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!

Trump has experienced many Waterloos. I believe the Reflecting Pool is his most significant Waterloo. He’s off the wall about it! Without a certainty yet being established for its cause. Trump selected “vandals.” Factual basis remains uncertain, however. I read this morning that the claim is someone cut the blue liner some 200 feet plus. Who knows?

He claims vandals working with “knives” in the “dead of night” did it.

Cause and effect remains to be proven.

A TV news media yesterday suggested Trump and his Presidential motorcade might be the cause. Early on when the Pool was significantly empty, Trump and his motorcade drove down the dry side. Did such contribute to the problem?

There are a multitude of other problems which are receiving little or no attention. The Middle East and the Ukraine, sky high prices in grocery stores, gas stations and housing, a stagnant Congress, a failing tech industry, and more, Trump’s number one consideration continues to be the Reflecting Pool.

Some Trump officials foolishly are claiming the Pool is pristine They claim it is “clear” and “reflecting beautifully.”

The Reflecting Pool began having a fence erected around it yesterday. I doubt the Pool will not be ready for July 4.

The Pool must be fixed. Does anyone who is trying know what they are doing? Is Trump chairing in effect the remediation?

A question. If Trump is convinced vandals are responsible, why is the contractor trying to fix the pool under warranty?

Trump is calling New York City Democrats “Communists.” It has been many years since a politician has referred to another as such. Trump is opening a new door for abuse. Socialism is not Communism.

Many are referring to Trump as the “most corrupt” President in U.S. history. Think and decide for yourself. Though the answer appears obvious.

Trump dislikes Cuba. He seems to have a tendency to dislike weak countries.

Trump continues to hurt Cuba. This past Tuesday, the U.S. hit Cuban state companies with new sanctions that are expected to spook foreign investors and deepen an already steep economic crisis.

Moving on to other matters.

On this day in 1948, the U.S. began the Berlin Airlift.

Same sex marriage was made legal nationwide this day in 2015 with Obergefell v. Hodges.

World War I. Today in 1917, the first U.S. troops arrived in France.

A biggie! On this day in 1945, the U.N. Charter was signed.

A lot of earthquakes world wide recently. Is something significant in the works?

Key West traffic has been light recently. People wise and vehicle wise. That time of the year. Locals not unhappy. The season was good. Locals required a break.

I suspect the pattern will change beginning today. People will begin arriving for the July 4 holiday. 

Tomorrow Key West is hosting a celebration of the U.S.’ 250th Birthday. A big day. A huge parade and more!

Helen Keller was blind and deaf by the age of 2. Nevertheless, she graduated from Radcliffe College, wrote 14 books, and became an advocate for disability rights, labor causes and social justice.

In 1980 on the 100th anniversary of her birth, President Jimmy Carter proclaimed tomorrow, June 27, Helen Keller Day.

Another nurse visit today. Paige. I have not seen her in two years. I asked for her. 

Paige got me walking semi-normal two years ago. Then I lost her. I still walk half slouched. Want to get rid of it.

I am convinced she will be successful in completing the job. It will take several weeks. I will be patient, however.

Enjoy your day!

This is one of the most important blogs I have written. Be aware of its contents.

Chemotherapy drugs are in short supply. Orders are going unfilled. Patients needing the chemo drugs will soon first go to receiving less than normal and eventually none. Without the chemotherapy drugs, cancer deaths will be inevitable.

Why is this happening?

The shortage stems from manufacturing problems, shipping delays, and decisions from some companies to stop providing chemotherapy drugs. Chemotherapy drugs are challenging to make in sterile plants and command a very low price in the United States. Some companies soon may not be able to make certain chemotherapy medicines. The goal today at this moment is to ensue that not a drop of chemotherapy medication is wasted.

Some believe it is time for Washington to get involved. In order to ensure the U.S. has all the chemotherapy medicines its people need. Whatever, whoever, better move their asses. This is a SERIOUS problem, And if the U.S. cannot resolve it, no one can.

I am limiting today’s blog to this one issue. More important than the Reflecting Pool and Ballroom. More important than Trump’s lies. 

With so many of our people coming down with some form of cancer and soon may be without sufficient chemotherapy, the imposing shortage is one of the scariest things facing us.

Enjoy today best you can having been made aware of the problem.

For much of human history, humans ate with their hands. Over centuries, slowly changed from hands to hands and certain forms of utensils to what is today the fork, spoon and knife.

Spoons and knives came first. Spoons a chip of wood. Knives the weapon most carried daily on their bodies in Medieval Europe. Hands still the primary utensil, however. At one time stale bread became a utensil of sort. Food was placed by hand on the hard bread and eaten therefrom. 

The fork came last. It had its beginnings in ancient Greece and Rome. Primarily used as a cooking utensil. To cook hot foods. Eventually moved on to be used for actual eating purposes in lieu of the hand. 

The fork had a religious problem. Many believed God had provided the “natural fork.” Fingers.

The English were the last to use the fork. Forks were considered “unmanly” by them.

Use of the three primary utensils, to wit: the fork, spoon and knife, became common place as time wore on. Hands remained involved also during this time frame. Hands still used today for certain eating purposes. Eating pizza,  burgers, sandwiches, French fries and fried chicken.

New York City Mayor Mamdani turned out to be a kingmaker in yesterday’s New York City Democratic primaries. Socialist Democrats swept key races defeating incumbents. Mamdani proving to be a strong popular politician.

Sunbathing. A popular pass time. Something most of us have done at one time or another. Now comes a new somewhat similar pass time: Starbathing. Laying bare ass in the backyard or on a beach looking up at the sky. Even simply sitting clothed on the porch and looking up at the stars.

Star gazing experts claim three benefits arise from the activity. It calms the nervous system, provides a natural source of awe, and is free and accessible.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has to go. He has not abandoned his anti-vaccine agenda…..all to the detriment of old and young alike.

McDonald’s fried apple pie was a hit. It has returned and is not.

For some unknown reason, McDonald’s removed its popular apple pie from the menu in 1992. Decided now to return it. Getting mixed reviews. Too many negatives. Seems to have something to do with its sweetness. The new one has a strange sweetness to it. Some say it is the artificial sugar being used this time around.

The first Masonic Grand Lodge was formed in London this day in 1717.

Leonardo da Vinci: “You can have no dominion greater or less than that over yourself.”

A growing body of research now links a daily serving of prunes to a number of health benefits.

I recall as a young one my mother pumping prunes into me every day. She and other mothers even back then were aware of the natural benefits involved. Nothing new today. At best, a reminder.

Media claims gasoline prices have fallen for the sixth consecutive week below $4 a gallon. Not in Key West! We have not seen it yet. The best low $4.19 per gallon.

The Key West Firehouse Museum on Grinnell St. is soon to reflect history big time. The exhibit of a rare 13 star American Flag and a special Key West lime pie exhibit. The flag will be exciting to view. Pie pieces free as long as any is left. Once eaten and gone, no more.

The Fire House Festival will take place July 1 to July 5.

Local talent Ben Harrison at it again! This time a “delicious musical.” Titled Clouds On the Sunshine Inn. It will be shown July 14 to July 18 at the Fringe Theater, 600 White St.

All of Harrison’s work special. Don’t miss this one!

Query: Do mosquitos prefer a certain blood type? They may. Type O blood seems to be two times more popular an attraction than Type A. Amount of carbon dioxide exhaled an attraction, also.

A wife getting even with an abusive husband. What she did, baddddddddd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She took a kitchen knife and cut off his penis. Then took a ride in her car and at some point threw it out the window. The police found it. A 9 hour surgery reassembled it to his body.

Her name Lorena Bobbitt. The deed occurred 33 years ago.

Lorena was criminally charged. Acquitted on the grounds of temporary insanity. 

Some Trump. Very little. The reason being there is very little of merit to write involving him.

The Senate voted to block Trump from renewing the Iran War. Unfortunately, the vote does not have the force of law. Merely a feeling as to how the Senate feels.

The Reflection Pool has turned into a police zone.

I saw a photo of the algae being gushed into  simple law drain. Beware! The drain contents could contaminate something else. Would not surprise me!

The Reflection Pool is the “breakout hit of the Summer!” Who would have believed it would be so when planned and begun? 

Trump said six people have been arrested and seven others cited over allegedly causing damage to the Pool.

Me next.

I heard from the dermatologist’s office yesterday. I have two cancer infections on my left arm. Must be removed. I will get the dates later today. Since my left ankle which began as a small protrusion that I paid no attention to for three years and which ultimately took several months of treatment to get rid off, I am conscious of every mark on my body.

Last night The Grand for Happy Hour. Packed! More people than normal!

I enjoyed Cindy and Steve’s company. Matt the bartender his usual charming self.

I have a nurse visiting me at one o’clock. Nothing else scheduled.

Enjoy your day!

Trump claims the Reflection Pool problems are not his fault. If not his, who then? Nothing is ever his fault. He the man who screws everything up!

The Reflection Pool is a disaster. Appears to be getting worse by day. It would have been better had Trump left it alone in the first place. That which he tries to fix or change generally ends up a mess. The ballroom for example.

Trump wanted to change the color of the Pool. He has. Not from what he intended: American flag blue. Rather to algae green. With the blue newly painted on the bottom coming up and away from the bottom.

Trump claims vandals are causing the problems with the Pool. He has offered no evidence, merely the bald faced misrepresentation. He describes the vandals as “radical left lunatics.”

Hydrogen peroxide is being dumped into the water to hopefully eliminate the algae. The hydrogen peroxide is purportedly “a milder treatment than chlorine used in swimming pools.”

Back to the vandals. The White House claim is they are serious criminals doing destruction to a National Monument. Worthy of years in jail. Jeanine Pirro, D.C. Attorney, intends to prosecute with vigor.

The word is algae is common in the Washington, D.C. area this time of year. Sort of conflicts with the vandals theory.

I have a grave concern. I was an environmental attorney during my legal career. Clean air, clean water! The E.P.A. pushed both. The Pool water is obviously contaminated one way or another. This past week it was reported the algae green water was going into a drain to remove it from the Pool. Where is it going? What will it do? Will it contaminate another place?

There should be answers before action. These are important questions. I doubt they were raised or considered. As with many other things, do something, do it! What happens, happens. Not the way to handle these matters.

The E.P.A. should sit everyone down who has been involved in any fashion in a large conference room to answer the questions and others. That is how it was done in my day. We fought and argued around a huge conference table for days, sometimes weeks,  as to cause and responsibility under the careful professional eye of the E.P.A. 

Probably was not done in this case. I doubt there will be a correct answer until done. Done the way all significant dirty water cases are handled.

A bit more Donald.

Trump’s Iran war has hurt many. Actually all Americans one way or another. Several ways each has been affected.

The farmers took a big hit. Up to this point, supporters of Trump. I doubt they will be further. If the War does end, it comes too late to help the cash-strapped farmers.

Vance is trying to end the Iran War. He is having difficulty as he tries to navigate Trump’s whims while so doing.

Moving on. 

A new Tennessee law is cloaked in unAmericanism from my perspective. Americans are always concerned about children. Even those of parents not citizens. Tennessee has now made its caring of such children not their concern.

The law cuts off life saving care for the children of undocumented parents. The alternative were it to have continued being provided with no problems was/is to bring ICE into Tennessee big time.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: “Its high noon in America: Does our story take us to High Ground, or do we drown in the muck of cynicism?”

On this day in 1992, John Gotti, the “Teflon Don,” was sentenced to life in prison.

I am preparing to sell some of my paintings. Most have been in storage for several years. I locked them up back when and never returned to view them. 

My mind has slowed down. I have recently considered I had 12-15. Turns out at least 100. Many worth a heavy dollar.

Grandson Robert helped me yesterday. Glad he did! We got through about one third of them. Dusted them, photographed them, measure them, noted where purchased, who the artist was, etc. 

Took a long time and was hard work. We still have two more visits at a minimum ahead of us. I could not have done the work without Robert. A terrific grandson!

Today Tuesday. Later Happy Hour at The Grand.

Enjoy your day!

To Fathers everywhere, A Happy Father’s Day!

Fathers are not such bad guys. They are generally there for there children all the time. There are instances however where the children fail to see or appreciate them.

In the U. S., Father’s Day is celebrated the third Sunday of every June. 

The first Father’s Day was celebrated in 1909.

The usual Father’s Day gift is a tie, a barbecue, etc. There was a time when it was flowers. Yes, flowers. And the traditional flowers given Dad were roses.

Some interesting statistics. There are an estimated 74 million Fathers in the U.S. Father’s Day is recognized in 111 countries.

The Washington Post has an article this morning re the “surprising ways” dandelions are good for us. I have always found them to be good for “us.”

Going back to my earliest youth. We ate dandelion greens constantly. We were poor and dandelions were free. When I was a kid, we went out as a family to pick them. The only admonition was not to pick where dogs had roamed.

On this day in 1788, New Hampshire ratified the Constitution of the United States, thereby making it the law of the land. New Hampshire the ninth and last State required to do so at the time.

Frida Kahlo: “There is nothing more precious than laughter – it is strength to laugh and lose oneself to be light.” Note that Frida Kahlo was the first Hispanic woman honored on a U.S. postage stamp (2001).

Mississippi ranks as the most religious State in the U.S. Interesting!

Why do Girl Scout cookies sell so well? I believe because they “taste good.” The poplar reason believed by most is because it is hard to say no to kids.

A simple yet correct statement. The brain cleans itself while we sleep. Too complicated to explain in detail.

We spend 33 percent of our time sleeping. For some such as myself, attempting to sleep.

This is a WOW! There are 400 miles of blood vessels in the brain.

A surprising detail. Bananas are radioactive. They become so as they decay.

The U.S. Mint was established in the U.S. in 1792. It produces 15 billion coins a year.

A penny can have real value. The original penny was sold many many years ago. It was placed for sale at auction in 2015. The auction price $1.2 million.

The age of a coin before it is too worn to be of further use is 30 years.

The human body has baby hairs. The actual number of body hairs is surprising. Five million. Hard to believe.

Things have gotten expensive. We all know! Lets go back to 1935. The average price of a restaurant meal was $1.35.

Donald’s turn.

The Reflection Pool. Ducks swim in it. Some are dying. Seen floating stomachs up.

First algae. Then the blue paint coming up from the pool to float on top. Now ducks dying.

And someone arrested for allegedly “vandalizing” the pool. Such is Trump’s latest excuse for the Pool screwup. Vandals!

Davey Harn is a former Olympian. When young, of course. Now 67 years old. He was riding his bicycle by the Reflecting Pool and saw a long strip of rubbery material which appeared to have been “delaminated” from the bottom of the pool. He removed his glove to touch the strip. Media does not report if his hand even made contact. He was arrested by U.S. Park Police and National Guard troops for “destruction of government property.”

Trump should be arrested. He planned the entire debacle.

In any event, the scenario gives Trump a reason to now blame “vandals” for all the problems occurring with the Reflecting Pool.

In my many years, I have seen numerous photos of the White House lawn following an event.  Never any as bad as what was left and shown in photos following June 14. Fight fans apparently are slobs! Trump’s supporters.

Trump says the Peace Agreement ending the War with Iran was a “surrender.” Wants us to think Iran’s loss to the U.S. Wrong! The U.S.’ to Iran.   

Lying does not make things correct!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Screwworm cases are not to be taken lightly. Screwworms eat human flesh.

Their cases have taken hold in Texas and New Mexico. Many feel federal and state governments are not doing enough to counter the problem.

The screwworms have already traveled 1,100 miles between Texas and New Mexico.. More needs to be done to counter the danger. Otherwise two states will become several and then more.

The number 13 is considered unlucky in many Western Cultures. Many persons have a deep rooted fear of the number 13. It is called Triskaidekaphobia.

I would be afraid of anything with a name that large!

Eighty five percent of elevators do not have a 13th floor. Few airlines have a row 13. Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day by most. The Last Supper had 13 persons – the 12 Apostles plus Jesus Christ.

The fighter’s Michelle Obama comment: “Michelle is a man.” Her husband Barrack’s retort: She was “doing the right thing. Raising a family.”

Obama’s speech Thursday at the grand opening of his Presidential Center in Chicago was beautiful. Befitted the event. 

Kitchens 100 years ago included an “icebox,” not an electric refrigerator. A firm box with an enclosed space at the top for a block of ice to be left. The iceman came once a week with the ice block and put it in the “icebox” as the whole unit was called.

I remember distinctly the ice man coming up to our third floor apartment when I was young carrying the heavy block of ice which ended up in the ice box. It dripped cool water for a whole week to preserve whatever was inside.

Pancakes are older than you think. They were prepared and consumed by our prehistoric ancestors. Began with the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Bread is an extremely old food. Predates even agriculture. Goes back 14,400 years.

The movie “Jaws” was released in 1975. My family and I saw it while vacationing on Cape Cod. A scarry film!

Later while sleeping, I dreamed the shark was at my throat. I sat up with a start and grabbed at my throat. It was not Jaws. It was one of those large beach bugs. Fearful enough, however!

Trump time.

Trump said Italy’s Prime Minister Georgia Mebri “begged” for a picture with him. An attractive lady. She said Trump’s story is “completely fabricated.”

Who do you believe? I believe the Prime Minister. A well respected woman and leader. Trump lies too much to be believed about anything.

The Reflecting Pool was painted blue. Now big time green. A major algae attack. Gallons of hydrogen peroxide are being dumped in the water to correct the problem.

Good job, Donald! You screwed up another job you thought was a piece of cake and you knew what you were doing.

Foul mouth Donald Trump. The name fits. He referred to Barack Obama as “a stupid son of a bitch” on live TV.

At one time, Trump mocked Obama’s Harvard law degree. Obama retorted: Education is a tool, prepares people to compete in a competitive world. Obama reflected that education unquestionably creates that opportunity to so compete. Obama received a standing ovation for his responsive comment.

It is possible that Israel may undermine the U.S./Iran Peace Agreement.

Trump arrived at one of the G7 meetings late. As he walked in, he said to the group: “I’m the Boss.” In his mind only. No more. He blew the position months ago.

A “coverup?” What is the Kennedy Center hiding behind those tarps? A disregard of a Supreme Court Order?

My yesterday involved visits by two different nurses. One for my butt which is still healing. The other a physio therapist. I am making progress with both. Getting better, though slowly. It has to be my age which makes recovery of any medical problem take forever.

I ordered a small air conditioner the other day. I need it! My present air conditioning is failing me from mid afternoon to early evening. The heat too much for it. Wish it would hurry and arrive!

Enjoy your day!