A movie theater in Mariupol. Packed with 1,200 people. Many children. Two large signs on opposite ends of the building: CHILDREN. Nevertheless, thursday Russia bombed the theater killing many, injuring more.

Maureen Dowd’s column in the New York Times yesterday was titled: While Putin Shrinks, Kelenskyy Soars. Dowd’s comments re the war many. One in question form strikingly stood out. It is the title to today’s blog: “What kind of monster treats the word CHILDREN as an invitation to kill?”

Putin deserves nothing less than the death many despots have suffered over the ages. To be hung in the a public square. In this instance, Moscow’s Red Square.

Mariupol has taken a major beating in the past several days. A Mariupol police officer said, Mariupol has been “destroyed” and “wiped off the face of the earth” by Russia’s invasion.

My recollection is the phrase “alternate reality” popped up in the first instance during the Trump administration. Truth could not be found in Trump’s vocabulary nor is it part of Putin’s.

Disinformation rampant coming out of Russia. A torrent of lies.

A few of the “better” ones.

Putin was forced to “enter” the Ukraine because of the drug-addled neo-Nazis there.

The Ukraines were guilty of genocide. I am still not sure who they were killing.

The Americans had located biological weapon factories in the Ukraine. One to train birds and reptiles to carry pathogens into Russia.

Ukrainian cities were not bombed by Russians. Ukraine forces were bombing their own cities, including theaters sheltering children.

Heavy stuff!

Putin’s rally saturday an interesting composite of forced attendance and lies galore. So much so, I am beginning to believe he is a better liar than Trump.

The building the rally was held in holds 81,000 people. Putin’s press releases claimed 200,000 attended.

Re the 81,000, most were forced to attend by their employers. Buses provided. Attendance marked. Each employee had a ticket that also had to be stamped and returned to the employer.

Signs on stage: “For a World Without Nazism” and “For Our President.”

For some reason, Putin’s speech near its ending ended. Cut off. Russian staff attributed it to a “glitch.”

Putin several times accused the Ukraines of genocide. One example: “This genocide – stopping really was the goal of the special operatives.”

Putin told the crowd the Russian troops “were welcomed” by the Ukrainian people.

He further added his action in sending troops to the Ukraine was because the United States was using the Ukraine to threaten Russia.

Putin had the audacity to quote a statement from the Bible to acknowledge the Russian war dead and the honor they had earned: “There is no greater love than giving up one’s life for one’s friends.”

He claimed Russian soldiers were “fighting shoulder to shoulder” helping each other for the “universal values of all Russians.”

Wait till the Russian people find out their war dead presently exceed 7,000.

A bit of Key West. A short bit.

Spring Breakers are in Key West. Whether they are good or bad, I don’t know. The Citizen does not publish over the weekend and I have not been out of the house in at least a week. My beard proves it.

I have seen nothing. Yet. I plan on shaving and going around town for awhile this afternoon.

My sole indication of spring breakers came from my grocery delivery person. She said the Publix shelves had “more less”  on them because of the spring breakers.

Harry Truman! Too bad not all subsequent Presidents could have been as he. Can you picture Truman and Trump going at it head to head. Truman in final desperation probably would have hit Trump over the head with his cane.

In any event on this day in 1949, Truman left Key West to return to Washington after a 2 week vacation at the Little White House.

Enjoy your Sunday!

I came across some quotes befitting the times we live in.

Ernest Hemingway who experienced war: “In modern war…..you will die like a dog for no good reason.”

An Einstein contribution: “I know not what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”

Churchill and Kelenskyy confronted by similar circumstances. Churchill’s words never to be forgotten: “We shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields, and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

My quote discovery also included some with sexual connotations.

One by Johnny Carson: “I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex and rich food. He was healthy right up to the day he killed himself.”

My friend from La Costa days Rodney Dangerfield. His type humor: “My wife wants sex in the back of the car and she wants me to drive.”

John Updike author and Key West resident for many years: “Sex is like money, only too much is enough.”

Enjoy your saturday!

I was a history major. Always loved stories of old.

I frequently traveled. My legal work required such.

I discovered cemeteries a source of history. Especially in old towns and villages. I visited cemeteries for years.

Inscriptions on the stones the key. To a family history or history of a particular time.

Key West has one of the finest cemeteries for taking an historical walk. So much to see and absorb!

The Key West Cemetery is providing tours tomorrow. Ninety minutes each. Reservations required. Call 305-304-1453.

Do yourself a favor and take one of the tours. Then a late breakfast or early lunch at one of Key West’s famous eateries on the water.

Nothing better!

Today the morning after St. Patrick’s Day.

Back when, I was a walker. Early mornings. I was out and about as the sun rose.

One of my favorite walks took me from the Atlantic to the Gulf and back on Duval.

Ain’t no one on the streets at 7 in the morning in Key West.

Duval was always a mess at the end of the evening on St. Patrick’s Day. The next morning Duval was littered. A literal garbage dump.

As I walked, the streets were in the process of being cleaned. Men and machinery. By 9, you would never know how ravished it had been 2 hours earlier.

Leprosy and Key West.

Key West had its share of leprosy in the early 1900’s. A problem. The disease non curable and rampantly spread.

The scenario for anyone dying of leprosy back then was the same. The Citizen’s Key West History Section this morning tells the story of what happened to the deceased’s property.

A man who lived on Virginia Street died in 1909 at his home of the dreaded disease. His house and all its contents were destroyed by fire under the direction of then Fire Chief Fulford.

The Big Tournament is underway! Upsets already.

In the first round yesterday, Final Four contender Kentucky was beaten in overtime by #15 seed St. Peter’s 85-79.

It happens every year.

I wish St. Peter’s well in the balance of the tournament. May they win the next game. It is one game at a time. Actually, I would love to see an ultimate underdog like St. Peter’s go all the way.

Somewhere in my readings this morning, I came across Irving Berlin’s Alexander’s Ragtime Band. One of the catchiest tunes ever composed.

A pop tune, the song gained its greatest popularity in the first two decades of the 20th century. Alexander’s was published in 1911. “Sheet music” was the way songs were sold. The smash hit sold multi million copies.

Alexander’s was made into a movie in 1938. Starred Alice Faye, Tyrone Power, Don Ameche and Ethel Merman. It was the highest grossing film of the 1930’s. Nominated for six Academy Awards.

I have not seen the movie in years. Going to try to find it later today. The music absolutely outstanding!

Today’s Ukraine war observations.

The nations of the world are basically in accord with Biden’s actions re the Ukraine. Not all U.S. Senators, however. They are already being critical of his handling of the war.

The dissidents include Senators Cruz, Kennedy, Risch and Johnson.

Partisanship should not exist in the war like atmosphere as exists today. However the Senators named are partisans and always shall be.

The funny thing is if the war works out in the best interests of the Ukraine and NATO, Biden will receive much of the glory for its success. After Kelenskyy, of course.

The Senators named will be among the first to acknowledge what a great job Biden did. They will also claim credit for having supported Biden during the crisis.

Two faced.

The Kremlin is complaining that Biden’s remarks about Putin amount to “personal insults…..unacceptable and inexcusable.”

Biden has referred to Putin as a “war criminal…..murderous dictator…..a pure thug…..waging an immoral war against the people of the Ukraine.”

The truth always hurts.

The war is 23 days old. Mighty Russia is “stalemated.” Sort of like “The mighty Casey has struck out!”

Every day an increasing number of Russian citizens are protesting Putin and the war. Putin refers to them as “gnats,” “scum,” and “traitors.”

Biden’s telephone conference today with China’s Xi extremely important. China is weighing whether to provide military or financial assistance to Russia.

Enjoy your day!

St. Patrick’s Day. March 17th. A festive day of frolicking, drinking too much beer and enjoying corned beef and cabbage.

For whatever reason, the holiday has turned into one where everyone is Irish regardless from whence their ancestors came.

New York City has the largest and most notable parade each year. Roughly 200,000 strong.

I marched twice in my younger days. I attended college in New York City. A member of the Air Force ROTC. We were required to march.

Looked terrific in our uniforms!

The parade began at 44th Street and 5th Avenue. Straight up 5th to 79th.The parade took us past St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Cardinal sitting regally on the steps.

As we passed, it was a sharp “eyes right!” Our heads snapped in unison.

Once the parade ended, it was party time! You have not lived till you have been a college kid in New York City on St. Patrick’s Day. I have written about the experience in the past and will leave a repetition to another year.

However, I do want to share the story of the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City. It was March 17, 1762. Thirteen years before the Revolutionary War.

I thought it strange a St. Patrick’s Day would be celebrated so early. My recollection was that the Irish famine which came more than 100 years later was what brought multitudes of Irish to American shores.

The parade I thought grew from that group. Not so.

A large number of Irish were in New York City in March 1762. Here temporarily. Homesick men. They were Irish ex-patriots and Irish military members serving with the British military stationed in the New York colonies.

The wearing of green had been banned in Ireland. Not in New York, however. To a man, they wore green. Green representing their Irish pride.

In the 1762 parade, participants reveled in the freedom to speak Irish, wear green, sing Irish songs, and play their pipes to Irish tunes.

I have done many a St. Patrick’s Day in Key West. Many with Donna and Terri.

Reservations honored no where. Contributed heavily to the drinking while waiting for a table.

I discovered the best place for corned beef is Shanna Key. Just like Mom made it! The corned beef boiled forever, the fat added to its taste, the cabbage outstanding.

I have not celebrated a St. Patrick’s Day for years. Will not be doing so this year either. I still walk with fear of COVID. However I will at some point in the next few weeks stop at Shanna Key to get my fix of corned beef and cabbage. It is always on the menu.

An updated Monroe County COVID report has been issued. By Bob Eadie, the Monroe County Administrator for the Florida Department of Health: “Monroe County is in pretty good shape…..Pandemic…..in a lull.”

As of yesterday, only 2 new cases and no hospitalizations. Eadie claims Monroe County can boast of one of the highest vaccination rates in Florida: 84 percent of the population having received at least one shot.

The barbarians will be in Key West today and tonight. They will arrive in droves to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. No matter how good the COVID numbers may be, in 2-3 weeks Monroe County’s will rise because of the St. Patrick’s Day crowd.

My daily war observations. Can’t leave them out. Every day history in the making.

Many Russian soldiers are abandoning their tanks. Walking off into the woods.

The Ukraine Defense Ministry announced the Russian move forward has stalled.

In Chernihiv, people waiting in bread lines were shelled. At least 10 died.

In this morning’s New York Times, columnist Maureen Dowd wrote: “Zelenskyy Answers Hamlet.”

Zelenskyy in his virtual address to the British Parliament tuesday spoke Hamlet’s soliloquy with more dramatic weight than any Shakespearean actor. He said, “The question for us now is to be or not to be. This is the Shakespearean question. For 13 days, this question could have been asked. But now I can give you a definitive answer. It is definitely going to be.”

Kelenskyy in his virtual address to German lawmakers gave Germany a shot. Germany has been reluctant to jump with both feet to assist the Ukraine against Russia. Kelenskyy told the group that they were closer to the Ukraine than the nation across the water (meaning the U.S.) who are doing much more than you.

A large theater in Mariupol was being used as a civilian shelter. It was bombed. Twelve hundred inside. Many children. On both sides of the building in large letters was written “CHILDREN.”

The number of dead not yet determined. Corpses still being removed from the debris.

The Ukraine Defense Minister labeled the pilot who dropped the bomb a “monster.”

Another building sustained constant attack from bombs, shells, and missiles. Air and artillery strikes continued day and night.

Fifty three bodies have been brought to the morgue thus far. There are more bodies which for the same reason mentioned earlier with regard to another building provides the answer. The bodies are buried beneath debris.

The Russian star ballerine Olga Smirnova quit the Bolshoi Ballet over Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine. She will now dance for the Dutch National Ballet in Amsterdam.

She wrote, “I never thought I would be ashamed of Russia.”

I fear that when Putin realizes he has totally lost, he will resort to his final act of carnage: Nuclear devastation. The man is a sociopath.

Videos of the anti-war demonstrations in Moscow are all over the internet. Many signs carrying different admonitions. The message basically the same in all: No War!

Another surprise for Putin. He thought the Russians would be behind him 100 percent. As he was unaware of the condition of his military equipment, he was unaware of the feelings his people would have.

I have mentioned several times what I envision as Putin’s final end: His body hanging from a pole in Red Square.

Enjoy your day!

I just watched the Ukraine’s President Velenskeyy’s address to a joint session of Congress.

He is Winston Churchill reincarnated. Without question. Nobly expressing himself while his nation is under a brutal attack by an evil foe.

Kelenskeyy’s address was a mere 10 minutes. Potent, nevertheless. His words and the video he provided showing what has befallen the Ukraine.

The video the type that tears at your heart. It began with the Ukraine of 3-4 weeks ago transfixed to today’s Ukraine. Day and night! What a difference 3 weeks can make.

I do not believe Zelenskyy’s words fell on deaf ears. He has made similar speeches to certain other nations of the free world in the past few days.

His address had to result in teary eyes for many.

I was impressed that Republicans and Democrats sat together, smiled, and chatted, like friends of old. Something we have not seen in years. Although enemies re most domestic issues, recent information reveals that most members of both parties have come together in support of the Ukraine.

Now we must see what it will be. If not planes, what will be provided which provides the same assistance?

One hundred years from now, the world will look upon Zelenskyy with the same respect and admiration they do today as regards Churchill.

Today’s blog an all encompassing one involving the war. There is so much.

Putin continues his relentless bombing of major apartment complexes. Day and night for the past several days. The news has been running a video this morning of a 12 story apartment complex bombed earlier in the morning.

In Mariupol, hundreds of people, including doctors and medical personnel, are being held inside a regional hospital. Russian soldiers with them using the hospital for protection while shooting at people outside.

Three million people have fled the Ukraine. One half children.

Biden yesterday signed the necessary legislation to provide the Ukraine with $13.8 million in assistance. He will announce later today an additional $800,000.

Russian soldiers continue causing great fear by firing at Ukrainians fleeing in buses along humanitarian corridors. The Ukraines have also set up gathering points for those waiting for the buses. Russians are shooting at them and taking many into custody as hostages.

Japan is reacting It announced yesterday it is revoking its “most favored nation” trade statute with Japan. Japan also is freezing bank accounts of Russian oligarchs and elites. While at the same time, stepping up sanctions on cryptocurrency.

Japan further announced it will assist in helping with refugees.

Note again, the war is only 3 weeks old. During that time, 103 children have been killed and more than 100 injured.

Putin continues to exhibit he is not as bright as many thought. He is playing the you hit me and I’ll hit you back game with the U.S.

What people with brains and/or assets, would have their money sitting with Russian banks. Putin thinks significant numbers. Yesterday, he announced sanctions against Biden, Hillary Clinton, Psaki, Blinken and other top U.S. officials.

I can believe some elite wealthy Americans might have some accounts. That’s it.

Putin is naming the Americans he wants sanctioned. He should sanction Trump. With all the business he has done with Russia over the years, Donald must have a ton of money sitting in Russian banks.

Enjoy your day!

March 15 is the Ides of March. Most famous as the day Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BCE.

The Roman Senate turned on him. The plan was for the Senators to surround and knife him.

One of the Senators was Marcus Brutus.  Much younger than Caesar. Caesar had taken Brutus under his wing and guided him over the years. Brutus’ success was attributable to Caesar.

Brutus would never be expected to participate in the killing of Caesar. However, he did.

He was one of those plunging his knife into Caesar. Caesar saw Brutus as his dagger struck. He looked Brutus in the eye and asked, “Et tu, Brute?”

The question has survived the ages.

Tom Brady’s “unretirement” not as certain as it appeared a few days ago. Something strange going on. Brady is vacillating. Now there are questions as to whether he is returning to be traded to another team.

The sports world is anxious to know what is going on.

The bird flu epidemic is getting worse. Expanding throughout the U.S.

Wisconsin an example. Two and a half million egg laying chickens are being culled.

The Citizens’ Voice has come up with another right on observation: “If it is OK to control what is said in the classroom, why can’t we control what is said on T-shirts? The vulgar, disgusting words that are flaunted in our shops are truly embarrassing.”

Sicko Donald Trump spoke at a rally saturday night in Florence, South Carolina. He told his audience to be prepared to “lay down their very lives to defend the U.S. against the Critical Race Theory.”

Some recent Ukraine/Russia observations.

Disease is around the corner in the Ukraine. Especially in the larger cities where Putin has undertaken to shell apartment buildings and homes. Cities are literally being destroyed.

At the same time water and bathroom facilities are becoming increasingly non existent.

The rat population will rapidly increase. Cats are few, if any. A bubonic plague of sorts could be in the making.

The Russian young adults in the larger cities such as Moscow have been enjoying an excellent lifestyle. What happens when the sanctions begin to hit big time?

Cell phones won’t work. Electric power will be limited or gone completely. The night life enjoyed gone. They may not be able to work and receive pay checks.

I suspect the young adults will get out of control. They never supported the war.

Demonstrations will rapidly grow. Recall what they recently have been where they lost nothing yet. They were merely protesting a war with which they disagreed.

Confrontations with police and the military will occur.

What is Putin gong to do? Ship them all off to Siberia? Incarcerate a whole generation of Russian young?

A revolt perhaps?

The war itself interesting as to who is winning and where. The Ukrainian military is controlling ground fighting. The Russians air power.

The Ukraine will control everything once they get MIGS.

This morning’s headlines in many world newspapers are to the effect: Russia Invades Ukraine.

What? The Ukraine has already been invaded. Three weeks ago.

What the headline intends is to reflect the bombing and missile shelling of the larger cities with high rise apartment buildings and homes being destroyed. Putin placed special emphasis on dwellings the past few days so the people themselves would suffer.

His aerial attacks have resulted in a large number of deaths in a very short time. Mariupol suffered 2,500 deaths in the last 48 hours.

Those left alive do not have a roof over their heads, no electricity, no water, and no heat.

Putin should suffer similarly.

The morale of the Russian troops is getting worse. Poor training, insufficient food and water, etc. Don’t be surprised if they soon began surrendering in large numbers.

Tonight, Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. My blog talk radio show. Nine my time.

Join me. I rant and rave. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

Tom Brady has changed his mind. Took him 42 days to do it. He announced he is coming back from retirement and will play for the Buccaneers this season.

I respect the man. He has over succeeded. He is proud of his abilities as he should be. However, I think he may be pushing things too far.

Brady is 43. An age long after most professional football players have retired. He appears to be in good health. Has a lovely family. He should enjoy them and not the game he may already have played too long.

He may play one game too much and end up with a life threatening injury.

One thing that can be said for Putin is that he is consistent. One example is his respect for life. The lives of others.

He truly is one of the Four Men of the Apocalypse: Death.

Putin has already bombed 31 hospitals and health facilities. The media over the weekend reported he bombs apartment buildings for no other reason than to kill people.

Both having one purpose: To bomb opponents into submission.

In due course, he will get his.

“Bonehead Island” is a newspaper editorial page cartoon. The cartoon over the weekend was a contorted face of Florida Governor DeSantis.

It can be said with all accuracy that DeSAntis bans everything. The cartoon suggests his next step in the banning scenario will be: “I plan to ban any gay person!”

Not funny. Look at his track record. He would do such a thing and consider it proper.

There is an ancient saying that has come down through the ages…..Let the dead lie.

Ireland’s Catholic nuns have for centuries provided homes for unwed pregnant ladies. A large number of homes. Referred to as “Irish mother and baby homes.”

An official investigation was conducted into the long time rumor that many of the babies following delivery were killed. The investigation report was published in 2021. It revealed more than 9,000 babies had been killed and were buried on the grounds of the numerous religious run Irish mother and baby home grounds.

A prosecutor is looking into the situation. The prosecutor has asked the court for permission to allow exhumation of one of the sites where it has been determined the remains of 796 babies are buried. The site is St. Mary’s Home.

The prosecutor asks permission for the remains to be exhumed, DNA identification processes completed, following which the bodies would be reburied.

The whole thing bothers me. Let the dead lie. The babies have been violated enough. There is something sickening about the process sought. Those responsible will receive appropriate punishment when their time comes to be judged by the Almighty.

Enjoy your day!

It happens. Unfrequently. An unexpected occurrence. Twice yesterday. Both in sports.

Professional golf and college basketball.

One of the outstanding golf events is The Players. Considered equal to a major.

A sport disaster yesterday.

The tournament being played at Sawgrass in Florida. The course professionally difficult to begin with. Yesterday, the worst.

The weather got involved. Heavy rains followed by wind gusts up to 40 mph. Not golf weather!

The tournament began thursday and was to end today Sunday. Twenty seven players are yet to begin their second round. It is hoped the tournament will end tomorrow night.

May not.

Big name players shot exceptionally poorly. The wind was master. Bruce Koepka did not break 80. Jordan Spieth shot 79. Xander Schauffele 78. Only 2 golfers shot well. Both shot 69s. Bubba Watson and Justin Thomas.

You don’t win tournaments with the high numbers. You might not even make the cut.

The 17th hole is an island. I cannot recall the number of balls that went in. The hole is something like a 135 yards. The first several golfers to hit on 17 watched their balls go swimming.

The wind will be less today. Gusts expected at 30 mph. Only 10 less than yesterday.

First prize is $3.4 million. No one even has a suspicion at this point who may win.

It is expected to be cold today at Sawgrass. Not surprising. At the moment, 61 degrees in Key West. Though a high of 74 expected.

Immortal Duke evidencing it bleeds like other teams.

Last week, Duke lost to North Carolina. Totally unexpected. Yesterday, Duke lost to Virginia Tech in the ACC tournament final. Totally unexpected, also.

What will the Big Tournament hold for the always exceptional Duke team?

A list appears on the internet today setting forth each state’s average gas price per gallon. Florida is $4.38.

Shocking! I expected more. Makes Key West’s average cost of $4.45 appear reasonable. The gluttonous oil companies have yet to weigh in.

Russia is relentless. Pushing the Ukraine unreasonably. If Russia’s tactics continue, it will force NATO into the battle. Mark my words.

In recent days, a base near the Polish border and a cancer hospital have been bombed or otherwise attacked. The base attack resulted in 35 dead and 134 injured.

Two and one half million refugees have fled the Ukraine.

Zelensky calls the attacks “a war of annihilation.”

Zelensky claims thousands of Russian prisoners of war have been captured.

Russia is bombing humanitarian vehicles traveling on the most recently agreed humanitaria routes. Needed goods destroyed, many persons killed. Putin always comes up with a reason to breach a humanitarian corridor.

Deutsche Bank said it was “working down” operations in the Ukraine.

The UN Disarmament Chief says there is no evidence of biological weapons in the Ukraine.

Water, food and electric power no longer available in certain Ukrainian communities.

Putin’s $700 million yacht 459 feet long sits in dry dock at an Italian seacoast town.

Twins Lenny and Moishe were born prematurely in the Ukraine. Americans. The parents American. The twins therefore Americans. The twins were moved in a rescue mission last week from Mariupol to Poland.

It is impossible to report the number of dead in the Ukraine because the bombing does not let up. Bodies are being buried in huge mass graves.

All this in a very few days!

Most Arabs are barbarians. Most definitely those of Saudi Arabia.

The Saudis yesterday executed 81 persons in what has been described as the largest execution ever recorded. The government referred to those killed as “animals.”

The method of execution was not reported. Normally by beheading.

How can we enjoy this Sunday after all this bad news?

It was 218 BC. The Punic War. Hannibal on one side, the Romans on the other.

Winter was coming. Hannibal and his men had to be at a certain spot come spring. The Romans the same spot. Victory for several reasons depended who got there first.

The Romans were certain to be their first, unless Hannibal could find a way. The Alps lie between Hannibal and the spot.

Hannibal’s soldiers numbered in the thousands. Exact number unknown. Hannibal also used African battle elephants. He had 37 with him.

The solution a simple one. Hannibal and has large army had to cross the alps before winter set in. An impossible feat.

Historians report Hannibal said, “I will either find a way or make one.”

It took a combination of the two for Hannibal to make it. And make it he did!

His crossing the Alps is considered one of the most celebrated achievements of any military force in ancient warfare. He got there way ahead of the Romans. By so doing it placed the Romans in a position where they were unable in a timely fashion raise the army needed to confront Hannibal.

The size of Hannibal’s army at the beginning is unknown. The number who made it across the Alps with Hannibal is known: 26,000.

The elephants did not fare as well. Only one of the 37 that began the trek survived.

Key West and the price of gasoline.

After my doctor visit yesterday, I drove around Key West checking gas prices. For 2 months a gallon of gas had remained steady at $4.25. I figured based on the news I would be looking at $5 plus a gallon.

No way. Surprisingly so.

Half the stations were $4.45 a gallon. Only a $.20 increase. The others had varying numbers up to $4.60.

Two intersections in Key West have major oil company stations across the street from each other. One at each intersection had $4.45. The other side $4.55 and $4.60.

Shades of what is to come?

Surprising there were so many $4.45 ones. Doubt it is going to last.

Texas Governor Abbott reminds me of Putin. One achieves his goals via legislation. The other military force.

Abbott’s most recent “disgrace” involves medical care for transgender youth. Abbott has decreed it “child abuse.”

Late last month, Abbott issued an order to investigate parents for child abuse if they obtained certain medical care for their transgender children.

The order promptly kicked off an investigation by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. A Houston hospital immediately restricted its care of transgender children.

A concern has risen that Abbott’s way will swiftly be copycatted by other states.

The Major League Baseball lockout threat is ended. MLB and the Union struck a deal.

A full season of play will begin April 7.

Syracuse basketball is over for the season. Duke beat Syracuse yesterday 88-79.

Duke was close to losing with 3 minutes to play 79-78.

Syracuse reverted to the way it had played most of the season. Lost the close ones or blew big leads and lost. Duke scored 10 points in the last 3 minutes. Syracuse zero.

Some observations.

Syracuse played without Buddy Boeheim who had been suspended for the game. Seemed to make no difference. Syracuse had other great players as I have been advising all season. They stood up to the task before them.

Jimmy Boeheim, the other Boeheim, led the team in scoring with 28 points.

The team overall played an excellent game.

Now for what may bring a deluge of adverse comments.

I believe the coach, not the players, in college basketball make the difference. Especially in the last minute or two of a game.

Boeheim has been coaching 46 years. He has won many many games with plays he directed in the last minute or two.

Respectfully, Boeheim did not have it this season. Roughly 10 games were lost because Syracuse could not hold onto leads in the last minutes of a game.

Such does not mean Boeheim Is done. He had a bad year. Happens to everyone, especially after 46 years. I am confident he will be back next year in good stead.

Boeheim genius was evident at the beginning of the game. Syracuse is a zone defense team. Always has been. Boeheim started the game with Syracuse playing man to man.

Since Syracuse will not be playing further, my interest in March Madness will be minimal. That’s the way it goes.

Enjoy your day!

Syracuse played its first game in the ACC tournament yesterday. Destroyed Florida State 96-57.

What a game! The basket was 3 feet wide. Everything Syracuse threw up went in. Syracuse’s defense spectacular also.

Syracuse’s best game of the season!

Calamity also attended the game. Resulted in Syracuse suffering a big time loss.

Buddy Boeheim has been suspended for today’s game.

Buddy and Florida State’s Wyatt Wilkes were grasping for the ball. Arms flying. Suddenly Buddy punched Wyatt in the stomach. No question a punch. Wyatt went down

The punch could be described as intentional or inadvertent. Looked intentional. Not the way Buddy plays the game, however.

The referees did not see it. The game went on.

However league officials viewed the incident after the game. Concluded the punch was a “flagrant act.” Suspended Buddy for today’s game.

Dad Jim saw it as inadvertent, as did Buddy. Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton also. Wyatt agreed with them. He said he took 30 hard punches during the season and this was not like any of them.

Today’s game going to be interesting. Syracuse’s opponent Duke. Number 1 seed. Destroyed Syracuse in a late season game last week. Actually shamed Syracuse.

Going to be interesting to see how Syracuse plays without Buddy in the line up. Perhaps an advantage. Every opponent works their defense around Buddy. Without Buddy, Duke will have to alter its defense for today.

Probably won’t make any difference. However, you never know.

Russia bombed a maternity and children’s hospital in Mariupol Bombed the hell out of it. Seventeen injured, including new borns.

Videos show the devastation. Including a two story crater.

Russia at first denied the bombing. Then denied it was a hospital. Claimed it was occupied by Ukrainian soldiers.

How sick can sick be? Putin is fighting the war beyond normal extremes. The world must stop him. His brutality uncalled for.

A tough decision for the free world as to what to do. Nuclear war could be the next step. Everyone seeking to avoid it.

The solution beyond my pay grade. However is not as regards world leaders. Especially the U.S.

Great Britain should be ashamed. Definitely Boris Johnson.

Johnson speaks with the bravado of a Donald Trump. He the hero. Is doing everything that can be done. Perhaps even more whatever the situation.

Not correct. He is assisting with regard to the Ukraine problem. However, minimally.

His words empty.

Johnson forgets how the U.S. assisted Great Britain in the late 1930’s into 1942. Recall lend lease.

If the U.S. had not assisted Great Britain, Germany would have defeated Britain early on. Instead, Great Britain survived and went on to victory.

Time for Johnson and Great Britain to reciprocate by helping the Ukraine. And not with empty words!

Florida always seems to be behind when it comes to eliminating invasive species.

The Burmese python the perfect example.

Florida did not concern itself for years. Suddenly said we have a problem! At the time it was estimated there were one million pythons and growing at a rapid pace. Pythons are sexually active.

Ten years ago, Florida suddenly became concerned: We have a problem!

Several methods were invoked to destroy the pythons. All failed.

Florida finally admitted it could not eliminate the pythons. Merely control their numbers.

Florida failed in controlling their numbers.

A new attempt has been announced. Going to go after the pythons by air. A study is underway to determine if drones would be effective in identifying a python’s location and then assist in killing the python.

Good luck! Too many, too late.

A couple of years ago it was announced iguanas were a similar problem. Iguanas had taken over South Florida. Florida clamoring we must do something.

Same result. Too many. Florida wildlife officials still scratching their heads as to a solution.

So much for today. Another doctor visit later this morning.

Enjoy your day!