Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Actually think Bill Belichick did Cam Newton a favor by releasing him and would not be surprised if that request actually came from Cam Newton who has made as much money as he's going to make in New England. Cam has his signing bonus and his guaranteed base salary but there was no way he was going to make his incentives as a back up. Now he is free to sign with another team where he has a chance to be the starting QB... Potatoes were forbidden in England until the early 18th century for the simple reason that potatoes aren't mentioned in the Bible. You know what else isn't mentioned in the Bible? England!... If there was a Church of Bacon - I'd be a parishioner. Maybe even a priest... Beach and Pina Colada season is officially over. It is now beer and football season... Interesting nugget from ESPN, "In the last 39 seasons, no quarterback drafted out of Alabama has won more than seven starts in a single year." Wish I could bet that Mac Jones would break that trend - oh wait - I already did... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Just curious but I wonder if Aflac would cover you for time lost from work because you got injured participating in an "approved" riot but not if you had side-effects from a COVID vaccine? Actually a serious question... "ISIS-K" is 2021's "Latinix." Something someone somewhere invented which we are now supposed to believe is real thing people actually say... Will the next California Governor get to pick a replacement for Dianne Feinstein if the 88-year old Senator can no longer continue her duties? That's a very real consideration... Heh Heh... Wonder what has lower general approval ratings - the WNBA or Kamala Harris? Another (semi) serious question... I think one of the keys to a healthy and happy life is to avoid both processed food and processed information (i.e. social media). Eat real food and read real books... Maybe in 2022 "Whitix" will be the new "Latinix"... Who knew? Erwin Schrodinger didn't even own a cat... Why hasn't Taylor Swift commented on the Patriots cutting Cam Newton? What is she trying to hide?...  

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Admit I did not see this coming - New England releases QB Cam Newton. That means rookie Mac Jones is the starter. Hats off to Patriots beat reporters Mike Reiss and Phil Perry who speculated months ago that Jed Hoyer may have been signed as the back-up specifically if this situation ever came to pass...  If Elon Musk put his mind to work on a competitor to Twitter I imagine, once launched, it would be a huge success. I'd certainly subscribe right away... Alan Sepinwall's appreciation of Ed Asner... Ilhan Omar (probably) on the Kabul airport bombings,  "Some people did something"... Remember wondering how the fact that FDR was crippled and confined to a wheelchair could have been kept hidden from the American people by a willing and complicit US press for all of FDR's Presidency? Well future generations will wonder the same thing about Joe Biden's cognitive decline... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Don't blame Cam Newton for not being vaccinated. He had COVID last season so should have anti-bodies. If you had the flu - would it make sense for you to get a flu booster vaccine to protect you from getting that same flu again? They're both viruses... Dr. Gay Hitler, son of George Washington Hitler... Do you recall when comments on posts and message boards were relatively new and some people made a big deal about being the first to post a comment? "Firsties" should have been a warning sign of how stupid a place the Internet can be. Thank God public shaming eventually put an end to that practice...  Nothing could usher crypto currency in faster than Amazon accepting Bitcoin or Etherium as payment methods. Could you imagine the impact that could have?... Disney fires back at Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow lawsuit... One way to stay sane yet also stay informed is in your head add the words, "In accordance to the prophesies" in front of any newspaper headline you read. So for example, "In accordance to the prophesies Disney fires back at Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow lawsuit." See how fun that can be?..  

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- To beat woke tyrants, the rest of us must treat them as the monsters they are. Agree 100%.

- Elusive Harmony: Levon Helm, The Band, and the Birth of Americana. Interesting read on some of the backstory and history of The Band. (HT Newmark's Door) 

- Science is not an instrument of patriarchal oppression. Personally I hope the term "postmodern metabaloney" catches on. 

- All Most New England Patriots fans today "Nooooooooo"

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

The passing of Rush Limbaugh leaves a large vacuum on the Right for information and entertainment programming. Wonder if Donald Trump could somehow fill that gap with a syndicated radio show? Many had been speculating about Trump launching his own TV network but this seems to be an opportunity too glaring to ignore... Government Cheese Vaccines would be a good name for a band...Could Dark Matter simply be the leftover quantum entanglements from matter and anti-matter that were annihilated just after the Big Bang?... Bill Belichick considering bringing back Cam Newton as his starting QB is a macroagression against Patriots fans. I'll need a safe space if that comes to pass... Cult of Inhibitions - band name or all-inclusive singles resort?...  Actually wouldn't mind if the Patriots gave Gardner Minshew a shot as their QB in 2021... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

It's a week past Christmas - can we all agree that there's no excuse for still playing Christmas music under any circumstances (unless the 24/7 music is being used to torture a confession out of someone)... Business idea - start a religion that is centered on finding the Christian messages in movies - any movie. That gives you the excuse to open a movie theater and charge "donations" to "parishioners." You could even sell sacramental popcorn, soda and snacks. The minister could deliver a brief sermon before the screening... Gordie Howe patriot!...  Cam Newton seems to be a nice enough guy but I hope today is his last game in a Patriots uniform. I also hope New England never adds another vegan to its roster...  Flaming Muffins would be a great name for a lesbian punk band... Who knew? Pro-Football-Reference lists one of Gardner Minshew's nicknames as the "Jockstrap King." What the heck is the story behind that?... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

I wonder if President Trump will be attending the Army/Navy game on Saturday. If he does I'm guessing he'll be roundly applauded by those in attendance. I'd like to get back to another one of these games... As God as my witness - I thought Charlie Weiss was going to be a success as the coach of Notre Dame. Major mea culpa... Heh Heh... Every building, school, bridge and park in West Virginia currently named after Robert Byrd should immediately be re-named after the State's true favorite son General Chuck Yeager... Thinking it over and I think Breath by James Nestor was the best non-fiction book I read this year while The Long Ships book by Frans Bengtsson was the best fiction book... How awesome was Chuck Yeager? He was the one and only person Bo Jackson ever asked for an autograph... Think I speak for most New England Patriots fans when I say I hope they move on from Cam Newton as QB next season... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

If he were still playing - would Tony Romo be one of the top 15 QB's in the NFL? Seeing some of the people starting these days - I'd have to say YES... I admit to being bothered by the election results in Vermont. Kanye West only got 1,269 votes (0.34% of the total) while white write ins received 1,942 votes (0.53% of the total). Clearly the only explanation is that Vermont is racist!... Who will be our Moses who stands up to the petty tyrants and says, "Let my people go (out to dinner and maybe see a movie)"... Have you seen that commercial about the couple chasing their runaway dog in the rain in their car? Yeah - those people shouldn't have a dog. They really shouldn't have a kid either... There's an outside chance that Tom Brady could lead the NFL in either passing yards or passing TD's - he's currently 4th in both categories. Equally intriguing is the chance that new Patriots QB Cam Newton could lead the NFL in rushing TD's (he's currently tied for 3rd) despite missing time this season due to a positive COVID-19 test... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

The bandwagon of people in New England clamoring for the Patriots to sign Cam Newton to a long-term deal is basically empty today after yesterday's awful performance. If Dallas or Washington offered anything in terms of a draft pick - I'd be fine with cutting bait and trading him.. Long been critical of the F-35 program. Recently though I'm starting to think the fighter may have turned a corner. If Trump is re-elected wouldn't be surprised if the cost overruns get under more control too... Had to mute Mark Teixeira on Twitter because of all the Depends ads. Normally I'm amused by Yankees' players pissing themselves but enough was enough... Can't wait until November 4th because then I'll finally be free of all the articles and posts about the importance of early voting... You could make the case that Khabib Nurmagomedov is the greatest MMA fighter of all-time.  I certainly would ague otherwise. Will be interesting to see of Khabib remains retired... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

 Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

In the history books you read about the public burning of bras and draft cards in the 1960's. I think we're quickly approaching public mask burning protests this year... If there were a Sports Bettors and Beer Drinkers Party - I'm pretty sure they'd get more votes in the upcoming election than the Libertarians... Just a reminder the WHO also was against e-cigarettes... Cam Newton is on pace for just under 1,000 yards rushing for the season. If the Patriots make a decent run in the playoffs there's a chance Cam could match Tom Brady's career rushing yards (1,046) in a single season... "A rational person can find peace by cultivating indifference to things outside of their control." - Naval Ravikant... Not that it's getting much press coverage but the US economy is doing better than expected... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

 Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

President Trump agreeing via Twitter to a 4-hour debate with Joe Biden to be moderated by Joe Rogan is a perfect example of what Scott Adams calls "free money." There was free money on the table and Trump took it. There's no down side for Trump to agree to the debate because he knows that Biden's team will never agree to it and by agreeing to it he looks good to a large portion of Joe Rogan's 190 million fans... Many Patriots fans wanted to show their support of Tom Brady for all he's done for New England over the years by betting on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Those fans will be paying their bookies today... Confession - I am 100% Irish but am much more likely to get drunk the first Sunday of NFL football than I am on Saint Patrick's Day. This year was no exception... Meanwhile Cam Newton led the New England Patriots to both a win and a cover. Few more games like that and you'll see fewer and fewer number 12 jerseys around Boston (sorry but that's the way sports works)... "Liberty is the parent of science and virtue, and a nation will be great in both in proportion as it is free." - Thomas Jefferson. This quote makes me think of how the political climate is actually stifling science today because scientists have to be careful to toe the PC line or get cancelled for their "science." That's not a healthy situation... All these years later and I still can't shake the feeling that Anthony Weiner was some sort of elaborate long-con Borat-like prank from the folks at The Daily Show all along. Weiner was Jon Stewart's roommate in college... 

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

I really hope that Matt Taibbi is working on a 2020 Presidential campaign book to rival Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing of the Campaign Trail 1972... In the Seven Years War, for every man who died in battle for England, an incredible 87 died of disease. If only General Fauci had ordered them to wear masks!... "Without the first amendment, there is no freedom. Without the second, there is no first." - Naval Ravikant... The way 2020 is tending I'm really afraid that contagious anal fissures will be a thing come September... Who knew? Adam Smith planned to have two follow-up books after The Wealth of Nations. The first was to be on literature and philosophy while the second was to be on law and government... Cam Newton as the Patriots starting QB is starting to grow on me (though I am concerned by him being a vegan)... 

Cam Newton

A number of people have asked me what I think about the Patriots signing Cam Newton. The truth is - I'm not sure. Yes I wanted to see what Jarrett Stidham could do as New England's starting QB but then again "In Bill We Trust."

This is a very low risk move by Bill Belichick and the Patriots. Newton is reportedly signed to a veteran's minimum contract. If he works out then the Patriots have cap space next year to re-sign the QB. If not then if Newton has to be cut and released, for whatever reason, there will be little roster or cap impact.

You wonder will Cam be able to pick up the Pats offense in such a short time-frame? In comparison Tom Brady has had a couple of months now to get to know Tampa's offense. Also, unlike Brady, Newton has some physical issues namely shoulder and foot injuries from which he's returning. Nobody is 100% sure how game-shape healthy Newton really is.

Bill Belichick likes competition at all positions if possible. Now he has a legitimate competition at the QB position. Josh McDaniels can feel comfortable designing an offense that highlights the skills of both Stidham and Newton. It will be interesting to watch the competition unfold.

Just hope Cam Newton is not still a vegan.

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Cam Newton is an NFL QB without a team. Cam Newton is also a vegan. Do you think those two facts are somehow related? I do... "Before you speak, let your words pass through three gates: Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?" - Rumi. A piece of advice I've tried to incorporate into my everyday speech... The FCC will not classify SpaceX's Starlink LEO (low Earth orbit) satellites as "low latency." This will make it tough for Starlink to win any federal broadband funds. This is not necessarily bad news for many reasons... Analysis - true!... Might finally create a non-profit called the Lynch Institute for Thought (LIFT). I would create business cards with me as President and CEO and a Go Fund Me page. All proceeds would go towards books, beer and cigars. Which as we all know are the necessities for proper thought... More good advice, "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." - C.S. Lewis...

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

Given this a lot of thought and if I were a Democratic candidate running for President in Iowa I would come out hard against the Des Moines Register because of the way they handled the Carson King story. I think that would play well with all Iowans these days... Thinking this guy might be Mike Hunt's cousin... "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." - CS Lewis... I actually want one of these... In Massachusetts there are safe spaces for heroin injections but now vape pens are against the law. Part of me wonders if vape pens have driven down the tax revenue in Mass the State was getting for tobacco sales and this in part explains the ban... Actually six if you include Billy Joel too. Wonder what the Vegas odds would be of Queen Elizabeth II outliving them all?... If I ran an NFL team all of the player contracts would have a clause that prohibits them from being vegans. Seriously. Looking at you Cam Newton...

Linky Links

Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.

- 31-years ago today the best call by a referee in NFL history

- Oooh - sick burn

- Lefsetz has his Tom Petty play list and commentary and it's pretty damn good.

- Charging (no pun intended) for empty seats is a business model doomed to fail (and I'm still calling them the San Diego Chargers)

- I love Monopoly Guy!

- I want one of these! But is 7 MPG practical for a wilderness RV?

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

My initial reaction to the Red Sox obtaining Wade Miley was "Meh". But I am willing to give Ben Cherington the benefit of the doubt... Geek joke - two chemists walk into a bar, first says "I'll have H2O." Second says "I'll have H2O too". Second chemist dies... Wade Miley does look like a pretty far out dude though... If you replace the word "ham" with the word "condoms" then Green Eggs and Ham becomes a very strange gay cruising book...  Very classy move by the Canadiens... There should be a Cracker Barrel Prevention Hotline that gives people options of much better restaurants in the area... "You're branded as a liar and you'll remain a liar for the rest of your life"... Speaking of lying - funny how some people who think it is wrong to lie to children about Santa Claus still cling to the idea that Obamacare is a workable solution... Heh heh... I think Craigs List should rename "Casual Encounters" to "Hob-Knobbing" - just because... Bonnet de douche means "shower cap" in French but doesn't it sound more like a more snarky version of the insult "ass hat"?... Santa painted into great works of art...

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

By my count - including states with former CBA teams - Isaiah Thomas has directly alienated the people of 19 states (and counting)... What historically will prove to be the worse investment? A fund run by Bernie Madoff or the Spiderman Broadway show?... I hate Isaiah Thomas! I hate him too! I hate him! He destroys cities! *Please*! This isn't your fault. I'll get you some pants... Sugar Bear was the Post Super Sugar Crisp mascot who spoke just like Bing Crosby. Kids today don't know Bing Crosby, Sugar Bear or Sugar Crisp. I'm old... I wonder if Cam Newton is getting his public relations advice from Isaiah Thomas... I've had perhaps over 100 different types of cereal but I'd be hard pressed to tell difference between Sugar Smacks and Honey Crisp... Remember, what happens in negotiations with Isaiah Thomas stays with Isaiah Thomas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you... I've seen commercial for dieting product called FullBar several times now but every time I see it I hear "Fubar" instead of "FullBar"... Just a reminder - Leo McGarry knew how to correctly spell "Qaddafi". The NY Times crossword editor did not... Also as a reminder - in 1798 George Washington was the largest single producer of alcohol in the US... Who knew - William Petersen (Gil Grissom from CSI) was offered the role of Henry Hill in the movie Goodfellas but turned it down... Speaking of commercials - I saw a Jenny Craig commercial that talked about measuring calories in and calories "out". Does that mean what I think it means? Gross... Off your rocker means crazy but I haven't been on a rocker in years

Flotsam and Jetsam

Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.

I wonder if Jeremiah Masoli had not had to transfer from Oregon and he had led the team to an unbeaten season - would the Heisman voting have been close with Cam Newton? You have to think Masoli would have at least been in the discussion... Last night's 30 for 30 on SMU getting the death penalty was fascinating. One thing they did not touch on though was the fact that the Booster (Sherwood Blount) who really killed SMU football was Craig James' agent. I have no respect for Craig James whatsoever... Is it me or is Jeff Fisher starting to give off Tom Landry in 1987 type vibes?... How great would it be if Cliff Lee signs with the Rangers and Andy Pettitte decides to retire for real... Here's a bit of history you never hear mentioned - in 1911 the Kentucky Derby banned black jockeys after they won 15 of first 28 Derbies... Here's the answer to a little thing that had bugged me. If Marlin is still the plural of Marlin (i.e "I caught several marlin") - then why do they call them the Marlins? It turns out that Marlins is used unless a specific number is denoted... A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, 'I'll serve you, but don't start anything'