Mark’s Musings – Jan. 30, 2013

Mark Fortune

San Francisco or Baltimore? My pick is Baltimore – not because I prefer them anymore or any less than San Francisco, (I don’t) but because I believe they are the better team. I can honestly say that this is a Super Bowl I just don’t care much about. Except for the food. And the Harbaugh brothers. We (actually my wife) have prepared the same chocolate, coconut, peanut and cream cheese treat since the days of the Chicago Bears and the Super Bowl Shuffle. You remember the year – the one where ‘Da Bears destroyed that little upstart team from New England?  I think it is possible that more people will watch this game for the commercials and the halftime show than the game itself. Unless you’re a San Francisco or Baltimore fan? BUT THE MAIN REASON TO WATCH THE GAME? THE HARBAUGH BROTHERS! How awesome is that?

The President has weighed in on the rash of collegiate injuries; namely concussions. It has been suggested that collegiate athletes form an organization to protect themselves against future loss from injuries sustained in college. As many of you know, only one percent of college football players transition to the NFL. Compensating college athletes is also being bantered about. These are all interesting discussions of course and perhaps the end result would be to once again create the “us versus them” tier across college athletics. Right when there is more parity than ever before. Coincidence?

Of course, there was more conversation on this topic and the Super Bowl than the march on Washington last Friday by Right to Life supporters. A quick internet search finds the mainstream media missing from the top 5 searches on Google. I find that . . . interesting. Keep your eyes and ears open folks. Reflect on the fact that the major news sources are owned by the conglomerates and the wealthy. They can pretty much feed you a steady diet of whatever they wish. MSNBC, started by Microsoft and NBC, is now wholly owned by NBC Universal, which is 51% owned by Comcast and 49% owned by GE. The online partnership with Microsoft ended in 2012. Fox News is owned by Fox Entertainment Group, a subsidiary of News Corporation, which is controlled by Rupert Murdoch and his family members.

Iran has sentenced American pastor Saeed Abedini to 8 years in prison, saying that his crime against the state was attempting to undermine state security by creating a network of Christian churches in private homes. The U.S. State Department is actively involved in the case. The pastor is of Iranian origin but resided in Boise, Idaho.

Locally, there is a lot going on. The Utica Shale play continues to make progress, albeit slowly. Once it arrives, it will hit with full force. If you own a business that can appeal to the droves of workers that will be here, make your plans now. Watch future issues of The Beacon for more information about the Utica Shale and how it will impact our community for decades to come.

You can always get current news on our website, www.coshoctonbeacontoday.com.

Category: Mark's Musings