Tonight at midnight, a new year. 2018. A long time since the birth of Christ.
Times Square this evening will be the center of the universe. Thousands standing in the freezing cold waiting for the ball to drop. The ball, the one we have been watching for years, is rather large. Weighs 11,875 pounds. Twelve feet in diameter. A Waterford crystal.
Brave people observing the drop tonight in person. The temperature will be freezing. In the teens with a chill factor of -5.
Booze not recommended. It contributes to the dehydration of the body in extreme temperatures.
Key West has sort of dropping balls. Sushi in a shoe at Bourbon Street, a wench coming down the mast at Schooner Wharf, a ball at Sloppy Joe’s. There are more. Each year another establishment is dropping something at midnight.
The bars and streets will be packed. Duval closed off.
I have only done 2 New Year’s eves in Key West. Other times, private parties or at home alone. As I get older, the evening becomes too much work. The crowds rowdy tourists. Parking impossible.
I learned long ago in Utica that New Years eve is amateur night. Since every evening is New Years Eve in Key West, I can afford to miss one a year.
My lesbian wives planned to have me with them tonight. Dinner at Abandonzza, drag show at Aqua, and then Sushi from the street at midnight.
I opted out.
The game plan for me this evening is the Syracuse/Virginia Tech game at 6. Then a TV movie. Followed by an early night to bed.
Aging enters into it.
Syracuse favored by 3.5 points. Both teams part of the ACC. Tonight begins the ACC season. Virginia Tech is the leading 3 point shooting team in the country. Shooting average 45.3 percent.
Last night the Chart Room. Not that crowded. Shaun bartending.
Chatted with Shaun and a few of the tourists. Then home to an early bed.
A good thing Trump does not live in Egypt.
An Egyptian court yesterday sentenced former President Mohamed Morsi and 19 others to three years in jail. The crime: Insulting the Judiciary.
Greece. Oh, how I love Greece!
A Greek anarchist group Rubicon support Palestinians. They are upset with Trump’s soon to be move of the American embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.
This past week they rode motorcycles up to the Israeli Embassy and threw bottles of paint against the Embassy building.
Rubicons are not part of the Golden Dawn Party. The Rubicons came into being because they thought the Golden Dawn Party was failing in its responsibilities.
I have written over the years often of the Golden Dawn Party. I once thought that one day they would take over the government via the ballot box. Now, I am not sure.
The Golden Dawn Party are neo-Nazis. Dress like Hitler’s storm troopers. Presently the third largest party in Parliament. Represent 10 percent of the popular vote.
It is thought Trump’s election has re-energized the Party. Golden Dawn leaders say, “Trump’s policies have given us a new wind of support…..We should follow Trump’s beat.”
Crazy people!
What is happening in Iran? Surprising! The demonstrations. Proof that even the mighty can fall.
Could happen, though I doubt it.
Don’t forget the Annual Dachshund Walk at noon beginning at the court house on Whitehead.
Stay sober and safe tonight. Enjoy the evening otherwise!
Happy New Year!