Around the World

The battle of civilization is constant, but at times it seems more heated. A long article at nypost.com is devoted to riots occurring around the globe, highlighting protests in Barcelona inspired by the ongoing dispute about those Catalonians who want their region to break away from Spain; Chile, where folks are pissed about two recent subway fare hikes; Haiti, where a fuel shortage and spiraling inflation have roiled the population of that unfortunate land; Hong Kong, where fear that mainland China is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous region has fomented violent resistance for months; and Lebanon, whose public debt of about $86 billion is the equivalent of more than 150% of its gross domestic product, forcing government belt tightening that has outraged citizens.

A report published in the medical journal Pediatrics looked at athletes’ concussion rates in practice and competition in high school sports. Of course, football topped the list. Cheerleading was second.

NFL: In looking at New England’s remaining games, the chances of going undefeated seem better than 50–50… It often seems the Giants’ defense is playing short handed. And the quick fix of replacing Eli Manning with Daniel Jones has evaporated, but it would be folly to reverse it… What a difference a week made for Jets QB Sam Darnold — from an orchid to an onion… The 49ers are doing great, but the most impressive team in the NFC is the Saints, who have won five straight without future Hall of Fame QB Drew Brees and, on Sunday, without the brilliant, uncannily elusive RB Alvin Kamara… Will the real Cowboys please stand up… When Andrew Luck abruptly retired, I thought the Colts wouldn’t get much out of fourth-year QB Jacoby Brissett. He has been outstanding. Kudos… Kirk Cousins has been phenomenal the past two games for the Vikings, shutting up his critics. Two other players deserve mention in the renaissance of Minnesota’s offense: TE Kyle Rudolph and RB Dalvin Cook, who blends power and speed… Ravens QB Lamar Jackson beat the Seahawks with his running. His passing was mediocre… I doubt any team in NFL history has blown more games than the Chargers. They are ridiculous.

RIP Willie Brown, 78, Hall of Fame CB whose career spanned 16 seasons, the last twelve with Oakland, where he was a member of three championship teams. He intercepted 54 passes, the most famous a 75 yard TD return in Super Bowl XI vs. the Vikings. He went to the Pro Bowl nine times, and was All-Pro five times. He was named to the All-Decade team of the ‘70’s. In 1999 he was ranked #50 on The Sporting News’ list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. Well done, #24.

Here’s a creepy pic, a worker taking a smoke break:

My thanks to the burly guy who bought a baseball encyclopedia published in 1985, and to Arthur, who purchased two thrillers, Jack & Jill by James Patterson and The Poet by Michael Connelly; and to the woman who selected a book in Russian; and to the young mom who went home with two kids’ books; and to the gentleman who called me to his SUV and handed me a handsome hardcover edition of Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.

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