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!

The best pre-packaged baked goods in America are Entenmann’s. Without question.

Sold exclusively in supermarkets.

The last of the Entenmann entrepreneurs was Charles Entenmann who died February 24 at age 92.

A family business which began in 1898 in Brooklyn. Grandfather Entenmann was a German immigrant who started the business. He would deliver his baked goods to homes in a horse drawn wagon.

The business moved to Bay Shore, Long Island, in 1900. The same delivery format used. With a noteworthy addition. The business’ clientele. Like the Morgans and Vanderbilts.

When grandfather passed on, Charles father and mother ran the business. Father Entenmann passed on.

In 1951, Charles, his mother and two brothers decided to start supplying supermarkets with their baked goods. At the same time introducing “see through” packaging.

The quality and packaging lured customers to supermarket shelves. Business boomed big time.

A huge baking facility was built on 5 acres in Bay Shore. Later expanded to 14 acres.

The company was sold in 1978 to Warner-Lambert for $233 million. It has exchanged hands several times since. It is presently owned by Bunter Bakeries USA.

Charles was the last of the Entenmann dynasty to head the business.

Charles and his family preceding him all did a top notch job in planning and running the business. Otherwise, none of us would enjoy the great baked goods we consume.

Guy Reffitt can best be described as a smart ass, a know it all.

Reffitt was one of the “leaders” on site January 6. A member of the “Three Percenters,” a Texas militia, and supporter of Donald Trump.

Tuesday he was found guilty in federal court in Washington, D.C., of 5 felonies. A jury trial. In fact, the first trial of any of the January 6 perpetrators.

The jury deliberated less than 4 hours.

He faces up to 60 years in jail.

Many witnesses testified against him. Including his son who turned him in and a daughter who testified against him in a pre-trial hearing.

Following the decision, Reffitt said it was not over yet. My sense is he was referring to another insurrection being necessary and would be the result of actions by those of his muster.

Mrs. Reffitt was obviously distressed. She warned others charged not to plead guilty. To do as her husband had done: Fight on.

I read somewhere this morning that Putin is the “new coronavirus.” Sounds fitting.

The Ukraine needs planes. The Poland deal died over the weekend following Putin’s threat warning Poland there would be “consequences” if Poland proceeded with the plan.

Poland immediately backed down.

Poland’s suggestion is the entire of NATO take the position the U.S. and others wanted Poland to take.

My admonition: Work it out folks! Too many people dying, too many people with homes destroyed, too many Ukraine women and children leaving the Ukraine for the safety of another nation, etc.

Never have I seen what in effect is a worldwide retaliation as is occurring against Russia. More and more corporations doing business with Russia cutting their ties. Sanctions galore being imposed.

Three of the most recent are McDonald’s, Coca-Cola and Starbucks. McDonald’s is closing 860 restaurants. Starbucks 100 coffee shops.

Enjoy your day!

Everyone must remember the Mother Goose rhyme Ring Around the Rosie. We all played it at one time or another in our lives.

I did as a child, then with my children and grandchildren. It was happy, it was fun.

Why today do I write about it?

I was researching the bubonic plague yesterday afternoon when I came across it and the fond memories it recalled. I was shocked to read it was connected to the bubonic plague.

First, the rhyme: Ring around the rosie, / A pocketful of posies, / A-tishoo! A-tishoo! / We all fall down!”

The beauty of it all!

The rhyme is attributed to many sources and variations. The most popular verbiage I have set forth.

Most believe the rhyme came from the Great Plague, an outbreak of bubonic and pneumonic plague that affected London in 1865. It was first published in 1881.

The fatalism of the rhyme is brutal: The rosies are a euphemism for deadly rashes, the posies a supposed preventive measure, the a-tishoos pertain to sneezing symptoms, and the implication of everyone falling down is death.

I never knew. Did you?

The Ukraine war is the most impactful event of any nature since World War II. What is happening is overwhelming. What is being reported also. It can be no other way due to the nature of the event.

As a result, some of my blogs are totally or almost totally involved with the subject.

Frankly, I was delighted to have tripped across Ring Around the Rosie yesterday. An interesting, non Ukraine matter. After several Ukraine items today, I shall close with one concerning the Washington convoy which is turning into a failure.

Saturday, a U.S. delegation met with Venezuelan officials in Venezuela.

The U.S. and Venezuela have been at odds for many years. Venezuelan President Maduro is considered an authoritarian figure in his own right. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Venezuela for many years.

I suspect the U.S. and Venezuela will soon become friends. The reason being Venezuela is rich in oil. The U.S. has buried Venezuela in sanctions for many years.

The U.S. is in the process of sanctioning Russia further by cutting off U.S. imports of oil from Russia. Biden is concerned with the increase in gas prices and is looking to Venezuela’s oil to minimize or eradicate the Russian oil loss.

Such is how “necessity” works.

Maduro “is prepared to ramp up production for the stability of the world.”

In a time of need, one does what has to be done.

No deal yet. Expect one soon.

The war is only 13 days old. Already 2 million refugees have left the Ukraine.

Poland is vacillating.

Talk yesterday was via some lend lease arrangement, U.S. fighter planes would be sent to Poland. The Ukrainians would then acquire them from Poland.

Putin not happy with the plan. Planes are what will really kill his invasion. Putin announced saturday he would not look favorably upon Poland becoming involved in the fashion indicated. He threatened “consequences” were Poland to proceed.

Poland has backed off. It will not be involved in any plane arrangement.

It is obvious Putin’s war not planned effectively. Russian soldiers are stealing food from stores and houses.

Putin planned for a 2 day war. The war is now in its 13th day. The war is costing Russia $20 billion a day. Russia only has $650 billion. Half of that amount is tied up via sanctions.

Experts believe at best Russia has only 4-5 weeks of money left to finance the war.

In cities heavily bombarded by Russia, many dead lie as they fell in the streets. Ukrainians and Russians alike.

Dogs can be seen ripping the bodies apart.

The Washington People’s Convoy is fizzing out. The primary reason is that which the convoy is protesting does not exist. Few federal mandates re vaccines and masks remain. Mask mandates are being lifted in every corner of the country.

Show time tonight: Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou. Nine my time. A lot of ranting and raving, especially re the Ukraine war. Join me. www.blogtalkradio.com/key-west-lou.

Enjoy your day!

The convoy game got its start a few week ago in Canada’s capital Ottawa. It has now come to the U.S. capital Washington, D.C.

Canada’s truckers convoy was renamed the Freedom Convoy. The U.S.’ began as the Freedom Convoy. On its first day in operation in Washington it changed its name to the People’s Convoy.

The purpose of Canada’s convoy was to protest mandate restrictions. As soon as the truckers became aware 90 percent of Canadian people were vaccinated, it changed its purpose to several different things.

The purpose of the Washington convoy appears to be a supplement to COVID problems. The Washington group acknowledges “COVID is well in hand now.” Its purpose is what they erroneously believe is the required next step in a follow up to COVID: They want to help the American people get back to work in a free and unrestricted manner.

Bullshit. Why don’t they admit they wanted to do the convoy thing in the U.S. and needed a reason therefore. So they came up with the milk and toast reason.

The first convoy vehicles began arriving saturday night. They are parking in Hagerstown, Maryland at a speedway site. The first group 1,000 trucks. Could reach 2,000 in a few days.

The truckers’ claim they are at the speedway in Maryland because they do not wish to interrupt Washington traffic.

Thus far the truckers have been “very respectful and caused no problems.”

Their intended route is the Beltway.

Their first trip on the Beltway was yesterday. A small number involved. Calmly moved around the Beltway. Occasionally honking a horn.

The truckers even had a police escort

The trip was limited to two times around the Beltway. It is expected to increase every day as the week progresses.

Everything kumbaya.

There has been some chanting and sign carrying at the speedway itself: Anti-Biden slogans and support for Trump.

Again it does not make sense the truckers would drive many miles to do a “protest” not required. Some from as far as California. Did they want to take the ride? Are they preparing for an even larger truck protest in the future? Maybe they have nothing better to do. I do not understand.

New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman wrote an interesting line this past week: “Welcome to World War Wired – the first war in a totally interconnected world.”

Right he is. The internet, social media, etc. is terrific. We all know and many times can see what happens as it happens or within minutes.

The price of oil is surging. Topping $130 a barrel at the moment. Oil experts believe the cost could go to $200 a barrel this month.

Scumbag. The best description I have been able to come up with as regards Putin.

He agreed on two separate occasions to “humanitarian corridors.” Then he had his soldiers fire on the fleeing Ukrainians.

Putin has now come up with another “humanitarian corridor.” He will allow residents of the Ukraine’s two main cities to flee in “corridors to Russia.”

It has been described by some as an “immoral stunt.” Others warn “beware!” It could be another Putin gambit. The Ukrainians will be shot as they move along the Russian corridor.

The man can not be trusted. He has no respect for human life. He thrives on people being killed.

Russian equipment. Appears to be aged, less than adequate. Reportedly is breaking down easily.

The equipment appears not to have been ready for war. Neither it appears the soldiers who are ill trained. Many have surrendered easily to Ukraine forces.

Then the issue of food. Russian soldiers are reported to be in short food supply. And have been so since day one.

What Putin does have are nuclear weapons which from all reports have been kept up to date. He has kept manufacturing them. Russia has significantly more than the U.S.

Putin has the ability to cause an apocalypse. I am concerned he would do it, the scumbag he is.

It was reported this morning that the U.S. has agreed to provide airplanes to Poland who in turn will provide them to the Ukrainians for use. The planes are MIG-29s and F-16s.

Basketball.

Duke Coach Krzyzewski’s honors this past week were well earned and well done. His last home game. He is retiring after the Big Tournament.

Duke’s last game was against North Carolina. Duke was expected to be a double digit winner. Instead, it lost by double digits.

The loss bothered Coach as he spoke to the crowd following the game. He apologized: “I’m sorry…..it’s unacceptable.”

He assured them however “the season was not over.”

Positive words from the college coach who has won more games than any other in collegiate basketball history.

Syracuse has been consistent this season. Losing. Played its last season game saturday. Lost to Miami 75-72. Syracuse season record 15-16.

Like a knife in my chest!

Miami was typical of many Syracuse games this season. Having big leads and not being able to hold them. Losing close ones.

Syracuse was up at one point in the first half 18 points.  Syracuse led at half time 37-26.

Syracuse led with 2.5 minutes left in the game by 10 points.

Consistency is a wonderful thing.

Enjoy your day!