Pacific Rim. Year 97. Jonah. Maiden. Memories.

What to do with Kim Jong-un? Big Hits in the NFL.  He is a War Hog.  Say Iron Maiden.  Let us NEVER Forget.

• Amazing to me that the Chinese and Japanese as well as the rest of the world seems to be taking the detent path with the North Koreans and their erratic “leader” Kim Jong-un.  I cannot understand what the strategic thinking could possibly be to let the North Koreans continue down a path of nuclear proliferation.  I will not go the politics route with my take so I am going to assume that the main topic of discussion at last week’s ASEAN summit was North Korea?  Lets hope so.
• We are now into the 97th year of the NFL.  The buzz around the start of the NFL and college football seasons continues to build year over year thanks to the remarkable marketing engines of the media and broadcast networks.  Thursday night’s Broncos-Panthers game did not disappoint though the concussion discussion needs to be heightened after seeing those hits on Cam Newton.  I know the NFL rules committee works hard to figure out the helmet-to-helmet scenario but at a minimum it probably makes sense to introduce more stringent tackling rules and protection protocols.  If not already standard add-on equipment, the Gyro product from Unequal Technologies is one way to help prevent head injuries from those massive hits we saw Thursday night.
• I don’t usually go to the movies but I did see War Dogs. I would strongly recommend you take the time to see Jonah Hill’s performance.  Some of the story line gets sideways a bit but the overall writing and acting is outstanding.  Hill will be nominated for a Academy Award for his effort.
• Last week’s Take mentioned that I went to Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta to catch AC DC with Axel Rose as their lead singer.  Yep, not the infamous AC DC we all remember but a decent show at a great venue.  When I mentioned this to a friend on mine, he reminded me of some of the great rock band performances of the past.  In 1975 the band Iron Maiden was formed and over time has been recognized as a top 10 rock band of all time.  I never was exposed to Maiden but finally watched Iron Maiden: Flight 666, a full length documentary of their 2008 world tour.  Amazing to realize that despite little radio or television support, Iron Maiden are considered one of the most successful heavy metal bands in history, with the band having sold over 100 million copies of their albums worldwide.
• A great time of year with fall on its way, both football and soccer in full swing (kudos to Pep for yesterday’s win over ManU) and the FedEx Cup coming up fast.  With that said, today marks a very sad day in history. Like many others around the country I looked in amazement at my office TV at smoke pouring from the upper floors of one of the World Trade Center towers.  Amazement turned to shock when the second plane hit the other tower. It became clear to me and my associates that September 11, 2001 would change the world forever.  Fifteen years ago seems like yesterday.  As we watch the EPL and NFL today keep the family and friends of the thousands of victims in mind.

Adios and Happy Sunday Funday!