Jack Smith’s Report re Trump and January 6 and the documents cases released. Dramatically at midnight.

The little I read most interesting. The Report is broken down into three parts. Smith’s cover letter to Attorney General Garland, the January 6 incident titled Volume I and the documents case titled Volume II.

I read the detailed cover letter at 2 this morning. Pulled no punches. I briefly glanced at Volume I involving January 6. Too long in mid morning to read. One hundred thirty plus pages. I will read the two Volumes over the next few days. For the moment, the cover letter.

Smith wrote Trump’s cases represented ones “in which the offenses [was] the most flagrant, the public harm the greatest, and the proof the most certain.”

Smith described Trump’s efforts to retain power as “criminal.” He claims Trump took his MAGA faithful for easily manipulated fools.

I came across two interesting comments re Trump in the internet this morning. Neither had anything specifically to do with Smith’s Report. Both comments had to do with Trump and his preparedness for a war. 

One, “Trump is as unprepared for war and other matters as he was for the COVID epidemic. His lack of experience and inability to take any advice from people will be his downfall. Appointing a clown like Hegseth plays right into the hands of our enemies.”

The other, “The only historical analogy I can think of is Nero. Trump is the modern Nero, instead of playing a lute while the U.S. literally burns, it is going to be ‘truths’ and ‘tweets’ trying to convince us that all is well as we go up in flames.”

The airplane has developed and moved faster as a part of our existence. “Plane” includes space vehicles. 

An interesting flying event involves Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was the first U.S. President to travel by plane on official business. He did so in 1943.

My back must know when I have plans. Tonight, two different events available for me to enjoy. The Grand Happy Hour and the Syracuse/Louisville game. I woke with my back out of whack again. Can’t win. It must be mental. Hope it goes away during the day so I can get out tonight.

There was no blog yesterday. Sorry. My day was otherwise full.

One thing was on my mind all day. It however had nothing to do with my not getting the blog out. My Cousin Albina was buried yesterday morning in Utica. She was on my mind all day. Her Church and cemetery known to me. I could sense her movement all day. Up to and including her body being lowered into the ground. 

Her father Frank had an interesting experience many years ago. He was being operated on and died on the table. He was declared dead and then came back. My Uncle Frank spoke of the event the rest of his life. He was sorry he had returned. He described the bright light and colors. A fence. His previously deceased family members on the other side. All welcoming him. When he got to the fence, he was told it was not his time, he had to go back.

It saddened him to return. Where he had been was a happy place.

It took my Uncle a long time thereafter to die. He was a very old man when he left us.

I am sure he and Albina are together today. As well as my Aunt Ange, another wonderful person.

I close with a Key West real estate experience. Some 35 years ago when I was looking for a home to purchase, I looked at everything. Location and price wise.

One of the places I checked out was Truman Annex. Told the realtor to show me the cheapest and take me through everything price wise to the most expensive.

The cheapest at the time was a one bedroom, one bath for $79,950. I ended up purchasing a four bedroom, four bath with pool on the the ocean in Key Haven for $700,000.

A similar one bedroom, one bath is for sale today in Truman Annex. Sales price $795,000.

Enjoy your day!

Finally, I saw a Syracuse basketball game that left me happy. Not only did Syracuse beat Boston College, it looked good doing it. Syracuse won 79-71.

I was not going to watch the game at Brady’s because of my back. Steve called me to say he had the game on TV and I should come over. He had prepared a special chair for me.

The chair was terrific. I was comfortable throughout the game. Occasionally had to move my butt around a bit, but did well.

The game was tied at half time. At a point in the second half, Boston College had an 8 point lead. I said to myself, here we go again! Then Syracuse went on a 10 point run. Turned the game around.

In the last few minutes, the game became close. Back and forth. I said to myself, Syracuse is going to blow it again! As they have consistently in close games this season.

However, Syracuse did not! Prevailed! Played exceptionally well in those few minutes.

Starling had his second 20 point game. Two in a row. Scored 26. Hope he keeps it up.

Louisville is Syracuse’s next opponent. Tuesday at 7 pm.

The Los Angeles/California fires are one of the most disastrous events we have seen. When and how will it end? There is not enough water for this type disaster. Homes and entire neighborhoods leveled.

“Cause” of the fires requires an “s” at the end. The more I read, I see so many causes. Even by homeowners themselves.

I continue to ask where all the money is going to come from to help. Everything is limited. Even government and insurance company monies.

American ingenuity definitely must come into play.

Ulysses S. Grant’s first name was not Ulysses. Nor did he really have a middle initial S.

His name a major screw up that followed Grant most of his life. He was born Hiram Ulysses Grant. Until a clerical mistake was made in his West point application. The perpetrator of the error was Congressman Thomas Hamer who nominated Grant. He listed his name on the application as “Ulysses S. Grant.” The application called for a middle initial so Hamer added “S” for Grant’s mother’s surname Simpson.

The “new name” stuck. Grant was thereafter known as Ulysses S. Grant. His classmates nick named him “Uncle Sam” because of the U and S.

How many recall the “Amos ‘n Andy” radio show and then TV show. You have to be around my age to remember I suspect.

The Amos ‘n Andy Radio Show debuted on this day in 1926. A different name at the time: “Sam ‘n Harry.” Changed two years later to Amos ‘n Andy. The show became one of the most famous shows in America.

In 1951, it was made into a TV show. The radio show continued and ran till November 11, 1960.

The relationship between smoking and cancer became public on this day in 1964 based on a Report by U.S. Surgeon General Luther Terry that such was possible/probable. Suddenly became serious business. A matter of concern.

Due to Terry’s Report, smoking began to recede. Significantly. I recall prior to the Report attending many banquets as a young attorney. Everyone smoked, including me. The smoke was so thick you could cut it with a knife. Today no one even dares to sit at a banquet table and smoke.

On this day in 1958, baseball great Ted Williams filed a declaration of domicile with the Clerk of the Court listing his residence on Islamorada. Williams had a second home and then his primary residence on Islamorada for years. He was a fisherman. Islamorada had and still has the reputation of being the Fishing Capital of the World.

Williams remained a resident of Islamorada for years. Sold and moved when it got so busy that he had to wait to cross US 1 becuase of the traffic. That was the end of Islamorada for him.

Eight days before Trump becomes President again. I wonder how many of his “first day” promises he will keep.

Screwy Key West weather yesterday. Supposedly was going to warm up. It got colder. Not sure what today will be yet.

Enjoy your Sunday!

This Albina thing is going to be interesting.

I have had two Albinas in my life. My grandmother who was my Dad’s mother and Albina my cousin.

My cousin Albina died monday. She was 80. She was in a nursing home in Utica for years and prior thereto lived in Utica her entire life. I have neither seen nor thought of her in years. Keep in mind, she died monday. Wednesday for some unknown reason she came to mind and I discussed her with a friend. I was unaware she had died. I discussed her in depth. Once many years ago when I was around 40, I went through a bad time. She was there for me. 

We grew up together. Initially, we both lived in my grandparent’s three story 6 apartment house in the Italian ghetto in Utica. We were all Italians. I did not know for years there were any other type peoples.

Then my parents purchased a two family home in another neighborhood. Albina and her family immediately moved in upstairs and lived there longer than I.

Ergo, there were periods when Albina and I were close.

Thursday, I received two memos indicating Cousin Albina had died the previous monday. Immediately I knew she had been there with me the day before trying to let me know she had moved on.

Then there is our grandmother Albina. The best of the best. One of the finest people I have ever known. Loved her dearly. We all did.

You are going to think I am whacky, but my grandmother “appeared” to me twice after she died. Note the woman had raised me in my early years while my mother worked. Grandma only spoke Italian. Never learned English. I spoke Italian before English. I am ashamed to admit I am able to speak little Italian today.

I had been sick. The doctors thought I had cancer. The worst type. Tons of tests. I would get the results the next day. I woke from my sleep in the middle of the night the evening before. My grandmother was walking in front of my bed. She had been dead for years. My home was old, but lovely. Radiator heat. Large radiators. I had covered them with wood. It was summer so they were not operating.

My grandmother sat on the radiator. It was a younger version of her. She basically told me to worry not, everything would be ok. Then she rose and disappeared.

The next day I got the medical reports. No cancer.

There was another time some 20 years later when she appeared to me again. The same middle of the night thing. I had a problem that was weighing on me. She said worry not and faded away.

I believe my grandmother appeared to me each time and I further believe Albina was trying to say something to me on wednesday.

Crazy, I am not.

I want to stay with Albina for a moment. Who would name a person Albina? What a strange name! Never ran into another person with it.

I always considered it Italian, but never never even came across an Italian with that name except for my grandmother and Albina.

Did a little digging this morning. Albina is a feminine name. Of Roman and Swedish origin. Derived from the Latin “albas.” Means “white” or “”bright.”

The name is still popular in Europe. Especially in Russia and Ukraine. A couple of other nations, also. There is a Saint Albina as well as a popular European singer today by the name of Albina. The name was also popular during early Christianity.

Even if I had known, I still would not have named any of my daughters Albina.

At 3 this afternoon, Syracuse and Boston College meet in basketball. I had planned on watching the game at Brady’s with Steve Thompson and Dan Reardon. Was going to call Fred Klein to join us. A Syracuse grad also.

It will not be.

For some reason every time I plan on watching a Syracuse game from Brady’s, I wake with a bad back. No way could I sit and watch the game today.

Michael Halpern’s Celebration of Life will be held today from 5 to 8 pm at the Coffee Butler Amphitheater. The place will be packed.

I close with Dry January. This month is set aside for people not to consume alcohol at all or reduce their intake a bit. The goal: A healthier you!

Enjoy your day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let the ladies have a chance at running things!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I am cold at the moment.

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

Examples.

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

Bird dung was used to cure baldness. Stunk!

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

Wigs were styled with animal fat. Stunk, also!

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

Enjoy your day!

Where do I begin?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two observations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

J.C. Penny and Eddie Bauer are merging.

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

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

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

I’m cold!

Enjoy your day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moving on from Trump.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

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

The birth a big deal. Rare in captivity.

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

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

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

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

Let’s place everything in perspective. 

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

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

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

Obvious why Francis has to protect himself and the Vatican.

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

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

The relief sought is without basis in law.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Andy.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thousands world wide celebrate the day.

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

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

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

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

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

I close with the COVIID disease of 1899.

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

Enjoy your day!

Happy first Sunday of the New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gillette died in 1932 at the age of 77.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your Sunday!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Government for sale?

Johnson was reelected Speaker on the first ballot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!