I practiced law for 46 years. All courts. Federal, state and local. Before all kinds of judges. By all kinds, I refer to their dispositions. Some were cantankerous, some pleasant, some should have worked in another profession. One thing was constant however. They were all honest.

I have been retired 17 years. Things have changed in that time. Especially with certain Republican judges. They now reflect something bad. A sickness. A touch of dishonesty that did not exist before. Clarence Thomas leads the pack. A Supreme Court Justice no less.

Now comes Matthew Kacsmaryk. The Texas federal judge who declared a certain pill, used among other purposes to initiate an abortion, was illegal. The man a Trump appointee.

Turns out Kacsmaryk is a “dark judge” (I refer not to the color of his skin) in black robes.

In 2017, he submitted an article to a Texas law review criticizing Obama-era protections for transgender people and those seeking abortions. A few months later, he asked an editor of the law journal to remove his name as author and submit the name of two colleagues at his legal group First Liberty Institute. The email making the request said it was made for “reasons I may discuss at a later date.”

It was done.

The “reason” was Kacsmaryk was under serious consideration for a federal judgeship and it was obvious his comments in the law review would kill his chances.

We now understand why he wanted his name removed. He would never have been approved for the judgeship because of his anti transgender and anti pill positions.

Kacsmaryk should be impeached. He obtained his judgeship under false pretenses. His actions fraudulent. No person so deceitful should be permitted to sit in judgment on others.

MAGA persons come out with the craziest positions. Not just bordering on the weird. Weird!

One of the most recent is a social media chip by alt-right Trump supporter Ethan Schmidt-Crockett. He said women, particularly single ones, should not own dogs: “It is a major red flag…..super weird…..Super cringe…..Should be outlawed in the U.S.”

I leave the rest to your imagination.

A sicko!

Air Force reservist Teixeira has been arrested and charged with espionage. The full force of the law should fall upon him. Listen not to the idle talk he is only 21, a good kid, etc. He is a traitor. Loud and clear! Do not be misled.

The Phantom of the Opera closes today after 35 years and 13,981 performances.

One of America’s great musicals. It will return in 10 years. Great performances never disappear forever.

I was fortunate to have seen the show on Broadway 4 times.

A terrific dinner last night. Food and company the best! I dined with my good friends from Greece Theos and Dina Markis at La Te Da. 

It was a long night. We sat and talked and talked and talked.

We are getting together again tomorrow night. They leave Wednesday.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville chosen for entry into the Library of Congress.

An honor.

Buffett completed Margaritaville 66 miles south of Miami on U.S. 1. He began writing it on a napkin in a Mexican restaurant in Austin, Texas while driving to an airport to return to Key West. On the drive down from Miami, there was a fender bender on the Seven Mile Bridge. He found himself sitting on the sidewalk, starring out at Pigeon Key, when he finished Margaritaville.

Buffett played Margaritaville for the first time that evening at Crazy Ophelia’s on Duval Street. Everyone loved it so he sang it a second time.

On this day in 1829, a Temperance Society was proposed for Key West.

There was a temperance movement nationally in those days. I could not find one ever being established in Key West, however.

Jack Teixeira is the 21 year old Massachusetts Air National Guardsman who leaked hundreds of pages of classified military intelligence.

Two observations.

The first is he has only been charged with two crimes. One carries a 10 year sentence, the other 5 years. If sentenced consecutively, he will only face 15 years. Not enough time.

The man has revealed secret military information. Among the highest of military information. His crimes worthy of a minimum of 20 years, with no time off for good behavior. The Rosenberg’s were executed for providing atomic secrets. Teixeira lucky his wrongdoings short of what the Rosenbergs did.

I am generally soft in my feelings. However blowing military data is a big deal. It jeopardizes the lives of many others. In the hundreds and thousands. He must pay. And others must see the payment is severe. Otherwise, many will start doing what he did. The first gun killings were minimal. Look how they have increased over the years.

My second observation involves Marjorie Taylor Greene. A winner!

Crazy Greene has spoken out: “Jack Teixeira is a white, male Christian, and anti war. That makes him an enemy to the Biden regime.”

Teixeira did not do it because he was anti war. He did it to show off to his 20-30 friends in a chat room.

Clarence Thomas’ list of sins grows!

Harlan Crow purchased 3 houses from Thomas. Total price in excess of $100,000. One of the houses was Thomas’ mother’s home.

There is a federal law requiring Supreme Court Justices to disclose any real estate sales in excess of $1,000. Thomas did not disclose the sales per the law.

All his “wrongdoings” lead me to believe I was correct 30 years ago when Thomas denied Anita Hill’s claims at the Judiciary Committee Confirmation Hearing. I thought Thomas lied at the time.

Thomas is in a position where he should resign. Would be a class act. If the man has any class. I doubt he does.

Will the Supreme Court act on its own? I doubt it also. Who knows whether any other Justices have skeletons in their closets?

Senator Timothy Eugene Scott is a Republican from South Carolina. H announced this week he is exploring a run for the Republican nomination for President in the 2024 election.

He is anti-abortion. Openly pronounces himself pro life. He supports the NRA. He is black. Even if Trump and DeSantis are not in the race in due course, no way the far right Republicans will support a black man. If I am wrong and he gets the nomination, no way is this country going to support an anti-abortionist and NRA supporter for President.

A Barack Obama he is not!

Like a thief in the night…..DeSantis signed a new Florida abortion bill in the dark. At 11 pm thursday night.

He lacked the balls to openly sign the 6 week abortion law in the light of day with witnesses all around.

My friends Theo and Dina Markis are in from Greece. They visit Key West 2-3 times a year. We are having dinner tonight at La Te Da. 

I look forward to seeing them again.

Enjoy your day!

God bless Lynda Frechette!

Jimmy Olson complimented Lynda in a lengthy column in this week’s Key West Weekly: 2023 Aqua Idol Raises More Than $50K For Waterfront Playhouse.

Lynda has been organizing and running Aqua Idol for years. No easy task.

I knew she was successful. I did not know to what extent, however. This year $54,380.

Key West is fortunate Lynda and Bob opted to settle here many years ago.

You are the best!

House Republicans have failed thus far. Though in control of the House, they have accomplished nothing. In Shakespeare’s words, they are “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”

Washington columnist Dana Milbank wrote a combined humorous and sad column today titled: Finally, Republicans Tackle The No. 1 Issue in Washington.

The item she zeroed in on and some others mentioned. Note each is what Republican House members have been arguing.

The biggest is decriminalization of public urination in Washington, D.C. The City has created a Criminal Code Revision Committee. The Committee wants to reduce public urination from a crime to a civil violation. House Republicans are opposed.

Much time has been spent by House Republicans on what is now being referred to as the Great Public Piss Debate of 2023.

At the same time, House Republicans have decided the near daily mass shootings in the U.S. are not to be handled by them. Their position “we’re not gonna fix it.” Peeing on the streets apparently is more important than children being killed in schools.

House Republicans also held 3 hearings on Hunter Biden’s laptop. Additionally important to them, a “crisis” hearing re the “threat” of an invasion by Canada.

Important matters the House Republicans have failed to effectively address include legislation on the border and drafting a budget.

Query: Are Congressional Republicans f–ked up? Only way to describe how they’re running the House.

Biden is in Ireland for four days. Home of his ancestry. All news reports are he is happy to be there and is enjoying his ancestorial visit.

Good for him!

Pete Rose is 82 years old today. 

It is time to reverse his ejection from all things involving professional baseball. He has paid his dues. Time for him to be accepted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

One of the saddest days in American history. On this day in 1865, Abraham Lincoln was shot and mortally wounded.

Another sad event occurred on this day. The year 1912.

The British liner Titanic struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. Within 2 hours 40 minutes the ship sunk. Loss of lives 1,514.

The Blue Angels. Their air spectacular saturday and sunday. They began practicing yesterday (thursday). Flew over the golf course several times. I was on my porch. They came over low. So close, I thought I could reach up and touch them. I was speaking with my neighbor Connie at the time. Impossible to hear each other when they swept over. 

I understand they flew sky high over Duval. Not on Stock Island. Almost rooftop high. Exciting!

An increasing comment by locals appeared in the Citizens’ Voice this morning. Intimating a feeling expressed by many long term locals: “We bought our house in Old Town 24 years ago. Recently we seem to like the vibe in town less and less. We just shopped for homes in Old San Juan and it feels so better just walking around town. Might be time for a change.”

Enjoy your day!

Jack Smith is a fast moving dynamo. Appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland as Special Counsel re two criminal matters the Department of Justice was investigating. The January 6 insurrection and the mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

The final decision to prosecute lies not with Smith, however. Under the rules of the DOJ, Smith recommends to the Attorney General. It is Garland’s decision in the final analysis whether to indict.

Garland the wrong man to make that decision. He is not mentally equipped to make the decision from a prosecutorial point of view. His speed is that of a tortoise. His mind that of a long time Washington figure.

Garland does not understand the role his job entails. On a practical basis, his prosecutorial judgment is corrupted.

I have written several times re Garland as a prosecutor, his inability to do the job properly, etc. Two are repeated here. They express my concern right on.

The first set forth was published 9/8/21 and titled Is Merrick Garland Up To The Job? Incorporated in that blog is the first blog I wrote concerning Garland’s competency 4 months earlier on 5/13/21 as part of Morning Stew #48.

My concerns have not changed.

Merrick Garland has had a distinguished career. First as the lead investigator in securing the conviction of the Oklahoma City bomber 25 years ago. Followed by 20 years as a federal appellate judge.

Now he is Attorney General. Only a few months. Time waits for no man, however. As Biden’s plate is full, so is Garland’s.

He has to move his ass. He is working too slowly. His decision making is that of a judge. Deliberate and analytical. Yes or no must be answered with clarity when a judge. A prosecutor has more leeway.

Three things are not getting the attention they deserve. Some the Justice Department not even involved in, though they should be. The three are the new Texas voting law, the new Texas abortion law, and the January 6 investigation.

The January 6 investigation needs the power of the FBI in directing the investigation, issuing subpoenas, etc. Not to say the House will not do a good job. However the House can be played with politically during the course of its investigation. The FBI not.

Subpoenas would have already been issued. Doors knocked on at 5 in the morning with court orders for records, etc.

Speed is demanded in the three matters specified. Perhaps in others also.

I had a concern when Biden nominated Garland to be Attorney General. I shared it in my blog titled Morning Stew #48 published May 13, 2021. The comment short. I repeat it in its entirety. My concern today similar as back then.

“Merrick Garland was confirmed by the Senate Judiciary Committee this past week for the position of Attorney General. The Senate will confirm him, if it has not already done so.

Garland has been touted as ‘best’ for the job for two reasons.

First, he headed the Oklahoma investigation 25 years ago. Second, he has been a respected federal judge for more than 20 years.

Both experiences qualifying on their faces. However, I question such.

Twenty five years is a long time ago. No one can tell whether he is as good investigating wise today as he was then. A good judge does not necessarily make a good prosecutor. Especially after 20 years as a judge. The mind changes. In some instances, the drive also.

I hope Garland does well and I wish him well. However, he causes me concern.”

It would be a shame if Trump were not called upon to answer for his sins. No person is above the law. Not even a former President.

In recent days, it has been revealed that Supreme Court Justice Thomas and his wife have received free trips over the years from his “friend” Harlan Crow. A jet/super yacht trip to Indonesia costing $500,000 one of the trips. It has also recently come to light that in 2009, Crow provided $500,000 to the political advocacy group Liberty Control founded by Ginni Thomas.

Crow might be described as a “collector” of sorts. He collects judges, politicians, and as recently revealed also Nazi memorabilia.

Bess Levin published an article 4/10/23 in Vanity Fair titled: Clarence Thomas Curiously Silent About His Vacation Buddy’s Nazi Fetish. The article spelled out Crow’s “thing” for collecting Nazi memorabilia. Included are 2 paintings by Hitler, a copy of Mein Kampf signed by Hitler, and a roomful of other items. The article also stated Crow has garden statues of Lenin, Stalin and various other persons of questionable character.

Levin published an article the next day 4/11/23 involving Alvin Bragg and Jim Jordan: Alvin Bragg’s Office Tells Jim Jordan to Take a Road Trip to Ohio If He Wants to Talk About Violent Crime. 

Levin wrote re Jordan’s planned stunt event scheduled for next week: “In the most polite manner, they’ve told the lawmaker from Ohio that he can start his hearing where the sun don’t shine.”

Later yesterday, Bragg initiated a lawsuit to compel Jordan to cease and desist his “intimidation” attempts.

The Tennessee House of Representatives is proving the ancient axiom that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

House Speaker Cameron Sexton may feel the wrath of his actions in leading the fight in removing black Representatives Jones and Pearson. It has been discovered and revealed that Sexton may not live in the district he is representing. He and his family live in Nashville, a 2 hour drive from his purported district Crosville home. The Crosville residence is a small condo. One he has not paid taxes on in 2 years.

Proving what goes around comes around.

Needless to say, there are Washington Senators and Representatives that are whacks. Those who talk without thinking.

Two examples.

Texas Senator Cruz. He has introduced a new bill: Securing Our Children’s Schools Act. On March 30, he spoke on the Senate floor in support of his bill. One item was to have armed police or guards in schools. He advised that banks have armed police officers/guards and no shootings take place. His message simple. More armed guards in schools, as in banks, and shooters will not dare attempt anything.

A few days later, the Nashville bank shooting where 5 were killed and 9 others injured.

Cruz has been silent regarding the issue since.

Then there is the Mexican fentanyl issue. A gigantic problem also. Senator Cotton and Representatives Crenshaw and Waltz recommend bombing Mexico. They’re serious! Cotton for doing it even without Mexico’s permission.

While in New York City for Trump’s arraignment, Marjorie Taylor Greene likened Donald Trump to Nelson Mandela and Jesus Christ.

Is she mentally stable? Keep in mind this woman is considered the #2 power in the House of Representatives.

A live and learn item. Man is the only “animal” with a chin. Not even chimpanzees and apes have chins.

No one knows why.

Enjoy your day!

‘s thing for collecting

Congratulations are in order!

Sheila Cullen has been on the staff of the Keys Citizen for a number of years. I note in this morning’s paper she has a by-line of sorts. Today in History on age 2. Sheila’s name appears beneath the title for the first time. Congratulations dear friend!

Boys Night Out was its usual success last night. Venue was La Te Da. 

Seven of us.

Met Reiley McDonald for the first time. Nice guy. A snowbird. Home is Lexington, Kentucky. He is a thoroughbred horse trader by profession. He buys and sells horse racing’s best.

Reiley (yes, that is his first name) is a Cornell grad. While there in the 1970’s, he played on two consecutive undefeated lacrosse teams. He was an All-American. He still enjoys the sport of his youth. He volunteers while in Key West as one of the coaches to the high school girl’s lacrosse team.

I labeled Reiley a “nice” guy not only because of his personable nature and continued lacrosse contributions. For an additional reason. A selfish one from my perspective. He reads my blog everyday. Love you, Reiley!

Mike Smith. Another interesting individual. He is retired at 50. God bless him! A successful multi-entrepreneur. A snowbird also. Lives in Connecticut.

Louis Celi aka Brooklyn Celi. An economist. Better described as an economic researcher. Works for himself. He is retained by various companies world wide for different projects.

Fred Klein. Fred got me into this group. Might be described as a semi-retired New York City labor lawyer. Gregarious. He is the one who puts these dinners together. A Syracuse graduate.

Bernard “Bunny” Hyman. Syracuse classmate and life long Fred Klein friend. A snowbird, also. A New York tax certiorari attorney.

My contribution to the group for the first time last night Don Teich. Another snowbird. Visits Key West 4 times a year. He, his wife Chris and I met 15 years ago. A match made in Heaven. Miss them when they are gone. Don owns a piece of a South Korean company. Spends much time in South Korea and otherwise traveling world wide.

Table discussions covered a multitude of sins. Politics part of it. Two of the 7 Trump Republicans, the remaining 5 Democrats.

A portion of the discussion involved firearms. One at the table advised he owned 100 guns. The conversation that followed interesting.

Two ladies were seated at a table next to ours. I was the closest seated next to them. I began a conversation with one of them. Bobette Morin. Turns out she is from Fayetteville, N.Y. Fayetteville is a suburb of Syracuse. She was with her snowbird  friend Mary Ann Steinberg from Appleton, Wisconsin.

I told Bobette I was a milk man while in law school and delivered to Fayetteville. She immediately named my employer. Byrne Dairy. I may have delivered to her home in the late 1950’s.

My Father’s birthday was yesterday. He would have been 109 years old. Dad was born April 10, 1914.

He died at 98. His father at 94. His sister Mary at 102.

Will I make it?

More information is available re the Lexington bank shooting which occurred yesterday morning. Five killed and nine injured. The victims ages 40-64.

One of the injured a 26 year old police officer. New to the job. He was sworn in as a police officer only 10 days before. He was one of the first to enter the bank building and confront the shooter. He was shot in the head and has undergone brain  surgery. His condition critical.

The shooter a disgruntled bank employee. He had received notice he was going to be fired. He armed himself with an AR-15 semi automatic. He also Instagram reordered the shooting as it progressed.

His name Connor Sturgon. A three year employee of the bank at the time of the shooting.

The actor Joel Grey is 91 today. He received an Academy Award As Best Supporting Actor for his role as Master of Ceremonies in Cabaret.  He originated the role of George M. Cohan in the Broadway musical George M!.

Hurricane season does not arrive till June 1. Could be earlier this year. Much earlier.

A storm is presently brewing in the mid Atlantic. Warnings are it could develop into a hurricane. If so, a name has already been selected. Arlene.

Experts advise the storm would be more rain than wind.

Enjoy your day!

Talk about the high cost of groceries!

Certain stores take high priced items and place them under lock and key. Visible, but not available to human touch for fear of theft.

The caution has reached a grocery supermarket in England. Applies to a usual sized tub of butter. Like one pound. Brand name Lurpak. Cost in English pound 5.35. The lock and key is a “security net.” The supermarket Aldi.

A few months ago, I wrote that sportswriters were treating golfer Jon Rahm unfairly. He had been on a winning streak. Sort of a Johnny come lately. They did not feel he had achieved star status yet.

This year alone prior to this week’s Masters, he had won 4 tournaments. Yesterday, he won the Masters.

Does he now qualify for star status?

A great tournament! Rahm began the day 4 strokes out and ended up winning by 4 strokes.

More significantly was Phil Mickelson. He ended up tied for second place 4 strokes behind Rahm. Mickelson somewhere around 50 years old. In his declining year as a golf star. It was exciting to watch him play yesterday where he shot a 65.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced this past week he is running for President in 2024. He is seeking the Democratic nomination.

Kennedy is the nephew of John F. Kennedy and the son of Robert F. Kennedy. He is neither talent wise. He is an odd ball on the family tree.

Proof are those supporting him. Very few. The most notable and his mentor is Steve Bannon. Bannon said Kennedy would make a great “chaos agent” in the Democratic primary.

Bess Levin is a critical political writer for Vanity Fair. She generally is right on. Pulls no punches.

Last November she wrote an article re Rupert Murdoch and Donald Trump. Fit like a glove then, fits like a glove now.

The article published November 10, 2022 was titled: Rupert Murdoch Knees Trump in the Balls While He’s Doubled Over Coughing Up Blood.

The article was clear Trump was no longer in Murdoch’s “warm embrace.” Nothing has changed since. If anything, the two are further apart. The FOX/Dominion lawsuit the influencing factor.

Levin wrote back in November: “The message from the Murdoch owned New York Post, Wall street Journal, and FOX News is clear: Pack your bags bitch. You’re done.”

JUST ANNOUNCED ON TV: ANOTHER MASS SHOOTING.

A mass shooting occurred minutes ago in a bank in Louisville, Kentucky. Five dead, six hospitalized. One of the dead may be the shooter. Quick police arrival. Shooting on going when first police arrived. No other information available.

Manhattan indictment now behind Trump. He has been indicted. 

Is there a next indictment? I would put my money on Georgia. Could occur in the next few weeks. As soon as by the end of this month.

It will be a WOW!.

The Jose Marti Monument continues to maintain its prominent position in Bayview Park. Marti a part of Key West history.

It was on this day in 1937 the Monument was unveiled. Marie Gusten, Matron of the Mercedes Hospital, presided over the ceremony.

Party time tonight. Boys Night Out. Six of us for dinner at La Te Da. Most Syracuse University related.

Enjoy your day!

Easter Sunday is a major Christian holiday. Christ rose from the dead!

Some recollections of my Italian Easter.

As a boy, I recall everyone dressing and going to Church on Easter Sunday. I always had a suit which I had to wear that day. The whole family dressed. This was not an Italian thing alone. My recollection is everyone, regardless of ethnic background, dressed.

It was like Easter Sunday on Fifth Avenue. People nodding Happy Easters as they passed on the way to and from Church.

Dinners were festive family events.

As a boy, we ate at my grandparents’. My father’s parents. Aunts, uncles and cousins. Card tables added to the already large kitchen table to accommodate everyone.

We were poor. The holiday meal was grandiose nevertheless. Pasta, of course. Sauce meats such as meatballs, pork and beef. No roasts. They came many years later when some family members became financially sufficient. Chickens instead. Male chickens which had been neutered. Referred to as capons. Cheap in comparison to meats. Denutting the roosters made them grow larger and their meat more tender.

There was Easter bread. Bland large pieces of bread home made with 2-3 hard boiled eggs (still in their shells) cooked into the bread. Not one of my favorites. No taste.

Easter eggs were colored by boiling onion skins and dipping the eggs in the brown residue. It was years before I knew people actually colored eggs by buying paints.

Soap was used to write names on the eggs before dunking them in the onion liquid.

As time progressed, two items began appearing that were not there in earlier years. I cannot recall exactly when. Both items became my favorites. Cassata and sausage pie.

Cassata absolutely the best!

Its basis was ricotta. Added was lemon, chocolate chips, candied fruit including red and green cherries, and a bit of liquor.

The result was a pie. Cassata pie.

Baked in a 3 inch deep dish. The dish wide/large. A thick hard crust surrounding the entire dish. Top, sides and bottom.

Cooled in the refrigerator. Generally enough to pick on for at least a week. The taste divine.

I recall my mother and wife making it. Lisa does a stripped down version. A small pie vanilla flavored. She does not add the chocolate, candied fruits, etc.

Needless to say, a heavy dish. Once consumed, it stayed with you for a while.

The other I could die for Easter dish was sausage pie. Sausage and mozzarella baked in a typical pie fashion dish. As with the cassata, totally enclosed in crust. 

Sausage pie was really heavy. More so than the cassata. Large amounts could not be consumed at one time. Its great taste kept one coming back however for days consuming small slices.

My wife was Sicilian. She brought the Sicilian touch to our Easter dinner table. Lamb. As the family grew, so did the meat variations. A prime rib and stuffed meat roll of some sort were added.

I want to conclude writing about an item not Italian nor something I experienced. Rather it involves a story few are aware of. So for the first time, I share a brief history of Easter eggs. Not the brown onion skin colored ones my grandmother made. This story goes back hundreds of years and involves Christ himself.

At a time following Christ having risen from the dead, Easter eggs became popular. Born of Christ’s crucifixion and having risen from the dead.

The hard boiled egg came to symbolize the empty tomb of Jesus. Cracking the egg represented Christ leaving the tomb. The eggs at the time were stained a bright red. So colored in memory of the blood Christ shed at the time of His crucifixion.

Happy Easter my friends! 

I keep writing and talking about Key West having changed dramatically. It began with COVID.

I have experienced Key West for some 30 years. I concede things change with time. The Key West change has been rapid however.

Citizens’ Voice this morning had a comment from someone who only moved to Key West in 2021: “We moved here in 2021 for the weather and Keys lifestyle. We have discovered reality is we don’t like all the tourists, the high prices, poor service and the attitude of so many. Sadly, it is time to move already.”

Such does not mean everyone walks around with a long face. I saw the contrary yesterday. 

Stopped in Publix to pick up a prescription. It was not ready.

The store was crowded. Baskets full. Many with 2 baskets. Everyone smiling. Appeared holiday happy.

I have spoken of food expense. Not tomorrow. People are eating big Easter Sunday. Their attitude appeared to be what the hell, let’s enjoy for a day!

As it should be.

Can always save on groceries next week.

COVID our recent calamity. In 1833, it was cholera for the people of Key West.

On this day in 1833, the disease was rampant. People were fleeing the island. The military garrison, except for 1 officer and 3 men. Residents were escaping as fast as they could. Physicians included.

It was on this day in 1928 that Ernest Hemingway and wife Pauline arrived for the first time. They came on a steamship from Havana. Hemingway’s intent was to stay for a few days. He had ordered a new Ford and was waiting for its delivery. The Ford came. Hemingway stayed. For ten years.

The March job report is out. Another good month. The report showed continued signs of strength. Unemployment fell to 3.5 percent, the U.S. economy added 236,000 jobs.

Pope Francis spoke recently on sex. Some of his comments: Using dating apps…..to meet potential partners is “normal” / Catholic Church’s thinking on sex is “still in diapers” / “Sex is one of the beautiful things God gave to human beings” / Sex is “an expression of love” / Re abortion, he instructed priests ministering woman who have had such to “not ask many questions and be merciful, such as Jesus was” / Re transgender, nonbinary and LGBTQ, “the Church cannot close its doors on anybody…..My job is to receive, always.”

An unusual Masters. All kinds of strange things happening.

The weather not the best yesterday. Strong winds. Several trees fell in the spectator area near the 17th hole. No one was injured. Play was suspended till today. Today worse weather expected, including cold. In the 50’s. 

Bruce Koepka has been working on a comeback for several years. A round at a time. He may have finally made it. At the end of 2 days, he leads the Masters by 3 shots with a minus 12.

A few amateurs are permitted to play each year. Sam Bennett is one of them. He is in third place with a minus 8. Only 20 years old. A sophomore at Texas Tech. He could win. Would be a first.

Great Rory McIlroy did not make the cut. Shot a 77 yesterday. His game seemed to be off just a bit on each shot and putt. For two consecutive days. Played poorly in his last tournament also.

Except for a quick trip to Publix for a prescription pick up, today will be spent at home. Watching the Masters, of course. The reason I will be in is because I hurt. Chest pains earlier this morning. Woke also with left ankle giving me trouble and sciatica pains in right thigh.

I’m doing good! A joke, of course.

Enjoy your day!

I thought Clarence Thomas was a bad choice for the Supreme Court when approved in 1991. He has done nothing in his 30 plus years on the bench to change my thinking. I believed Anita Hill and thought Thomas was lying during the Judiciary Committee inquiry. He is the only Supreme Court Justice who basically failed to ask questions during his first 25 ears on the bench. Something I attribute to his lack of confidence in himself. His decisions far right. He supports the NRA, has been anti-abortion, and generally votes with corporate America as opposed to the little guy. His ethics increasingly questionable. He is a black man who wanted to be white. He has succeeded in that regard in every respect. 

No question. I consider him one of the poorest choices ever for the esteemed position he holds.

In the last 24 hours, another Clarence Thomas revelation. One where he again has overstepped the bounds of propriety. In this instance to the tune of $500,ooo. He and his wife accepted a luxury trip via private jet and a super yacht to Indonesia.

Not the first trip paid for by someone else. The someone else being billionaire and far right Republican megadonor Harlan Crow. Crow has made possible multiple big time trips for Thomas world wide over the past 20 years.

President Biden criticized the Indonesia trip yesterday. I expect Biden would. Strange at the same time. Strange from an historical perspective. In October 1991, then Senator Biden was Chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Biden was very disrespectful to Anita Hill. Biden clearly showed it. Though anti-Hill and her position, he nevertheless voted against Thomas’ nomination. Strange in itself under the circumstances.

I believed Hill re the sexual claims she made against Thomas. I considered Biden’s treatment of her sad.

Thomas played it well. Responded to the charges as “sleaze…..gossip…..and lies.” Characterized the Committee’s hearing as a “circus” and “national disgrace.”

Thomas’ biggest bomb was when he referred to the televised hearing as “a high tech lynching for uppity Blacks.” The last comment made with all the emotion expected from a black man being felt put upon. From my perspective, he lied well to save his ass.

I repeat again that Biden over the years has acknowledged he was wrong in effect in how he treated Hill.

A simple solution is available. Pressure Thomas with his “wrongdoings” over the years. They are all true. Force him to resign. Replace him with Anita Hill who has distinguished herself over the years as a law professor.

It is time to correct the wrong done her and the nation.

I wrote briefly yesterday re the cost of eggs and increased use during Easter time. Andy is a blog reader. He commented: “On March 29, 2003 CNN (and others) published: Cal-Maine Foods, the largest egg producer in the United States, reposted revenue doubled and profit surged 718 percent this last quarter because of sharply higher egg prices.”

Another it’s nobody’s business Florida proposed law: No talking about menstruation in school until the 6th grade.

The bill passed the Florida House March 31.

If a female student askes questions about menstruation in the 4th or 5th grade, they are not to be answered.

DeSantis is expected to sign the bill into law.

What happened to the sanctity of the home in dealing with such matters?

In mine, we had 3 daughters. Their mother, sisters, and even Grandma, dealt with the issue. It was a personal female family thing. Government is not needed in every aspect of a person’s sexual life.

The Tennessee House of Representatives treated 3 members disgracefully yesterday. In doing so, showed what they are. A bunch of old white men acting as gun supported racists.

Disgusting!

The conduct of the House will lead to its detraction as a Republican power base. Expect Democrats in the next 2-3 elections to take control. Today’s people will not tolerate such conduct. It’ s a new world in the making. Youngsters reaching voting age, Trump’s MAGA madness base eroding.

On this day in 1935, Joseph “Sloppy Joe” Russell moved his bar from 428 Greene Street to its present location on the corner of Duval and Greene Streets.

Ernest Hemingway helped his friend Joe Russell with the physical move.

A busy afternoon ahead. A pedicure and manicure  at noon. Followed by lunch at Hogfish. I have a craving for lobster bisque.

Enjoy your day!