Taylor Swift’s two year tour has ended. The Eras Tour. One hundred forty nine shows. Attendance 10,168,008. Ticket sales $2,077,618,725. The best selling tour of all time! Double the gross ticket sales of any other concert tour in history!

Swift took care of her help. It does take a Village! She gave out $197 million in bonuses to everyone working on her tour. Everyone means exactly that. Included truck drivers, caterers, instrument techs, , lighting, sound production, staff and associates, carpenters, dancers, band, security, choreographers, pyrotechnics, riggers, hair, make-up, wardrobe, physical therapists, and video people.

When I dropped Cindy off at the Keys Hospital at midnight, she and I thought Steve was going to Mount Sinai. Turns out not to have been the case.

I spoke with Cindy late yesterday afternoon. Steve is at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital in Miami. Why there instead of Mount Sinai, Cindy did not know.

Steve being constantly tested. Tired, otherwise ok. Cindy tired also. She rented a car. No motel room, however. She has opted to sleep in a chair in Steve’s room.

They have not been told anything yet as to the cause of Steve’s problem.

A Citizens’ Voice item yesterday: “Looks like half of America prefers a king to a President.” Seems so. Don’t wait for an abdication. It will not happen.

George Washington said: “He would rather die on his feet than live on his knees.” I hope it does not come to that in the U.S. 

Christopher Wray announced he will resign before Trump takes office. His call. The option was resign or be fired when Trump became President.

I have respected Wray. I respect his judgment. My sense is twofold. One to refrain from seeing the FBI being dragged into a disgusting fray. The second, why put up with the bullshit!

I am disappointed with Senator Grassley. An old man being used. A political foe of Wray’s for years. However, his letter listing his claimed Wray deficiencies and errors over the years beneath a man of his purported dignity. Time for him to resign his position!

Ever wonder why Elon Musk has become so government involved in recent times? He now sits at the right hand of God. His function in the new administration is to reduce government costs. Most of which affects him personally.

Musk’s latest cry involves the IRS. He says, “Delete it!”

The guys who make the biggest bucks do not want to pay their fair share. Successful corporations pay no or very slight taxes.

The U.S. government is run on the taxes paid by the middle class. The middle class carries the Nation on its back.

Trump’s “poor picks” continue. He advised Kari Lake will head Voice of America. She will sell the U.S. negatively worldwide!

Cheerleaders were not always ladies. There was a time when they were men. Only men. Women were excluded. Cheerleading was considered “a masculine sport.” 

Cheerleading became “female” during World War II when men were off fighting. The ladies took over the “sport” in the 1960’s similarly as they began taking over or getting involved in most other things.

Four Presidents were cheerleaders during their school terms: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and George W. Bush.

People seeking a better way of life are not only trying to reach the U.S. Other countries face the problem also.

Italy is one. 

A rickety boat carrying 45 migrants from somewhere in Africa and heading for Italy sank off the island of Lampedusa during a storm. Only one survivor. An 11 year old girl. In a life jacket. She was clinging to a pair of inner tubes for 3 days. Her voice was heard by a steamer going by at 3:15 in the morning.

Tuesday was going to be a big deal for me. My back was improving. I was going to meet Steve at The Grand. Steve never showed as you are aware.

I sat at the bar for 1.5 hours. I am not supposed to sit on bar stools. Screws up my spine and pelvic alignment. That is why I use the back room at Brady’s to watch Syracuse sports. Can’t handle bar stools. The fun at The Grand is at the bar, however. So I sat at the bar.

When I left, I knew I had made a mistake. I walked out bent over. Back and pelvic area hurt. Got worse as the night progressed.

Yesterday was my regular neurophysiotherapy session. Explained what happened to my therapist. She understood as soon as I told her the cause. Properly chastised me. Then said you threw the alignment I gave you off. She measured my feet to be sure. She was correct. One leg was shorter than the other.

She spent an hour doing the manipulations to make my feet, etc. even again. When she was done, they did. But I hurt like hell! I knew I would. Also knew by the end of the day I would be better. 

My pelvic area was without pain by last night. My back still sore, though less. I sit with a lumbar brace as I work. 

No more bar stools for me! If I am motivated to do The Grand again, I will have the stool removed and stand.

I close with what was a special evening last night. A very special one for me. Unexpected.

No, I did not have sex.

Around 5 pm, I was searching the internet for a movie to watch. Came across one starring James Garner and Julie Andrews. Never saw it before. Did not know about it. Titled “One Special Night.”

Fantastic film! Garner and Andrews play two mature persons. Late 50’s, early 60’s. Spouses dead. Meet and fall in love. A long way to the “love,” however. Both actors terrific. Garner played  a hard ass at the beginning. Different for him. Andrews her usual sweet self.

The film left me in a comfortable mood.

What followed was even better!

Three musical shows. The first two honoring the works of Oscar Hammerstein. The first staring Julie Andrews. The singing done by Broadway stars primarily. The reason being the show was intended to convey the mood of a Broadway musical which is more subdued than the film version.

Hammerstein’s great lyrics from 1943 to 1959 filled the TV. Oklahoma, Carousel, Showboat, South Pacific, The Sound of Music, etc.

What could be better.

The next show was the same. Without Julie Andrews, however. It was based on music from the movies which had a bigger bang to them.

My night should have been over! What more could I ask for? I got it! Barbara Streisand and her first show after 20 plus years. What a tearjerker!

The evening must have been good for me. I slept soundly till 6 o’clock this morning. I have not had a good night’s sleep since the heart attack. I feel like a new man at the moment.

Enjoy your day!

My dear friend Steve Thompson had a bad time last night. He was rushed in the middle of the evening to Mount Sinai in Miami to determine the cause of his problem.

Steve, Cindy and I were to meet at The Grand at 4 for Happy Hour. I was there on time. Steve and Cindy never showed.  Suddenly there were ambulance and other emergency sirens. They could be heard loud and clear in the bar.

I had a bad feeling in my gut. Steve? He’s on in his years and has his problems. He has passed out 3-4 times this past year. Never diagnosed. He treats with the Vets facility in Orlando.

As he parked the car on Duval near The Grand, he had another. 

I went out. They had Steve on a stretcher. He was out cold. He was being placed in an ambulance.

I finished my bite to eat and headed up to the Key West Hospital. I was concerned. Knew he was facing a couple of hours of testing in the emergency room. Also knew they would not let me in to see him since I was not family. I was correct. The emergency room staff would not get word to Cindy I was there either. I was told I should connect with her by cell phone. Problem was I did not have her number. Only, Steve’s. And no one was answering his phone.

No big deal. I was only there for moral support. Assumed Cindy for some reason might walk into the emergency room waiting room.

I waited 1 and 1/2 hours and then left. Everyone sick. Coughing, sneezing and I don’t know what. Others looked like they were ready to die.

I am fearful of illness since my heart problems earlier this year. I admit it. I am paranoid. I could not stay. Had to get out of there. Did not want to get sick!

I was wearing a face mask. I carry one in the car for infrequent needed use. The waiting room was one of those times.

About 10, Cindy telephoned. Steve was sleeping. They shot him up. He was having bursts of being out of control and fighting everyone. They thought his problem was neurological. They were sending him to Mount Sinai in Miami by ambulance as soon as Cindy was ready.

Cindy was on the way home via cab to get some things. Their car still parked on Duval. I told her I would drive her back to the hospital. It became a midnight trip. Cindy was concerned, but under control. I got home sometime after midnight.

I will keep you up to date as I learn more.

At the moment, I am tired. I am generally in bed by 9 and asleep by 9:30. Last night, also. Cindy’s call woke me and of course I dressed for the midnight run to the hospital. I am tired at the moment. Exhausted. No longer accustomed to late hours.

Steve is in the best place. I know from my heart experience. They will figure out what is wrong with him and fix him up.

My blog is short this morning. For obvious reasons. I have to move. Neurophysiotherapy at 9. Do not want to miss it. It is helping.

Say a quiet prayer for Steve. The older I get, the more I come to believe in these things.

Enjoy your day!

Pray tell, what happened to Key West and One Human Family? It exists no more. Gone! For years now.

Why? The “new” folks who began visiting and buying in Key West. “Jerks” who did not comprehend Key West was more than a Florida sunshine place. They did not understand.

Key West has changed. Dramatically. 

Can we change it back?

The Christmas Parade saturday was a winner. People who attended claim it was the best ever! The largest parade wise and attendance wise.

I missed it because I cannot stand that long. 

All of Key West’s parades are terrific. There is something inbred in Key West that makes them so.

I recall the years when Robert and Ally were small. I used to watch the Christmas Parade with them and Lisa and Corey. Two things always excited me. The look in the children’s eyes when when Santa Claus finally appeared. There was only one in the Parade back then. Now, many.

Also the kids “racing” for the candy. The floats would throw candy to them. The kids all had bags and would scurry into the street to pick up the goodies and put them in their bags.

Bing Crosby introduced “White Christmas” in 1942. It still resounds with us today. There is no Christmas without it.

O. Henry’s best known and most beloved short story, “The Gift of the Magi,” was published this day in 1905. It tells the poignantly ironic tale of a poor but devoted couple who each sacrifice their most valuable possession to buy a Christmas gift for the other. Both had very little money otherwise.

They both sold something of value to themselves so as to be able to by a Christmas gift for each other.

The wife had lovely long knee length hair. She had it cut and sold. For $20. Seven hundred dollars in today’s money.

Her husband’s most prized possession was a watch. The band was worn leather.

The wife purchased a platinum fob band for her husband’s watch. The husband bought a set of ornamental combs for his wife’s hair.

The husband sold his watch to buy the combs for his wife’s hair. She had cut and sold her hair, however. She had cut and sold her hair to buy the platinum clasp for her husband’s watch.

Each sold the best they had to pleasure the other. A sadness and beauty in the result. Great love represented by each’s actions, however.

The reasons for the killing of the United Health President are not as simple as initially thought. The sense initially was the assailant was an aggravated individual who himself or someone close failed to get adequate medical care.

This morning’s New York Times lead article spells out something different.

The killer came from a life of privilege and promise. Affluent family. Expensive education. His high school education alone cost $30,000 plus per year. Well educated. He suffered however from physical and psychological  pain due to a spine problem. It made dating and being physically intimate impossible.

The story will prove interesting as it develops further.

Mark Twain’s the “Adventure of Huckleberry Finn” was first published this day in 1884 in England and Canada. Due to a printing error, U.S. publishing did not occur till February 1885.

Contrary to the “mood” which seems to be swinging in Hegseth’s favor, he will not be Secretary of Defense. Trump is setting him up for a fall. Trump’s daughter in law Lara Trump, wife to Donald’s eldest son Eric, wants Rubio’s Senate seat desperately. Trump will dump Hegseth, appoint DeSantis to the Defense seat in return for DeSantis appointing Lara to Rubio’s empty Senate seat.

How “shady” government is!

We have been made aware cable TV is on a cliff. MSNBC is rocking. Now comes a change. A surprising one.

Jonathan Lemire has been hosting Way Too Early. It was announced that effective January 6, the position will be taken over by Ali Vitali. Lemire will move to the 9 o’clock MSNBC slot as a co-host.

Robots popping up everywhere. Now with pets! Specifically cats, dogs and birds.

I did a little home work. The new type robots are popular. The cats look like, feel like and act like cats. The dogs did not appear to me as doggish as they should be.

Cost anywhere from $15 to $175,000. Cheaper in some instances to buy a real pet.

I want to go out tonight. My back determines whether I will.  The back seems better the past few days. Bar stools a problem, however.

Two options tonight. A Syracuse basketball game or The Grand.

Syracuse plays Albany. Does not mean Syracuse necessarily the winner. Albany consistently improving the past few years.

My grandson Matthew did his undergraduate work at Albany. Also was captain of the basketball team.

Matthew was a terrific player in grammar school, high school and college. He played guard. He “could see the floor.” A Talent. 

Also a great student. Graduated fifth in his class at Syracuse Law. Got him an outstanding job with a major New York law firm. His specialty merger and acquisitions. A genius! He has been at it several years now and must be earning $1 million plus a year by this time.

My other choice is The Grand with Steve. It has been a while.

I have decided to do The Grand. The Syracuse game does not excite me. It has been several weeks since I have been at The Grand. Time to see old friends again.

Enjoy your day!

In Flanders Fields is a World War I poem. Written early in the battlefield Flanders Fields by soldier, physician and poet John McCrae. His friend, a fellow soldier, had been killed on Flanders Fields the day before. McRae deeply disturbed. Sat before his friend’s makeshift grave with a simple wooden cross. Poppies blowing in the breeze. Took out a piece of paper and pencil and wrote In Flanders Fields.

McCrae’s poem was intended to give voice to his friend and all others who had similarly died on the battlefield. It speaks of their sacrifice and serves as their command to the living to press on.

In Flanders Fields appeared on yesterday’s date in 1915 in PUNCH magazine. It was published anonymously. McCrae did not think it was very good. His friends published it on his behalf.

In Flanders Fields has stood the test of time. Still popular more than 100 years after written. It will still be popular a century thereafter, if not longer. It is one of those special works that lives on.

The poem is short. I share it in its entirety with you.

                                                                                                                IN FLANDERS FIELDS 

“In Flanders Fields, the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row, / That mark our place; and in the sky / Scarce heard among the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago / We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, / Loved and were loved, and now we be / In Flanders Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw / The torch; be yours to hold it high. / If ye break faith with us who die / We shall not sleep, though poppies grow / In Flanders Fields.”

A closing thought. God bless all who sacrifice their lives for our Nation and those who understand not be damned.

Trump on a sunday TV show said he would keep the U.S. in NATO. His words shrouded conditionally of course: “If their paying their bills, and if I think they’re treating us fairly, absolutely, I would stay with NATO.”

Trump always sounds like he is negotiating a construction deal.

His words too weak, too general. The item that concerns me most is “if I think they’re treating us fairly.” An economic response meaning they “take our cases” and “food product.” Trump argues NATO nations “don’t take anything” from the U.S.

It’s always dollars with Trump. He fails to see other benefits.

Trump really wants the U.S. out of NATO to please Putin. NATO is the one organization that keeps Russia in check. Trump appears blind to this, or just doesn’t care. Pulling the U.S. out of NATO will save the U.S. billions, if not trillions of dollars. However, it would also expose Europe to more wars and perhaps someday make it possible for Russia to invade the U.S.

Typical of Trump, again he really doesn’t know or care. Everything is money and his continued friendship with his autocratic friends worldwide.

The Syracuse Bowl location was announced yesterday. It’s the DirecTV Holiday Bowl in San Diego. The date December 27th.

Syracuse’s opponent is Washington State. Syracuse is 9-3 and ranked #21 nationally. Washington State is 8-4 and unranked.

I woud have preferred Syracuse playing a ranked team. The better the opposition, the sweeter the victory!

Saw a movie yesterday I have seen several times in the past. However not in recent years. One of the finest movies I have ever viewed. Solid in content and acting.

The movie is 1968’s “The Shoes of the Fisherman.” Anthony Quinn starred as only he can. He plays a Russian priest who ends up Pope and takes a significant step to save the world. I refrain from telling you more. Want you to watch the movie. That good!

Another movie comes into play today. The movie and book upon which it was made.

Sophie’s Choice. Involves the Holocaust and a mother’s decision. The movie starred Meryl Streep. 

Read the book, watch the movie, and weep.

I close with a Robert and Ally tale and the College of Key West’s swimming pool.

Robert and Ally learned how to swim when relatively small at the College of Key West pool. They continued to swim at the pool a number of years and swam competitively in a College sponsored program.

Recently the number of tiles were all replaced in the pool. An extensive job. It took 2,620 tiles.

The College pool is home of the CFK Tugas, the Key West High School Conchs and continues to be a busy hub for community members seeking swimming lessons, fitness and fun.

Enjoy your day!

If a person cannot do a job, such person should not pursue the position in the first place. Especially a Judge.

This really happened in Syracuse, N.Y. recently. A female Syracuse City Court Judge elected to a 10 year term and in her fourth year on the Bench, refused to marry a female couple. The situation occurred on November 16. Two weddings were scheduled before the Judge. The first couple heterosexual. The second a same sex one.

The Judge Felicia Pitt Davis. She married the first couple. Walked out of the room refusing to marry the second. Later, she said she did so because it involved two women and violated her religious beliefs.

Unquestionably a violation of federal and state law. She should be fired! The matter is before the State Commission on Judicial Conduct to determine the guilt factor and punishment.

As a retired lawyer who practiced in Central New York, which includes Syracuse, let me tell you something. Certain judgeships are an easy free ride. Considered “retirement” in the profession. The everyday pressure of practicing law gone.

There are hard and easy judgeships. City Court is not one of the difficult ones. The Judges primarily deal with traffic cases and misdemeanor criminal cases. Do their job quietly and efficiently and their initial 10 year term turns into several more leading to retirement and a nice pension.

The difficult judgeships are all federal trial and appellate ones and all state appellate judgeships.

Judge Davis should be defrocked. Let her return to the pressure packed daily practice of the law. She bought it by refusing to do her duly charged judge job.

A pompous ass! Not yet even in office, Donald Trump said thursday that he’s already accomplished more than President Joe Biden did in his entire term. So spoke our “next President to be” at a FOX Nation Annual Patriot Awards event on Long Island. Trump was honored at the event.

It irritates me Trump is behaving like he is already President before he actually is. He still has more than a month to go before he is sworn in. I can recall no former Presidnet-elect in my lifetime behaving in such fashion.

He is in “transition.” He has yet to be sworn in.

We still have another person who is President. His name is Biden.

Unfortunately, Trump does not comprehend “respect.” He wants to receive it, but fails constantly to provide it to others.

He played it big yesterday in Paris at the reopening of Notre Dame. Like he was the President already. He played “President” with Macron, Zelensky and others. His presence had to make Jill Biden uncomfortable. The man has no class nor does he understand good taste. He is clueless.

What ever happened to the milkman?

Today, we buy our milk in the supermarket. Generally in a cardboard container. Back when, milk came in one quart glass bottles which were delivered to the home.

So it was when I was in law school. I was a milkman in 1959. Arrived at the dairy at 4:15 am. Packed my delivery truck. Glass milk bottles in cases. Was on the road delivering at 5.  Required to move my ass. Had to be in class by 9.

Driving a milk truck STRANGE. Very much so. You drove standing. Only one pedal. Served both as clutch and brake. Half way down was for shifting. All the way, braking. Had to be very careful in so doing.

No air conditioning. Ergo the vehicle had to be driven with the doors shut so the milk would not heat/overheat. Became awful hot inside nevertheless. The milk was kept cool with blocks of ice put on by me at the dairy and chopped up before leaving.

The one thing I learned as a milkman that I love even today as I recall it was the ability to carry five bottles of milk in one hand while running up and down driveways. The carrier took too long to load, etc. Time was of the essence. Yes, five bottles of milk in one hand. Could be done. Fingers, thumb and palm of hand all required.

I close with my review of the Syracuse/Notre Dame basketball game yesterday.

Watched the game at Brady’s Irish Pub. Quietly in the back alone. Just me and the TV set.

Syracuse lost 69-64. It was a close game all the way. Notre Dame generally ahead by 2-4 points. Syracuse had the lead in the second half three times by 2 or 3 points for about 20 seconds each time.

Syracuse sucked. Coach Adrian Autry sucked. My feelings simply expressed.

Both teams were without their best players due to injuries. So that is no excuse for the Syracuse loss.

I thought Autry was not equipped for the job when he was appointed head coach. My thinking had not changed. His coaching leaves much to be desired. A Jim Boeheim he is not. Not even close. Never will be.

I saw Syracuse play activity in the first half I have never seen in a college basketball game. In any basketball game. Could not believe my eyes. I am noy going to waste time going over the items since in the second half Audrey had the team playing normal basketball again.

Obviously a close game. Every point counted. Notre Dame shoots threes. I think about 24 attempted. Only 8 made. Eight enough however in a close game where the opposition shot few and made even less. The stats say Syracuse attempted 8 or 9 threes. Made none. I thought Syracuse made 2. Whatever, those eight threes my Notre Dame provided the 5 point edge plus.

Then there were foul shots. Syracuse couldn’t find the hole in the basket much of the first half. They did better in the second half. Missed foul shots also contribute to a loss in a close game. 

A few more threes and some more foul shots made and Syracuse would have defeated Notre Dame going away.

Another Syracuse negative is they failed to cover the offensive board. Seemed to already be running down the court while the Syracuse attempt was still in the air. Such gives away a couple of baskets also.

There was one place where Syracuse played outstanding ball. Impressively so. They occasionally exhibited an expertise, a magic, in driving the ball to the basket with short skillful passes and a lay up. Need more than that to be a good team, however.

Yes, I was unhappy with the result for the reasons specified. The team should be kept longer each day practicing foul shots. Three point shots should become part of their program. No team can win without them.

Enjoy your day!

December 7, 1941, a “day that will live in infamy” in the words of Franklin Roosevelt. Japan executed a sneak attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor. Just before 8 in the morning. Japan threw 353 aircraft from six carriers into the surprise. Americans killed numbered 2,393, 1,178 wounded.

It took the U.S. four years and thousands of American lives to come back and defeat the Japanese. Every island taken back by the U.S. involved a long and strenuous effort. Japan’s soldiers were known to fight to the bitter end.

Only one issue I wish to briefly explore this morning. The wisdom of the U.S. dropping atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Estimated 200,000 Japanese were killed as a result.

Many have been critical over the years of Truman’s decision to use atomic bombs to end the war. I am not one of them. It was deserving. Pearl Harbor alone justified their use. Additionally it was clear that to defeat Japan, the U.S. would have to fight for every inch of Japan’s soil. The Japanese were known to fight hard, long and to the bitter end. It was estimated 200,000 American military would be lost in taking Japan.

All things considered, Truman made the correct decision. In a few days, he ended the war and saved American lives. Too bad so many Japanese lives were lost in so doing. However war being what it is, better enemy lives than American ones.

So over the years and even to today, I believe Truman made the correct decision.

Pete Hegseth still in their swinging. Claims Trump supports him. We shall see. Much going on in the background.

Several names have been suggested to replace Hegseth. One prominently is Florida Governor DeSantis. His choice makes sense to me. Not because he is ultimately qualified. Obviously better than Hegseth. However, his Florida Governor track record leaves much to be desired. He would make a better Secretary of Defense than Segseth, but not by much.

Why do I think DeSantis will end up with Trump’s blessing? It’s all in the family!

Laura Trump is Donald Trump’s eldest son Eric’s wife. She wants to be a U.S. Senator from Florida.

Rubio is a certainty to be approved for Secretary of State. That leaves his Senate seat vacant. DeSantis will have to appoint someone to replace him. He appoints Laura, following which Trump appoints DeSantis Secretary of Defense.

Everyone happy, except for Hegseth of course. I’m not sure it is quite “legal.” Will not make any difference. Trump will be President and can do whatever he wants.

Prohibition was a failure. The result of a bunch of do good no drinkers. A minority. Caused all kinds of problems in the U.S. for years. Crime a biggie.

In December 1933, Prohibition ended. The 21st Amendment to the Constitution was ratified, thereby repealing the 18th Amendment.

Live and learn. Crayola crayons trademarked its “scent.”

Crayola was born in 1902. First sold in 1903. Scent not an issue till the 1990’s.In 1994, Crayola added a scent to its product. Crayola decided to trademark the scent in 2018. Took 6 years to do so. A long time to obtain a trademark. Whatever, the trademark was finally granted this year.

I look forward to playing with one of my great grandchildren and smelling a Crayola. It will be a new experience!

Another live and learn. Key West has a number of allegedly haunted facilities. No economic benefit is derived by living in one.

China has a different approach. China maintains a “Registry of Haunted Apartments.” Those willing to live in one with a sinister history receive a 30 percent discount.

In October, a shipment of 22 tons of cheese were stolen in London. It is thought the cheese ended up in Russia where there is a sanctions-busting black market in luxury food.

It’s coming! Soon to be everywhere! Robot waiters.

Avatar Robot Cafe in Tokyo is staffed by robot waiters remotely controlled by workers with disabilities working from their homes.

Did you ever notice when looking at photos of 1960-70 sporting events that each has a blue haze in the background. A haze that is absent in modern photos. It’s because everyone was smoking in the arena!

I close with Syracuse basketball.

Syracuse plays Notre Dame today at Notre Dame. The game begins at noon.

Neither team has distinguished itself thus far this season. Either could win. This is the first ACC game for both this season,

I plan on watching the game at Brady’s Irish Pub. Basketball is a two hour affair whereas football four. I will sit in the back room in a regular chair where a private TV is located to watch. I cannot yet handle a bar stool.

Enjoy your day!

Pardons are in the air. Two types. Pardons per se and preemptive pardons.

Lets examine each. Many do not understand and are talking off the tops of their heads without knowledge of pertinent facts.

First however who are those who soon will be exercising the Presidential power. Lets begin with Trump. 

He has said many times he will be pardoning many and soon/early following taking office. Beginning with the many who are already jailed or awaiting trial for January 6. One thing Trump definitely is is a predictor of that which he will do. He says he will do something and then does it at the appropriate time. So expect many pardons by Trump. 

Biden has recently pardoned his son Hunter following Hunter’s convictions but pre sentencing.

Trump and Biden have both basically served one term as President thus far. Trump in his first term pardoned 237. Biden thus far only 27.

I found TV news reporting yesterday aggravating. The issue of Biden preemptively pardoning those Trump has threatened to pursue criminally when President kept coming up. Everyone made it sound like a terrible thing to do. Suggesting no authority to preemptively pardon. Without specially saying it. Made me feel like no one, neither themselves or their staffs, had done their homework. Preemptive pardoning is perfectly legal and has been done by prior Presidents many times.

First lets briefly define the difference between pardoning and preemptive pardoning. Pardoning generally comes following conviction and sentencing. Preemptive pardoning as early as a time before even a criminal charge has been levied. A preemptive pardon is generally labeled a blanket pardon as it covers all crimes that may have been committed. 

The issue arises because Trump and/or his cohorts have indicated arresting Anthony Fauci, Jack Smith, Liz Cheney, Kamala Harris, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Adam Schiff, Letita James, Nancy Pelosi, Mark Milley, and Biden himself. Plus anyone else Biden suspects Trump will try to wreak his unjustifiable vengeance upon.

Respectfully, time for Democrats to play hardball!

A President’s power to pardon is unlimited. No one even mentioned on the news yesterday that there is a U.S. Supreme Court decision on point. Ex Parte Garland, 71 U.S. 333 (1866). The power exists except in cases of impeachment which is not involved here. Per Garland, the power extends to every offense known to the law and is able to be exercised either before legal proceedings are taken or during the pending, or after conviction and judgment. Re preemptive pardoning, the words “is able to be exercised either before legal proceedings are taken” are applicable.

There are Rules Governing Petition for Executive Clemency which indicate application for a pardon may not be made till five years following completion of sentence. Such has no application re preemptive pardons and has not been followed many times in other pardons.

Examples of Presidential preemptive pardoning that were not mentioned in yesterday’s news broadcasts that I heard. Like they did not exist.

Ford pardoning Nixon who had not even been charged with a crime at the time.

Clinton pardoned his brother Roger Clinton.

Trump pardoned Charles Kushner, his son-in-law’s father and Trump’s present nominee to be Ambassador to France.

Lincoln pardoned his sister-in-law Emilie Todd Helm. He also pardoned former Confederates if they took an oath to the United states.

Carter issued preemptive pardons for Vietnam draft evaders.

George H. W. Bush pardoned his Secretary of Defense, along with others, for alleged roles in the Iran-/Contra scandal after his Secretary was indicted but before trial.

I am sure there are a few more.

If Biden opts to use his Presidential power preemptively, it would be the right thing to do. Such would defuse Trump’s threat of retribution – criminal prosecution, implemented by his Attorney General to be Pam Bondi – against people who did their job competently and honorably. However in so doing, incur Trump and his Maga followers displeasure. Such is life. Sometimes doing the correct thing aggravates some people.

Enjoy your day!

I wrote a terrific blog today. On pardons and preemptive pardons. Began researching at 4:30 this morning.

When published, only the first word came up. The blog drafted was 625 words.

Whether my fingers or the computer screwed up, I am not sure. Too tired to redo it this morning. Lets hope I do it tomorrow.

Sorry.

It was announced on TV this morning that Trump may replace Hegseth with Florida’s Governor DeSantis as Secretary of Defense nominee.

Good for Florida. Bad for the U.S. However happy to be rid of him if such is the case. DeSantis’ mentality is such that he would be bad in either position. Better than Hegseth, however. DeSantis is not burdened by the sex and drinking abuses affecting Hegseth.

Florida’s Lt. Governor is 52 year old Jeanette Nunez. An Hispanic. I know nothing about her at the moment. I would hope she is better than DeSantis.

Key West weather continues to be cold. Five thirty this morning and 61 degrees. High today only 71. I hate this cold weather!

It’s that time of the year! The Annual Schooner Wharf Lighted Boat Parade is saturday December 14. One of Key West’s best Christmas events.

I have been on a boat several times. A trip! Food, booze and music generally available on the bigger vessels. Regardless of size, all boats decorated for Christmas. Like a person’s home.

One negative. The weather. If still cold as it is now, the trip is not worth it. No matter how well you bundle up, you will freeze your ass off. Only way to describe it. Cold on shore, colder out on the water.

One of Key West’s most famous residents is Tennessee Williams. His name and memory continue to abound in Key West.

On December 3, 1947, his play “A Streetcar Named Desire” opened on Broadway. It starred 23 year old Marlon Brando who went on to play the lead role when the play became a movie.

Japan has come up with a “drinkable mayo.” Mayonnaise. It is drunk chilled. Reaction is mixed.

We probably have a sense that potatoes have been everywhere forever. Not so. England discovered potatoes for the first time in 1586 when they were imported from Columbia.

The first successful separation of cojoined twins was completed by a Swiss surgeon in Basile in 1869.

On this day in 1931, Alka Seltzer went on sale for the first time.

On this day in 1956, basketball icon Wilt Chamberlain made his much anticipated college debut. He scored 52 points and grabbed 31 rebounds. His Kansas team beat Northwestern 87-69.

Dr. Robert Redfield was head of the U.S. CDC in 2020. He said, “I actually believe they’re going to be the most difficult time in the public history of this nation,” as he warned about the months ahead with COVID-19. He was correct.

I close with Syracuse basketball.

Tennessee and Syracuse met last night. Tennessee ranked #3 nationally. Easily beat Syracuse 86-57.

Based on Syracuse games to date, it does not appear a good basketball season ahead.

Oh well, it was a great football year!

Enjoy your day!

Lou Carnesecca died saturday. He was 99, one month short of 100.

Lou was St. John’s basketball coach for 24 years. Known to his friends as “Looie.” With one exception. Georgetown’s John Thompson who called Carnesecca “Mother fucking Looie.” Understand that between the two, it was a term of endearment. Thompson referred to a few others in similar fashion. People he liked and respected.

One person Thompson did not respect during their playing years was Jim Boeheim. He never used the term when referring to Boeheim. They did not become friends till after Thompson retired and then were blood brothers.

Carnesecca coached Chris Mullen when St. John’s went to the Final Four.

Carnesecca never had a losing season at St. John’s. His worst was 17-12. His overall record, 520-200. Carnesecca is best described to have been charming and self-deprecating.

He was one of the score of Big East coaches who launched the League: Carnesecca, Thompson, Jim Boeheim, and Rollie Massimino. Later, P.J. Carlesimo, Jim Calhoun, and Rick Pitino.

For those who were there then and recall, the words of creation are exciting. These guys put together a great League! The best of basketball!

The League itself was not the only great thing. The coaches themself were. All made it to the Final Four in the ’80s, except Calhoun. His first time was 1990, following which he then went on to win 3 national championships.

Over the years, Jim Boeheim and I became good friends. I had the box at the Carrier Dome which seated 16 and a private bar. Each game a party. I was active at the University in various fashions.

My law firm ran many Utica fund raisers. I was always in need of a main speaker. Boeheim came when asked. He suggested let me get you some of the other Big East coaches. He did. On two occasions, Lou Carnesecca. Basically a freebe. Five hundred dollars to cover a plane ticket and hotel room.

Carnesecca was perfect. Funny!!! A born story teller.

My son John chaired the events. His grandfather, my father, John was always at these events. Generally seated at my table. 

The first time Carnesecca spoke, John had introduced me and my father. Carnesecca picked up on it in his talk. He zeroed in on my father who was about 15 years older than him. One Elderly Italian talking to another. Afterwards the two talked and bonded. It was the same the second time Carnesecca helped us out. I loved the interchange between Carnesecca and my father.

I suspect Carnesecca and my father have met in the hereafter since Carnesecca’s death saturday. Two Italian gents conversing with each other.

A Big East fan is Tony who owns Brady’s Irish Pub. A St. John’s graduate. We have chatted on occasion re St. John’s, Syracuse and the Big East. I have taken to watching Syracuse games this season at Brady’s. A lot of TV, good food, drink and bar companions.

The cold up north continues. Buffalo, Syracuse and Utica buried in snow. The cold extends to Key West.

Yesterday morning I left the house just before 10 in the morning for neurophysiotherapy. It was 63 degrees. An hour later when I was done, a whole 64 degrees. This morning a bit warmer. It is 6 am at the moment. The temperature 63 degrees.

The hurricane season is officially over. It ended November 30. You never know, however.

Earl Holliman has died. The movie actor was 96 years old.

He generally was second banana in the more than 100 films he appeared.

Holliman appeared in many westerns, the wi-fi classic “Forbidden Planet” and the 1970 TV series “Police Woman.” Noteworthy films included “The Bridge at Toko-Ri” and “Gunfight at OK Corral.”

Syracuse ended the football season ranked number 23. Sounds chintzy for a 9-3 record and the big win over Miami. 

I close with a food item I love. I always have a bottle around from which I enjoy a teaspoon or two of at a time. Honey.

I learned something about honey I was unaware of till yesterday. 

Honey is the only food that never spoils. 

Bacteria cannot naturally grow in honey. Even when crystalized, it is not spoiled. Warm it in warm water to restore its original consistency.

Honey found in ancient Egyptian tombs over 3,000 years old has been found still ok to eat.

There is an exception to it always being ok to consume. If you see signs of fermentation (bubbling) or mold growth, it means water has got into the container. If so, it should be disregarded.

Enjoy your day!