BEN CARSON CORRECT IN COMPARING DONALD TRUMP TO KING DAVID

Ben Carson compared Donald Trump to the biblical King David in a monday interview on FOX News. Carson said Trump has been a “friend of religion” for years.

David is most famous for killing the giant Goliath with a slingshot and rock. David’s adulterous relationship with Bathsheba a close second. Even got her pregnant.

Carson correct in the comparison. David killed the giant, Trump killing democracy. Trump has a reputation for being an adulterer. David had at least 8 wives. The wives were not enough for David. He also had concubines.

Yes, Carson was correct in making the comparison.

Nikki Haley confuses me when it coms to slavery. Last month, she would not cite slavery as a cause of the Civil War. Tuesday she said the U.S., where owning a Black person was once legal, has “never” been a racist country.

Re the recent three migrant drownings in Texas, the Houston Chronicle called Governor Abbott a “coward” and an “embarrassment.”

Today’s podcast done 6 years ago. Brief and to the point. Titled: A Hell of a Week Ahead.

 

 

On this day in 1950, the historic Brink’s robbery occurred. Eleven men stole $2.7 million ($29 million in today dollars) from the Brink’s Armored Car depot in Boston.

The theft was almost successful. Took just under 6 years to catch the eleven. The Statute of Limitations was 6 years. The thieves almost made it!

Eight of the eleven were convicted and received life sentences. Two died before they could go to trail. One cooperated with authorities and did not do time.

Only a small part of the money was recovered. The rest is thought to be hidden in the hills north of Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

On this day in 1961, President Eisenhower warned of the military-industrial complex. He feared their increasing influence. He was correct.

Syracuse defeated Pitt last night 69-58. The second time Syracuse has defeated Pitt this season.

Syracuse played well. A relief from the recent disastrous beating at the hands of North Carolina. Syracuse made 10 three point shots.

It was The Grand for me last night. With Jean and Joe, Cindy and Steve. Matt bartending. I enjoyed a salmon dish.

Joe returning to Birmingham today. Work calls. Jean staying till the end of the month. We will do at least one dinner together during that time. Probably stone crabs.

Enjoyed also a new couple. We met for the first time. Jeff and Dana. Reside on Long Island, they are presently renting a home in Tarpon Springs. Visiting Key West for a few days.

Jeff is retired. His career was in the pharmaceutical industry. Dana still plugging away. Involved in the entertainment industry. With “Design Studio.” She is an executive producer of video content.

I enjoyed both tremendously. Sad we probably will not run into each other again.

Jeff of Italian extraction. We talked of Italian things. Also a Trumpie. A war not involved.  We were able to converse as persons should.

Tonight Brady’s Irish Pub. Italian specialty night. Chicken parmesan. Plus, Carola.

I’m off to Date & Thyme. My Monkey Smoothie fix.

Enjoy your day!

KEY WEST A MAJOR FLORIDA INFLUENCE IN KU KLUX KLAN IN 1920’s

Key West whites were major bigots in the 1920’s. A major influence in the Ku Klux Klan. The head of the Klan for the State of Florida resided in Key West and ran the Klan from Key West.

On January 14, 1926, the Key West chapter of the Klan initiated 20 new members, all dressed in full regalia. The audience included the Bob Morton traveling circus which was brought to Key West by the Ku Klux Klan for the event.

On January 13, 1929, New York Yankee star Lou Gehrig was in Key West where he visited St. Joseph’s School for Boys.

The Iowa caucus is today. In blistering frigid cold. Temperature projected to be minus 10 degrees. May have/will have an effect on participation. 

Some of Trump’s supporters very gung ho. Melissa Davis, 56, is a small business owner in Wuthering Heights. She has been out in the frigid cold knocking on doors. Her attitude re Trump: “He has sacrificed so much for our country and I need to do my part to support his efforts to save America because America is dying.”

Iowa principal Dan Marburger died yesterday as a result of wounds suffered when he placed himself in harm’s way to protect students during a school shooting earlier this month. Marburger set himself between the shooter and students in an effort to protect his students.

Gun blood paid for NRA’s chief executive Wayne LaPierre’s luxury expenses for 30 years. Expenses included use of private jets, persistent spending at the Beverly Hills Hotel by a PR executive and close La Pierre adviser, limo services and hotel charges generally.

Donald Trump repeated his claim in Iowa that he has been indicted more times than the infamous Chicago gangster Al Capone. Something to be proud of, of course! What it really shows is how bad Trump actually is.

Today’s podcast some 5 years old. Title: Sieg Heil, Light the Mother Fucker On Fire and Kick His Ass.

 

 

Texas Governor Abbott condemned after one adult migrant and two migrant children drowned. The cry: “MURDER.”

On saturday, federal Border Patrol agents noticed 6 migrants in distress trying to cross the Rio Grande River. Initial efforts by Border Patrol officials to alert State officials by phone were unsuccessful.

The Border Patrol guards then tried to gain entry to the area. They were “physically banned” from entry.

Three migrants, a woman and two children, ultimately drowned. As a result of the incident, Abbott is being referred to by some as “a murderer and psychopath.”

A few days earlier and as reported herein, Abbott said the only thing keeping Texas from shooting the migrants as they come across the border is that federal officials would charge Texans officials “with murder.”

Whether by bullets or drowning, a killing is a killing, a death a death. Murder is murder.

I am compelled to comment re the Syracuse/North Carolina basketball game saturday.

A destructive embarrassing loss for Syracuse. North Carolina defeated Syracuse 103-67.

Syracuse had been improving. I felt the team had a good chance to knock off North Carolina. It was not to be. Syracuse did absolutely nothing correct. Showed none of the improvement I mentioned.

The result confuses and confounds me. I do not understand how the Syracuse team could have played so badly.

I watched the game at Jack Flats with Fred, Dan and Dave. Fred left at the half, Dan and Dave soon thereafter. I could not. I stayed till the bitter end. I could not leave the sinking ship.

A picture of four happy Syracuse faces PRIOR to the game.

 

 

While almost half the Nation freezes, Key West has enjoyed three consecutive days of 80 degree weather. I spent a bit of time at Smathers Beach in the afternoon. Packed!

I enjoyed an excellent lunch at Goldman’s prior to the beach. First time in years I have stopped there. Worthy of a soon repeat visit.

I have a 12:30 heart doctor appointment. Life in the 80’s!

Enjoy your day!

TRUMP WINS IOWA BIG

Trump won Iowa big yesterday. As expected, with 51 percent of the vote. His victory clearly reflects the stranglehold Trump has on Republican voters. DeSantis was a distant second with 21 percent. Haley third with 19 percent.

Trump’s victory, in Iowa at least, eliminated any doubt Republicans would stand by their man when it came time to vote regardless of all the “negatives” he exhibits.

An entrance poll finding: Two thirds of voters continue to believe Biden was illegally elected in 2020.

New Hampshire next.

Trump’s Iowa landslide reveals something many elsewhere may not be aware of. Iowa’s Republican Party is controlled, more than in most states, by evangelical voters. In the last 8 years, they have grown even more fanatical in their love for Trump. Trump a thrice married adulterer who bragged about committing sexual assault.

Iowa’s evangelicals are not morally upright people who mean all that talk about chastity, charity and Christian values. They are more interested in right wing politics than feeding the poor and healing the sick.

Trump supporter Larry Kudlow re Trump’s victory: The Iowa caucuses will launch one of the greatest comebacks in American history. I don’t buy it.

Key West continues to enjoy great weather. Yesterday, 78 degrees. Beaches continued to be packed.

Some parts of the South are finally being hit with the North’s freezing cold. Especially Texas and Tennessee.

Key West will continue to be ok. It’s 2 am and I am working. The temperature is 75 degrees. The high today will be 78 again. Cold expected tomorrow however. High expected to be 69, the low 67. Thursday and friday will find a return to the high 70’s.

I had a heart doctor visit with April at 12:30 yesterday. Decided on a quick lunch following. I had some research I was anxious to get to in the afternoon. Decided to grab a Subway sandwich and take it home. The day was important in Subway advertising recently. They were coming out with some new sandwiches on the 15th.

I walked in. Lots of people. Got in line and looked up at the new items. Confusing at first. Could not believe what my eyes were seeing. The first two large subs $15 and $17. That did it! I immediately left. No way was I going to spend that much for a Subway. America’s great cheap sandwich was no more.

Subway was sold a couple of months ago for millions. Guess someone has to pay for it. Not me!

The Subway prices affected me. No longer was I in the mood for a quick cheap sandwich. I drove to Pepe’s and treated myself to a tasty luncheon. Did not mind spending the extra money. I wanted quality and was willing to pay for it.

Today’s podcast 6 years old. A change of subject one: Marital Infidelity. 

 

 

Food for thought. On this day in 1919, the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution establishing Prohibition was ratified by the requisite number of states. What a tragedy! Look at the crime, economic upheaval and everything adverse that it gave birth to. “Good minded citizens” brought havoc to the Nation. Somewhat similar to book banning in public schools today.

Considered by many to be the first modern novel and one of the greatest novels of all time, “Don Quixote” was published this day in 1605. Miguel de Cervantes, the Man of La Mancha, excites even today. I saw it in musical form three times on Broadway years ago. Loved the story and music! A thrill to watch each time. The music plays in my head as I write this piece.

Here are the photos I promised a few days ago of Fran and Tom Dixon taken on their Antarctica trip. The seal, bird, penguins, iceberg and Dixons themselves all look good!

 

 

Women are taking over the legal profession. Twenty years from now, they will control all aspects of the profession. 

Data recently released by the National Association for Law Placement indicated women make up a majority of law firm associates for the first time.

Miss America 2024 crowned. Miss Colorado. More importantly, a first in that she is an active duty U.S. Air Force officer. A second lieutenant pilot.

Don’t forget my grandson Robert Malcom and his writing for NoleGameday.com. The best of FSU sports, especially football which is Robert’s continuing specialty even in the off season.

Busy night ahead. The Grand and Syracuse v. Pittsburg. My body can’t take both. It may be the game. I don’t like drinking and driving home later in the evening.

Enjoy your day!

THE DIXONS ARE IN ANTARCTICA

I have received two e-mails and a dozen photos from Buffalo’s Fran and Tom Dixon. They left Buffalo’s cold to vacation in the Antarctica. From the tone of the emails and the pics, they are having a marvelous time. Bundled up, of course. The icebergs, sky, water and penguins beautiful. Each photo striking. Must be the play of the sun on the cold objects in the photos. Everything sharp and distinct.

They even went down in a submarine 400 feet. I’m impressed.

I will share some of the photos with you in the next few days. Need Sloan’s help in moving them over.

Fran and Tom visit Key West 3-4 times a year. Always stay at the Ocean Key House. Tom has a minor interest in Ocean Key. I believe their next Key West visit will be in February.

The 26th Key West Half Marathon & Runfest is scheduled for this sunday morning. Lori who has been cutting my hair for 25 years will be running in the event. The 13.1 mile jaunt no big deal for her. She has been a long distance runner for years.

Freezing cold in the Northwest and Northeast U.S., yet Key West has enjoyed 80 degree weather the past two days. Hope it continues.

Florida State Road A1A may soon be the Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway. Runs 340 miles along Florida’s Atlantic Coast. Florida may also soon provide specialty license plates with “Margaritaville” emblazed thereon.

A State Senate Committee approved both items wednesday. Both are expected to become law in due course. A fitting tribute to Jimmy Buffet, a man loved worldwide.

Last night an enjoyable one again. Dinner at Brady’s Irish Pub. Carola and pierogis. In addition to good company.

Chatted with Tammy and Rich again. Tammy a manager at A&B Lobster House, Rich a manager with Ed Swift’s trolley car operation. Together with Carola, we talked about the new Bob’s Restaurant on Margaret Street. For years prior thereto, the old Michael’s Restaurant. I was the only one who had attended so far. I loved it! Carola has plans to attend next weekend. Tammy tried to make reservations for St. Valentine’s Day. Too late already. Booked.

Met George. We talked for a long time.

George is a retired Coast Guard regular and reserve member. Twenty eight years. Following which he was a school teacher for a number of years. Now retired, he keeps busy doing paperwork for his son’s Rhode Island business and also crabbing in Key West waters. His wife Marge, who I did not meet, spends her time in what I suspect is an enjoyable past time, She does historical research.

I may run into George next week. He told me about some places I have never heard of which sound like fun. Can’t believe there are places I have not experienced in my 30 Key West years. But, there are.

Today, big! Syracuse/North Carolina at noon. North Carolina presently ranked #7 nationally. I will be watching the game at Jack Flats with Fred Klein, a fellow Syracuse graduate. Dan Riordan is in town for 2 months. A Syracuse die hard, also. Look forward to his joining me soon at some of the games.

Today’s podcast 5 years old. Involves Trump when he was President. Title: Mr. President, Have You No Conscience?

 

 

Doctors and hospitals have gone crazy complying with patient protection laws. They bend over backward to comply and protect. Pharmacists do not. A gaping loophole in federal healthcare regulations are permitting some leading drug store chains to turn over a customer’s most sensitive private healthcare information to law enforcement agencies. Without a warrant.

My message intended primarily for women. A warning, in effect. Drugs in any way even remotely involved with abortion and birth control are daily ending up in the hands of authorities. Prosecutors included if they want them. All eight of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains automatically turn over prescription records of thousands of Americans to law enforcement entities secretly. 

Women be aware! What you can do, I am not sure.

Trump has been ordered to pay the New York Times close to $400,000 for a frivolous lawsuit he brought. The actual amount $392,638.69 in legal fees for the New York Times and 3 of its writers stemming from a “frivolous” 2021 lawsuit that had already been dismissed.

Donald generally loses. Has he wakened to the fact it costs him money not only for his own attorneys (who he seems to rarely pay) and now the attorneys for those he sues?

Jesus has been called upon to be involved in the Iowa caucus monday. By a Trump supporter, who else? She is evangelist Patricia Lage who said she was calling on Jesus to lend a hand on monday. The weather forecast predicts an exceptionally cold monday. Like minus 20 degrees. Lage said, “I am declaring that it be warmer in Jesus’ name.”

What happened to people praying/hoping privately and in silence? Too much God publicly in politics today.

My closing topic involves something that has become increasingly bothersome to me. The ignorance of some Congressional persons. Those who speak knowingly about an issue where they have absolutely no knowledge of the law involved nor have taken the time to check the law first before speaking out on a matter of great concern.

I am motivated to comment based on statements made by some Democratic Congresspersons re Biden’s recent bombing of Houthi rebels in Yemen. Biden said the bombings “were to protect our people and the free flow of international commerce.” 

Note first that even prominent Republicans supported Biden’s decision. Senate Majority Leader McConnell and House Speaker Johnson  both supported Biden. If they were critical in any fashion, it was to say Biden should have so acted sooner. The term used was “long overdue.”

 Congressional bipartisan support was mixed. Those opposing said what the Democrats opposing had said. The bombings were an act of war and the Constitution requires Congressional approval first.

The Democrats ignorant lazy idiots all. The Republicans opposing playing politics.

The law is clear and supports Biden one hundred percent. Biden has authority under the War Powers Act, aka War Powers Resolution, passed by Congress in 1973. The Act requires the President to inform Congress within 48 hours of military action and requires the termination of military action within 60 days of its commencement if Congress has not officially declared war or authorized the military action. 

The Democrats critical of Biden embarrassed him for a brief moment. Following which they embarrassed themselves greatly. In addition, they should have supported their leader Biden in these dangerous tenuous times. A Trump he is not.

Enjoy your day!

MONKEYS NEXT FLORIDA INVASIVE SPECIES

Florida has pythons. In excess of one million and growing. Other invasive species, also. As the weather and other conditions are good for humans, so it is for certain species.

The next species to overcome Florida’s environment are expected to be monkeys. A surprise! But then who expected Burmese pythons. The “brand” name Lieurance, They are macaque monkeys. Popularly referred to as crab eating macaques.

One strain of macaque monkey already established in Florida is the Rhesus macaque which carries a deadly strain of herpes. Acquired from eating crabs. The crab eating macaque exists in significant numbers already in Florida because of the genius of Florida government which imported them for biological testing. 

How will the monkeys become a problem? Simple. Same way as the Burmese python did. They will escape from confinement. Either as a pet or in an aquarium. Moved out into society by a hurricane. Bingo! Spread all over and then propagate like crazy. The monkeys are very sexual. Their gestation period only 165 days.

Texas Governor Abbott says Texas isn’t shooting migrants because “the Biden administration would charge us with murder.”

What else would Abbott expect? Congratulations?

Girl scout season is upon us. Prices will be higher for the first time in years.

After my haircut and manicure yesterday, I decided to enjoy breakfast out. Went to I-Hop. Difficult though it may be to believe, Key West’s I-Hop breakfast is excellent and cheap. Their over 55 menu very reasonable.

It was the second time in a week I have done I-Hop for breakfast. A young fellow named Caesar has waited on me. Talented, efficient. He should find a position at a restaurant where the tabs and tips are higher.

I spent the rest of the day in. Tired for some reason.

It is already 75 degrees this morning. Temperature will soon rise to 80. Amazing! Yesterday was in the high 60’s. For a short while, 71. Crazy weather. Glad for the warm day.

Tonight will be Brady’s Irish Pub and Carola. Friday special Polish pierogis which I enjoy. I first had them in high school. My girl friend was Polish and her mother used to make them for me. When I became a lawyer, the mother became my client. She would bring me bags of home made pierogis. I refused to take money from her.

Today’s podcast 7 years old. A bit different. I would title it: Retirement Not Laying in the Sun Under a Palm Tree. Concerns a Blog TALK Radio Show I did back then.

 

 

Trump time. 

Trump did participate in his summation in the New York fraud case. A few minutes. Enough time to break court rules he had agreed to, insult the judge, defecate on others, proclaim his innocence, etc. All of which in my opinion did him no good. He had been warned by the judge in writing prior to receiving permission to speak and nevertheless did it “his way.” Frank Sinatra he is not. 

I sense Trump fears these court fights are losing battles. He now has decided to participate on a limited basis in his own designed fashion to save his ass. His “magic” will not serve him well in a court room.

Trump also announced he will attend the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial that is scheduled to begin next week. Trump said: “Yeah, I’m going to go to it and I’m going to explain I don’t know who the hell she is, I have no idea.”

I am not sure what his appearance or attempted testimony will accomplish. Trump did not testify at the first trial where he could have. A federal judge has already ruled in this second case that Trump defamed Carroll again as a matter of law. The only issue the jury will have to decide is damages. How much? The first case resulted in a $5 million verdict by the jury re sexual assault and defamation. 

Trump is trying to retry the first case where he could have and should have testified. He attended, but opted not to testify, to defend himself with his own words.

Trump’s problem is he refuses to play by the rules. Established legal rules. In all the cases he is involved in, he “makes his own rules.” Not the way to play. The rest of us play by the rules, so should he.

It is called “respect for the law.”

Another Trump issue involves abortion. Trump proudly said on FOX News this week that he took abortion rights away. He did it with the termination of Roe v. Wade. Suggesting his three appointees to the Supreme Court were responsible. He was correct! He should not be proud of it. Rather sad that he admittedly was part and parcel to destroying a vital part of women’s rights.

As a result, Trump will lose a significant number of female votes in November.

Now to Marjorie Taylor Greene.

She who has “humiliated many,” has been subjected to a major humiliation. Which, I think is good. Retribution of a sort for her ill used tongue.

Greene is a MAGA Queen. She has used her Congressperson status well in that regard.  Payback time arrived. She had a book signing for her recent book MTG: No one showed up for the book signing. “No one” means so few people.

It’s a tough life. What goes around, comes around!

I am off to my Monkey Smoothie fix. Nothing real monkey involved. I fear not the drink.

Enjoy your day!

MANHATTAN D.A. BRAGG TELLS JIM JORDAN AND THE HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS DON’T SCREW WITH MY CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST DONALD TRUMP

Jim Jordan and his MAGA controlled Judiciary Committee have been defecating on the law by bringing all kinds of baseless hearings against Democrats, Biden, in support of Trump, etc.  Manhattan District Attorney Bragg has had enough. He has put his foot down and said no more. 

Bragg filed a federal lawsuit in the Southern District of New York against Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee for interference in Bragg’s criminal case against Donald Trump.

Proper action by Bragg in my opinion. Congressional MAGA Republicans think they can do whatever they want. The law does not work that way. Bragg’s federal lawsuit asks the Court to enjoin Jordan and the House Judiciary Committee from interfering with a New York State criminal action. 

Jordan and the Committee’s conduct from my perspective is unheard of. I believe Bragg’s move will be successful.

Chris Christie suspended his campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination. Sad. I have watched Christie’s career over the years. He calls them as he sees them. Straight forward. I do not always agree with him. However do respect his honesty, boldness and frankness.

Christie has been on Trump’s ass throughout this campaign. Properly so. He considers Trump not the man for the job, “unfit” the term he uses. He is one of the few major Republicans to be so forthcoming.

Christie made a right on observation last night: “Anyone who is unwilling to say (Trump) is unfit to be Presidnet of the United States, is unfit themselves to be President of the United States.”

Today’s podcast is 6 years old. Title: Conquest, War, Famine and Death, the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

 

 

Ron DeSantis has been lost along the way in the Republican Presidential Primary. His own doing. He is incompetent as well as a failed image of the Trump he tries to be. His book banning legislation has not served him well. It has turned out to be an all encompassing tool. One school district has banned the dictionary.

The Escambia County School District removed over 2,800 books from library shelves as they begin a review process to determine if they are “inappropriate” for students. Included were The American Heritage Children’s Dictionary, Webster’s Dictionary for Students, and the Merriam-Webster’s Elementary Dictionary.

Such crazies! Such waste of time and money!

I clearly recall my grammar school years were spent with a thick red dictionary by my side at home. I needed it and used it constantly. I have no recollection of ever having  learned a “dirty word or thought” from its use.

A significant day in Key West history. January 11, 1829. The four owners of the island of Key West, John Simonton, Pardon Greene, John Whitehead, and John Fleming, signed an agreement regarding the division of the island. They split the island in four equal parts.

This day in 2010 was the second coldest ever for the Keys. Key West was 42 degrees, Marathon 39, and Key Largo 35. I was here. I remember the day well.

My yesterday began with a Monkey Smoothie fix in the morning. Napped and watched a couple of old movies on the TV in the afternoon. 

Last night the best! Fred Klein has returned. I introduced him to Brady’s Irish Pub. Typical of most, it was the Italian chicken parmesan special he found appealing. He enjoyed the entire meal!

Fred fell in love with the place. He did disappoint me in one regard. He was more impressed with Brady’s than Carola.

We had a great time! Introduced him to Carola. of course. Then Tony and his wife Candy. Tony a fisherman by day. Candy at one time lived in Kingston, N.Y. We talked about snow in northern New York. She had a photo sent her a couple of days ago showing a friend’s home in Kingston buried in snow. We both agreed, better them than us. I do not care if I never see snow again.

Fred needs no one to introduce him. He is gregarious. Spoke to everyone around him.

Carola took a picture of us which I show here. Fred is a proud Syracuse graduate also. Note the shirt he wore last night. Fred will be joining me saturday at noon at Jack Flats for the North Carolina game.

 

 

Syracuse beat Boston College last night 69-59. A wild game! Syracuse led by 19 late in the first half. Boston College fought back to take the lead in the second half. Syracuse ended up winning the game on a 20-9 run.

Syracuse star Judah Mintz did not play. He was benched by Coach Adrian Autrey for a rule violation. He will play saturday against North Carolina, however.

The day ahead a bit busy for me. First my Monkey Smoothie fix. Then a haircut with Lori. Followed by a manicure with Tammy.

It’s a tough life!

Enjoy your day!

OLD CRAZY LAWS

Some states still carry old crazy laws on their books.

New York has several: Public flirting is prohibited. A man on a street is prohibited from turning around and “looking at a woman in that way.” Adultery is a rarely enforced Class B misdemeanor in New York. It is also illegal in New York for a woman on a street to be wearing “body hugging clothing.”

Florida has a couple. It is illegal for a woman to fall asleep under a hair dryer. An unmarried woman cannot go parachuting on a Sunday. 

Indiana prohibits persons from going to the cinema or theater or ride in a public street car if they have eaten garlic within four hours. A kiss cannot be more than five minutes in Iowa. It is illegal to tickle a woman in Virginia. A man cannot purchase alcohol without the written consent of his wife in Pennsylvania.

Monday was busy for me.

Began with a visit to Dr. Norris to get the results of the multitude of tests I had recently taken. Everything started because of a pain for 3 weeks in my lower left side. Still have it 5 weeks later. Nothing showed up. More tests scheduled. 

Love when I get good results. Blood work ok. Blood pressure, also. 

One problem did appear. A new one. A large kidney stone in my right kidney. Too large to pass. Did not know I had the problem. No pain or other symptoms. Nevertheless in the interests of caution, I am on my way to a urologist to follow. Another CAT scan also scheduled to figure out why the pain in my lower left side.

Then to George at Zip Auto. An oil leak problem. Followed by lunch at Roostica. A while since I had been there.

Decided to go out Monday night. I had spent the weekend at home. Ended up at Antonia’s. Glad I went! Nicole bartending.

I had not seen Nicole since before COVID. She bartended part time at Antonia’s back then also. The one thing I especially recall re Nicole is that she was the first person to appear at my first book sale years ago. The first to buy a book of mine at such a sale. Before Nicole appeared, everyone else was selling their books. No one wanted mine till Nicole arrived. However by the end of the day, I had sold more than anyone else. Thrilled me!

Slowed down on Tuesday. Monday must have been too much for me. I only went out for a Monkey Smoothie fix at Date and Thyme in the morning. Otherwise remained in. Skipped The Grand in the evening.

The actual reason I skipped The Grand was my research and writing was on a roll. Writing I have found is like playing basketball in my younger days. When you had it, you were on a roll. Everything went in the basket. On an off day, nothing. Writing is the same. There are days when I seem blessed. I discover things to discuss in the blog. The words pour out smoothly. When not on a roll, it is hell! Nothing I discover researching turns me on. What I write is difficult. I have to revise and revise.

Yesterday was a “roll day.” The research and writing came easy. Flowed.  I did not want to stop and so continued into the evening.

It even extended to the early morning today. I woke at 3 for a bathroom break, then sat at the computer to check something. Everything working well. New items popping up. The words easy to write. Ergo, I have been at completing today’s blog since 3 am.

Later this morning, I will be at Date & Thyme for my Monkey Smoothie fix. Even Dr. Norris approves. Healthy, my friends. I feel energized! It’s the high protein content.

Tonight, Syracuse plays Boston College at 9. Too late for me. I am asleep generally by 9. Instead Fred Klein is joining me for the first time at Brady’s Irish Pub, I am confident he will enjoy Brady’s and Carola will have another loyal follower. 

Two items of local Keys interest.

On this day in 1861, the State of Florida seceded from the Union. Key West refused and remained under the control of federal authority for the entirety of the Civil War.

On this day in 1959, baseball great Ted Williams filed a Declaration of Domicile with the Clerk of the Court listing his address as Islamorada.

Today’s podcast 6-7 years old: Auschwitz Returns.

 

 

Trump continues his exaggerations and lies. The most resent is the cost of a gallon of gasoline. He claimed in the last day or two that gas was selling for $8 a gallon in parts of the U.S. Other parts, $5-7. His representation Fact Checked by everyone. Not a single gas station where fuel costs were that high. In fact, the most recent national average was $3.07 a gallon.

The man does not check, do his homework. He shoots from the hip. Comments off the top of his head.

No way he should be permitted to be President again!

Trump’s claim for immunity appears to have fallen on deaf ears before the U.S. Court of Appeals for D.C. on Tuesday. Following oral argument, Trump refused to rule out violence if the Appeals Court’s decision goes against him: “It’ll be bedlam in the country. It’s the opening of a Pandora’s box.”

Sound like encouraging lawlessness?

January 9th a day of unusual historical importance over the years. A few of the happenings.

The historical term “The die is cast” was born in 49 B.C. Spoken by Julius Caesar as he crossed the Rubicon.

Thomas Paine published “Common Sense.” The year 1776. Therein he advocated American independence. He was the Voice of the American Revolution.

Postal stamps come perforated today. Not always the case. Perforation first appeared in 1854. Prior thereto, a postal employee would cut the stamp(s) purchased with a scissor.

Remember “Where’s the beef?” Clara Peller asked the question for the first time in 1984 in a Wendy’s commercial.

The famous retired basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a noted blogger today. He presently is recovering from a fractured hip. In 1986, he scored his 34,000th career point. The record stood till this past year.

Lorena Bobbit achieved international fame in the early 1990’s when she cut off her husband’s penis after catching him cheating. Her trial began in 1994.

The Italian mobster show “The Sopranos” made its debut on TV in 1999.

Enough for today. Everything flowed.

Enjoy your day!

GOD MADE TRUMP

“God Made Trump.” A commercial. A video made commercial. A Donald Trump shared commercial.

Released on January 6, 2024 on Trump’s site Truth Social, it paints Trump as a “divinely chosen leader.” Depicted as an “instrument of God.”

Thank God! Thank you, God! Just what America needed and continues to need. A second Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ reincarnated. I bless myself and thank the Lord for making Donald. Where would our Nation be headed without him. His divine creation assures us we have nothing to fear. Even if he leads us in a path similar to that traveled by Adolph Hitler. Was Adolph divinely created as Trump is now asserted to be?

The video revealing Trump’s “divine creation” asserts: “On June 14, 1946, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker.’  ‘So God gave us Trump.”’

Such is the video opening. It sets the tone for the entire video, framing Trump in a messianic light, as someone chosen by God.

Nothing happens around Trump without his knowledge, permission and consent. So it is safe to assume he is embracing this messianic message as part of his political persona. The narrative is a blend of grandiose claims and personal anecdotes, designed to elevate Trump’s image to mystical proportions. If true, he is in a sense Jesus Christ’s brother.

Trump knows and believes he was made by God, anointed by Him to lead. So believe Trump’s evangelical supporters.

I believe evangelical Christians without question are crazy. I believe without doubt Trump is crazy, also. He has to be crazy to believe he was divinely created to lead our country. If he succeeds in winning the Presidential election, he will march in step with the whacked Adolph Hitler. Concentration camps, persecutions, etc., will be his agenda.

Do not assume any words by me herein are in reality a belief in Trump’s divinity or other purported qualities. I am merely MOCKING HIM as he mocks so many others.

Note also that if Trump claimed he was divinely chosen to lead by the culprit who resides down under, I might believe the assertion. Perhaps if he was brother to Hades.

Trump is sick, vile, dangerous, evil, etc. A caring shepherd to his flock he is not. If he is elected, we will end up living a life of hell with him.

This whole idea of his divine creation is adulterated insanity that only Trump and his followers could construct. My concern is Trump probably believes it. 

Enjoy your day if you can after being bombarded with Trump’s shared message concerning his divine creation. Scary as all get out!