Morning Stew time again!

I have 2 days of notes to share. The reason being I limited yesterday’s blog to the UN Madrid meeting and a climate change solution discussed. Kill people! Too many people on Earth contributing to CO2 emissions.

Someone commented I should have discussed Brexit instead of the environmental issue. The reason I did not is the professional media highlighted Johnson’s victory.

Most are aware of Brexit and Johnson. Very few are aware of murdering a portion of the population to slow down global warming.

I open today with a short bit re Brexit. Technically the United Kingdom withdrawing from the Euro Union. Unintended ramifications may result however.

Johnson supports Brexit.

Johnson concerns me. He is an ultra right conservative. I suspect in the same mold as Trump. I sense England traveling the same path the U.S. has the past 3 years.

Enough re Brexit for the moment.

Not through with Johnson and Trump, however. Both are peroxide blonds. Their hairstyles best described as radical.

The English have compared Johnson to a “potato in a blond wig.” He also has a wayward tongue as Trump does. During the campaign Johnson claimed that voting for his party “will cause your wife to have bigger breasts.”

Trump has had his day(s) for insensitive negative comments about women.

Johnson and Trump are birds of a feather. Yesterday, today, and will be tomorrow.

A New Delhi convicted murderer says he should not be hanged because New Delhi’s air pollution is already killing him. India has some of the world’s most toxic air. Certain regions are referred to as “gas chambers.”

The man’s crime was the torturing and then raping of a woman on a bus.

One of the more extreme Republican Congressmen is Matt Gaetz.

This past week during the House Impeachment hearings, Gaetz raised the issue of Hunter Biden. The issue of Biden’s alleged drug and alcohol abuse.

He was immediately stopped by Georgia Democrat Hank Johnson who said, in effect, beware! Intimating Gaetz might be the pot calling the kettle black.

Gaetz’s father was a powerful State Senator.

Gaetz had his wayward moments. One DUI. Several others whose records could not be found. Re the one recorded DUI, Gaetz refused to take the breathalyzer test. An automatic one year suspension of a person’s driving license. His license was not suspended.

It is also claimed Gaetz had 16 speeding tickets between 1999 and 2014.

Gaetz not an Obama supporter. He was a prominent proponent that Obama was not an American citizen. He also claimed Obama had “homosexual tryists” with Massachusetts Governor Devan Patrick and Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.

Interesting since some claim Gaetz is reputed to have an alternate gay lifestyle.

I am not sure what is true and what is false re Gaetz. I have shared that which is out there.

FOX News is not always correct. Re the following, I am in complete accord however. FOX’s representation that “iguanas have turned Florida into Jurassic Park.”

Florida is finally encouraging its homeowners to kill iguanas found on their property.

Current iguana problems include: Battling each other, showing up unannounced in people’s toilets, digging underneath house foundations, chewing up power lines, and destroying sea walls.

Florida has finally recognized that the iguana population is exploding exponentially. Florida fears it may have waited too long to deal with the problem.

Iguanas began showing up in the 1960’s in Miami-Dade County. Native to the Caribbean, Central and South America, they were shipped to south Florida as pets. The pets left their new domiciles and became marauders.

Melania Trump is anti-bullying. One of her pet projects is discouraging bullying. Her campaign is labeled Be Best.

Greta Thunberg is a 16 year old environmentalist from Europe. She has been traveling the world discussing the need for everyone to combat climate change and global warming.

Time Magazine last week recognized Greta as Person of the Year. There she was on the cover of Time Magazine.

The President was apparently unhappy with her selection. So he bullied her. He tweeted: “So ridiculous…..Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend. ‘Chill Greta, Chill!'”

I never cease learning. Today, blue whales.

Described as the largest known “animal.” It is an “animal.” A marine animal.

So big. Bigger than the dinosaur.

Up to 100 feet long, weighs 200 tons, tongue weighs as much as an elephant, heart as much as an automobile.

Why so big interesting. Food availability. Prey. Other fish. So many in the ocean that each time in gulps a mouthful, the intake is huge and adds to its size.

Popeyes finally opened in Key West thursday. I drove by. Traffic in parking lot and in line in road heavy. When things quiet down, I will try Popeyes’ chicken.

The noted poet Robert Frost spent the winter of 1934 in Key West.

It was the heart of the great Depression. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President. He began the Federal Emergency Relief Administration.

Julius Stone was appointed Administrator of the Southeast Division. Included Key West.

Stone envisioned Key West as a tourist attraction. An astute observation! He worked at making it so.

One of the first things he did was to make Key West an attractive place for actors, authors, artists, etc., to visit. That is how Robert Frost got to Key West the winter of 1934. He was part of Stone’s program.

This morning’s Citizens’ Voice carried another complaint about the price of tickets for performances at the relatively new Key West Amphitheater. The complaint: $99 tickets “robosold” within seconds to “scalpers” who in turn resell them for $400.

Locals are left out in the cold.

Recall, I had this problem when I went to buy Willie Nelson tickets.

The City should look into the problem. I have a developing concern. I worry the City may be getting a pay back (probably legal) from the operators and scalpers. Or, perhaps the operators themselves. Again doubt it is illegal. It is not right, however.

Let’s find out how the system works. And if possible, make it work for the benefit of Key West locals also.

Penis fish. Yes, there is such a breed.

Look like a penis. About 10 inches long. Even has what appear as testicles at one end. Some describe its appearance as that of a “wiggly pink sausage.” Others as a  flotsam from a wrecked bratwurst freighter.

Pink penis fish have been around 300 million years. Live 25 years.

They are found only from south Oregon to Baha.

The penis fish live under the sand in the beach area near shore. The underwater beach area. Called the intertidal zone. A strong storm occurs. It pulls the penis fish up and out and throws them on shore. Thousands at a time.

Syracuse plays Georgetown at 1 today. An old rivalry from Big East days.

The President’s Cup is tiring me out. Being played in Australia. A much different time zone. Kept me up to almost midnight 2 nights ago and last night till after midnight.

Today the final day. Twelve matches. I have no idea when they will finish.

Kim Jong Un keeps testing Trump. Trump keeps doing nothing. Trump claims he and Kim are friends so he is not concerned.

This past week, North Korea tested another super dooper missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and reaching the United states.

Appears to me Kim is saying to Trump: “Up yours!”

Kim has set a deadline of the end of the year for the U.S. and North Korea to work things out.

The “love affair” has obviously ended.

Another of Key West’s exciting attractions tonight. The Christmas Boat Parade. Many dressed up boats participating. Thousands on shore watching. For personal reasons, I will not be participating.

Enjoy your day!

There is a climate emergency. Unquestionably. To deny it is rank insanity.

Man has not done enough thus far to deal with the problem. Many suggest time is running out. It may already be too late. No one certain.

With most problems, there is a radical fringe that has the solution. An extreme one. Its foundation inhumanity and insanity.

A two week UN summit is being concluded. Held in Madrid. Titled: U.N. COP25.

Twenty seven thousand participated. Some on the lunatic fringe.

The contents of this article based on some of what has occurred at the meeting.

The solution to the climate problem by some is a reduction in population. An indication that the “solution” may be getting out of hand.

Extremism and paranoia move this group. They are referred to as “population control advocates.” Their concern is that the more people living on earth cause the release of more CO2 into the atmosphere. In other words, fewer people mean less activity. Therefore less Co2 would be contaminating the atmosphere.

The ultimate way to reduce population is to “kill.” Kill a certain portion of existing society.

First the decision whether to kill. Then, to what extent. Extent a hot issue. Certain peoples and groups should be targeted most heavily.

The white man, for example. Yes, the white man. Especially Swedes and Americans. Begin by limiting to the extreme the number of babies each may have. Another group thinks Africans and Asians should be dealt with first and most heavily. A third group believes both.

The “means”by which “limiting” accomplished another issue. Propaganda, funded contraception, abortion, ubiquitous birth control availability, and even “coercive population reduction.” The latter meaning “killing people.”

One group believes that the population of Europeans and their descendants should be reduced because their nations consume more resources.

Examples are Scandinavia and Sweden. Both have “clean” images.  Both however are destroying the planet. They consume 40 times more than average Tanzanians.

The “fringe” group believes population reduction efforts should begin with people who are the highest per capita emitters. The U.S. and China at the top of the list.

Two suggestions to begin: Mandatory abortions and adding “sterilizing agents” to the water supply.

It is generally agreed that government coercion is required. Those so thinking believe consumption must be drastically reduced. Reduction should be a law.

A speaker said, “There are too many of us.” He was speaking in support of killing. He noted however that religious problems were involved. The Bible tells us to “be fruitful and multiply.”

The discussions boiled down to the fact a reduction of humans was necessary. Killing, again.

Killing has become a common theme at all U.N. meetings. One speaker noted the difficulty in killing whatever number was necessary: “We can’t kill them all.” The reason being too many people would be required to be put to death.

The U.N. apparently has been promoting that schools teach the importance of “educating children” to the problem and its solution. Killing one of the suggested means. The U.N. teaches that “the planet groans every time it registers another birth.”

Those attending the U.N. summit and the U.N. itself, appear to be hoping for “vast new powers” to deal with the “climate emergency.” Of prime importance would be reducing the number of people on the planet “by any means they consider necessary.”

Shudder with concern, my friends. These thoughts rarely mentioned. A problem in itself. The secrecy of it all. Not so much from the U.N.’s perspective. Rather from the media which fails to mention the climate solutions being discussed at the U.N. level.

Enjoy your day!

Trump did it again. Failed Ukraine.

Zelensky had a meeting scheduled for monday last in Paris with Putin. The U.S. has been viewed as Ukraine’s “friend.” No more.

First, Trump held up payment of the almost $400 million to the tiny nation that has been fighting Russia for 5 years. Trump delayed payment. Public attention forced him to finally “pay.” He has not paid all, however.  Thirteen percent remains unpaid.

Zelensky never got the sit down with Trump in the White House. He finally was willing to settle for any kind of message that could be taken as U.S. support.

None came.

Trump’s people had promised a message of support prior to the Paris monday meeting. On sunday, Trump’s people indicated it would come in the form of a tweet.

No tweet was sent.

David faced Goliath without even a sling shot.

To add fuel to the fire, monday afternoon Trump received a “surprise” visit from Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov in the Oval Office.

Trump’s cruelty and support for Putin once again obvious.

I am a liberal. Not as extreme as most of you think. Some governmental assistance can be too much.

It was announced yesterday that the Democratic House had approved a $738 billion defense package.

Many times, Washington slips things in a budget which have nothing to do with the actual purpose of the monies being approved. This defense package did so.

The band is playing, the cannons roaring…..Approved was 12 weeks paid parental leave for federal employees. Husband or wife. Covers 2 million workers.

The Senate is expected to approve the legislation and the President sign it into law.

I can understand paid parental leave. Twelve weeks however is way too much. How much enough? I do not know. What I do know is my gut tells me 12 weeks is too much.

Key West homes reflect the Christmas spirit prevalent on the island. Many many homes decorated. More so than up north.

Not sure why. Could be thoughts of another day when some spent Christmas in the snow. Others seeking a tie to families they are not with to celebrate the holiday.

Blog short this morning. My morning ahead busy. Could not be helped.

Enjoy your day!

Roy Cohn rides again. In the form of Attorney General William Barr. Each Trump’s attorney at different times in Trump’s life.

Cohn now dead. AIDS. Disbarred prior to his death. He was Senator McCarthy’s attorney during McCarthy’s heyday.

Cohn’s philosophy simple. Never pay your bills. Sue everyone. Fight everyone. Attack your adversary in every conceivable manner. Never give in.

Cohn’s approach was tough and rough. Barr ever the soft spoken gentleman.

Barr is the head of the FBI in his capacity as Attorney General. The FBI is in his department. He supports Trump’s claim that the FBI tried to do him in.

Two separate investigations by the Inspector General’s office found no basis for the representation.

Nevertheless, Barr says “his” FBI did wrong and an investigation by another U.S. Attorney which is ongoing will prove it.

Much of this has to do with Russia and Russia’s involvement with the 2016 election.

It is obvious Barr has sold his “soul” to the company store. The company store being Trump.

Two Articles of Impeachment were presented against Trump yesterday morning. Yesterday afternoon, Trump was in the Oval Office having a private meeting with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

An insult to the American public. By Trump. Sitting with the “enemy” the same day the Impeachment Articles were returned. Reflecting Trump’s attitude of spitting on the American people he represents. A screw you attitude. I do what I want. I am the President.

The U.S. is on the road to authoritarianism. The rule of law is being stomped upon.

Trump has half the population supporting him, believing in him. The Republican Party is in his back pocket.

The situation somewhat like Germany under Hitler in the early 1930’s.

My concern sufficiently great that I wonder if there will even be an election in 2020 if Trump is still in office.

Wake up America!

Thomas Friedman in this morning’s New York Times wrote, “Impeach Trump…..the only thing to do if our country’s democracy is to survive.”

Bettie Page was a nude performer and porn star in the 1940’s and 1950’s. She lived a portion of her senior years in Key West. It was while in Key West that she became a born again Christian. Her words, “When I gave my life to the Lord I began to think He disapproved of all those nude pictures of me.”

She subsequently went to work for Billy Graham.

Bettie was a “camera club” member in the 1940’s. It was a way of avoiding laws which prohibited nude photos and pornography. She became a star in the erotic film industry.

From the early 1950’s to 1957, she was a BDSM star. Played both dominatrix and submissive roles. She became known as the Queen of Bondage.

Hugh Hefner made her Playboy’s centerfold nude beauty in the magazine’s January 1955 publication.

Bettie died December 11, 1985.

Some people do not know what they are talking about. In this morning’s Citizens’ Voice, the following comment appeared: “Sea level rise should be welcomed as an opportunity, not a negative; we can become a tropical Venice.”

The writer apparently did not know Venice was under 7 feet of water last week. And it did not look good!

I reported Key West’s Christmas Boat Parade for saturday night. Friday night there will be another. Stock Island. The Stock Island Christmas Boat Parade. Leaving from the Stock Island Marina.

Stock Island finally growing. The past several years. I have been hearing for 25 years how Stock Island was going to be developed. Finally, the time has arrived. New spectacular hotels, restaurants and marinas.

Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou last night. Great show! Loved doing it! Trump provides so much to talk about. Makes doing the show easy.

If you miss the show on a tuesday night, it can be heard anytime. The show is immediately archived. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Last week, Trump announced his son in law Jared Kushner would forthwith have responsibility for the building of the wall. He also advised that by November 2020, 450 miles of new wall would be built.

Forget it!

Yesterday, a federal judge declared Trump’s transfer of $3.6 billion from military construction funds to erect the wall to be illegal. He “permanently” enjoined the transfer.

People can generally see better than the government. The public can put things in proper perspective.

Recall the nativity scene the Claremont United Methodist Church in Los Angeles erected. Different. Jesus, Mary and Joseph portrayed in 3 separate chain link fences with barb wire on top.

A message well sent!

This morning a close up photo of the caged baby Jesus is all over the internet. The baby Jesus a person of color.

Enjoy your day!

Spent yesterday writing. Rewrote 2 chapters of Growing Up Italian. Will I ever be satisfied and complete the book?

My house is being painted. Got a look following the second coat after I left the house on my way downtown. Cleans up good!

My first stop was Aqua for Dueling Bartenders.

Usually crowded with locals. Not last night. Total patrons 3, including me.

The best bargain in town! Rick Dery and a guest singing. The entertainment free. Goes with the price of the drinks.

Rick was especially good last night.

Dinner time. I made my way to Antonia’s.

Nicole bartending. Almost did not recognize her. She has lost 30 pounds in 3 months. KETO diet. A different appearing woman.

Another 30 to go. She will make it. She was gushing with enthusiasm.

The title of today’s blog is Antonia Trifecta. So named because 3 good things occurred while I was at Antonia’s last night. The first seeing the “new” Nicole and sharing her joy.

The second happy occurrence mine.

You recall I lost 62 pounds last year. Not an easy task. As with Nicole last night, I was excited!

The diet was Atkins. I was loyal. It worked.

Five months ago, I got sick. Pancreatitis. Not cancer of the pancreas. Merely a “mad” pancreas as my doctor described it.

Painful! Two months of suffering.

Causes of pancreatitis in order are alcohol, smoking and fatty foods.

Doctor said no more drinking or smoking. I was a 4-6 gin man a night. Smoking bad, too.

I immediately ceased drinking and smoking. The smoking desire has passed. Still miss a drink when out.

The fatty food. The Atkins diet is high protein low carb. High protein means to me fatty foods. Steaks, lamb chops, etc.

My doctor said the Atkins diet probably contributed to the pancreatitis also. He said go on a high carb low fat diet.

I did immediately. As a result, have gained 30 pounds in 5 months. So much for having busted my ass for a year losing 62 pounds.

I cannot keep to the high carb diet. I will be the fattest ever! Ergo, I decided yesterday that I had to add more “fat” to my diet and see what happens.

Last night, I had my first meat meal in 5 months. Lamb chops. To die for! I went to Heaven!

Two down on the trifecta. Nicole’s 30 pounds and my enjoying lamb chops.

The third was meeting the Scarpas. Glenn and Ashley Scarpa. We sat next to each other at the bar. A most enjoyable conversation ensued.

Glenn and Ashley are into 2 businesses. Restaurant and needlepoint design.

Needlepoint is Ashley’s baby. She is an expert in textile arts: needlepoint and quilt making. She and Glenn are in Key West to close on their second needlepoint store. They purchased a needle point design store on Fleming, across from Fausto’s.

The new acquisition has been an established business in Key West for 42 years. Named Needle Point Designs. The recent owner Julie Pischke. Julie will remain as operator of the store. Ashley will oversee from her Boca Grande home.

The Scarpas are also in the restaurant business. Big time! Own 2 Italian restaurants in Florida. Lakeland and Boca Grande. Lakeland is called Scarpa Italian, Boca Grande Scarpa Coastal.

Both restaurants top shelf.

Glenn’s Dad was born in Italy. The family originates from the Salerno area. Cooking first began from his grandmother’s basement in her New York City home. Glenn and Ashley introduced the Italian cooking to Lakeland and Boca Grande.

Both restaurants retain some of the grandmother’s dishes from New York City.

Interesting, enjoyable people.

A great Antonia evening! What more can I say!

My diet problem not sufficiently corrected when I left Antonia’s. One meal fine. Needed some more “fats.” Stopped at Publix on the way home.

What a thrill. Just buying things I have not eaten in several months. Cheeses, cold cuts, rib eye steak, etc. I was like a kid in a candy store!

I hope I can handle the protein. Time will tell. I don’t want to get heavy again. Nor do I want another attack of pancreatitis.

Tonight, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Another crazy week. I will have a lot to rant and rave about. Especially, Trump.

Join me at 9 for a quick moving and interesting half hour. Guaranteed you will enjoy. www.blog talkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Trump will be on the air tonight, also. TV and radio. He is speaking at a rally in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

The House Judiciary committee is scheduled to vote 2 articles of impeachment this morning.

Pennsylvania is critical in the 2020 election. Trump won the State by a small margin in 2016.

Have to give Trump credit! He will be charged with 2 articles of impeachment this morning and come out swinging tonight in Hershey. Guaranteed to be a wild man!

On this day in 1898, the Treaty of Paris was signed formally ending the Spanish-American War. The U.S. acquired the Philippines, Puerto Rico and Guam as a result.

There is a significant Key West connection to the War. The Battleship Maine was initially docked in Key West when sent to Havana. The trial to determine the cause of the explosion was held in the Custom House in Key West. Many of the U.S. sailors killed in the explosion are buried in the Key West Cemetery.

The Key West Lighted Boat Parade saturday night beginning at 7. An outstanding event each year!

Boats small and large are decorated like the outside of people’s homes. Partying on each boat, of course.

The high today is 80. The weather will be on the warm side saturday night. A light jacket or sweater will be required on the boats.

I have done several Christmas Boat Parades. Not planning on it this year.

I recall one parade when it was sooooo cold! I had pajama bottoms, long pants, shirt, sweatshirt, a heavy winter jacket, gloves and a hat. I was still cold!

Harry Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Harry Truman.

Truman left Key West on this day in 1951 after a one month vacation. His last as President. However, he promised to return the following March when he was no longer President. He actually returned many times.

China is closely monitoring U.S. Air Force activity in the South China Sea.

What does Trump expect. He has defecated on China, embarrassed China, and caused them financial problems. Just as he is responsible for midwest farmers hurting economically and certain manufacturing businesses closing. All because Trump was going to show Xi who was the tougher guy.

I am concerned Trump is pushing too far. Asians are not accustomed to capitulating. It is a “face” thing. And they do not forget. They have memories like elephants.

Japan bombed Pearl Harbor because Roosevelt imposed an embargo which deprived Japan of 90 percent of its oil supply. Is Trump doing any different with China? Only the product(s) sanctioned are different.

Two days ago, a Houston police sergeant was shot and killed. A young lady had called in to say her boyfriend was abusing her and he had 2 guns. One of the guns killed the sergeant.

Texas’ 2 U.S. Senators were saying to the Houston Police Chief how terrible it was, something should be done, etc. Senators Cruz and Cronyn. Condolences apparently were also received from Senator McConnell.

The Police Chief expressed himself in no uncertain terms when speaking to Cronyn. Following his comments.

“I’m burying a sergeant…..because they don’t want to piss off the NRA.”

“I don’t want to hear about how much they support law enforcement…..”

“Do something…..you’re either here for women and children and our daughters and our sisters and our aunts or you’re here for the NRA.”

“Whose side are you on? The gun lobby or children getting gunned down every day? Who are you coming to work for?”

Cronyn responded, “Unfortunately, legislation like this falls casualty to impeachment mania. The Chief, “Don’t tell me…..it’s all about impeachment. Because you brag every day, you and McConnell, about getting judges confirmed.”

Cornyn did not respond. The NRA has not commented.

Enjoy your day!

The border. The southern border where Trump created a diabolical living situation.

There is still God. In this instance, the Claremont United Methodist Church in eastern Los Angeles.

The Chinese have a saying. One picture is worth a thousand words. Claremont United Methodist created a visual that says it all.

A nativity scene. Befitting the Yuletide season upon us.

The Church erected a nativity scene in front of its building. Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Except in a different setting. Jesus, Mary and Joseph each in a separate chain linked cage. Barb wired on top. The baby Jesus in the center cage. Mary and Joseph in cages on either side.

Says it all!

Lunched yesterday at Geiger Key.

Enjoy the setting. Isolated. Peaceful.

Not yet Christmas. However, the place was packed. Not tourists. Geiger Key locals. Mosty live on Geiger Key itself.

Nothing spectacular about Geiger Key. Modest homes, many trailers.

After lunch, put the top down and took a ride on some of the back roads. No grandiose structures. A sense of intimacy permeates the area. You and God.

Some things can only be described as “cute.” This one, for example.

The year 1886. A double wedding took place in Key West. Eighty two year old John Lane married 80 year old Mary Harris. John’s younger brother William 79 married Helen Saunders 70.

Union giant Jimmy Hoffa visited Key West this day in 1961. The purpose of his trip to inspect the Casa Marina and La Concha Hotels. They had been recently acquired by his union.

Kirk Douglas’ birthday today! One hundred three years old!

God bless him!

Still kicking in spite of a stroke several years ago.

His early background interesting. Douglas was born and raised in Amsterdam, New York. Fifty miles from my hometown of Utica.

I drove through Amsterdam many times for court, the Saratoga races, etc. As you cross the main thoroughfare of Amsterdam, the street sign reads Kirk Douglas Highway.

Douglas was born of Jewish Russian immigrant parents. His name till he became an actor, Issur Danielovitch.

As soon as I finish today’s blog, I will be glued to the TV. The House Judiciary Committee Impeachment Inquiry. I am a political junkie. The proceedings interest me greatly.

Tonight, I hope to make Dueling Bartenders.

How many times have I brought The Charge of the Light Brigade to your attention? Can’t help it. Love the story, love the rhyme.

The poem was published this day in 1859. A mere 6 weeks following the battle. By Alfred, Lord Tennyson. At the time, poet laureate of Great Britain.

He did not actually view the battle. He heard and read much about it. The battle was the heroic event of the time.

The poem lives and breathes to this day.

Pertinent stanzas: “Half a league, half a league, / Half a league onward, / All in the valley of Death / Rode the six hundred….. / Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die.”

A love affair is apparently over. Nothing more sad. I refer to the “love affair” between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Two years now and no “deal” entered into. Trump says do not be concerned. Kim and I have an excellent relationship. We exchange “love letters.”

A couple of days ago, North Korea let go with its strongest missile test yet. His missiles are becoming strong enough to reach the U.S.

Yesterday, North Korea issued a statement: Trump is a “thoughtless and sneaky old man.”

Keep up the good work, Donald!

Trump is doing well with China, also. His trade war with China has crippled the American farm industry. Caused other U.S. businesses to lose money.

China ordered yesterday that all Chinese government offices and public institutions were to remove foreign computer equipment and software within 3 years.

Such will definitely hurt HP, Dell and Microsoft.

The Financial Times reported: “The move is part of a broader campaign to increase China’s reliance on home-made technologies, and is likely to fuel concern of decoupling, with supply chains between the U.S. and China being severed.”

Another “Thank you, Donald” situation. Trump the man who told us during the campaign that he understood trade wars, that trade wars were good, that he loved them, and that he wins them.

He bullshits even himself!

Rudy Giuliani gaining in notoriety daily. Another person who bullshits himself.

He is of no value to Trump. Giuliani has lost it. He has reached the point in life where he has mental problems.

Sad. He was yesterday’s “wonder man.” The greatest Mayor ever!

He will not be remembered for his post 9/11 days. History will report his activities during the Trump years.

The mighty fall!

Enjoy your day!

Another Morning Stew day!

Today because so many diverse topics. Not certain what to open with nor order to lay them out. The result is they come to you in the order they appear in my notes.

Sanctions/embargoes can hurt. Lead to war as is recognized by the Japanese decision to bomb Pearl Harbor.

Trump loves sanctions. His weapon of war.

North Korea did a big test yesterday. The biggest yet. Kim Jong Un wants sanctions on North Korea by U.S. lifted. It has been 2 years North Korea and the U.S. have been talking or trying to talk.

North Korea blames Trump for no result. North Korea wants the sanctions removed first. Trump does not seem to have a grave concern either way. He keeps telling the American people he and Kim are “friends.” “In love with each other.”

Many a love relationship breaks up in a nasty fashion. Trump playing tough guy might force Kim to make a difficult decision.

Pete Buttigieg. An interesting man. I believe he is Presidential timber. Though not this year.

It took the U.S. forever to accept a person of color as President. It will take more time to accept a gay person. The U.S. is not yet ready for a “First Gentleman.”

Putin may soon “beat” Trump again.

The Ukraine has been a U.S. friend for 30 years.

Ukraine is at war with Russia. Friends help friends. Trump however held up almost $400 million dollars Congress had approved to help the Ukraine in its war with Russia. For personal political reasons.

While Trump has refused to give Zelensky the personal meeting requested, Putin has moved in. Ukraine sits down with its Russian enemy tomorrow in Paris.

Trump has the propensity to screw things up. Should Zelensky and Putin walk away “friends” and their war on the road to ending, Trump will have lost another valuable friend.

Putin is good at one upmanship when it comes to Trump.

Beer. A new diet?

Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond needed to slim down. He took up yoga and dieted over the summer. His diet might be described as the beer diet.

Drummond was not much of a beer drinker prior to the diet. Now swears by it. Says “I never drank so much beer in my life.”

Meats were also eliminated. Strictly a fish man now.

Begins with a cold one for lunch. How much at dinner and other times, I do not know.

Today the 6’10” player weighs 279 pounds.

The diet appears to be working. Thus far this season, he is averaging 17.1 points and 17.1 rebounds per game. No pro basketball player since Moses Malone in the 1970’s has done as well.

The beer diet was not Drummond’s idea.The diet is the result of physical tests to reveal the granular particulars of his body and decide the most effective method for him to eat.

Giuliani is going to hurt to people. Himself and the President. He is a cannon out of control. Back in the Ukraine this past week. Claims to be coming up with the Ukraine 2016 and Biden dirt he has been seeking. He wants to appear before Congress to share it.

Trump appears excited by the Giuliani news.

Two nuts! I can visualize both men sitting in a corner holding their pumpkin pies. At a point they each stick in their fingers, pull out a plum, and say “What a good boy am I!”

William Barr functioning as no other Attorney General has.

The Department of Justice he heads has 113,000 employees.

In recent months, Barr has traveled to Great Britain and Italy seeking “dirt” re the 2016 election and the Bidens. He has communicated with the highest echelons of the Australian government, also.

The Attorney General is like the CEO of a major corporation. He makes policy and at the same time makes sure that the many Attorney General obligations under the law are followed.

He does not dig ditches. Traveling as he has to investigate comparable to digging ditches. He has enough experienced staff out of the 113,000 to do the traveling and investigating.

There is another strangeness to the trips. Barr is investigating the investigators. His Department has already completed the investigations and found no wrongdoing.

David Lufman is a former Justice Department official. He observed, it is “fairly unorthodox for the Attorney General to be flying around the world as point person to further gather evidence for a specific Justice Department investigation.”

Uber sexual assaults have been in the news for several months. The news seemed to apply to passengers. Turns out drivers have been sexually assaulted, also. So much so, there is a movement to provide drivers with “employment protection.”

There were 3,045 sexual assaults last year. Forty percent were by passengers assaulting drivers.

Another woman’s world in the making?

Syracuse won big friday! Finally! Beat Georgia Tech 97-63. Wow! Big Syracuse numbers!

Both teams had similar poor records going into the game. Let us hope Syracuse continues to score in the 90’s in its coming games.

Georgetown next saturday.

The Key West Christmas Parade was its usual “best” last night. A spectacular event for a small town.

Long. One float after another. One convertible after another. Candy being thrown from the floats and cars to children curbside.

Three million Santa Claus’s participating. An exaggeration, of course. At least 25 in the Parade, however.

An Auschwitz love story in today’s New York Times: “Lovers in Auschwitz , Reunited 72 Years Later. He Had One Question. Was She The Reason He Was Alive Today.” The article by Keren Blankfeld dated 12/8/19.

I would love sharing the details with you. However too long and detailed. Read the article. You will weep!

Another German concentration camp story bears mention today. “Sophie’s Choice.”

It was on this day 1982 that the movie “Sophie’s Choice” opened in theaters throughout the U.S. Meryl Streep starred. The movie based on William Styron’s best selling 1979 novel of the same name.

The book and movie heart wrenching. Involved a choice no mother should ever have to make. Streep’s character had to choose which of her 2 children would live or die when in a German concentration camp.

Nineteen eighty seven not so long ago. A mere 32 years ago. It was a different time. The quality of the people involved different, also.

On this day in 1987, the U.S. and Russia agreed to reduce their nuclear arsenals. Reagan and Gorbachev doing the negotiating.

Enjoy your Sunday!

December 7, 1941. As President Roosevelt stated. “A  day which will live in infamy.” Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor. More than 2,400 American lives lost. The U.S. Navy’s Pacific fleet destroyed.

How did the day come about? What caused Japan to conduct the heinous act?

Oil. Plain and simple.

Japan became a warmongering nation in the early 1920’s. In 1931, it invaded Manchuria. Various events caused Japan to enter into an all out war with China in 1937.

It was Japan’s invasion of French Indochina in July 1941 that broke the camel’s back. The invasion set the stage for the invasion of Pearl Harbor in December.

President Roosevelt felt Japan’s invasions had reached the “too much” point. He sought to temper Japan’s war activities.

On July 26, 1941, Roosevelt froze all Japanese assets in the U.S. The result was that Japan lost access to three quarters of its overseas trade and 90 percent of its imported oil.

Britain followed suit.

The oil deprivation was a killer in the making. Japan could not survive without oil. It imported its oil. Japan’s oil reserves at the time would last no more than 3 years. One and a half years if war with the U.S. was commenced causing its fuel supply to be consumed at a faster pace.

Roosevelt assumed/hoped Japan would back off certain of its conquests. Then the U.S. would cease the freeze and permit the flow of oil to Japan again.

Japan faced a dilemma. Back off its invasion of Southeast Asia and hope the oil embargo would be eased. Or, continue its invasion policy and seize the oil in Malaysia and other Pacific locations. Such would further antagonize the U.S. and the West. Perhaps even lead to war.

Japan decided its future. It opted for a preemptive strike “before its oil gauge ran empty.” The preemptive strike Pearl Harbor.

Japan believed its overwhelming strike at Pearl Harbor and other U.S. and British holdings in the Pacific within a few days would bring the U.S. to the peace table. If not, Japan still would have secured the oil reserves it needed by occupying southeast Asia.

Even today, oil continues to be gold. A necessity of life for most nations. Wars still fought with oil the real reason for invasion or contemplated invasion. Syria, Iran, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia examples.

It’s the oil! Not one country wanting to help the abused peoples of another.

One of the visiting law professors before the House Intelligence Committee monday was Jonathan Turly. The sole representative for the Republicans.

Turly is a law professor at George Washington University. In addition, he has frequently been involved in representing one side or another in governmental matters.

Do not assume Turly is a rock hard conservative Republican. Far from it. Turly understands the function of an attorney. A lawyer represents a position in the law. Many disputes arise as to what the law means, was intended, etc. Close calls. Turly does his best to represent the position of his client as the law might be.

He understands and does his job as an advocate.

I do not know his political party. Could be either of the major ones. Or, perhaps independent. His legal positions lead many to believe he is a liberal at heart.

He once argued for the legalization of polygamy.

He has often in recent years expressed his worries that the Supreme Court is injecting itself into partisan politics. He has frequently expressed the view that recent nominees to the Court hold extreme views.

Turly argued an opposite view from that he expressed monday in a previous impeachment proceeding. The Clinton impeachment trial before the Senate. Turly spoke at the time, “Crime is contagious. If the government becomes a lawbreaker; it breeds contempt for the law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarchy.”

The world is catching up with Trump. Democratic nations are moving ahead without him. His opinions finally seem to have no value.

Due to Trump’s actions, thought process, etc., other leaders are losing respect for the U.S. The U.S. can no longer be depended upon.

Lack of respect for Trump was evident at the recent NATO meeting in London. He was laughed at in a private chit chat between several leaders at a social function. Macron told him to be “serious” when he attempted to make a joke at what Maron considered a serious matter. He referred to Trudeau as “two faced.” The pot calling the kettle black? He left the conference early. Failing to attend a news conference scheduled for him alone.

It is basic. If one wants respect, he must give respect. Trump does not understand this. He is a bully. Beats up on people. When he does, which is often, he cannot expect those same people to look upon him favorably thereafter.

Joe Biden said it right after Trump’s embarrassing performance at the NATO meeting: “The world is laughing at President Trump.”

No question about it. The only problem is it means they are laughing at the U.S. also.

Some parents no matter how good have a wayward child among their brood. So it appears with Joe Biden. His son Hunter.

Our children are our children. Parent don’t pick their children, nor do children pick their parents. The child the result of nature. An act of God.

In some instances, the child a cross for the parent to bear.

Hunter’s most recent escapade occurred this week. He failed to show up for a child support hearing regarding his out of wedlock child. The mother a Washington stripper. Her name Lunden Roberts.

Lunden in court seeking $11,000 in legal fees and child support. A DNA test recently revealed that Hunter is the father.

Hunter previously had told the court he could not pay. He was broke. Additionally he wanted the court to seal his financial records because of his “significant debts.”

Being broke an amusing defense. Recall all of what is going on with Hunter, the Ukrainian company Barisma, and Hunter’s consulting firm being paid $83,333 per month for his services as a director.

Homelessness unquestionably a major U.S. problem. When we think of the homeless, we generally think of adults. It must be remembered children are among the homeless, also.

New York City recently reported that there are 114,000 homeless children in the New York City school system.

It is the same across the U.S. Nothing to be proud of!

Genocide always in eh news. Thousands, even millions, killed here and there.

Mass killings not a today thing alone. In 1240, the Mongols under Bata Khan occupied and destroyed Kiev. A one day battle. Only 2,000 survived of the 50,000 who lived in Kiev prior to the battle.

Finally! Santa Claus is coming to town! Tonight! The annual Key West Christmas Parade. On Truman and Duval. Tonight at 7.

The best anywhere in the country!

Enjoy your day!

One more day re climate change, rising water levels, properties washed away, etc.

An admonishment. Those of you who have little or no interest in the problem get your head out of the sand. The problem is real. Already being felt. If not dealt with, will be overwhelming.

The Old Testament tells us, “The Lord has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm.” Nahum 1:3 KJV. Do we blame God for that which is forthcoming?

Not really. No question man is responsible for climate change and that which it brings.

The problem a serious one. I believe an apocalyptic line will soon be crossed. Then it will make no difference. It will be a terrible world, whatever that world may be.

Tangier Island sits in Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. A few towns thereon. One the Town of Tangier. Per the 2010 census, population 727.

The Island known as the soft shell capital of the world.

Strange happenings to the Island even before climate change was an issue. The Island’s landmass has reduced 67 percent since 1850. Two thirds of the Island gone!

Scientists expect the remaining landmass to be lost within the next 50 years. Tangier Island will be no more.

The Island began disappearing even before the Civil War. Its land loss back then and till recent times attributed to glacial rebound. Today, erosion and rising sea levels.

The people of Tangier Island have there own belief as to why the Island is diminishing in size. It is not climate change. They blame “erosion” brought on by the increasing incidence of severe flooding.

I am not arguing with them as to the why fore of the “severe flooding.” The older generation lived on the Island before climate change was even a catchy phrase. Ergo, they see the Island diminishing in size as the result of whatever has been responsible for it since 1850.

The residents have their own idea as to what should be done. Ideas that may have credence. They have been talking to their political representatives for decades to get protection for the Island in the form of jetties or sea walls.

Something to think about. The world will deal with the climate change problem and the Island and government an immediate solution in the the form of jetties and/or a sea wall.

There is more than one way to skin a cat.

There is an immediacy to the problem. A marine biologist said, “They are literally one storm away from being wiped out.”

Some communities have already been wiped out. Ruben Town and Canaan. Back in the 1930’s. Tourists today visit to see the Island before it’s completely gone.

A prominent Tangier resident is James Eskridge. He says, “They talk about a wall. We’d like to see a wall all the way around Tangier.” He is serious.

Somehow Eskridge got to talk to Trump via telephone in 2017. Trump in effect told Eskridge there was nothing to worry about, Tangier had been there for hundreds of years and will be here for hundreds of years more.

Eskridge later appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Colbert said, “Trump is going to get them that wall – and then make the ocean pay for it.”

Again, the people don’t buy climate change. They resist blaming their problem on climate change. Accordingly Trump was the right person for Eskridge to speak with.

Tangier is presently losing 15 feet per year.

The wall not a wild idea. It should be looked into.

Another resolution is relocation. Everyone on Tangier Island to somewhere else.

Not as strange as it sounds. Two examples.

In 2016, the Biloxi-Chitimacha-Choctaw tribe received $48 million from the federal government to relocate its village on the Isle de Jean Charles to another location.

In 2018, the Town of Newtok, Alaska was relocated. Home to a few hundred persons, mostly indigenous. Its relocation funded by the government also.

Serious business. A consideration on the government’s part is economic justification.

The government is not going to move everyone. It cannot afford it. However, I have shared this portion of the article with you to show that more immediate help is available in the form of a wall or relocation. Climate change still necessary. A wall or relocation can be more swiftly accomplished however while the many years for climate change to take effect is underway.

Two days re climate change problems enough for the time being. Tomorrow, I return to my normal blog.

Enjoy your day!

Sometimes we do not want to face the inevitable. We know bad days are coming, but close our minds to it. Like a child putting his or her head under the pillow hoping the ghost will go away.

Climate change has been discussed for years. Many concerned. Not many panicked.

Start!

The wake up call is bad news in one’s face. Stark reality.

Key Westers and lower key residents got it yesterday. Rising ocean levels are going to replace many roads and homes.

Can the problem be avoided? If not, who pays? Are government entities financially responsible? Or, do homeowners lose their homes and no one pays them for their loss?

A climate change conference was held yesterday in Key West. A meeting of the Southeast Regional Climate Leadership Conference.

I first read about the meeting last night in a New York Times article: Florida Keys Deliver A Hard Message: As Seas Rise, Some Places Can’t Be Saved. Then the report which appeared this morning on the  front page of the Key West Citizen: Price of Protection High For Keys.

Opening comment in the first 2 paragraphs of the Times article began the eye opener: “As seas rise and flooding gets worse, not everyone can be saved…..And in some places, it does not even make sense to try.”

A key speaker at the meeting was Rhonda Haag, Monroe County Sustainability Director. She reported the results of a one year study to calculate how high its 300 miles of roads must be elevated to stay dry and at what cost.

Note the study was only as to roads. Not the houses and buildings on certain roads.

Haag said the county can’t do it all. She was talking “cost.” She said some places cannot be protected at a price taxpayers can be expected to pay. She further advised that the County may have to say “no,” that not all steps required would be “doable.”

The study results focused on Old State Road 4A in Sugarloaf. A single 3 mile stretch of road at the southernmost tip of Sugarloaf Key.

Two dozen houses located on the 3 mile stretch.

In order to keep the 3 mile of road dry year round, it would have to be raised. Raised 1.3 feet by 2025, total cost $75 million. Broken down, $25 million per mile. Raised by 2045 to an elevation of 2.2 feet, $128 million. Raised by 2060 to expected flooding levels, $181 million.

Not chicken feed. Big dollars. Taxpayer dollars. To provide access to 2 dozen homes.

Haag made it clear that elected officials will be faced with difficult calls to make. The County alone could not do it.

County Mayor Carruthers said,  “We can’t protect every single house.”

One homeowner living on the 3 mile stretch said, “This is all I have. If that road goes under, I go under.”

Such the case for most homeowners. Their homes all they have. Their primary investment in life. Their retirement.

Enjoy your day?