Chris Lynch's slanted view on sports, politics and entertainment. Please send thoughts or comments to chris.lynch@gmail.com
Saturday, February 21, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (94) Pepper by Butthole Surfers.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
So last week I re-read Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and one thing bothered me throughout the whole book. If Fred and George Weasley had the Marauders Map the whole time Ron was at school and Peter Pettigrew showed up on the map - how come they never said anything? I mean if you saw someone sleeping in the same bed as your younger brother pretty much every night wouldn't you ask said younger brother what the heck was going on and who Peter Pettigrew was?
I know British boarding schools get a bad rap but to the degree that fighters like Fred and George wouldn't check on their brother Ron to make sure he wasn't being molested? I know this is a minor plot hole but what was it - some sort of don't ask don't tell deal going on among the Weasley brothers?
I know British boarding schools get a bad rap but to the degree that fighters like Fred and George wouldn't check on their brother Ron to make sure he wasn't being molested? I know this is a minor plot hole but what was it - some sort of don't ask don't tell deal going on among the Weasley brothers?
Verdun
Today marks a very important date - the anniversary of one of those things that changed the world forever. On February 21st in 1916 - the Battle of Verdun was begun. This battle was to change the course of Western Civilization.
The idea for the battle was from German Chief of Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn. He believed that if he could take-out France with a major set battle and discourage England to a point that Germany could be in a position to negotiate very favorable terms. To accomplish his goals - Falkenhayn proposed unrestricted submarine warfare to starve Britain and a knockout blow against France at Verdun. With this major battle at Verdun, Falkenhayn hoped to "bleed France white".
It was an ambitious plan - an aggressive plan. Falkenhayn knew that to attack at Verdun he'd have to take resources away from the Eastern Front and that unrestricted submarine warfare ran the risk of bringing the U.S. into the war. Falkenhayn reasoned that Russia was on the brink of revolution and internal civil war in Russia would allow them to take those resources from the Eastern Front and that the decisive blow to France would come before the US was dragged into the war. He was right on the former but wrong on the latter.
Verdun seemed the perfect place to attack. It actually jutted out into the German lines - so it could be attacked from three sides. It was also of historical and psychological significance to Frenchmen (somewhat akin to what the Alamo is to Americans).
The job of attacking Verdun fell to German Crown Prince Wilhelm. He planned to assault the town from both side of the surrounding Meuse River but that plan vetoed by Falkenhayn. After coming up with a daring, aggressive plan - Falkenhayn was suddenly cautious. Falkenhayn ordered the attack to be confined to one side of the river. Similar to a poker game, Falkenhayn was beaten on the river. Falkenhayn had pocket Aces of a plan but he failed to put enough chips at risk to drive the other player out. By not being aggressive when he should have he gave France free cards and allowed himself and Germany to literally be beaten on the river.
With so many people who eventually died in the battle, a poker analogy may seem flip but the fact is the Germans had one million troops against 200,000 defenders. They did hold Aces before the battle.
When the attack finally began, the Germans bombarded Verdun with 1,400 guns that rained Verdun with 100,000 shells every hour. The Germans failed to immediately follow up the bombardment with an full-scale infantry attack and what resulted was a stalemate which was to last for months and months.
The dead and wounded from both sides piled up so that both countries were being "bled white". The French begged Britain to open up a diversionary attack elsewhere on the Western Front to drain resources and men away from Verdun on the German side. Thus the Battle of the Somme was born.
By the time the battle of Verdun ended almost one million casualties had been inflicted in roughly equal numbers for both sides. The Battle of the Somme resulted in about 1.1 million casualties (about 400,000 British, 200,000 French and 500,000 German). The unrestricted submarine warfare resulted in the Americans being dragged into the War (remember that President Woodrow Wilson was elected on a peace platform). The American joined the fight just as both sides were literally exhausted from being "bled white" from Verdun and the Somme and the rest is history (including the harsh terms imposed on Germany that led to the rise of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party).
I just wanted to make sure an anniversary this important to the course of Western Civilization did not pass without proper mention.
The idea for the battle was from German Chief of Staff, Erich von Falkenhayn. He believed that if he could take-out France with a major set battle and discourage England to a point that Germany could be in a position to negotiate very favorable terms. To accomplish his goals - Falkenhayn proposed unrestricted submarine warfare to starve Britain and a knockout blow against France at Verdun. With this major battle at Verdun, Falkenhayn hoped to "bleed France white".
It was an ambitious plan - an aggressive plan. Falkenhayn knew that to attack at Verdun he'd have to take resources away from the Eastern Front and that unrestricted submarine warfare ran the risk of bringing the U.S. into the war. Falkenhayn reasoned that Russia was on the brink of revolution and internal civil war in Russia would allow them to take those resources from the Eastern Front and that the decisive blow to France would come before the US was dragged into the war. He was right on the former but wrong on the latter.
Verdun seemed the perfect place to attack. It actually jutted out into the German lines - so it could be attacked from three sides. It was also of historical and psychological significance to Frenchmen (somewhat akin to what the Alamo is to Americans).
The job of attacking Verdun fell to German Crown Prince Wilhelm. He planned to assault the town from both side of the surrounding Meuse River but that plan vetoed by Falkenhayn. After coming up with a daring, aggressive plan - Falkenhayn was suddenly cautious. Falkenhayn ordered the attack to be confined to one side of the river. Similar to a poker game, Falkenhayn was beaten on the river. Falkenhayn had pocket Aces of a plan but he failed to put enough chips at risk to drive the other player out. By not being aggressive when he should have he gave France free cards and allowed himself and Germany to literally be beaten on the river.
With so many people who eventually died in the battle, a poker analogy may seem flip but the fact is the Germans had one million troops against 200,000 defenders. They did hold Aces before the battle.
When the attack finally began, the Germans bombarded Verdun with 1,400 guns that rained Verdun with 100,000 shells every hour. The Germans failed to immediately follow up the bombardment with an full-scale infantry attack and what resulted was a stalemate which was to last for months and months.
The dead and wounded from both sides piled up so that both countries were being "bled white". The French begged Britain to open up a diversionary attack elsewhere on the Western Front to drain resources and men away from Verdun on the German side. Thus the Battle of the Somme was born.
By the time the battle of Verdun ended almost one million casualties had been inflicted in roughly equal numbers for both sides. The Battle of the Somme resulted in about 1.1 million casualties (about 400,000 British, 200,000 French and 500,000 German). The unrestricted submarine warfare resulted in the Americans being dragged into the War (remember that President Woodrow Wilson was elected on a peace platform). The American joined the fight just as both sides were literally exhausted from being "bled white" from Verdun and the Somme and the rest is history (including the harsh terms imposed on Germany that led to the rise of Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Party).
I just wanted to make sure an anniversary this important to the course of Western Civilization did not pass without proper mention.
Friday, February 20, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (93) Bad by U2.
Homer at the Bat
It was 23 years ago tonight that Fox aired The Simpsons episode Homer at the Bat.
Here's a history of the episode.
Or here you can read what really happened.
Here's a history of the episode.
Or here you can read what really happened.
Labels:
Deadspin,
Homer at the Bat,
Homer Simpson,
The Simpsons
Thursday, February 19, 2015
Blake Swihart
Interesting article on Red Sox top prospect Blake Swihart. I didn't know he played shortstop in high school. Nor did I know he could throw 98 MPH in high school (rocket arm for a catcher). Even knowing all this new info - I'm still torn about whether Boston should use Swihart as the key to acquiring Cole Hamels.
Best case scenario - Swihart is the second coming of Craig Biggio, a catcher athletic enough to move to second base and center field. Biggio is a Hall of Famer - so this is a very high ceiling. Still - would I trade a young Biggio for a pitcher who might be the Jake Peavy of the last three years (low value return) or who could be the next John Tudor (who went 21-8 in his age 31 season). Probably I don't pull the trigger on a Hamels trade if I'm convinced Swihart is the next Biggio.
Still a good case scenario - what if Swihart is the next Rich Gedman (a power arm pitcher in high school converted to catcher)? Gedman played 13 years and was a 2-time All-Star. Do I trade a young Rich Gedman for Hamels? After serious consideration I probably do.
And as Rob Bradford points out - what if Blake Swihart is the next Jesus Montero who was supposed to be the Yankees' can't miss catching prospect? In that case absolutely you pull the trigger.
It will be interesting to see what the Red Sox do. I'm still torn on the question.
Best case scenario - Swihart is the second coming of Craig Biggio, a catcher athletic enough to move to second base and center field. Biggio is a Hall of Famer - so this is a very high ceiling. Still - would I trade a young Biggio for a pitcher who might be the Jake Peavy of the last three years (low value return) or who could be the next John Tudor (who went 21-8 in his age 31 season). Probably I don't pull the trigger on a Hamels trade if I'm convinced Swihart is the next Biggio.
Still a good case scenario - what if Swihart is the next Rich Gedman (a power arm pitcher in high school converted to catcher)? Gedman played 13 years and was a 2-time All-Star. Do I trade a young Rich Gedman for Hamels? After serious consideration I probably do.
And as Rob Bradford points out - what if Blake Swihart is the next Jesus Montero who was supposed to be the Yankees' can't miss catching prospect? In that case absolutely you pull the trigger.
It will be interesting to see what the Red Sox do. I'm still torn on the question.
Labels:
Blake Swihart,
Boston Red Sox,
Cole Hamels,
Craig Biggio,
Rich Gedman
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (92) One Night in Bangkok by Murray Head.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Murray Head,
Music,
One Night in Bangkok
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- NY Post's front page. Only one of those guys is guaranteed to have a job this summer. Oh just as a reminder - to date Alex Rodriguez has made over $356 million. I'm guessing that money will help him deal with the slings and arrows that will be sent his way.
- You go Gronk! (Yeah I have a thing for Amy Schumer.)
- Bill Murray on the last time he saw Gilda Radner
- Batman sarcasm
- Phil Hartman's SNL audition
- NY Post's front page. Only one of those guys is guaranteed to have a job this summer. Oh just as a reminder - to date Alex Rodriguez has made over $356 million. I'm guessing that money will help him deal with the slings and arrows that will be sent his way.
- You go Gronk! (Yeah I have a thing for Amy Schumer.)
- Bill Murray on the last time he saw Gilda Radner
- Batman sarcasm
- Phil Hartman's SNL audition
Labels:
Alex Rodriguez,
Amy Schumer,
Batman,
Bill Murray,
Brian Williams,
Funny,
Gilda Radner,
NY Post,
Phil Hartman,
Rob Gronkowski
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (91) I Don't Care Anymore by Phil Collins.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
I Don't Care Anymore,
Music,
Phil Collins
Monday, February 16, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (90) Would I Lie to You by the Eurythmics.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Eurythmics,
Music,
Would I Lie to You
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
February 14th could easily be renamed National Shave Your Legs and Pubics Day sponsored by Lady Gillette instead of Valentines Day... I pretty much agree with Chad Finn on what the Red Sox Opening Day roster will look like. The only thing I disagree on is I think Shane Victorino will be the one traded not Allen Craig... Tommy Heinsohn was just named to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach. He was already in the Hall as a player. Both of these honors, of course, pale in comparison to having his number retired by Holy Cross... Joe Biden would make a great replacement for Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. The unintentional comedy would be off the charts... Did you know that Tris Speaker actually had more triples in his career (222) than strikeouts (220)? That's amazing!...
February 14th could easily be renamed National Shave Your Legs and Pubics Day sponsored by Lady Gillette instead of Valentines Day... I pretty much agree with Chad Finn on what the Red Sox Opening Day roster will look like. The only thing I disagree on is I think Shane Victorino will be the one traded not Allen Craig... Tommy Heinsohn was just named to the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach. He was already in the Hall as a player. Both of these honors, of course, pale in comparison to having his number retired by Holy Cross... Joe Biden would make a great replacement for Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. The unintentional comedy would be off the charts... Did you know that Tris Speaker actually had more triples in his career (222) than strikeouts (220)? That's amazing!...
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (89) Seasons of Wither by Aerosmith.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Aerosmith,
Music,
Seasons of Wither
Saturday, February 14, 2015
My New Religion
The other day I was giving my son a ride and I saw a sign out of the corner of my eye that said "Boundless Way Zen Center". The thing is my mind read it as "Roundless Way Zen Center" - so I asked my son what those people had against circles. Of course he informed me that the sign said "Boundless" but I kept thinking "Roundless" would be better.
I kept thinking of it so much that I decided a "Roundless Way Zen Religion" needed to exist. Here are the three major precepts of my new religion.
1. We would adhere to all the established teachings of Zen Buddhism such as the poet Basho's "a donut with no hole is a Danish". Etc.
2. The Roundless Way is not just mindful meditation but also exercise. Every time you feel like you are getting a little too round around the middle its time to get off the couch and out for some real world exercise. Hiking, swimming, chopping wood, or going to the gym - it doesn't matter. Just don't let the round around the middle get the better of you. A healthy body is part of having a happy mind.
3. If you find yourself going in circles in life - stop and change directions. The Roundless Way says that life is too short to get into ruts.
I think I could really expand this philosophy. What do you think?
Noonan.
I kept thinking of it so much that I decided a "Roundless Way Zen Religion" needed to exist. Here are the three major precepts of my new religion.
1. We would adhere to all the established teachings of Zen Buddhism such as the poet Basho's "a donut with no hole is a Danish". Etc.
2. The Roundless Way is not just mindful meditation but also exercise. Every time you feel like you are getting a little too round around the middle its time to get off the couch and out for some real world exercise. Hiking, swimming, chopping wood, or going to the gym - it doesn't matter. Just don't let the round around the middle get the better of you. A healthy body is part of having a happy mind.
3. If you find yourself going in circles in life - stop and change directions. The Roundless Way says that life is too short to get into ruts.
I think I could really expand this philosophy. What do you think?
Noonan.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (87) 5:15 by The Who.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Heh heh - I love these - Hitler finds out about Brian Williams
- Did the Boston Bruins really "win" the Tyler Seguin trade? Seems like another five nickels for a quarter deal.
- I love these Larry Bird trash talker extraordinaire stories
- Heh heh - it's funny because it's true
- Heh heh - I love these - Hitler finds out about Brian Williams
- Did the Boston Bruins really "win" the Tyler Seguin trade? Seems like another five nickels for a quarter deal.
- I love these Larry Bird trash talker extraordinaire stories
- Heh heh - it's funny because it's true
Jay Bilas
ESPN's college basketball guru Jay Bilas has 818,000 followers on Twitter ( @JayBilas ) but he only follows one Twitter account himself - Lacey's Legacy ( @adorableLacey ).
That must be one special little girl.
That must be one special little girl.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (86) Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Lynyrd Skynyrd,
Music,
Simple Man
Real Facts
According to the Snapple Real Fact #154 - Americans spend more than $630 million a year on golf balls.
For what its worth - in 2002 the Government spent $630 million for Homeland Security bomb detecting and baggage screening equipment.
$630 million is also the amount that West Virginia got in a one-time settlement with the tobacco companies.
As luck would have it - $630 million is also the amount that this Nigerian banker is promising to share with me if I allow him to deposit it into my bank accounts.
I'm not reading anything into these numbers - just thought I'd post the coincidences.
For what its worth - in 2002 the Government spent $630 million for Homeland Security bomb detecting and baggage screening equipment.
$630 million is also the amount that West Virginia got in a one-time settlement with the tobacco companies.
As luck would have it - $630 million is also the amount that this Nigerian banker is promising to share with me if I allow him to deposit it into my bank accounts.
I'm not reading anything into these numbers - just thought I'd post the coincidences.
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (85) Lady Writer by Dire Straits.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Dire Straits,
Lady Writer,
Music
Vaccinations
Two thoughts I've had regarding all the talk about vaccinations recently.
First - I keep thinking about how a conversation with parents from 100-years ago would go. I think it would go something like this:
Me: Hi I'm from the future and in the future we have vaccinations that have basically wiped out childhood diseases like Measles and Polio.
Parents from 100-years ago: How miraculous. How glorious it must be for parents to be freed from the worry of their children dying from Measles or being permanently crippled by things like Polio.
Me: Yeah but the thing is some parents don't get their kids vaccinated.
Parents from 100-years ago: Why would they do that? Do the shots cost millions and only the rich can afford them?
Me: No the shots are very affordable and in most cases don't cost anything. And in many cases the parents who don't get their kids vaccinated are very affluent.
Parents from 100-years ago: Really? Then what's the excuse? Don't these parents love their children?
Me: Well they say they do but I think they like the smug feeling of thinking they are smarter than everyone else better.
Parents from 100-years ago: How smug are they going to feel when their kid dies from something that could have been easily prevented? Fuck those people.
Me: Yeah - fuck those people.
Second - would it be possible to make letting your child be injured by a childhood disease that could have been prevented by vaccinations a felony? Don't get me wrong - I don't want these parents to go to jail. But I would like these stupid fucks to lose their right to vote. The idea of an anti-vaxxer cancelling out my vote makes me kind of sick.
Too bad there's no vaccination for stupid.
First - I keep thinking about how a conversation with parents from 100-years ago would go. I think it would go something like this:
Me: Hi I'm from the future and in the future we have vaccinations that have basically wiped out childhood diseases like Measles and Polio.
Parents from 100-years ago: How miraculous. How glorious it must be for parents to be freed from the worry of their children dying from Measles or being permanently crippled by things like Polio.
Me: Yeah but the thing is some parents don't get their kids vaccinated.
Parents from 100-years ago: Why would they do that? Do the shots cost millions and only the rich can afford them?
Me: No the shots are very affordable and in most cases don't cost anything. And in many cases the parents who don't get their kids vaccinated are very affluent.
Parents from 100-years ago: Really? Then what's the excuse? Don't these parents love their children?
Me: Well they say they do but I think they like the smug feeling of thinking they are smarter than everyone else better.
Parents from 100-years ago: How smug are they going to feel when their kid dies from something that could have been easily prevented? Fuck those people.
Me: Yeah - fuck those people.
Second - would it be possible to make letting your child be injured by a childhood disease that could have been prevented by vaccinations a felony? Don't get me wrong - I don't want these parents to go to jail. But I would like these stupid fucks to lose their right to vote. The idea of an anti-vaxxer cancelling out my vote makes me kind of sick.
Too bad there's no vaccination for stupid.
Monday, February 09, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (84) Rolling In the Deep by Adele.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Adele,
Music,
Rolling in the Deep
Is Andruw Jones a Hall of Famer?
Peter Gammons' site asked the question a couple of days ago - is Andruw Jones a Hall of Famer? The article mentions many of Jones accomplishments and in the course of the article named 13 different players in comparison to Andruw Jones. Two players jump out at me when thinking about the question, "Is Andruw Jones a Hall of Famer"? Neither of the players I thought of were mentioned in the article linked above.
The first player is Dwight Evans who as great as Jones was in centerfield - Dewey was that great in right. You had 10 Gold Gloves for Jones and 8 for Evans. Jones had 434 career HR to Evans' 385 but Evans had 540 more total bases than Andruw and his OPS+ of 127 is much more Hall of Fame worthy than Jones 111 OPS+ mark. WAR? Evans had a career mark of 66.9 (124th best all-time) to Jones' 62.8 (152nd all-time). How many people are still asking if Evans is a Hall of Famer?
The second player also played centerfield for the Braves - Dale Murphy. He was a 5-time Gold Glover and winner of back-to-back NL MVP Awards. According to Baseball-reference.com the most similar player to Dale Murphy? Andruw Jones.
So to answer the question - is Andruw Jones a Hall of Famer? The answer is no. And neither is Dale Murphy or Dwight Evans. For the record though - I am a fan of all three players.
The first player is Dwight Evans who as great as Jones was in centerfield - Dewey was that great in right. You had 10 Gold Gloves for Jones and 8 for Evans. Jones had 434 career HR to Evans' 385 but Evans had 540 more total bases than Andruw and his OPS+ of 127 is much more Hall of Fame worthy than Jones 111 OPS+ mark. WAR? Evans had a career mark of 66.9 (124th best all-time) to Jones' 62.8 (152nd all-time). How many people are still asking if Evans is a Hall of Famer?
The second player also played centerfield for the Braves - Dale Murphy. He was a 5-time Gold Glover and winner of back-to-back NL MVP Awards. According to Baseball-reference.com the most similar player to Dale Murphy? Andruw Jones.
So to answer the question - is Andruw Jones a Hall of Famer? The answer is no. And neither is Dale Murphy or Dwight Evans. For the record though - I am a fan of all three players.
Labels:
Andruw Jones,
Baseball Hall of Fame,
Dale Murphy,
Dwight Evans
Roger Goodell
This article suggests that Roger Goodell's days may be numbered as NFL Commissioner. What the article completely whiffs on is one powerful reason - Goodell has alienated his strongest supporter in Robert Kraft. At this point Kraft wouldn't cross the street to spit on Goodell if he was on fire. Does anyone remember the Commissioner being on-stage after the Patriots won the Super Bowl? No? That's because Robert Kraft treated Goodell like he was the invisible man. Goodell basically burned down his own house with his bumbling Deflategate investigation.
So who should the NFL get to replace Goodell? I've said it before - Condoleezza Rice. She would solve the NFL's domestic violence PR problem with the simple fact that she's a woman. She'd be the first woman commissioner of any of the major sports. Race issues? Hello - she's a black woman! Qualified? She was Secretary of State! Plus she's said NFL Commissioner would be her dream job.
So let it be written - so let it be done.
So who should the NFL get to replace Goodell? I've said it before - Condoleezza Rice. She would solve the NFL's domestic violence PR problem with the simple fact that she's a woman. She'd be the first woman commissioner of any of the major sports. Race issues? Hello - she's a black woman! Qualified? She was Secretary of State! Plus she's said NFL Commissioner would be her dream job.
So let it be written - so let it be done.
Sunday, February 08, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (83) To Love Somebody by the Bee Gees.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Bee Gees,
Music,
To Love Somebody
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
So Rex Ryan's first two moves are to alter his tattoo and sign Richie Incognito. That must have Bill Belichick shaking in his boots... Good article on the NFL's integrity problem by Tom E. Curran... So I understand that Brian Williams was planning on calling his autobiography "If I Did It" but that title was already taken by OJ Simpson... Gronk with the ceremonial puck spike...
So Rex Ryan's first two moves are to alter his tattoo and sign Richie Incognito. That must have Bill Belichick shaking in his boots... Good article on the NFL's integrity problem by Tom E. Curran... So I understand that Brian Williams was planning on calling his autobiography "If I Did It" but that title was already taken by OJ Simpson... Gronk with the ceremonial puck spike...
Labels:
Brian Williams,
Buffalo Bills,
Rex Ryan,
Rob Gronkowski,
Tom Curran
Saturday, February 07, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (82) Mr. Jones by the Counting Crows.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Counting Crows,
Mr. Jones,
Music
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
The Brian Williams mess is why I think some network should just go ahead and hire Strong Bad to read the news. That network would immediately have the highest ratings and compared to Brian Williams would lose nothing in credibility... I would so love to buy property from Zdeno Chara... Anyone else hear that NBC plans to change the name of the Nightly News to "Bryan Williams Slow Jams the Truth"?... Heh heh - I love the Left Shark... New England Church sign; "Whoever is praying for snow - please stop!"... The "Cathy" comic strip with Louis CK quotes - yes please... It would be funny if Australian Bee Gees were a disease and not a cover band. Please immunize your kids against Australian Bee Gees!... "No More" the NFL Domestic Violence partner is a sham... Gene Hackman turned 84 this week. Great actor but I can't watch one of his movies without thinking about how huge his head is. I mean gigantic... Heh heh - I scream, you scream... In modern dollars the ransoms paid to free England's King Richard the Lionhearted would cost over $2 billion (34 tons of gold)... Tolstoy's 10 rules for life... A reminder - in the NFL Alex Smith is a higher paid QB than Tom Brady... Interesting article on Billy Walters - the most successful sports gambler in history... Just 58 days till Opening Day...
The Brian Williams mess is why I think some network should just go ahead and hire Strong Bad to read the news. That network would immediately have the highest ratings and compared to Brian Williams would lose nothing in credibility... I would so love to buy property from Zdeno Chara... Anyone else hear that NBC plans to change the name of the Nightly News to "Bryan Williams Slow Jams the Truth"?... Heh heh - I love the Left Shark... New England Church sign; "Whoever is praying for snow - please stop!"... The "Cathy" comic strip with Louis CK quotes - yes please... It would be funny if Australian Bee Gees were a disease and not a cover band. Please immunize your kids against Australian Bee Gees!... "No More" the NFL Domestic Violence partner is a sham... Gene Hackman turned 84 this week. Great actor but I can't watch one of his movies without thinking about how huge his head is. I mean gigantic... Heh heh - I scream, you scream... In modern dollars the ransoms paid to free England's King Richard the Lionhearted would cost over $2 billion (34 tons of gold)... Tolstoy's 10 rules for life... A reminder - in the NFL Alex Smith is a higher paid QB than Tom Brady... Interesting article on Billy Walters - the most successful sports gambler in history... Just 58 days till Opening Day...
Labels:
Billy Walters,
Brian Williams,
Domestic Violence,
Funny,
Gene Hackman,
history,
Left Shark,
Life Hacks,
Louis CK,
NFL,
Tolstoy,
Zdeno Chara
Friday, February 06, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (81) Tunnel of Love by Dire Straits.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Dire Straits,
Music,
Tunnel of Love
Saint Cornelius of Ireland
Though not widely remembered today - at one point Saint Cornelius of Ireland (not to be confused with Saint Cornelius of Antioch) was second in popularity in the Emerald Isle only to Saint Patrick.
Saint Patrick is remembered for driving the snakes out of Ireland. Saint Cornelius was said to have driven the squirrels out of Ireland. This "miracle" of Saint Cornelius later proved to be his undoing. During the Great Potato Famine starving Irishmen and women wished they had tasty squirrel meat to eat and they cursed Saint Cornelius for driving out the furry rodents. In response to this outrage - Pope Pius IX removed Cornelius from the roll of official Catholic Saints.
Saint Patrick is remembered for driving the snakes out of Ireland. Saint Cornelius was said to have driven the squirrels out of Ireland. This "miracle" of Saint Cornelius later proved to be his undoing. During the Great Potato Famine starving Irishmen and women wished they had tasty squirrel meat to eat and they cursed Saint Cornelius for driving out the furry rodents. In response to this outrage - Pope Pius IX removed Cornelius from the roll of official Catholic Saints.
Thursday, February 05, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (80) To Be Alone by Hozier.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- The Potemkin Olympics one-year later - Russia is a mess
- The Taiwan animators take on Super Bowl 49 - doesn't disappoint.
- Encouraging news on Gordie Howe. Just encouraging in general - adult stem cells are the shit!
- This is so awesome!
- 5.6% Unemployment is one big lie
- Not to stereotype but yeah - this is pretty much how all Boston fans felt about the Super Bowl (NSFW language)
- The Potemkin Olympics one-year later - Russia is a mess
- The Taiwan animators take on Super Bowl 49 - doesn't disappoint.
- Encouraging news on Gordie Howe. Just encouraging in general - adult stem cells are the shit!
- This is so awesome!
- 5.6% Unemployment is one big lie
- Not to stereotype but yeah - this is pretty much how all Boston fans felt about the Super Bowl (NSFW language)
Wednesday, February 04, 2015
NFL Tug of War
Here's an idea that I think would be a smash. Have a tug of war tournament between NFL teams. The offense and defensive linemen would be the stars giving them recognition usually reserved to skill players and a big portion of the TV rights could go to the health benefits of retired players in need. A big win-win for everyone involved.
And it would be a ton of fun to watch.
Imagine a tug of war set up so that the losing team goes tumbling into a pond or some other body of water. Imagine fun player profiles between contests. Imagine getting these NFL fixes during the off-season when people like me are Jonesing for anything football related.
All 32 NFL teams would be represented and there would be 4 tug of war matches per half hour show - except for the finals which would be a best of 3 affair. Winners advance and losers go home. That's 16 shows. Play 2 shows per week for an hour worth of low cost content and you have two months worth of NFL content between the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft.
Wouldn't you watch something like this?
And it would be a ton of fun to watch.
Imagine a tug of war set up so that the losing team goes tumbling into a pond or some other body of water. Imagine fun player profiles between contests. Imagine getting these NFL fixes during the off-season when people like me are Jonesing for anything football related.
All 32 NFL teams would be represented and there would be 4 tug of war matches per half hour show - except for the finals which would be a best of 3 affair. Winners advance and losers go home. That's 16 shows. Play 2 shows per week for an hour worth of low cost content and you have two months worth of NFL content between the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft.
Wouldn't you watch something like this?
Tuesday, February 03, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (79) Santa Monica by Everclear.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share..
- You knew this was coming - Hitler learns about Pete Carroll's goal line call
- Bill Belichick's pre-game "Don't Tread On Me" T-shirt was a tribute to the US Marines
- Heh heh - Kobe tried to warn us!
- Almost starting to feel bad for Pete Carroll...
- He did what?
- You knew this was coming - Hitler learns about Pete Carroll's goal line call
- Bill Belichick's pre-game "Don't Tread On Me" T-shirt was a tribute to the US Marines
- Heh heh - Kobe tried to warn us!
- Almost starting to feel bad for Pete Carroll...
- He did what?
Labels:
Bill Belichick,
Funny,
Hitler,
Kobe Bryant,
Pete Carroll,
Super Bowl
Beer - Is There Anything It Can't Do?
According to study - drinking beer can help ward off dementia.
And science comes one step closer to validating Cliff Claven's Buffalo Theory of Beer Drinking.
Once again beer is proof that God loves us.
And science comes one step closer to validating Cliff Claven's Buffalo Theory of Beer Drinking.
Once again beer is proof that God loves us.
Monday, February 02, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (78) Roadrunner by the Modern Lovers.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Modern Lovers,
Music,
Roadrunner
Super Bowl Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations from last night's wicked awesome Patriots victory!
How can you not love Tom Brady?... Ed Werder with the Stat of the Day; "There were 109 passes thrown from the 1-yard line this season. Russell Wilson's was the first intercepted. That play decides the Super Bowl"... I would have run it with Lynch... Seriously Nationwide - WTF?... Pats cheerleader Kelly Bennion is the definition of a catch... OK with Bob Kraft no longer in his corner - what's the over / under for how long it takes for the NFL to name Condi Rice as Roger Goodell's replacement as Commissioner... You can judge a man by the company he keeps. Again - how can you not love Tom Brady (OK maybe I'm trolling a little)...
How can you not love Tom Brady?... Ed Werder with the Stat of the Day; "There were 109 passes thrown from the 1-yard line this season. Russell Wilson's was the first intercepted. That play decides the Super Bowl"... I would have run it with Lynch... Seriously Nationwide - WTF?... Pats cheerleader Kelly Bennion is the definition of a catch... OK with Bob Kraft no longer in his corner - what's the over / under for how long it takes for the NFL to name Condi Rice as Roger Goodell's replacement as Commissioner... You can judge a man by the company he keeps. Again - how can you not love Tom Brady (OK maybe I'm trolling a little)...
Sunday, February 01, 2015
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
If and when the Patriots win today - it will be interesting to watch the interaction when Roger Goodell hands Bob Kraft the Lombardi Trophy. This could be Pete Rozelle and Al Davis levels of awkward... Interesting - the hidden meaning of one of Silence of the Lambs most iconic lines... Does anyone see the irony of a guy like Herm Edwards breaking down the coaching of Bill Belichick? Edwards is on TV because he couldn't beat guys like Belichick and now we're supposed to be sold on the idea that Edwards knows what makes Belichick tick?... I'm seriously surprised this doesn't happen more often. If you shovel a spot on the street - you own that spot. Unwritten New England law... In 1,000 years if archaeologists find Ted Williams severed head - will they think that's what we worshiped?... Not for nothing but I think Julian Edelman has to have the best playoff beard in the Super Bowl - edge Patriots... If this is true - then my respect for Calvin Coolidge just went up five-fold...
If and when the Patriots win today - it will be interesting to watch the interaction when Roger Goodell hands Bob Kraft the Lombardi Trophy. This could be Pete Rozelle and Al Davis levels of awkward... Interesting - the hidden meaning of one of Silence of the Lambs most iconic lines... Does anyone see the irony of a guy like Herm Edwards breaking down the coaching of Bill Belichick? Edwards is on TV because he couldn't beat guys like Belichick and now we're supposed to be sold on the idea that Edwards knows what makes Belichick tick?... I'm seriously surprised this doesn't happen more often. If you shovel a spot on the street - you own that spot. Unwritten New England law... In 1,000 years if archaeologists find Ted Williams severed head - will they think that's what we worshiped?... Not for nothing but I think Julian Edelman has to have the best playoff beard in the Super Bowl - edge Patriots... If this is true - then my respect for Calvin Coolidge just went up five-fold...
Saturday, January 31, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (77) Hard to Handle by the Black Crowes.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Black Crowes,
Hard to Handle,
Music
Slavery
On this date in 1865 the Congress voted to end slavery. The vote was 119 "yea" and 56 "nay" with 8 Congressmen not voting. It should be noted that every Republican Congressman voted to end slavery (along with 16 Democrats). All of the 56 "nay" votes and all of the not voting (the voting "present" of the day) came from the Democrats.
Just something to keep in mind when you hear the Republicans are the "racist" party.
Just something to keep in mind when you hear the Republicans are the "racist" party.
Roulette
Did you know that if you added together all the numbers on a roulette wheel (1 to 36) – that the total would be the number 666? Yes roulette is an evil game. You cannot play roulette and expect to make money (it’s almost as bad as playing Keno).
You can play roulette for fun. Here is what I would suggest as a way to enjoy roulette without getting too hurt in the wallet or pocketbook. (I originally read about this method in Cigar Aficionado magazine.)
Get $40 worth of chips and pick five numbers. Play $1 on each of the five numbers for 8 spins. Even if you never hit a number – you would have only lost $40 but will have had about a half hour worth of excitement (and maybe one comped drink).
If you hit a number – then double your bets to $2. Remember to quit after 8 spins of the wheel. Now the most you could possibly lose is $38 (you can use that $2 to tip your waitress). If you hit a second time – double your remaining bets to $4. Now you are guaranteed to win at least $26. If you hit a third time – then you can pay for a nice steak dinner with martinis. Just remember to quit after 8 spins. Get up and look around the casino – the worst thing you can do is just sit at a table forever – because at some point you’ll run out of money.
You can play roulette for fun. Here is what I would suggest as a way to enjoy roulette without getting too hurt in the wallet or pocketbook. (I originally read about this method in Cigar Aficionado magazine.)
Get $40 worth of chips and pick five numbers. Play $1 on each of the five numbers for 8 spins. Even if you never hit a number – you would have only lost $40 but will have had about a half hour worth of excitement (and maybe one comped drink).
If you hit a number – then double your bets to $2. Remember to quit after 8 spins of the wheel. Now the most you could possibly lose is $38 (you can use that $2 to tip your waitress). If you hit a second time – double your remaining bets to $4. Now you are guaranteed to win at least $26. If you hit a third time – then you can pay for a nice steak dinner with martinis. Just remember to quit after 8 spins. Get up and look around the casino – the worst thing you can do is just sit at a table forever – because at some point you’ll run out of money.
Friday, January 30, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (76) I Will Buy You a New Life by Everclear.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Belichick gets drunk and lets people know what he's really thinking (NSFW language)
- Who is Sam Adams rooting for on Sunday? Why the Patriots of course
- This is what people in Massachusetts have to deal with all the time. Good bet guy's name is Sully or Fitzy or sum such. (NSFW language)
- Interesting article on Ernie Adams - the Patriots mystery man
- I've read this JK Rowling story before but it's still touching.
- Awe inspiring - the Milky Way as seen from Chile.
- Belichick gets drunk and lets people know what he's really thinking (NSFW language)
- Who is Sam Adams rooting for on Sunday? Why the Patriots of course
- This is what people in Massachusetts have to deal with all the time. Good bet guy's name is Sully or Fitzy or sum such. (NSFW language)
- Interesting article on Ernie Adams - the Patriots mystery man
- I've read this JK Rowling story before but it's still touching.
- Awe inspiring - the Milky Way as seen from Chile.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (75) Nutrocker by Emerson, Lake and Palmer. If you are a Boston sports fan of a certain age - this song holds a special place in your heart.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Emerson Lake and Palmer,
Music,
Nutrocker
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thought and observations.
Beginning to wonder if NFL has hired the same guys who investigated Richard Jewell to do the Deflategate investigation... It's not about cheating NFL coaches - it's about hating Bill Belichick... Perspective - if you had a minute of silence for every person killed in the Holocaust - you'd have to be silent for 11 and a half years... Heh heh... With an all female Ghostbusters in the works could a 12 Angry (Wo)Men remake be next? Maybe with Jane Fonda taking her dad's old role (you know there's some putz in Hollywood who would think this was a good idea)... Bill Hicks' 12 principles of comedy... On second thought - that volcano prank might have been a bit over the top... When Barack Obama took office he was boasting about being able to stop the oceans from rising. Too bad he was out of the country during this blizzard. Stopping the snow should have been a snap...
Beginning to wonder if NFL has hired the same guys who investigated Richard Jewell to do the Deflategate investigation... It's not about cheating NFL coaches - it's about hating Bill Belichick... Perspective - if you had a minute of silence for every person killed in the Holocaust - you'd have to be silent for 11 and a half years... Heh heh... With an all female Ghostbusters in the works could a 12 Angry (Wo)Men remake be next? Maybe with Jane Fonda taking her dad's old role (you know there's some putz in Hollywood who would think this was a good idea)... Bill Hicks' 12 principles of comedy... On second thought - that volcano prank might have been a bit over the top... When Barack Obama took office he was boasting about being able to stop the oceans from rising. Too bad he was out of the country during this blizzard. Stopping the snow should have been a snap...
Labels:
Barack Obama,
Bill Belichick,
Bill Hicks,
DeflateGate,
Funny,
Ghostbusters,
Jane Fonda,
New England Patriots,
NFL
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (74) I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie.
Top 5 - Paul Newman Movies
Monday would have been Paul Newman's 90th birthday. Here's my 5 favorite Paul Newman movies.
1. Slap Shot - perhaps the best sports movie ever.
2. The Sting - a classic but these days seems a little long
3. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
4. Cool Hand Luke
5. (tie) The Verdict (tie) Absence of Malice
Just missing the list was The Hustler.
1. Slap Shot - perhaps the best sports movie ever.
2. The Sting - a classic but these days seems a little long
3. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
4. Cool Hand Luke
5. (tie) The Verdict (tie) Absence of Malice
Just missing the list was The Hustler.
Monday, January 26, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (73) Mrs. Robinson by the Lemonheads.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Lemonheads,
Mrs. Robinson,
Music
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I hope that during the Super Bowl Media Day at least one player answers every question by simply saying, "I am Groot"... The US jobs picture without Texas is not pretty... Good advice often comes from unexpected places at unexpected times... Stephen Strasburg for Mookie Betts? I think a Tanner Roark for Betts works better (no pun intended) or how about Shane Victorino (and prospect) for Doug Fister?... Heh heh - Star Wars (Age of Ultron Style)... Its been pointed out elsewhere but President Obama's foreign policy can be explained in a nutshell by pointing out he plans to attend the funeral of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah but he skipped the funeral of Margaret Thatcher... Heh heh... If you've been anywhere on the Internet the past five days you probably already seen the video of this incredible archer... Forget the Legion of Boom - how will the Seahawks score against the Patriots?...
I hope that during the Super Bowl Media Day at least one player answers every question by simply saying, "I am Groot"... The US jobs picture without Texas is not pretty... Good advice often comes from unexpected places at unexpected times... Stephen Strasburg for Mookie Betts? I think a Tanner Roark for Betts works better (no pun intended) or how about Shane Victorino (and prospect) for Doug Fister?... Heh heh - Star Wars (Age of Ultron Style)... Its been pointed out elsewhere but President Obama's foreign policy can be explained in a nutshell by pointing out he plans to attend the funeral of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah but he skipped the funeral of Margaret Thatcher... Heh heh... If you've been anywhere on the Internet the past five days you probably already seen the video of this incredible archer... Forget the Legion of Boom - how will the Seahawks score against the Patriots?...
Labels:
Archery,
Boston Red Sox,
Cool Stuff,
Mookie Betts,
New England Patriots,
Obama Foreign Policy,
Seattle Seahawks,
Star Wars,
Stephen Strasburg,
Super Bowl,
Texas,
The Avengers,
US Economy,
Washington Nationals
Sunday, January 25, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (72) Someone Like You by Adele (I'm comfortable enough in my manhood to say that I like Adele).
Deflategate II
So at yesterday's press conference Bill Belichick started out like this. He did a good job basically saying what this guy said about the science and physics involved in air pressure. And did ESPN's so called "Sports Science" folks also agree with Belichick?
Just remember Bill Belichick is not a scientist. (And for that matter neither is Bill Nye - he is a comedian/actor who parlayed a catchy nick-name into a career.)
Even though "the science is settled" some Patriot haters are going to grasp at articles like this that say the Patriots ability to grasp the football is "off the charts". Look - something's fishy they'll say. This despite the fact that the Patriots finished this "historic" season 2nd in the NFL with a +12 turnover mark (25 to 13). If they were historically off the charts shouldn't they have finished first? For comparison's sake the Seahawks finished 4th in the NFL with a +10 mark (24 to 14). So one turnover both ways and the Pats and Seahawks would have been tied. How is that off the charts?
Haters are going to hate no matter what. It is what it is.
Just remember Bill Belichick is not a scientist. (And for that matter neither is Bill Nye - he is a comedian/actor who parlayed a catchy nick-name into a career.)
Even though "the science is settled" some Patriot haters are going to grasp at articles like this that say the Patriots ability to grasp the football is "off the charts". Look - something's fishy they'll say. This despite the fact that the Patriots finished this "historic" season 2nd in the NFL with a +12 turnover mark (25 to 13). If they were historically off the charts shouldn't they have finished first? For comparison's sake the Seahawks finished 4th in the NFL with a +10 mark (24 to 14). So one turnover both ways and the Pats and Seahawks would have been tied. How is that off the charts?
Haters are going to hate no matter what. It is what it is.
Friday, January 23, 2015
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I wonder if Bill Belichick hates Chris Mortensen more today than he hated Tom Jackson back in 2001... Incredible - these are not still photos... Hard to believe but Pete Carroll is almost a year older than Bill Belichick... Charlie Pierce has the best piece I've read yet on how ridiculous Ballghazi has become (and was to begin with)... How great would it be if someone replaced Stephen Hawking's computer voice with Emo Phillips... Heh heh - Bad Lip Reading NFL 2015...
I wonder if Bill Belichick hates Chris Mortensen more today than he hated Tom Jackson back in 2001... Incredible - these are not still photos... Hard to believe but Pete Carroll is almost a year older than Bill Belichick... Charlie Pierce has the best piece I've read yet on how ridiculous Ballghazi has become (and was to begin with)... How great would it be if someone replaced Stephen Hawking's computer voice with Emo Phillips... Heh heh - Bad Lip Reading NFL 2015...
Thursday, January 22, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (71) The Pretender by the Foo Fighters.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Foo Fighters,
Music,
The Pretender
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Call Me Lucky
- Heh heh
- An American flag was burned in front of an elementary school but a US Marine stepped up in the classiest way possible
- Speaking of Bill Cosby
- A win-win Super Bowl bet
- Call Me Lucky
- Heh heh
- An American flag was burned in front of an elementary school but a US Marine stepped up in the classiest way possible
- Speaking of Bill Cosby
- A win-win Super Bowl bet
Labels:
Bill Cosby,
Bobcat Goldthwait,
Funny,
Super Bowl,
Super Bowl bets,
US Marines
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (70) No One Knows by Queens of the Stone Age.
Deflategate
As usual my mind works differently than most people - so if you want real reporting on what the ramifications may be to deflategate try Tom Curran (Pats fan) or Mike Florio (not a fan of the Pats). For my take...
When I originally heard about this late last night my first thought was, "This is pure genius by Belichick!" Not deflating footballs by 2 PSI but the possible mindfuck that could be going on here. You have to remember that all of this hinges on a single report from Chris Mortensen of ESPN. Remember the league is not commenting at this time. What if the "leak" on this came from the Patriots? What if it's wrong? Bill Belichick just set up a perfect "Us against the world!" mentality in his locker room on the eve of the biggest game of the year. Genius!
Keep in mind that when this story first broke it was greeted as somewhat of a joke by the Patriots. What if Belichick took a nothing story and turned it to his advantage?
In my mind I picture Belichick pulling a Tyrion Lannister move. Maybe have three people in the organization you are unsure of. Invite the first into your office and in the course of conversation tell them in confidence that the league has found 9 of the 12 game balls to have been underinflated. Tell the next guy 10 out of 12. Tell the last guy 11 out of 12. In my mind Belichick might have found the mole in his organization and set up an "Us against the world" mentality. Genius!
Of course I am most likely 100% wrong on this. But if I'm right? Genius!
When I originally heard about this late last night my first thought was, "This is pure genius by Belichick!" Not deflating footballs by 2 PSI but the possible mindfuck that could be going on here. You have to remember that all of this hinges on a single report from Chris Mortensen of ESPN. Remember the league is not commenting at this time. What if the "leak" on this came from the Patriots? What if it's wrong? Bill Belichick just set up a perfect "Us against the world!" mentality in his locker room on the eve of the biggest game of the year. Genius!
Keep in mind that when this story first broke it was greeted as somewhat of a joke by the Patriots. What if Belichick took a nothing story and turned it to his advantage?
In my mind I picture Belichick pulling a Tyrion Lannister move. Maybe have three people in the organization you are unsure of. Invite the first into your office and in the course of conversation tell them in confidence that the league has found 9 of the 12 game balls to have been underinflated. Tell the next guy 10 out of 12. Tell the last guy 11 out of 12. In my mind Belichick might have found the mole in his organization and set up an "Us against the world" mentality. Genius!
Of course I am most likely 100% wrong on this. But if I'm right? Genius!
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offerings (67, 68, 69) Sailing Shoes / Hey Julia / Sneaking Sally Through the Alley by Robert Palmer. These three songs just have to go together.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- You might defeat Bill Belichick but it won't be because you out-worked him
- 11 words and phrases popularized by Teddy Roosevelt
- Wow - this is very impressive
- Excellent advice from Terry Crews
- Fascinating read on George Raveling and how he came to possess the original copy of MLK's I Have a Dream Speech
- You might defeat Bill Belichick but it won't be because you out-worked him
- 11 words and phrases popularized by Teddy Roosevelt
- Wow - this is very impressive
- Excellent advice from Terry Crews
- Fascinating read on George Raveling and how he came to possess the original copy of MLK's I Have a Dream Speech
New England Patriots
I went to the game on Sunday night and it was awesome! And speaking of awesome the 45-7 victory now means the Patriots are an amazing 88-0 at home since 2001 when they hold an 8-point or greater lead at any point during the game.
It's hard not to think about that stat without comparing it to what happened to Green Bay on Sunday. I know the Packers were the road team but can you picture this year's Pats team or any Bill Belichick team losing a 16-point lead? Tough to picture that - isn't it? That's because Belichick keeps his foot on the gas pedal when he's winning. That 88-0 mark is proof. Some people complain that he runs up the score but Seattle showed why you have to keep trying to pour it on.
If Bill Belichick was coaching Green Bay on Sunday the Packers would be going to the Super Bowl. No doubt in my mind about that. No doubt.
It's hard not to think about that stat without comparing it to what happened to Green Bay on Sunday. I know the Packers were the road team but can you picture this year's Pats team or any Bill Belichick team losing a 16-point lead? Tough to picture that - isn't it? That's because Belichick keeps his foot on the gas pedal when he's winning. That 88-0 mark is proof. Some people complain that he runs up the score but Seattle showed why you have to keep trying to pour it on.
If Bill Belichick was coaching Green Bay on Sunday the Packers would be going to the Super Bowl. No doubt in my mind about that. No doubt.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (66) Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Dire Straits,
Music,
Romeo and Juliet
The Greenbrier Ghost
An interesting nugget of US history. The only instance of the testimony of a ghost making its way into a murder trial in US history.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Origin of the Poolroom
Back in the day before state run lotteries - local bookies would run numbers games and these tickets for the "pool" were often sold in a "poolroom". The numbers would be drawn once or twice a day and in order to fill the time between drawings - the operators at many locations put in billiards tables. Billiards was changed or Americanized by adding pockets and creating the game pocket billiards which we now know simply as pool.
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (65) Feeling Good by Nina Simone.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Feeling Good,
Music,
Nina Simone
Battle of Cowpens
Today is the anniversary of one of the most significant battles in the history of the United States and nobody seems to notice. A short history of the Revolutionary War could read like this:
- The British surrendered at Yorktown after being surrounded by the Continental Army on land and bottled up by the French fleet at sea.
- The British were stuck at Yorktown because they had been so long occupied in the South by battles like the disaster (for the British) at Cowpens
- Cowpens was made possible by Valley Forge and the victory over the Hessians at Trenton
- The French navy was brought into the war because of the overwhelming victory over the British at Saratoga.
- Trenton was made possible by the Continental Army slipping out of Long Island where they really should have been trapped and destroyed by the British
- Long Island was made possible by the victory over the British in the siege of Boston which in turn was made possible by the guns taken from Fort Ticonderoga and by the start of the war at Lexington and Concord.
Of the above - the Battle of Cowpens (which happened 233 years ago today) is probably the least remembered.
If it is remembered it is probably the version that was put forth in the Mel Gibson movie The Patriot. In the movie there is a battle without a name in which Gibson's character asks his irregular infantry to get off two shots and then retreat to trick the British into chasing after them. This is the same basic "plot" to the Battle of Cowpens. The Jason Isaacs character of the dark-hearted Col. Tavington is loosely based on Col. Banastre Tarleton who led the British troops at Cowpens. Unlike the battle in the movie, however, in real life Tarleton (nee Tavington) escapes to fight another day.
One other note that may only interest me. In the movie The Patriot, Gibson's character uses straw soldiers to convince the British to let captives escape. In real life this trick was used but it was used by the British to allow the "captive" loyalists to escape Boston via ships in the harbor under the cover of "troops" placed overlooking the city on Bunker Hill. The troops later turned out to be straw dummies.
- The British surrendered at Yorktown after being surrounded by the Continental Army on land and bottled up by the French fleet at sea.
- The British were stuck at Yorktown because they had been so long occupied in the South by battles like the disaster (for the British) at Cowpens
- Cowpens was made possible by Valley Forge and the victory over the Hessians at Trenton
- The French navy was brought into the war because of the overwhelming victory over the British at Saratoga.
- Trenton was made possible by the Continental Army slipping out of Long Island where they really should have been trapped and destroyed by the British
- Long Island was made possible by the victory over the British in the siege of Boston which in turn was made possible by the guns taken from Fort Ticonderoga and by the start of the war at Lexington and Concord.
Of the above - the Battle of Cowpens (which happened 233 years ago today) is probably the least remembered.
If it is remembered it is probably the version that was put forth in the Mel Gibson movie The Patriot. In the movie there is a battle without a name in which Gibson's character asks his irregular infantry to get off two shots and then retreat to trick the British into chasing after them. This is the same basic "plot" to the Battle of Cowpens. The Jason Isaacs character of the dark-hearted Col. Tavington is loosely based on Col. Banastre Tarleton who led the British troops at Cowpens. Unlike the battle in the movie, however, in real life Tarleton (nee Tavington) escapes to fight another day.
One other note that may only interest me. In the movie The Patriot, Gibson's character uses straw soldiers to convince the British to let captives escape. In real life this trick was used but it was used by the British to allow the "captive" loyalists to escape Boston via ships in the harbor under the cover of "troops" placed overlooking the city on Bunker Hill. The troops later turned out to be straw dummies.
Labels:
Battle of Cowpens,
Mel Gibson,
The Patriot,
US history
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Netflix keeping Doctor Who, Luther and other BBC series. Good news. However Fawlty Towers, Blackadder and others will no longer be available after February 1st. Plan your viewing accordingly.
- How can you not like Dirk Nowitzki?
- Took me a second
- Pets with diplomas. Funny and depressing (because some of these animals have better degrees than I do)
- Actual climate change pronouncements over the years
- Heh heh
- Interesting look at Ed O'Neill and Jiu-Jitsu
- Netflix keeping Doctor Who, Luther and other BBC series. Good news. However Fawlty Towers, Blackadder and others will no longer be available after February 1st. Plan your viewing accordingly.
- How can you not like Dirk Nowitzki?
- Took me a second
- Pets with diplomas. Funny and depressing (because some of these animals have better degrees than I do)
- Actual climate change pronouncements over the years
- Heh heh
- Interesting look at Ed O'Neill and Jiu-Jitsu
Labels:
BBC,
climate change,
Dirk Nowitzki,
Ed O'Neill,
Funny,
Netflix
Friday, January 16, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (64) Hello ... I'm Johnny Cash by Alabama 3.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Alabama 3,
Hello I'm Johnny Cash,
Music
Harry Potter's Recipe for Courage and Success
I like to take away wisdom or at least a better understanding of history from the books I read. That doesn't mean that I only read philosophy or history books. Take the Harry Potter series of books. Here's something I took away from the books - Harry Potter's recipe for courage and success - you can apply it to business or your personal life:
1. Prepare for the challenge
2. Surround yourself with support
3. Engage in positive self-talk
4. Focus on what is at stake
5. Take appropriate action
1. Prepare for the challenge
2. Surround yourself with support
3. Engage in positive self-talk
4. Focus on what is at stake
5. Take appropriate action
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Holy crap - hippos are scary creatures
- Ralph Steadman on Charlie Hebdo
- Interesting article on the Amazing Jonathan who unfortunately is dying
- Why would anyone ever want to mess with Zdeno Chara
- Mike Martz has a pretty good perspective on the Patriots success this season
- Holy crap - hippos are scary creatures
- Ralph Steadman on Charlie Hebdo
- Interesting article on the Amazing Jonathan who unfortunately is dying
- Why would anyone ever want to mess with Zdeno Chara
- Mike Martz has a pretty good perspective on the Patriots success this season
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Boston Olympics
Boston was chosen as the US representative city to host the 2024 Olympics. Make one thing clear though - Boston is not going to host the Olympics and any time discussing the possibility is a waste of breath. Boston was chosen to be a patsy. The 2024 Olympics are going elsewhere - my guess is somewhere in Africa (the games have never been held on that continent) or somewhere in Germany.
Boston was chosen so the US Olympic committee can look like they are spreading the wealth around. Chicago last time - Boston this time but the real end-game I think is to get Los Angeles the Olympics in 2028.
Boston was chosen so the US Olympic committee can look like they are spreading the wealth around. Chicago last time - Boston this time but the real end-game I think is to get Los Angeles the Olympics in 2028.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I agree with Ian O'Connor that the Bills basically replaced a 9-7 AFC East coach with a 4-12 AFC East coach. As Bill Parcells would say, "You are what your record says you are"... What me jihad?... True story - I only bet on Ohio State once this year. It was against Virginia Tech... Wow - map of the Internet in the US in 1969... There is a very good chance that Bill Belichick will lead the Patriots to another Super Bowl. Yet when the votes are counted for coach of the year - the award will go to another. Belichick so good that this type of year is just expected... I laughed way too hard at this...
I agree with Ian O'Connor that the Bills basically replaced a 9-7 AFC East coach with a 4-12 AFC East coach. As Bill Parcells would say, "You are what your record says you are"... What me jihad?... True story - I only bet on Ohio State once this year. It was against Virginia Tech... Wow - map of the Internet in the US in 1969... There is a very good chance that Bill Belichick will lead the Patriots to another Super Bowl. Yet when the votes are counted for coach of the year - the award will go to another. Belichick so good that this type of year is just expected... I laughed way too hard at this...
Labels:
Bill Belichick,
Buffalo Bills,
Internet,
Ohio State,
Radical Islam,
Rex Ryan,
Star Wars
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (62) Alive and Kicking by Simple Minds.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Alive and Kicking,
Music,
Simple Minds
Monday, January 12, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today offering (61) Lips Like Sugar by Echo and the Bunnymen.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
My favorite stat from the weekend - Tom Brady is about to go to his 9th AFC Championship game meanwhile Peyton Manning now has 9 one-and-done playoff appearances... Lazy or awesome?!?!... It is rumored that the Denver Broncos may want to part ways with head coach John Fox. If true they should look for a top offensive coach to take his place. You know - someone like Josh McDaniels... Heh heh... The wife of Moses was Zipporah. It's amazing how lost to history she has become. We really know zip about Zipporah... Heh heh... If they had called it an iSegway instead of just Segway - would everyone own one by now?... Ratio wise - I wonder if the distance between stars is much different than the difference in distance between atoms... Peyton Manning lines up another commercial opportunity...
My favorite stat from the weekend - Tom Brady is about to go to his 9th AFC Championship game meanwhile Peyton Manning now has 9 one-and-done playoff appearances... Lazy or awesome?!?!... It is rumored that the Denver Broncos may want to part ways with head coach John Fox. If true they should look for a top offensive coach to take his place. You know - someone like Josh McDaniels... Heh heh... The wife of Moses was Zipporah. It's amazing how lost to history she has become. We really know zip about Zipporah... Heh heh... If they had called it an iSegway instead of just Segway - would everyone own one by now?... Ratio wise - I wonder if the distance between stars is much different than the difference in distance between atoms... Peyton Manning lines up another commercial opportunity...
Labels:
Cool Stuff,
Denver Broncos,
Funny,
Moses,
New England Patriots,
Peyton Manning,
Science,
Tom Brady
Cinderella
The story Cinderella was written in 1699 by a Frenchman named Charles Perrault. In the original story, Cinderella wore slippers made of squirrel fur but when the book was translated into English the word "vair" (squirrel fur) was mistranslated as "verre" (glass) and the rest is history.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (60) Downeaster Alexa by Billy Joel.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Billy Joel,
Downeaster Alexa,
Music
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
How about them Patriots!?!?... 23rd century meets the 7th century... Who has more statutory rape allegations - Meathead Rob Lowe or real Rob Lowe?... Nice explanation by Matt Chatham on the Pats "deception" plays... Hard to believe but Tom Brady now leads all active QB's with 5 playoff rushing TD's... Speaking of Spock... The Patriots are now 13-2 when winning the coin toss. Just 2-2 when losing the coin toss. How do they win the coin toss so often?... Heh heh... Shouldn't calling someone a "hot shit" be more of an insult than a compliment?... Neil Gaiman explains how to become a writer... Still can't believe 49 baseball writers left Pedro Martinez off their Hall of Fame ballots...
How about them Patriots!?!?... 23rd century meets the 7th century... Who has more statutory rape allegations - Meathead Rob Lowe or real Rob Lowe?... Nice explanation by Matt Chatham on the Pats "deception" plays... Hard to believe but Tom Brady now leads all active QB's with 5 playoff rushing TD's... Speaking of Spock... The Patriots are now 13-2 when winning the coin toss. Just 2-2 when losing the coin toss. How do they win the coin toss so often?... Heh heh... Shouldn't calling someone a "hot shit" be more of an insult than a compliment?... Neil Gaiman explains how to become a writer... Still can't believe 49 baseball writers left Pedro Martinez off their Hall of Fame ballots...
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Heh heh - Harry Shearer got fooled by fake congressman from non-existent congressional district. I love the fact that there was not just a fake twitter account for the fake congressman but also one for his "Chief of Staff".
- This week would have been Elvis Presley's 80th birthday. Here's the story of when Donald Rumsfeld met the King.
- After seeing this - I'm guessing Peter King won't be getting an interview from either coach in today's 4:30 game.
- Funny - Nick Dipaulo's Mitch Hedberg story
- Heh heh
- Holy crap what a shot!
- Definitely lost some respect for Mark Jackson after reading this
- Heh heh - Harry Shearer got fooled by fake congressman from non-existent congressional district. I love the fact that there was not just a fake twitter account for the fake congressman but also one for his "Chief of Staff".
- This week would have been Elvis Presley's 80th birthday. Here's the story of when Donald Rumsfeld met the King.
- After seeing this - I'm guessing Peter King won't be getting an interview from either coach in today's 4:30 game.
- Funny - Nick Dipaulo's Mitch Hedberg story
- Heh heh
- Holy crap what a shot!
- Definitely lost some respect for Mark Jackson after reading this
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (59) Till It Shines by Bob Seger.
Thursday, January 08, 2015
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Black Jack Pershing would be tried as a war criminal today instead of lauded as an effective leader dealing with barbarians in an effective manner. Not sure if I'd call that progress,
- Today would ave been Elvis' 80th birthday. Here's a great cover of him singing Bridge Over Troubled Water.
- I agree
- A day late but happy 70th wedding anniversary Mr and Mrs Bush
- Heh heh - karma is a pre-existing condition
- Increase in minimum wage forces Michigan non-profit restaurant to close
- How can you not love Pedro Martinez? "You tell Clemens, he hits one of mine, I take two of his."
- Black Jack Pershing would be tried as a war criminal today instead of lauded as an effective leader dealing with barbarians in an effective manner. Not sure if I'd call that progress,
- Today would ave been Elvis' 80th birthday. Here's a great cover of him singing Bridge Over Troubled Water.
- I agree
- A day late but happy 70th wedding anniversary Mr and Mrs Bush
- Heh heh - karma is a pre-existing condition
- Increase in minimum wage forces Michigan non-profit restaurant to close
- How can you not love Pedro Martinez? "You tell Clemens, he hits one of mine, I take two of his."
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (58) Running Down a Dream by Tom Petty.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Music,
Running Down a Dream,
Tom Petty
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
Baseball Hall of Fame - Thought One
Here's a thought I had immediately after seeing that Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio had been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame - combined the four players made a little over $539 million during their careers.
The most controversial quartet of players on the Hall of Fame ballot associated with PED's - Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa combined salaries came close to almost the exact same amount ($537.5 million). The question that keeps popping up is if this group didn't do PED's would they be in the Hall of Fame today? I think the more accurate question is - if this group didn't do PED's would they have been paid like Hall of Famers? More than two-thirds of Roger Clemens money came after he left Boston in the "twilight of his career". The majority of Barry Bonds money was made after he left Pittsburgh. In Bonds last six years he made more in a single season than he made his whole time with the Pirates.
These guys cheated (allegedly) to get paid. Good.
They don't get Hall of Fame induction too. They made their choice and got their big money. They don't also get to enjoy something that Dale Murphy or Don Mattingly will never get close to. That's not right and that's something many sportswriters don't seem to understand.
The most controversial quartet of players on the Hall of Fame ballot associated with PED's - Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa combined salaries came close to almost the exact same amount ($537.5 million). The question that keeps popping up is if this group didn't do PED's would they be in the Hall of Fame today? I think the more accurate question is - if this group didn't do PED's would they have been paid like Hall of Famers? More than two-thirds of Roger Clemens money came after he left Boston in the "twilight of his career". The majority of Barry Bonds money was made after he left Pittsburgh. In Bonds last six years he made more in a single season than he made his whole time with the Pirates.
These guys cheated (allegedly) to get paid. Good.
They don't get Hall of Fame induction too. They made their choice and got their big money. They don't also get to enjoy something that Dale Murphy or Don Mattingly will never get close to. That's not right and that's something many sportswriters don't seem to understand.
Tuesday, January 06, 2015
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Bitcoin off to a rough start in 2015. I don't own any Bitcoin but wouldn't turn it down if anyone wanted to donate.
- Johnny Football gets heckled, doused with drinks. I feel bad for Browns fans at this point.
- Is this story getting so little exposure because this is now expected behavior for Bill Clinton? Hillary can forget any thoughts about running in 2016 because I have a feeling there are people out there just dying to share their Slick Willie stories.
- Harvard professors upset because Obamacare is now costing them money. I have to laugh but then I remember that Obamacare costs me an extra $320 per month for the same plan I had before the country was snookered by Harvard mouth-breathers.
- My heart aches for Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and his wife.
- Bitcoin off to a rough start in 2015. I don't own any Bitcoin but wouldn't turn it down if anyone wanted to donate.
- Johnny Football gets heckled, doused with drinks. I feel bad for Browns fans at this point.
- Is this story getting so little exposure because this is now expected behavior for Bill Clinton? Hillary can forget any thoughts about running in 2016 because I have a feeling there are people out there just dying to share their Slick Willie stories.
- Harvard professors upset because Obamacare is now costing them money. I have to laugh but then I remember that Obamacare costs me an extra $320 per month for the same plan I had before the country was snookered by Harvard mouth-breathers.
- My heart aches for Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and his wife.
Labels:
Bill Clinton,
Bitcoin,
Harvard,
Johnny Manziel,
Los Angeles Lakers,
Mitch Kupchak,
Obamacare
Monday, January 05, 2015
Book Review - Killing Floor
The other night I watched the Tom Cruise move Jack Reacher for the second time. Obviously for me to watch it a second time - I must have enjoyed it the first time around. Watching the movie made me curious about the books. I knew there was a lot of controversy among Jack Reacher fans casting the diminutive Cruise as the hulking Reacher so I wanted to read the books for myself to see what the fuss was about.
I ordered Killing Floor the first Jack Reacher book by Lee Child. The book was a paperback with the blurb "See Jack Reacher now in his first major motion picture" on the cover and a new introduction by the author. In the new introduction Lee Child makes it clear that Jack Reacher is supposed to be 6'5". So I'm going out on a limb to say he wasn't pleased with the casting of Cruise as his hero (though going out on another limb I'm going to guess that Lee Child still cashed the movie rights check).
The book was enjoyable. It was Travis McGee / John D. McDonald-eque. Big hero who lives by his own rules finds himself at the center of a mystery that only he can solve and save the day. I will order a few more of the series but I'm going to have to space them out - too much candy rots the brain.
For what it's worth - Tom Cruise is scheduled to star in a second Jack Reacher move - Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (no release date).
I ordered Killing Floor the first Jack Reacher book by Lee Child. The book was a paperback with the blurb "See Jack Reacher now in his first major motion picture" on the cover and a new introduction by the author. In the new introduction Lee Child makes it clear that Jack Reacher is supposed to be 6'5". So I'm going out on a limb to say he wasn't pleased with the casting of Cruise as his hero (though going out on another limb I'm going to guess that Lee Child still cashed the movie rights check).
The book was enjoyable. It was Travis McGee / John D. McDonald-eque. Big hero who lives by his own rules finds himself at the center of a mystery that only he can solve and save the day. I will order a few more of the series but I'm going to have to space them out - too much candy rots the brain.
For what it's worth - Tom Cruise is scheduled to star in a second Jack Reacher move - Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (no release date).
Labels:
Book Reviews,
Jack Reacher,
Killing Floor,
Lee Child
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
The Patriots are now a 7 point favorite over Baltimore next Saturday. The line opened at New England -8.5 - at that many points I would have been tempted to take the Ravens too... Those were the days - FDR's 52nd birthday celebration was a toga party... Just a reminder of the needle and the damage done - in 2007 when Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi took leadership over Congress the unemployment rate was 4.6% and the national debt was $8.6 trillion... I just love this photo... "Too Big to Fail" would have been a great title for an Andre the Giant biography... No matter what happens Saturday - when Tom Brady finally hangs up his spikes his record of playoff wins will be untouchable. I can't foresee any team ever having the type of run of sustained greatness like the Patriots have had these past dozen years (and counting)...
The Patriots are now a 7 point favorite over Baltimore next Saturday. The line opened at New England -8.5 - at that many points I would have been tempted to take the Ravens too... Those were the days - FDR's 52nd birthday celebration was a toga party... Just a reminder of the needle and the damage done - in 2007 when Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi took leadership over Congress the unemployment rate was 4.6% and the national debt was $8.6 trillion... I just love this photo... "Too Big to Fail" would have been a great title for an Andre the Giant biography... No matter what happens Saturday - when Tom Brady finally hangs up his spikes his record of playoff wins will be untouchable. I can't foresee any team ever having the type of run of sustained greatness like the Patriots have had these past dozen years (and counting)...
Sunday, January 04, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (56) Do I Want To Know? by Arctic Monkeys.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Arctic Monkeys,
Do I Want to Know,
Music
Saturday, January 03, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (55) Come a Little Closer by Cage the Elephant.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Paul Pabst from the Dan Patrick show and others have made this point but in other years the NCAAF Championship game would most likely have been Florida State vs Alabama. Both of the losing teams in this years playoff format... Sony most likely an inside job... I've said this before but if Peyton Manning changed his audible from "Omaha! Omaha!" to "Obama! Obama!" - would he lose half his endorsements?... Was the Shire from Lord of the Rings based on Kentucky?... Meat Slurry would be a good name for a band. Or for an entree companion to Golden Corral's Chocolate Waterfall... Who knew? After the attack on Pearl Harbor - Canada declared war on Japan before the US did... Coffee naps! I'm so in!...
Paul Pabst from the Dan Patrick show and others have made this point but in other years the NCAAF Championship game would most likely have been Florida State vs Alabama. Both of the losing teams in this years playoff format... Sony most likely an inside job... I've said this before but if Peyton Manning changed his audible from "Omaha! Omaha!" to "Obama! Obama!" - would he lose half his endorsements?... Was the Shire from Lord of the Rings based on Kentucky?... Meat Slurry would be a good name for a band. Or for an entree companion to Golden Corral's Chocolate Waterfall... Who knew? After the attack on Pearl Harbor - Canada declared war on Japan before the US did... Coffee naps! I'm so in!...
Labels:
Alabama,
band names,
Coffee,
Dan Patrick,
Florida State,
Lord of the Rings,
Paul Pabst,
Pearl Harbor,
Peyton Manning,
Science,
Sony
Friday, January 02, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (55) Come With Me Now by Kongos.
Labels:
100 Favorite Songs,
Come with Me Now,
Kongos,
Music
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Cool photo of a great white about to breach the surface.
- We will never ever again have a President so unphotogenic as Nixon
- Excellent New Year's advice from Neil Gaiman
- Cool - when a strawberry starts to germinate its seeds. If you just showed the picture to people - how many would be able to guess what it is?
- New Year's taxes
- 2015 will be a big year for Gallipoli
- Cool photo of a great white about to breach the surface.
- We will never ever again have a President so unphotogenic as Nixon
- Excellent New Year's advice from Neil Gaiman
- Cool - when a strawberry starts to germinate its seeds. If you just showed the picture to people - how many would be able to guess what it is?
- New Year's taxes
- 2015 will be a big year for Gallipoli
Labels:
advice,
Australia,
Barack Obama,
Gallipoli,
Neil Gaiman,
Photography,
Richard Nixon,
taxes
Thursday, January 01, 2015
100 of My Favorite Songs
Today's offering (54) Time by Pink Floyd. Seemed an appropriate song for the first of the year.
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