Is the U. S. hurting economically? Not for everyone. Except for groceries and fuel, few.

An example of the “prosperity” affecting America today, car financing sticks out. In 2024, more people than ever paid $1,000 a month for cars. Additionally, the typical borrower financed $42,113 of their new car purchase. The average payment hitting $754 a month.

Re those paying $1,000 or more per month, such was paid by 18.5 percent of borrowers. Nearly 1 in 5.

People bitching, but a goodly number apparently living well. I’m beginning to think Trump lies about things like the economy and eventually the lie sticks. It becomes truth.

FOX out of hand again. Spouting lies about the California wildfires.

The latest involves female fire fighting personnel. The top Fire Chief and two other leaders of the top 12 in the Los Angeles Fire Department are women. FOX has been falsely stating the whole leadership is female and inferring they are lesbians. Would you believe!

Let me say something. I have reached a point in life where I believe men have had their turn at running things for centuries. Time to give women a chance. They cannot do worse and probably will do better. Many women work full time, raise children, care for their homes, etc., all at one time. And they do a good job!

Let the ladies have a chance at running things!

One of the reasons the California fires are out of hand appears to be insufficient water. So says Trump among others. How much water does it take to control the raging blazes? Lots. These fires are unheard of in their violence and velocity. As to the water, remember nothing is without limit.

Carter’s Washington religious service was one of the finest I have viewed. Especially the speakers. The entire event was understated as it should have been for Carter. He was an understated man.

Michelle Obama was not in attendance. Her seat next to Barack was vacant. On the other side of the space sat Trump. I suspect Michelle did not want to be seated next to Trump. Later, it was claimed she had a scheduling conflict and was in Hawaii.

Trump gets sentenced today in New York. The hush money case sentencing. The case where he was found guilty of 34 criminal felonies. Good! About time he had to pay the “penalty.” No jail time. He will merely be a convicted felon. So designated when he gets sworn in on January 20.

The man gets away with everything. If it was you or I who were so convicted, we would do time.

I at some point would like to know what’s in Jack Smith’s January 6th Report. I cannot believe it was a love fest as Trump claims. I watched on TV.

Anita Bryant has died at age 84. She had it all at one time as a singer, model, actress, etc. Then she went anti-gay. Back in the 1960’s or 1970’s. And kept it up. Openly and harshly.

In her first full year as an avowed anti-gay, she lost 80 sponsors. Ended up going bankrupt and losing her husband as a result. Her bigotry was her undoing.

The weather is anticipated to improve slightly today in Key West. The high will be 72, the low 60.

To Key West residents, anything 74 or under is cold. Has to do with the blood of persons living in Key West year round. Their blood thins from the heat.

I am cold at the moment.

I close with  some grooming/etiquette activities from the past. Nowhere like what we do today.

Examples.

Body hair was a no no with Romans. From the top of their heads to their toes, body hair anywhere on the body was removed with tweezers. Each hair singularly plucked out. Painful! Slaves were used for the hair removal.

Bird dung was used to cure baldness. Stunk!

Ear wax was removed with metal prongs. Also used to clean fingernails. Doctors believed wax contributed to deafness and had to be removed.

Wigs were styled with animal fat. Stunk, also!

Milk baths were popular with aristocrats. Pale was the way to appear. Milk baths were believed to keep the skin pale. Sometimes perfumes and scented oils were added.

Enjoy your day!

Where do I begin?

Let me start with the Key West Citizen by whatever name it is called today. I have read the Citizen for the 30 years I have been a part of Key West. Thought it was too short back then and too expensive. Nothing has changed, except it is even shorter and more expensive today. Yet, I still read it! Why, I cannot explain. 

There is less Key West today and more of the rest of the Keys and the world beyond. An article in today’s Citizen is titled “Why Are So Many Christians So Cruel?” It is a copy of an Opinion piece by David French which appeared in the New York Times 12/22/24. Not a normal article for the Citizen. However, I am glad it was published in the Citizen since I missed it in the Times. It is one of the finest writings I have read in years. I recommend it to you. Read it in today’s Citizen or the 12/22 Times.

The piece is long. I merely paraphrase a bit here. 

French wrote: “Why are so many Christians so cruel?” He discusses “church hate.” Claims “christian beliefs can be especially angry and even sometimes vicious.”

French wrote re Christian thinking: “The faithful, those who possess eternal truth, believe they are entitled to rule…..might makes right and right deserves might…..believe your (their) ideas are just and right, then it is a problem for everyone if you (they) are not in charge…..it is what’s best for your neighbor, and what’s best for your neighbor is, well you.”

French compares today’s Christians to Jesus. Jesus was humble, today’s Christians are not.

He adds Christian ambition “becomes cruelty.” Christians become convinced opposing beliefs are “rooted in arrogance and evil, so they lash out…..seek to silence and destroy…..enemies.”

The preceding is only a touch of French’s article. Read the whole thing. A frank, honest piece. 

To the Palisade fires in California. Horrible! Already more than 1,000 structures destroyed. You can see the fire and flames on TV. 

Two observations.

Money. As I recently wrote, these natural disasters must stop. We must find a way. Government monies at some point will run out. Insurance companies will fail, unable to pay the damages they were supposed to. Everything will become too expensive financially. I kid you not! There is a limit to everything.

The other observation involves Trump. Trump believes more in starting fights than resolving problems. He claims the uncontrolled fires are the fault of California’s Governor Newsom. Trump claims Newsom has not managed the water problem effectively. As the Governor responded, the problem is the sudden huge demand for water. Look at all the people hosing down their homes, all the water being sprayed from the ground and air to put out the fires.

Four years ago, Trump said the reason for the California fires were that the State did not rake the ground leaves in the woods. How ridiculous can one get?

This is no time to play politics. It is time for everyone from Washington to California to work on resolving the fires and helping those without homes, water and food at the moment.

Anything going on that should not? It has been reported that Trump and Alito have recently met. The claim is their talk was just before Trump filed to delay his tomorrow sentencing in New York.

Alito denies that he and Trump talked about any matters before the Court or would be coming before the Court. Alito claims the discussion solely involved Trump offering him a job.

I would not believe either man on a stack of Bibles. Both have a history of speaking with tongue in cheek.

On this day in 2024, St. Paul, Minnesota became the first large U.S. city to swear in an all female City Council. Six of the seven members were of color and all were under 40 years of age.

Crazy laws have been passed over the years. Some still remain on the books, though rarely enforced.

New York in 1902 outlawed “flirting in public.” Defined as a man turning around on a street and “looking at a woman in that way.” First offense $25, second the man had to wear “horse blinders” whenever he went on a street.

Adultery has been a crime in New York since 1907. Rarely applied. Today, punished by 90 days  in jail or a $500 fine.

New York a “strict state.” It is illegal for a woman on the street to wear “body hugging clothing.” If enforced today, think of the number of women who would end up in jail!

Iowa and Pennsylvania have strange laws still on their books. In Iowa, a kiss cannot last more than 5 minutes. In Pennsylvania, a man cannot purchase alcohol without the written consent of his wife.

Shakespeare quotes are still with us today. They will surprise you: “Break the ice, in a pickle, love is blind, green-eyed monster, cold-blooded, salad days, dead as a doornail, cruel to be kind, forgone conclusion, knock, knock! Who’s there?, one fell swoop, and the world is your oyster.”

J.C. Penny and Eddie Bauer are merging.

Columbus saw mermaids! Yes, even back in his time. It was this day in 1493, Columbus was sailing near the Dominican Republic. Claims he saw “three mermaids.” In reality, manatees. He commented: “Not as beautiful as they are painted.”

I think he had been without the sight of a woman too long.

The weather has not improved yet. It was 59 degrees at 7 am. The high today again will only be 63.

I’m cold!

Enjoy your day!

The Palisades/Los Angeles fires are another natural disaster involving climate change. In this instance, strong winds. As much as 100 miles per hour. The one fire has now become three.

The U.S. will not be able to “help” forever. FEMA and the federal government only have so much money. Insurance companies will fail to meet their obligations for the same reason.

We must wake up as a Nation and attack climate change/global warming for what it is. Our enemy! Lip service and limited attention to the problem not enough. The day will come, sooner than you think, when the coffers will be bare. Then what?

When I was a working man, I was up at 6 every morning. Early to work. I was able to get much done by 9. Then it was off to court and hearings for the day.

When I first retired, I found the 6 am rising time stuck with me. As I have gotten older, it dropped to 5. In recent years, it has become 4. Not a problem. In my old age, I am in bed and asleep between 9 and 10. My blog awaits me at 4 to keep me busy.

This morning was a COLD 4 am. Fifty nine degrees. Going to be that way all day. The high is projected at 63.

Yesterday, my cleaning help returned three of my blankets which they had been holding for several months. Returned clean and crisp. The best a thick downy one. The small space heater I have together with the down blanket made my evening comfortable. I did not feel the cold till I slipped out of bed at 4.

I have kakis and jeans for the day, except not usable this morning. I need to wear shorts to neurophysiotherapy. And a tee shirt. Worry not! I have an old leather jacket that I will wear on top of the tee shirt when I go out. At least 40 years old. Beat up and worn. Love it!

Some Donald Trump. Unavoidable. He is making the news, whether you agree with him or not.

Monday Trump gave a press conference from Mar-a-Lago. Spoke of many things.  Some significant, some crazy.

The scariest is he refused to rule out the use of force to retake the Panama Canal and effectuate his claim to Greenland.

Trump does not understand how he insults the people of another country when he wants to acquire them or their possessions. Like how Denmark and Greenland feel when he says he wants Greenland. He instills fear in their hearts when the “great U.S.” threatens a small puny entity such as Denmark. Shades of Hitler and Denmark in early World War II.

Most, if not all nations, will not submit. It is called pride. If Trump pushes hard, they will stand tall as England did to Hitler.

Greenland is a NATO ally through Denmark’s ownership of it. Denmark is a NATO ally. An attack against one NATO ally is an attack against all. Such is what has kept most of Europe free since World War II. Such is what has prevented Russia from gobbling up parts of Europe. Ukraine is not part of NATO unfortunately. Had it been, Putin would never have attacked.

Typical Trump. He dos not know what he is doing. He continues acting as a bully, even to the extent of threatening an ally. Sounds like Hitler in the late 1930’s threatening many European countries.

Americans do not want such a war. It is shameful even to threaten one. How will  the 50 percent of U.S. citizens who supported him feel if they or a loved one have to go off to war and perhaps get killed or wounded because of Trump’s stupid ploy against an ally?

Trump is on another radical tangent. He wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Does not make sense to me. What about the opinion of the many other American countries involved?

Many of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago statements were “off the rails,” even for Donald. Some were described as a “train wreck.”

In addition to some of the things already shared this morning, Trump talked about “water pressure” in modern showers, electric heaters making people itch, and windmills driving whales crazy. He also talked of taking over Canada with “economic force.”

Are you one of the ones who voted for Trump? Did you expect the issues shared herein?

Judge Cannon has temporarily blocked release of Special Counsel Smith’s Final Report re the Trump document case. She also tied into her determination the Washington January 6 case which she was not handling. A mistake on her part.

I’m fed up! Former President Trump, private citizen Trump, now Presidnet-Elect Trump, and soon to be President Trump again, is a King. Not President, King. Is this what we want or expect in a President?

Moving on from Trump.

Over the course of many years, historical facts become twisted and change. One involves Socrates and the phrase “know thyself.” The term today is attributed to Socrates by many. He never said it. He did speak of it, however. From a philosophical perspective. His interpretation of its meaning.

Where did the words originate? Several sources. No one certain.

What is known with certainty is that the words were inscribed on the Temple of Apollo at Delphi sometime around the Fifth Century B.C.

I close with respect and admiration for a composer and singer who with his group brought my generation much pleasure in our younger days. Peter Yarrow, the Peter in Peter, Paul and Mary, has died at age 86. He and his associates were big time. Brought joy to all with tunes like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Puff the Magic Dragon.”

Enjoy your day!

There are things equally as important as Trump, Israel, the Middle East, etc. Perhaps even more important. Like a baby hippopotamus born December 9 at the Metro Richmond Zoo.

The birth a big deal. Rare in captivity.

The Zoo ran a naming contest. More than 160,000 voted. From 165 countries. Baby hippo’s name: Poppy! Would you believe 52.8 percent voted for “Princess Poppy.” Proves people value some things equal to or more than politics.

A picture of Poppy is on the internet. She is relatively small and beautiful! Great eyes! A video of Poppy is also available. It shows Poppy in the water for the first time with her mother. Both splashing around. Poppy’s size smaller than her Mom’s head.

Pope Francis is no fool. He knows an enemy when he sees one. He is aware from Trump’s first term that Donald is no friend of his.

The Vatican has named Cardinal Robert McElroy, a liberal and Trump critic, to lead the D.C. Archdiocese. 

Let’s place everything in perspective. 

As the U.S. is divided, the Catholic Church hierarchy is. The U.S. Congress of Bishops was won over years ago by the Republican far right. It basically opposes Pope Francis. Newt Gingrich may be described as a member of the Republican far right. Trump in 2017 appointed Gingrich’s wife, his third one for that matter, as Ambassador to the Vatican. That gave Newt a front row seat in Rome.

During Callista Louise Gingrich’s four year term as Vatican Ambassador, Newt had the run of the Vatican. He joined with Steve Bannon to undermine the Vatican. Birds of a feather. Recall Gingrich had undermined the House of Representatives to make it a Republican stronghold. Now the two together worked to undermine the Vatican and join it with the thinking of the U.S. Congress of Bishops. The far right Republicans wanted the U.S. Catholic voting block to be theirs.

A new term for Trump ahead. Where do Callista and Newt stand in the picture? Callista was named by Trump on 12/22/24 as the presumptive nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Newt back in the ball game.

Obvious why Francis has to protect himself and the Vatican.

Trump yesterday filed a 17 page motion to delay his criminal sentencing scheduled for friday. Trump claims a “stay” of sentencing based on “immunity.”

He is not entitled to the relief sought. He embarrasses himself and the judicial system.

The relief sought is without basis in law.

Judge Merchan responded to the 17 page request promptly. The Judge wrote in effect that Trump’s arguments re Presidential immunity were “recycled” from previous failed attempts and legally improper.. He further stated sentencing remained scheduled for friday.

It has been announced that Donald Trump Jr. is going to Greenland.

House Republicans continually make mistakes. Of any and all nature. Frequently so.

Speaker Johnson purports to be a religious man. I do not dispute such. However, he does not always know what he is talking about religious or otherwise.

In his Speaker’s acceptance speech, he shared a prayer he claimed Thomas Jefferson had said. There is no proof Jefferson ever said it.

Yesterday was January 6. An old adage that seems to be true: History repeats itself. Not necessarily a January 6 again, but similar activity could occur another day. 

Thank you, Andy.

Displaced persons in Gaza living in the cold. Babies are dying. Sheet tents are not enough protection against adverse weather.

Neurophysiotherapy yesterday. Brutal, but good. Still sore this morning, however. Will remain sore all day. My recent fall involved. Which means I will not make the Syracuse/Georgia Tech game tonight at 7. Hoped to watch it at Brady’s with Dan Reardon. No way. Hopefully, I will be in better shape for saturday’s game against Boston College.

I close with the weather. Oh, how cold it is going to be over the next 3 days. 

Presently 67 at 8 am. High today 68. By this evening, it will be in the mid to low 60’s. Will continue so. Thursday projected to be a high of 64 with a low of 61.

Enjoy your day!

On a cold morning, let’s warm the belly with an Italian delight. Pizza fritta, aka pizza fritte. Generally made with pizza dough. Pieces fried in oil. Then sprinkled with sugar.

Prepared in Italian homes so often it came to be recognized as an Italian tradition. My mother made it once a month on the average over the years. Sooooo good!

Pizza fritta had its beginnings in the 16th century in Italy. The wives of Neapolitan piemakers would fry leftover scraps of dough. The wives would then sell them to people on the street.

It has been a long time since I have enjoyed pizza fritta. A painting of my mother hangs over my desk. I just looked up and smiled at her. She smiled back. She is always smiling in the painting. She was so painted.

Big time snowstorm with heavy snow, sleet, and chilly cold to affect 63 million in the U.S. Began last night. Washington, D.C. a victim today. All federal offices closed, except for Congress. Congress is sitting to certify Trump’s win. Today the infamous January 6.

The storm already has struck in Kansas and Missouri. Cities expected to be hit the hardest include Topeka, St. Louis, Springfield, Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, Dover, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation effective wednesday, though no official announcement as yet. He has filled the office for 9 years. His Liberal Party is weak. Conservatives are expected to win overwhelmingly in an election which must be held by late October.

So many nations going conservative at the same time. Good or bad? What do you think?

Demi Moore is 62, looks 42. She has been acting for 45 years and never won a major acting award till last night. She won the Golden Globe for Best Female Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy. The movie “The Substance.”

Proves all good things come to those who have patience and wait. May she follow it up with an Oscar.

Came across some historical data re the actor Charles Bronson. Tough appearing. Great actor. He died at the age of 82 in 2003.

A difficult upbringing. He was the 11th of 15 children. Grew up extremely poor in Pennsylvania. Began working in a coal mine at the age of 10.

This next item is a bit early. Begins with Groundhog Day. The day is February 2. I came to the information to be shared this morning however, and so share it today.

On February 2, people flock to a hilltop in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Crazy first name! They go there to observe if the groundhog sees his shadow.

Thousands world wide celebrate the day.

February 2 has a religious significance also. Though the two have no relationship. It is the liturgical feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. The day Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the Temple of Jerusalem for consecration, 40 days after his birth, in accordance with Jewish law.

The elderly Simeon was there and recognized the child as the promised Messiah. He declared to God: “My eyes have seen your salvation, which is prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32.

Syracuse played Florida State in basketball this past saturday. I am so dismayed with the team’s playing, I forgot all about the game. Personally lost nothing by so doing, except for a ton a aggravation. Florida State killed Syracuse 90-74.

Syracuse’s record now 2-7. A long painful season ahead.

Two doctor visits today. Both back related. I was getting better. The fall a few days ago screwed things up a bit, however.

I close with the COVIID disease of 1899.

Yellow fever was the big time disease. Between September 16 and November 30, there were 5,000 cases of yellow fever in Key West alone.

Enjoy your day!

Happy first Sunday of the New Year!

Joyous though I may feel, the weather is not the best this morning. The tune…..The weather outside is frightful applies. Cold!!!

I began this blog yesterday. Worked on it for about an hour again beginning at 2 this morning when I woke a bit. Back to it at 6 this morning. Temperature 63 degrees.

There is hope in sight. High today projected at 75.

The week ahead a disaster. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday not good. Tuesday 66-58, Wednesday 65-61, Thursday 64-62. When it is cold up north, it is cold in Key West. Not as bad. However bad if you are not accustomed. I have a small heater. A thin blanket. Could use some body heat. The one problem with being a divorced is not the lack of sex. It is the cold nights with no one lying next to you providing body warmth.

“January 6” tomorrow. A day that will be remembered in American history. The day when an insurrection occurred at the Capitol.

Note that Trump refers to January 6 as “a day of love,” labels the rioters as “patriots,” and repeatedly has promised to pardon some of those charged and convicted.

He also has promised retaliatory indictments. Expect Liz Cheney to be one of those indicted.

Many men and some women owe their daily shave to King Camp Gillette. He did not invent the razor, nor the safety razor, nor the concept of disposable blades. He was however the first to patent disposable blades. Gillette came upon something that would be used and thrown away so the customer had to keep coming back.

In its first year of trading in 1903, the Gillette Safety Razor Company sold 51 razors and 168 blades. By the end of 1904, it had produced 90,000 razors and 12,400,000 blades.

His concept simple. He sold the razors at a loss, made his profit on the blades. Turned him into a multimillionaire.

Gillette died in 1932 at the age of 77.

Today, the Gillette brand is owned by Proctor & Gamble. The Company purchased the business in 2005 for a staggering $57 billion.

Alcohol may be on the path cigarettes traveled. Most smoking to significantly fewer to like next to no one.

I wrote about the federal attack on alcohol yesterday. Comments coming in already. One humorous: “Drink now, before Trump screws that up too!” Could happen, Trump a non-drinker.

Strange things are happening. I Hop and Applebee’s will soon merge. Both restaurants will operate out of the same building. Two signs, 2 doors, but the same kitchen and cook.

Food sales experts expect the “combo” to do well.

When will it occur at the I Hop on North Roosevelt Boulevard?

Enjoy your Sunday!

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said alcoholic beverages should carry a prominent warning label about the link between alcohol and cancer. The Surgeon General said cancer is the third-leading preventable cause of cancer following tobacco and obesity.

How much alcohol is too much? Any amount. There is no safe level when it comes to alcohol being a significant cancer cause.

Wow! I knew too much drinking was bad. Nevertheless, I was bad. I was a drinker. Several gin on the rocks a day. Rarely missed a day. I did not drink till I was in my 40’s. A late start, but a fast finish. I continued drinking till my heart attack last January. Made 89. Lets hope I miss the problem. In thinking back, I can honestly say I only got drunk twice. I began thinking a drinker became accustomed to consuming a lot of booze and was immune to any problems because of it. Stupid me!

The heart attack came with doctor instructions to drink no more. I have listened.

Teen alcohol and drug consumption continues to decline. Reached a record low this past year.

Came across an inquiry from someone visiting Key West soon and wanted to do as much Jimmy Buffett as possible. He only discovered one tour so far. Asked if there was anything else. I do not believe so.

The best is to find someone who ran with Buffett in their early days – like the 1970’s. Great stories.

My friends Steve and Cindy knew him well. Steve goes back to the 1960’s with Buffett. Cindy worked with Buffett for 45 years.

There are still a few Steve and Cindys remaining in Key West. The Chart Room was a good place to find them. Don’t know now as I have not been a Chart Room fan for 3 years.

I wrote about my car and battery going dead yesterday. It was not the battery. When I went to use the car later yesterday, it was dead again. My repair person now says it’s the alternator. He ordered a new one. I will be without wheels for a few days. Fortunately, Steve has agreed to run me around. Today, it will be Publix. My cupboard is bare.

Judge Merchan in a written decision upheld Trump’s 34 felony convictions, but advised he would not sentence Trump to jail or probation on January 10  when he is scheduled to appear for sentencing. He wrote rather that he will order an “unconditional discharge” which in New York criminal courts carries no obligation sentence wise.

Ergo, Trump will walk, but will still be the first felon to serve as a U.S. President.

Many are currying favor with Trump. His allies have raised over $2 million since the election for his inauguration, political operations and Presidential library.

Government for sale?

Johnson was reelected Speaker on the first ballot.

I watched the Biden Citizens Awards. Liz Cheney received loud standing applause. Well deserved. She has become “loved.” By Democrats and still some Republicans today.

Cheney is Presidential timber. Although we are philosophically different, she is the most honest American politician since Jimmy Carter’s difficult Presidency.

Another article re condos and buildings sinking to an “unexpected extent” in Florida. Based on a University of Miami report which indicated luxury high rise buildings in places like Surfside, Bal Harbour, Miami Beach and Sleepy Isles in danger.

Elizabeth Ann Seton died this day in 1821 at age 46 of tuberculosis. She was born in New York City in 1774.

Her life was close to mine and many others. My Utica high school was the Utica Catholic Academy. Our teachers were Sisters of Charity. The nuns wore huge white wing appearing head coverings, dark blue robes and a waist band consisting of a long and heavy rosary bead.

Seton was known to us as Mother Seton. She was the foundress and first  superior of the Sisters of Charity in the U.S.

Her holiness was recognized by the Catholic Church. She was canonized by Pope Paul VI and was the first U.S. born saint.

One of the Sisters of Charity who taught me was Sister Gertrude. An elderly nun. She took a liking to me. She taught history and turned me on to the subject. She was also the reason I went to Manhattan College and got a partial scholarship there. Her cousin was a Christian Brother and Director of Athletics at Manhattan.

I close with a fall last night. Second time since my heart surgeries. The same way again.

I worked yesterday afternoon with the door to my apartment open. The breeze was comforting. Last night, I noticed a bug flying around. Good sized. About a nickel in size. Grabbed a magazine to swat at it. Don’t know if I got it or it got me. The bug went down and so did I.

I find in my old age I cannot control forward progress with my body when it is swift. My body does not stop when I want it to. The swing at the bug propelled me forward and I went down. Hard. Hit right where the pacemaker is set in. Aggravated my back problem also.

An associated problem is getting up. The elderly have a difficult time getting up. It took me a while. I have taken lessons on getting up at physiotherapy several ties. Did not help much.

One thing is certain however, the last bug I will go after!

Enjoy your day!

I went out to my car last night to go somewhere. The battery was dead. A pain! Didn’t know why. I had left nothing on.

Called my handy garage man. George. He owns Zip Auto on Stock Island. He has been taking care of my cars for 15 years. Dependable, honest and reasonable. We agreed it was dark and he would get to me in the morning. Bright and early.

He was here at 6 am. Fortunately, I am up between 4 and 6.

He gave me a charge and told me to drive for a while. At 89, something I already knew. Drove the car 30 miles. To Sugarloaf and back.

I share this common misfortune with you to make you aware of George. If you need a good and dependable car fixer upper, he’s your person! His number 305-292-6915. 

E-bike safety a concern in Key West. Key West streets a dangerous place to drive…..if you only drive a car. Made dangerous by all the other “wanna be vehicles” on the road.

I have mentioned many times my favorite island in Greece. Amorgos. A place where I used to stay from one to two months every summer when I was a European traveler.

I came across this morning a listing of Greece’s “Underrated Islands.” There was my beloved Amorgos.

The article described Amorgos as tiny, having only 2,000 residents, a hidden gem, beautiful, and Greece’s best kept secret.”

It has been 15 years since I have been to Amorgos. One of the appealing factors was cost. I was able to sleep, eat and drink for roughly 17 euros a day. I am sure it is more today. Couldn’t beat it back then.

The FBI has provided more information re the driver of the Tesla Cybertruck that was blown up in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. The FBI says the driver acted alone. There was no connection between the Las Vegas and New Orleans incidents.

Additional information provided is that the driver of the truck who died did not die from the explosion. He shot himself in the head before the explosion. The dead man was a 37 year old veteran. He did several deployments. He was a decorated hero. He was awarded 5 bronze medals. He also was the father of a new born baby. Life is strange!

Today is the day. Congress elects its Speaker. Will it be Johnson again?

A Guest Essay in the New York Times dated 12/29 titled “Elon Musk Is a National Security Risk” claimed Musk’s relationship with Chinese leaders and reported contacts with Russian officials are cause for alarm.

With Trump and RFK Jr., we are entering an era of misinformation when it comes to vaccines. Beware. Pay attention.

Most of the power in Puerto Rico has been restored.

An interesting question raised in today’s Citizens’ Voice: “Sinking condos, sinking Flagler manholes. Typical Florida?”

Enjoy your day!

On January 1, 1892, Ellis Island opened as a U.S. immigration inspection station. It became the gateway to the U.S. for 12 million people. My family included in the 12 million: 4 grandparents, 12 uncles and my beloved mother.

Note 12 uncles and no aunts. Apparently Italian male semen was wanting. 

My mother was one of 8 children born to her parents. She was the last born. Her parents were so thrilled to have had a girl, they named her Fortunata. Italian for Fortune.

New Orleans a horrific event. Fifteen have died so far. More than 30 injured. Description of the scene following the incident by witnesses sickening. Bodies badly maimed, bodies flattened, blood everywhere.

The event is presently being investigated as a terrorist event. Every conceivable police agency investigating. Lead by the FBI.

Trump’s statement re the event typical of him. He stated: “When I said the criminals coming in are far worse than the criminals we have in our country, that statement was constantly refuted by Democrats and the Fake News Media, but it turned out to be true.”

Trump jumped the gun again. Misspoke. Trump must have seen the alleged perpetrator’s name and assumed he was a migrant. The person is reported to have been Shamsud Din Jabbar, an American citizen born and raised in Texas who served in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged a staff sergeant.

Another incident involving a truck yesterday. Around 8:40 in the morning, a Tesla Cybertruck burst into flames just outside the entrance to the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, killing one and injuring several others.

The deceased’s body was in the Cybertruck.

A statement from the Trump Organization, shared also by Eric Trump on X, claimed “a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochere of Trump Las Vegas.

Authorities are investigating and have not issued a cause as yet.

The vote for House Speaker tomorrow. Trump has endorsed Johnson. Doubt it will help Johnson. Johnson can afford to lose one Republican vote to be reelected. Two and he is gone. This assumes all Democrats vote for him.

Let me stick my neck out. I suspect Trump endorsed Johnson only so he would not get blamed if Johnson loses. Trump counts numbers and knows Johnson could lose. Prior to Trump’s recent endorsement, he had knocked Johnson badly for several weeks.

Houston police. A strange one. A dead body was found in the back seat of a patrol car. It had been there as much as three days.  Houston police are trying to determine how long and why.

Someone screwed up! A real flub-a-dub! In 1962, an unknown group called the Beatles traveled to London for a recording contract audition with a major record label. They were rejected. The Beatles were told they had no future in show business.

Fahrenheit. A common name today for the system of working thermometers and the Fahrenheit temperature scale to read the thermometer. Invented in 1724 by glassblower Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit. On the basis of the discovery, Fahrenheit was elected as a fellow to the prestigious Royal Society of London.

On this day in 1881, Dr. John Watson was first introduced to Sherlock Holmes in a story written by Arthur Conan Doyle.

On January 1, 1985, the first mandatory seat belt law went into effect in New York State. I found it initially difficult to comply. Children of all ages were taught in school of the new law. My young grandchildren embarrassed me into wearing one. They would shout when they were in the car with me: “Poppa is not wearing his seat belt!”

My back kept me down again yesterday. I enjoyed a good part of the day listening to singing by people like The Three Tenors, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Kate Smith and Mickey Rooney.

Later this morning, I have an appointment with my neurophysiotheraphist. Her office has been closed down two weeks for the holidays. I will be thrilled to see her again!

Enjoy your day!

Happy New Year!

My best wishes to everyone for health, wealth and happiness in the New Year.

I am glad 2024 came to an end. Healthwise, it was a disaster for me. Never experienced anything like it before. The heart attack in January. Followed by 5 1/2 weeks at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami and three heart surgeries.

The new heart valve surgery a wonder. No question, saved my life and changed my life energy wise. Stopped certain blood leaks. Now blood going where it is supposed to when it is supposed to.

I was beginning to feel terrific when my back problem struck. Like the heart attack, something new. Three lower lumbar discs moved out and were impinging on a nerve. Oh, the pain! 

Significant correction achieved with neurophysiotherapy. However not yet perfect. Problem goes away and then returns. Returning too often  yet. Is limiting my activities. Hopefully will resolve itself soon.

Yesterday afternoon an example of my back controlling my life. The game plan was to go to Brady’s to watch Syracuse play Wake Forest. Steve was going to join me. A two hour game mid afternoon. It was not to be. The back kicked in around noon and I had to cancel. No way was I going to be able to sit for two hours to watch the game. 

My day and evening spent in bed.

I watched the New Year come in on TV. What I would have done anyhow. New York, Atlanta, and Key West. Key West involved Bourbon Street Pub and Sloppy Joe’s. All exciting. Thought Bourbon Street and Christopher Peterson coming down in the red shoe the best of the evening. The crowd fantastic.

I “watched” the Syracuse game on TV. Only the scores as the game progressed. Cannot get Syracuse sports on TV in Key West.

Syracuse lost again. Wake Forest beat Syracuse 81-71.

It appears to have been a Wake Forest game all the way. The game began with Wake Forest taking an immediate 17-2 lead. The handwriting was on the wall.

The season is going to be a disaster.

Syracuse next plays Florida State saturday at 6 pm. I hope I will be able to watch the game at Brady’s.

In spite of Trump’s lies, the stock market gained 24 percent in 2024 under Biden. Except for grocery and gasoline prices, the economy did well. Biden brought it back from the disaster he found at the beginning of his term. Unfortunately, his success did not reach the two items most people rely on in evaluating a President’s economic success. Grocery and fuel costs. Can’t win them all.

Let’s see how Trump does.

Mar-a-Lago has become the Center of the Universe. It is beginning to be so described.

I watched one additional item around midnight. Mar-a-Lago. One terrific party Trump threw. Befitting the man at this point in his career.

Some Waymo self-driving cars are a problem in San Francisco. Not all of them are stopping for people in cross walks.

Ninety percent of Puerto Rico was without power yesterday. It is anticipated the problem will not be totally corrected till tomorrow.

The cause a failure of an underground power line.

Why did the Confederates wear gray in the Civil War? They had an abundance of gray material. It was on hand and so the clothing was easy to produce.

Sounds like why Picasso painted in blue a lot. Simple. He was able to purchase a lot of blue paint cheaply. He had it, so used it.

I close with the U.S. Supreme Court.

Chief Justice Roberts annual year end Report on the State of the Judiciary was issued yesterday. The Report was strong on threats to judges. Critical of the violence, intimidation and defiance aimed at judges.

The Report a poor one. It failed in any way to address the Court’s recent rulings or ethical problems. If anything, ethics warranted comment. Huge comment. 

Ergo, Robert’s Report inadequate. Grossly so. The people are concerned and upset. The Court’s rulings tied with ethical violations have placed Courts to their lowest ebb probably ever. Thomas’ $30 million in gifts, etc, Alito’s misdeeds and even Robert’s problems with his wife require addressing and correction. A significant branch of our government is eroding. Rotting at its base. It cannot go on forever.

Enjoy your day!