Coney Island’s Cyclone Roller Coaster has been shut down since Thursday for repairs.

The Cyclone is 97 years old. Opened in 1927.

In my “youth,” even before school age, I was taken on it many times. Probably from 4 years of age till 12, we would visit my Uncle Gus in New York City. There were several Sundays during those years when he took us to Coney island. I probably rode the Cyclone with my Uncle Gus a dozen times over the years.

I was scared out of my mind each time. Uncle Gus thought the ride was terrific!

Life expectancy in the U.S. is measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today the average life expectancy for women is 81 years 2 months. For men, 76 years 5 months.

An article in the internet this morning suggested that if you want a rough estimate of how many years you have left, subtract your current age from those numbers.

I am 89 years old. I should have died 13 years ago. Appears I am living on borrowed time. May I continue to do so for many years.

A message for today’s Republicans: Please stop calling yourself Republicans, please stop calling yourself Christians. The appellations no longer fit.

Two Abraham Lincoln observation’s that are not well known.

Lincoln was a bartender at one point in his life. A for real one. Licensed. He owned a general store and drinking establishment called Berry and Lincoln in Near Salem, Illinois. The license was required in order to sell liquor.

Another rarely known Lincoln trait. He was a cat lover. Often seen playing with his cats Taby and Dixie in the White House.

His love of animals was well known. He permitted his sons to keep as many pets as they wished. Such resulted in a menagerie living in the White House with the Lincoln family. The group included in addition to the two cats, rabbits, turkeys, horses and two beloved goats called Nanny and Nanko.

Would you believe? With all this heat, California experienced an August snowfall in the Sierra Mountains. A dusting. At the mid to top of Mammoth Mountain, 11,503 feet high.

Buffett began slacking off a bit in 1999.

In 1999, Buffett decided to cut back on his work load a bit. He decided on a more relaxed concert schedule of around 20-30 performance dates per year. He began performing only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Typical of Buffett, most things he did he was able to turn into albums. His cut back in work resulted in his album Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

In 2003, he partnered in a duet with Alan Jackson for the song “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere.” The song spent a record eight weeks  on top of the Hot Country Song Charts and received the 2003 Country Music Association Award for Vocal Event of the Year. It was Buffett’s first award in his 30 year recording career.

His album License to Chill released in July 2004 sold 238,500 copies in its first week of release. Resulted in Buffett topping U.S. Popularity Albums List for the first time in his career.

May 2005 saw Buffett signing an agreement with Sirius Satellite Radio to broadcast Radio Margaritaville. Previously, it had only been broadcast online.

Buffett kept growing and succeeding. In 2010 he was named the tenth biggest recording artist of the decade, with 4.5 million ticket sales over the previous ten years.

He singled “Knee Deep” with the Zac Brown Band. The song was released on Brown’s 2010 album You Get What You Give. The single was certified platinum in September 2017.

Tomorrow, Jimmy Buffett voicing Huckleberry Finn.

I lost my upper plate and smashed my implants January 31 when I experienced my heart attack. Passed out face first on the concrete street.

I still do not have teeth. Been a long time. Affected my ability to eat. Very few things a toothless person can consume. A number of reasons involved. None money.

Today, the upper plate may be finished. A 2 o’clock appointment this afternoon. Took forever. Had to be complete before new bottom implants could be provided.

If I get the plate today, the implants will only take 3 weeks. So I have been told. I had the basic and initial implant work done back in 2008, so the procedure is considerably lees. The dentist told me 3 weeks. I hope so. 

I have lost 59 pounds. The weight has stabilized. Some days runs up to 62 pounds, but then goes back down. I cannot ever recall being this thin. I am all bones. The first thing people say to me who I have not seen in months…..You’ve lost weight! I have. Would like to keep most of it off. Want to go back to eating meat again, however and everything else I have not been able to consume.

Enjoy your day! 

Buffet beginning in 1998.

In April 1998, Buffett released an album of songs from a musical theatre production he co-created based on Herman Wouk’s novel Don’t Stop the Carnival. The album was certified gold.

Frank Sinatra died the following month. Buffett attended the funeral.

Buffett ran into “book banning.” In his case, “song banning.” His song “Math Suks” was released in May 1999. It was condemned by the U.S. Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the National Education Association for its alleged negative effect on children’s education.

What an insult! One of America’s great song writers has a tune banned by teachers. 

I never heard of “Math Suks” before researching for this article. I looked it up, read the lyrics. The nerve of the teachers and educators who insulted Buffett in this instance.

I disliked math and the sciences. All  were difficult for me. My brain was wired English and history. I assume Buffett’s was also.

Let me share a few passages of “Math Suks.” Right on as far as I am concerned. Typical Jimmy Buffett writing.

     “If necessity is the mother of invention / Then I’d like to kill the guy who invented this / The numbers come through in some kind of a           third dimension / A regular algebraic bliss.

     Let’s start with something simple, like one and one aren’t three / And two plus two will never get you five. / There are fractions in my    subtraction and x don’t equal why / But my homework is bound to multiply.

     Math suks math suks / I’d like to burn this textbook, I hate this stuff so much. / Math suks math suks / Sometimes I think I don’t know that much / But math suks…..

     Geometry, trigonometry and if that don’t tax your brain / There there are numbers too big to be named / Numerical precision is a science with a mission / And I think it’s gonna drive me insane……

     Math suks math suks…..”

What’s wrong with those words!

For shame Math teachers of America who supported this insult to Jimmy Buffett. I suspect at least half of all Americans found Math courses difficult and hated them. I never thought of the term “suks” at the time, but would have used it if I had.

Tomorrow 1999 and Buffett shifting to a more relaxed concert schedule.

A personal announcement.

I once painted. Yes, brush in one hand, pallet in the other. Gave in to what I thought was my artistic bent the first two years I practiced law. My clients were few and I filled my evenings painting. Even took formal lessons at the Munson Williams Proctor Institute in Utica at the time. Learned oils, graduated to acrylics. Oils took too long. Took a week to dry. Meant I had to wait a week to cover over my mistakes. Acrylics on the other hand dried instantly and hastened my completion of the work.

At the end of two years, my practice had grown. No big cases. A ton of small ones. However, I took good care of the cases and my clients and my client base grew. I was working day and night. No time for the artist in me to go any further. Doubt it would have gone anywhere. I was not good. Did enjoy, however.

So I became a collector.

I only wanted to purchase “good stuff.” Did not have the financial capacity yet to spend big dollars on art work. I devised a system for deciding what “cheaply price stuff” I would buy.

It was 1962. In those days, the Sunday edition of the New York Times on the back page of its Arts and Leisure Section ran a series of small ads. Two or three lines. Recommended works by new artists. Cheap to purchase. The hope existed the pieces would increase in value.

Most did.

I ended up with over 50 works of art in this fashion over the years. Note I have not bought a painting in 25 years. Reached a point where enough was enough. My homes in Utica and Key West, as well as my law office building in Utica, were full of art. The public areas and my private office resembled an art gallery. 

I loved it!

I have never sold a piece over the years. Have gifted a few pieces to friends. It is now time to dispose of the rest. About 35 beautiful works of art.

My plan is to sell them over the internet via eBay and local art sale sources. In addition, I shall occasionally show a piece here on the blog and offer it for sale. If nothing more, you will enjoy viewing them. Sometime this next week, the first will appear. 

Trump and Kennedy are both incompetent. It is illegal, a federal crime, to offer a job in return for political support. If a job was offered, Trump at the very least should be indicted. Kennedy also if his conduct falls under the federal statute. Trump as a former President should have known better.

It was reported last week that Kennedy also approached the Harris camp seeking a deal. Harris ignored his request.

Enjoy your Sunday!

For centuries the Maya and Aztecs were the only ones enjoying the fruit of the cacao tree. Consumed during those times as a chocolate drink. The candy bar not yet in vogue back then.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorer Herman Cortez visited the Aztecs. He met their leader Montezuma who introduced him to the chocolate drink.

Cortez returned to Spain with the recipe for making the drink and several bags of cacao beans.

The chocolate drink quickly became a favorite of aristocrats.

Its delight spread throughout Europe and North America.

In 1847, an Englishman named Joseph Fry figured out how to create a chocolate paste to press into a mold thereby creating the candy bar.

We owe it all to Joseph Fry!

The chocolate bar was the basis for the subsequent candy bar.

In 1875, Henry Nestle added milk to the chocolate mixture. It made the chocolate bar taste better.

The next major discovery occurred in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair. The Fair featured chocolate making machines. Caught Milton Hershey’s eyes.. He was already rich from making caramel. One year later, Hershey was mass producing  the American candy bar.

The candy bar generally grew. Like so: Clark Bar (1916), Oh Henry! (1920), Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (1922), Baby Ruth and Milky Way (1923), Mr. Goodbar (1925), Snickers (1930), 3 Musketeers (1932), Kit Kat (1933) and Nestle’s Crunch (1938).

Candy bar production became mechanically big time in the 1940’s. The market was flooded with candy bar creations. To the tune of 40,000. Would you believe?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. betrays the Kennedy legacy. By endorsing Trump. No Kennedy since the dynasty began to this day would have done so, except for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Were it not for his birth name, RFK Jr. would never have amounted to anything but a crackpot on the fringe. He has sullied the Kennedy name and disrupted the aura of Camelot by spreading and conveying misinformation. The most dangerous ones when he undermines public confidence in vaccines.

I have been critical of RFK Jr. for many years. I have spread my feelings about him several times in this blog.

He touted himself as an environmental expert when at Pace University. I had a run in with him indirectly at the time. Some 40 years ago, I considered him an ass and still do.

His father he is not. I knew his father. RFK Jr. turned out to be different from his father and other Kennedys. 

He can’t even campaign for the Presidency in “a wise fashion.” He put his “name” up for sale. Whoever would give him a job if elected. He wanted to work in the White House.

No way!

It appears he has finally made a deal with the Devil himself where he selling his “soul” to the “country store.” He announced yesterday he was “suspending his candidacy,” removing his name from the ballot in several states, leaving it on in others. He was “supporting” Trump. No public announcement of a job yet with Trump if Trump wins. However, I am sure a discussion was had. Whether promised, I would not bet on. Even if promised, I would not rely on Trump’s word.

Several of Kennedy’s brothers and sisters have come out opposing his candidacy and whatever else he is doing. They know he is a bad guy in this situation.

His sister Kerry Kennedy said on friday: “I’m outraged and disgusted by Bobby’s gaudy and obscene embrace of Donald Trump. I think if he were alive today, my father would have detested almost everything about Donald Trump.”

Picking up with Jimmy Buffett in 1977.

In January 1977, Buffett released Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. “Margaritaville” was part of the album. An all time hit!

Interestingly, Buffett claimed he  wrote most of the song in six minutes. Buffett said the song actually had negative portions re Key West. The negativity never grabbed the public’s attention. The public loved “Margaritaville” and Key West. The song actually increased Key West tourism.

In March 1978, Buffett released Son of a Son of a Sailor. It featured “Cheeseburger in Paradise” which reached number 32 on the Hot 100.

Margaritaville became so popular as a “name” that Chi-Chi’s stole the trademark to use as a drink special. In 1983, Buffett filed a lawsuit against Chi-Chi’s for so doing. Buffett won the lawsuit.

In October 1985, Buffett released the compilation album which included all of the “Big Eight” songs. It turned out to be Buffett’s best selling album. Sold over seven million copies by 2005.

In 1994, Buffett dueted with Frank Sinatra on a cover of “Mack the Knife” on Sinatra’s final studio album, Duet II.

Next, the album Banana Wind. Buffett wrote it in 1996 following his plane being shot at by Jamaican police who believed the plane was smuggling marijuana. With Buffett on the plane were his wife, Bono of U2, his wife and 2 children, and others.

The Jamaican government later apologized to Buffett realizing it had made a mistake. He was not carrying marijuana.

Tomorrow more of Buffett’s growth musically and otherwise.

I close with some Keys items.

Amazing how over the years, Key West’s big businesses have changed. For example, in 1894 one of Key West’s major industries was canning pineapples. The pineapples were grown in the Upper Keys and brought to Key West for processing.

On this day in 1894, the Wagner Canning Company of Key West closed its plant for the season after packing 50,000 cases of canned pineapples.

On this day in 1992, Hurricane Andrew hit South Florida. Destroyed the Upper Keys.

Homestead was wiped out.

I drove through Homestead 3 weeks after Andrew struck. Nothing was left standing. Zip! Absolutely nothing! It was as if an atomic bomb had been dropped on the community.

Andrew was a Category 5.

The Citizens’ Voice this day: “Why is the Catholic Church calling me and telling me how to vote?”

The Catholic Church should not be so doing. Separation of Church and State a lost commodity in recent years.

Enjoy your day!

The Democratic Convention left you feeling clean, the Republican one dirty. Can’t express it any simpler.

An outstanding Democratic Convention. Deeply rooted in family. All American.

As for Kamal Harris personally, she looked and sounded Presidential last night. She’s got it!

To show the difference between Harris and Trump, while Harris was speaking Trump was on social media. His three major blasts: “Where is Hunter Biden?…..Walz was an assistant coach, not a coach…..Crime is up all over the U.S.”

Harris spelled out clearly who she was: “I am you.” She was us. She then proceeded to destroy Trump. Followed by…..”We can do better!”

She left everyone charged up with…..”Let’s go out and win this one!”

Sharpton brought the Bible into play…..”There is joy in the morning!”

The battle now moves forward. In the trenches to be fought every day for the next 2 1/2 months.

Exceptionally well received last night were Elizabeth Warren and the Central Park Five. Long standing ovations. Warren cried at the reception given her. The Conventioneers cried for the Central Park Five.

A side observation re Trump. We all know he thinks he knows everything. The newest issue…..Who is a good Jew? He knows who is and who is not. Not for the Jewish community to decide, nor the Jewish religion hierarchy, not anyone but himself. What an ass!

Trump claims he is the best friend Israel ever had.

The man is sick! Demented! Continues to fabricate the truth!

Louis DeJoy is Postmaster General. He was appointed by Donald Trump. He is as good a Postmaster as Trump is in identifying who is a good Jew.

A strange position. Politically protected. A Postmaster General cannot be fired by a President. Only the Post Office’s Board of Governors can do it.

DeJoy has proven incompetent for the position. Democrats and Republicans alike want to see him removed. The Board for whatever reason continues protecting him.

DeJoy is a major screw up. Biden tried several times to remove him and failed. Hopefully, Kamala Harris will be more successful.

DeJoy recently announced a new postal plan that will go into effect after the election. It will intentionally slow down deliveries. DeJoy claims it is a money problem.

The man is a disaster!

When I began practicing law in 1960, it cost 4 cents to mail a letter. Today either 64 cents or 73 cents, depending on the process used. I quickly found out back then as my practice grew that stamps were costly and burdened my cash flow. Still does apparently. Fortunately, many businesses today use email and the internet to communicate. Cheaper in the long run.

The new coronavirus vaccines are now approved. The new vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna  are tailored for the  KP.2 variant. It is expected to be available within a week.

Buffett time! His musical career from 1973 forward.

It was 1973.  Buffett signed a recording contract with ABC/Dunhill Records. After Jim Croce died in a plane crash in September 1973, Dunhill promoted Buffett as his replacement.

Soon Buffett’s first release on ABC/Dunhill Records was A White Sport Coat and a Pink Crustacean. The album featured the hit single “Grapefruit – Juicy Fruit” and “Why Why Don’t We Get Drunk,” as well as “I Have Found Me a Home” written about his experiences in Key West.

Buffett used the money he made from the album to buy his first boat.

In late 1973 and early 1974, Buffett recorded Living and Dying in 3/4 Time. It included “Come Monday” which he wrote for his girl friend soon to be his wife. “Come Monday” was Buffett’s first single to play on Billboard Hot 100.

Another late 1974 album was A1A which involved “A Pirate Looks at Forty” about a drug smuggler.

In1975, Buffett found the Coral Reef Band. He credits his future wife for cleaning up their looks, replacing their ripped Levi jeans and collarless shirts. The band was the opening act for the Eagles in August 1975.

We pick up more tunes by Buffett tomorrow, together with some additional successes. 

Enjoy your day!

It was an emotional night again at the Democratic National Convention. Two tear jerker episodes definitely! Each proper in every respect.

One involved Tim Walz’s 17 year old son Gus. As his father was speaking, the camera settled on Gus in the audience. He was crying and shouting “That’s my Dad!” The boy has some deficiency problems. His reaction understandable regardless. The camera showed him to the other conventioneers. Gus’ reaction brought tears to their eyes.

The other involved the parents of 23 year old Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Jon and Rachel. Hersh is one of the 8 remaining American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He has been in Hamas’s custody for 320 days so far. During his capture, he lost part of his left arm.

His parents want him back. Like yesterday. Their emotion a subdued one. Their pain obvious. At one point, Hersh’s mother doubled over in tears.

There was not a dry eye in the audience. Even I was crying as I watched. The crowd began chanting “Bring them home!”

What a Convention! Well planned. USA all the way. Hope and joy obvious. Patriotic. Very American.

Tons of great speakers. Including Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Pete Buttigieg and Oprah Winfrey. And of course, Tim Walz.

Clinton was his usual self. An orator. A spellbinder. He was allotted 12 minutes in the program. Typical Bill Clinton, he took 27. America loved every minute of it!

Pelosi was short and subdued. She always has been as a speaker, however. Her brilliance was in running the House of Representatives, knowing how to get the votes, etc.

I was amazed at the reaction Pete Buttigieg received when he walked on the stage. Outstanding! Loud! They were saying…..We love you Pete!

He may very well some day be the first gay President of the United States.

Oprah Winfrey was Oprah Winfrey. Brilliant! Right on! The first time she has spoken at a political convention. 

I would like to say I enjoyed Tim Walz immensely. Cannot. I fell asleep again. Never heard a word he spoke. Any reference I would make would be from news reports read this morning. That is where I learned of his son Gus’ reaction.

Can’t help it folks. I am generally in bed about 9 and fall asleep soon after hitting the pillow. Eleven o’clock or later is too late for me. I tried to stay awake. Did not work. I hope Harris speaks earlier tonight.

Moving on to Key West.

The State Attorney has subpoenaed Key West City texts, emails and phone records of the entire City Commission, City Attorney and the City’s Chief Building official in regards to the firing of City Manager Al Childress in June.

Good! About time! It has been approximately two months since his discharge. I described the discharge in my 6/27/24 blog as a typical “Key West situation.” Let’s get to the bottom of it!

From the Citizens’ Voice yesterday: “Before you cite George Washington your ultimate moral authority, remember he was the largest slave owner among the first five Presidents with 317 in 1799.”

As a young man, Washington accepted slavery. However after the Revolutionary War, he began to question it. He avoided discussing slavery however fearful the bitter debate over the issue would tear the fragile nation apart.

Washington made his first anti-slavery statement upon his death. He ordered in his Will that his enslaved workers be freed at his wife’s death.

A postcard arrived a bit late.

In Wales. The post mark on the card is 8/3/1903. It arrived 121 years late. The person who sent it obviously dead. The house address no longer a home. Today, a bank.

No one knows why late.

The Mona Lisa was stolen from the Louvre Museum in Paris. It was recovered two years later on this day in 1911.

It was stolen by an Italian Louvre employee Vincenzo Peruggia. He wanted to return the painting to Italy for viewing. Napoleon had stolen it from Italy years earlier when he plundered many Italian works.

There is no Buffett portion to today’s blog. My apologies. There is only so much time in a day between the Convention last night and some other matters that took my time during the day. There was no time to research and do a Jimmy Buffett portion.

Today a haircut. It has been five weeks. I have more hair than usual. Normally go bald. Lori will take care of it at noon.

Enjoy your day!

This year’s choice politically is simple. The difference between good and evil. The Democrats the good, the Republicans evil. 

Trump is rot. Everything he touches. We do not want him to finish the job he has begun on our country and us.

Who the Democratic Party is this year was clear by those who spoke for Kamala Harris last night and the Democratic Party. Doug Emhoff, Bernie Sanders, Michelle Obama and Barack Obama. They know and recognize the evil that Trump is. They spoke clearly of it and its danger. They spoke equally clearly about the goodness Harris returns to national politics.

A clearly sink or swim situation.

The Democratic National Convention on its first night drew 20 million viewers. Numbers are important to Trump. Ok, Donald. Twenty million surpassed the 18.3 million the Republican National Convention attracted its first evening.

Another significant number favoring the Democrats. Donald, you’re big on numbers. The Dems beat you again on this one.

Harris and the Democratic National Committee raised three times as much money in July as Trump.

Ho, ho!

Most of the money came in after Biden withdrew and it was clear Harris was going to be the candidate.

A bit of Buffet at the moment. 

Buffett’s music career begins…..He discovers Key West.

After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1969, Buffett moved to New Orleans. There he often did street performances for tourists on Decatur Street and played for drunken crowds in the former Bayou Rum night club on Bourbon Street.

He was searching. In 1970, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee to further his country music career. He did not get many music jobs. Ended up working as an editorial assistant for Billboard. Next he signed a two album record contract with Barnaby Records. His first album Down to Earth sold 324 copies. In 1971, he recorded his second album, High Cumberland Jamboree. Barnaby claimed the label was lost before it was released. Found however in 1976 when Buffett became popular.

In 1971, Buffett worked a Nashville night club as an opening act. At the time, his first marriage was falling apart and he was heading for a divorce.

Buffett needed a change of scenery. His friend fellow country singer Roger Jeffrey Walker offered him a place to stay at his home in Coconut Grove.

That same year, the two went on a busking expedition to Key West. Busking another phrase for street performance.

Turned out to be a wise move for Buffett.

He liked Key West so much he moved there in the spring of 1972. He got involved in the literary scene. Met writer Thomas McGuire, who married one of Buffett’s sisters. He also began running with Jim Harrison, Tom Cochoran and Truman Capote.

It was a time when sex and drugs were plentiful in Key West.

Buffett was hired by David Wolkowsky to play for drinks at the Chart Room Bar in the Pier House Motel. It was there that Buffett met his second wife, Jane.

From a connection he made in the Chart Room, he was hired as first mate on a yacht owned by Foster Talge, heir to The Rival Company. It became Buffett’s day job.

Tomorrow brings us to 1973 and more of Buffett’s musical growth.

The first electric light switches were installed in the White House in 1891 when Benjamin Harrison was President. The President was so afraid of getting electrocuted, he ordered his staff to turn the lights on and off for him.

Key West had its problems over the years in accepting Blacks. I have written often of Key West’s experiences with Blacks in the 1920’s when the Ku Klux Klan was a dominant force in the community.

There was another time. The year 1906. 

On this day in 1906, conductors and motormen of the Key West Streetcar were on strike after a white motorman named Pinder was fired for refusing to carry a group of African American patrons. The striking men wanted Pinder reinstated, that Blacks not be allowed as customers, and wages be increased as well as overtime pay.

St. Mary’s of the Sea Catholic Church on Truman Ave. is a a well attended religious facility. Always has been. Gays and straights welcome all the time.

St. Mary’s was dedicated this day in 1904.

Enjoy your day!

The Democratic Convention last night was a winner. Suggestive of the beginning of a new era. One of joy and happiness. Contrary to Trump and the Republican Party’s spewing of hatred and negativity.

One shortcoming re last night from my perspective. The time was not well organized. Ran too long. I was asleep before Biden came on. Missed what everyone this morning says was a great speech.

What I did see was a clear sign that Trump is being pushed to the edge of the cliff. 

Two significant presentations were by Ocasio-Cortez and Shawn Fain.

Ocasio-Cortez hit Trump and Republicans hard. A well done accurate attack. She has graduated from a loud mouth Congressperson last night to a statesman. Her speech rousing.

Shawn Fain is President of the UAW. He wore a tee shirt boldly lettered: Trump’s a Scab. At some point the crowd picked up on the writing as a chant and it is one that will remain during the campaign as Jail Her for Hillary did for Trump.

Jesse Jackson was a Black leader of yesteryear. One of the first openly politically unafraid Black Democratic leaders.

I have not seen nor heard about him in years. He appeared at the Convention last night. In a wheel chair. Did not speak. Happy to be there. The crowd gave him a standing rousing cheer. Well deserved! He fought political battles for his people when it was hard to do so as a Black.

A comment to yesterday’s blog. Hit me right between the eyes. It’s author may be correct: “I’m beginning to think that Trump is the ‘False Prophet’ the Bible warns us about.”

Phil Donahue died yesterday at the age of 88. He was one of the early great talk show hosts. His show ran 28 years from 1968 to 1996. Our lives sort of ran parallel time wise.

He was married to the charming Marlo Thomas, daughter of Danny Thomas. Supporters and promoters of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Some things are just down right disgusting. One involves problems women have had over the years with contraception. The Colonial era a perfect example. One of the most popular forms of contraception was the use of crocodile excrement. Ugh!

It was rolled into a ball and then inserted into the woman before any physical act took place. 

Caused all kinds of problems, medical and otherwise. Plus, did not always prevent pregnancy.

Jimmy Buffett time.

Jimmy Buffett’s early life.

Buffett was born December 25, 1946 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Spent portions of his childhood in Mobile and Fairhope, Alabama. His parents Mary Lorraine and James Delaney Buffett Jr. died at different times in 2003. His father worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He had two younger sisters, Laurie and Lucie.

In his childhood, Buffett was exposed to sailing by his grandfather James Delaney Buffett and his father James Delaney Buffett Jr.

Buffett was educated by Jesuits (tough teachers!) as a Catholic. He served as an altar boy.

He decided in 1961 he wanted to be a musician after viewing a folk music ensemble. His first performance was a month later at a hootenanny, where he played a Stella guitar.

In the 1950’s at the age of 8 while attending St. Ignatius School, he played the trombone.

He graduated from McGill Institute in 1964.

Buffett enrolled at Auburn University. While there, he was taught how to play guitar by a Sigma Pi fraternity brother to “garner attention from girls.”

He flunked out of Auburn after one year. It was the playboy in him that caused his failure. It was 1966 and Buffett was “unable to balance his newfound interests in music and girls with his college classes.”

The same year he played “acid rock” in a band called Upstairs Alliance that was trying to sound like Jefferson Airplane.

Buffett continued college at Pearl River Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in history in 1969.

While in college, Buffett had to work to subsist. He worked in a ship yard as an electrician and welder.

The Vietnam War was ongoing at the time. He avoided serving due to a college deferment and a failed physical exam.

Tomorrow, the beginnings of Buffett’s music career.

Enjoy your day!

The first anniversary of Jimmy Buffett’s death is close at hand. Key West is preparing a major celebration in honor of the man.

I have decided to share a few words each day about Buffett. A history of the major American musical figure. A son of Key West. 

I begin today.

A general introduction to Buffett.

He was born on Christmas Day December 25, 1946. Perhaps God selected that day knowing the pleasure and joy Buffett would provide. He was God’s gift to us on His Son’s birthday.

Buffett died last September 1.

He was an American singer-songwriter. Known for creating tropical rock sound and persona. Often described as “island escapism.” An approach that promoted enjoying life and following passions.

Buffett recorded many songs. Great ones! Easy to recall and sing. Like Margaritaville, Come Monday, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Don’t We Get Drunk, and It’s Five O’clock Somewhere.

He found the Coral Reef Band in 1975.

Buffett recorded 30 albums. Eight gold and nine platinum. He sold over 20 million records worldwide. Received two Grammy nominations. He will be posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame shortly.

He parlayed his songs, “island escapism,” and lifestyle into several business ventures, including the Margaritaville Restaurant chain, now defunct Cheeseburger in Paradise chain, hotels and other ventures.

His net worth was $1 billion. Extremely commendable. From rags to riches. From playing at the Chart Room for drinks to being a presence everywhere in the world.

Buffett’s fans number in the millions. Many known as Parrot Heads.

Tomorrow, more re Buffett’s life.

Trump has recently been claiming his and/or Vance’s campaign is being hacked. For the first time, I question the veracity of his statement.

Yesterday’s news advised Trump had failed to report the alleged “hacking” of its email system to law enforcement authorities till recently.

Taking into account Trump’s general lack of veracity, it dawns on me…..Is the man speaking truth? The FBI is now investigating the matter. Perhaps the FBI will be able to tell us truth or lie.

Hacking by foreign nations does occur and has occurred in previous elections. I’m curious if Trump’s is a valid accusation in this instance. Especially since the hacking at issue was purportedly of campaign vetting papers of the increasingly non-consequential JD Vance.

The Democratic Convention begins today in Chicago. Should be good. Harris/Walz are on an upward climb. I would anticipate their coming out of the Convention a few additional points above the Trump/Vance ticket.

The “birth” of the diamond engagement ring tradition began this day in 1477. It was the first full day of Mary of Burgundy and Archduke Maximillian of Austria’s marriage. Maximillian was thrilled with his new bride! He gave her a diamond ring.

Diamond rings were not worn by ladies up to that time. It was a male thing. Shuffling the days around a bit,  it was the beginning of the tradition of the diamond engagement ring.

Insanity prevailed in early America. The Salem Witch Trials. On this day in 1692, five more people were hanged for witchcraft in Salem, Massachusetts. Nineteen total when all was said and done in that mentally deranged period.

Yellow fever was the epidemic of the times. Lasted more than 100 years in the U.S. 

On this day in 1793, Philadelphia was the capital of the U.S. Suffered fatally from yellow fever. The epidemic lasted some 3 months till November killing around 5,000 people.

As a young boy, I recall Blue Laws. Blue Laws prohibited businesses from operating on Sundays. The day was truly the Lord’s Day.

An example of the operation of Blue Laws was a Sunday benefit baseball game at New York City’s Polo Grounds. It resulted in John McGraw and Christy Mathewson’s arrest.

Today, Blue Laws no longer exist. Sunday is “open house” for businesses.

Bill Veeck was the owner of the St. Louis Browns professional baseball team in 1951. A promoter as well. Win games and bring the fans in!

He made Eddie Gaedel a member of the team. Eddie was a midget, only 3 feet 7 inches tall. In a particular game where he needed a man on first, Veeck sent Eddie in to pitch hit. He walked on four pitches.

Everyone then understood why Veeck had Eddie on the team.

On this day in 1993, the DOW hit a record high of 3,612. Today, it is over 40,000 on a fairly consistent basis. Closed Friday at 40,500.

Amazing!

On this day in 2015, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the female Viagra pill Addyi. I wondered if it was still around. Have not heard of it in years whereas the male Viagra pill is constantly within one’s attention.

Addyi is still available. By prescription. Does not work as Viagra does. Viagra pushes blood into the man’s penis to gain erectability. Addyi works on a woman’s mind rather than anything vaginal. The pill is for women with a decreased libido. Addyi increases a woman’s desire.

I close with an interesting fact about a Key West physician, Dr. Enrique Rodriguez. In 1954, he was 87 years old. In an interview, he advised he had practiced medicine in Key West for 55 years and estimated he had delivered almost 10,000 babies during that time. He further advised for a number of years he was the only obstetrician on the island.

He had bag and would travel any time of the day or night! The baby decided the appointment time. 

Enjoy your day!

An interesting editorial in yesterday’s South Florida Sun Sentinel. Titled: “Lies, damn lies and Donald Trump.”

A right on quote from the editorial: “Former President Donald Trump is as unable to tell the truth as ever, but his lies these days look less like deliberate obfuscation and more like self-delusion and a diminished mind.”

What he accused Biden of now clearly affects Trump. Age and pressure.

The editorial points out at a recent Mar-a-Lago news conference, National Public Radio documented 162 untruths, half truths and distortions during the 64 minutes Trump spoke.

The editorial further projected: “He’s not all there.”

Louis asks: Do you want this now clearly demented individual running the country and the world?

I think not.

Leonardo Da Vinci was a master with words as well as the artist’s brush. I came across what constitutes a superb follow up to the Sun Sentinel’s editorial about Trump lying.

Da Vinci said: “To lie is so vile, that even if it were in speaking well of godly things it would take off from God’s grace; and Truth is so excellent, that if it praises but small things they become noble.” 

Da Vinci was saying lying is a wholly reprehensible action, considering the destruction and chaos it is sure to bring about. Telling the truth, on the other hand, can highlight the value and virtue of even the littlest of things.

I consider myself to have been fortunate to have viewed Da Vinci’s The Last Supper twice and The Mona Lisa once. As I have repeatedly stated in past blogs, The Last Supper blew my mind!

Trump is on the move with name calling. Referred yesterday to Harris as “Comrade Kamala” and her “Socialist” price control plan as “full Communist.”

At least she has come up with a plan to fight high grocery costs. Where’s Donald’s?

News reports this morning suggest Putin’s reactions to Ukraine’s Russia invasion indicates Putin “freezes” in a crisis.

The making of a movie involves financial investment. Sometimes huge. If the film fails, many lose a ton of money.

Two major films were considered shaky investments. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Titanic. Unbelievable!

Walt Disney’s wife Lillian didn’t think children would want to see Snow White. Walt Disney sort of believed her. Who would want to sit through a 90 minute Brothers Grimm fairy tale? Kids simply would not.

Snow White surprised one and all! One of the greatest films for kiddies and adults alike! A moneymaker besides!

James Cameron prayed Titanic wouldn’t lose too much money. After blowing past multiple deadlines and budgets, Cameron said, “Everyone thought they were going to lose money, and all efforts were simply to make sure the hemorrhaging was not fatal…..myself included.”

Titanic turned out to be one of the biggest moneymakers of all time!

I have decided to walk Home Depot on days I am not doing physiotherapy. There was a time years ago I use to walk all of the building with no trouble. Even with a new heart valve, Home Depot is proving a challenge.

Just getting in the store is my major problem. There is a slight incline from the parking lot into the store. That minimal height and distance knocks me on my ass. And it is only the beginning of my walk. I have to sit down soon after entering the building for a few minutes.

I am only good to do about 25 percent of Home Depot. Requires a second sit down along the way.

I sense an improvement, though small. I plan on continuing till I do the whole place with no need to sit down.

My therapists are ok with what I am doing. I am not foolish. There is a need however to improve how much I can do. They even have me practicing increased height elevation on a tread mill to get me over the incline problem.

A heart attack at my age no fun. There is a joy however to know I am still here and can improve my body to stay a while longer. Try I must and that is what I am doing.

Enjoy your Sunday! 

Following the Revolutionary War, Lafayette returned to France. He visited the U.S. again in 1824 and remained for a period of time visiting many parts of the nation he helped found. During his journey, he renewed friendships with many of our Founding Fathers and former Presidents.

When he returned to France, he brought with him a bag full of earth shoveled from Bunker Hill. When Lafayette died at the age of 74 in 1834, his son scattered that dirt atop Lafayette’s coffin together with French soil so that “The Hero of Two Worlds” could be laid to rest in American and French soil as he had requested.

To further evidence the love and respect Lafayette had for the new nation, he named his son who scattered the soils together George Washington Lafayette.

Trump is being criticized for calling a civilian medal “much better” than a military award.

The criticism is properly placed.

A civilian award could in some limited circumstance be a superior one. What I don’t know, but would not close the door.

On the other hand, a military award is generally superior in that it portends one putting his or her life in danger for love of country.

Harris responded to Trump’s statement. Her response accurate: “Trump knows nothing about service to anyone or anything but himself.”

So true!

Trump is in decline: His interviews and lies get worse. He truly has nothing of value to offer the American public. His time is passing.

One of the significant differences between Biden and Trump was pumping oil. Biden pledged when they ran against each other there would be “no more” drilling. He drilled. As Trump had before him. Even more.

It’s a delicate problem. Balancing pollution and climate change. There is the economy to consider. Even with the U.S. producing more oil than any other country ever has, even Saudi Arabia and Russia, the cost of groceries and gas at the pump have to be considered. If Harris is elected as I assume she will. She will have to come up with some sort of “balanced plan” so both the economic and climate concerns are dealt with at the same time.

A hot issue for Harris during the campaign. She must be honest with the voters, even if it causes her to lose some votes. She will lose fewer votes with a “BALANCD PLAN.” Most people in the final analysis will understand Harris is merely doing what has to be done  to help in two sensitive areas.

Now to odd ball Vance. A bad choice by Trump. A good choice for Harris.

Joanne Coles, Chief Creative and Content Officer for Daily Beast said, “JD Vance is the new Sarah Palin.”

Wowie! Trump has enough problems with Vance without this comparison.

Truth is truth, however. No matter how much it hurts.

Love Vance! Last week it was Vance in drag while in college. This week it’s Vance in high school standing in a men’s lavatory by the side of three girls pretending to use urinals as they peed.

A happy group in the photo!

It was “so good,” it was run in the 2003 Middletown High School Yearbook.

Ukraine’s swift push into the Krusk region shocked Russia and exposed its vulnerabilities. 

Keep it up Ukraine!

A year ago, Jimmy Buffett passed on. Locally and immediately, Paul Menta and Jordan Upchurch orchestrated a send-off celebration. A celebration of love.

They contacted Howard Livingston to help lead in Buffett’s “Margaritaville” in front of Margaritaville. 

This year Just A Few Friends is planning another event. This one bigger and better. If last year’s can be better.

This year’s event will be several days. It begins Sunday September 1 at 5 pm at the Truman Waterfront Park. More Buffett songs will be sung. Everyone involved wants to be sure Buffett hears the joy and happiness he gave them being shared back to him one year after his leaving.

Key West singers and songwriters C.W. Colt, Caffeine Carl and Howard Livingston will showcase the event.

Miss it not!

There has been a sense of less tourists in recent months. Hotel prices the cause? Definitely a contributing factor. Way too high.

What about the cost of restaurant food? A Citizens’ Voice comment this morning addressed the issue: “Restaurants here have lost their minds. It seems like menu prices increase weekly. Do we really think spaghetti and meat sauce is worth $38? Do we really think $19 sliders are a happy deal? No wonder visitors are not returning. Inflation is under 3 percent. Your greed is unlimited.”

I was going to CVS for my COVID and flu shot yesterday. Then read that updated COVID is up for final approval this week and should be available the following. Ergo, I am waiting. Getting nervous, however. Everyone I know getting hit again. I never have and would like to avoid it completely.

Enjoy your day!