Key West has been the home of many talented persons. Gems in their own right.

Steve Thompson one of such persons. Talented in many respects. An outstanding musician in his youthful days.

Steve’s story in his own words.

In 1965 I was a sophomore at Ballard High School in Seattle, Washington when I received a call from the Air Force Academy Drum and Bugle Corps. They were performing in town and asked if I would like an audition. I had won several state championships on my horn. I  played the baritone bugle.

The Air Force Academy was the best drum and bugle corps in the country. I jumped at the chance.

They liked how I blew the horn. They told me they would be in touch when I was ready to graduate.

Upon graduating from high school in 1967, I received  a letter to report to my recruiter between the 1st and 20th of September. I went in on the 19th. They told me I had to be at the Lackland Training Center in San Antonio, Texas by the 20th. The 20th was next day.

They took me to the induction center and rapidly processed me through. The next day, the Air Force had me on a jet to basic training. The only advice I got was to just be a face in the crowd, don’t let on I was getting special treatment and don’t let on I already had orders for the Air Force Academy.

I was 18 and being treated specially. I did as I was told.

I was so happy to get to the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. There were only 33 horns in the corps and some were old enough to be my father. At the time the corps consisted of Air Force members, not cadets. It was years later that the system was changed and cadets made up the corps.

It was a pleasure to play with such good musicians.

I was promoted to sergeant my first year. Eighteen, my first year in the Air Force and promoted to sergeant! No question, they liked my playing.

For the next two years, I traveled all over the country. We performed for Nixon’s inauguration, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade 1968, Disneyland, all the Air Force football games, graduations, and numerous Academy functions.

Steve left the Air Force after 3 years and went to college. A significant move on his part. What he learned formed the basis for his successful taco business which followed. A story for another day.

Tomorrow the big day. Mid term elections.

Are the pollsters right or wrong? Their success factor has been one of diminishing accuracy over the years. I attribute such to the influx of far right monies into the polling process. I suspect the numbers were manipulated by some pollsters.

This year’s election will suggest whether I am right or wrong.

If the polling numbers are not as have been advised along the way, there should be an investigation to determine why. Let the answer be correct and not one based on conjecture. The reason polling numbers cannot be permitted to be “rigged” is that many are influenced by them in the way they vote and if they vote at all.

An election year and inflation a major issue. An aggravation for Biden as it has been for most Presidents over the years.

Ronald Reagan described the problem well: “Inflation is as violent as a mugger, as frightening as an armed robber, and as deadly as a hit man.”

I tripped across a Milton Friedman quote that I am primarily sharing because of its humor. Though its accuracy cannot be questioned.

Friedman was an American economist and statistician who said, “If you put the federal government in charge of the Sahara Desert, in 5 years there’d be a shortage of sand.”

Tom Brady returned! In yesterday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. He threw a touchdown pass with 9 seconds remaining in the game to enable Tampa to win 16-13.

It was only a one yard pass. But…..It came with no time left and is what Brady does. Generally with the yardage more significant.

It enabled Tampa to end a 3 game losing streak. Tampa’s last win was 10/9.

The basketball season officially begins for Syracuse tonight at 8. Syracuse opens the season against Lehigh at the Dome.

It is early in the season and the game is considered of no consequence. It will not be televised. The game can be watched streamed on Twitter.

Last season was one of Syracuse’s worst. This year considered a rebuilding one for the Orange. Nevertheless, Syracuse should still beat Lehigh.

Be well.