It’s been an interesting summer so far. I’ve been in a pool regularly for the first time in decades, and I haven’t cycled much at all after seven years of hitting the Schuylkill Trail almost every week during the warm weather.
And after trying to get away from blogging, I’m pulling a George Costanza and doing the opposite as I consider jumping back in. I haven’t written a Rob’s Rants in almost four years, when I was still complaining about Andy Reid throwing the ball too much on my Philly sports blog. It was always a fun post to write—and hopefully to read—so thought I’d try an edition with various subjects.
Here’s my rapid fire reaction to a few things that caught my attention so far this summer:
- I read Bill Lyon’s series in the Philadelphia Inquirer on his experiences living with Alzheimer’s disease. Growing up reading Lyon’s sports columns was my introduction to great newspaper writing, and he’s still the measuring stick by which other columnists are judged. Reading his series is bittersweet. I welcome the chance to read his words again, and marvel at his willingness and ability to share what he’s dealing with. Yet, having watched my dad go down hill with early onset dementia, I’m saddened knowing what awaits Lyons. Still, it’s more than worth reading.
- Ben Affleck appeared on the debut of Bill Simmons’ HBO show and dropped the F-bomb every five seconds in an effort to be . . . edgy? I’m guessing. I haven’t had HBO since the last time Verizon screwed something up and gave it to us for free, but I can’t imagine watching this show. Simmons never worked on ESPN—certainly not on their NBA coverage. Besides that, two Boston guys crying because Tom Brady actually got penalized—oh, wait, he didn’t yet—for trying to steal another Super Bowl has to be the dumbest way ever to debut a national sports show.
Read more here.