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

The birth a big deal. Rare in captivity.

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

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

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

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

Let’s place everything in perspective. 

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

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

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

Obvious why Francis has to protect himself and the Vatican.

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

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

The relief sought is without basis in law.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you, Andy.

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thousands world wide celebrate the day.

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

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

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

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

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

I close with the COVIID disease of 1899.

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

Enjoy your day!

Happy first Sunday of the New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gillette died in 1932 at the age of 77.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your Sunday!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Government for sale?

Johnson was reelected Speaker on the first ballot.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Most of the power in Puerto Rico has been restored.

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

Enjoy your day!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The deceased’s body was in the Cybertruck.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

Happy New Year!

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

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

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

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

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

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

My day and evening spent in bed.

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

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

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

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

The season is going to be a disaster.

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

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

Let’s see how Trump does.

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

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

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

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

The cause a failure of an underground power line.

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

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

I close with the U.S. Supreme Court.

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

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

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

Enjoy your day!

Michael Halpern, a distinguished Key West citizen. A man of many facets. Attorney, businessman, entrepreneur. He died yesterday at the age of 72. He was the owner of the Southernmost House Hotel and the initiator of the Willie Wonka Chocolate Festival.

Halpern’s impact on Key West will be missed. He was definitely a part of the community. May he rest in peace.

Tonight the night! New Year’s Eve!

I have done all the special places over the years. All exciting. 

My favorite became the Bourbon Street Pub. Sushi falling from the second floor while seated in the infamous Red Shoe. Sushi packed it in a few years ago after 25 years of riding the shoe down. He will be replaced this evening by the lovely Christopher Peterson.

The corner is the best place to be. Bourbon Street and 801 kitty corner each other. All kinds of play and activity taking place at the intersection leading up to Midnight. It will be crowded! Guaranteed fun!

I will not be there. I stopped going out on New Year’s Eve several years ago. Too old for all the hustle and bustle. Also, standing for a few hours became too much for me.

I will watch the New Year arrive in New York and Key West on TV at midnight. From the comfort of my bed.

President Biden named January 9 as National Day of Mourning in honor of Jimmy Carter. 

Carter was possessed of a moral compass. Religiously grounded.. His faith not for show as it has been with many Presidents.

Hard to believe. Carter helped to build, renovate and repair 4,390 homes in 14 countries while working with Habit for Humanity. Using his hands, hammer and tool belt. He had the time. He was done being President when he was 56 years old.

A federal appeals court upheld the $5 million sexual abuse decision against Trump. The appeals court involved was the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Court’s holding does not surprise me. When I was a practitioner, I had many appeals before the 2nd Circuit which sat in New York City. A straight by the book Court.

My concern is what happens next with this case. An appeal may be available before the U.S. Supreme Court. A Court that has become perverted and biased. The Court has shown much favoritism to Trump. Improperly so. 

Trump announced he backs Johnson for reelection as Speaker. Many questioned whether he would.

Siberian peasant Rasputin was murdered December 30, 1916 by Russian nobles. Rasputin was a religious fanatic who influenced Czar Nicholas and his wife. He exhibited an ability to “cure” / “keep under control” the bleeding of their hemophilic son.

Some believe Rasputin’s influence, which screwed up the royal family’s life, contributed to the later Russian Revolution.

Syracuse basketball today.

Syracuse plays Wake Forest at 2 this afternoon. I hope to watch the game at Brady’s. My back will decide.

Wake Forest favored. Wake Forest is 9-4 while Syracuse is 6-6. 

Enjoy your day! Enjoy your evening! Happy New Year! 

Jimmy Carter has left us. The former President died yesterday at the age of 100. 

May he rest in peace. His life a religious and good one. I am confident the Lord welcomed him with open arms.

His Presidency only one term. He inherited a problem or two and problems arose during his time in office. The first major problem facing him was the energy crisis confronting the Nation. It was bad. To an extreme.  Two weeks after becoming President, Carter addressed the Nation. He had a cure. Not a welcomed one, however. He sat before the TV camera wearing a sweater. To save on energy, he suggested people wear sweaters. I thought…..Is this guy nuts?

He went on to suggest that thermostats be kept at 65 by day and 55 by night. It was the middle of winter!

During his Presidency, Iranians captured a number of Americans directly from an American embassy. He tried everything to gain their release. Even sent helicopters with troops to Iran to gain their release. The attempt failed. Carter looked bad again.

He did have some good results, however. An outstanding one involved the Camp David Accords. Involved Egypt and Israel. Brought the leaders of both countries to Camp David and had them sit and talk till they came to a resolution of their differences. They did and that resolution continues in effect to this day.

I always felt the Republicans played dirty pool in Carter’s campaign for reelection when he ran against Ronald Reagan. Within minutes of Reagan being sworn in, Iran announced the hostages were released. To me it meant a deal had been made between the Republicans and Iran to keep them hostage so Carter would not be able to claim success in obtaining their release.

Carter was a better post President than he had been President. He continued to be of service in many ways. Actually helped build homes for the poor and needy with his own hands, made sure elections in other countries were honest, etc.

His efforts were so good that they were recognized by his being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his efforts.

Few persons in public life reflect the same qualities which Carter did. The world needs more Jimmy Carters.

Fertility rates are dropping world wide. A serious problem. Fewer people means higher taxes, shrinking social security payments, and fewer workers. 

How bad is bad?

Japan an example. Japan is in horrible shape. Consistent decreasing birth rates since the 1990’s. The government doing everything to encourage baby making. Nothing has worked. Last year, Japan’s fertility rate was 1.2. In Tokyo. less than 1. The number of babies born this year has fallen to the lowest level since 1899.

Again, the problem a world wide one. A concern even for the U.S.

More unprotected sex a solution. However, the cost of raising a child has become sufficiently prohibitive that most couples avoid child making.

Let me talk briefly about child birthing itself. In the Middle ages, horrendous. Women put to bed in a dark room one month before the due date. The woman’s stomach bound. The delivery lacking in most safeguards. The reason why many babies and mothers were lost in the process.

Today, better. Nevertheless, still horrendous. A clean room. Experienced nurses. A doctor who plays catch. Pain still pain, however.

I fathered four children. No problem for me. I was in a waiting room while my wife was laboring in another. I could not really appreciate what she was experiencing.

Then came Lisa’s two deliveries. She insisted I remain through the entire birth process. When Robert and Ally came out, I was holding up one of her legs, Cory the other. Both of us shouting “push!” Lisa screaming she couldn’t do it and whatever else came out of her mouth. Her pain was horrendous. It was during those times that I came to appreciate what a woman goes through in giving birth. Seeing is believing.

No fun.

Fortunately, women do not seem to remember. Perhaps that is why they return to future pregnancies. 

Trump threatens Denmark by saying the U.S. wants Greenland. Denmark owns Greenland. Trump has caused Denmark to react. The Danes have begun beefing up their military. Denmark takes Trump seriously. They should! Who knows when he is serious and when he is not. Remember Denmark had a threatening and then actualizing Hitler in 1940. Experience has taught them to take Trump type threats seriously.

Where is J.D. Vance? The Vice-President to be is little in the news.

News! Newt Gingrich announced he backs Speaker Johnson. Adds to Johnson’s adverse load from my perspective. Heaping one worse upon another.

Back in Gingrich’s day and even today, Gingrich is a person who wants to take down traditional things. Change things dramatically. For example, he is big on taking down Pope Francis and destroying the Vatican as it presently exists. He and Steve Bannon are birds of a feather in this regard and many others.

Houston area weather deadly last saturday. Photos show metal power poles laying across a major highway.

Electric air taxis. Small prop planes for small distances. They’re beginning. Can they succeed as a business?

The same warning once again. Getting more frequent. Yesterday’s Editorial in the Orlando Sentinel: Slowly Sinking Coastal Condos Warn of Florida’s Peril.

I was going to take a walk yesterday around noon. Felt better. Before I could leave, the rain began. Torrential. It continued. And continued. And continued. Poured!

So much for the walk.

I close with a comment re the Key West Cemetery. One of Key West’s best attractions. 

The Cemetery announced its first 2025 Cemetery Stroll. Scheduled for January 26. Three times: 9:30, 9:50 and 10:10. Reservations necessary.

Each trip will take 90 minutes.

Again, one of Key West’s finest attractions. History like you will not believe!

Enjoy your day!

Today is the last Sunday of 2024. The last Sunday of 2023 was only yesterday. Time moves too swiftly. Especially as one gets older.

The feeling of an empty Church. As I have gotten older, I have stopped going to Mass on Sunday. However, I did increase stopping into an empty Church. Churches at a time of the day when it is only me and God. Loved St. Patrick’s in New York City. It was so big, it always felt empty. Many the European Churches I visited in the quiet of the day. The Greek isle ones especially.

The Church did not necessarily have to be Catholic. The Greek Church on Oia in Santorini was different. Three reasons drew me to it. There were people. Many. Merely stopping in to say a short prayer. Greeks are extremely religious. And the gold! Never saw so much gold. Decorated everywhere and on everything in the Church. The third and perhaps most important reason, it was cool inside.

Italian Churches were mausoleums. Museums of old. A quiet seriousness to them.

New York City offered a variety. I came to enjoy the calmness of a Muslim museum which was church-like to me.

I never began the Church visits, regardless of religion, in Key West. Why, I cannot explain. Some day perhaps I will understand why.

I am a bit introspective today. I came across an article this morning titled: “Are You Too Young to Think About How You’re Aging?”

The question has to be approached two ways. The mind and the body.

At 89, my mind has never been better. As good as it was at 25, 35 and 45. I attribute it to the blog writing which I began when I retired. Had I not, I honestly believe I would be sitting in a wheel chair today in a nursing home with my tongue hanging out.

The body is a different story. Especially this year. A disaster. A heart attack, three heart surgeries and now lumbar disc problems difficult to believe. The body goes. At least mine seems to be.

I once was a runner. then a walker. Everyday. Big time. About 15 years ago, for no particular reason, I just stopped. Perhaps my physical problems this year have been self-inflicted as a result.

I now worry about my body. Too late perhaps.

An example how my adverse body conditions are affecting my daily life. Yesterday morning when I wrote the blog, I was excited I had slept well and had no back pain when I arose. I was going to watch a Syracuse basketball game at Brady’s in the afternoon. I never made it. Around noon and suddenly, my back went out, kicked in, whatever way it can be described. Spent the afternoon in bed. Could only get periodic scores re the game on TV.

Syracuse won. Good! Beat Bucknell 75-63. Syracuse now 6-6.

The ACC season begins Tuesday. For two months, Syracuse will play Tuesday evenings and Saturdays. Hopefully, I will get to watch a number of games at Brady’s during that time.

Live and learn. Why are wedding bands worn on the fourth finger of the left hand?

The custom had its beginning way back in ancient Egypt. Even before the Roman Empire.

There is a vein in the fourth finger called the vena amoris. The vein of love. It is connected to the heart. For Egyptians, it was a symbol of eternity. Infinity. Ergo represented marriage – love forever.

Any truth to the following statement. Ronald Reagan said: “We don’t have inflation because the people are living too well, we have inflation because the government is living too well.”

Female authors had yet to “come a long way” in the 1800’s. Jane Austin wrote Sense and Sensibility in 1811, Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818. They were not listed as the authors. The names of female authors were left blank because the literary world refused to acknowledge them. Stupid women! Actually, stupid men!

An interesting piece in USA Today: “2024 Was a Bad Year for Basic Decency in America. You Can Thank Trump for That.”

A bit lengthy. Worth reading. I recommend it to you.

“E” is the most commonly used letter in the English language.

This tidbit of information is interesting, if nothing else. The longest word in the English language. Forty five letters. Before I share it with you, let me tell what it means. Easier to do than write or pronounce the word.

The word refers to a type of lung disorder caused by inhaling silica dust, usually used in the manufacture of glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stones.

The word: Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolsanoconiosis. Big! All 45 letters there. Count them if you suspect not.

A touch of Key West.

A reminder, recollection. Tennessee Williams and Jimmy Buffett read and researched at the Key West Library.

An example of Key West history and tradition. The Conch Republic has a Navy. Its Captain Finbar Gittelman. He died December 26 at age 82. The Conch Republic flag at City Hall is being flown at half mast in his honor.

I close with snowbird Fred Klein. He returned to Key West yesterday. I look forward to seeing him again.

Enjoy your Sunday!