Biden’s victory by appointing new electors.

The media has gone easy on Chief Justice Roberts so far. It wants Roberts to testify before Congress expecting him to tell Congress how the Court will clean itself up or whatever. Good luck! He is not going to testify. Forget the separation of powers argument. His reason is the $10.3 million his wife Jane was paid on her job selecting attorneys to work for law firms.

Clarence and Ginni Thomas, John and Jane Roberts, and Neil Gorsuch named so far. Only the tip of the iceberg. More to come. As sure as the sun rises every morning.

Proud Boys lengthy 5 month trial finally came to an end. Charged were 5 leaders of the organization. Four were convicted of seditious conspiracy. All 5 convicted of other charges. Four face up to 50 years in jail, one 30 years.

Re January 6, the court system is working as it should. Three cases, convictions in all. Plus a multitude of minor convictions and pleas of guilty in other cases.

Next, the big one. Trump and other leaders of the insurrection. Assuming grand jury indictments are forthcoming.

Caught Trump on TV playing golf in Ireland yesterday. He claimed the New York rape trial was unfair, he was upset, etc. He sounded genuinely pissed off. An act however I am sure. Claimed he was returning to the U.S. to testify at the trial.

The proof portion of the trial ended yesterday. Summations, the court’s charge and the case going to the jury scheduled for monday. For all practical purposes, the case is over.

Not for Donald. Never for Donald. He always seems to get his way with manipulating the court system.

Trump’s attorneys said he was neither going to appear nor testify. Now he “says” he wants his day in court.

The judge is bending over for him. The judge announced that Trump has till 5 pm sunday to advise whether he will appear to testify.

Bravado Donald will not appear. His gambit all a show.

I am irritated. How many chances does Trump get? The judicial system bends over to accommodate his whims. No one else would receive such courtesies. Makes it appear Trump can use the judicial system as he choses. As if he owned it. I am referring to how he uses the system, not the results he gets. Trump has to be the biggest loser in history when it comes to final court decisions.

I guarantee Donald will not be in court monday to testify. His plane may break down, he may get sick, etc. Some excuse will be forthcoming.

Tomorrow, the Kentucky Derby. 

On this day in 1973, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby. The first of his Triple Crown victories.

A big time Key West musical week! The 27th Annual Key West Songwriters’ Festival. It will run through the 7th.

Highlights daily. A special one saturday night. A free “block party” in the 200 block of Duval. A high energy event headlined by Michael Ray.

Enjoy!

A Citizens’ Voice comment today: “Attention, all Key West octogenarians – a South Carolina woman predicts your death within the next 5 years. Be careful, be very careful.”

How do I describe her statement/prediction? Such arrogance. Of course many of us in our 80’s may be no more in the next 5 years. Some will make it, however. Even to their 100’s.

My 80ish friends, enjoy your lives. What will be, will be. There is merit to that old saying to eat, drink and make merry, for tomorrow we die. We just don’t know when. Ergo, take advantage of every day. Just don’t abuse your body. It could have a negative effect.

A manicure at noon with Tammy. I try to live well.

Enjoy your day!

Shooting and gun killing has become the All American sport. A game played daily.

The two most recent occurred in Atlanta and Oklahoma.

An Atlanta hospital shooting killed 1 and injured 4. In Oklahoma, a sex offender fatally shoot his wife, her 3 children and 2 teen girls before killing himself.

When is all this shooting going to stop? The solution lies with our elected representatives. Especially legislators on the state and federal scene. Eighty percent of Americans know serious gun controls are needed. Elected officials know also. However, they are reluctant to do the right thing. They are fearful of losing NRA political contributions and support.

They are “stupids!” Most will still win elections if they buck the NRA and openly support the desires of 80 percent of the American people. The problem is they are “cowards” as well as stupid.

American voters must rebel against them and only vote for candidates who openly promise to vote the necessary laws to limit guns.

On this day in 1970, Ohio National Guardsmen opened fire during an anti-Vietnam protest at Kent State University. Four students were killed, nine wounded.

I remember the event well. I was 35 years old at the time.

The event and shooting was a total screw up. Everyone was protesting the Vietnam War at the time. Even private citizens in street marches. Doctors, lawyers, ministers, etc.  University protests were common.

The Kent State protest by students began on May 1. It grew by day and became a mountain developing from a mole hill. Nixon was anti-protest. He had run for reelection against them. He was still arguing against them on May 1. University and the local Mayor panicked from day one. The Governor lost his head.

A small student group of protesters turned into 500. One thousand more were standing around watching by May 4. The Governor sent in 1,000 National Guardsmen armed with tear gas and loaded weapons. By May 4, the area looked like a war zone. The Guardsmen began tear gassing the day before. The students retaliated by throwing rocks.

On the 2nd or 3rd, the Mayor and Governor declared a state of emergency. After the shooting events of the 4th, neither could recall actually having done so.

On the 4th, 500 students were at the top of a hill on the campus. Another 1,000 were standing nearby watching, but not participating. On the bottom were 1,000 Guardsmen. The students were moving down the hill. Nothing of any consequence occurring. The story gets muddled at this point. The one I have always believed is that one of the Guardsman shot into the 500 students. The students panicked and began running in every direction to avoid the shooting. Spectator students began running also.

Some student(s) were shot in the back, some were merely observers, and one was not involved in any fashion. She was walking to a class.

Investigation determined 28 Guardsmen shot 61-68 bullets into the students. 

The country went wild. Hundreds of colleges and universities closed in protest. Demonstrations occurred nationwide.

The shooting was described as a “massacre.”

The nation was aroused. Vietnam protests increased. It was a sad day for the 4 students killed and 9 wounded, the University, and America itself.

Some believe it was not Watergate alone that brought Nixon down. They believe Kent State was involved also.

Russia is claiming the U.S. is behind the alleged Ukraine drone attack on the Kremlin. Putin speaking. Reminds one of Trump. The compulsion of both men to lie.

Jefferson B. Brown a Key Wester. Born in Key West June 6, 1857, died 87 years later in 1937.

He was a local political leader. Distinguished attorney. Wrote “Key West The Old and The New.” Published the book in 1912. A history of Key West. I have relied on his work a number of times over the years for items of historical significance. I have his entire book loaded into my computer.

Water pressure, lack of water, problems with FKAA, contributed to the following comment in today’s Citizens’ Voice: “Rumor is that the FKAA will recommend showering with a friend.”

Could be fun!

“Money” continues to float in Keys waters. Sixteen bricks of cocaine weighing 41 pounds were found floating off Islamorada. Street value $640,000.

Have to move fast. I have an echo heart test scheduled for later this morning.

Enjoy your day!

I am 87. I have had more medical physicals than most persons. Yesterday’s was the best.

Dr. John Norris has been my primary care physician for several years. He recently changed the nature of his practice to a concierge one. Concierge means additional attention. For an added cost, of course.

I joined his concierge practice a couple of months ago. 

Dr. Norris resolved my ankle problems which had plagued me and which I complained about to you for several weeks. His service and attention was above and beyond at the time.

Yesterday was my first full physical in the concierge practice. The best of the best. The most extensive. I left feeling confident with his examination and findings. So much so, I felt compelled this morning to tell you about it.

If you are interested in visiting with the good Doctor, his concierge offices are located at 1010 Kennedy Drive, Suite 402. Telephone 305-998-4205.

Off Key West and near the Dry Tortugas, an underwater discovery: A 19th century hospital and cemetery found on a submerged island.

The hospital served as a 19th century quarantine and cemetery for yellow fever patients between 1890 and 1900.

The cemetery was known as the Fort Jefferson Post Cemetery.

Those buried in the Cemetery were military men serving and military persons improsoned at the Fort. The Fort began as a military prison during the Civil War.

A developing trend involves the monday work place. Labeled “bare minimum mondays.” Employees encourage themselves to do less than normal work. Just enough to get by. The employee is motivated by self rather than company tasks to be performed. First day back to work in the new week. Don’t get tired.

A TikTok trend.

Created by young people based on a concern for their mental well being.

From my perspective, a great way to get fired.

The Texas shooter/killer who exterminated 5 persons was found yesterday hiding in a closet under a pile of dirty laundry. The closet was in a home less than 20 miles from the scene of his crime. 

The accused is Francesco Oropess. He is guaranteed to get the maximum penalty under Texas law. Unless an insanity plea saves his ass. You never know.

More men are getting perms. Short for permanents. The modern American male is into it.

The preferred style is “soft.”

A man was stabbed in the shadow of the Key West Airport around 7 last night. The incident occurred at the Pines Park on South Roosevelt Boulevard, adjacent to the Airport.

No further details available at this time.

Sargassum, the seaweed mess, has hit record breaking size on its way to Florida. Now 5,000 miles long.

The Keys have already been hit with advance surges. The worst is yet to come. When the big mass arrives, Key West beaches will be absolutely deplorable. Stink, dirty, expensive to clean.

Enjoy your day!

History is interesting. Many times only pieces are shared. Why, I know not. However, such is the way history is reported.

The United States participated in two significant battles during the Spanish-American War. One most everyone knows. The other, few are aware of.

We begin with the one little known. A significant naval battle. The U.S. won. The Asiatic Squadron of the U.S. Navy destroyed the Pacific Squadron of the Spanish Navy after a seven hour long battle. The battle took place May 1, 1898.

Spain lost all seven of its ships. Three hundred eighty one Spanish sailors were killed. No American vessels were lost nor did the U.S. suffer any combat deaths.

The rarely heard of naval battle is known as the Battle of Manila Bay.

The other significant battle has a world wide reputation. A significant U.S. land victory. The Battle of San Juan Hill. The Battle brought fame to Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders. 

The Battle of San Juan Hill was the bloodiest of the war for American troops. The reason two-fold.

First, American troops outnumbered the Spaniards 16 to 1. Which meant there were more Americans available to be killed. Second, the Spaniards held the hill top. The Americans had to charge up an open hill to get at them. The Americans never faltered. They did their duty and many died.

The tornado that hit Palm Beach Gardens at ground level over the weekend was a terrible disaster. Wind speed was 136 mph. Someone videoed cars being picked up by the wind and tossed around. “Flipped” was the term used to describe the air flights of the vehicles.

I never got out on March 17 so missed my once a year St. Patrick Day corned beef and cabbage meal. Got it last night at Brady’s Irish Pub on Flagler. A feast!

I ate at the bar. Seated two stools away was an old friend I have not seen in many years. Amy Culver. A joy to run into her.

When I first came to Key West 30 some years ago, Amy owned Mangoes. At some point she got involved in helping certain African tribes develop. She frequently traveled to Africa to work with them. Post Mangoes, her Key West work involved business consulting.

I got involved with the Key West Cemetery yesterday. Checking out a particular stone.

The world knows of that one particular headstone that reads: “I Told You I was Sick.” I was not searching for that stone. I was looking for the one about owning a piece of Key West. Finally came across it: “I Always Dreamed Of Owning A Small Piece Of Key West.”

Great golf sunday afternoon. The final round of the Mexican Open. Tony Finau won by 3 strokes.

One of the runner ups was Jon Rahm. Rahm and Finau are close friends. It was obvious following the match. Rahm and Finau broadly smiling as Rahm warmly embraced Finau as only friends can.

Rhonda Fleming was a major movie star in the 1940’s and 1950’s. She continued working on a limited basis into the 1990’s. A red haired beauty.

Rhonda was born in 1923 and passed on three years ago in 2020 at the age of 97. God bless her!

We became friends for a brief two day period sometime around 1980. Our meeting place was La Costa outside San Diego. La Costa was a “fat farm” I generally attended twice a year from the mid 1970’s into the 1980’s.

I have written many times of the friends I made there The men included William Holden, Rodney Dangerfield and Evel Knievel. Got to know Holden and Knievel well. Dangerfield more than a passing acquaintance, but difficult to say you really knew him. He was the same in person as he was on the screen. No different.

Rhonda and I had next to each other dining tables. We never talked, however. Few talked at lunch or dinner. Too bushed from the exercise. Everyone ate breakfast privately in their rooms.

The last 2 days I was there on one of my trips, Rhonda struck up a conversation. We got to spend 2 lunches and 2 dinners together.

A wonderful woman. A devout Christian. Such was obvious from our conversations.

Tennessee Williams was a Key West resident for many years. He lived on Duncan Street. Lisa’s home today is less than 2 blocks away from the Williams home.

At dinner friday night with Steve and Cindy Thompson, we got into Tennessee Williams. The reason Williams bought the Duncan Street property was because it was on the ocean at the time. Across from his front door the Atlantic.

No more. Today there are several blocks of homes before what is now the beginning of the ocean is reached.

Not the reason I mention Williams today. Actually it is because on yesterday’s date May 1 in 1955, Williams won a Pulitzer Prize for “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.” Recall the great movie starring Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, and Burl Ives.

Sloan tonight at 6. We’re working on the Baron collection.

Enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday Willie Nelson! Ninety years old!

His birthday yesterday April 29.

One of the best, if not the best, country singers of all time. Favorites like On The Road Again, Always On My Mind, Okie From Muskogee, and A Song For You. 

My particular favorite is On The Road again. The opening stanza: “On the road again / Just can’t wait to get on the road again / The life I love is making music with my friends.

Nelson still working. Currently on a cross country tour and has 30 upcoming concerts. The thought occurs he could have had Biden on the tour and 30 concerts. Then again, Biden may be too young.

A two day 90th birthday bash began at the Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl last night. Notable singers galore taking to the stage to perform in his honor.

Yes, one of the best!

The White House Correspondents Dinner last night. Two stars. President Biden and Roy Wood Jr.

Biden missed the boat. He could have been a comedian. He was par excellant!

Came across some purported words of wisdom: “Adam was the first lucky man, he had no mother-in-law.”

Brings to mind my mother-in-law. A lovely lady. However, don’t think she ever liked me.

Her daughter/my wife was pregnant five times. Each in close proximity to the next. The first four delivered fine. The final and fifth aborted on its own early in the pregnancy.

Each time my wife and I hurried to tell her parents the happy news regarding a pregnancy, my mother-in-law looked at me and said the same thing: “Bastard!”

I have been working organizing my Jack Baron collection. Works by other artists are being rearranged also. I have several Renoir lithographs/etchings. One is my sentimental favorite. It is a lithograph Renoir did of Louis Valtat in 1904. Valtat was a fellow artist and Renoir’s personal friend. They frequently worked together and shared techniques.

The work is part of an edition of 950. Signed in the stone in the bottom right hand corner. I purchased it in the mid 1970’s from a dealer in New York who I purchased a significant number of pieces of art from. He told me at the time there were only 5 of the lithos remaining.

Twenty five to thirty years later, I was in the Metropolitan Museum of Art wandering through the impressionist wing. A new section had been added. A small corridor with lithographs and etchings. There before my eyes as I walked along was my Renoir! I was excited! Thrilled!

A woman with the Museum was seated at a desk in the corridor. I hurried to her and asked about the Renoir of Louis Valtat. I did not mention I had one. She went on to tell me of their friendship, etc. Then added there were only five left in existence. I blurted out…..I have one!

Is the story of only five true. I don’t know. What is important is the affection I have for the piece.

Bess Levin described the world’s reaction to Tucker Carlson’s departure: “The world celebrated like it was V-E Day!”

On this day in 1947, New York City for the first time decided to honor Babe Ruth. The Sultan of Swat, the Bambino. One of the game’s best hitters.

New York City named the day Babe Ruth Day.

The year 1898. The Spanish-American War was ongoing. Key West was suffering from an increase in prices because of the war. Soda was 15 cents, lemonade 20 cents and beer 25 cents. Drinking water was expensive also. Not because of the war, however. There was a drought. It had not rained in ages.

Enjoy your Sunday!

I don’t knw what smells more. The sargassum building up on Key West beaches or the revelations coming to a head about Supreme Court Justices. First there was Clarence Thomas. Then Neil Gorsuch. Now the Chief Justice himself, John Roberts.

Jane Roberts is the Chief Justice’s wife. She earned $10.3 million as a legal consultant for elite top law firms from 2007-2014. She was employed by the lawyer search firm Major Lindsey & Africa. The gross fees paid the firm were $13.3 million. Jane Roberts received from that amount $10.3 million in commissions.

She was the firm’s top earner.

She joined the firm 2 years after her husband became Chief Justice.

The information broke yesterday. A co-employee at Major by the name of Kendal Price filed a whistleblower complaint. The complaint noted that at least one law firm she had placed an attorney with had a case before the Chief Justice. He wants “public scrutiny” of Jane’s income given the influential position of her husband.

The stench a sickening one.

I warned last week when writing about Clarence Thomas that he was only the first of other matters that would come to light re other Justices. Not because I was privy to anything. However, one rotten apple in a barrel means there are others. Within days, Gorsuch popped up. Now the Chief Justice’s wife.

Which Justice will be next? Guaranteed there will be more.

Marjorie Taylor Greene has a vile tongue. She is despicable to the core. She is considered the leading candidate for the Vice President position on a Trump ticket.

Her mouth exposed her inner nature once again this week.

She was examining Randi Weingarten at a Congressional hearing. Weingarten is the President of the American Federation of Teachers. Weingarten married a woman who had two children. Weingarten adopted the two children.

Greene attacked her motherhood: “People like you need to admit that you’re just a political activist…..not a mother.” Boiled down means a step mom or adoptive mother is lacking in some regard as are the children themselves. Greene’s attack boiled down to…..You are not a mother!

Michael Steele is a familiar figure on TV talk shows. Especially MSNBC. He took it as a personal affront her disparaging Weingarten for not being a “biological mother.” He issued a tweet: “Well, the woman who adopted me, cared for me, raised me, educated me and at 95 still smiles when I walk in the room didn’t need biology to be my mother.”

Yesterday on Morning Joe, Steele reminded everyone that a little boy named Jesus had a step father, not a biological one.

Big Key West news! Dion’s sold to Circle K.

The question on everyone’s mind: Will Circle K continue to sell Dion’s famous “Dion’s chicken?” Popular and tasty. Even I occasionally treat myself to a few pieces.

A yesterday Citizens’ Voice comment: “Why are saw-off shotguns considered more dangerous than assault rifles? Sawed-off shotguns were banned nationally in the 1930’s and that passed the Second Amendment test. The NRA has fewer than 5 million members and we let them dictate policy by their donations to politicians.”

Sargassum mentioned earlier. A smelly substance.

Sargassum is a leafy seaweed coming up from South America. Already on Keys beaches. Also considered an algae.

Heavier so far than in previous times. Requires raking one time a day. The raking expected to increase to two times a day as the invasion becomes greater.

Sargassum is like a protected species. Cannot be harvested till it reaches shores because it provides crucial environmental benefits for many marine species. The floating sargassum serves as a shelter and breeding ground for fish, crabs, and endangered sea turtles.

As the sargassum washes ashore and begins to decompose, it degrades water quality and pollutes beaches. The decaying algae releases ammonium and hydrogen sulfur. Result is an unpleasant odor like rotten eggs and can irritate the eyes, nose and throat. The hydrogen sulfide is especially dangerous. Poses worrisome reparatory health risks.

Aristotle said: “We make war that we may live in peace.”

Sort of true. Depends which side you’re on.

Another great evening at La Te Da. Dinner with Steve and Cindy Thompson last night. A long evening. We drank champagne and talked about everything.

Steve and Cindy were especially excited. They spent their wedding night in 1982 at La Te Da.

Busy afternoon. Sloan at noon. Going to prepare for some Jack Baron stories I want to begin this week.

Enjoy your day!

The Great Sea Battle tonight! The height of the Conch Republic Celebration!

Seven pm. Key West Harbor. Best place to watch anywhere from the Ocean Key Sunset Pier all the way to the Galleon. Any spot along the way.

Watch the Conch Republic’s Air Force and Navy battle U.S. jets and battle ships. Like nothing you would believe!

The battle is over at 8. Followed immediately by a Surrender Ceremony and Victory Party at the Schooner Wharf Bar.

I will mis the event tonight. Too old to watch the battle. Too much walking. Too much water and whatever else sprayed on spectators. Instead I will enjoy a pleasant dinner with with Steve and Cindy Thompson at La Te Da. We will be dry, except for a drink or two. Roomy and comfortable.

Steve and Cindy have seen more Conch Republic battles than I. They have been part of Key West 20 years longer than I. I’m sure I will hear some stories, however.  Always a pleasure to be with them. They lived through those “days” beginning in the mid 1970’s. The foundation for today’s Key West.

Manatee Dually (pronounced Doo-Lee) was rescued for the 13th time by the Grassy Key Manatee Rescue Team. Monday in Key Largo.

Same problem for the 13th time. 

Dually weighs 1,400 pounds. Fishing lines entangled her muzzle and face, both pectoral flippers and tail. She could neither breathe nor eat. In danger of death. The doctors considered her problem “life threatening.” 

Rescued and saved again! The doctors hope she has learned this time and will be more careful in her drinking and eating habits. Dually has to learn to stop being a “serial entangler” and “beggar.”

The way it was during Prohibition in Key West.

On this day in 1926, Sheriff Deputies made raids seeking Prohibition violations. Despite attempts to pour it down the drain, booze, along with a slot machine, were found at Mexicano’s Stand at Petronia and Elizabeth Streets. A large quantity of illegal liquor was also found at La Concha Café on Duval Street.

Only in Key West. On this day in 1992, police made a gruesome discovery at a house on Southard Street. They found a man who had been dead for two months and his room mate was unaware he was dead.

Is the tide turning?

Abortion bans failed to pass in two conservative states this week. Bills that would have restricted abortions. The states South Carolina and Nebraska.

Why? Could be conservative legislators are heeding the signs that anti-abortion laws will galvanize women to vote them out of office.

A correct observation. Repeal of Roe v. Wade and its aftermath is bringing women of all ages and parties together.

On this day in 1945, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini and his mistress were executed by Italian partisans as they attempted to flee Italy.

Their bodies were taken to a gas station in Milan and hung upside down from a metal pole. People then shot at and beat the dead bodies.

On one of my many Milan visits, I visited the location and the pole. All I could think was how Mussolini’s people turned on him. He initially created a better life for them. Then became a megomaniac. He decided to become a major authoritarian figure as his hero Adolph Hitler. He partnered with Hitler and together they brought Italy down.

Eventually, Hitler brought himself down.

History shows us most if not all authoritarians end up the same way. Despised by their own people. Killed by their people or themselves.

Beware authoritarian wanna be figures in the U.S. History repeats itself!

A Mary Jane Holan wrote and asked if she and her husband could meet with me and have dinner when they visit in June. They are Jack Baron collectors and have read Irma and Me.

I would be delighted and wrote them accordingly. Only problem is I somehow lost their email and my response.

So Mary Jane, please write again so I can respond. Write me at chairmansuls@gmail.com.

Enjoy your day!

Alex Okinczyc blows a hell of a horn!

Ralph De Palma wrote Alex’s story for the Paradise Section of the Key West Citizen yesterday. Titled: “Alex Okinczyc, aka Island Alex, Has Music To Spare.” Recommended reading.

Alex grew up in Detroit where he was influenced by Motown. Became hooked on jazz. 

He and his wife Mary have resided in the Keys full time since 1988. In addition to performing alone, Alex has in recent years joined with Larry Smith in entertaining Key West folks.

Alex loves to dive. He has a phenomenal collection of bottles he found on the ocean floor.

His many talents include musical composing. His notable albums Under the Cow Key Bridge, Down the Road, and Save Me Blue Waters. He has published over 50 songs. His most recent reflects the green, smelly stuff appearing on our beaches. The terrible odor material and song bear the same name: Sargasum. Opening words to the tune: Tractors on the beach / Things are piling up / There’s a scent in the air / Hope I don’t throw up!

Right on! Says it all!

At 6 am tuesday, President Biden’s video announcing he was running for President again was shown. Great lines befitting his announcement: “Let’s finish the job…..Four more years…..We’re in a battle for the soul of America…..More to do.”

Forty four percent of Democrats say he is too old at 82 to run again. Trump is close in age at 76. Don’t be blinded by the age number. I consider Biden thus far to have been one of our best Presidents. He saved the nation’s ass after Trump set us on the road to destruction. Don’t punish him for being one of the best. Reward him with another 4 years. We still need him!

Last week following the Clarence Thomas revelations of wrong doing, I suggested all the Supreme Court Justices should be investigated. By the media. I question whether it would be legal for the executive and legislative branches of government to investigate the Court.

The basis for my recommendation was one rotten apple in a bushel will infect some of the other apples.

Already the basis for my recommendation is bearing fruit. Justice Gorsuch has been identified as having a problem. A financial disclosure one. Note also during his questioning by one Senator prior to his approval, Gorsuch said Roe v. Wade was precedent and could not be touched.

One or more of the other Justices will be identified as tainted by scandal. I have been concerned about Amy Coney Barrett since her nomination and have written more than once about my doubts concerning her veracity. My concerns stem from what might be described as her dual religious background. She claimed being Catholic thereby avoiding her formal involvement with a different religion which requires the wife be submissive to the husband. If I recall correctly, she even had her name removed from some article supporting the “other religion” which had previously been published.

Disney has sued DeSantis claiming a political effort to hurt its business. Disney claims DeSantis has waged a “relentless campaign to weaponize government power” over the company. Disney says DeSantis began and has continued “a targeted campaign of government retaliation” which it claims stems from Disney’s criticism of a contentious state education law.

Disney is correct. Win or lose on technical grounds makes no difference. Disney picked on the wrong guy when he took on Mickey Mouse.

Harry Belafonte died tuesday at the age of 96. An outstanding actor and civic activist. He and Sidney Poitier broke the glass ceiling.

After all my testing yesterday, I opted for a late breakfast at Harpoon Harry’s. Breakfast at Harpoon Harry’s has always been eggs benedict for me. For some reason, I changed it yesterday. Ordered a vegetable omelet. Absolutely delicious!

Freedom followed by tragedy. On this day in 1865, the steamer Sultana was carrying freed Union prisoners of war. The Sultana exploded on the Mississippi River near Memphis killing 1,169 passengers.

Two Citizens’ Voice comments befitting today’s conditions.

The first: “The Washington Post has stated that San Francisco now regulates how many homes can be solely rented out by Airbnb. Hmm. Attention, City Commissioners.”

The second: “FKAA, I have toilet tank valves that don’t refill the tank due to low water. Perhaps your board can vote for Water Pressure for Life.”

My blood pressure yesterday at the doctor’s office 110/70. Love it!

A visit at noon with Lori for a haircut. The high point of my day ahead!

Enjoy your day!

It’s noon. I am just sitting down to write the blog. Too late. You’ll have to excuse me.

My morning has been spent in doctor and hospital tests. Today the first of a serious with several doctors. Not because anything specifically bothering me at the moment. Merely time for my annual tests. They all ran together this year.

I have more tests scheduled for 5/2, 5/3, 5/4 and 5/10. Such occur when one gets to be my age.

I do not mind the tests. My concern is if they find something new that it can easily be fixed. Not interested in surprises!

Enjoy your day!

I have not been to the Chart Room in several months. Before that, a few years. It has changed. Not what it used to be. I decided to return last night with friends who were patrons for more years than me. It’s us in the photo. From the left, Tom and Fran Dixon, Steve Thompson, Louis, ending with Cindy Thompson. Tom and Cindy go back to the 1970’s with the Chart Room. Tom and Fran 20 years. I the baby in the crowd. Fifteen years.

The music was horrendous. Three of us at different times asked the bartender to lower it. Claimed he could not. It was controlled from somewhere else and was either on or off. No in between. He was bullshitting us.

We enjoyed our own company. Spent two hours covering a multitude of items.

As I was leaving, I noticed an extremally lovely woman nearby. She smiled and said hello Louis. Obviously she knew me. Embarrassingly, I could not recall her. Turned out to be Stephanie. We had met only once. At a political party at her home. Then it hit me! The political gathering was pre COVID. She and her husband Dan threw a get to know you event. I recalled her apartment, its location, and of course she and Dan.

I hope to run into them again sooner than 5 or 6 years. Nice people.

Chart Room

Fran and Tom return to Buffalo this morning. Steve and Cindy are joining me for dinner at La Te Da friday evening.

President Biden announced via video at 6 this morning he is a candidate for reelection. Good for America! Good for all of us!

Biden took office at a difficult time. Trump had left the country a mess. He salvaged the situation. He has earned reelection.

To replace him with Trump or DeSantis is to deliver our country into authoritarianism. Without question.

Tucker Carlson may be that extra bit that makes the Dominion settlement palatable. Whatever, I am glad he’s gone. He lied to the American public too many years.

Smut may be on the verge of becoming a part of Congressional governing in Washington. Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene accused Democrat Earl Swalwell of having a “sexual relationship with a Chinese spy” during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing. Swalwell’s misdeed occurred 8 years ago in 2015 and is well known in Washington circles.

Greene refused to purge the statement from the record when asked to do so by the Chair.

Someone should have reminded Greene of the Biblical refrain…..Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Greene’s divorce involved infidelity charges on her part.

Congresspersons beware! I would dare say at least half of Congress, if not more, have probably been involved in sexual dalliances over the years. Does Congress or the American people want their dirty wash hung out for all to see?

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis said yesterday that indictments, if there are any, in the Trump probe will be this summer. Between July 11 and September 1.

Willis claims she wants to give local law enforcement time to ready for “heightened security and preparedness.” She fears a possible “significant public reaction” to any indictment.

I don’t understand. Earlier this year, she said an indictment was “imminent.” Now we wait to the summer. Something amiss. Her case is prepared. Why is she waiting to submit it to the grand jury?

In 1898, the Battleship Maine was sunk in Havana Harbor. On this day the same year, Congress declared war on Spain. The Spanish-American war lasted 10 weeks and resulted in an American victory.

On this day in 1984, federal wildlife officials met on Plantation Key to discuss future protection of the Key Largo wood rat and the Key Largo cotton mouse. Few residents were sympathetic to the plight of the endangered rodents. Said one attendee, “We don’t miss the dinosaurs and we’ll never miss these rats…..They should be eradicated.”

Humor! On this day in 1901, New York Governor Odell signed an automobile registration bill which imposed a 15 mph speed limit on highways.

Raining like hell at the moment as it has been all morning.

Enjoy your day!