Mark’s Musings – August 6, 2014

Mark Fortune

Do you ever find yourself wondering about the different combinations of meals that we consume? For example, take the BLT. A bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I prefer mine with a smattering of mayonnaise. But there is no “m.” What if it was ham instead of bacon – would it then be an HLT sandwich? Let’s move on to other combinations. Like spaghetti and meatballs with garlic bread (toasted of course!) – And most want to add applesauce to that meal. Why applesauce? What does applesauce have to do with spaghetti anyways?

Everyone has their favorite. Hamburgers and French fries are next on the list with the list being in no certain order of taste preference. Sometimes onion rings replace the fries in a frenzy of indifference to the venerable French fry. Steak, baked potato (the baked potato is oft replaced by a softer version of the spud – French Fries) salad and something for dessert if you have any stomach space remaining. Apple pie, probably. Get the drift?

I mean, who created these combinations and why have they stuck with us? Let’s move on and I will leave you to ponder all of this deep thought.

Two more teams have joined the Big10 conference – with Maryland and Rutgers thrown into the mix from the ACC. The Leaders and Legends divisions have been renamed something more simple – West and East. The conference was started in 1896 and was named the Western Conference at one point. It was also the Big Nine – probably when there were – 9 teams. Yep. It is the oldest Division I collegiate conference in the U. S. The Buckeyes are in the East Division and will go up against Michigan (of course), Michigan State, Penn State (ineligible for post season in 2014), Maryland, Rutgers and Indiana. Each team will also play some out of division rivals.

The Buckeyes are preseason number six in the Amway coaches poll with last year’s Rose Bowl winner Michigan State at number eight. Marcus Mariota, quarterback for the Oregon Ducks, is one of the leading candidates to win the Heisman Trophy this year – Ohio State’s Braxton Miller is right there and leading the Buckeyes to the National Title game in the new four game playoff schedule would go a long way to sealing that award. Go Bucks!

This week brings the grand-daddy of our local parades to the forefront with the Canal Festival Parade on Saturday afternoon. There are more details in this week’s issue of The Beacon along with photos of the queen, princess and junior queen contestants. The Mayor’s Promenade on Sunday afternoon is a unique opportunity to see some of the Canal Era finery worn by men, women and children.

A lot of folks go to a tremendous amount of effort to participate in this Sunday afternoon (and the entire festival!) event. Thanks to all those that make the canal festival possible for our community.

Kraft announcing the possibility of an expansion – this is very positive news!

Category: Mark's Musings