Missed a few days of blogs. Sorry. My age continues to catch up with me. One problem after another.

Anyhow, said screw it and went out last night. It was Boys’ Night Out. Last one of the season. Did not want to miss it. Had a ball!

Boys’ Night Out is the brain child of Fred Klein. He put it together about 4 years ago and has kept it going. The men meet once a month during season. All successful in their respective fields. Some retired, some still going. At 89, I was the oldest. The youngest 44. Most in their mid 60s to 70s.

Topics covered…..Everything! Sports, sex, politics, Truman, Hiroshima and Nagasaki, among others last night. 

We met at the restaurant 915. Had a private room upstairs. Heather the manager and Anna our waitress took good care of us. The food was outstanding. We enjoyed appetizers for the table and each a main course. I had the fish special. Not sure what it was, but can attest it was delicious.

The booze flowed. Wine by the bottle. Hard liquor otherwise. I have had to stop drinking because of my heart and liver. Went for it last night, however. First drink in more than a year. Enjoyed two gins on the rocks. 

The men involved each a success in their respective fields. Contributed to the quality of the discussions. Each dinner meeting the best I have ever been a part of.

Fred Klein is in his early 80s. A retired New York labor lawyer.

Dave Berger a retired anesthesiologist who also can write. I published a few of his works three years ago. I continue motivating him to write more. The man has talent.

Lou Celi. I had coffee at his home a couple of weeks ago. An economist and publisher. His Trump observations professional.

Mike Keenan. A major professional sports figure. Hockey his game. Coached the New York Rangers to the Stanley Cup in 1994. The team’s first in 50 years. A successful author in his senior years. The book “Iron Mike.” He has also coached in Russia and China. A Putin acquaintance.

Scott Beauprie. Hope I spelled his name correctly. Retired. He was a first time visitor to Boys’ Night Our. I’m confident he will return.

Nate Gubin. The youngster in the group at 44. A carpenter for 20 years. Now a successful author.

Reiley McDonald. The horse man’s person. The professional’s professional in horse racing.. Advises, buys and sells, and assists in developing racing horses. He maintains offices in many locations. Maintains a large farm in Louisville, also. His horses have successfully won in all of the Triple Crown races. 

Last but not least, me.

A special night. A night of nights. Most snowbirds and returning home. We will not meet again till next January. I hope I am still around.

Enjoy your day!

Amazing! It is turning into 1929 again. Many experts feel a recession may be imminent. No one suggesting a depression yet.

The last two days have been amazing. Actually, the past two weeks the way the market has dropped. Thursday was 1,679 points. Friday could not be worse. It was. The stock market closed 2,231 points down.

What will monday hold? More of the bad I suspect.

Yesterday marked the first time ever that the stock market closed down more than 1,500 points on back to back days.

Congratulations Donald! You are doing one hell of a job. You warned there would be some pain. Sounded like a little pain. This pain is horrendous. Will be horrible if it continues for very long.

Americans are concerned. No, worried! Your Liberation Day is turning rapidly into a disaster. Take it back! We want no more of this type gift.

Even those who supported you in the last election are starting to shit their pants! Donald, you have wrought an Apocalypse on them!

While most Americans were cringing watching the market drop yesterday, our esteemed President could be seen riding a golf cart in Florida. He is trying to work a deal where the two major golf leagues merge and play many, if not most of their tournaments, on his golf courses world wide. Donald was in Florida trying to maneuver things favorably for himself and his Saudi Arabian friends.

Son Eric announced this week that he had moved much of the Trump business into crypto some time ago. Makes me even more uncomfortable.

Donald says no deals. The tariff numbers will stick. Yet this morning’s news announces Trump and Great Britain are talking. a deal may be around the corner. Of course, the Great Britain tariff was a mere 10 percent.

One of the Trump males, Eric or Donald Jr., said this week those who pursued negotiations first would get the best deals. Those who wait till the end will be hurt. How does this tie in with the President’s words of no deals for anyone?

Millionaires don’t count anymore. One has to be a billionaire to be of concern.  What the President is attempting economically will help billionaires. How many even have 401(k)s? Many millionaires still do. The name of the game is to make it possible for the government to cut a huge tax cut for the very rich. Screw everyone else!

There is presently pending a bill before Congress to give the very rich that tax cut Donald promised. One that sounds like it will benefit everyone, but in reality only the very rich. The people got bullshitted again.

At my age and with diminishing funds and who knows what is going to happen to Social Security, I have to consider going into a business again. History a great teacher. I am going to arrange to obtain bushels of apples on a regular basis. Then began selling them on street corners. Like back in the 1930s. A nickel, dime, or quarter a piece? Probably a quarter. I have to eat, to survive.

In a few weeks, Donald has destroyed 80 years of good will and economic success. Other countries must stand up to the U.S. and say no more. They will make deals of all kinds with other nations. It will take years, if at  all, for the U.S. to return to the position of power it experienced since the end of World War II.

Is there still time to salvage things? I don’t know. 

I will not close with my usual “Enjoy your day!” Rather, it is with TRY to enjoy your day! Significant worry now a part of our everyday mentality.

And yet there are still things to celebrate.

My beloved friends from Buffalo and frequent Key West visitors Fran and Tom Dixon. Today one of major celebration for them. A big party!

It is their 50th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations!

They are having a major party to celebrate some other significant happenings in their lives. Like their daughter Frances Jo’s promotion to full bird Colonel in the USAF. A biggie! And Grandson William’s birthday.

Enjoy! Sorry I will not be with you.

Yesterday’s 1600 plus stock market drop speaks for itself. Trump said his plan was going to be a “boom.” It was.

Trump’s tariff plan took on most of the world. Appeared to be all, but was not. He even took into account an island or two only inhabited by penguins. However his plan failed to include Russia and North Korea. Why?

What will today bring? I suspect another negative stock market reading. Hopefully no where as bad as yesterday’s.

To the good things in life.

My MRI came out good. A relief! Still don’t know why my liver reading is off. Another blood test monday morning.

An enjoyable wednesday evening. Brady’s Irish Pub. Two biggies. Carolla and lasagna.

Carolla takes good care of me. Brought me Irish scones she had baked that day. With the add ons this time. Irish butter, English double cream and jelly. Took them home to enjoy. Two wednesday night and two yesterday. Delicious!

It has been more than a year since Brady’s served lasagna. It used to be a wednesday special. Am Irish pub specializing in an Italian dish! 

The lasagna was outstanding!  Try it. A winner. Even the Caesar salad and bread that accompanied it.

Ran into Bob Cerkleski that I had met the week before. He owns the art and and antique store on Fleming Street next to Fausto’s.

Met Bill and Hanna from Cape May, New Jersey. We were sitting next to each other at the bar. Retired folks, they own a condo in Key West. They were returning home yesterday as Hanna had grandmother duties to perform on monday.

Bill is retired from law enforcement. He was a prison chief. Hanna a retired administrator from the Department of Corrections. She and Bill met years ago when both were involved in police work.

They have been doing Key West for 13 years. Now their retirement home. They have two grown children and three grandchildren.

I am confident I will run into them when they return in the Fall. At Brady’s, of course.

The market opens in less than an hour. I expect my 401(k) to take another beating. Is my Social Security next? These are uncomfortable times. The loss already pisses me off. I, as all of you, worked hard to accumulate a savings. Bugs me that a third party is screwing it up. The person who supposedly is there to protect us and ours.

Enjoy your day!

Key West’s mainstay are its people. Many new people now make up Key West. The composition has changed dramatically in the past five years. Time, age, death, COVID, economics and whatever else are responsible for the change.

The new breed, so to speak, are unaware of what has made Key West what it is. Most are aware of Jimmy Buffett. Few are aware of David Wolkowsky who undoubtedly can be best described as the father of modern Key West. Even to being the man who gave Jimmy Buffett his start.

David died September 23, 2018 at the age of 99. Unfortunately I only got to know him the last six or seven years of his life. We became close. I enjoyed the relationship. I wish I had met him many years before.

Over those few years, I wrote about him several times. One of the blogs was simply titled “David Wolkowsky.” I wrote it January 16, 2017. I republish it today to educate those who may never have heard of him to learn of the great man.

The “David Wolkowsky” blog of January 16, 2017…..

“How would you like to be 96 years old, look around your home town and say…..I am responsible for all this!

Only one person. David Wolkowsky. Without him, the Key West of today would not have been.

He is the father of modern Key West.

Mentioned merely at this point to show a part of David’s contribution. The Pier House and Jimmy Buffett.

David was born in Key West. A for real Conch. His grandfather Albert Wolkowsky settled in Key West in the late 1800s. Opened a fine clothing store on Duval Street.

David grew up in Key West and Miami. Attended the University of Pennsylvania Remained in Philadelphia after graduation. He began restoring buildings. He is credited with the rejuvenation of Society Hill and Rittenhouse Square.

His successful efforts in Philadelphia made him a millionaire.

David returned to Key West in the early 1960s following the death of his father Issac Wolkowsky. He was 40 at the time. Already financially secure.

David was not one to sit still. He was driven. He had to be busy.

The Wolkowsky family owned several properties in old town. He renovated them.

The original Sloppy Joe’s on Greene Street had been condemned. He bought the building and restored it. Today known as Captain Tony’s.

He developed property on Duval and Front Streets. The properties included Pirate’s Alley and the Original Cigar Factory.

Key West in the early 1960s was nowhere like it is today. Not even close. The island was neither Paradise nor a paradise setting.

David was a man of vision. He saw where others could not.

The Gulf end of Duval Street a mess. Dirty and sloppy. No beach in sight.

David saw possibilities for the area. He purchased the old Cuban Ferry Dock for $106,000. A steal.

The Porterhouse Steamship office was located on the property. He removed it from its foundation and transported it 300 feet. Set the building on pilings in 40 feet of water. Turned it into Tony’s Fish Market. A cocktail lounge and restaurant. A successful undertaking. Guests able to watch shrimp boats moving along on the water.

David wanted to transform Key West into a funky tourist destination. Unconventional, he sought the offbeat.

In 1967, David began construction on a 50 room motel. It was constructed around Tony’s Fish Market. When the 50 rooms were completed, he quickly added 50 more. These facing the ocean. Demand was that good.

David called the motel the Pier House Resort Motel. From which today’s Pier House grew.

The hotel had a bar called the Chart Room. Still there today. Never renovated since constructed. People drink and raise hell in the same atmosphere as when built.

David sold the Pier House in the late 1970s.

Jimmy Buffett came to town in 1971. Knew very few people. An unknown. Best described, he was a young man with a guitar who enjoyed his cocktails. His last stop prior to Key West was Austin, Texas. The Austin Buffett sat on his front porch drinking and singing tunes he had composed.

One of his Austin hangouts was Lung’s Cocina del Sar. A bar. Where Buffett met up with Margaritas. The beginning of his search for a casual new place with a who cares attitude. A tropical climate was required. A beach resort place.

Buffet and David met. David was taken by him. Permitted Buffett to play in the Chart Room for tips. Later, for pay. Buffett says David was the first to pay him.

The relationship continues to today. The two close friends and occasional business partners.

Buffett was searching for his Shangri-la when first he came to Key West. He called it Margaritaville. He found it in Key West.

Bob Marley also got his start via David at the Pier House Motel.

The Pier House became a magnate for celebrities. David’s personality attracted them.

One was Truman Capote. He came to Key West to spend the winter. At David’s Pier House Motel.

David was living next to the Pier House in a 45 foot 2 bedroom trailer. Ten feet from the water. While having a drink with David in his luxurious trailer, Capote said he wanted to rent the trailer. David acquiesced after some back and forth banter. David moved to a suite in the Motel. Capote into the trailer.

During his three month stay, Capote wrote Answered Prayers.

Capote described the Pier House as “elegant inefficiency.”

The Pier House motel was the beginning of the new Key West. David is credited with putting Key West on the road to becoming a major tourist destination.

Along the way, David built the Reach Resort on the Atlantic side of Key West.

David kept a low profile. He possessed a sly humor. Drove around Key West in a golf cart or his his beloved 1926 Rolls Royce. Generally seen in a Panama hat. Several pair of sunglasses on the hat, some hanging from his neck.

David also did what only David could do. He built a house on an uninhabited private island 8 miles off Key West. Built it while building the Pier House. The island called Ballast Key.

David the visionary is exhibited in the construction of the house on Ballast Key.

There was a speakeasy on stilts which also marked the entrance to the North West Channel in Key West. It had burned down. David collected drawings and photographs of the speakeasy. He wanted his Ballast Key home to look precisely like the speakeasy.

He accomplished his aim.

David had a love for Key West history. What to name his Ballast Key home? Easy. Hemingway House.

The story is David fed his guests at Ballast Key hot dogs, wine and potato chips. The laborers working on the house, chocolate pudding and souffles from the Pier House kitchen. Transported on David’s private barge.

David was known worldwide. Many came to visit David and Key West. Better stated, they came to enjoy time with David while seeing Key West. David the attraction.

David entertained at Ballast Key. Major figures. Most if not all his friends. The likes of Truman Capote, Tennessee Williams, British Prime Minister Edward Heath, Prince Michael of Greece, Gloria Estefan, Rudolph Nureyev and the Bee Gees. Last but not least, the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Mellons.

Again, all were fed hot dogs, wine and potato chips.

A  Kress Five and Dime was located on Duval Street. David and a small number of friends bought the building. Three stories. David had a penthouse apartment constructed for himself on the third floor. The Parole Board was on the second floor. Kress, the first. The Kress portion later became Fast Buck Freddie’s.

David’s fame brought him some not unpleasant notoriety.

The novel License To Kill has 007 calling David to say, “David, it’s James Bond…I’ve broken into your island. I hope you don’t mind.”

Town & Country magazine carried a Man Of The Month section. In 1955, David was the March Man of the Month. Cary Grant the April Man of the Month.

Grant was in good company.

David worked diligently to preserve the best of old Key West. He is primarily responsible for the lack of high rises. He worked vigorously to prevent high rise buildings.

Charity wise, David was a giver. A concerned individual. Teachers an example. In 2000, he set up a Teacher Merit Awards Fund. Each year, $25,000 is given to one teacher and $5,000 each to nine. Recognition of the outstanding teachers of the given year. David was of the opinion that teachers had to be nurtured and protected.

David Wolkowsky. A legend in his own time. Owed so much. Asked nothing in return. His goal to create a better Key West. He did. His stamp on everything.”

Enjoy your day!

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow is a saying that befitted Key West 27 years ago this March. In March 1998, Key West’s first Symphony was conducted. A fundraiser. Followed in December 1998 by a full orchestra of 80 musicians. The group was referred to as the Key West Symphony.

Tiny Key West had given birth to a for real symphony. Operated for years in Key West. Grew and moved on to become the South Florida Symphony Orchestra which now operates out of Fort Lauderdale and today maintains concerts from Palm Beach south to Key West.

How did the impossible begin. 

Four persons met in December 1997 at Casa Antigua. Sebrina Maria Alfonso, Tom Oosterhoudt, Elena Spottswood and Teresa Smith. I knew three of the persons. I assume the meeting came about by Sebrina talking with Tom about starting a symphony and Tom suggesting Elena and Teresa. Whatever, the four met and the bomb was delivered. And a bomb it was! Key West a community of less than 30,000 to have a symphony?

Sebrina was Key West born. An educated musical talent. Her goal in life to lead a symphony. Tom who knew everyone. Elena who likewise knew many. And Teresa,

If the other three could put together a symphony, Sebrina would lead it.

Elena became the leader of the pack. In her words, “I didn’t know anything about a symphony orchestra. I was so excited I asked Sebrina if the Symphony could play ‘Didn’t I Blow Your Mind This Time,’ a song by the Delfonics.” Sebrina smiled. She did however provide a Key West touch to the first symphony by having the local group the Spectrelles open with “I Hear a Symphony.” The Spectrelles were stars at The Bull on Duval Street.

Elena was a worker. She assembled a group of her girl friends to help. They, including two men, became the first Symphony Board. The men Tom Oosterhoudt and Eric DeBoer. The ladies Rachel Oropeza, Caroline Ford, Marsha DePoo, Julia Orofino, Yvette Talbot, Virginia Wright, Pam Lockwood and Orchid Durkin.

At the same time, Elena sat with pen and paper and hand wrote letters to persons asking for contributions. They dripped in. Small amounts. Then she received a $500 one. She knew she was on her way. Some checks got even bigger.

The Symphony Orchestra was not the same unit that performed all the time. Sebrina would solicit the best musicians from across the country to come to Key West to perform. For pay, of course. The Symphony was a professional operation.

One problem was getting the musicians from Miami to Key West and back. Elena and the ladies solicited American Airlines. They spoke with a Jacques Fauchand. His voice and message gave them the impression he was a Frenchman. Turned out his real name was Juan Bachon. He was of Puerto Rican extraction. He wanted the Symphony deal and Elena and her team wanted American Airlines…..For Free!

Fauchand agreed. The Symphony flew free for the first performance.

All of a sudden, American Airlines wanted payment. Elena and her team said no way! One, they did not have the money. And two, they had an agreement that the flights were to be free.

American Airlines lived up to the agreement, but only for the first performance. American Airlines fired Fauchand who was really Bachon.

American Airlines backing out on the free flights was a disaster. Elena and the Board had to up their fundraising efforts quickly to compensate

The Holiday Inn at the time sat at the intersection of North Roosevelt Drive and U.S. 1. The home of what eventually became the Marriott Beachside and today the Beachside. The General Manager was Doug Wright. He agreed that Holiday Inn would provide free rooms for the musicians. He was an honorable man and never tried to back out of the deal. For years, the Holiday Inn housed the musicians.

Note that it would have been economically impossible for the Symphony to have made it without the free American Airline flights and Holiday Inn rooms.

When the Symphony began its presentations in 1998, the Board members worked every Symphony to raise additional monies. They had tables set up in the entrance lounge to the Tennessee Williams Theater from whence the Board members sold tee shirt and hats.

Eventually Elena and the Board members realized they needed additional talent on the Board. They began adding lawyers, accountants and business persons. A smart move. However the original Board did well without such assistance. Bless them!

The first Board meetings took place at Elena’s home on Caroline Street. She served chocolate kisses and cashews.

The Symphony’s first concert was the March 1998 fundraiser held at the Tennessee Williams Theater. The house was packed. The attendees parked their pick up trucks in the lot and came attired in Key West’s usual sports attire. No black tie and tails for Key West.

Elena was the first President and continued in that capacity for years.

It is frequently said when something unusual happens in Key West…..Only in Key West! The Symphony’s success an example of the saying.

Enjoy your day!

For three years prior to my heart attack last year, I used a cane. It became a necessity. A part of my life. I welcomed it. The cane prevented me from falling when I wobbled. I would suddenly lose my balance. What I describe as wobbling. I could feel it coming on and the cane prevented me from going down.

God bless America and the cane!

Following the heart attack and three heart surgeries, I found I no longer needed the cane. Ergo since the surgeries, I have proudly walked without the cane.

The wobbling has begun returning. I sense it, feel it. So I got a new cane. I had lost the old one.

I have been using the new cane for four days. What a difference! Took care of any wobbling problems. Even better, it has affected my lower back pain which has been horrendous. Three lumbar discs out of place. Two rubbing bone on bone.

For whatever reason, the cane has dramatically limited the lower back pain. To almost non-existent. May it continue to do so. My only thought for the moment is the cane makes me walk up straight. Maybe that is doing it. Whatever, I don’t care. Just glad this added benefit has manifested itself.

Last night a most enjoyable one.

It began at 6 at the Tropic Cinema. A special live show called COVID Lockdown.

Yesterday was the first day the COVID attack on Key West and other Keys was officially recognized. It was March 27, 2020. State police barricaded the entrance to the Keys. No one admitted without a specific reason. Very few were admitted.

Last night’s show was to remind us of what occurred. Key West was suddenly and dramatically shut down. Photos and videos showed all streets deserted. The town was dead. Rarely even one living soul seen. Food became an issue. How it was dealt with shown. 

Many persons remained. However, they stayed in. Did not leave their homes. I was one of them. The shutdown lasted some 66 days till June 1. For me, it lasted 1 1/2 years. I lived in Key Haven at the time. Because of my age, I feared I would contact COVID and die. Other than doctor and hospital visits, never left my home. The hospital was on nearby Stock Island. My doctor’s office nearby U.S.1 so I never got into Key West proper to see the lack of life.

The pics and films were eerie, scary. Uncomfortable to watch.

The pics, videos and speakers nevertheless excellent. It was a good reminder of what had occurred and how people reacted (or didn’t react) at the time. May we never experience such again.

I decided to have dinner afterwards at Brady’s Irish Pub. Many a moon since I had dinner when Carola was bartending. She has been a joy for years. She has a Dad in Ireland who is 94. I suspect I have become a substitute father to her in Key West. She generally bakes Irish scones for me when she knows I am going to show up for dinner.

It was good seeing Carola last night. Her Dad still alive and kicking. She is going to Ireland for a month in July to visit him.

One of the owners and I chatted. He is a St. John’s graduate. Syracuse and St. John’s were Big East basketball opponents for many years. Rick Pitino discussed.

There was a Duke fan sitting nearby. I wished his school well in the game that was to be played later in the evening against Arizona. March Madness. The Sweet Sixteen. He said he had no problem. He had attended Duke for 2 years and Arizona for 2 also. So he was a winner in any event.

Met Bob Cerkleski for the first time. He was seated next to me at the bar. He owns Seastore which is an art and other fine items store on Fleming Street next to Fausto’s. We covered a multitude of sins.

He once worked at Mel Fisher with my son in law Corey. He was not aware Core had moved onto being the Monroe County Librarian. I enjoyed my time chatting with him.

Trump does not know when it is easier to own up to a “mistake” rather than tough it through with lies. I refer specifically to the mess with SIGNAL and the in effect open line for outsiders to listen in on what I sense to have been secretive information. Admit an error  was made, promise to correct it, and move on. Trump’s not a winner on this one. Nor has he been much of a winner since he took office some 2 months ago.

Trump signed another Executive Order yesterday. Probably more than one. He has signed so many I fear he he is going to develop an ulnar nerve injury and require surgery.

The Executive Order I am concerned with has to do with his elimination of “anti-American ideology” from Smithsonian Institutions and Museums and at the same time replacing the monuments removed since 2020.

The Smithsonian consists of many buildings. Each a specialty, so to speak. I have spent considerable time in four. When is Trump going to learn to leave well enough alone?

American history is fraught with screw ups. Yet we survived. As hopefully we will survive those we are undergoing with Trump. Screw ups are part of our history, whether good, bad or indifferent. They represent truth and should be left alone. Trump must not be permitted to rewrite our history.

I can see replacing monuments, etc. removed since 2020. I was opposed to their removal for the same reason I do not want Trump screwing with Smithsonian today. History is history and should not be rewritten.

Screw with Social Security and invite a street revolution. Whether Republican or Democrat, people will not tolerate significant Social Security changes. It is their money being returned to them in pittance form. Many need it to survive.  Americans do not live in a Mar-a-Lago like Trump, play golf almost daily and can spend money willy nilly. They respect and need the few Social Security dollars they receive every month.

Trump and Musk are already playing games with Social Security. Staff has been cut back significantly. People are having difficulty communicating to resolve their needs. The next step will be delays in payments. Then watch out!

Trump wants Greenland to become part of the U.S. in some fashion. Denmark that owns Greenland and Greenland itself do not want such. Greenlanders would enjoy more business relations with the U.S., however. They have many minerals U.S. businesses could use. Security is the Trump claimed issue. Actually, it is the minerals.

This Vance, wife and child visit a bullshit one. The wife and child visiting first purportedly to watch a snow race. Greenland people were not happy with it. A sneaky way apparently from their perspective to make it look like the U.S. was sucking up to the Greenish people to make it look like we should be friends. The Greenies viewed it as part of an attempted “takeover.” It was then announced Vance would be joining his wife and child and the visit would be only to an isolated U.S. base on Greenland. It was obvious Greenland did not welcome the visit.

Vance and family might as well stay home. Greenland appears not to want them at the present time.

My hedonistic nature will be satisfied later this morning. A manicure and pedicure with Tammy. I have been doing such for 50 years. With Tammy the last 20 years. I am good for a manicure every two weeks and a pedicure every three.

Try it. You’ll love it.

Enjoy your day!

Major screw ups re U.S. attack on Yemen? Did top Trump administration officials discuss sensitive secret information improperly?

A major faux pas, if so.

Could warrant criminal investigation.

Trump officials who testified  before a Senate Committee yesterday re the issue were evasive and danced around the problem. Weak overall.

Trump’s Executive Orders have reached the point of being more than excessive. A most recent one requiring persons to provide documentation proving they are citizens when they register to vote appears to go a step too far. Such could prevent millions from voting.

Trump cried fraud in the past re the 2016 and 2020 elections to no avail. Examination revealed no widespread corruption.

Trump says he is considering a “compensation fund” for the January 6 rioters he pardoned.

As stupid and wrong as the pardons themselves!

A long discredited researcher and vaccine doubter has been retained to conduct  a government study on whether vaccines cause autism. He is David Geier. He and his father have written papers on the issue. An issue which has been studied for decades and essentially debunked.

David was disciplined by Maryland more than a decade ago for practicing medicine without a license.

Paul Weiss is one of the nation and world’s outstanding law firms. Instead of standing up to Trump re Trump’s recent onslaught against the courts and law firms, they kneeled to him. Even promising $40 million in pro bono work to organizations Trump recommends.

Disgusting! Shameful! It is up to attorneys and courts to save U.S. democracy. Paul Weiss has failed the nation and their profession.

The deportation flights carrying alleged Venezuela gang members to San Salvador a hot case that could end with amazing results. Surprisingly so. Including perjury by top Trump administration officers.

The moral of the story: Do not lie to a Federal District Court Judge. Chief Judge James Boasberg not one to be screwed with.

I am uneasy with what is occurring with Social Security. Trump and his cohorts are step by step taking down the Agency. Wrongly so.

The American people will not stand for it. Especially those 65 and older.

Social Security a Humpy Dumpty story in the making. Trump could fall and will not be able to be returned to his position on the wall.

I close with the weather.

Key West weather has been strange the past two days. Temperatures in the low 80’s and heavy humidity.

National forecasters advise summer type temperatures will sway across the country over the next two weeks. Humidity will be heavy. It will be June weather in March. Rare severe thunderstorms expected in certain areas also.

Enjoy your day!

Mamma Mia an outstanding movie musical. Starred Meryl Streep and several other big time names. A subsequent movie titled Mamma Mia Revisited or something similar came out about two years ago. Excellent also.

Now the Key West High School Drama Club is going to do Mamma Mia as its Spring Musical. Should be a WOW!

The musical will be performed April 10-12 at the High School Auditorium. Tickets $28. The cost well worth it assuming the show is as good as the three previous I have seen. Cameron had a starring role in Wizard of Oz several years ago. Robert and Ally had minor parts in their senior year shows. All terrific!

Basketball giant the Boston Celtics recently sold for a whopping $6.1 billion. The sale the largest for a North American sports franchise.

Maryland reports two more measle cases. Makes for a total of three thus far reported.

Measle cases rampant. Numbers move up daily. So far this year, 378 cases reported. More than all of last year when 285 case were reported. Texas the worst. Three hundred nine cases so far this year in West Texas alone. Thirty new cases in the last 30 days.

I worry about Kennedy running the show. To appreciate my concern, I took the time to research how the three Maryland infections were contacted. Detailed to the hour and location. A store, a corridor at an airport, etc. The detail too voluminous to report here. If you would like to be impressed, search the how on the internet.

I worry a Kennedy or Musk might decide too much effort going into the search as to how the measle epidemic had begun and was developing. 

I recall in 1954 sitting in front of the TV set with my Dad watching Roger Bannister run the mile. Word was he had an excellent chance of breaking the 4 minute mile. He did! It was exciting!

Recently a 15 year old Norwegian runner Sam Ruthe in a race in New Zealand became the youngest person to break the 4 minute mile.

Let me tell you about Joseph Dutton. A man’s man. A servant of God.

Dutton was a Civil War veteran. Joined in 1861 at the age of 18. After the War and a failed marriage, he worked at searching for the bodies of lost soldiers. The job turned him into an alcoholic.

He swore off alcohol in 1876. Joined the Catholic Church on his 40th birthday. Became a priest and spent 20 months at a Trappist Monastery, but decided God was calling him to a life of penitential action rather than contemplative.

He opted to join Father Damien’s leper colony. He joined the leper colony on Molokai in 1886. He remained 40 years caring for the lepers, especially the children afflicted.

Dutton communicated with several U.S. Presidents during that time, spreading the word world wide of the island’s needs. He became known everywhere.

The good man died March 26, 1931 at the age of 87. He lies buried next to Father Damien.

Dutton’s life is presently being scrutinized to determine his eligibility for sainthood. 

What follows does not speak well for how the U.S. is viewed internationally. Denmark, Poland, Germany and Great Britain are advising against travel to the U.S. The U.S. no longer a safe place to visit from their perspective.

Heavyweight boxing legend George Foreman died. He was 76. Two time Heavyweight Champion of the World and an Olympic gold medalist. He later made money selling the George Foreman Grill.

A respected individual.

I enjoyed a pleasant saturday morning. Coffee on Lou and Joanne’s porch in Key West. Together with Fred and Joanne. We had two Lou’s and two Joanne’s at the event.

I had met Fred and Lou before. Members of Boys’ Night Out that I have frequently missed because of health reasons. I also had met Fred’s wife Joanne several times before. Fred a retired labor lawyer. Lou still working. A smart individual. An economist and publisher. Fred’s wife Josephine an art major who ran a business for years and now paints for a living. Her art is sold at Harrison’s Gallery on White street. Fred says she supports him! Joanne runs the business end of her husband’s economic publishing business.

Typical of Fred, he dominated and directed the conversation so I and the ladies never really got an opportunity to chat. Another time.

I close with the Kennedy Center. Trump has taken over. The show was a tribute to Mark Twain and starred Conan O’Brien. A good portion of the show roasted O’Brien.

Many comedians participated. Trump received his fair share of knocking. Trump’s people had nothing to do with the show. It had been prepared, planned, etc. before Trump took over.

Re Trump, O’Brien had much to say. Among other things: Twain was suspicious of “mindless America might. He knew America was deeply flawed.” Quoting Twain who said: “Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time and your government when it deserves it.”

As a further ending note, my apologies for the few blogs published this past week. My health off and on and dictates when I write or not.

Enjoy your day!

The American people must wake up before it is too late.

Bad, improper things, are happening in the U.S. Occurring frequently and with regularity. Led by Donald Trump. He is killing the Nation. Destroying democracy. Ruining our way of life. What he is doing is also being felt world wide.

All in 60 days! Were we so weak that most did not see it coming and many still do not?

Whether you like to hear it, the path Trump is taking is similar to the one Hitler took with Nazism. People were being defecated upon. Those not bothered said it was only the Jews. Not important. Other uncommon things began happening. People acquiesced with a silent fear instead of objecting. Accepted requested changes.

Then Hitler moved forward. The Gestapo became busy, people arrested, strange things began happening. The “good people” were “surprised.” Not enough to make them say “no more,” however. They said it will pass. 

Trump will pass.

Can we wait that long? Four years?

People hide from the truth. 

Such response permitted Hitler to completely take over. If Trumpism is permitted to continue pursuing the present path, everything that actually and factually made America great will be lost. I fear that time may be around the corner for the U.S.

Wake up America! Speak up! Do not acquiesce to what is being attempted!

Trump should not pressure Zelensky and the Palestinians to end wars.  He should pressure  Putin and Netanyahu.

The Department of Education to be shut down today by Trump. He wastes no time. One problem. I question if he has the authority. My recollection is Congress only has the power to shut down Education.

The years have proven how expensive it is to run railroads and other methods of mass transportation in the U.S.

Amtrak an example.

Trump has threatened to cut funding for mass transit. In protest, Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner answered he is leaving Amtrak.

Gardner has led Amtrak for 16 years. A tough job, but he did it. Kept the ship afloat, so to speak. Apparently feels he cannot do it anymore under the circumstances.

Any value in release of further JFK files? Or merely a move by Trump to satisfy some conspiratorial persons who have clamored for the records for years? Costs Trump no money and makes him look like a hero to those who believe the true story has never been told. 

Measles slowly but surely on the rise. Total cases in Texas and New Mexico combined now 320, with 3 having died.

Three cases are considered an “outbreak.” Only 3 states have reached that number so far.

There are however a number of states where measle cases have been reported. Note in 2020 there were no measle cases reported in the U.S. The states are Alaska, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.

An historical point of interest. In 1861, Abraham Lincoln’s sons Willie and Tad were diagnosed with measles. They both survived. However, Willie died of typhoid fever one year later in 1862 and Tad from an illness in 1871.

A new “Snow White” movie has been released. A remake of sorts of Disney’s 1937 “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Initial reviews not the best. However the public, young and old alike, seem to be enjoying it. May be a winner. We shall see.

On this day in 1854, the Republican Party was founded in Ripon, Wisconsin.

Scholars considered themselves wise as far back as the 1300’s. Even before.

I mention the 1300’s because in 1345 there was a conjunction  of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Scholars at the University of Paris were concerned about the Black Death. The plague had reached epidemic proportions.

 The scholars viewed the “cause of the plague epidemic” on the conjunction of the planets. The actual cause was the “bacterism yersinia pestis” spread by fleas, rats and other animals. Too simple a solution for the scholars to have hit upon back then. 

The Boston Public Library opened in Boston this day in 1854. The first free municipal library in the U.S.

My home town Utica had a large magnificent public library. In my youth, I loved being there. My youth primarily being my grammar school days. I would ride my bicycle down and enjoy the knowledge available.

An interesting observation. Many years later when I was a practicing lawyer in Utica, most of the professional and successful business persons were other young persons I saw in the library when I was there. The influence the library had upon us!

I close with turtles and Key West. It is turtle nesting time again. Be aware and careful of the many nests buried on Key West beaches. Our little friends need our help.

Enjoy your day!

Beware of heavy glass commercial doors which close on their own. Especially if out of whack and knocks you on your ass. As happened to me monday resulting in a double fracture to my left elbow.

The last three weeks have been eventful for me re injuries. Stupid ones that should never have occurred. 

It began with physiotherapy. The therapist, who I consider great, accidently knocked a scab off a wound on my left ankle. It infected and my ankle and foot swelled. Required antibiotics. Foot fine now. 

Although I no longer require a cane, I have difficulty getting in and out of cars. I was getting out of my Volkswagen on the driver’s side when I wobbled and fell to my left. Struck my left arm below the elbow hard on the rear window. When I got in the house, I realized I was bleeding. All over the place. Shirt, floor, sink, etc.

I take blood thinners. Already had a bruise in the area I struck. The new blow bled bled. The bleeding took 15 days to stop. A few before it even began diminishing. My doctor saw me almost every day. I could only stop the blood thinner pill for one day. Otherwise, a danger of a stroke. It has stopped, but the wound still has a way to go before completely closing.

Then came monday and the door knocking me on my ass. Hit my whole left side. Hospital yesterday for cat scan of head and multiple x-rays. People who take blood thinners who have a hard head bang require x-raying to make sure no bleed. The x-rays revealed the double left elbow fracture.

Saw Dr. Norris today. He has referred me to an orthopedist that I will be seeing today. No big deal. I assume a sling until healed. 

My concern is all the physical things happening to me. I thought after my heart attack early last year, three heart surgeries and five and a half weeks in Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami that I had made my contribution to illness for a long while to come. Obviously, I was wrong.

Failed to mention that late last year my lower back began bothering me. Huge pain! Turned out to be three slipped discs in lower lumbar area. Two were rubbing bone on bone.

I’m merely sharing. Not complaining. Hope getting hurt or sick has ended for a while. I need a break.

Missed dinner at 915 with Fred, Reilly and others last night. That bothers me, but I was not up to it. Felt all beat up and tired.

Left Trump out of yesterday’s blog. Can only handle so much of him. However feel compelled to return to him briefly today. More to pin point some stupid results from his actions.

I address first the changing/eliminating of certain U.S. history portions of the DEI. Remember the raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima. One of the most respected photos ever. A statue of the same was erected at or near the Arlington Cemetery.

Two of the Marines raising the flag were Navajo Indians. Their names have been removed from certain historical records.

An example of how badly Trump induced tariff problems are getting out of hand. A French politician has called for the return of the Statue of Liberty, which originally was a gift from France. His reasoning is the U.S. no longer represents the nature embodied by the monument.

I was listening to FOX radio while driving two days ago. Trump was on advertising a “Trump watch” that was being offered for sale. The asking price of $400,000 sticks in my head. Sounds crazy. Could be less. I recall he has offered watches in the past as high as $100,000.

If anyone is aware of the price of the watch I am referring to, please advise.

Recall that Trump recently took over the Kennedy Center. Made himself Board Chairman. Since that time, more than 20 productions have been canceled or postponed. The most recent, the major historical musical hit “Hamilton.” Its producer said the show was not compatible with “a new spirit of partisanship…..at the world treasure that is the Kennedy Center.”

Trump made a statement following the meeting. He complained about everything. From the physical structure to how things had been done in the Center’s operation. He was going to correct things.

Why does he always find fault?

North Carolina Hurricane Helena blew threw almost six months ago. Trump promised a quick cleanup. First house still to be rebuilt. Everything slow. The delay in helping constitutes a second disaster in effect.

Another promise made and not kept.

Why, Donald?

Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore returned home yesterday after more than 9 months on the International Space Station.

Welcome back!

Trump took credit for their return. Part of his “Promise Made, Promise Kept.” Not correct, however. The decision was made and planned in August during the Biden administration.

I close with a fluoride observation.

A Florida State Committee last week approved a bill that includes preventing local governments from adding fluoride to water supplies.

The issue has been around a few years. Comparable in my opinion to the vaccination arguments being made today. Why can’t people leave well enough alone?

I recall when fluoridation came into being. I was in grammar school. Dental visits were commonplace until drinking water was fluoridized. Over a period of time, cavities basically disappeared. The dental business became a poor one. Dentists were hurting bad economically. It took years for the profession to return. It took implants to turn the economics of dental work around.

Enjoy your day!