Saturday Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Saddened by the news of the passing of Robbie Coltrane aged 72. For many, like me, he'll always be Hagrid in the Harry Potter universe. I can't help but think of the story of Coltrane approaching JK Rowling and saying he wasn't sure how to play the character and Rowling saying, "Just be yourself. I had you in mind when I wrote the character",,, The report that Washington Commanders (what an awful team name) owner Dan Snyder saying he has "dirt" on several NFL owners and even on Commissioner Roger Goodell makes the upcoming Jon Gruden lawsuit against the NFL even more interesting. Think there may be more than a glimmer of truth in Mike Florio's thought that it may have been Snyder who leaked the embarrassing emails that got Gruden fired. Snyder's way of showing the NFL that he keeps receipts?... Shouldn't laugh at this but... With the near billion dollar jury award against Alex Jones I'm reminded of the $33 million award to the families of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. Do you think those families ever saw that $33 million?...  Always thought it cool that Midway Airport in Chicago was named after the Battle of Midway - arguably one of the most important military victories in US history... One reason I expect the Dallas Cowboys to continue winning is because that would foil owner Jerry Jones' plans to hire Sean Payton as the new head coach. If Mike McCarthy and his team keeps winning Jerry won't be able to fire him and that's the way things tend to work for Cowboys fans these days... I laughed too hard at this... Have to hand it to Chicago - Midway Airport is named after the Battle of Midway and O'Hare Airport is named after Medal of Honor winner Butch O'Hare while Soldier Field (home of the Bears) is self-explanatory. Part of me is slightly surprised woke culture hasn't gone after these patriotically names Chicago institutions. If you’re not familiar with the story of Butch O’Hare please read the link. He was an amazing American hero... It may be worth noting that sometimes history does repeat itself. Just over 100-years ago Russia had to bow out of World War I because of political turmoil at home which resulted in the overthrow of the Czar. Could we see something akin to that as the way Russia exits the War in Ukraine?... 75-years ago this week Chuck Yeager became the first person to break the sound barrier. In my mind Chuck Yeager will always be THE MAN. Don't think his greatness as an American icon has been properly appreciated...  As always if this column has made you smile or think - don't be afraid to hit the like button. Also please subscribe (it's FREE) and share with your friends. Thanks in advance..