THE DAILY BLOVIATION
Good morning, Cleveland Browns fans!
Here in Lake County, Ohio, things are inconvenient, with a slight odor of post-apocalyptic.
Earlier this week, a thunderstorm and tornados suddenly came through the area, carrying 80 MPH winds and horizontal rain. Dependent on above-ground wires and poles, the electrical infrastructure in Northeast Ohio fell apart. The storm knocked down trees and power lines throughout the area, and over the course of a couple of hours, almost half a million people lost power.
I'm not sure what First Energy and the other electrical companies were prepared for heading into the storm, but they sure as hell weren't prepared for this. Current estimates put the "majority of customers" as having power a week restored by 8/14/24. Days later, my home's "outage status" on the First Energy website is "reported." They haven't even looked at the issue.
Meanwhile, the accouterments of daily life are thrown into an uproar. Gasoline is hard to find - most pumps don't work because they depend on electricity. The attached shops are working in cash only. Those restaurants that are actually open are overwhelmed with traffic, as hundreds of thousands of residents can't cook at home and look for meals. Hotels are booked up as residents flee to find power.
Is the world ending? No. We're surviving. But nerves are on edge, people are ticked, and nomadic lifestyles are the norm for people without power.
I'm not going to rant about what's going on with the weather, but these things are starting to become a yearly occurrence up here now. That's new. I don't remember that from my previous lifetime as a Northeast Ohio resident.
While I was sitting in the dark yesterday, waiting to move into a hotel I was lucky to procure for an evening at non-trivial damage to my bank account, my phone (low on battery as always) beeped, announcing a message from the Cleveland Browns. It was an email heralding the possible construction of a glorious $3.6 billion palatial stadium and entertainment complex dedicated to the team, whose financing will come from "innovative" public/private partnerships. Included were extensive mock-up videos and whatnot to wow the public.
And "wow the public" they did, based on the reaction I saw. A lot of people are psyched about the potential of the new facility.
Me, well, I wasn't in the mood. Perhaps the timing, folks, could have been better, but as I struggled to try to support my business while on the road, spending money I didn't have because our electrical grid was unprepared for what's happening with the weather, my enthusiasm for a grandiose new facility that will come complete with PSLs and ticket prices I know I won't be able to afford is perhaps a bit muted.
But that's not a "Haslam" problem. That's not a "Browns" problem. They'll be fine. Resplendent in their new owner's box. It's a "me" problem, for sure. I think we can all agree, if you've been reading these bloviations over the past few years, that I have no shortage of "me" problems. New ones spring up every day. But I worry about priorities.
Power will be restored in the coming days and weeks. Outside my hotel, dozens of electrical trucks lined up overnight. The calvary has arrived, and resources have been mustered to address the catastrophe. Soon, this issue will go away, and we can get back to our daily lives. At that point, annoying and nagging doubts will go away, and we can return to enjoying football, cooking food at home, and living our normal lives until the next "once in a decade" storm.
Still, I'm wondering if our money shouldn't be going to prepare for what's coming.
Nevermind. Maybe Taylor Swift will come to town.
3. WATCH AND LISTEN TO THE GAME (HOMES WITH POWER ONLY)
Cleveland Browns vs. Green Bay Packers: How to Watch, Listen and Live Stream - (clevelandbrowns.com)
2. THE BRANDON AIYUK MYSTERY
What's next for Brandon Aiyuk? - (nbcsports.com)
Brandon Aiyuk trade rumors: Steelers in mix for 49ers WR; San Francisco asking for two No. 1 picks, per report - (cbssports.com)
Aiyuk really seems to want to go to Pittsburgh, begging the question: What the hell is wrong with him? Is he, you know, wrong in the head or something? Does he really like french fries on his salad or the scent of sewage in the air? Something is really awry with this fellow, it seems.
Best to avoid.
1. FANCY NEW DOMES R' US
A Letter to Cleveland Browns fans across Northeast Ohio and beyond - (clevelandbrowns.com)
Browns make case for Brook Park dome, release images in letter to season ticket holders - BrownsZone with Scott Petrak - (brownszone.com)
Cleveland Browns release Brook Park domed stadium renderings, but say they’re still undecided between Cleveland and Brook Park - (cleveland.com)
Cleveland Browns share Brook Park dome stadium renderings, update fans on choices - (beaconjournal.com)
Fan reactions mixed after Browns release renderings for possible new stadium - (fox8.com)
Browns Push for $2.4 Billion Domed Stadium in Cleveland Suburbs - (frontofficesports.com)
If you believe the Browns are still undecided about what they want to do, I will happily assemble a prospectus for the Brooklyn Bridge for you. It just became available! I can get it to you for a cheap, honest.
Have a good one! GO BROWNS!
THE LIFT
Positive news from the world of sports and beyond...
Paralyzed Man Sets Off to Cycle Entire Length of Britain on a Motorized Bike Controlled by His Chin
Suddenly, the hassles imposed on me by power outages don't seem so severe.
“Since my accident, I’ve had absolute conviction and determination to lead a full and rewarding life,” said Walker. “Taking on these extreme challenges helps me continue to live my dream and make a difference to other people
YOUR MORNING NEWSWIRE SOUNDTRACK
The OBR's beat reporter Fred Greetham and Brad Ward answer questions about the latest Aiyuk Trade Rumors, The latest on the Browns Stadium including renderings and we answer your camp questions....
OBR VIDEO
OBR WEEKLY
OBR ARTICLES FROM YESTERDAY
Cleveland Browns News and Rumors 8/7: Watson Sits, Roster Moves, and Cleveland Officials in Denial - (Barry)
Cleveland Browns and the Haslam Sports Group Unveil Stadium Plans for Brook Park - (Casey)
The Nine Cleveland Browns Preseason Battles To Watch Out For - (Jack)
FROM THE FORUMS
ASK THE INSIDERS (VIP)
Is there a disconnect between Watson and the coaching staff?
Inside info on Aiyuk
New KickOff rules leads to a new KO specialist?
Did the Browns miss a step in vetting Wills?
INSIDER CENTRAL (VIP)
Kareem Hunt...
THE WATERCOOLER
Browns Shiny new helmets
LiveWire Thread for 8/7 - Twitter, Articles, Videos,OPEN THREAD
Aiyuk a Stiller? Lets explore!
Field design voting
Browns Announce Brook Park Stadium Plans
Letter to the Fans (Stadium decision)
OT: To Dot or Not to Dot
WRAPPING UP
When not luxuriating in a Waffle House, Barry McBride is the Publisher and Founder of the OBR and bloviates this nonsense every morning. You can follow him on Twitter @barrymcbride or write him at barry@theobr.com if you are so compelled.
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