Today is Frankie the Plumber’s birthday. He is sixty years young. Happy birthday Frankie!

Frankie is one of the most loved persons in Key West. Friendly by nature. One of the island’s best bocce players. Owner of the largest plumbing business in Key West.

A big party is scheduled for 2 this afternoon. I am invited. The whole town is invited. His home will be overflowing with people.

Unfortunately, it does not look like I will be making the party. My back! It was getting better. Then slipped back (a bit of redundancy?). I spent yesterday in bed. The big item of the day for me were the two basketball games I watched. Today, the back is only slightly better.

Florida looked awesome. They are #1! I was pulling for Dayton. Out of respect for Stephanie Kaple. It was not to be. A valiant run by Dayton. However, not competition for Florida. At least not yesterday.

I was excited by Wisconsin’s one point win over Arizona. For John Lukas! He is as much a Wisconsin fan as I am a Syracuse one. The game could have gone either way.

Officiating has been less than stellar this year in college basketball. Had Arizona won, officiating would have played into the post game commentary big time.

History repeats itself. I came across two historical items supporting the proposition.

We all know 1492 was the year Columbus discovered America. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella supported him financially. 1492, and specifically this day in 1492, was the day the King and Queen signed a decree expelling all Jews from Spain.

Then there is this day in 1856. Russia and Crimea two of the principals. Russia was at war with Great Britain, France, the Ottoman Empire and Sardinia. Over Crimea. Russia lost. The Peace of Paris was signed this day ending the Crimean War.

I read an interesting article yesterday concerning Ukraine. I have spoken to the issue several times in the past. The article suggests worldwide banks will destroy the Ukraine and not Russia. I expect to speak to this topic on my Tuesday blog talk radio show Tuesday Talk with Key West Lou.

Enjoy your Sunday!