The Oscars: Kremlin Style

        Well, they rolled out the "RED" carpet the other night(Sunday). The host(s) did their feminine best to have the viewers stay glued to the tube so the industry Titans could enjoy the moment while the dollars flowed into the bank accounts. While the moguls were feasting on glory, the Kremlin hosted its own "Oskar" night in Moskova, center of Russyan culture and night life(even in Winter/Spring). Despite Russya's dark history of inhumane treatment of its own people(s), a trickle of culture survives due to the determination of a few artists. (See Hermitage Museum). We also know that the Steppes People are adept at usurping cultural traits from other peoples(see Ukraine, et.al.)

       The lineup of successful films screened in the country reads like a lineup of cultural icons: military prowess, Olympic glory, freedom of oppressed peoples and citizens,  Space conquest(s)(see ISS), hyper-sonic weaponry, hacking industry, oil & gas sales, bonding with Chinese neighbors, altering reality for the masses, music and dance, fine cuisine, Vodka sales boom, medical advances during a pandemic, support of educational opportunities for minority groups, integration of remote provinces of the largest country in the world into main stream political activities, and of course, development of nerve agents designed for use against dissenters.

        It was quite a night for the oligarchs: they could watch the results of their financial investments in the film industry.  Many of these Russyans deplore the bad treatment by the media, whether in print or the internet, largely controlled by the decadent West and its  minions in the EU. None the less, they attended to enjoy the limelight(red light?).

The Winners of Russyan Oskars,2022:

Best Picture- Victory in Crimea, produced by Abramovich Studios

Best Actor- Gen. Gerasimov

Best Supporting Actor: General Sergei Shoigu

Best Director- Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin(Vova).

Best Documentary: "Modern Life in Donbass" by the Moskova Collective Studio, narrated by Alexei Navalny(from prison).

Best Foreign Film-Drama: "ROC" at Beijing-2022", directed by Maria Sharapova.

Best Propaganda Film: Victory in Crimea, produced by FSB Studios.

Best Hacking/Piracy/Ransomware: FSB Studios, Moskova

Best Makeup Artist for Film: Sergei Peskov

Best Musical Score: Igor Stravinsky(20th award).

Best Song by an Artist for Film: Billie Eilish  and Finneas O'Connor for "No Time to Die", dedicated to Ukrainian soldiers and civilians

Best Makeup: Vladimir Putin, (22nd award)

Best Pandemic Response Film Directors Award: Vladimir Putin

Best Film by Dissenter: "Life After Novichuk" by Alexei Navalny

Best Musical Score: Pussy Riot

Best Artillery Barrage: 1st Steppes Division Artillery Command for Constant Barrage/Time-On-Target concentration during "The Special Operation Against Nazis in Ukraine".

Special Award: Special Industry Accomplishment Award :Brittney Griner for Outstanding Athleticism During Incarceration for Alleged Drug Law Violation(s) While Playing Professional Basketball in Russya.

     As one can see from the list of awards, the Russyan arts are alive and well despite Western Oppression. It serves as an example of the perseverance of Rus Peoples, again.

Have a nice day. 

March Madness Times Two

        Well, the games known as "The Sweet Sixteen" among NCAA basketball teams have been completed. Two No.1 seeds are gone: Gonzaga U. beaten by the Arkansas Razorbacks(Hogs), and Arizona beaten by U. of Houston. Now fans will enjoy the results of an historic victory by a team from New Jersey: The Fighting Peacocks of St. Peters in Jersey City, NJ. The team from the small Jesuit school is now a media darling: the current definition of the "Cinderella" team. For the first time in NCAA history, a 15th seed has advanced to the "Elite 8" round of tournament play. All their opponents were expected to roll over the upstart and send them to the dust bin of history. But, after surprise, surprise, they are now in the thick of it. Coached by a young man with ambition, this team of talented youngsters will now demand new attention.

        Their ascension to the "8" came after beating the favorite Purdue U. in a contest that saw numerous lead changes and tied scores from beginning to end. Purdue, led by 7'4" Edey, was intense as they came out firing, demonstrating command in the paint.  But a scrappy defense by St. Peters gave notice to all that they came to play. Early on, it became obvious that the officiating was to be tight, unlike the NBA. Fans of basketball may have forgotten what such officiating looked like, but the difference was there in front of all.  Members of the NJ squad were in foul trouble by the end of the first half. Their coach now had to rotate players from the bench to ensure enough playing time for his starters would take them deep into the 4th quarter of play. Turnovers by Purdue began to affect the score as takeaways and mishaps by the tallest players on the court increased pressure on the team. St. Peters never lost their focus: defense, defense, and more defense. The relentless pressure caused Purdue to miss more shots, and slowly but surely, the Peacocks took the lead. 

       Long ball -3-point shots-made inroads into each team's slim lead. Timely shots gave hope only to be questioned by a deadly 3-ball from the perimeter.  Jersey City's 'Hope' did not give up on their own tactic: charge the paint- and point guards forced the Boilermakers to spread their defenders and open the middle. As the seconds ticked down, St. Pete's lead was continually threatened. At the end, a Boilermaker 3-ball hit the rim-it would have made it a tie game- and it was over and history was made.

       March Madness No. 1 continues, as does March Madness No. 2. And what is No. 2? Ukraine and its invasion by the Russyan Army in south central Europe. In what was known after the US informed the world, an invasion occurred on February 24, 2022. In 3 different locations, Russyan forces began the ongoing attempt to take over a sovereign nation by force, the first such action since 1945. Mad Vlad, the Kremlin's house Dictator-in-Chief, announced to the world that certain action was needed to erase Nazis that had overtaken a country that is really, historically, Russyan, and w needs to be retaken to the fold by armed troops/planes/and ships. Scenes of modern assault actions abound from Kharkiv in the east, Mariupol in the south, and near Kyiv in the north where troops descend from Belarus. The madness does not stop as millions of Ukrainians flee the advance of deadly soldiers intent on carrying put the orders of Mad Vlad Putin who personally makes the Nazis look good. The EU and its members, NATO and its members, recoil in shock as the US president Biden speaks to the unity of the opposition supporting Ukraine against the invasion.

       This March Madness No.2 will play out longer than the NCAA Tournament for sure. How will it end No. 2, one can only speculate at this point. The future of Europe and Ukraine remains unknown 1 month after this demonstration of Russya's inability to stay sane.

Ukrainians Get a LIft Out to?

      Well, now we have some refugee issues, again. So, our Little green Men-aka Russyan soldiers, are taking prisoners in Mariupol and Kharkiv.  Hmmm.   Where's the holding pen(s)?  Hmmmmmm.  Let's send them to- R U S S Y A! If Putin says they're Russyans at heart and soul, they should be quite comfortable in MOther Russya, right? Hmmmmmm.  If you were Ukrainian, would you want to be sent -anywhere now? No, simply put. And have the Russyan army as your host? Double no. Mad Vlad, et.al. have a new plan: let's hold Ukrainians as hostages so we can negotiate with the bleeding hearts of the US and the EU. It's a win situation for Kremlin.

       So, after suffering for 3 weeks under Russyan artillery, missiles, and bombs, now we have to endure the deprivations of a Russyan administered concentration camp.  In the winter, in the cold, without adequate heat or protection. Ah, Russya, if only the information could be made known.  But, the Kremlin and the FSB have established a "fire wall" of sorts.  Most web sites have been shut down excepting state media.  The locals are fed  chunks of propaganda that spread lies throughout the largest country in the world, a country operated as a fiefdom by a handful of the dictator's friends who wander about the Kremlin trying to look busy and important.

      What will become of these international hostages? Nobody knows at this time when the Kremlin will pose these Ukrainians for propaganda purposes. Soon, we'll all know what insult will occur: Mad Vlad will make some outrageous claim against these "prisoners" and will now opt to release them, with certain "conditions" for parole.  How nice! But, this is not new. But, as we know, it's better than getting dosed with Novichuk, the weapons grade poison used by the FSB against dissenters who oppose the dictatorship.

       The world will have to listen to the vile statements, again from Dmitry Peskov, official spokes liar of Mr. Putin.  The jowly, bumbling old crony of Putin, has made a career of spewing Moskova's lies.

Is it time for Volodymir Zelensky to Negotiate?

       As Russyan artillery, aerial bombs, rockets, cruise missiles, and tanks pound numerous cities, killing innocent civilians, it's time to settle the fight. Putin knows he will win; the West will not commit any troops, sanctions cripple but do not defeat. Hence, Zelensky must negotiate a cease fire. The country will not be split up, and the people can remain Ukrainian, but no membership in EU or NATO. Case closed, clean up the mess.  Move on. End of story.

Where is Brittney Griner?

        Probably somewhere in Moskova, but nobody is talking.  Russyan state media revealed that a judge in Russya ammounced that Mrs. Griner will have her jail time extended until at least May.  Hmmmmm. The US Embassy announced that the government refused a request to visit Mrs. Griner, a clear violation of the the Vienna Convention that provides access to citizens of a foreign country being held in a nation that is a signer of the agreement.  Embassy official in Moskova have made more than several requests to date. Her fate is unknown.  Interestingly, the Russyan professional team she plays for is owned by a Russyan billionaire who is very close to Vladimir Putin(aren't they all?). Perhaps the owner knows that Mr. Putin needs more leverage in dealing with Pres. Biden.  Ms. Griner, 31 year sold, also plays in the US for a WNBA team, and has achieved superstar status.  Additionally, Ms. Griner is a woman of color and a member of the LGBTQ community.  In Russya, members of this community are not held in high esteem. Despite this political position by the Kremlin, Ms. Briner decided to play in this country because of the lavish pay and benefits offered to her and certain other teammates.

       It has been reported that a vapor cartridge was found in her luggage that contained cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russya.  If tried and convicted in a Russyan court, she could face 10 years in prison. Her wife implored both the US and Russya to release her and allow her to return home. becuase of Russya's attack and invasion of Ukraine, and settlement will not happen anytime soon.

The New Old Warriors: Golden State Returns

    With great anticipation, Draymond Green returned to his starting role for Golden State after a long break due to back injuries. It started early and ended well: Golden State won handily and Steph Curry scored 47 points.  Yes, 47 points.  Hmmm. And when do playoffs begin? I think they've started for the Dubs, who are now in 3rd place in the West division.  Can they continue? We'll see.

F.I.F.A. to Russya: NYET

       Well, it seems sanctions are spreading to sports. The World Cup will be held in Qatar. This location is not without its own controversy. Now, we have some more.  Soccer ruling body, F.I.F.A., has announced that all Russyan soccer teams, players, and coaches will be banned fromparticipation in the World Cup to be held late in Qatar.  This is a big step, especially when some teams are owned by Russyan oligarchs, eg. Abramovich. Now, many Russyan players will look over what they've been made to believe by state propaganda machines in the Kremlin. Ahh, Russya-the truth will set you free, but you forget.