Cheers to the Good Stuff

The good stuff is typically not my norm. I write about the interesting, which is sometimes a wee bit dark. So, today, the good stuff. Starting with the World Cup, The Beautiful Game movie. Ade Cocker still has not found the family that saved him. Maybe the message for us is to know that in the 1960s, a family protected a young Black boy from the UK from a mob on the beach, at a risk to themselves. Just a portrait in courage, without any expectations.

On the Jaylen Brown trade — I wrote on Substack “Jaylen Brown is magic, of the people, for the people, and loved by the people. He’s going to be alright. The rest of us are going to need a minute. ” Well, since that time, the Phillies have drafted none other than LeBron James, aka King James.

Jaylen Brown played a key recruitment role — including a viral public pitch alongside streamer IShowSpeed and communication with Rich Paul — helping convince LeBron James that joining the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey was a viable championship path.

Yup, he’s going to be alright and Boston, well, we still need a minute.

Finally, I wrote about spiked drinks here in Boston, and added the diabolical roofied ice cubes in New York on the Substack version. As a follow-up, I thought I’d look into something I saw trending on social media: order an Angel Shot at a bar if you feel you’re in danger. As I read about the program, I saw it was based on a program in the UK, “Ask for Angela.” My heart sank. I wrote about this before — it sounds great. I saw the signs in the ladies’ room when I was in London. Problem was, most bar staff weren’t aware of what it meant.

I arrived at a restaurant early to meet friends. While waiting, I asked the female server, “What would you do if I ordered an Angel Shot?” She immediately scanned the room, and I shook my head no, trying to get out as fast as I could — “I’m OK, I’m just researching.” The follow-up question: “Were you trained here on what to do?” A concerned look flashed on her face. No. I don’t know how I know, but I know.

Another bartender in Texas knew exactly what it was, and the variations. “We take safety seriously.” That was reminiscent of the bartender who kept a list of safe bars. The next three I talked to all knew. Back to the first bartender — she said she’d take me to the ladies’ room and then call the police.

There’s lots of good stuff out there.