It seems to me we could all use something uplifting after this week in the world. I am not ignoring or down playing Russia bombing Poland, our military inexplicably blowing up a fishing boat and streaming the video, shootings in Colorado, confusion at the U. S. Naval Academy, masked ICE militia targeting Chicago, people amazingly forging Donald’s signature over 20 years ago, Charlie Kirk’s assassination, and the 24th Anniversary of the 9-11 Terrorist attack. Inflation is heading upward, tariffs are ultimately a tax on consumers or stockholders or both depending on if they are passed on through higher prices. The National Debt continues upward with an estimated $1.9 trillion shortfall for this fiscal year. I am also stressed over the devaluation of the America’s honor and prestige in the world. If you ask Canada or Mexico or most of NATO, our name is “mud”, thanks to the Orange Wanker, his Regime, and most of our elected Republicans.
You historians will recall that Dr. Samuel Mudd was convicted of helping John Wilkes Booth prior to the assassination of President Lincoln and for treating Booth’s broken leg as he fled Washington. I am suggesting the orange #47 is someone who is “in disgrace and in trouble.” His name should be “mud”. The U S Open crowd and the peaceful protesters across the country are making it clear how they view the chaos created by the Tangerine wanna be dictator. I understand there will be another national “No Kings” rally in Mid October. Please consider joining in the peaceful protest to save our democracy.
Phil Knight is an American success story. Educated at University of Oregon and later an advanced degree from Stanford, he was an accountant. Knight found a great running shoe manufactured in Japan and earned the West Coast rights to sell that product. His coach joined him eventually as the shoe designer and Blue Ribbon Sports was born. The company was renamed in l971 for Nike—the Greek winged goddess of victory. Knight originally paid a young graphic design student at OSU $37 for the swoosh. No surprise, he later recognized the value with stock awards for her. I think most of the world knows about the unparalleled success of Nike. Knight was an innovator and the ultimate risk taker. I met one of his original marketing team who delighted in telling the stories about calculating the ultimate value of contracts with Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and so many other sport leaders. LeBron James 2015 Nike contract is reportedly worth over $1 billion. Jordan gets a percentage of his shoe sales and likely earns north of $200 million per year. The story is remarkable.
So here is the ‘good night (knight) nurse’ connection. It is thought that comedian Jack Benny may have been the source of the expression in his understated, droll manner. If Benny learned that Phil Knight had accumulated a net worth north of $60 billion and shared it generously with his Alma mater’s and the community, his statement would be one of disbelief or surprise!! -good night nurse. Knight previously had donated or pledged over $2 billion dollars to his favorite causes. In the past week he announced that he and his spouse were donating $2 billion to the Oregon Health Science Knight Cancer Institute. “The largest single donation ever made to a U. S. University, college or academic health center will transform cancer care.” Knight has a long history of teaming up with Dr. Brian Druker, M. D on cancer research. OHSU led by Dr. Druker developed Gleevac, a drug that transformed the survival of chronic myeloid leukemia from less than 5 years to potentially a normal life span. Knight and his spouse are inspirational and give us hope that science and its application is the future of our country.
I do not know if my granddaughter will get a Nike offer one day for her softball skills. You do have to concur, she has a perfect batter’s stance. Take time to enjoy your friends and family this week end. Mike
Good “Knight” Nurse
