Information is shared with the American public in drips and drabs. The whole picture not being shared. Transparency lacking.

The Trump administration only wants the public to know that which it wants to share. Embarrassing information withheld.

A CDC lab has been manufacturing coronavirus test kits for quite a while. .Timothy Denzel is an official with the FDA. He is Director of the Office of In Vitro Diagnostics and Radiological Health.

Coronavirus test kits are produced at a CDC lab. There was a delay in them getting to market. Denzel went to Atlanta to determine why. He was “alarmed” by what he saw: “Inappropriate procedures and possible contamination.”

He made the visit February 22. This information leaked March 1. I am not sure as to the source.

The decision was made to have an outside vendor produce the kits.

The CDC has only made available 459 kits thus far. The outside vendor is expected to make 10,000 available by the end of this week.

The WHO has provided test kits to 57 countries. The U.S. declined to receive any. Indicated it would produce its own.

Money involved here. Since Trump took office, he has cut the CDC and WHO budget allocations dramatically.

I get nervous when there is too much God in government. I am a firm believer in separation of Church and State. History has shown that religion can screw things up big time.

There is a photo moving about the internet showing Pence and what I assume are members of his coronavirus team in a room getting ready to work. Fifteen persons in total. Some sitting, others standing. I could recognize Pence, Mulvaney and Azar.

All 15 had their heads bowed and their individual fists clenched in prayer.

Scares me. Especially with Pence leading the group. The prayer to open their work session had to be at the direction of Pence. A religious fanatic.

Recall Matthew 6:5. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others.”

One of yesterday’s comments to this blog which is applicable to the present coronavirus situation: Coronavirus “seems like Katrina 2005 in New Orleans all over again.”

The 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic has some bearing today.

An expert re the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic wrote a piece 2 years ago on lessons of why the total outbreak in the U.S. was so deadly. His conclusion was government officials desperate to keep morale up during World War I, didn’t tell the truth. And because the government lied, more people died.

It was announced yesterday that New York has its first case of coronavirus. The woman had traveled to Iran. She has been quarantined in her home.

Notice how Trump and Pence keep saying the handling of this crisis is a state matter. Not exactly in those words. They say it is the responsibility of state and local governments. The federal government will work closely with them.

Passing the buck if a disaster occurs? Creating the scenario for it?

Handling a crisis such as coronavirus should be the primary responsibility of the federal government. Plainly and clearly stated!

One last coronavirus observation. Applies to Key West and the whole of Florida. Spring Break coming this month. The probability one or more of the kids will bring the virus to our communities.

The first state to abolish slavery? Pennsylvania. On March 1, 1780. Applied to newborns only.

Another recent comment to this blog: The Democrat Primary “March Madness.”

It fits.

I admire and respect what Pete Buttigieg did last night by suspending himself from the race. The correct thing to do at the right time. Proof once again that he has a head on his shoulders. He lives to fight another day. In the meantime, he will probably come out in support of and campaign for Biden.

Irma brutally damaged certain areas of the lower Keys on September 10, 2017. We who live here will never forget.

I periodically in the past year have written and spoken of the delay in reconstructing that which was destroyed. The answer evident. Money. The federal and state governments fail to timely perform because they did not have sufficient bucks and/or were reluctant to arrange for monies to be available.

Bahia State Park is one of the loveliest such parks in the lower Keys. Beautiful! Welcoming! A special day any day spent on its beaches.

Bahia received a “knock out punch.”

A notice was received from the State of Florida last week that the state was ready to proceed with the final restoration and renovation. Expected to take 210 days and be done by the end of the year.

At least it is finally getting done!

There are still Floridians living in tents, without running water or toilet facilities. Most have given up hope. They are doing the best they can with their own efforts and help of neighbors.

The same story with other hurricane damaged areas, Puerto Rico, etc. The government seems ill equipped to handle natural disasters. I hope such is not the case with the coronavirus crisis.

Who is the best Conch Shell Blower in Key West?

The Annual Key West Conch Shell Blower Contest will be held monday, March 7, at the Oldest House in Key West on Duval Street at noon.

An important Key West event. Many participants each year. The winner proud to have succeeded.

Worthy of watching.

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

On this day in 1951, the President arrived in Key West for a 3 week vacation.

An example of why government is not always to be trusted.

On this day in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson signed a law granting Puerto Ricans citizenship.

A significance involved. Wilson knew the U.S. was going to enter World War I in a month. He was also aware the U.S. did not have enough soldiers. On top of which he knew a compulsory military service act would follow soon after the the U.S. entrance into the war.

Two months after making Puerto Ricans citizens, the draft law was adopted. Twenty thousand Puerto Ricans were drafted to serve in World War I.

Tonight, Dueling Bartenders!

Enjoy your day!

White House motivated assistance with the coronavirus crisis is self-serving. Trump’s image seems to be the major concern. Not the health of the American people. Health of the people second in line.

The most recent example supporting the premise is the U. S. Surgeon General’s concern about face masks. Yesterday, he stated Americans should stop buying face masks. He fears the supply will run out.

If such occurs, there will not be sufficient masks available for the medical professionals. They who are at the highest risk for disease transmission.

Something strange here. What about me and you? If the medical people need to be protected, we do also. How dare any one in government suggest we go without!

The government has come up with numbers. I do not trust any figures set forth by the Trump administration. Let me share them, however. Trump’s people claim 300 million N95 masks are needed, only 30 million are in stock.

A simple solution. The factories and manufacturing facilities are in place to put out N95’s. Put them to work overtime! Add additional workers! Add shifts!

We are confronted by a national emergency. Use manufacturing facilities already in place to grind out what ever is necessary to fight the virus.

What it boils down to is what is important. The answer life. Ours as well as the medical people.

Finally to the point. No one yet has told us the importance of the masks. It seems they are need to protect the wearer. Not so. They protect others. We sneeze, cough, etc. The wearing of the masks is to prevent someone coming down with or already having the virus from passing it on.

A different set of facts. Again, not one shared wit the public yet.

The disease slowly but surely is moving into and across America. Where will we be in 2 weeks to a month?

An Illinois resident tested positive for the virus yesterday. The person earlier afflicted in Washington died.

The economy will be involved further. Not just the stock market. The hospitals themselves. Another issue not discussed.

Many who will become sick are uninsured. The hospitals will still care for them. Bernie Sander’s Medicare for all will grow in popularity.

Anthony Yainz is a respected Key Wester. He had an interesting comment on Facebook yesterday. Something to the effect that the real danger is moronavirus in the White House.

A big day for the Cow Key Channel Bridge yesterday. A special Cow Key Bridge run. Zero K. The bridge a mere 300 feet long.

This month the bridge will undergo renovation. Expected to take 1.5 years. Good luck! Nothing the State does construction wise is concluded on time.

Yesterday’s run was titled Udder Run in honor/view of the anticipated repairs.

Note the bridge is the ONLY way in and out of Key West for vehicle traffic. The present 4 lanes will be no more than 3 during the renovation.

Hundreds came to enjoy the occasion. All dressed in comic fashion. Many with their dogs also so attired.

Health wise, the run very safe. No participant even raised a sweat.

Some Tennessee Williams.

Williams spent a significant portion of his life living in Key West. In 1949, he purchased a home on Duncan Street. Still stands today.

Duncan at the time was the end of Key West. The home was on the edge of a large salt pond. One of the reasons Williams bought the home was that he enjoyed swimming everyday and the opportunity to walk out his front door to swim appealed to him.

The house also gave him a quiet place to write.

Williams said, he bought the house “at the edge of the end of the world.” Again, there was no other place between him and the water.

Lisa today lives in a home on Duncan a block down from the Williams home. The government began filling in “across the street” from the Williams home in 1953. I don’t know how long it took. At some point in time, homes started being erected. One would be Lisa’s.

In fact, the filling in extended to the Atlantic. Today the distance between the Williams home and the ocean is several blocks.

Syracuse played North Carolina late yesterday afternoon. Syracuse lost 92-79. Not the best of years for Syracuse.

The game was the last one that will be played in the “old” Carrier Dome. It is to undergo major renovations, including a new roof. Next season’s basketball will be played in the “new” Dome.

Under the circumstances, it was a big afternoon at the Dome.

John Wallace is a yesteryear Syracuse star. His #44 jersey was retired at halftime.

Celebrities attended the game. The Patriots’ Tom Brady and Julian Edelman. Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, also. They sat together in front row seats.

Also Syracuse stars from another era. David Bing and Larry Moten.

I watched the game at Shana Key. Enjoyed dinner at the bar afterwards.

I can remember when the Dome opened. It was September 20, 1980. A football game. The first of the season. I don’t recall the opponent.

The Carrier Dome was a big deal. Especially for a fan as fanatic as I was. The Dome had private boxes. Sixteen movie type seats. A bar and refrigerator. A significant standing area behind the seats.

Alcohol and food during the games. Extra of course. Syracuse had a catering service.

They rented, not sold. A ten year term for $50,000. How could I pass it up!

With the box also went 12 seats on the floor for basketball. My 12 in the first row immediately behind the Syracuse bench. Sixteen seats for football. Fifty yard line, 15th row.

The floor seats required payment in addition.

I did it all. Entertained everyone for 10 years.

I would be remiss if I did not share my first game experience.

Carrier manufactures air conditioning. Its primary plant in Syracuse. Carrier made a big donation and the Dome was named after the company.

The Dome however was not air conditioned. It had an air filtration system that was supposed to do the job. It failed on opening day. It was like 80 degrees outside and 120 inside.

Those watching from a box dressed. Proprietor and guests alike. Me in a sport jacket, shirt, tie, slacks.

Sweat!!! I was sitting on one of the steps inside the box, jacket off, tie undone, a couple of shirt buttons open thinking…..$50,000 for this!

The box was a wise investment. Besides an excellent write off, it was a family affair. My grandchildren grew up crawling on the box floor and basketball floor. They made friends. Most of my grandkids and their friends ended up going to Syracuse. Syracuse became a family thing for all of us.

I am glad Biden won and won big in South Carolina. Hope he does well Super Tuesday. The country wants moderation. Sanders not the person.

The pundits tell us Sanders will do the best Super Tuesday. He has already spent $15.5 million in those states whereas Biden only $600,000. The bucks have not been coming in to Biden.

Tino was an extra in a World War II movie. Took place in occupied France. Tino’s face in the pic is probably why he gets so many extra parts.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Key West lies within Monroe County. There is a County Health Administrator. His name Robert “Bob” Eadie. His title Administrator of the Florida Department of Health-Monroe. He has been so employed since 2007.

He recently spoke at a public meeting where the subject was coronavirus. I consider his comments/views pure unadulterated bullshit. Insanity at its best.

He said, “We consider chances of the disease showing up here to be very low. So, any rumor to the contrary is just that.”

He added some local plans are being put in place, but he is playing a waiting game for the virus to peter out on its own or become a declared global pandemic.

Would you believe!

He further claimed that the fact Monroe County is dependent on tourism doesn’t make it risky. Visitors from overseas already are screened at American airports. Cruise ship passengers undergo screening at U.S. ports.

Eadie’s conclusion, “The chances we’ll see a case in Monroe are very small…..the possibility of it coming here very slight…..not impossible, but very improbable.”

As to personal preparedness, he advised surgeon masks a waste of money, only N95-type respiratory masks will protect.

I have seen pics of the N95. Look like a typical face mask. Not expensive. Problem is people have already bought them up like crazy. Walmart and Amazon have no more for sale.

Eadie claimed the best protection was washing your hands, cover your mouth if you cough, stay away from sick people, and avoid unnecessary contact.

My research suggests Purell is the best hand sanitizer to purchase. Problem similar to the N95 exists. Stores have run out. As of last night, Walmart and Amazon were sold out. This morning a special e-mail from Walmart advised they now had a supply. I ordered big time.

I sense from Eadie’s words those of a politician. Trump and Eadie seem to minimize the coronavirus danger.

They should both get off the political merry-go-round! Better safe than sorry. The danger if it hits overwhelming based on what is occurring in other parts of the world.

The politicians are covering their asses for the moment. What will they say in 2 months or less if the virus finds a home here in Monroe County?

Some coronavirus observations.

Trump appears to be fearmongering. Mulvaney claims, “We know how to handle this.” Trump said at a rally that coronavirus is a “hoax.” He also said, corononavirus is the Democrats “new hoax.”

The stock market took a nose dive this past week based on coronavirus reports. The entire economic world is concerned. The Dow dropped 3,583 points. A 12 percent drop in one week.  Amounts to $5 trillion. The worst decline in a similar time frame since 2008.

Trump’s son Donald Jr. made fearmongering and irresponsible comments friday in an interview with FOX & Friends: “But for them (Democrats) to take a pandemic and seemingly hope that it comes here, and kills millions of people so they could end Donald Trump’s streak of winning, is a new level of sickness. You know, I don’t know if this is coroonavirus or Trump derangement syndrome, but these people are infected badly.”

A dog tested positive for coronavirus in Hong Kong this past week. Medial authorities advised the dog thus far is a carrier. The dog has not come down with the disease itself.

Pope Francis is still sick. His problem continues not to be revealed. An official announcement from the Vatican said the Pope cancelled his official audiences for the second straight day.

The U.S./Taliban peace agreement is to be signed this morning.

The Trump administration makes it sound like it is the end of the 18 year Afghanistan War. In reality, not.

Taliban is not the Afghanistan government. There is a separate Afghanistan government. The government has not been a party to the negotiations nor the signing of the peace agreement.

Al-Qaeda still involved in Afghanistan. Not a party to the agreement.

The number of prisoners of war to be released already in dispute. The Afghanistan government wants all their people released. The U.S. says no.

If the war were actually ending, It would be expected that all U.S. troops would be removed. Not so. Presently 13,500. U.S. troops are only to be reduced to 8,000.

The peace agreement is a “test” of sorts. Good for 7 days up front. If peace “sort of” exists for that period, then the parties will discuss further moves to be part of a full agreement. If not, the agreement is nothing but a worthless piece of paper.

What actually is involved from the U.S. end is that Trump wants to tell the American people in this election year: “I settled the Afghanistan War!”

Tino’s photograph today has him dancing with a woman. The shot is from the TV series “Work in Paradise.”

Tino sent me a note with the pic: “Hey Lou, they pay me for this stuff!”

May Johnson must be one beautiful and talented lady!

Today her leap year in 1896.

She received a proposal of marriage in a letter from a Dr. F. A. Feta. He wrote he was wealthy enough to buy 1/2 of Key West. Also, his Aunt in Germany was 88 years old. If he would agree to join her in Germany, she would give him $100,000 of the $300,00 she had.

May rejected the Doctor.

Enjoy your day!

On this day in 1953, the Islander Drive In Theater opened on Stock Island. The first drive-in in all of Monroe County.

Brought to mind my recollections of the drive-in and how it impacted my life.

While in high school and college, it is the place young couples went to park and neck. Rarely watched the movie.

Then came marriage and children. Young couples with children got a night out by going to the drive-in. The children sleeping in the back seat with pillows and under a blanket. This time we watched the movie.

Stock Island is Key West’s northeasterly neighbor. Leave Key West, pass over Cow Key, and you are on Stock Island.

Legend has it Stock Island got its name from livestock that were kept on the island way back. Photographs exist from the 1930’s showing cows grazing.

Historians are not sure such is how Stock Island acquired its name. Some believe it could have come from the last name of an early surveyor of the island.

The beard I presently wear is the second of my life. I like the beard. Plan is to keep it.

Coronavirus may prevent it.

The CDC has advised that facepiece respirators will not function properly if placed over a beard. Proper air flow will be prevented. CDC says beards will have to go if it becomes necessary to wear one.

Coronavirus is doing a number on the stock market. Down!

Market fell another 1,191 points yesterday. The largest 1 day drop ever.

The President is sweating. He relies on the stock market for reelection. For Trump, the market represents the success of his economy.

Trump should put his reelection thoughts on the back burner. A medical crisis looms. More important than anything else. Trump’s leadership is required to make sure we swiftly move under the black cloud approaching.

Trump has already made several bad moves. A major one is placing Vice President Pence at the head of a Task Force. All medical professionals are to report to Pence and he will decide what to do next and what is to be reported to the public.

Pence inept for the position. Cannot be trusted. His religion, politics, and allegiance to Trump stand in his way.

A medical professional experienced in contagious epidemics should lead. His hands should not be tied. He should be free to report truth as he sees it directly to the the public. Trump should not be permitted to politicize that truth.

Trump cannot be believed when it comes to coronavirus. He has already began lying all over the place. “It’s going to disappear…..one day like a miracle.”

When Mr. President will it disappear? Before or after a number of us are dead?

Italy is under attack by the virus. Especially the northern part where 400 have been afflicted.

In Rome, only 3 have been diagnosed with the virus.

Pope Francis is sick. I am not saying he has coronavirus. However there is concern.

On Ash Wednesday, he was publicly coughing and blowing his nose. Yesterday, he didn’t go to work. Remained in his quarters. The Vatican announced he had a “slight illness.”

Enjoy your day!

This is one of the most disgusting stories I have ever reported.

The event took place on September 19, 2019 at the Lucois and Emma Nixon Academy Charter School in Orlando. The victim a 6 year old black first grade girl. Her name not released by authorities because of her age.

Involved was Orlando police officer Dennis Turner.

The young lady threw a “tantrum.” The policed report claimed she “battered 3 staff members by kicking and punching them.”

There was an episode. The school authorities apparently opted not to deal with it on their own. The police were called. Officer Turner arrived.

By the way, there is a full video of what transpired. Turner’s body cam recorded the whole thing.

Turner handcuffed the 6 year old. Used zip ties. She can be seen on the video crying and screaming for him not to do anything to her. Don’t arrest me, don’t put me in the police car.

The girl cried throughout. From the time Turner arrived, through the handcuffing, being led to the police car, and being placed in the police car. Screaming for help.

“Help me, help me please!” She continuously begged for help.

She was mug shot and fingerprinted.

Charges were not pursued. Officer Turner fired. Fired for arresting a child under 12 without a supervisor’s approval. He had detained another 6 year old earlier in the week.

The 6 year old girl now attends another school.

What mental trauma, if any, will she carry with her for years or life?

I wonder if the police officer would have acted differently were the girl white instead of black.

One other group perhaps worthy of bearing the mantle of poor judgment. The school staff. We all went to the grade. And other lower grades. Some one at some time got out of hand. The teacher always handled the situation. I do not recall police ever being called.

Johnny Mercer brings me back to my high school and college days. A song writer. The lyricist. His songs that I danced to included Moon River, Accentuate the Positive, Days of Wine and Roses, On the Atcheson, Topeka and Santa Fe, and In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening.

A box of his never produced works were found in Key West. The box in the custody of the well known Ellen Steininger. Ellen good friends with one of Key West’s top vocalists Bobby Nesbitt.

Ellen brought Bobby into the picture.

The music was written by Ellen’s late father in law Franz Steininger.

Bobby had the tapes digitized. The music was clear.

The Mercer/Steininger material discovered included a musical. The Arabian Knights. Sinbad, Ali Baba and Aladdin its leading characters. Bobby sang some of the songs at a recent public performance by him.

You never know what will be discovered in a box locked away for many years. Recall one of Hemingway’s wives who returned years after his death to a room at Sloppy Joe’s containing boxes of Hemingway writings and paraphernalia. Hemingway jewels.

Yesterday a disaster for me. Absolutely, without question.

My car not derivable. I had Lisa’s. A half hour into wherever I was going and I had a flat. Called AAA. My membership canceled. No problem. They let me renew and covered me for yesterday’s flat as part of it. Took a half hour to accomplish.

Tire changer could not get to me for 1 1/2 hours. Pouring outside. Thank God for cell phones. Did my podcast show while siting in the car.

AAA man showed up. Lisa’s spare was flat also.

That is how the day began. That is how the rest of the day ran. I will not bore you with further details.

I had a late dinner at Shana Key. Cheated! Even had a drink. Needed it.

Chatted with Ruthie, one of the waitresses.

Recall last year, I lost 62 pounds. A big deal!

Then came pancreatitis. Doctor told me to get off Atkins diet and eat carbs. Or, so I thought. I gained 35 pounds quickly eating carbs.

Very discouraging.

Last week when I saw the doctor, I told him carbs and me never got along. He wanted to know why I was eating carbs. I said you told me! He said no. I’m sure he did. Whatever, he wanted me to go back on an Atkin’s type diet. High protein.

Now I am dieting again. Ended the first week today. Lost 5 pounds. This is going to be a pain in the ass. I am not a happy camper.

There was joy later in the evening. Mighty Casey did not strike out. Syracuse beat Pitt at Pitt 72-49. A long time since Syracuse enjoyed such a decisive win.

Watched Trump at 6:30 in his “news conference.”

He bullshitted us. No problem. He has everything under control. He took big steps (he stopped certain flights) which have prevented the virus from hitting the U.S. He was proud to report no one had contracted the virus locally. All had contracted it outside the U.S.

He spoke too soon. Late last night, it was reported a Californian was diagnosed with the virus. He had not been out of the country. Got it here.

Last night, the New York Times in an Opinion piece described the disease as “Trumvirus.”

Learned something new last night about the President. Trump considers shaking hands “barbaric.” He has aides following him around whose sole purpose is carry a sanitizer for his use.

He’s personally going to love coronavirus if it hits the U.S.!

Another thing about Trump. Read last week he does not sleep on the plane when he takes long trips. He will only sleep in what he describes as his “own beds.”

Trump looked very tired last night. He mentioned several times how long the India trip was. He probably never slept the whole way to and back.

This is turning into a Trump blog. Did not plan it that way. The observations being shared are just coming out one after the other.

A last Trump observation. The Democrat Debate was tuesday night. The market suffered its major falls monday and tuesday. Both before the Democrat Debate.

Trump said at least 2 times last night one of the reasons the market went down is because the people had seen the nuts who were on the stage in the Debate, one of whom might run the country.

Love the guy! He fits the facts to what ever he wants the story to be. Truth  has nothing to do with anything.

I close with Bernie Sanders.

He can’t win if the Presidential candidate. Too radical.

The young are his major supporters. No wonder. He keeps ranting about all the things he will provide free.

There are not enough taxpayer dollars to pay for all the freebies.

The freebies include free college, wipe out all student loan debt, wipe out all medical bills, Medicare for all, free homes to those who cannot afford one, etc.

He’s crazy! Sincerely intended. His whole life. However his goals neither practical nor sustainable.

Enjoy your day!

It appears coronavirus is going to impact our lives. If you think not, you are avoiding the truth. Look at China, Japan, Italy and Iran. What is coming may be comparable to the plague and the the 1918 influenza epidemic.

Yesterday the head of the CDC said, “Not if, but when” in discussing the virus. Certain at some point it will be here.

Trump avoids the truth. He is sugar coating the problem. Creates alternative facts/falsehoods. Like the problem will go away in April when it gets warm. The source of his information is not medical experts. It is from President Xi of China. A person not to be relied on at the moment in view of what is happening in his country.

Another problem concerning China and the U.S. at the moment. We have no vaccine for the virus. No one has. The composition of drugs for viruses and other maladies normally come from China. In other words, the raw materials.

Trump has not rallied his troops. The problem requires a Czar with a free hand.

Trump is unaware what his administration’s experts have been saying while he was in India. WE HAVE A PROBLEM! If Trump is consistent, he will probably fire them because they are contradicting what he is saying

Trump has asked for $2.5 billion. Initially, he was going to ask for $1 billion. Medical experts said he needs $3 billion.

The Democrats are playing a stupid game. Politics. Saying $2.5 billion is not enough. Everyone knows it. Even $3 billion is not enough. Get the $2.5 billion and get started. Then come back for more. Coronavirus should not be a political issue.

Back to the CDC. In the past 48 hours, they have said there is no vaccine for the virus. Once work starts, it will take 2 months to create one for testing purposes. The earliest one would be available for public use is 1 year. Could be longer.

In the meantime, containment is the short term assistance. We have not begun to plan how to deal with that facet of the problem yet.

Our hospitals are not ready. Medical staff are unprepared.

Legislate the money and lets get going. Time is of the essence. If it hits our shores hard, days will be vital. Look how fast the numbers moved up in Italy.

In the meantime, take a look at what Trump has done recently (before anyone was aware of coronavirus) re money. He proposed cutting funding for the World Health Organization by 50 percent. Wanted a 16 percent cut in CDC funding. An 8 percent cut in funding to the National Institute of Health.

My recommendation is the President forget about the wall and transfer those funds immediately to get the coronavirus program going. The President is quite astute at moving funds from one account to another.

Coronavirus is affecting the stock market. Big Time! Down more than a 1,000 points monday. Over 800 tuesday. When last I looked this morning, it was up 380 points.

Over the next week, the market will be down overall. Such is my prediction.

The virus is affecting the economy. China is finding it difficult to do business. Airlines are curtailing flights to certain areas. Cruise ships cannot get customers.

We live in a global society. Industry works with global products. They will soon cease moving. There will be a time when every country will be extremely cautious in accepting goods and people from other lands.

Trump is scheduled to speak tonight re the virus. I hope he speaks truth. I doubt it. He will continue his don’t worry, I have everything under control talk. He will also blame the Democrats for not permitting him to move faster.

Conoravirus moves swiftly. In one month, the U.S. could have hundreds of cases and hundreds of deaths. Perhaps even thousands of cases. The time to move is now!

A side note. South Korea is heavily affected by the virus. As of yesterday, 977 cases and 11 deaths.

A civil servant working on the problem for the South Korean Ministry in charge of controlling the virus committed suicide. He jumped off a bridge in Seoul.

No word yet as to whether his suicide was connected in any way with coronavirus.

Enjoy your day!

The world is moving! Major events occurring. I am limiting today’s blog to 2 topics. Detail makes each long.

First however Tino.

My friend has appeared in the Batwoman movie and TV series. Amazing!

Two photos today. Tino in Gotham City.

Tino a homeless person. Seems to play that part a lot. He is sitting in front of the Chicago City Hall. The building has been prepared for the shooting. Covered in graffiti. A homeless camp in front.

Tino told me it cost a fortune to prepare the site for shooting.

Trump has what he and its members consider a personal military force. Shock troops. The Border Patrol. The Border Patrol works in tandem with ICE.

Having observed Trump’s development of ICE the 3 years he has been in office, I have written and spoken of ICE as Trump’s Gestapo. Border Patrol has been in the news in recent months. I have joined them with ICE in being a part of what can be viewed as Trump’s Gestapo.

Trump’s 2021 budget contains billions of dollars to expand his system of detention centers, build more of his wall, and deploy more ICE, Border Patrol and other paramilitary forces.

Border Patrol forces are considered “elites.”

Last week, the Trump administration announced the Border Patrol would be deployed to sanctuary cities to assist regular ICE agents. Such should be viewed as Trump’s next step in his campaign of violence, threats, intimidation, harassment, and brutality against non whites, emigrants, immigrants, and refugees.

The Border Patrol has its own way of thinking. ICE’s attitude similar. They do not believe they are “civilian” law enforcement agencies. They believe they are kin to the Marine Corps. They believe they are not accountable to Congress. Which is probably why they had no problem with lying before Congress, even while under oath.

Would you believe?

There is more.

They believe they are only accountable to the President. And, only President’s like Trump.

Even more.

They do not believe they are answerable to local police, FBI, CIA, or any other law enforcement agency. They claim to be the “premier” law enforcement agency, superior to all others.

Their intent is to become a “national police force.” To be used by a President to enforce laws even among U.S. citizens.

Why haven’t we heard this?

It is claimed that last year there was an announcement re certain tasks the Border Patrol and ICE would be performing together. Their training involved facilities designed to stimulate the buildings they might encounter in American cities and towns.

They have been and are being trained in tactics, strategies and weaponry used by special forces and other commandos.

Yesterday’s evils long thought banished from civilized societies are reappearing with alarming speed. Concentration camps for Uighurs in China (the largest mass detention center since the Holocaust) to migrant detention centers in the U.S. at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

Fort Sill is an Army post. Historically, it was used as a reservation for dispossessed Native Americans. Then as an internment camp for Japanese-American citizens during World War II. Planned to next be utilized as a “holding pen” for migrants. Infers people are animals.

A banality of evil in the making. Chilling in effect. Beware!

Now to the “recession.”

What recession? Is the big one here yet?

I have been prophesying for 2 years that the U.S. was headed for a recession. A big one! Bigger than 2008. Similar to the 1929 Big Depression if world wide.

No such recession yet. In spite of the tariff wars, manufacturing and retail businesses cutting back or closing down. I sometimes think Trump by words, not deeds, is keeping the stock market up. Always the best economy ever, look at the market!

A new acute problem has come from left field. Coronavirus. Appears to be a world wide epidemic in the making.

The market dropped more than 1,000 points yesterday. The third worse one day drop in 124 years. The drop amounted to 3.56 percent.

This morning, the market opened wit a tepid rebound before returning to yesterday. A 388 point drop. At the moment, it is 275 points. The market is struggling to come back as it usually does.

Not sure it will succeed. If it does, the resurrection will be short lived. Bad days ahead.

The immediate cause is coronavirus and how it is and could affect the world. China an absolute disaster. Italy all of a sudden on the rise. Iran reporting the virus.

Compounding the problem are Trump’s tariff wars. They were leading us to a recession. Coronavitus has accelerated the pace.

Coronavirus is affecting commerce. Airlines are cancelling flights. Cruise lines likewise.

Coronavirus and the tariff crossed paths. Married. A union not made in Heaven.

I do not blame Trump for coronavirus. Though he will be responsible for its handling in the U.S. His preparation for the disease’s onslaught lacking in many respects. I plan on addressing this issue in tomorrow’s blog.

I do blame Trump for the tariff wars. No explanation required.

Enjoy your day!

What a word! Heard it for the first time last night.

Chincoteague is Indian for “beautiful land across the water.”

There is a Virginia barrier island by that name. The island makes up the whole town. Population 2,941. Equivalent to 10 percent of Key West’s 29,000 people.

The community is gateway to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Assateague Island. Known for its wild ponies.

Where did I come up with Chincoteague?

I was at The Dirty Pig last night for the first time. Before going further, the barbecue ribs were terrific! Terri was performing with Larry Baeder.

There was a Terri table. Donna, Sally, and Bob and Lynda Frechette. Also, a Kay and Ted.

Never met Kay and Ted before. They are from Chincoteague!

Ted approached me at the bar. There was no room for Louis at the table. Introduced himself and said he reads the blog now. His wife however has been reading it for years. Love you, Kay!

Both retired. Ted owned a commercial printing business. Kay was a nutritionist. They are snowbirds. Six months on Chincoteague, six months in Key West. This is their ninth season in Key West.

Proud parents of 2 sons and grandparents of 4.

Terri was riding a bicycle last year and hit a curb that was not a curb. I am not sure whether the accident occurred on Chincoteague or Key West. Broke 2 significant bones in her right leg. Lucky she was wearing a helmet. Her head hit. The helmet split. No injury to her head fortunately.

Now she is into yoga. She gets Ted up every morning here in Key West and they are off to yoga.

Terri sings tonight at Aqua. Dueling Bartenders.

Lynda Frechette will be at Aqua wednesday night for her baby Aqua Idol.

Both events free. Both enjoyable. Don’t cheat yourself. If you are in Key West, attend both!

Must mention May Johnson again today. This 19 year old school teacher living in Key West in 1896 led an exciting life for the times. Always busy.

In her diary bearing this date, she was back at Las Brisa in the evening. Apparently the place to be. She ends up there most evenings. Dancing and partying.

For some reason, there was a fireworks display which she described as “simply grand.”

Came across a writing that can only be described as “love.” Pure and simple.

“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails any more. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too.”

Hong Kong real estate in recent years has been the most expensive anywhere. Housing, office, and retail properties.

The real estate market is tottering. Ready to fall. Two reasons. The protests and coronavirus epidemic.

Economists describe what is to occur as a “Tsunami-like shock.”

Traveling back to ancient Rome for a spell. Beginning in 303 A.D.

The emperor was Diocletian. As I describe the man, think who of today’s leaders bears many similar traits.

On this day in 303, Diocletian issued an official Roman edict requiring the persecution of Christians.  The era ran from 303 to 324. Historically referred to as The Diocletianic Persecution.

It was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in the history of the Roman Empire.

Diocletian came to power in 284. In the first 15 years of his reign, he began purging Christians, condemned many to death, and surrounded himself with public opponents of Christianity.

His interest was his self image. He promoted the restoration of past Roman glories. All leading up to the most brutal persecution of any sect in Roman history.

The lions in the Coliseum were busy.

The Christian persecutions ended in 324 when Constantine became Emperor. Christianity was his favored religion.

All it took was a change in the head of state.

The world is sick. Too many wars, too many killings, too many dastardly deeds being perpetrated. An example: More people are being enslaved than ever before in human history.

Forty million people are slaves today. One in 4 are children.

Human slavery a profitable business. Estimated to bring in $150 billion annually.

The United States a bastion for slavery. The number of slaves continue to rise. A growing problem. The sex area obviously involved. The average age of girls 13. Girls as young as 9 being sold.

The fastest growing business in organized crime in the U.S. is human slavery. The second most lucrative commodity traded illegally after drugs and guns.

In this age, our time, it is more lucrative and safe to sell malleable teens rather than drugs and guns. A pound of heroin or an AK-47 can be retailed once. A young girl can be sold by her owner 10-15 times a day. Her pimp keeping 100 percent of her earnings.

The most shocking part of the story is that 85 percent of the girls involved came to their owners via government welfare systems that place these kids in homes where they are supposedly safe.

We do not hear much about what is contained in the previous paragraph nor what the authorities are doing to correct the situation.

Enjoy your day!

John Keats was a romantic poet. A romantic lyric poet. Unfortunately, his life was short. He died this day in 1821 at the age of 26. Tuberculosis.

Keats father died when he was young. His mother deserted him. Left him in his grandmother’s care.

Keats himself was sickly. In what might be described as his later years, he developed tuberculosis. His then doctor thought the cold winter would be too much for him. Suggested Keats travel to Rome where it was warmer.

Keats condition worsened. The tuberculosis advanced in 1819-20. He constantly ran a high fever. His body never free from pain.

His Rome doctor put him on  a strict diet. One anchovy and one slice of bread a day. That’s all.

The doctor was also concerned with the flow of blood to his stomach. He induced heavy bleeding which resulted in Keats suffering from both a lack of oxygen and a lack of food.

The wonders of “modern medicine” at the time!

Thirty five years ago, I spent a month in the Rome area with my family. On one of our last days in Rome, my then wife wanted to go shopping for herself and my daughters.

The American dollar was worth a fortune. One American dollar was worth 2,100 lire. Everything cheap!

My wife made me a deal. She said give me $3,000 American money. I will not bother you for a year for money for myself or our 3 daughters for clothes.

Made sense. I went to American Express and turned $3,000 into I don’t know how much lire. American Express placed my lire fortune in 3 large paper grocery shopping bags. Dumped the lire in in no particular order.

Off the ladies went. My wife was correct. She did not even spend all the lire. To appreciate its buying power, we had to purchase additional suitcases for the return trip. We went through customs with close to 30 suitcases.

I hate shopping. Always have. Even for men’s clothes.

While they shopped, I wandered. Came to the Spanish Steps. Sat for a while and watched the world go by.

Walked again.

Immediately next door at the foot of the Spanish steps was a small 4 story building. Described by some as a villa. There was a small bronze plaque by the door. Inscribed “John Keats.”

The last time I had heard Keats was back in college in a poetry writing class.

I entered. Discovered it was a Keats Museum.

The bedroom which was his final resting place was on the fourth floor. I was able to view the bedroom and the other rooms he lived in.

Off the bedroom was a small library. Contained Keats works. One brought tears to my eyes.

It was a line from one of his poems. Scribbled in pencil on a piece of paper. Probably the most famous line he ever wrote: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Enjoyed dinner last night with a wonderful companion. Susan Neill.

We have known each other some 15 years. She is assistant to Dr. McIvor, my heart doctor.

We have become friends over the years. My “shortcut” to seeing Doctor McIvor. She is also available to explain what is going on with me when the good Doctor is at the hospital.

Needless to say, she has “put up” with me for 15 years.

We both are political junkies.

Got to together for the first time socially last night. Dinner at Pier 1.

It was an evening of good food, good company, and good fun. We were the last to leave the restaurant.

Bernie Sanders’ Nevada victory yesterday stunning! He could ultimately end up the Democratic candidate. We should know by mid March.

Is Sanders’ victory to be considered a breakout moment? Or is he toast and will not hold up in subsequent primaries?

I don’t know. Have thoughts, but not opinions.

He appears in demand at the moment. Many of his supporters appear to be discontents. The same type people who elected Trump. Not the same group, the same mentality.

The young voters his largest group of supporters. Why not? If I were their age, I probably would also. Free public college tuition, forgiveness of student loans.

He is a socialist. Not a bad word. Not a good political philosophy however for one seeking to guide the strongest nation in the world. Would his election mean the U.S. will become a socialistic state in due course?

Another question. Will Congress be completely Democratic if Sanders wins? Will he be able to carry a Democratic Senate into office with him?

I doubt it. The Senate might become decidedly more Republican. Which means nothing will get done. The status quo will continue. Sanders’ grandiose, sometimes great, ideas will never become laws.

Trump’s influence is being felt on the Supreme Court.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor is a Democrat. One of 4. The remaining 5 Republican appointees. Two Trump’s.

In a written decision friday, Justice Sotomayor accused her fellow Justices (Republican ones) of doing President Trump’s bidding. In a 5-4 decision.

Involved was nothing of great consequence. The case had already been decided by 2 lower courts. Both decided contrary to what the Supreme Court did.

The subject matter concerned providing the Trump administration a temporary stay till the Supreme Court could review the matter. Involved was updating a “public change” involving immigrants.

The Republican side of the Supreme Court has consistently voted in Trump’s favor in these cases. Justice Sotomayor had it! She wrote openly as to what she thought about her fellow jurists. An unusual thing.

She wrote: Granting the stays amounts to “putting a thumb on the scale in favor of the party that won the stay.”

In the past 2 years, Trump has asked for and received significant increases in the military budget. His cry always the same: We need the money to protect ourselves.

If such is the case, why does money keep moving from the military budget to pay for the wall? Billions of dollars in each of the past 2 years.

Another issue arises. The Pentagon continues to come up with big dollars it cannot account for. The most recent the announcement that the Defense Department Inspector General discovered $715.8 million in weapons for which it could not account. All were supposedly to have been used in fighting ISIS.

Syracuse beat Georgia Tech yesterday 79-72. The game’s result unique. Not that Syracuse won. How Syracuse won!

Syracuse was down by 11 points at half time. The second half was  another story. Syracuse came out fast. Continued to do so. Outscored Georgia Tech 52-39 in the second half.

Syracuse only shot 27 percent in the first half. The second, 64 percent of the time. Says it all!

Syracuse obviously came to play in the second half.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Happy National Margarita Day!

The weather changes fast in Key West.

I left the house at 6 last night. It was 82 degrees.

Took me longer to drive into town because it’s season. Traffic horrendous. Instead of 15 minutes, like 35.

I had driven directly to the Pier House. Got out of the car and could not believe how cold it was. Seventy one degrees. Eleven degree drop in less than an hour.

It was especially cold at the Pier House. The wind coming in off the Gulf felt freezing cold!

A cold wave came in from somewhere.

Today’s’ weather in the mid 70’s. Tonight will drop to 62. The weather people calculate chill factor for Key West. The 62 degrees will feel like 56.

Read an interesting weather piece on Antarctica this morning. Covered the time frame 2/4-2/13.

Antarctica is considered the coldest place on Earth. Not during the dates indicated. A heat wave hit!

NASA’s Earth Observatory receives images from the agency’s Landset 8 satellite.

Eagle Island is part of Antarctica. On 2/4, the satellite images showed plenty of snow coverage. On 2/13, the images showed bright blue melt ponds and exposed ground. A heat wave had liquefied 20 percent of Eagle Island’s seasonal snow accumulation in roughly a week.

Not unusual for there to be periods of heat resulting in melting. What is relatively new is that they are more frequent.

Referred to as global warming or climate change. Take your pick, or both.

Spent some time in the Chart Room last night. Packed. Mostly tourists. The only 2 people I knew were Tammy who was bartending and Sheila.

Tammy is venturing into a new experience. Radio. A talk show host.

Station 104.9 FM. Presently training. Thursday 5-7. Her 4 week training period ends next thursday. Following which her own show will be heard 7-9  thursday evenings.

Tammy is a natural charmer. Sincere. Her virtues will be obvious to the ear.

Go for it, Tammy!

The season is in full swing. Restaurants packed. I opted to avoid the situation. Drove home and fed myself.

It was this day in 1960. Harry Truman was no longer President. He and Bess wanted to vacation in Key West.

They were the guests of then Sheriff John and Mary Spottswood. The Sheriff later became a State Senator. He was a prominent figure in Key West’s development.

The Trumans stayed a the Spottswood home on the corner of Caroline and Simonton. Still stands today. A magnificent edifice. One of Key West’s finest appearing homes.

The Sheriff and his wife are long gone. His son Robert and wife Elena live in the home. Raised their family there.

Robert is one of the Sheriff’s several children. They all remained and continued their father’s community spirit.

I only know Robert and Elena. Great people! Involved in everything. On all kinds of boards. The Marriott Beachside is a Spottswood investment overseered by Robert.

Dentistry different and cheaper in May Johnson’s time in 1896.

On this day, she returned to the dentist. “He finished up my teeth with two gold and two silver, $4.50 – reasonable.”

Coronavirus is developing into an epidemic of world wide proportions. China the worst hit. Of course, the virus first struck there.

China is using robots and drones as part of engaging the virus. Especially, robots.

The robots are being used to to spray disinfectants on the ground. Also in places where the virus has already existed: Ambulances that carried sick or victims who died, hospital rooms, etc.

Anyplace where the virus or disinfectant might be harmful to non-infected humans.

The robots are relatively tiny. Pics remind me of a large turtle. Each carries 21 gallons of disinfectant.

Most believe Russia interfered in the 20126 Presidential election. Trump refuses to accept the premises because he wants no one to believe he was not “validly” elected. Embarrassing enough Hillary beat him by almost 3 million in the popular vote count.

The 2020 election is less than 8 months away. Intelligence experts that Trump keeps firing believe Russia interfered then and is now.

It appears the U.S. has done relatively little, if anything, to combat Russia’s hacking for the 2020 election. Note also that it is anticipated China and Pakistan will also be involved.

While the U.S. sits on its ass!

The strongest nation in the world is unable to protect its voting process!

Enjoy your day!