The Iowa Republican Primary is around the corner. Trump is covering the State with speeches. Properly so. He speaks with a forked tongue, however. Consistently. Knock and mock are his campaign tools. He is using them especially big time when referring to Biden. Typical crass remarks. The type he uses against everyone he disagrees with or wants to put down.

Donald is having a field day with his foul tongue. Friday evening he added Biden’s stuttering in a political speech. Accused Biden of excessive stuttering. Some 29 times when using the word democracy. Such did not occur. Not even once.

Wake up America! Do not let this perverted lying individual influence you. His reelection as President would be the worst thing that could happen to us.

He was at it again at a speech in Iowa saturday. What would he do if he did not have Iowa as a platform to spread his lies and despicable views?

In the saturday speech, Trump said the Civil War did not have to be. It could have been “negotiated.” Therefore, avoided. He was knocking Lincoln this time. No one is sacred as far as Trump is concerned.

Liz Cheney responded online by asking: “Which part of the Civil War could have been negotiated? The slavery part? The secession part? Whether Lincoln should have preserved the Union?”

Louis says too bad the Southern leaders are no longer alive. We could ask them. After all, they were the ones who decided to secede. Not the North.

Another “for shame” statement by Trump in Iowa involved John McCain. Trump is on a roll. He cannot leave the dead well alone. Trump said: “John McCain for some reason could have not got his arm up that day.” Referring to McCain’s thumb down vote in opposition to getting rid of Obamacare. He was also knocking McCain’s bum arm he received while a prisoner of war for 6 years.

I have to smile. Trump was able to avoid military service because he got a doctor’s report he had bone chips in his ankle or heel.

Another Trump Iowa hard to believe. He said in a speech saturday that January 6 was “patriotic and peaceful.” Not what I saw on TV. Not what you saw. Trump went on to call for the release of all January 6 rioters.

In another speech, Trump said the stock market was presently doing well because everyone knew he was going to win the election and because of “the fumes” coming in from when he was President.

Trump even commented re the physical rot in Washington, D.C. He said he was recently driving through the Capital and the deluge of paper and can garbage was obvious. He said it was there so long that it had “rotted” on the streets.

Another odd ball statement involved the effect he intimated immigrant children were having in our schools. So many immigrant children from different lands speaking their own languages and not English. No one knew what they were talking about. Further intimating it was affecting the educational process for American children.

So much for Trump.

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. I would title it Donald Trump…..King of Failure. 

Life changes. The world changes. Some interesting and eerie facts about the Middle Ages: People had no last names till 1066, archery was compulsory so that people were ready to fight in a war if necessary, cosmetics were lethal because they contained lead which when used frequently by women resulted in their early deaths, animals were criminally charged similar to humans which could result in their exile, imprisonment, and even death, eels could be used as a form of rent payment.

The cost of sugar is surging. Highest level since 2011. Cause: A lengthy dry spell in India and a drought in Thailand. Price increases in American sweets expected. Simple things like Oreos.

The weather outside is really frightful in the northeast. Twenty four inches of snow in some areas. New York State hard hit. A Northeaster.

A busy morning ahead. A visit with my primary care physician Dr. Norris to get the results of the several tests I took recently.

Never made it to breakfast yesterday. Spent the whole day and weekend in. Read, wrote, watched TV and napped.

Enjoy your day!

St. Distaff’s Day. Today. Celebrated in the UK and other European countries, though to a lesser degree than in previous centuries.

Strangely, there was no such person as St. Distaff. Never was, never will be.

A “distaff” is a tool used by women in the middle ages in “the process of spinning wool – or flax – into thread, which was the first step in making cloth.” The women were off for the Christmas holiday back then. Distaff Day came 12 days after Christmas when women returned to work.

It became a day for mischief for men who would have fun by setting fire to the women’s flax. The women retaliated by pouring water over the fires – and then the men!

Robert Herrick wrote a poem recording the event. The poem “St. Distaff’s Day.” A portion of the poem: “Partly work and partly play / Ye must on Saint Distaff’s Day:…. / If the maiden a-spinning go, / Scotch their packets, but beware / That ye singe no maiden’s hair; / Bring in pails of water, then, / Let the maids bewash the men.”

Herrick wrote a subsequent poem also. One most today have some degree of familiarity with. Herrick believed in enjoying life. In his day, all unmarried women were called virgins. Whether so or not. He offered them advice in his poem “To the Virgins, To Make Much of Time.” The poem’s opening line is most familiar to all: “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.”

Subsequent lines suggest the sun would rise and set, thereby stealing a woman of youth and warm blood. Herrick’s last stanza: “Then be not cry but use your timer, / And while ye may, go marry; / For having lost but once your prime, / You may forever tarry.”

All because of a day known as St. Distaff’s Day which was not referrable to a living person, but to a happy custom which was probably better.

Today’s podcast 6 years old. Forrest Gump’s “Stupid is as stupid does.”

 Trump can’t handle/oppose gun shootings.

There was a gun shooting in Iowa this past week. One student killed and seven wounded. Trump at an Iowa rally 36 hours following the shooting told his Iowa audience to “get over” the shooting. Trump was briefly sympathetic and followed up with the “get over it” thing.

Will he ever really oppose gun shootings? Will he ever take on the gun industry? He keeps blaming the Democrats, trans and the mentally ill. He’s the one who is mentally ill.

Step up to the plate, Donald!

Trump has “brass balls.” He now threatens the Supreme Court. He warns of “big trouble” as the Supreme Court agrees to hear the Colorado ballot case. “Big trouble” if the Supreme Court does not rule in his favor.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was recently hospitalized. He  and/or his staff failed to notify his bosses President Biden and the American people. The first 4 days of his hospitalization were spent in intensive care.

Not the way to run the business of government. An explanation is required.

Decided yesterday I had enough frolicking all week, Stayed in, except for an early morning stop at Date and Thyme for my Monkey Smoothie fix. I sense today will be the same, except for breakfast out. My body craves an egg, etc. breakfast. A once a week thing.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Long overdue! Longtime head of the National Rifle Association Wayne La Pierre resigned his leadership of the NRA yesterday. Days before the start of a New York civil trial that will scrutinize his leadership.

Whatever the reason for his resignation, it’s good! Great! Terrific! Unfortunate it did not occur years ago. The deaths of all the children and adults by guns weighs on his shoulders.

The weather finally broke. Hit 77 degrees yesterday. Unexpected. Hopefully the past 3 weeks have been our cold spell. Unless it is a long cold winter (unusual), a short 3-4 weeks of cold weather constitutes Key West’s winter.

The proposed Constitutional abortion amendment has reached the necessary number of signatures to put it on the ballot. The Florida Division of Elections has verified 910,946 petition signatures. Nearly 20,000 more than the required 891,523.

The U.S. Supreme Court has “awakened a sleeping giant” with its anti Roe v. Wade decision. People are coming out of the woodwork to restore abortion rights. This would not have occurred without the terrible Dobb’s decision.

Today is January 6. The day in 2021 when the insurrection on the Capitol occurred. Its ramifications not yet over. Not even close to being over. People remaining to be prosecuted include planners, perpetrators and others who supported the attack. Top people involved, like Donald Trump himself, have not yet been made to pay.

Why do Democrats keep knocking Biden? Do they want a Hitler type government? Overall, Biden is doing a great job. No one is perfect. Look at the December numbers for new jobs: 216,000. The unemployment rate continues to be low. Presently 3.7 percent.

Additionally, inflation is dipping. Gas prices in retreat. The national average for one gallon of gas yesterday was $3.09. It was below $3.00 at least twice in December.

Whatever Biden is doing is slow, but effective. He is not a bullshit artist like Trump who has a pattern of promising, most of which are never realized.

Today’s podcast some 7 years old. A fitting title Harry Truman and Key West.

Key West in the 1970’s! Nothing better. Two short films about those years will be shown at the Tropic Cinema in the next few days. I’m not sure and cannot figure out from the internet their names and what days the films will be shown. I suspect monday and tuesday. Will let you know when I know.

A European supermarket chain has stepped up to protect consumers’ interests. Carrefour, one of France’s biggest supermarket chains, will stop selling Pepsi Cola products because they have become too expensive. A clash between a major retailer and supplier over prices. Wow!

Carrefour’s stores are displaying a note along side Pepsi, Lay’s Chips, Quaker Cereals and Lipton Teas, as well as some other products, saying: “We are no longer selling this brand due to unacceptable price increases. We apologize for any inconvenience caused.”

Purgatory. A product of the medieval Latin Church beginning in the 12th century. Religious leaders at the time decided most people had sinned, though not sufficient to send them to Hell. A place was required where such persons could be “purified” before entering Heaven.

There is no mention of Purgatory in the Bible.

Thursday was a fun night at the new Bob’s on Margaret Restaurant. Jean, Joe and Louis had a good time as evidenced by a photo taken of us at the bar.

The battle is on! The election battle for the Presidency of the United States.

President Biden yesterday gave his first major general election speech. His attack on Trump a furious and stark one. The gloves are off. He made it clear that Trump’s reelection was a gigantic threat to American democracy.

Biden nailed Trump head on re January 6 three years ago. Properly blamed Trump and his supporters for the attack.

Biden stated: “Democracy is on the ballot. Your freedom is on the ballot.” He called Trump a “loser…..a person willing to sacrifice democracy to put himself in power.”

Go, Mr. President! Keep it up. America’s future, our future, lies in your hands.

The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to take up the Colorado Trump disqualification case invoking the 14th Amendment. Oral argument has been scheduled for February 8. Such represents an “immediate review” of the issue.

Though better than nothing, I am uncomfortable. This Supreme Court is not one that operates by the book. Too political, I fear.

We shall see if the trend continues on an issue vital to the well being of our Nation.

Last night was Brady’s Irish Pub for me. Carola and the pierogi friday special.

Carola gave me a package of Irish chocolates. Love the woman!

Met an Ohio couple that have lived in Key West 3 years. Unfortunately, their names escape me. Old age! Anyhow, we had a lengthy conversation. Both are working at the same jobs in Key West that they did in Ohio. The husband is a school bus mechanic, the wife a school bus driver. They love Key West and their new life here!

Enjoy your day!

Great breakfast with Robert and Ally yesterday morning. Two whole hours at Date and Thyme. Nothing like an opportunity for an 88 year old grandfather to be with his 19 and 18 year old grandchildren. A learning process for each generation.

The two impress me no end. Both contribute heavily to their educations at FSU. Both worked this holiday season to make necessary bucks for the coming semester. Robert needed $1,200 to complete his tuition cost. Ally only $84. Both handle money differently. Does not mean either is a spendthrift. Rather, they approach paying their bills differently.

Robert has spent his Key West time the past two years working  at the restaurant next to the Green Parrot. Nothing fancy. A busy place however. Ally works as a hostess at The Reach. They each make different levels of money. Table waiting for Robert decidedly the more remunerative.

Be impressed by what I am about to share.

They both returned to Key West for the holidays December 9. They both were working within two hours, having made arrangements before returning to go to work.

Robert worked everyday, except for Christmas Eve. Ally a few days less.

Robert earned $3,200 in tips. Wow! Ally a bit over $1,000 hosting. She intends to be a waitress from this point forward.

Robert is exhausted. Can’t wait to return to school to rest.

Both had bank accounts with several thousand dollars salted away prior to this holiday. They handle money well.

Robert wants to do something special for himself. Feels he deserves it. He is going to buy a “good pair of shoes.”

Love the two! I am not worried about either.

Our conversation covered a multitude of items besides money. Their heads are in the right place.

Last night was a pleasure also. Dinner at the new Bob’s on Margaret Restaurant. So named. Located on Margaret Street. A winner!

The old Michael’s closed a couple of years ago. New owners. The same people who own Seven Fishes. They gutted the building and redid it entirely. The food was outstanding. I enjoyed an escargot appetizer and a rack of lamb. The desert was not to my liking, however. Can’t recall at the moment what it was. It is a class restaurant. Stands with the best on Duval and elsewhere in Key West in quality of the food and ambiance. And even better, though still expensive, about 25 percent less than those restaurants.

Try it. Guaranteed you will enjoy.

Suzette the bartender. She was bartender at the old Michael’s for years. Denny working the bar with her. I was with Jean and Joe Thornton. Suzette introduced us to Janice who was seated next to us. A pleasant woman. Sure we will run into her again.

The new Bob’s will be one of my spots going forward.

Staying with food, today’s podcast is 5 years old. Deals with one of then President Trump’s phony medical reports. Guaranteed you will enjoy!

Robert Frost: “In three words, I can sum up everything I have learned about life: It goes on.”

The Florida Supreme Court will hold a hearing on the abortion rights proposed amendment to the State Constitution on February 7. I hope the Court’s decision will not be a political one.

Nikki Haley knows how to handle Trump “when she wants to.” Which is not often enough. Trump has been increasing his attacks on her. She refers to them as “temper tantrums.”

Love it! She refers to Trump as the child he is.

Jesus’ existence as God a myth on the increase. Is nothing sacred?

Some are referring to Jesus more as having been a “man.” As God, less frequently.

Yellow fever was the COVID of Key West in 1899. In less than 3 months, 5,000 cases of yellow fever were reported.

The X-ray was reported to have been discovered in an article in an Austrian newspaper published this day in 1896. The article named William Roentgen as the discoverer of a type of radiation which came to be known as x-rays.

Henry Ford was progressive minded. On this day in 1914, he announced he was going to pay workers $5 for an 8 hour day, as opposed to $2.34 for a 9 hour day. In 1926, he reduced the 6 day work week to 5 days.

Ford’s brilliance was motivated by the fact he wanted his employees to have the money to buy the cars they were making and the time to enjoy them.

Trump unquestionably was an “economic pig” when it came to gutting taxpayers while Presidnet. An example his overcharging the Secret Service protecting him and his family members.

It has been revealed by a House Committee on Oversight and Reform that Trump’s properties charged rates far above government approved limits. In effect, prompting concerns that taxpayer funds were funneled into Trump’s private business interests.

Examples include Trump’s International Hotel in Washington charging taxpayers a $1,160 per room per night rate despite the government rate being $242. Another charge was $1,185 per room per night despite the government rate of $201.

Christofascists have become the heart of the MAGA movement. The 2024 election will be an historical one. The American people will be deciding whether to remain a flawed democracy or succumb to neofascism and autocracy modeled on Putin’s Russia or Orban’s Hungary with Donald Trump and his Republican fascist successors as dictators forever.

Such is the issue facing the American people in November. Pure and simple. Other considerations of no consequence.

Tonight, Grady’s Irish Pub. Carola and Pierogis.

Enjoy your day!

I have heat! 

Finally! What a difference a month makes. I began the process of ordering a new super duper heating unit a month ago. Took 3 weeks to get it. Reason: Shipped directly from China. Then a week to figure out how to use it. Seven years higher education was of no value.

Victory mine, however!

Elon Musk is not one of my favorite persons. However, perhaps I shall reconsider my feelings.

The reason my new heater I was finally able to use last night. With spectacular results!

It is tiny. The body itself plugs into an electric socket. Within moments , a room is totally heated.

I do not know the name of my unit. Not on it anywhere, nor the box it came in, nor the box shipped in directly from China. But, it is exactly the same in every respect as the one held on the internet this morning by Elon Musk. Musk in the article is described as its creator. The article calls it the Ultra Air Heater. The one pictured lacks any printed information on it, including its name.

All I know is it kept me warm all night. At the moment it is 61 degrees outside and I am writing this blog wearing only a tee shirt. A far cry from the past 3 weeks of being bundled in everything I could find.

I must give credit where credit is due. The new heater is tiny (size of 4 packs of cigarettes) and costs $39. Available via Amazon under many different names.

Key West weather 61 degrees at 7 am. No problem for me with the new heater. The high today will be 72. Low during the evening 64.

Today’s podcast China and Tampons. Tastefully done. Surprising. I did the podcast 6 years ago.

Syracuse lost to Duke last night by 20 points 86-66. It was Syracuse’s game in the first half. Duke came back strong in the second. Syracuse’s defense faltered dramatically in the second half.

Boston College next on wednesday January 10.

Drones are graduating. No longer will be used only for waging war. Beginning this year, we will have “delivery drones.” Reportedly will be “mainstream.”  Meals, prescriptions and household items at your doorstep in less than 30 minutes.. Imagine, no longer will a multi-ton vehicle be required to deliver a 5 pound package.

On this day in 1977, Apple Computer was incorporated in Cupertino, California, by Steve Jobs and 2 others.

Benito Mussolini asserted his right to “supreme power” this day in 1925, thereby effectively becoming Italy’s dictator.

Such did not occur overnight. Mussolini worked within the confines of the Italian constitution to accrue power, eroding democratic institutions until his movement gave way to his speech on January 3, 1925, before the Italian Parliament.

Sound familiar?

Today’s white Christian nationals are looking more and more like Nazis. Reflective of what our government will look like if Trump is reelected in 2024. The new government under Trump will make Hitler and Mussolini’s look like kid stuff. I “kid” you not.

A sign Florida voters want their say on abortion. Directly from them, not their legislators or courts. A group called Floridians Protecting Freedom has been collecting signatures to place a proposed Constitutional Amendment on the ballot in 2024.

Required are 891,523 valid signatures. Thus far 864,000 have been collected.

The way the issue should be decided! Of course, the State is opposing the move. Already Florida’s Attorney General has filed a court challenge regarding the wording of the summary that would appear on the ballot.

I never made it to the Grand last night. He who was to assist me with the last step in making the heater operational did not show up till after 4.  Tonight will be different. I have a need to get out. It will be Brady’s Irish Pub at 6:30 for me.

Enjoy your day!

Dan Riordan arrived in Key West yesterday for a two month stay. Fred Klein arrives today for 6 months. Two die hard Syracuse fans to join me at the Syracuse games.

The weather outside is frightful. Inside, also. Still do not have the heater working. Freezing my ass off during the night. The temperature at 6:30 this morning when I woke was 56 degrees. The high today will reach 70 at 4 pm. The low during the evening will be 64. Warm weather expected to return saturday. Will I make it?

The new heater’s working instructions difficult. My seven years of higher education no help. I discovered the real problem may be the electrical outlet. Hopefully will be able to get it checked out today.

Today marks a return to normalcy. Holidays have passed. Next “holiday” is Valentine’s Day February 14.

Collegiate football close to an end.

Michigan defeated Alabama in the Rose Bowl yesterday 27-20. Last night, Washington beat Texas 37-31. The Championship Game remains. Michigan and Washington facing off against each other. Should be great football.

Syracuse meets Duke in basketball at 9 tonight. I will not be watching the game at Jack Flats. Too late for me. My eyes and a couple of drinks prevent me from driving home at midnight. Better safe than sorry.

I will be at the Grand Cafe earlier for happy hour with Steve and Cindy and Jean and Joe.

The U.S. has gotten queasy and political about continuing to allocate money for Ukraine. Some NATO nations likewise.

What both fail to realize is much of the money allocated goes to making military weapons. The estimate is 90 percent. The weapons made in the country allocating the money. Which means more jobs at excellent salaries in such nations.

The other important consideration is the war being waged in Ukraine prevents such a war being fought with Russia in a NATO nation which would automatically involve the U.S. Could also mean a war fought on U.S. soil.

Two important considerations not even discussed nor is most of America aware of.

Today’s podcast some 6 years old. Titled: My Grandfather. Thought provoking.

Trump’s newest lie is that Joe Biden and his group of “radical left misfits and thugs” are permitting millions of illegals to the U.S. and signing them up to vote illegally. Trump wrote, “They can VOTE, VOTE, VOTE…..IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 2024.”

What bullshit! A pack of gross lies! What bothers me is Trump will repeat and repeat it and many will buy it. The man is sick and so are the many who believe and follow him.

Two days ago, I wrote the FSU players who opted not to play in the Orange Bowl should be ashamed. I have received some comments and backlash. Those responding break down into two groups. Age the distinguishing factor. The young believe the players did the correct thing in refusing to participate. The older that it was wrong.

Interesting. Am I missing something? 

Enjoy your day!

Happy New Year friends! May joy, happiness and good health accompany you during 2024.

I missed midnight. Fell asleep at 9:30. Thought I would wake at midnight. Did not. Missed the ball dropping on Times Square. It was 1:30 when I woke. Wished myself a Happy New Year and went back to sleep till 6 am.

It is now 6:30 and I am working on the first blog of the New Year. Hope the weather at the moment is not reflective of the year. It is COLD! Terrible COLD! Fifty seven degrees. Lower than had been projected. The high today will only be 68. I am not yet equipped in my new abode for cold weather. Finally received the new heating system. Need a new electrical outlet to use it. Hopefully in the next few days.

Today is celebrated from a popular perspective as the day Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, thereby freeing the slaves. Not accurate.

On September 22, 1862, Lincoln had signed what historians describe as a “preliminary proclamation.” He freed those enslaved in Confederate states. The wording intentionally vague so that it would include portions/areas of Confederate states occupied by the Union after the signing of the preliminary proclamation.

The preliminary proclamation was “affirmed” by Lincoln on January 1, 1863. As a result, January 1 historically became the day Lincoln freed the slaves.

One year later in 1864 on this “special day,” the “freed men” of Key West marked the Emancipation with a celebration at the Key West Baptist Church.

A successful to be musical group was difficult to identify early on. Not everyone recognizes “talent” when it slaps them in the face.

On this day in 1962, an unknown group called the Beatles traveled to London for a recording contract audition with a major record label. They were rejected.

Today’s podcast is seven years old. I titled it For Shame…..Donald Trump. Nothing special about it. It refers to Trump’s early off base remarks as President.

I have more than 1,000 saved podcasts. I rummage through them and pick some out for particular reasons. Others because I like the color of the shirt I am wearing or how I looked on that particular day.

The actual reason I selected today’s podcast is my appearance. I look terrible! Seven years ago I was 50 pounds heavier than I am today. Thank God I lost the 50 pounds! I was fat as you will easily be able to observe! I still have the tee shirt. A few holes and worn spots. Still wear it on occasion. It’s baggy and loose. Love the feeling!

We have all heard of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I always thought it was the only one. Recently, I discovered there are at least 10 leaning towers in Italy. Architects back then were not able to build a tall tower that failed to eventually lean. Nevertheless, they continued building them.

Recall about a month ago, I wrote of the leaning tower of Bologna. Bologna – Pisa confused me. I have since done some digging: Two in Pisa, three in Venice. Others in Bologna, Carole, Burano, and Rome.

Amazing how I continue to learn as I age. What is more amazing is that I have never seen one of the leaning towers though I have spent significant time in Italy. One whole month in the Rome area and neither saw nor knew there was a leaning tower in Rome. Even more time spent in Milan and northern Italy without discovering the existence of more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Would love to return and visit all 10 during one trip.

Key West was buried with visitors over the holidays. Long lines obvious the past few days outside restaurants for breakfast and waiting for dinner accommodations in the evening. It ends after today. January will be slow. Business will increase at hair and nail salons, however. I hear it every year from my friends who own the shops. Key West restaurant workers will have made a ton of money and will have the time and where with all to get their hair and nails done.

One thing I wish at the moment. That this cold weather leaves. I hate it! I want a return to warm weather. We never know how cold, if cold at all, it will be in January. Sometimes never cold. Generally when it does occur, it is only for 2-3 weeks. I’m not sure if we are in the cold phase now, whether it will last longer, etc.

Enjoy the new first day of the year!

FSU should be ashamed…..for failing to show up to do battle, for failing to show the world it had the capacity to be in the College Football Playoff, for failing to evidence to the world its capacity to beat Georgia as decisively as Georgia beat them last night. The FSU players who opted out failed to handle the situation in a manly fashion. Instead, behaved like spoiled children.

Life is not easy. Many negatives are involved in life. When you get screwed, you hold your head high and do the best you can under the circumstances. Manliness is determined by how one handles adversity, not succumbs to it.

I was one of the many who thought FSU got screwed when Alabama was permitted to slip in ahead of them in the #4 spot. I continue to believe something bad, if not illegal, may have been involved. Perhaps money. Time will tell. The FSU players who opted out should have held their heads high and gone out and whipped Georgia’s ass. Instead FSU with its second and third stringers took a shocking beating from Georgia in losing 63-3.

As a prospective employer for any of them, I would think twice before hiring them. Whether in a corporate capacity or sports wise. I would want those who strand tall and fight, not pick up their football and walk away saying screw you I won’t play.

Again, life is not easy. Those who opted out have much to learn. They are not ready for life in life’s big leagues.

Syracuse just may have a good basketball team this season. They beat Pitt yesterday 81-73.

I watched the game at Jack Flats. Mark, one of the bartenders, had the screen set up with the game and my seat waiting for me. I thank him. Especially since I seem to be the only Syracuse fan showing up for Syracuse games.

Syracuse and Pitt played within 4 points of each other till 2 minutes remained in the first half. Then Pitt went on a run and Syracuse was left 8 points behind at half time. 

The second half began with Pitt making a 3 pointer. My stomach churned. Too soon, however. Syracuse went on a 17 point run and it was Syracuse’s game the rest of the way. Syracuse out scored Pitt 51-35 in the second half.

Syracuse’s defense was nothing less than outstanding. Caused 15 Pitt turnovers which resulted in 16 Syracuse points.

Syracuse’s 3 point shooting sucked in the first half. Made only 1 of 10 shots. A bit better in the second half, but nothing spectacular. Syracuse will have to improve in this regard.

Syracuse’s next game is tuesday at 9 against Duke. Has all the makings of being a close tough battle. One of Duke’s stars is its center at 7 foot. Syracuse’s is 7 feet 4 inches tall. I doubt the 4 inches will make much of a difference.

I met Kyle. He was sitting next to me watching the Penn State game. Most of the spectators yesterday were watching the Penn State game. Kyle played sports in college. Presently works at Sarabeth’s. Plays golf with Mark the bartender.

I published today’s podcast five years ago. Deals with Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

I am late with today’s blog. More hospital tests. I was scheduled for 8 am. Had to wait till 9 for an emergency case that came up. My test an ultra sound of my abdomen. All of it. Finished at 11. The technician Debbie. We had a nice long conversation as she performed the test. She spent a lot of time on my right kidney. I finally said the pain I am experiencing is in my left groin and above area. No one is looking at it. I had a CAT scan wednesday that was only of my lungs. So Debbie took it upon herself to do my left groin area and said she would put in an order for it.

I still have the pain. Only 3 weeks. However, severe when it hits. The next step is a meeting with Dr. Norris to get the results.

Recall yesterday’s 12 grapes tradition. I heard from a Sarasota blog reader whose family is from Calabria. Calabria is in the southwest section of Italy. The toe of Italy’s boot shaped peninsula. She says her family do the 12 grapes New Years Eve. Do not sit under a table when so doing, however. Another reader advised the grape eating was a Cuban tradition also. All new to me.

I will be spending the rest of the day at home. My New Years Eve will consist of watching the ball drop in Times Square. Assuming I am still awake. My days of raising hell on this holiday long gone.

The blog is short because of the hospital test. Now close to 2 in the afternoon.

Happy New Year my friends!

Six years ago, I did a podcast where I discussed Archie Bunker sitting in Washington as Donald Trump. Today, Trump continues to be an Archie Bunker. Does America really want him as President again?

A proud time for Key West High School. The school’s band is in London today. Prepared to march in London’s New Year’s Day Parade. An experience these young adults will never forget.

The new La Concha Hotel on Duval Street opened to the public this week in 1925. The grand opening was set for January 22, 1926. La Concha has stood proudly for almost a century on one of the most prominent corners in Key West.

The older I get, the more I discover how little I know. Something new has come to my attention involving New Years. There is a tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight while the clock tolls 12. Properly accomplished while sitting under a table.

The tradition Spanish derived. Also observed in parts of Central America.

The motivation is the hope to find true love in the next 12 months. The “significant other.” The activity is referred to as “uvas de la suerte” which translates into “lucky grapes.”

It is believed the tradition originated in the Spanish city of Alicante in the early 1900’s. Grape farmers conceived the idea to help sell their surplus grapes. The 12 grapes consumed represent one for every month of the New Year as well as one for every bell that chimes at midnight.

Failure to eat all 12 grapes by the ringing of the twelfth bell portends an unlucky year ahead. The grapes must be ingested while sitting under a table to further assure a lucky love life in the coming year. I could not figure out why it had to take place under a table.

Trump’s escalating statements involve claims of divine authority and threatening dictatorship. 

Beware!

Authoritarianism is in ascendency around the world. Democracy in decline. A Trump victory in 2024 will finalize the U.S.’ descendancy. God help us for a number of generations to come if such occurs.

Rasputin. A name that was feared in the years prior to the Russian Revolution. He was a crazy religious sexually oriented man who influenced Czar Nicholas II and Czarina Alexei. For some inexplainable reasons, he was able to stop the royal couple’s son’s hemophiliac bleeding which gave Rasputin the influence he had over the parents. 

His lechery, especially with the Czarina, added to his influence. He literally screwed his way into power.

On December 29, 1916, a group of Russian royalty began an assassination attempt which took several hours to successfully complete. Rasputin was difficult to kill. Poisoned, shot on two separate occasions, beaten, and finally drowned in a freezing river.

The damage had been done. His assassination too late. Rasputin was a significant contributor to the revolution which eventually took place.

Last night was a typical party evening before New Year’s Eve. Although still two days away. being friday it was the last working day before the holiday. People filled Key West bars with a revelry rarely found on other evenings. Brady’s Irish Pub was packed like I have never seen. Everyone having the best of times!

Ran into several people I knew. One was David from Don’s Place. Don’s best friend and now with Don gone instrumental in operating Don’s Place. I had not seen David for a couple of years. A true warm friendly embrace. It was good to see him and several others from Don’s Place. I should begin stopping in again.

Carola was earning her fare last night. She had to move swiftly to keep up.

Syracuse begins the ACC season today. Plays Pitt at noon. Both teams have a similar 9-3 record coming into the game. Pitt favored because it played more formidable teams up to this point. 

I’ll be at Jack Flats watching the game.

Enjoy your day!

There was no blog yesterday. Sorry. Received a call at the last minute from the hospital that some tests I was having difficulty getting scheduled were set. I had to be there at 11:30. Did not get done till 3. The tests a story for another day. 

Last night, I was scrolling through some blogs I wrote several years ago. Came across an interesting one I published on July 3, 2019. Involved a family trip now some 45 years ago to Italy. I am substituting that blog for a new one today. It has flavor. I trust you will enjoy.

The trip came about due to the intervention of Sister Rose Vincent. A Black Franciscan nun who was Administrator of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica. We had become good friends. She was concerned I was overworking and not taking care of myself. Secretly with the assistance of my then wife, she had made arrangements for me to take a one month vacation with my family and parents. Plane reservations had been made for the trip and a villa near Rome rented for the month. 

I tried to beg off. She beat me, so to speak. I finally acquiesced and left one week later with my entourage.

The blog I share with you covers the last 3 days of the trip. Involves the Black Franciscan pension in Rome,  a money exchange, the John Keats Museum, a new Blessed Mother statue, by the grace of God and Louis Petrone. a gold cross. again by the grace of God and Louis Petrone, and customs in New York City.

A THING OF BEAUTY IS A JOY FOREVER

Forty years ago, I was concluding my first trip to Italy. A month long family trip. My wife, 3 daughters, 1 son and my parents.

A villa had been rented 45 miles south of Rome in a town called Livonia. The villa was on the Mediterranean. Livonia near Anzio where the Allied troops landed during World War II.

Rented 2 cars also. Utilizing the cars and trains, we traveled Italy.

The last three days of our trip found us in Rome. My group a bit smaller. My son and parents had left a week earlier. My son to begin studying for the bar exam, my parents to attend another grandchild’s event.

Left my wife, 3 daughters and me in Rome for three days.

Italy was undergoing terrible inflation at the time. One American dollar was the equivalent of 2,100 lire. A fortune! The American dollar could buy everything dirt cheap.

My wife made a proposal. She said give me $3,000 American money exchanged for lire. I want to buy clothes for the girls and me. Clothes, pocketbooks, shoes, etc. The works. I will not bother you for any money for one year for clothes for us, if you agree.

I agreed.

Took us all to the American Express office. Plopped $3,000 in Travelers Checks down. The man in the cage gave me lire in return. I do not recall the exact amount. I do recall it took 2 large brown paper bags to carry the money out. Remember, $1 was worth 2,100 lire.

I sat on the steps to the American Express office, organized the money and gave it to my wife. There was so much, she and the girls each had to carry a share.

Off they went. I was alone for a whole day. Not certain what to do, I walked around. Rome obviously an interesting place.

I tired and had sat on the Spanish Steps a while. Then up and began walking again.

Immediately next to the Spanish Steps on one side was a 3 story building. A small villa type structure. The bronze plaque next to the front door had emblazoned thereon John Keats Museum.

I had studied Keats in college. An English poet. Wrote romantic sonnets. The line that came to mind was “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

Keats died prematurely at age 25 in Rome.

Turned out the building I was standing in front was the place where he had died. In his rooms on the third floor.

I went up to the third floor. Viewed the tiny room and bed in which he died. Reminded me of the room across from the Ford Theater where Abraham Lincoln died after being shot.

Keats’ writings were all over the place. Covered in glass. I walked around studying many closely. I came upon a a piece of paper that obviously had at one time been crumbled by someone. Written thereon were the words: A thing of beauty is a joy forever.

An emotional moment. The words and how composed.

Lincoln came to mind again. He had written the Gettysburg Address on a ripped off portion of a paper bag.

When I hooked up with my wife and daughters later in the day, I became extremely upset. The overabundance of lire had purchased an overabundance of goods. My ladies would dress themselves a lifetime on them!

What actually bothered me was there were so many boxes and packages. My immediate thought was it will take forever to get through customs.

Purchasing was not done. Bought several large suitcases. In the end, the number of suitcases and boxes going through customs with us would total 19.

Being anal, I took all the receipts, placed them in order, outlined them on a piece of paper.

There was an additional problem.

The three nights we spent in Rome were at a pension. Run my an American order of nuns, commonly known as Black Franciscans. Their attire was black.

My cousin Rose who I wrote about several years ago when she died had been a Black Franciscan. So too was Sister Rose Vincent. Sister Rose (a different Rose from my cousin) was the Administrator of St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica.  A big shot in the Black Franciscan order. She had become a family friend over the years.

Black Franciscan nuns actually worked/operated the pension. Since we were friends with Cousin Rose and Sister Rose, we were treated like royalty.

Due to the lire situation, I spent much less than I had anticipated during our month long stay in Italy. A donation was in order. I gave the nun who was in charge of the pension $1,000. She refused to take it. Said she could not. We talked. She finally agreed to take the $1,000 if I agreed to let her use it to buy a new Blessed Mother. Their chapel needed one. So I helped in acquiring the new Blessed Mother.

A side story for a moment. A year later, a Utica friend and doctor’s wife visited Rome and stayed at the pension. She was shown the Blessed Mother. She told me that at the foot of the statue were the words: By the grace of God and Louis Petrone.

Maybe the statue will be my ticket to getting into Heaven.

The tale not yet finished.

During the $1,000 conversation with the head nun another issue arose. The pension had a solid gold cross which belonged to the mother house in the U.S. The mother house was located in Syracuse. The cross was heavy. About a foot tall and 6 inches wide. She wanted me to take it to Sister Rose who would see it got to the mother house.

The good nun wrapped the cross in a box in front of me. I became curious and nervous. How was I going to get the cross through customs? She said no problem. She wrote on the box the same words that ended up at the feet of the Blessed Virgin: By the grace of God and Louis Petrone.

I said no way! She said don’t worry. Customs will not be a problem.

Who was I to argue with an emissary of God.

Our 19 suitcases and boxes now became 20.

We were standing in line in New York waiting to go through customs. The woman in front of us had just been taken away. She had hidden an expensive watch in the lining of her fur coat.

I would be joining her soon with the gold cross.

The customs man looked at us and our 20 items. Our eyes met. I smiled and held up the list of receipts. He looked at me expressionless a few seconds and then put the x’s on our bags and boxes and waved us through.

The good nun at the pension had been correct!

You may wonder why I write about Keats, our Rome experiences, etc. today.

I had several other items assembled to write about when I came upon a small article indicating that on this date in 1820, John Keats had his first bout of lung hemorrhaging which subsequently led to his death several months later. It bought to mind “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Today’s blog the result.

Enjoy your day!