Mark’s Musings – March 19, 2014

Mark Fortune

The Buckeyes gave it a good effort on Saturday – just a little short. Aaron Craft has been one of the solid go to men for the “bucks all season long so giving him the ball at the end of the game just made sense. But he seemed cold after sitting for several minutes. I would imagine he is not used to sitting much and that adjustment in this big of a game would affect anyone. He – and the Buckeyes – will be ready to play on Thursday against Dayton. If they run into Syracuse in the next round – that will probably be it. I would love to see them win but we need to be realistic. The ESPN analysts like Michigan State to win it all – of course – this has to do with their returning players. At full strength Sparty is possibly the best team. But putting together a new team chemistry for March Madness seems like a tall order even for Tom Izzo. But we will see.

The mess in the Ukraine will get messier we predict. With a referendum vote that has been denounced by the U.S. and other nations, along with the United Nations Security Council – and Russia sits on that council along with their ally China, who abstained from voting – it was 13 out of 15 in favor of denouncing the referendum.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers still in their bases on the strategic Crimean Peninsula are surrounded by Russian soldiers according to the internet. Of course, there are many that favor the move to join Russia. But the Ukraine itself is a nation of 45 million people – with around 2 million in Crimea. As mentioned in earlier columns it is the location, location, location of the Crimean Peninsula that makes it so valuable to Russia. Time will tell.

Appreciation needs expressed to all those that contributed to help make the new piece of equipment purchased by the Bakersville Volunteer Fire Department a reality. This equipment, the first of its kind in Coshocton County, allows for the rescue of someone that is caught in grain – whether it is in a bin or a hopper, trailer or other storage unit. And with many of Coshocton County’s first responders now trained to utilize the equipment, it is even that much more valuable. To all those that donated time, energy or funds to make this happen, the farmers and agricultural sector in Coshocton County are a bit more safe thanks to you.

Okay, it must be said. Spring – this Thursday. March 20. Are you ready? Of course you are. Is the temperature ready? That is another story altogether. I thought it was still January on Monday morning – not St. Patrick’s Day. Thinking of rainbows, pots of gold and kilts only makes me feel cold. Especially the kilt part. Yikes!

Baseball, softball and track season loom for our local athletes. Let’s have a safe and enjoyable season everyone. Here’s hoping for sixty degrees next Monday. It’s time for the winter coat to be put away.

Category: Mark's Musings