So after an epic 41-hour journey home from China that would have made Odysseus feel better (Google it kids), we’re home with our little boy and he is doing fantastic. It will take a few surgeries to get his palate repaired but he’s fun to be around and it’s a pretty happy time at the Grossman Compound. While I was gone a LOT of stuff happened in sports and the news in general. Let’s review: • CHINA ACCUSED OF HACKING US GOVERNMENT COMPUTERS: Imagine being in China and flipping on CNN International to be greeting with THIS news! • AMERICAN PHAROAH WINS THE TRIPLE CROWN: I was 10 years old the last time this happened, and so it’s a really big deal. I understand that some people argue that the field of horses he raced against wasn’t very strong, but come on—it had been almost 40 years. He did it and we add his name to the list of great horses who did it too. • THE BLACKHAWKS WIN THE STANLEY CUP, AGAIN: Yep, it’s a dynasty. In the 21st Century if you win three titles in six years in a pro sport, that is a dynasty. It’s amazing how the franchise changed when Rocky Wirtz took over from his penny-pinching father. The Blackhawks are now the standard for not only the NHL but also for sports teams in general. They have a core group of stars who are not only outstanding players but also good leaders and good people in the community. They have young talent waiting in the wings, highlighted by the backup goalie they put in for the opening round series against Nashville who won a game and stabilized their hopes. • THE CONFEDERATE FLAG IS UNDER REVIEW IN THE SOUTH: I am a Civil War buff, and the Stars and Bars bothers me greatly. I am stunned that society has allowed that symbol of hate, slavery and ‘real’ bigotry has been allowed to fly over government offices in the United States of America. • GOLDEN STATE WON THE NBA TITLE: This a just result for the league. The Warriors were the best team in the league all season, they have the league’s MVP and most lovable player in Steph Curry. They were flashy in how they did it, with smaller players than the norm who are highly-skilled and can shoot the ball like we have never seen in the league. For LeBron James, it was another unfulfilled trip to the Finals. • PETE ROSE BET ON BASEBALL WHILE HE WAS PLAYING: Seriously! Who saw THAT coming? Oh, I did and so did everyone not wearing a faded red number 14 reds t-shirt bought from Riverfront Stadium in 1985. We now have physical proof that Rose bet on baseball while he was playing, which flies in the face of the pro-Peter’s argument that “Rose should be put in the Hall of Fame for what he did on the field, and he never bet on baseball when he played”. Well, yes he did and now the liar of all liars has been caught in yet another lie. But what would you expect. Liar’s lie, cheaters cheat. That’s what they do. • AND FIFA IS ACCUSED OF BEING A CORRUPT ORGANIZATION: OK, well this is about as well-kept secret as Pete Rose betting on baseball and lying about it. But here is the thing: cheaters and liars always get caught because they keep cheating and lying more and more and the cheating and lying gets bigger and bigger until they make a mistake. Who on earth would have thought that any world-wide sporting event should ever be held in Qatar? Hel-lo! It’s 120-degrees there! When Qatar became a host country for 2022, the heads snapped around and the investigations began. And when they turned the light on international futbol’s governing body, the coach roaches and rats ran to the four corners of the earth with nothing to say but that they didn’t do anything wrong. Noooo, they didn’t do anything outside of what’s been going on for decades unabated. Futbol needs a new leader and it needs a new thought process. That may take a long time to get to, if it’s even possible. By the way, top five things I missed when I was in China: 1. COLD MILK: Even in the outstanding, westernized hotels where we stayed they simply pour a pitcher of milk into a dispenser with a tap on it. I like my 1% so cold it hurts when it hits the back of my throat. 2. ROOT BEER: They don’t have it there. Coke, Pepsi and Sprite? Yes. But try to make a ‘float’ with Sprite. It just doesn’t work. Give me A & W. 3. FREEDOM OF SPEECH: When CNN International aired a special on the boom of texting and social media amongst young people in China, it ran for three minutes and then the feed went black until the show was over. Don’t take your freedom for granted. 4. WARSAW TRAFFIC: Crossing the street is like a real-life game of Frogger (Google that too kids), electric scooters honking at you on the sidewalks to get out of their way, lane lines are very much only a suggestion and red lights may or may not be adhered to. Give me Parker Street at 5 p.m. on the Friday of a holiday weekend any day. 5. ENGLISH SPEAKING PEOPLE: I appreciate how many Chinese people can speak enough English to be able to help you in many scenarios. But even with picture menus it’s hard to explain that you want your fried rice not white rice as a side to your meal. It’s not because they aren’t trying, it’s because they can’t prepare for everything you need. So when you land in Detroit, it just feels right. It’s good to be home!
