A weekly airing of national and local politics, sports and lifestyle items from a very politically incorrect viewpoint. As always, beware - much of what is printed here should not be taken literally.

Our recovery - one size does not fit all

Mark Sharpe of the Tampa Innovation Partnership stole our thunder this week (see his op-ed piece on line). Our lead piece was to be one size fits none in regards to the pandemic recovery. Florida is beginning to see things stabilize; New York is still a hot mess. Places like South Dakota are asking what pandemic? Even in Florida, other areas will normalize before South Florida. Our leaders seem to have a grasp of this, and we should follow their lead.

Great Tampa Bay, politics and stuff:

1. Quote(s) of the Week (both from Tampa Mayor Jane Castor): March 29 - “This is the highest level of unpreparedness from the federal government that I have ever seen in any type of an emergency.” April 15 - “That’s not my style. Frankly, I think it’s just a waste of time to be critical of others.” With a herculean amount of restraint, we offer no comment to the above quotes.

2. Presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden says, in so many words, his presidency would be an extension of the Obama regime. Didn’t Clinton say that? And didn’t Americans reject that?

3. Looking for silver linings during this stressful period? Here’s one – the outbreak of coronavirus in China has led many U.S. companies to rethink their physical presence in China as well as how much we outsource there.

4. We would argue that many who will be receiving stimulus checks really don’t need them, but we are gratified that earliest checks went to those with the lowest incomes. And for those who insist on nitpicking even in times of national crisis, who really cares who signs the checks?

5. Idle thought related to #4 above: Maybe if you were one of those folks who really didn’t need a stimulus check, you might want to cut a check or two to some of your favorite non-profits.

Sports, media and other stuff:

6. Thanks to the NFL for throwing sports fans a bone by holding their draft on schedule this week – specifically the 23^rd through the 25^th. We’re guessing viewership ratings for the event will be at an all-time high.

7. Speaking of the draft, barring a monumental turnaround, it’s safe to say the top two picks in the NFL draft five years ago, Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, were busts.

8 What with the library closed, we thank goodness for Amazon Prime, MLB.com and good old AMC and TMC. Speaking of the library, Pinellas libraries want you to hold on to your checked out materials – no past dues or fines until further notice.

9. It has survived Marvin Miller, a few strikes over the years, and the infamous 1919 throwing of the World Series (chronicled well by Charles Fountain’s The Betrayal) and the national pastime will overcome the shutdown occasioned by coronavirus pandemic.

10. From the recent special edition of the 5:05 Newsletter: Entertainment News: The Rolling Stones announced they will be doing another world tour this year. World tours used to be easier for them in their younger days because the continents were much closer together.

Wild ideas in the sports world; some may work

Imagine, if you will, a come one, come all playoff in the NHL – maybe the same for the NBA. Baseball seems focused on a Florida-Arizona system. That’s not good news for the Rays because in addition to the Yanks, Twins and Astros, they might also have to face the World Champ Nats, two National League division winners – the Braves and Cards, plus the Red Sox, who are not chopped liver. Biggest problem with the scheme is each state has 15 teams which means two teams (one in each state) are off every day. There, of course, are others. If you think Florida is hot in the summer, try Arizona. Financially, all three schemes are tough financially because they most likely would be played without fans and the concessions they patronize. Revenue would only come from broadcast rights and we’re not sure networks and cable providers would be all that willing to pay top dollar for what they might perceive as one step up from exhibition games. Our best bet for normalcy in sports is probably the NFL season and that is far from a sure thing.

UP NEXT: Talk to this old boy; 5:05’s reality show; The toll of texting

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