Welcome to this week’s edition of Weekend Wonderings. Yeesh, here we are, the 1st weekend of August. We’ll have a couple updates on The James, comment on some football related events and wrap it up with a song in our hearts. To get us in the mood, here is permanent musical accompaniment by Maroon 5. Grab whatever beverage that you need and let’s proceed.
Don’t forget, this month is the centennial of the start of World War I, “The War to End All Wars”. Not a good way to start the 20th century..
The James/Wexner:
First up, The James’ Dr. Flynn’s short video explains the use of Ibrutinib to treat hematologic cancers. Here’s the link to the announcement. You’d better grab a beverage, this gets deep into the weeds..
Here are four more recommendations to lifestyle changes to reduce your cancer risk. The big one for me, and quite likely a lot of you, is ‘Protect Your Skin’. Yes, we’re into August, but we still have two more months of of outdoor activity in addition to outdoor “watching our favorite collegiate football team.” To refresh your memory, here is a link to the first four recommendations to reduce your cancer risk.
Finally, if you need any motivation to get out and get active, look no further than 80-year old cancer survivor Beverly Cote of Newark, OH.
Commentary:
Before I get started, I want to acknowledge the tumultuous week it’s been for (former) band director Jon Waters, TBDBITL, fans, and anyone that generally appreciates what the Ohio State Marching Band means to us fans. I’ll decline making any commentary on the situation; for insightful opinion pieces, I’ll point you to here, here, here and here. Thank you.
Taking his time, showing little restraint: There are several advantages to living a long life, and I’m sure that each of you can come up with impressive lists. For the moment, I’m thinking that if you long enough, you’ll see just about anything. Well, this is one of those days. Evidently a Browns fan, so he claims, could not hold his pent up rage, nor anything else for that matter, as he was charged with a misdemeanor (NSFW) by Baltimore MD police for the act of urinating on Art Modell’s grave. I admit, that 19 years ago I was so enraged by Modell’s move that performing that very same act had crossed my mind, but I quickly moved on from that option. It was too long of a drive to Baltimore to seek relief; emotional and physical.. But, I would not have further embarrassed myself by using a catheter.
In related news, the Buffalo Bills are about to undergo an ownership transition due to the death of owner Ralph Wilson this past March. Three initial bids were submitted on Tuesday for review;
Buffalo Sabres owner Terry Pegula, a Toronto-based group that includes rock star Jon Bon Jovi and real estate developer Donald Trump all submitted bids, according to the report.
Hopefully, this process plays out well, meaning the new owner(s) keep the Bills in Buffalo. I’d hate for any Bills fans to express their frustration and anger the way the Browns fan did, above..
Excuse Me? Staying in the NFL (AFC), arrested domestic abuser Ray Rice (Ravens) received a two (2) game suspension that was meted out by Commissioner Goodell’s office this week. That’s it; two games.. When asked the discrepancy between Ben Rothlisberger’s 6 game (reduced to 4) suspension, and Rice’s 2 game suspension, NFL VP Adolpho Birch had this to say:
He said the suspension was “appropriate” but failed to say why, other than by claiming it would serve as a deterrent.
Actually, I don’t see how. Yes, Rice will be docked pay, but he’ll benefit from two games of rest. Rice is not big by running back standards, so two less games of getting pummeled is probably attractive to him.
In response to Rice’s paltry discipline, Ravens Coach John Harbaugh had this to say:
When the suspension came down, head coach John Harbaugh said it was “not a big deal,” per NFL.com, and he “stands behind” Rice, who he declared “a heck of a guy.” Incredibly, Harbaugh said the whole mess was “good for kids” to learn how consequences work.
I’m not sure that Harbaugh truly though through his comment. If, in fact he did mean what he said, then perhaps the Ravens organization, and not Art Modell’s grave should have been “watered”.
Finally, on a lighter note (or maybe a heavier note) here is what happened at photo day when 170 pound Devonte Butler and 340 pound Chris Carter chest bumped. Pro-tip: never chest someone twice your weight.
Sunday’s Song:
Straight from scenic Slane Castle in County Meath, Ireland; U2’s Where The Streets Have No Name.
