Life adapts. No doubt y’all are observing how all programmed, live television has modified its presentation. Tight groups of show guests and others are now being replaced by individuals and others presented on split screen and from varying sites. I watched some of the I-❤️ fund raiser hosted by Elton John last night. A number of artists performed live, many accompanied by others, each from their own home. Technically, the presentation quality was excellent, which leads me to predict the following: The NFL is going to have tremendous success holding and presenting the draft. Technically it will look different, absent of a Vegas crowd or side-by-side “experts” and hosts. We won’t see those selected walking up to a stage and shaking the commissioner’s hand either. Still, the show WILL go on as there is absolutely nothing else -sports oriented- to look forward to.

China’s claim of just 3300 deaths due the virus ought to be taken with a grain of MSG.

Woodcock, My new “street-beggar” look, comprised of month old unkempt beard is working wonders when risking exposure to the plague in replenishing provisions. Much like other stores, Trader Joe has radically changed how it serves its customers. One is asked to stand outside in line while a monitor regulates entrance on a one-to-one basis. Seniors are allowed to enter ahead of others, so the monitor walks up and down the line and picks those who “look” the part. Well, I don’t have to tell you that I have my new “10 year added look” I’m instantly selected AND immediately and personally escorted into the store... and “please feel free to use one of our disinfectant wipes.”

So...it’s another epidemic. So...do we really need to start each response with SO? So...it’s beginning to drive me crazy.

Will it be “Let’s Make a Deal,” or “The Price is Right?” A few seemingly obvious outcomes stand out when one analyses the top of the upcoming draft. I’m referring to the first six picks. Here is what I think they reveal. 1. Joe Burrow will go #1 and only two teams will draft him - Cincinnati or Miami. Given the cost for Miami to attain him, chances are Joe becomes Cinci’s pick. 2. The current next three teams - Washington, Detroit and the Giants could fall to four, five and six in any particular order and they would still pick the same three players they would be selecting were they to stay in their current positions. The three are: Chase Young, Jeff Okudah or Tristan Wirfs (or other favorite top five OT’s). 3. The result of which means that current #5 (Miami) and #6 (Chargers) can simply stay put and draft Tagovailoa and Herbert. Unfortunately, the process is never that easy. A poker game of sorts will inevitably break out concerning signals and interpretations, preference or indifference. This is why it will become an almost 100% certainty that one team will strike a deal with Detroit to select Tua Tagovailoa.

the shadow knows, Thanks for those, shadow. I read through all of them.

This and what will inevitably follow is going to make it tough for the Dolphins not to trade to the #3 spot to get Tua. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20200324/tua-time-miami-dolphins-nfl-treated-to-tagovailoa-throwing-session-video

the shadow knows, You referenced musical scores. Interesting factoid - the film noir i mentioned above featured Miles Davis as the guy responsible for the film score. Miles apparently was just being “discovered” by tastes outside the US (I suppose much like Jimmi Hendrix) and was given free rein. If you ever get a chance to watch it, don’t pass.

WARNING: Consume news only from credible source, otherwise take with grain of salt.

the shadow knows, Last Film Noir I saw was one I had never seen before and it was a really good one. “Elevator to the Gallows.” A French 1958 movie. Highly recommend it.

...just to give you an idea and without exaggeration, within the last 24 hours I’ve watched: Bullitt, Winshester 73, Torpedo Run, Von Ryan’s Express, and 1/2 of The Great Escape.

the shadow knows, The OC household uses cable tv, along with a subscription package specific to two things - sports and movies. Through these packages, customers are made available to huge libraries. Personally, TCM has been a staple for me since its beginning in 1984 with Robert Osborne. The wife is also a classic movie buff and together we must watch an embarrassing amount of programming. Given the current quarantine, the number of movies have gone up dramatically.

Speaking of logos. ESPN has a quick quiz here: http://www.espn.com/espn/feature/story/_/id/24607073/are-athlete-logo-expert-prove-it Got a 70. Just okay. I should have done better.

For the record, I approve of the new Rams logo brand. As a professional who studied, followed and designed many logos for our customers this new Rams logo hits all the current bells and whistles. Good job!

the shadow knows, One my favorite parts during Sunday masses are the readings; particularly, the Old Testament. As you may not be too familiar with Catholic worship, once the opening greet and prayers are said by the congregation, two readings are read by “readers” to the assembly. The first is taken from the Old Testament of the Bible, while the second the New. Oftentimes the selected readings are Psalms. During my three years when the wife and I volunteered to do both readings Psalms were my favorite.

Jimbo, I’m guessing that you influenced naming your grandson Jack or Franco.

Thanks for that, shadow.

Hahahaha...”now the kids know how dumb we are” hahahaha...

Woodcock, I know I can count on you in supporting my view that Grier should use his #5 to draft the punter from Rice.

...as much as I like Burrow I just wouldn’t trade three #1 picks or more for one guy who may or not match -professionally- what said dude showed during a final year in college.

Big Baby, Given your continued belief (most likely warranted) in Herbert, I’m assuming that you’re in favor of staying put at #5.

I went out early one day last week to stock up on provisions. Haven’t shaved in two weeks. Soon I’m going to look like Ben Roethlisberger.

A good way of seeing what might be the best strategy going forward in the draft is to “personalize” the choices, given player and team selections/projections. Worst case scenario, Grier has to assume that unless the Chargers manage to secure a deal with say, Cam Neuton, the Chargers at #6 WILL move ahead of Miami to secure Tua. Yes, they could just wait to take the scraps, but if Miami really wants the #2 rated Tua, that’s got to be their move. Miami could also go after #1, Burrow for even higher costs. Let’s compare via draft pick values. Miami has the following key selections in their war chest: #5 (1700), #18 (900), #26 (700), #39 (510), among others. A deal to obtain the #3 slot would cost Grier something in the neighborhood of 2200. For the #1 pick, 3000. Now, before Grier gets too ahead of himself, he’ll be forced to recognize the obvious two points: 1. What’s the point in dealing away valuable assets to obtain a QB if I can’t protect him? Moreover, for Tua who is anything but physically robust. 2. If I deal away all three of my first rounders, there’s no way I’ll find any QB starting protection in subsequent rounds. So, here’s what his three options might look like. You guys are welcome to jump in with your preference or version. Option A. Stay put. Hope the Chargers pass on Tua but if they do, draft Herbert. #5. Tua or Herbert, QB #18. Josh Jones, OT #26. A.J. Epenesa, Edge #39. Antoine Winfield, S Option B. Trade for #3 overall to make sure of getting Tua. 500 points required (#5, #39 pick + sweetener). #3. Tua, QB #18, 26 the same, no #39th pick. Option C. Trade for #1. 1300 points required (#5, #18, #39 + sweetener). #1. Burrow, QB #26. Ezra Cleveland, OT I don’t know if this last scenario serves the Dolphins best, as it voids many of through all team’s valuable resources. However, if it is determined that Tua Tagovailoa is not fragile and will recover close to 100% then I say pursue Option B. Otherwise, just stay put.

Jimbo, Great hearing from you! To answer your question, I definitely see how a John Elway might see a younger self in Herbert. Marino, I guarantee, sees himself in Burrow. “our customers (errrr) the cons” Hahahahaha...

The 2020 Dolphins team is shaping up to start over 50% new, more talented players. Free agency has already penciled in: a left guard, center, running back, defensive end, edge, linebacker and cornerback. With six selections in the first 70 draft picks (usual starters) that makes 13. More than half a starting team!