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!

Strange things have happened in Key West. One was a siesta policy which began in 1935. No longer in existence. However, I could not find when it ended and why.

The Federal Relief Administration began the siesta policy by giving employees two hours at lunch instead of one. The time would be made up by work starting an hour earlier.

I ran into the siesta time for the first time 40 years ago on a one month Italian vacation with my family. We were in Rome on day one and needed money. My recollection is the Italian dollar at the time was the lira. Credit cards not yet in existence. One arrived with U.S. travelers checks which were converted at an Italian bank into lira.

The line was long at the bank. I waited patiently. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. When I finally reached the end of the line, the clerk pulled the shade down. I was screwed. It was 1 pm and siesta time had begun. One to five. Religiously followed by businesses and people.

Beware of the heavy glass door at Five Guys between the restaurant and its outside patio. It royally knocked me on my ass yesterday.

I read on the internet a few weeks ago that the finest chain restaurant grilled cheese sandwich is to be found at Five Guys. Would you believe!

I love grilled cheese sandwiches. Opted to give it a try yesterday.

The restaurant proper was freezing cold. Everyone seated outside. After getting my bag of fries and the sandwich plus my glass of soda, I headed out. My two hands were full. The door was heavy glass with a bar in the center to push to gain entry outside. I turned to my left and pushed the bar with my body. The door opened a sufficient distance for me to walk through. As I did, it came slamming back on me. Knocked me on my ass. Fries and soda all over me. And hurt like hell!

The door caught me completely on my left side. From my head to my left eye to my left shoulder, to my left elbow, to my left hip and finally my left ankle. Three inch minor bleeding cut very near the bleeding problem I have had for more than two weeks. A cut on my ankle also.

Took 3 people to get me up. As those my age are aware. next to impossible to get up alone if you fall.

Staff helpful and concerned. Especially the manager. Wanted to call an ambulance. I said no. Just get me to a seat and get me a new order. Done. She also band aided my bleeding elbow.

I sat there in pain thinking what an asshole I was. Falling a common thing in one’s old age. However this was not my fault. It was the door which was set too close too rapidly.

I hurt everywhere. Ate my grilled cheese sandwich and a few fries.

I announce for all to hear. The Five Guys grilled cheese is one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I have ever had. And only $5.95.

All I wanted was my home and bed. Called Dr. Norris when I got settled in. Told him I did not want to see him. Wanted to merely lie in bed.

Eventually I hurt like hell all over. By evening, less. This morning even less. Called Norris. I have to see him at 11:30. My left elbow bone hurts the worst. Not broke. I boke it once. It should have been swollen. Not. My head and left hip sore. The Norris visit a precautionary one he insisted upon. I am to skip physiotherapy this morning.

Looking forward to this evening. Dinner with Fred and the group he puts together monthly. All interesting people. We are meeting at the 915. I have not been there in 15 years. Looking forward to the company and the food.

Archaeologists discovered a 1,300 year old flush toilet at a Palace in South Korea. It was only for use by a Prince and his ladies.

No Trump today. He gets to be too much. I give you and me both a day off.

In closing, I mention the two astronauts who were stuck 286 days in space are on their way home. Their space ship is due to splash down in the Atlantic off the coast of Florida this evening. 

Thank God they are finally returning and safely. They were initially sent up for 6 or 8 days. Then the return portion of the vessel screwed up and they were required to remain for months.

Enjoy your day!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Everyone is Irish today!

Parades galore.

The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade not an American thing per se. Though it did occur on what became American soil. The first Parade took place in 1762 in New York City. Irish members of the British Army decided to celebrate their patron Saint’s Day.

Frolic all day. Drink green beer. Enjoy corned beef and cabbage.

A bit of a Louis St. Patrick’s Day joke. Greenland has green in its name. Apropos therefore that on this day Greenland offers to buy the U.S. 

Doesn’t read as funny as it did in my mind. Fits, however.

Don’t screw with Canada! Tough stand up people. Trump is not scaring them. They are meeting his force with force plus more.

Basic methods of transport from the U.S. to Alaska have been free. Roads, waterways. An act of friendship. 

No more. Canada has blocked all free routes. Still remain available, but now cost money. Whoever using, must pay. Affects business and personal use.

Trump obviously did not see this one coming.  

Is a Trump confrontation with the Judiciary at hand?

On saturday, a Federal District Court Judge in Washington, D.C. made it unequivocally clear in an oral order from the bench that chartered flights in the air on their way to Venezuela with Venezuelan gang members were to turn around…..if the planes had not yet landed. He also ordered no further such flights. He followed his decision with a written order, but made it clear from the bench that a written order was not required.

The Judge’s order was not adhered to. Ignored.

Two planes were in the air when the order was made. A third had not yet taken off when the written order had been made.

A White House official pushed back at the validity of the Judge’s order saying a single judge should not have the power to usurp the President’s authority: “We believe this is a baseless legal ruling no matter when the flights took off.”

The matter is back before the Federal Judge in D.C. tuesday and wednesdy. I bet my money on the Judge. You do not screw with a Federal Judge in D.C. or elsewhere. The most powerful judge in the Nation. Even more so than a U.S. Supreme Court Justice.

Measles getting out of hand. Kennedy will be no help, nor will Trump who appointed him. An epidemic of gigantic proportions could be brewing.

Trump touching everything. He screwed up Kennedy Center’s Board. Took over control in effect. Things have not been the same since. Today he is going to preside over its Board meeting.

Donald’s plate is full. The raging tariff wars, Ukraine, bombs falling on the Middle East, his hands in everything world wide. Too much for one man to handle. Even a Donald Trump.

In a brilliant Opinion piece in the New York Times March 11th, Brent Stephens wrote: “Democracy dies in dumbness.” The title of his work the same.

Read the piece. It is right on.

Stephens nails Trump’s erroneous moves which are leading us down the path of democratic destruction.

In closing, I address the Key West Airport which I have written and spoken about in the past.

I begin: Just what Key West needs! Another airline! We have too many already!

Key West Airport, even as being remodeled, is not sufficiently large to handle all the airlines flying in. Bringing with them tons of tourists, business travelers and residents. A fire disaster in the making.

Key West as a community is overloaded now. Whereas real estate prices are falling all over Florida, Key West’s remain high. Workers cannot afford to live here. People moving out because it has become for most too expensive to live here.

Will our community leaders ever learn?

Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day!

The blog has been absent for a few days. Sorry. I have been under the weather a bit.

Back, however!

Much to mention. Ergo, no organization. Topics laid out in the order they appear in my notes.

Schumer has been a great Democratic leader in the Senate. His time has come to an end, however. He must move on. Permit someone else to take his place.

My recent concern is the way he handled the Senate bill which if it did not pass could have resulted in a government shutdown. He voted with the Republicans. A bad move!

Our nation is in desperate times. Trump and his cohorts are destroying us. Schumer by voting with the Republicans was playing the typical gentlemanly approach to a problem. Doing what normally would have been the correct thing. Keep the government open.

However, the problem was a Republican one to solve. Republicans control the House, Senate, Presidency and for most purposes the Supreme Court. Let them solve the problem, especially one they created. The bill destroys many people in the U.S. (Medicaid cuts deep) and may for other reasons contribute to a recession.

Democrats must stand and fight Republicans on every issue. No deviation. Beating them into the ground! New and younger blood required. They are already present in both Houses. Let them become the face of the Democratic Party.

Trump appeared before the Justice Department. Not his place. Presidents generally avoid the appearance.

Donald talked about how the Democrats had prosecuted him. He survived, however! Now he is out to get even. Clearly suggested his intent to prosecute those who went after him.

Not the way things have been done from an historical perspective in the U.S. Donald’s way though. The wrong way.

The tariff wars cannot be blamed for everything. Coffee going up. Problem not primarily tariffs. Brazil a major coffee source. Extreme weather has been ravishing Brazil’s coffee harvest.

Medicaid taking a big hit in the new budget bill. A major wound. Almost a killer. Too many people in need of the medical care Medicaid provides will now go without.

Thank you, Donald!

Hats, tee shirts, mugs, all kinds of MAGA and Trump items, that are being sold in large numbers. Trump says we should buy American. It has been revealed that roughly 50 percent of these type items sold are made in foreign countries. The labels/markings on the items not made in America say: Designed in the USA and/or  the state is named. However Made In another story which is conveniently covered with a stick-um.

The stock market has been a disaster the past two weeks. Two weeks more and we could be in a for real recession. Another thank you for Donald.

One of Key West’s power musicians is Larry Smith. He was “big” 30 years ago when I first arrived in Key West. He remains one of Key West’s top singers, pianist and show planners. Larry has put together another “biggie.” The Lady Vocalists of Key West. 

Larry has assembled a stellar cast of talented vocalists with whom he has performed over the years. All headliners.

The show will be co-hosted by Larry’s long time collaborator, the lovely Jenna Stauffer.

The show is this friday evening March 21st at the Key West Theater. Tickets $50-70 available on AXS. Expensive, but sure to be good!

Rumor has it that Don’s Place is being sold. Sad! One of my favorites for years. The favorite of many. 

International banker Jamie Dion is uncomfortable with the economy. He said, “Uncertainty is not a good thing.”

I worry when a guy like Dion worries!

On this day in 1925, the Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Navy Franklin D. Roosevelt, accompanied by his wife Eleanor, arrived in Key West for several days of fishing. It was their second visit to Key West. They had been pleased with their first experience and wanted to return.

How things change! On March 13, 1925, a Tavernier business applied for a license to sell beer and wine. It was denied by the Monroe County Commission. Area residents signed and submitted a petition evidencing strong opposition to the sale of any intoxicants on the Upper Keys.

No way today!

Washington, D.C. turmoil affects the Keys. Trump and Musk hurting us.

Examples include Canada. Canadian tourists this time of the year are many. Even European tourists. Not this season.

The problem not tourist business alone.  Federal agencies are bracing for hits. Like the National Park Service, National Weather Service, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Everglades Park and Tortugas have already lost some employees.

The National Marine Sanctuary has already had 748 leases terminated.

Rams Head brought back the Beach Boys. To a packed concert!

Good for Rams Head!

Excuse the vernacular, the Trump/Musk team is not just playing hard ball. It is playing dirty ball also.

Instead of firing some federal workers, the “new game” is to transfer their jobs/places of work to locations hundreds of miles away and give notice to the transferred employees that they are to report to work in the new location in a matter of a few days. Short days.

I have left to last the thing that bothers me the most today. If you recall anything from today’s blog, what follows should insult and piss you off the most. It bothers me no end.

Arlington Cemetery is big. It is being required to scrub links about Blacks, Hispanics and female veterans. As well as topics such as the Civil War. The Defense Department’s purpose is to remove all references to diversity, equity and inclusion from its on drive presence.

Examples speak loud. That which is being deleted. Internal links which direct users to webpages listing “Notable Graves” of Black, Hispanic and female veterans and their spouses. On these pages could be read short biographies of persons buried in Arlington Cemetery. Including General Colin Powell, the youngest and first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Staff; Hector Santa Anna, a World War II B-17 bomber pilot, Berlin Airlift pilot and career military leader; members of the Tuskegee Airmen, the U.S. first Black military airmen whose accomplishments include completing more than 1,800 missions during World War II; and members of the 688th Central Postal Delivery Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female Women’s Army Corps sent to aid overseas during World War II.

Did Donald ever serve in the military defense of his country? Wasn’t there something about spurs in his foot?

Enjoy your day!

Last night tuesday. Tuesday Happy Hour at The Grand. A great Happy Hour yesterday!

Matt bartending. Great personality. Steve and Cindy, Eddie, Chris and strangers.

Happy Hour for locals half price for appetizers and booze. I’m not drinking so it’s only the food for me. Decided on small clams buried in a butter sauce with a basket of cut up chunks of soft bread. For dunking. The best part of the meal.

Inexpensive. I was embarrassed when I got the bill: $8. The clams $16 normally. Happy Hourr price $8. I dropped a $20 bill on the bar as I left.

Great conversation with Steve. He is always a joy to be with. He arrived in Key West in the 1960’s. Became friends with Jimmy Buffett when Buffett arrived in the early 1970’s. I learned Steve was a guest at Buffett’s wedding in Aspen many years ago. These guys knew how to live it up back then.

Steve made an observation about the blog that was correct. When Trump was sworn in as President some 50 days ago, I wrote that within 1-2 months he would screw everything up and bring our country to the brink of disaster. Steve reminded me I was correct. Everything I said was going to happen has begun. The next 1-2 months are going to be even worse.

Yesterday was not a happy camper one for me. My arm still bleeding. Even this morning. This is day 9. Less, but still bleeding.

My blood work came back ok, except for one item. I am redoing the blood work this afternoon to see if the bad part is correct.

On this day in 1998, The Sound of Music opened at the Martin Beck Theater in New York City. A rerun. Ran for more than one year through June 20, 1999.

I was fortunate to have seen the first run on Broadway in July 1960. 

I came across an interesting use for a proper name. It ran on the internet as a comment re the first record of Guttenberg’s Bible. The Bible was referred to in a letter dated March 12, 1455 by one Enea Silvio Piciolomini which mentioned it having been printed one year earlier.

The name that struck me was Piccolomini’s middle name Silvio. My middle name also. My Mother’s father’s name. I rarely see Silvio referenced or mentioned.

Musk has achieved a degree of greatness sufficient to warrant a special section or grouping on this blog today.

First permit my observation that I do not know how he became the richest man in the world. Everything he touches with Trump or on Trump’s behalf turns sour. Even his business Tesla is going down the tubes at the moment.

Yesterday on the White House South Lawn, 5 new Tesla’s were displayed. Like on sale/available for sale. Trump was out there praising Musk’s product. Trump even bought one of the cars. I believe a fire engine red one claiming he was helping out a friend.

These guys refuse to follow the law. They do not even bother to find out what the law is. Federal employees are prohibited from endorsing or promoting a product on federal property. I assume Musk is a federal employee. Trump does not apply since a President is specifically excluded from falling under the law.

Musk called Senator Mark Kelly a “traitor” yesterday. The Senator visited Ukraine and expressed his support for Ukraine in Ukraine’s war with Russia.

Kelly is an American hero. A decorated Navy pilot and former astronaut. Seriously considered for the Vice-President position on the Kamala Harris ticket. His wife former Congresswoman Gabby Gifford. You will recall she was shot in the head while campaigning in 2011. Part of her scalp had to be removed.

Kelly flew on four NASA missions into space. He served 25 years in the Navy. Served a number of years as a combat pilot in the Middle East. 

Kelly responded to Musk’s “traitor” charge: “Traitor?”…..Elon, you don’t understand what makes America great and keeps it free, etc.

Musk continues to knock Social Security. Calls it a “Ponzi scheme.” Even worse, calls people who receive federal benefits the “Parasite Class.”

Those who receive retirement checks are receiving in return a small portion of their own monies they paid into Social Security over the years. No free handouts here!

What about Agent Orange veterans? Have their benefits been cut off?

A bit of Trump next.

I mentioned yesterday the international law firm Perkins Coie. One of the law firms Trump has banned from receiving U.S. business, etc. I  forgot to mention Sam. Sam a female. Also, Steve Thompson’s sister. Worked for years with the Perkins’ law firm in their Seattle offices. I have met Sam. A charming intelligent woman. Proof of the pudding is she reads my blog every day! Hello, Sam! How are you?

The stock market had another Trump reaction day. At one point was over 700. Ended the day around 440.

Keep it up, Donald! You are leading us into a deep recession.

Another biggie for Trump/Musk. the Department of Education already has had its staff cut in half.

Trump’s 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum goes into effect today world wide. Everywhere. Our close Allies are pissed.

Trump said a few days ago he was going to add an additional 25 percent on Canada bringing Canada’s tariff to 50 percent. 

Pure insanity!

The reason was a punishing tariff. Ontario’s leader had imposed a retaliatory tariff on energy it provides three U.S. states. Trump came back with the 50 percent. The two talked and the increases were withdrawn by both.

The Republican House passed its budget bill. The bill now in the Senate’s hands. An even more difficult passage. Sixty votes required. The Senate must pass the bill by 12:01 am saturday or the nation will go into shutdown.

The bill provides only temporary relief. Ths game/scenario will have to be replayed in September again.

Coca Cola has been sold in glass bottles for decades. The first bottled Coke sold this day in 1894.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt the President of Presidents. In peace and war, recession and economic success.

On this day in 1933, while Roosevelt had been in office only 8 days and the recession was drowning the U.S., he went on radio to speak to the nation. A Presidential first. His talk became known as a “fireside chat.” He did several over the years. 

He did what he had to do. Intelligently and not stupidly as is being done today. He explained to the people he had closed the banks for one day. They would reopen and in due course things would turn around.

Enjoy your day!

People do not generally like lawyers. I learned this soon after becoming a lawyer. Eventually made sense to me. There are at least two sides to every legal altercation. One loses and one wins. Even in a settlement. The losing side ends up hating the “winning lawyer.” The only time a lawyer comes out “loved” is when a person is in deep shit trouble and his lawyer saves his ass. Even then the affection ends when the successful client receives the lawyer’s bill.

In recent days, Trump has begun going after law schools and law firms. At the moment only one law school and two law firms. Expect more.

Ed Martin is the interim Attorney for the District of Columbia. He sent the Dean of the Georgetown University Law Center, a Catholic school, Jesuit run, a letter saying: “It has come to my attention reliably that Georgetown Law School continues to teach and promote D.E.I. This is unacceptable.”

He also wrote he had begun an “inquiry” into the School and wanted to know if it had eliminated all D.E.I. from the School and its curriculum.

Moving further, he added that no applicant for a position with the federal government who was a Georgetown student would be considered for federal employment as long as D.E.I. was continued.

A private Christian law school attacked! Unheard of! A blatant government attack on Georgetown’s mission as a Jesuit and Catholic institution.

Must be the “law’s day” from Trump’s perspective!

Law firms are also being attacked. Law firms who represented liberal and Democratic clients. Trump’ reason: He does not like the legal work they engaged in.

Two major and well respected law firms. One Perkins Coie who represented Hillary Clinton for example. The firm’s representation of Clinton and others was “not consistent with the national interest.”

Trump has also initiated an attack on Covington and Burling who provided pro bono services to Jack Smith.

It is blatantly wrong to dictate who an attorney can represent who under most circumstances.

What is our country coming to?

There is another issue. One involving universities generally.

I know from personal experience the importance to a university and the government of a relationship where a university is retained – paid – to have its exemplary faculty work on scientific and engineering matters important to the government. An excellent working relationship. Inures to the benefit of both.

Trump is pissed at Columbia University. The pro-Palestinian anti-Israeli protests of recent years. No problem now that Donald is President. He recently stripped Columbia of $400 million is federal monies for projects they were working on on behalf of the government. The government’s reasoning: Columbia’s “failure to address anti-Semitism.” Trump kissed Netanyahu’s ass again.

There are purportedly 9 other universities that fear they will lose similar federal aid for the same alleged reason.

Trump is attacking established American positions/agencies from every direction.

Social Security one. Rumored only at the moment. Recall Trump assured voters during the election that Social Security and Medicare were protected. They would not be touched. 

In the last two weeks, Medicaid has begun taking a hit. Word is Medicare payments will be reduced. There is a strong rumor that within 30-90 days Social Security will start taking a hit. Beginning with delayed payments. Then a move to cease all payments. Trump and his inept associate Musk want Social Security eliminated.

Forty five percent of America’s over 65 population live on their Social Security checks. What will they do?

The goal is the total collapse of Social Security.

In a few days, I will be publishing a detailed blog re Social Security. I have done so several times in the past 13 years. With more added this time. It will show that many who attack Social Security are ill informed as to how the nitty gritty of the program works. In other words, they know not what they are talking about.

Remember also, government is to help everyone. That means the poor and middle class also. Not the rich alone.

Trump keeps irritating Canada. Our friend for decades economically and socially. Trump is wrong. Canada standing firm against his onslaught.

Ontario recently imposed a 25 percent surcharge on electricity they send to the U.S. Involves 3 states. Will cost American consumers $4,000 a day overall. Canada’s message: Don’t screw with us! Canada threatens to increase the surcharge if the tariff bullshit from the U.S. does not cease.

There is a difference between a surcharge and tariff. Specifically what, I do not know.

Donald did good with the stock market yesterday. It dropped 890 points. Wow! It has been dropping for two weeks.

“Black Lives Matter.” In 2020, two miles of such language was painted on a Washington, D.C. street. It is now being removed. Painted over.

Washington’s Mayor said she began the removal because of pressure from the White House.

The paint over will take 6-8 weeks and cost $600,000. I thought Trump’s gig was to save money?

I take a step back in time.

Trump’s MAGA followers today are Hitler’s brown shirts of yesterday.

It took Hitler 10-12 years before he went from success to abject failure. Trump has already been experiencing power for 10 years. His screwups the last 6-7 weeks are making the American people extremely unhappy. The people will only take so much. Especially when many of his MAGA followers are also suffering from his actions.

These are sorry times we are experiencing. Maybe we had to go through them. Hope things work out well and sooner than later. I can’t afford eggs. Gas has gone up 25 cents a gallon in Key West the past 10 days. Grocery bills are a bit more expensive each week. America will thin down because it will not be able to afford the grocery bills. People’s 401-Ks getting smaller and smaller.

Keep it up, Donald! You are doing yourself in. No one has to help you.

Enjoy your day!

A strange event. Public kissing banned in Naples. Makes sense, however,

On this day in 1562, kissing in public was banned in Naples. Penalty if caught: Death.

Why such an extreme penalty for a simple show of affection? Health. The plague was rampant. Throughout Europe. It was hoped the banning of kissing would delay the spread of the plague. It failed.

Abraham Lincoln finally found a “winning general.” On this day in 1864, he appointed General Ulysses S. Grant as Commanding General of the U.S. Army.

The difference between good and bad. On this day in 1933, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt called Congress into a Special Session beginning its “100 days” during which it passed 77 laws. The U.S. was in an economic death spiral at the time. In the throes of economic recession. The height of the Depression.

Trump became President January 20, 2025. The U.S. economy was healthy. Trump saw things otherwise. In six short weeks, Trump has set in motion all kinds of activities with Executive Orders, etc., which are destroying the U.S. economically.

A wise admonishment: If you are high, don’t drive.

Japan paid the price for Pearl Harbor. First Doolittle’s raid. Then the firebombing of Tokyo, the deadliest air raid of of World War II up to that time. Finally, the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Payback warranted. Valid retribution.

On this day in 1954, Edward R. Murrow criticized U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy  on his “See It Now” TV program.

I write often of Syracuse University. I am proud of my alma mater. 

Syracuse also had for a number of years a professional basketball team. The Syracuse Nationals from 1946-1963. The team was a member of the NBA. Won the NBA Championship in 1955.

My father used to take me to Syracuse to watch the Nationals play. Occasionally, the Nationals would play a game in Utica. Utica had built a new public high school. The Utica Free Academy. Huge. Great basketball court a part of it. The Nationals would play at UFA as it was known. Packed the place!

I was a freshman at Utica Catholic Academy at the time. On the jayvee team. A  substitute. We were playing UFA at the new gym. I got into the game. Excited as hell! First time I was running down the court, I tripped on my own feet and kept tripping more than half way down the court and off it till I fell on my face.

An auspicious beginning to my basketball career!

The Nationals remained in Syracuse till 1963 when the team moved on to Philadelphia and became known as the Philadelphia ’76ers. 

The tariff wars will impact the sale of toys in the U.S. also. Most toys are imported. Expect high toy prices in the Fall.

I close with some Key West information.

Searstown will finally be redeveloped. It has been closed since 2020.

The new development will open in 2028 and be accomplished in four phases. The fourth and final phase will be completed in 2031. A new Publix, covered parking and improved retail outlets.

I would have done otherwise. As I have been advocating for years, the empty Sears facility and grandiose sized parking should be used for housing. Cheap housing. A need never satisfied in Key West. And obviously will not be satisfied with the Sears property.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Key West has changed over the years. Everything and everyone changes. Such is life.

I love listening to Steve Thompson talk about the Key West he discovered when he arrived in the mid 1960’s. And others speak of the 1970’s and 1980’s when they arrived. My recollections of the Key West I knew when first I came in the 1990’s. And the changes that have occurred since that time.

Change is like death. A certainty. One can only hope Key West continues to change slowly and some remnants of the old remain.

Which brings me to a Citizens’ Voice comment published this morning: “Key West: Where the iguanas outnumber the rum runners and pina coladas flow like holy water, and the ghosts of Hemingway’s six toed cats judge us from the shadows. Sure, you could focus on the potholes and parking woes, or you could embrace the fact you live in a place where pants are optional, time is an illusion and every sunset feels like a cosmic wink. Please don’t lose your weird – it’s the only thing keeping us from turning into the mainland.”

Another Citizens’ Voice comment today. One that deserves attention. A possible Key West Airport fire: “The Airport is so proud of their record number of passengers. Record number of  flight delays and cancellations? Let’s see those numbers. Do the math, they are exceeding the legal number of people in the holding pen. Add the delayed flights, see the photos. Where’s the Fire Marshall?”

A bit of Key West history. On this day in 1952, Harry Truman arrived in Key West for his 11th working vacation and last as President. As I have written for years, Truman loved Key West and Key West loves Truman.

Wow, did the weather change overnight!

I was up at 4 this morning. Was it cold! Turned on the heat. The temperature was 63 degrees. The weather report said it felt like 54 degrees. The high today projected to be 73. For us locals, still cold. The cold took me by surprise.

Trump is proving unreliable. Europe has no choice. It is rushing to firm up its defenses on its own.

One of Trump’s motivations is to destroy NATO. To satisfy one of his friend Putin’s greatest desires. 

NATO will survive without the U.S. European and other nations will do the necessary to survive and succeed on their own.

The question is how will the U.S. survive if its most powerful friend is Russia? Do not think Putin will not want to take over the U.S. also. Greed and power are at the core of his being. What a feather in his cap should he also end up controlling the U.S.

The word behind the scenes is many Republicans are encouraging Trump to make up with Zelensky. They favor providing money and military aid to Ukraine and also intelligence. Something no one talks about are the jobs. The jobs that will be lost in U.S. defense plants if the 80 percent of American support money which technically goes to Ukraine but spent in U.S. plants making war equipment for Ukraine no longer is available. Because Trump cut off aid to Ukraine!

Trump screwing his own people once again.

 He never thinks beyond step one. There are always further ramifications to everything done.

Democrats are not doing enough to block Trump’s wrongdoings. On the other hand, I wonder what could be done at the moment. Perhaps Trump left alone will destroy himself.

However, one thing does bother me. The censure of Democratic Congressman Al Green because he was interrupting Trump’s speech. I recall when a Republican Congressman at a State of the Union Address called out to the Democratic President: “You lie!” I think it was Presidnet Obama. Whoever, immaterial. The point I am making is no censure of the Republican Congressman was sought by the Democrats at the time.

Republicans never play fair. Democrats generally do. As I consistently have written, Democrats have to begin playing down and dirty as their Republican counterparts do. You do not win wars being a nice guy.

Defense Secretary Pee Hegseth seems to have his hands full with things non-defense. Typical of a Trump appointee.

His recent “gem” is banning images of the “Enola Gay.” As part of his quest to nix all diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) from Defense websites and online posts.

Enola Gay was Col. Paul Tibbetts’ mother’s name. Tibbitts was the pilot of the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Tibbitts had named his plane “Enola Gay” in honor of his mother.

Twenty six thousand such images have been flagged for deletion so far in the Defense Department. The number could reach 100,000. Doesn’t Hegseth and Defense have better things to do?

I close with blood all over the place. 

The past week has been a time for minor injuries to affect me. There was my infected ankle. Blew up and turned red. Painful. Still on antibiotics which are working. I also broke my nose a few weeks ago. Did not pay any attention to it till I saw Dr. Norris for my ankle. He verified I had broken it. However healing, bump tiny, discomfort slight.

My last problem occurred wednesday morning. My back an ongoing problem. Getting in and out of cars simply stated hurts. Causes me to strike the door jam with my left arm.

I take blood thinners. Already had a half dollar sized blood clot on the arm when I struck it wednesday. Thought nothing of it, other than it hurt a bit.

I was tired so laid on the bed for a nap. When I woke, my sheet and quilt were covered in blood. From where? Turned and saw it was my left arm. The blood clot had opened and was flowing. Yes, flowing.

Ran to the bathroom sink. Blood on the floor trailing behind me. The sink a bloody mess. The shirt I was wearing likewise.

In a matter of two hours following, I bled through 4 large band aids. Called Dr. Norris. Come right over, he said. I drove with my arm wrapped in a towel.

He did not even take off the last large band aid. He wrapped my arm over and over with a large bandage and then one of those things that tighten around a bandage. His instructions were to call him in 6 hours re the bleeding and skip my next blood thinner.

I was still bleeding six hours later. Blood dripping here and there everywhere. Could not believe it!

It was much less than when I had seen Norris, however.

Norris told me to remove the bandages the next morning. I did. What a mess. I bled heavy through the voluminous bandaging he had done and more on my sheets and quilt as I slept. 

It stopped later in the day.

Fun! This getting old has all kinds of bullshit problems built in. The bleeding not serious, but a gross inconvenience.

What next?

Enjoy your day!