DANTE’S DIVINE COMEDY

Dante!

On this day in 1302, Dante was exiled from Florence because of his politics. While in exile, he began writing the Divine Comedy. The Divine Comedy consisted of three books. The first, a tour through Hell. The second, Purgatory. The third, Paradise.

The Divine Comedy was published in sections between 1308 and 1321. Became enormously popular and was published some 200 plus years after Dante’s death as one unit. The year 1555, titled The Divine Comedy.

I write especially about Dante’s Divine Comedy because of my Spanish professor in college. Professor Cantatore. An elderly Italian gentleman.

I studied under the Professor for two years. He began each class by reciting an excerpt in English from Dante. He was so taken and imbued with The Divine Comedy he wanted his students to share in its glories.

I must admit I never read The Divine Comedy itself. There was no time my agenda in those days for such an undertaking. The good Professor must have known that and that such applied to all his students. Nevertheless, he wanted Dante’s work to be part of our educational process.

A wonderful experience occurred in my life because of the Professor Cantatore’s sharing.

The Gates of Hell sculpture comes into play. Rodin’s sculpture.

A monumental sculpture that depicts a scene from the Inferno, the first section of Dante’s Divine Comedy. The work stands 19.7 feet high, 13.1 feet wide, and 3.3 feet deep. Contains 180 figures.

Rodin was commissioned to do the piece in 5 years. It took him 37.

The sculpture depicts what a person would see if standing before the gates of Hell. It was hell! Dante’s warning over the entrance: “Abandon every hope, who enter here.”

Preparatory to beginning the sculpture, Rodin lived a whole year alone with Dante.

The pain reflected exquisite. Each face masked with terror.

Years later as a practicing attorney with cases in New York City, I had the opportunity to view the sculpture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art had it on exhibit from a Paris museum for a lengthy period of time. I visited the work often. A bench had been placed in front of it. I would sit there and stare, think and contemplate. Hell was no place to go!

Thursday was my hedonistic day. A once every two week ritual. 

Began with my Monkey Smoothie. Flavorful and healthy. Followed immediately by a haircut by Lori. A 25 year ritual which began when I had a full head of hair. Now, nothing.  Takes all of 2 minutes. Lori puts the electric razor on #1 and removes the fuzz. Then a cold water shampoo to remove the “little hairs.”

The day is planned timewise. I then drive over to Lee Nails and Tammy. She has been taking care of me for 20 years. A manicure every two weeks. A pedicure added every fourth. Yesterday a pedicure day.

Love the entire process! Concludes with a trip home for a two hour nap. A fitting conclusion to the self-indulgent few hours just spent.

Yesterday afternoon, I was fitted for a heart monitor. Must wear it for 2 weeks.

Last night, Grady’s. Everyone should go to Grady’s. Great food at reasonable prices. Carola bartending. A locals place. Everyone happy.

Carola had baked some Irish scones. She brought me three. Love the woman! I had one for desert and will enjoy the other two this morning for breakfast.

It was the friday special for me. Polish pierogis. I find it amazing that an Irish pub has some of the best Polish and Italian specials in town.

Tonight. Syracuse/North Carolina State will find me at Jack Flats.

Donald, oh Donald! When are you going to learn? You love self-abuse. Continue ranting, keep your mouth going, you will end up self-destroying.

The federal jury in the second E. Jean Carroll defamation case returned a verdict of $83.3 million yesterday. On top of the $5 million another jury awarded her in the first sexual assault/defamation case.

The jury deliberated less than 3 hours.

The $83.3 million broke down to $18.3 million in compensatory damages and $65 million in punitive damages after finding Trump acted maliciously. My, oh my. How could anyone believe Trump acted maliciously?

Hope Carroll can collect!

On this day in 1945, Auschwitz was liberated. Never to happen again. So it was said, so it was promised. Yet here we are 79 years later and the danger is world wide.

Enjoy your day!

BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY

On this day in 2003, the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory at 1316 Duval Street opened. Still going strong. Even better today.

My first visit was 5 or 6 years later with a very young Robert and Ally. The first of several visits since.

The Conservatory should be a mandatory place to visit along with the Hemingway House, The Little White House and Mel Fisher’s.

The Kelly McGillis Classic International Flag Football Association annual event began with a parade down Duval last night. Today at 8 am, the games begin. The Championship Game 7 pm sunday. The game will be played at the Wickers Field Sports Complex.

The event will close with a dinner monday at the Half Shell Raw Bar.

Thirty teams from several nations will participate. The ages of players ranging from 9 years to seniors.

Big Ku Klux Klan parade in Key West this day in 1923. The Klaners paraded through Key West with their faces covered of course, in full white robe regalia, with a firey cross heading the procession. They also rode through Key West in 18 automobiles. The parade never stopped nor was a word spoken. The vehicles all the same make and their license plates masked.

Secretive. Intended to put the fear of God in all watching.

Who is responsible for closing the pickle ball courts across from Higgs Beach for the month of February? What “genius reason” was behind the decision?

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. Topic: Louis Says Guns Rights Should Go Before The Supreme Court Again.

 

 

Tomorrow night Syracuse/North Carolina State. The game 7 pm at the Dome.

Why didn’t “cruel and inhuman treatment” prohibit the execution of Kenneth Eugene Smith in Alabama?

For the first time, nitrogen asphyxia was utilized. A face mask attached five ways was placed over Smith’s face. Nitrogen gas was pumped into it.

It took 22 minutes for Smith to die. Spectators said he “struggled for life” the entire 22 minutes.

Resembles in a fashion the gassing of 6 million Jews in Nazi Germany?

What have we become? Most certainly, more Hitler like every day. By word and deed. Our political leaders adopt Fascist methods more frequently. Always finding some reason to so proceed.

Trump finally testified yesterday in the E. Jean Carroll defamation trial. His testimony lasted less than 5 minutes. Nothing of significance said.

Another heart doctor visit this afternoon. I am being fitted for a monitor. Required to wear it for two weeks.

Polish pierogis tonight at Brady’s Irish Pub.  Bar always crowded friday evenings. Excellent conversations. Carola overseeing things.

Enjoy your day!

THE WINTER OF OUR LIVES

The lead off article in yesterday’s blog concerned old age. I selectively choose excerpts from an  article posted in Weird Fantastic & Ridiculous Things In The World and shared them. The article unauthored.

I was moved by the article’s contents. Turned out I was not the only one. The reaction to the blog was overwhelming. Comments, calls, etc. moving. So much so, that I feel compelled to share the entire article with you. Including the photo which accompanied the article. The photo of a house in winter with snow falling on it.

Enjoy. Be touched as I was.

The entire article follows.

“THIS IS RIGHT ON THE NOSE. …….READ IT SLOWLY… I DON’T KNOW WHO WROTE IT, BUT I AM GUESSING IT WAS A SENIOR!!! I FIRST STARTED READING THIS AND WAS READING FAST UNTIL I REACHED THE THIRD SENTENCE. I STOPPED AND STARTED OVER READING SLOWER AND THINKING ABOUT EVERY WORD. THIS IS VERY THOUGHT-PROVOKING. MAKES YOU STOP AND THINK.

AND THEN IT IS WINTER You know. . . time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.
It seems just yesterday that I was young, just married and embarking on my new life with my mate. Yet in a way, it seems like eons ago, and I wonder where all the years went. I know that I lived them all. I have glimpses of how it was back then and of all my hopes and dreams. But, here it is… the winter of my life and it catches me by surprise…How did I get here so fast? Where did the years go and where did my youth go?
I remember well seeing older people through the years and thinking that those older people were years away from me and that winter was so far off that I could not fathom it or imagine fully what it would be like. But, here it is…my friends are retired and getting grey…they move slower and I see an older person now. Some are in better and some worse shape than me…but, I see the great change….Not like the ones that I remember who were young and vibrant…but, like me, their age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be.
Each day now, I find that just getting a shower is a real target for the day! And taking a nap is not a treat anymore… it’s mandatory! Cause if I don’t on my own free will… I just fall asleep where I sit!
And so…now I enter into this new season of my life unprepared for all the aches and pains and the loss of strength and ability to go and do things that I wish I had done but never did!
But, at least I know, that though the winter has come, and I’m not sure how long it will last…this I know, that when it’s over on this earth…it’s NOT over. A new adventure will begin!
Yes, I have regrets. There are things I wish I hadn’t done…things I should have done, but indeed, there are many things I’m happy to have done. It’s all in a lifetime.
So, if you’re not in your winter yet…let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! Don’t put things off too long!
Life goes by quickly. So, do what you can today, as you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! You have no promise that you will see all the seasons of your life…so, live for today and say all the things that you want your loved ones to remember…and hope that they appreciate and love you for all the things that you have done for them in all the years past!
“Life” is a gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to those who come after. Make it a fantastic one.
LIVE IT WELL! ENJOY TODAY! DO SOMETHING FUN! BE HAPPY! HAVE A GREAT DAY!
REMEMBER:….
“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.
“LIVE HAPPY IN THIS YEAR AND EVERY YEAR!
LASTLY, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:
TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN, YET THE YOUNGEST YOU’LL EVER BE SO – ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.
~Your kids are becoming you…….
~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!
~You forget names…. But it’s OK because other people forgot they even knew you!!!
~You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything
~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don’t care to do them anymore.
~You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It’s called “pre-sleep”.
~You miss the days when everything worked with just an “ON” and “OFF” switch..
~You tend to use more 4 letter words … “what?”…”when?”… “what?” . ???
~Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it’s not safe to wear it anywhere.
~You notice everything they sell in stores is “sleeveless”?!!!
~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.
~Everybody whispers.
~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet…. 2 of which you will never wear.
~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!
Stay well, “OLD FRIEND!” Send this on to other “Old Friends!” and let them laugh in AGREEMENT!!!
It’s Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind Of Life You Have Lived.”
No photo description available.
 
Thought provoking.
 
Enjoy your day!
 

TIME HAS A WAY OF MOVING QUICKLY AND CATCHING YOU UNAWARE OF THE PASSING YEARS

“Time has a way of moving quickly and catching you unaware of the passing years.” A small portion of a lengthy fitting post in today’s Weird Fantastic & Ridiculous Things in the World.

The post begins with a photo of a house in winter. Snow falling. The photo’s intent…..You are in the winter of your years.

I am.

Some quotes from the post: “It seems just yesterday that I was young…..I wonder where all the years went…..the winter of my life catches me by surprise……my friends are retired and getting grey…..like me, the age is beginning to show and we are now those older folks that we used to see and never thought we’d be…..taking a nap is not a treat anymore, it is mandatory.”

The post goes on: Winter “will be here faster than you think…..life goes by quickly…..remember it is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver…..today is the oldest you’ve ever been, yet the youngest you’ll ever be so enjoy the day while it lasts.”

There is so much more to the post. Read it! Please! Especially if you are “old.” It will touch you.

Dixville Notch, New Hampshire a small community. Only six registered voters. They were the first to vote in the Republican Primary yesterday. They voted at midnight. Band and all. Each of the six cast their votes for Nikki Haley.

Haley did not win. However did not do badly. She received 43 percent of the vote. Trump 54 percent. Still a loser, however. She announced she is staying in the race.

Haley received the votes of independents and college educated. Trump the usual solid Republican base.

Watched Syracuse take a beating last night. FSU beat Syracuse 85-69. Though a 16 point difference, the game was relatively close throughout. FSU broke away in the last few minutes to run up the score.

I enjoyed the company, but not the game’s result, with Dan and Lisa. Lisa is into Syracuse also. We watched the game at Jack Flats.

Mintz was high scorer for Syracuse with 28 points, Watkins for FSU with 27.

I fear the Syracuse season will not be what I had hoped. The team lacks consistency. Basketball is a 40 minute game.

Today’s podcast 7 years old. I would label it geometrically: Mussolini was to Hitler as Trump is to Putin.

 

 

In 1929, Key West had a Local Lunacy Board. Why? I don’t know. Any bar was a “lunacy board” back then. Most are today. Such is Key West at its finest!

Sally Rand was a burlesque performer famous for her fan dance. She performed into her 70’s.

Rand lived in Key West for a time following World War II. Her home just 3 blocks from where I am presently living in the Meadows. She resided at 916 Eisenhower Drive.

Rand spent some time during World War II in Key West, also. She would visit military wounded recovering at the Naval Hospital. In 1948, she appeared at a March of Dimes Fundraiser at the Arthur Sawyer American Legion Post.

I had the pleasure of meeting her in 1965. We spent some quality time together. Sally was 61 at the time. I was 30. “Quality time” was sharing drinks on occasion and chatting away. We met at a three day conference of the Police Conference of New York Inc. A PBA group representing all full time civil service police officers in New York. I was their General Counsel. Sally was a guest performer at the event. The conference was at Grossinger’s in the Catskills. Now long gone.  

Oscar nominations were announced yesterday. “Oppenheimer” received 13, “Barbie” 8.

I mention the Monkey Smoothie frequently. I get one about 5 mornings a week at the organic food restaurant Date & Thyme on Fleming Street. Love ’em! Dr. Norris is glad I am getting them. Considers them healthy. What they consist of are 8 ingredients, most of whose names I can neither pronounce nor spell. Basically it is a chocolate flavored protein drink. Energizes me!

Tonight is Italian specials night at Grady’s Irish Pub. I go for the food and Carola.

Enjoy your day!

TYPICAL…..AN INSANE FLORIDA POLITICIAN

Florida political insanity never ending. Today’s Miami Herald asks: Will Floridians foot the bill for Trump’s legal fees? Miami State Senator Illana Garcia wants them to.

The generous Senator (generous with taxpayer monies) authored a proposal that could grant up to $5 million to Trump who has been indicted criminally four times. Her bill would fund “qualified persons” who have been “subject to political discrimination.”

I doubt it will become Florida law. Cannot see Governor DeSantis signing such a bill should it reach his desk. On the other hand, who knows? It would not surprise me if at some point DeSantis genuflected and kissed Trump’s ring for whatever reason.

Syracuse/FSU tonight at 7. FSU a 4 point favorite.

I will be watching the game at Jack Flats. I will be missing happy hour at The Grand earlier. Cannot handle two things in one evening.

The DOW has climbed above 38,000. A record high!

Two major Biden accomplishments. The DOW at an all time high, gas prices down. Groceries still a problem. I am sure Biden is working on it.

Give the man credit. He is doing a hell of a job! He is entitled to the credit. Vote for him in November.

Live and learn. There is no reason why it is better to use the shiny or dull side of aluminum foil for whatever. The shine/dullness is the result of the foil’s manufacturing process. It does not impact cooking, use in preserving, etc. in any fashion. Either side ok. Stress not.

The New Hampshire Republican Primary is today. Nikki Haley’s last shot. Trump will win. Decisively. By so doing, he will sew up the Republican nomination for the time being. Never say never, however. Never know the impact of a criminal conviction or whether Trump will even be on the ballot in November.

The first Catholic college in the U.S. was Georgetown. Founded this day in 1789.

Old podcasts will return in a day or two.

Bright and early. Blog done. I am off to Date & Thyme for my Monkey Smoothie. Protein loaded, an energy booster. I need it this morning. I have been awake since 1:30.

Enjoy your day!

I CONTINUE TO LIVE AND LEARN

I am 88 years old. I continue not only to live, but also learn. Two factors that amaze me.

I am researching a book I have been toying about writing for some time. One of the primary characters is a prostitute. A highly successful one that impacted many lives. Her sexual career began at the age of 8. Her father and mother molested her till she was 13. At 13, she ran away from home and began her “working career” in a Philadelphia massage parlor.

In researching some aspects of prostitution on the internet yesterday afternoon, I came across two bits of information I was unaware of. Two examples of “continuing to live and learn.” The sources of “hooker” and “redlight district.”

During the Civil War, prostitutes found many customers among Union and Confederate soldiers. The term “hooker” developed from the relationship prostitutes had with soldiers commanded by Union General Joseph Hooker.

“Red light districts” somewhat related timewise to the Civil War. After the War, camps of prostitutes would set up at railroad construction sites. When the railroad workers would visit the camps at night, they hung their red signal lights outside the tents of prostitutes so they could be readily found if there was a railroad emergency.  The term “red light district” originated from the red glow that resulted from the practice.

Roe v. Wade was decided this day in 1973. A landmark decision. The Supreme Court ruled the Constitution protected a woman’s right to have an abortion. The decision recognizing and supporting the right to an abortion was 7-2.

Roe, with modifications over the years, was the law of the land till June 24, 2022 when the Supreme Court overrode it in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The vote was 6-3 overriding Roe. The decision threw decision making power into the hands pf State legislators, “to the people’s elected representatives.”

Dobbs is a terrible decision. Adversely affected women’s rights. The Nation was immediately inflamed. The decision severely affected the Republican Party in the 2022 midterm elections. It will continue to have an impact in 2024, perhaps not as strongly however.

The U.S. female population is increasingly dominating certain aspects of life. Now, real estate.

Single women own more homes than single men. Overall home ownership is now majority female, also. 

Sixty years ago, women could not even get a credit card or a mortgage without a male cosigner.

What a difference time makes! As with Virginia Slims of old, ladies have come a long way!

Eighteen Catholic bishops have signed  a letter calling for the U.S. to cut military spending and instead invest in ending poverty in the U.S. American bishops continue to stick there noses where they do not belong. As with their good friends the evangelicals, many U.S. bishops have become politicians instead of soul savers. They misuse the pulpit.

The Conference of U.S. Bishops leads these activities. They constantly oppose Pope Francis and would like to see him deposed. Such shows their heads are clearly in the wrong place.

The U.S. spends billions to help the poor and needy. Always more could be spent. However not at the expense of placing our country in danger of a war being fought on U.S. soil. Better we meet “enemies” on foreign soils. Should bombs fall on our cities, the money spent to feed, house and provide medical attention to our own would be astronomical. Off the wall!

These bishops are political hacks!

Yesterday a significant one in golf history. An amateur won The American Express PGA Tournament. He is Nick Dunlap, a 20 year old Alabama sophomore.

The door to all kinds of good things open for him. The victory entitles Dunlap, if he so choses, to turn pro, to enter the Masters, the PGA Championship and the Players Championship. He also is entitled to a 2 year exemption onto the PGA Tour. All good decisions to be in a position to make!

Dunlap was not eligible to receive the $1.5 million prize for his first place finish since he is an amateur.

The last amateur to win a Tour event was Phil Mickelson in 1991. Look at what that victory did for him!

This day in 1912 a big day in Key West. Henry Flagler arrived on the first train from the mainland to Key West thereby officially opening the Overseas Extension of the Florida East Coast Railroad. Flagler was received with great enthusiasm by the largest crowd ever assembled in Key West up to that time.

A bit of local unhappiness this day in 1969 in Key West. An effort to beautify downtown Key West was turned over to a group of hippies. They began painting a dozen trash cans in psychedelic colors. Chamber of Commerce President William Gamble called the colorful designs “idiotic painting that looks like it has been done by some elementary school children.” He was afraid people would think the island was a “hippie haven.”

Gamble was correct. It was the beginning of a Key West transformation. The Key West of the 1970’s. The birth of a new, exciting and different Key West.

Last night a grand evening at Antonia’s. Dinner at the bar. T.K. bartending. T.K. adds a special presence to the bar and restaurant.

Met some great people.

Seated next to me at the bar was Billy Liberty. Met him for the first time.

Billy in his early 60’s is into boats. He has a sail loft somewhere. He manages sail racing programs. Races for money. He describes himself as a “competitive sailor.”

Billy does not own a home in Key West. He visits a friend 2-3 times a year. Billy grew up on Long Island. Obviously into boats and sailing early on.

A significant Key West race is the Southern Most Race annually held in Key West. Big power boats speeding around the island. Helicopters flying low over the boats and crowd. Sounds like a war zone. Exciting! People mob the shore line to watch and experience the sensation.

Billy manages one of the boats. He brings 18 people to Key West each year to attend and assist. Every boat owner has a similar number attending. They spend a ton of money at the hotels and restaurants.

This year’s race was held recently. Billy said it was different. He said the feeling of the community was lacking this year. The boaters felt neither they nor the race were a part of the vibe of the community. His impression was the community this year was not aware the racers were even in town.

I can believe Billy. I understand what is going on. There is a new breed in Key West. They do not take to what Key West was or is. It affects me as it does Billy. My Key West is disappearing. The new crowd buys here as they would in Miami or Naples. A second or new home in a warm place. They do not appreciate the real Key West nor care.  Sad, but true. They care little about the uniqueness of my community.

Met also Peter and Debbie. They now live in Palm Beach Gardens. Since 2005, they have owned a three week time share at the Galleon. A terrific place to have a time share. They are down enjoying their three weeks. They are originally from Toms River, New Jersey and still maintain a home there.

Peter is retired. He was a sales rep most of his career for a company that manufactured the steel used in manhole covers. Debbie still working. She insures condominium complexes in New Jersey. They have three grown children and six grandchildren.

Billy left and Chris and Lia were seated next to me. Both from Chicago. This Key West visit was Chris’ fourth, Lia’s first. They are staying at the lovely Southernmost Complex on the Atlantic side of the island.

Chris is an accountant, Lia a chef. Lia is passionate about food. Wish I had her cooking for me!

Chris played basketball at Illinois State. He is passionate about golf. A 3 handicap. Hate him! I sucked at the game. I was a 35.

As soon as I publish today’s blog, I will be off to Date and Thyme for my Monkey Smoothie fix.

Tonight it will be Aqua. Lynda Frechette’s Aqua Idol Fundraiser from 6-8. Key Westers performing to raise dollars for the Fundraiser. It is Lynda’s baby. She created and has been running it for years. No easy task. Lynda has raised several hundred thousand dollars for one of the loves of her life, the Waterfront Playhouse.

Go. You will enjoy.

Enjoy your whole day!

SYRACUSE IN EXCITING WIN OVER MIAMI

Oh, what a game it was! I was convinced Miami would win. Miami generally ahead by a few points throughout the game. Ahead by more with three to four 7-9 point runs. Syracuse never had a run.

The game was tied with a few seconds left. Syracuse had the ball. Quadir Copeland sunk a long 3 pointer at the buzzer. Wow!

Oh you of little faith, Louis!

The first time Syracuse has won a game with a last second shot since 2011. Needless to say, bedlam erupted. Students stormed the floor.

Syracuse’s problem is it lacks consistency. It plays great defense, then pauses for several minutes. The opposing team has a run. Offensively, the team has yet to jell. They take too many pressed shots instead of moving the ball around for the better shot.

Whatever, they won. Congratulations are in order!

Tuesday Syracuse plays FSU at the Dome at 7 pm.

Three typical comments Trump made at a recent rally. 

One, “I’m being indicted by Democrats, Communists, Marxists and Fascists.” Another, “I’m being indicted for you.” The third, “I’ll never let them take away your freedom…..and in the end they’re not after my freedoms, they’re after your freedoms.”

All from a Hitler in the making.

Bill Maher: “The battle for this country isn’t Right or Left, it’s Normal vs. Crazy.”

Fascism is everywhere on the march. Note who is setting the pace. Trump!

An excellent new book on the market. I have only skimmed portions of it. I have not read the entire book. I find it interesting and worthy of mention, however.

The book is titled Late Fascism. The author is the Italian philosopher and political theorist Alberto Toscano. He writes of a Fascism renaissance. Which he describes as “a perverted utopian promise.” He claims fascism today appeals to social groups out of sync with capitalism. It offers them a fraudulent reactivation of “unfilled pasts and unrealized presents.”

That last description says it all. It describes more aptly what I have been writing. Trump and his fascism appeals to those who did not achieve early successes in life nor are where they thought they should be economically and in every other respect today.

Toscano’s words right on!

Welcome to Key West winter!

It’s cold outside. Another cold front has hit Key West.

I had difficulty sleeping last night. The cold weather had nothing to do with my inability to get a good night’s sleep. Old age the problem.

Be that as it may, the temperature at 3 am is 61 degrees. Will be 59 at 6 am. High today will only be 69.

Now, 6 am. I just opened the door. It is 59 degrees. I could “smell” the cold. For a moment, thought I was back in Utica.

The tiny heater (a small plug in) I purchased about a month ago working fine. Big trees from little acorns grow. Big heat from the tiny heater.

Soon, the Kelly McGillis Classic. Women from all over the world will be in Key West for the 32nd Annual Flag Football Competition. They will be from the U.S., Morocco, Spain, Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador.

Kelly McGillis will serve as Grand Marshall for the Players’ Parade down Duval Street Thursday January 25. Game activities will take place on the weekend at the Wicker Field Complex on Kennedy Drive.

Today in 1793 was a bad day and last day for Louis XVI of France. He was guillotined by order of the newly created French Parliament during the French Revolution.

Lorena Bobbitt was this day in 1994 found “temporarily insane” and acquitted for cutting off her husband’s penis.

I have always been under the impression that she did it because she caught him cheating. Though a cheater he was, such was not the reason. Her husband John was a “wife abuser.” He used to beat and otherwise abuse her. He would rape his wife, first beating her into submission. He would leave her body bruised as a result.

She had it on June 23, 1993. While her husband was asleep, she cut off his penis with a food knife. She then took the penis in hand and ran to her car. While driving away, she threw it out the window. The police found it, put it in ice in a Big Bite hot dog box and rushed it to the hospital. After a 9 1/2 hour surgery, considered a miracle of urological and plastic surgery, it was reattached and returned to “almost” full function.

Husband John continued his bad ways with other women. Within  one year, he was arrested for assaulting two other women, found guilty, and served time.

Took a long time for the truth to come out. The media at the time of Lorena’s cutting off of the penis and trial was concerned with the cutting portion and not the why. Clearly Lorena was a “victim and survivor.”

Her full story will appear on Amazon Prime Video beginning February 15 as part of a four part series.

A cold Sunday in Key West. What to do? Perhaps Antonia’s tonight for dinner.

Enjoy your Sunday!

NEVER SAY NEVER…..HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF

On this day in 1942, Nazi officials held the notorious Wannsee Conference in Berlin to organize the “final solution,” the extermination of Europe’s Jews.

Can a similar situation occur today? In the U.S.?

Never say never. History has a tendency to repeat itself. Or at the least, attempt to repeat itself.

John Cusack: “We have Nazis running for office in America.”

Interesting article in friday’s Daily Beast: “Trump’s Running For Dictator. What’s Haley Running For?” The thrust of the article is Trump is openly declaring his intention to govern as though he is above the law. And yet, his only real GOP primary rival won’t hit on him for it.

Though I frequently disagree with Mitt Romney, he is a person of courage. Not afraid to speak out against Trump. Note that Trump apparently fears Romney. When was the last time Trump took a shot at Romney?

Romney’s latest statement against Trump is to the effect that Trump’s supporters are completely out of touch with reality.

They are!

Trump claims he did not swear an oath to “support the Constitution as President.” I do not understand him. I believe he does not understand many things he says and does.

The Oath of Office Trump took in becoming President: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

“Preserved, protect and defend” spells out “support” in my mind. And everyone else’s! Except perhaps the cult nuts who follow him blindly and believe everything he says.

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. Titled: A Country Liberated By the United States Now Openly Selling Slaves.

 

 

Dog poop an increasing problem worldwide. An Italian province has had it! It is ordering all dogs to be DNA tested and registered with authorities. Abandoned poop will be genetically tested and traced back to the responsible dog and the dog’s owner fined.

The area involved is Bolzano City and surrounding towns in the Dolomites region.

Republicans continue intending to cut Social Security benefits. Unless both the House and Senate go Republican and a Republican is simultaneously elected Presidnet, it will not happen.

In any event, Seniors note. Just another reason to vote Democratic. Assure and protect what you earned the right to during your lifetime.

A Key West civil servant was a thief. There have been several. One noteworthy of mention is T. A. Sweeting. In 1915, he was the Monroe County Tax Collector. He disappeared. Ten days later, his accounts were found to be $22,000 short.

Word has it the pickleball courts at Higgs Beach will be closed in February. Why? They are busy. Constantly in use. Locals and visitors enjoy. Especially, older ones.

I met with a vascular specialist yesterday from Miami’s Mount Sinai Medical Center. His specialty aortic aneurysms. Dr. Michael Ayad. He totally impressed me, though his conclusion as to my problem left me unhappy. Very much so.

I have had an aneurysm sitting on top of my heart where the aortic valve leaves the heart. It is the aortic valve leaving that has become an aneurysm. I have had the problem for 20 years. It has been watched by heart doctors over that period of time.

It grew. Ever so slowly for me over the 20 years. However now it has crossed the line and become an issue of concern.

I am not a candidate for surgery yet. Getting close, however. The problem, I am 88. I was under the impression its resolution was a simple one. A stent. At worst, an overnight hospital stay. Not so, I learned. Because of its location, the stent procedure not available. Major surgery involved. Cracking the ribs, lengthy surgery, lengthy hospital stay, lengthy recovery, etc.

At my age, such a surgery a danger. Not having it may be equally dangerous if the aneurysm continues to grow which it will.

Dr. Ayad has scheduled a cat scan of the aneurysm to determine if the recent number is correct. I will meet with him thereafter.

I left impressed and confident with Ayad. He had reviewed my records and knew my problem intimately. His conclusion and what next left me an unhappy camper.

It was pierogis at Brady’s Irish Pub last night. Friday evening always jam packed.

Met old friends, made a new one. The oldies included Tony and Candy. Tony at 75 still operating a major fishing vessel that goes out daily.

Met Derrick. He was seated next to me at the bar. Derrick was concerned about being close to 50. I think he said he was 47. I blew him out when I told him I was 88!

Derrick and I chatted at length. He has lived in Key West for 5 years. Has his own painting business. Family members work with him in the business. Derrick a Syracuse fan. Knew all the great players beginning in the 1990’s. I enjoyed his company.

Carola busy busy. Friday night busy. I told her how much I enjoyed the Irish scones she gave me wednesday night. She is one terrific woman!

Enjoy your day!

CONGRATULATIONS BIG PINE RESIDENTS AND SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT…..ON TOP OF A DISGRACEFUL ENVIRONMENTAL VIOLATION

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department arrested 2 men on January 11 for dumping a container filled with liquid hazardous waste and oil on Pine Avenue in Big Pine. Big Pine residents saw and reported the event. They were a major assistance to the Sheriff’s Department in solving the crime.

My career was spent as an environmental attorney. Even the slightest amount of hazardous waste or oil can result in significant consequences. Water, including drinking water, is highly susceptible to contamination. The water table is fragile. The entire eco system. And on Big Pine, the tiny Key deer.

The cleanup weight of the hazardous material involved weighed more than 30,000 pounds.

Everyone involved in apprehending the criminals is to be congratulated. Good citizenry at work!

Banks are whores. Bankers the worst. Some ways they “earn” fees wrong. Like $35 or some other excessive amount for a bounced check. An excessive fee, especially when the bad check/overdraft in many instance is less than the amount the bank charges.

Biden wants to change this type of charge. He has proposed a plan that would reduce the overdraft fee to $3. Biden said re the exorbitant overdraft charges: “Banks call it a service – I call it exploitation.”

Steve Bannon predicts Trump’s first 100 days will set a 50 year agenda. A little extreme. Could be as good as Hitler’s 12 years. Recall Hitler predicted what he “accomplished” early on would last 1,000 years. Bad things have a way of self-destructing.

And who should accept anything Bannon says as good for a government, for a people? His sole goal in life has been to bring down existing governments. Together with Newt Gingrich, he has been working to take down Pope Francis and the Vatican for several years.

Wake up Trump supporters! People like Bannon will help destroy our Nation.

Today’s podcast was done 7 years ago. Even a bit truer today. Its title: A Happy Cow Is A Cash Cow. I almost titled it: Would You Believe!

 

 

Congress yesterday sent legislation to Biden that will avert a partial government shutdown. Republican House Speaker Johnson supported the measure.

The legislation would have failed in the House had Democrats not supported it. Republicans voted 107 in support, 106 opposed. Democrats provided the bulk of the House support.

The humorous World War II movie Operation Petticoat began filming this day in 1959 in Key West. The movie starred Cary Grant and Tony Curtis.

What follows is something most Americans today have no idea occurred. The U.S. is reenacting a scenario that happened in the 1930’s. The German American Bund, aka German Christian American Bund, was a pro nationalist organization. Fascism its basis. Against democracy. People were toying with trying something different. Sought a different way.

U.S. social order was in trouble. The German American Bund felt a dictator at the top of government would be best. Deep anti-Semitism. Racial discrimination. Racism had popular support. The Ku Klux Klan popular. Anti-immigration. Anti-Catholicism. Anti-democracy.

Anti-Semitism was a publicly addressed issue. Henry Ford was a popular anti-Semite. A Catholic priest, Father Coughlin, constantly denounced Jews on the radio. Both men viewed Jews as a huge danger.

Eugenics became popular.

There were Nazi Summer Camps where children spent their summers learning archery and anti-Semitism.

In New York city, the German American Bund was fomenting a coup. Filled Madison Square Garden with its followers.

In Yaphank on Long Island, tract houses were built as an offshoot of the pro-Nazi Camp Siegfried. They were built on Adolph Hitler Street.

We survived the Nazism and other despicable changes attempted in the 1930’s. We can and will do it again.

Live long enough and it is inevitable that we knew at some point in our lives well known persons. Fred Klein a contemporary. He is 82.

I wrote yesterday of Studio 54 owners Steve Schrager and Ian Rubell. Fred knew them. Well. Schrager was Fred’s fraternity brother at Syracuse University. Rubell was friends with both Fred and his wife Joanne at Syracuse. Ian was a tennis player.

Another doctor visit today. A vascular specialist with Miami’s Mount Sinai Hospital. He visits Key West 4 days a month. My heart people want me to see him.

It never stops. Hopefully, my heart won’t also.

Enjoy your day!

GROCERY COSTS A KILLER…..SPECIFICS SHOCKING

A recent study spells out what ALL Americans already know. An issue requiring no study. The issue: Groceries are expensive!

Some of the facts and numbers in the study interesting, however: Groceries are most expensive in California, Florida is ranked #5 on the most expensive list, Miami the most expensive city nationwide.

Breaking costs down on a family basis: The average American family spends $270.21 at the grocery store per week, more than $1,000 per month. Households with children spend more. An average of $331.94 a week, 41 percent higher than households without children.

Some in the U.S. are taking North Korea more seriously. Justified.

Some U.S. experts fear an attack by North Korea on South Korea, Japan and Guam. Any or all would bring the U.S. into the conflict immediately.

Something to be concerned about.

There are two major contributors to the Key West housing shortage, not one. The well known are vacation rentals. The other military rentals. The government pays top dollar for rent. The rents are timely paid. An important consideration for a landlord.

Military rentals are crowding the market. They should be housed on base. Such would be a major contributor to rent decline and availability increase.

“Texas will not surrender.” Words spoken by Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton after the Biden administration announced it will give Texas till wednesday to stop blocking U.S. Border Patrol agents access to several miles along the U.S.-Mexico border following the migrant drowning deaths of one woman and two children last week.

Texas insanity running on a parallel to Florida’s: Better that political figures, the Governors and Legislatures in both States, get their way than “justice be done,” lives protected.

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. Titled: Woe The Web We Weave When First We seek To Deceive.

 

 

Abolishing the penny is under consideration. Not much can be purchased for a penny today. In fact, is there anything?

There was a time a penny had value. In 1900, the New York Times cost just a cent. Today, the paper costs $4.00.

Making a penny involves a significant cost factor. Costs 3 pennies to make one. In 2022, the U.S. spent $93 million producing the coin.

Studio 54 was a hell of a place in New York City in the late late 1970’s. Fun time, big time.

Owners Steve Rubell and Ian Schrager made it what it was. They also made a ton of money for themselves.

Unfortunately, they developed a feeling many extremely rich persons have. They hated paying the big taxes that accompany huge earnings. On this day in 1980, they received sentences of 3 1/2 years in prison and were fined $20,000 each for tax evasion.

Satanism is on the rise.

A Satanist gave the opening prayer at the Washoe County Commission meeting in Reno tuesday. The invocation ended: “Hail the eternal rebel.” Part of the opening prayer asked the Devil to bring his “guiding actions of nobility and justice to the decisions made in the chamber.”

Christians nationalists nationwide are joining forces to recruit swing-state, MAGA leaning churches to help elect Donald Trump in 2024. A brazen effort to transform religious congregations – which technically are supposed to keep electoral politics out of the pulpit – into a campaign powerhouse for Trump.

It’s back! Lasagna at Brady’s Irish Pub. A wednesday night special. I tried it last night. A meatless three cheese dish. Excellent! The sauce especially.

Lasagna returned because Brady’s has a new chef. It stopped serving lasagna when a former chef left. The new one cooked chicken parmesan instead. As good as the lasagna it replaced.

I do not know for certain, but would bet the new chef is of Spanish extraction. As were his predecessors. Italian chefs in Key West appear to be a dying breed.

Sat next to Tony and Candy again this week. Learned more about Tony’s fisherman work. I thought he had a small boat he took out daily with 2-4 fishermen. Not so. He is a sometime captain, sometime mate on a much larger boat. One that can carry up to 55 people.

Carola gave me 3 Irish sconces she had made. I ate one for desert. Took the other two home for breakfast this morning.

Enjoy your day!