Happy Friday, and happy summer! It’s 90-plus degrees here in New York, yet I’m super excited there is still Stanley Cup playoff hockey to watch tonight. The Edmonton Oilers have come back from the dead to win the last 2 games, and hooo boy, if they win tonight, the pressure on Florida in Game 7 would be ENORMOUS. I’m hoping it happens.
We’ve got 2 more nights in our house with our full contingent, until blonde child goes off to sleepaway camp. So while I try not to think about how much we’ll miss him, a trio of excellent stories/videos for you today.
First, you know I’m going to highlight things like this every chance I get, because it is a stain on America how many low-level marijuana offenders are still suffering the stigma of their convictions.
In Maryland this week Governor Wes Moore pardoned more than 175,000 cannabis “criminals” in a ceremony.
“We cannot celebrate the benefits of legalization if we do not address the consequences of criminalization,” Moore said.
Good on ya, Governor. Every state in the union should be doing this, because convictions ruin lives and do so much damage to one’s chances at a solid career.
**Next up, check out this incredible 9-year-old skateboarder, who did three “900s” (that’s 2.5 times around for those of us who don’t speak skateboard) at a recent competition.
His name is Ema Kawakami, and he is incredible. Look at the face of legend Tony Hawk while Ema does his moves.
Can’t wait to see what else Ema will do next.
**And finally, another in a series of promising news stories related to treatment of Alzheimer’s, a devastating disease that has affected so many of us. The Federal Drug Administration’s panel of independent advisors gave a big boost to Eli Lilly’s drug donanemab, a drug that through studies has been shown to slow the progression of the disease.
There is no word yet on when donanemab will be available to the public, but an FDA endorsement is a big next step.
Here’s more on what the drug does. Little by little, progress is being made.
According to this story: “Donanemab works by helping the body remove amyloid plaque buildups in the brain that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. These plaques are harmful deposits that can form in the brain as people age. Removing the plaque seems to slow down the brain changes that seem to happen with Alzheimer’s.
As the drug enters the brain it binds to the amyloid plaques and its presence catches the attention of the immune system that facilitates the plaque removal.”
Have a great weekend!
Wide World of Stuff 
Did you see this 60 minutes episode about alzheimers and dementia https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BGtVJ3lBdE