Here are what I consider to be the Top 5 Otters in US history. List in reverse order of significance:
5. Obadiah Otter - he was a curious otter who happened upon the Donner Party in 1846. These were the first humans Obadiah ever encountered and as it worked out also the last. He is historically significant because he kept the Donner Party from resorting to cannibalism (for an additional 36 hours).
4. Jeremiah Otter - his wife and adopted son were killed by a Crow Indian raiding party. He spent the rest of his life tracking down Crow Indians and ripping out their necks while they slept. He became a Rockie Mountain legend and some say a myth. Some even say he's up in those mountains still.
3. Sergeant York Otter - while it was widely reported that the Navy experimented with strapping bombs to dolphins it is lesser known that the Army had a similar project utilizing otters. Sergeant York Otter was named after the WWI hero and died during a training accident.
2. Sacagawea Otter - the only female otter on the list. She was the mascot of the Lewis and Clark expedition party until she was killed by Meriwether Lewis and her pelt was exchanged for some corn meal.
1. Bedford Otter - this otter is significant because as a youth he used to live in a pond in Bedford Falls and one winter when he was young he was poking around under the ice to the point where he caused a few cracks. These cracks broke when a young Harry Bailey was sledding onto the ice. In one timeline Harry's older brother George was able to save Harry but in another timeline George wasn't around to save Harry. In a third less publicized timeline - Bedford Otter didn't nose around under the ice and Harry never fell into the icy waters. In that timeline George Bailey was a whole lot less necessary to the happiness of Bedford Falls.
Just missing the list - Otter from Animal House.
Tuesday, December 09, 2014
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- I could never get away with this look
- Cool - Bill Belichick gives the Patriots two days off after win in San Diego. I think he even smiled when he did it!
- Poignant - Guy Lafleur kneels before the departed Jean Beliveau
- Yesterday was the 34th anniversary of Berke Breathed's awesome Bloom County first appearing in print. Here was the first strip.
- Is it me or is pretty much every picture of Joe Biden just a caption contest waiting to happen?
- (Still) Awesome - Eddie Vedder and Jeanne Tripplehorn (as Julie Andrews) sing Rolling Stones Shattered
- I could never get away with this look
- Cool - Bill Belichick gives the Patriots two days off after win in San Diego. I think he even smiled when he did it!
- Poignant - Guy Lafleur kneels before the departed Jean Beliveau
- Yesterday was the 34th anniversary of Berke Breathed's awesome Bloom County first appearing in print. Here was the first strip.
- Is it me or is pretty much every picture of Joe Biden just a caption contest waiting to happen?
- (Still) Awesome - Eddie Vedder and Jeanne Tripplehorn (as Julie Andrews) sing Rolling Stones Shattered
Monday, December 08, 2014
It's a Wonderful Cure for Bad Eyesight
It's a Wonderful Life is a staple of Christmas and a tradition for many on Christmas Eve but just thinking of it make me need to nitpick on this one little thing that has always bothered/amused me.
When Jimmy Stewart is alive and him and Donna Reed are busy making kids - her eyesight is perfect. No eyeglasses for Donna Reed. But when Jimmy never existed - all of a sudden the librarian / spinster Reed needs eyeglasses. What happened?
Now you can argue that she needs glasses because as a librarian she reads more books but I'm not buying that. I think Frank Capra was trying to send out a pro-sex message. Sex is so good it makes your eyesight better! Jimmy Stewart's cure for nearsightedness (that would be a good name for a band - well maybe not).
When Jimmy Stewart is alive and him and Donna Reed are busy making kids - her eyesight is perfect. No eyeglasses for Donna Reed. But when Jimmy never existed - all of a sudden the librarian / spinster Reed needs eyeglasses. What happened?
Now you can argue that she needs glasses because as a librarian she reads more books but I'm not buying that. I think Frank Capra was trying to send out a pro-sex message. Sex is so good it makes your eyesight better! Jimmy Stewart's cure for nearsightedness (that would be a good name for a band - well maybe not).
Sunday, December 07, 2014
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Today is Pearl harbor Day. On this day I'm always reminded that in 1941 Bob Feller became the first big leaguer to volunteer for military service shortly after the day that will live in infamy. More than anything he did on a baseball diamond - it was this act that Ted Williams always associated with Feller (and maybe the thing he was most jealous of)... Heh heh - Protestant chess... Knock knock. Who's there? Control freak. Now's the part where you say, "control freak who?"... Yesterday Steven Wright turned 59... I still say that Two and a Half Men should not have added Aston Kutcher. They should have added Ellen DeGeneres to take over Charlie Sheen's role and not said a word. Like when they switched Darren's on Bewitched... Heh heh... Just curious - was Ben Roethlisberger asked to be in those NFL "No More" commercials?... Wow - now I want to know more about James Oliver Curwood...
Today is Pearl harbor Day. On this day I'm always reminded that in 1941 Bob Feller became the first big leaguer to volunteer for military service shortly after the day that will live in infamy. More than anything he did on a baseball diamond - it was this act that Ted Williams always associated with Feller (and maybe the thing he was most jealous of)... Heh heh - Protestant chess... Knock knock. Who's there? Control freak. Now's the part where you say, "control freak who?"... Yesterday Steven Wright turned 59... I still say that Two and a Half Men should not have added Aston Kutcher. They should have added Ellen DeGeneres to take over Charlie Sheen's role and not said a word. Like when they switched Darren's on Bewitched... Heh heh... Just curious - was Ben Roethlisberger asked to be in those NFL "No More" commercials?... Wow - now I want to know more about James Oliver Curwood...
State of the Red Sox
Everyone knows that the Red Sox top three priorities are starting pitching, starting pitching and starting pitching. Everyone also knows that Plan A to address starting pitching is Jon Lester. However, I agree with Tony Massarotti that pitching not Lester is the priority for Boston. I also agree with Brian MacPherson that the Red Sox need to cash in their trade chips for a starter or two no matter what happens with Lester.
It would be best for Boston to trade Yoenis Cespedes, Jackie Bradley Jr.. Allen Craig, Will Middlebrooks and Shane Victorino. These guys really have no place in the 2015 line-up right now (although Middlebrooks and Bradley could be stashed in Pawtucket and I'm curious if Craig can bounce back after his awful 2014 season - I wouldn't mind keeping him as the 13th position player instead of selling low on a potential All-Star). I have Daniel Nava and Brock Holt as my super-utility guys so they are not on my trade list.
Use the above guys plus some pieces from the well stocked farm system to trade for two of the following (maybe just one if Boston signs Lester); Jeff Samardzija, Jordan Zimmerman, Doug Fister, Matt Latos, Rick Porcello, and of course Cole Hamels. If the Red Sox add two veteran starters they would be in good shape and well positioned to make a move at the 2015 trading deadline.
I have faith in Ben Cherington that he'll make the right moves. I am worried, however, that on Friday Boston principal owner John Henry goes to visit Jon Lester and then on Saturday we see the pieces from Massarotti and MacPherson saying "this isn't all about Lester you know." The conspiracy theorist in me questions the timing of the articles.
It would be best for Boston to trade Yoenis Cespedes, Jackie Bradley Jr.. Allen Craig, Will Middlebrooks and Shane Victorino. These guys really have no place in the 2015 line-up right now (although Middlebrooks and Bradley could be stashed in Pawtucket and I'm curious if Craig can bounce back after his awful 2014 season - I wouldn't mind keeping him as the 13th position player instead of selling low on a potential All-Star). I have Daniel Nava and Brock Holt as my super-utility guys so they are not on my trade list.
Use the above guys plus some pieces from the well stocked farm system to trade for two of the following (maybe just one if Boston signs Lester); Jeff Samardzija, Jordan Zimmerman, Doug Fister, Matt Latos, Rick Porcello, and of course Cole Hamels. If the Red Sox add two veteran starters they would be in good shape and well positioned to make a move at the 2015 trading deadline.
I have faith in Ben Cherington that he'll make the right moves. I am worried, however, that on Friday Boston principal owner John Henry goes to visit Jon Lester and then on Saturday we see the pieces from Massarotti and MacPherson saying "this isn't all about Lester you know." The conspiracy theorist in me questions the timing of the articles.
Saturday, December 06, 2014
Friday, December 05, 2014
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Sometimes I have the sense of humor of a 10-year old - NFL logos redesigned as dicks
- Be on the look-out for a "one-eyed fat man" in Kentucky
- Amen
- Holy crap! I had no idea eagle talons were so huge
- The brothers who built AC/DC
- Tom Brady is most awesome telemarketer ever
- Sometimes I have the sense of humor of a 10-year old - NFL logos redesigned as dicks
- Be on the look-out for a "one-eyed fat man" in Kentucky
- Amen
- Holy crap! I had no idea eagle talons were so huge
- The brothers who built AC/DC
- Tom Brady is most awesome telemarketer ever
Thursday, December 04, 2014
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (29) Four Green Fields by Tommy Makem and the Clancy Brothers.
Wednesday, December 03, 2014
Player Comparison
Here's a Player Comparison between two pitchers
Player A: Age 30 / Height 6'4" / Weight 240 / GS 252 / IP 1596
Player B: Age 31 / Height 6'5" / Weight 205 / GS 191 / IP 1510
I use different ages for two reasons - Player A was born in January while Player B was born in November also Player B basically lost a season to the 1995 Player's Strike. I consider the players to be fairly similar in body types and pitching styles (though Player A is a lefty and Player B a righty).
The reason I think this is a pertinent Player Comparison is because Player A is Jon Lester and the Red Sox may be considering signing him to a six-year deal. Player B is Curt Schilling who averaged 217 innings pitched in the next six years after his age 31 season. I happen to think six years is a good risk on Lester.
I don't buy that Schilling was just 205 pounds though.
Player A: Age 30 / Height 6'4" / Weight 240 / GS 252 / IP 1596
Player B: Age 31 / Height 6'5" / Weight 205 / GS 191 / IP 1510
I use different ages for two reasons - Player A was born in January while Player B was born in November also Player B basically lost a season to the 1995 Player's Strike. I consider the players to be fairly similar in body types and pitching styles (though Player A is a lefty and Player B a righty).
The reason I think this is a pertinent Player Comparison is because Player A is Jon Lester and the Red Sox may be considering signing him to a six-year deal. Player B is Curt Schilling who averaged 217 innings pitched in the next six years after his age 31 season. I happen to think six years is a good risk on Lester.
I don't buy that Schilling was just 205 pounds though.
Tuesday, December 02, 2014
John Brown's Raid on Harpers Ferry
Many people look at the firing upon Fort Sumter as the spark that lit the Civil War but I think the real spark came back in 1859 when John Brown and his "army" of 21 attacked and occupied the armory at Harpers Ferry, VA.
The next day, US Marines under the command of US Army Colonel Robert E. Lee (how's that for irony) attacked Brown and his men. When the gun smoke cleared, 10 of Brown's men were dead (including 2 of his sons) and Brown was taken prisoner and shortly thereafter he was hanged. In fact on this very day 155 years ago.
I find it slightly amusing that most history books and mentions of Brown on the Internet either gloss over or omit completely the fact that Brown was almost certainly insane.
I'm not making any moral judgments on Brown's actions. I'm just saying that he was crazy. Seriously. When I first saw a picture of John Brown - I thought I was looking at Charlie Manson circa 1850.
The John Brown / Charles Manson analogy isn't that bad. Brown raided the armory because he wanted to arm slaves to start a full-fledged slave revolt. Charles Manson has said that he killed those folks in the Hollywood Hills because he hoped that blacks would be blamed and that would spark a race war in the US. This may be one of those things that I only find interesting.
The next day, US Marines under the command of US Army Colonel Robert E. Lee (how's that for irony) attacked Brown and his men. When the gun smoke cleared, 10 of Brown's men were dead (including 2 of his sons) and Brown was taken prisoner and shortly thereafter he was hanged. In fact on this very day 155 years ago.
I find it slightly amusing that most history books and mentions of Brown on the Internet either gloss over or omit completely the fact that Brown was almost certainly insane.
I'm not making any moral judgments on Brown's actions. I'm just saying that he was crazy. Seriously. When I first saw a picture of John Brown - I thought I was looking at Charlie Manson circa 1850.
The John Brown / Charles Manson analogy isn't that bad. Brown raided the armory because he wanted to arm slaves to start a full-fledged slave revolt. Charles Manson has said that he killed those folks in the Hollywood Hills because he hoped that blacks would be blamed and that would spark a race war in the US. This may be one of those things that I only find interesting.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- This is what cows look like when you blow dry them. I have to wonder if this was some sort of experiment by the NFL looking into suede footballs.
- If you had any doubts that Vladimir Putin was nothing but a leader of thugs.
- And speaking of Russia - this is what man-made climate change looks like.
- 21 phrases you use without knowing you're quoting Shakespeare.
- Interesting interview about what it's like to be a scientist at CERN
- Mmmmm - low carb and gluten free salad
- This is what cows look like when you blow dry them. I have to wonder if this was some sort of experiment by the NFL looking into suede footballs.
- If you had any doubts that Vladimir Putin was nothing but a leader of thugs.
- And speaking of Russia - this is what man-made climate change looks like.
- 21 phrases you use without knowing you're quoting Shakespeare.
- Interesting interview about what it's like to be a scientist at CERN
- Mmmmm - low carb and gluten free salad
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I thought the Patriots played "OK" on Sunday against the Packers. I think the cold affected Tom Brady's grip on the ball more than it did for Aaron Rodgers and was a bit surprised at that. What was disappointing was Stephen Gostkowski missing the field goal attempt at the end. Those 3 point would have meant a Patriots cover and I wouldn't have lost my bet on New England... Bill Cosby resigns from the Temple University Board of Trustees... Just a thought but I wouldn't put it past Billy Beane if he signed Billy Butler so quickly because he plans to trade him at the July trading deadline next season... He does look like an angry lobster boat captain... I wonder if Bill Cosby is on the UMass Board of Trustees?... Who knew? Great Britain was once great at hockey. They won the Gold Medal at the 1936 Winter Olympics... In his 2012 special Fully Functional Jim Jefferies tells a story about the Montreal Just for Laughs festival in which he describes opening for a comedian Hollywood movie star who was very "rapey". Given the stories that have come out about Bill Cosby - I wonder if anyone has gone back to Jefferies to ask him who the "rapey" comedian was?
I thought the Patriots played "OK" on Sunday against the Packers. I think the cold affected Tom Brady's grip on the ball more than it did for Aaron Rodgers and was a bit surprised at that. What was disappointing was Stephen Gostkowski missing the field goal attempt at the end. Those 3 point would have meant a Patriots cover and I wouldn't have lost my bet on New England... Bill Cosby resigns from the Temple University Board of Trustees... Just a thought but I wouldn't put it past Billy Beane if he signed Billy Butler so quickly because he plans to trade him at the July trading deadline next season... He does look like an angry lobster boat captain... I wonder if Bill Cosby is on the UMass Board of Trustees?... Who knew? Great Britain was once great at hockey. They won the Gold Medal at the 1936 Winter Olympics... In his 2012 special Fully Functional Jim Jefferies tells a story about the Montreal Just for Laughs festival in which he describes opening for a comedian Hollywood movie star who was very "rapey". Given the stories that have come out about Bill Cosby - I wonder if anyone has gone back to Jefferies to ask him who the "rapey" comedian was?
Monday, December 01, 2014
Sunday, November 30, 2014
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Tom Brady is 33-4 (89% winning percentage) when the temperature is below 40 degrees. Aaron Rogers is 16-5 (76% winning percentage). These guys just win in cold weather... Hail Flutie... Yesterday was both Vin Scully's (87) and Mariano Rivera's (45) birthdays. MLB should acknowledge the importance of the birthdays of two of the greatest ambassadors the game has by making their birthday the day when the new Hall of Fame class is announced... Heh heh... So will Colt McCoy replace RGIII in those Subway commercials too?... Matt Damon vs Ben Affleck. I was amused by this more than I should have been... Just a reminder about all those MLB trade rumors columns you read - not one writer had the Josh Donaldson trade from Oakland to Toronto. Take all you read with a grain of salt...
Tom Brady is 33-4 (89% winning percentage) when the temperature is below 40 degrees. Aaron Rogers is 16-5 (76% winning percentage). These guys just win in cold weather... Hail Flutie... Yesterday was both Vin Scully's (87) and Mariano Rivera's (45) birthdays. MLB should acknowledge the importance of the birthdays of two of the greatest ambassadors the game has by making their birthday the day when the new Hall of Fame class is announced... Heh heh... So will Colt McCoy replace RGIII in those Subway commercials too?... Matt Damon vs Ben Affleck. I was amused by this more than I should have been... Just a reminder about all those MLB trade rumors columns you read - not one writer had the Josh Donaldson trade from Oakland to Toronto. Take all you read with a grain of salt...
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (24) Fairytale of New York by The Pogues. In my opinion the best Christmas song ever.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Documentaries
The next few days are prime time for watching TV. Here's a couple of documentaries I would recommend you place in your Netflix queue:
- Who is Harry Nilsson? (And why is everyone talking about him)
- Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay
- Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage. I was a so-so Rush fan but after watching this documentary I haven't been able to not listen to a Rush song I come across on the radio because the guys were just so nice.
- Who is Harry Nilsson? (And why is everyone talking about him)
- Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay
- Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage. I was a so-so Rush fan but after watching this documentary I haven't been able to not listen to a Rush song I come across on the radio because the guys were just so nice.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Martin Luther King Jr. quote worth remembering these days, "Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars"... Well it is tough to argue with this logic... As pointed out elsewhere, if you say "My Cocaine" you are also saying "Michael Caine" in his own voice... Good question... I wonder if Bill Cosby has looked into booking tour dates in countries with no extradition yet... Never change Bill Clinton, never change... After reading that "My Cocaine" / "Michael Caine" thing above - you said "My Cocaine" out loud didn't you?... Can't argue with this logic either...
Martin Luther King Jr. quote worth remembering these days, "Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars"... Well it is tough to argue with this logic... As pointed out elsewhere, if you say "My Cocaine" you are also saying "Michael Caine" in his own voice... Good question... I wonder if Bill Cosby has looked into booking tour dates in countries with no extradition yet... Never change Bill Clinton, never change... After reading that "My Cocaine" / "Michael Caine" thing above - you said "My Cocaine" out loud didn't you?... Can't argue with this logic either...
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Top 5 - Red Sox Pitching Trade Targets
With Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval in the fold - now all Red Sox fans attention tuns to pitching. My number one wish remains that they sign (re-sign?) Jon Lester but the Sox have a glut of players and a trade for at least one starter is bound to happen. Here's who I would consider the Top 5 pitching trade targets for Boston.
1. Cole Hamels Phillies - has 5-years and $110 million left on contract (if you include the 2019 option year). Maybe a package of Clay Buchholz, Jackie Bradley Jr., Allen Craig and Brandon Workman would be a good starting point.
2. Jordan Zimmerman Nationals - free agent after this season. Maybe a package of Yoenis Cespedis and Allen Craig get this done.
3. Doug Fister Nationals - free agent after this season offer same package as above.
4. Rick Porcello Tigers - trade him for Yoenis Cespedis straight up.
5. Cincinnati Reds - a number of pitchers here (Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, and Mike Leake) are all free agents after 2015 but the Reds may wait till mid-season to do any trading.
1. Cole Hamels Phillies - has 5-years and $110 million left on contract (if you include the 2019 option year). Maybe a package of Clay Buchholz, Jackie Bradley Jr., Allen Craig and Brandon Workman would be a good starting point.
2. Jordan Zimmerman Nationals - free agent after this season. Maybe a package of Yoenis Cespedis and Allen Craig get this done.
3. Doug Fister Nationals - free agent after this season offer same package as above.
4. Rick Porcello Tigers - trade him for Yoenis Cespedis straight up.
5. Cincinnati Reds - a number of pitchers here (Johnny Cueto, Mat Latos, and Mike Leake) are all free agents after 2015 but the Reds may wait till mid-season to do any trading.
Monday, November 24, 2014
Sunday, November 23, 2014
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Given Curt Schilling's views on evolution - I wonder if he thinks it was God's will his video game company went bankrupt too... There's Farmer's Markets where farmers sell their produce. Why not Hunter's Markets where hunters can sell their excess game meat like venison?... I've long said that JFK would not be welcome in today's Democrat Party... Happy 74th birthday to Red Sox favorite Luis Tiant. If Catfish Hunter is in the Hall of Fame then Looie should be too... Some cool homages to Arthur Conan Doyle in Sherlock.. Why do they say "hike" before snapping the ball in football? What are they "hiking"? Seriously this little language nugget is bugging me... Neil Gaiman talks about one of my favorite Doctor Who episodes of all-time... Oversized Load would make a great title for a biography of Peter North...
Given Curt Schilling's views on evolution - I wonder if he thinks it was God's will his video game company went bankrupt too... There's Farmer's Markets where farmers sell their produce. Why not Hunter's Markets where hunters can sell their excess game meat like venison?... I've long said that JFK would not be welcome in today's Democrat Party... Happy 74th birthday to Red Sox favorite Luis Tiant. If Catfish Hunter is in the Hall of Fame then Looie should be too... Some cool homages to Arthur Conan Doyle in Sherlock.. Why do they say "hike" before snapping the ball in football? What are they "hiking"? Seriously this little language nugget is bugging me... Neil Gaiman talks about one of my favorite Doctor Who episodes of all-time... Oversized Load would make a great title for a biography of Peter North...
Legalized Pot
For the most part I am in favor of medical marijuana and decriminalizing pot. No worse than alcohol in my book. However, I am kind of glad that the Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative was defeated.
Imagine all the old drivers and crazy people in Florida. Now imagine them driving around whacked out on legal weed. Florida would be so much more of a driving nightmare if Amendment 2 passed.
Just saying.
Imagine all the old drivers and crazy people in Florida. Now imagine them driving around whacked out on legal weed. Florida would be so much more of a driving nightmare if Amendment 2 passed.
Just saying.
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Top 5 - Mike Nichols Movies
Here's what I consider MY Top 5 favorite Mike Nichols' movies. Your Top 5 may differ.
1. The Graduate
2. Catch-22
4. Biloxi Blues
Missing from the list are the more celebrated Silkwood and The Birdcage.
Here's Mike Nichols obituary in the NY Times. And here is an interesting interview he gave to Judd Apatow.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Interesting - Lance Berkman has gone back to school to get his degree.
- Nice Christmas gift
- Another reason to hate bathroom hand-dryers
- Another reminder of how huge Andre the Giant was
- One of the reasons NIH is "short" of money
- Interesting - Lance Berkman has gone back to school to get his degree.
- Nice Christmas gift
- Another reason to hate bathroom hand-dryers
- Another reminder of how huge Andre the Giant was
- One of the reasons NIH is "short" of money
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Red Sox Thoughts
The Red Sox have brought in both free agents Jon Lester and Pablo Sandoval for visits. My hope is that they sign (re-sign?) Lester and let Sandoval go back to the Giants.
Lester is a workhorse and I would not have an issue with a 6-year $127-140 million deal. I see the 31-year old Lester as a left-handed Curt Schilling who was able to pitch until he was 40-years old.
Everyone remembers the heroics of Sandoval in the post-season but in the regular season he's basically just a 6-hole hitter. Brian MacPherson has a good breakdown of what Sandoval is and isn't. Don't over pay for that!
Let me also say that I wouldn't mind if Clay Buchholz was traded as part of a package for Cole Hamels or straight up for Doug Fister (I think 3-years of Buchholz at $38.5 million total is a good value for the free agent to be Fister).
So let it be written - so let it be done!
Lester is a workhorse and I would not have an issue with a 6-year $127-140 million deal. I see the 31-year old Lester as a left-handed Curt Schilling who was able to pitch until he was 40-years old.
Everyone remembers the heroics of Sandoval in the post-season but in the regular season he's basically just a 6-hole hitter. Brian MacPherson has a good breakdown of what Sandoval is and isn't. Don't over pay for that!
Let me also say that I wouldn't mind if Clay Buchholz was traded as part of a package for Cole Hamels or straight up for Doug Fister (I think 3-years of Buchholz at $38.5 million total is a good value for the free agent to be Fister).
So let it be written - so let it be done!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
"No More" Hot Pockets
Sometimes an idea just stays with you and you have to write it down to free up your brain. The other day I mentioned it would be funny if the NFL's domestic violence "No More" commercial was about Hot Pockets instead. I keep thinking about how that commercial would look.
"No more moving slow because you just ate one an hour ago."
"No more regret because you shamefully ate one."
"No more drunk or living in a trailer dietary excuses."
"No more dirty microwaves and lava hot fillings."
"No more destroyed roof of your mouth."
"No more self inflicted diarrhea."
The commercial would end with a cut away to Jim Gaffigan with a single tear coming down his face (just like the Indian in the 1970's littering commercial). The great thing is you'd never actually mention Hot Pockets by name but with Gaffigan at the end - everyone would know the joke.
No more.
"No more moving slow because you just ate one an hour ago."
"No more regret because you shamefully ate one."
"No more drunk or living in a trailer dietary excuses."
"No more dirty microwaves and lava hot fillings."
"No more destroyed roof of your mouth."
"No more self inflicted diarrhea."
The commercial would end with a cut away to Jim Gaffigan with a single tear coming down his face (just like the Indian in the 1970's littering commercial). The great thing is you'd never actually mention Hot Pockets by name but with Gaffigan at the end - everyone would know the joke.
No more.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I wonder how Jim Gaffigan would feel if those NFL "No More" commercials were about hot pockets instead of domestic violence... What is Gruber for the goose is Gruber for the gander... Can we use the term "straight lid" as a synonym or code word for "douchebag"?... I'm going to use the word "feisty" this week to describe random items. This potato chip is feisty! What a feisty gas pump! What a feisty idea!... Seals "raping" penguins. Please don't call this "sexual harassment"... The Growler would be a good name for a WWE wrestler. He would be an angry drunk guy. Look out - it's the Growler... Federal agents raid NFL locker rooms...In the early 1900's there was a prostitute in Chicago named Suzy Poon Tang. She was so good in bed that her name became slang for - well you know...
I wonder how Jim Gaffigan would feel if those NFL "No More" commercials were about hot pockets instead of domestic violence... What is Gruber for the goose is Gruber for the gander... Can we use the term "straight lid" as a synonym or code word for "douchebag"?... I'm going to use the word "feisty" this week to describe random items. This potato chip is feisty! What a feisty gas pump! What a feisty idea!... Seals "raping" penguins. Please don't call this "sexual harassment"... The Growler would be a good name for a WWE wrestler. He would be an angry drunk guy. Look out - it's the Growler... Federal agents raid NFL locker rooms...In the early 1900's there was a prostitute in Chicago named Suzy Poon Tang. She was so good in bed that her name became slang for - well you know...
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Nice 30 for 30 short - if you are a Boston fan of a certain age and you say John Wensink - your mind immediately goes to that fight against the North Stars
- What I learned this week
- I may have posted this before but here's the Pope's list of 10 things to do to live a happier life
- Sometimes I have the mentality of 10-year old boy - this is one of those times
- Incredible audio of "singing" comet 67P
- Leading activist apologizes for starting anti-GMO movement
- Nice 30 for 30 short - if you are a Boston fan of a certain age and you say John Wensink - your mind immediately goes to that fight against the North Stars
- What I learned this week
- I may have posted this before but here's the Pope's list of 10 things to do to live a happier life
- Sometimes I have the mentality of 10-year old boy - this is one of those times
- Incredible audio of "singing" comet 67P
- Leading activist apologizes for starting anti-GMO movement
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Friday, November 14, 2014
Just Saying
I'm just saying but if you Google "Jeffrey Dahmer cannibal" you get about 95,000 hits.
If you Google "Harry Reid pedophile" you get about the same number of hits (if you include "Harry Reid pederast" it's over 120,000 hits).
If you Google "Harry Reid pedophile" you get about the same number of hits (if you include "Harry Reid pederast" it's over 120,000 hits).
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- The Chestnut blight is a real problem in New England. All of the Chestnut trees I remember from my childhood are gone.
- Heh heh - Homer Kardashian
- Holy crap - what a PR screw up by the Patriots!
- The numbers don't seem to make sense. How can you say something is profitable if you outlay $30 billion and only "hope" to get $5-6 billion back over 20-years?
- Napoleon's bicorn hat is up for auction
- The Chestnut blight is a real problem in New England. All of the Chestnut trees I remember from my childhood are gone.
- Heh heh - Homer Kardashian
- Holy crap - what a PR screw up by the Patriots!
- The numbers don't seem to make sense. How can you say something is profitable if you outlay $30 billion and only "hope" to get $5-6 billion back over 20-years?
- Napoleon's bicorn hat is up for auction
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (10) Natural One by Folk Implosion. You never hear this song anymore.
Thursday, November 13, 2014
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (9) I Threw a Brick Threw a Window by U2. One of their more forgotten songs.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I see Jon Lester as a very similar pitcher to Curt Schilling (except one's a righty the other lefty) and Schilling pitched till he was 40. I would have no problem with the Red Sox extending a 6-7 year contract to Lester at market rates. Bring Jon Lester home... Cool - the top of the Prudential Tower in Boston poking through the clouds... Penn & Teller's Bullsh*t now on Amazon Prime. Pretty excited for that... Sacrifice... Would Reach-Around Elmo be a good name for a band or fantasy football team?... I wonder if somewhere in Vegas they have the odds on Roger Clemens being voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame...
I see Jon Lester as a very similar pitcher to Curt Schilling (except one's a righty the other lefty) and Schilling pitched till he was 40. I would have no problem with the Red Sox extending a 6-7 year contract to Lester at market rates. Bring Jon Lester home... Cool - the top of the Prudential Tower in Boston poking through the clouds... Penn & Teller's Bullsh*t now on Amazon Prime. Pretty excited for that... Sacrifice... Would Reach-Around Elmo be a good name for a band or fantasy football team?... I wonder if somewhere in Vegas they have the odds on Roger Clemens being voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame...
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (7) The Band Played Waltzing Matilda by Liam Clancy of The Clancy Brothers. Seemed a fitting choice for Veteran's Day.
Veterans Day Links
Some links on this Veterans Day that are worth your time,. To all the veterans out there - thank you for your service!
- A list of athletes who served
- In Flanders Fields
- The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month
- Donald Rumsfeld's Veteran's Day Wishes. Rumsfeld is himself a veteran.
- Amen
- A list of athletes who served
- In Flanders Fields
- The eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month
- Donald Rumsfeld's Veteran's Day Wishes. Rumsfeld is himself a veteran.
- Amen
Monday, November 10, 2014
Sunday, November 09, 2014
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
It will be interesting to see what the NCAA does regarding UNC. They are much more tainted than UNLV ever was under Jerry Tarkanian. UMass had to vacate their Final Four appearance because of Marcus Camby who was just one player out of many.... Why is it we say "Slept like a lamb"? Why a lamb? Why not a sloth or a welfare recipient?... This is awesome! Jets fan spends five hours walking around Manhattan... This quote really hit home, "We live two lives. The second one begins when we realize we only have one life to live," Steven Sotloff... Heh heh - Masturbatory Rampage would be a good name for a fantasy football team... Before anyone asks - no I am not related to Loretta Lynch the new choice for AG... The mid-term elections in a nutshell...
It will be interesting to see what the NCAA does regarding UNC. They are much more tainted than UNLV ever was under Jerry Tarkanian. UMass had to vacate their Final Four appearance because of Marcus Camby who was just one player out of many.... Why is it we say "Slept like a lamb"? Why a lamb? Why not a sloth or a welfare recipient?... This is awesome! Jets fan spends five hours walking around Manhattan... This quote really hit home, "We live two lives. The second one begins when we realize we only have one life to live," Steven Sotloff... Heh heh - Masturbatory Rampage would be a good name for a fantasy football team... Before anyone asks - no I am not related to Loretta Lynch the new choice for AG... The mid-term elections in a nutshell...
Contagious Abortions
Sometimes bad players can be called "clubhouse cancers" but I feel that is really unfair to cancer. Look at Leah Still in Cincinnati. Or the effect Chuck Pagano's cancer had in Indianapolis. All Red Sox fans are aware of Jon Lester's battle over cancer and that has been nothing but positive in Boston. So let's ditch the phrase "clubhouse cancer".
But what do you use instead to describe players like A-Rod and Ray Rice?
I suggest the phrase "contagious abortions". What do you think? A-Rod is sure to be nothing short of a contagious abortion this spring for the Yankees. Ray Rice returning to the Ravens is going to be nothing but a series of contagious abortions. I think it works.
It would also work as a fantasy football name.
But what do you use instead to describe players like A-Rod and Ray Rice?
I suggest the phrase "contagious abortions". What do you think? A-Rod is sure to be nothing short of a contagious abortion this spring for the Yankees. Ray Rice returning to the Ravens is going to be nothing but a series of contagious abortions. I think it works.
It would also work as a fantasy football name.
Saturday, November 08, 2014
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Cool pic of the Milky Way and a meteor shower
- Big archaeological find in Mexico
- Perspective
- Interesting tidbit on the movie Argo
- Daisey Buchanan's was one of the few destination bars in Boston
- Where were the Secret Service?
- Good on ya Marine Major Sinke
- Cool pic of the Milky Way and a meteor shower
- Big archaeological find in Mexico
- Perspective
- Interesting tidbit on the movie Argo
- Daisey Buchanan's was one of the few destination bars in Boston
- Where were the Secret Service?
- Good on ya Marine Major Sinke
Friday, November 07, 2014
MLB Hot Stove
With officially 150 days till 2015's Opening Day here's the first of what I'm sure will be many Hot Stove thoughts.
- I wonder if the Nationals would entertain an offer of 3-years of Clay Buchholz for free-agent to be Doug Fister? I think Buchholz would benefit from a change of scenery.
- Speaking of Boston trade targets - how about Jeff Samardzija of the A's? It would be just like Billy Bean to flip an asset like that. What does Oakland need?
- Troy Tulowitzki's agent comments on the Rockies potentially trading Tulo. Read the comments. Never realized the venom some Colorado fans have towards Tulowitzki. And comparing him to Gretzky, Shaq and Joe Montana? Jeez.
- I would agree with this sentiment.
- For the record - I am sick of stories on A-Rod. To paraphrase Jason Varitek "I don't read about .240 hitters."
- I wonder if the Nationals would entertain an offer of 3-years of Clay Buchholz for free-agent to be Doug Fister? I think Buchholz would benefit from a change of scenery.
- Speaking of Boston trade targets - how about Jeff Samardzija of the A's? It would be just like Billy Bean to flip an asset like that. What does Oakland need?
- Troy Tulowitzki's agent comments on the Rockies potentially trading Tulo. Read the comments. Never realized the venom some Colorado fans have towards Tulowitzki. And comparing him to Gretzky, Shaq and Joe Montana? Jeez.
- I would agree with this sentiment.
- For the record - I am sick of stories on A-Rod. To paraphrase Jason Varitek "I don't read about .240 hitters."
Thursday, November 06, 2014
Wednesday, November 05, 2014
100 of My Favorite Songs
Saw this idea at another blog (I wish I could remember where) - over the next 100 days I'm going to post one of my favorite songs each day. This isn't an absolute list of my favorite 100 songs but just 100 songs that I really like. The songs are in no particular order. At the end of the 100 days I might just buy all of the songs from iTunes (or you can buy songs for me if the spirit moves you).
Today's offering The Struggle by Scroobius Pip.
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap). Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)... Interesting profile of C. Dean Metropoulos - the man who saved Pabst Beer (and made $500 million in the process)... When I read stories about "protesters" - in my mind I always change it to "polyesters". Never fails to make the story more interesting... This always blows my mind - Michael J. Fox's middle name is Andrew... Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap). Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)... Quick reminder... Is there anything funnier than sending a friend into Dunkin Donuts for a large Blumpkin Spice? If they ask just tell them it's half blueberry and half pumpkin... Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap). Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)... Heh heh - funny because it's true... If Justin Beiber made a Christmas CD - I would give it as a gift to people I hate... As far as QB comparisons are concerned - Tom Brady will always be Mary Ann to Peyton Manning's Ginger...
Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap). Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)... Interesting profile of C. Dean Metropoulos - the man who saved Pabst Beer (and made $500 million in the process)... When I read stories about "protesters" - in my mind I always change it to "polyesters". Never fails to make the story more interesting... This always blows my mind - Michael J. Fox's middle name is Andrew... Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap). Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)... Quick reminder... Is there anything funnier than sending a friend into Dunkin Donuts for a large Blumpkin Spice? If they ask just tell them it's half blueberry and half pumpkin... Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap). Brady's better! (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)... Heh heh - funny because it's true... If Justin Beiber made a Christmas CD - I would give it as a gift to people I hate... As far as QB comparisons are concerned - Tom Brady will always be Mary Ann to Peyton Manning's Ginger...
Sunday, November 02, 2014
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- What people make in Hollywood (actors, stuntmen, producers, directors, etc.)
- I want a flying car! Interesting that you have to get it up to 90 mph for takeoff.
- Bill Belichick's record by hoodie. I really hope he's wearing the grey hoodie today.
- Now that Halloween is over - holiday thoughts turn to Thanksgiving. You're welcome!
- On drinking and peeing - the science of "breaking the seal"
- Martial arts fails are always funny
- What people make in Hollywood (actors, stuntmen, producers, directors, etc.)
- I want a flying car! Interesting that you have to get it up to 90 mph for takeoff.
- Bill Belichick's record by hoodie. I really hope he's wearing the grey hoodie today.
- Now that Halloween is over - holiday thoughts turn to Thanksgiving. You're welcome!
- On drinking and peeing - the science of "breaking the seal"
- Martial arts fails are always funny
Saturday, November 01, 2014
Gunga Galunga
The flowing robes, the grace, bald, the Boston Bruins hat... striking! Big hitter the Lama.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)