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 157 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.
Friday, December 02, 2016
Thursday, December 01, 2016
Joe Thornton
It has been 11-years since the Boston Bruins traded Joe Thornton to the San Jose Sharks. It was a trade that caused me to try and cancel my cable TV because I was so pissed about it (I didn't want any of my money going to NESN which is co-owned by the Bruins and Red Sox).
Jumbo Joe, the former first pick of the NHL draft was traded for Wayne Primeau, Marco Strum and Brad Stuart. Can you see why I was pissed?
If Thornton played his entire career in Boston, his 900 points would put him 4th on the all-time Bruins scoring list (2 points ahead of Rick Middleton but behind Hall of Famers Ray Bourque, Johnny Bucyk and Phil Esposito). Can you imagine if Joe Thorton on the front line had been coupled with Zedeano Chara on the back line this past decade? I can - that's why I'm still pissed off about the trade.
Jumbo Joe, the former first pick of the NHL draft was traded for Wayne Primeau, Marco Strum and Brad Stuart. Can you see why I was pissed?
If Thornton played his entire career in Boston, his 900 points would put him 4th on the all-time Bruins scoring list (2 points ahead of Rick Middleton but behind Hall of Famers Ray Bourque, Johnny Bucyk and Phil Esposito). Can you imagine if Joe Thorton on the front line had been coupled with Zedeano Chara on the back line this past decade? I can - that's why I'm still pissed off about the trade.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Heh heh
- Death of an American hero
- In my mind July 9th (7-9) will always be Jeff Fisher day. I agree with Tom E. Curran - how does Fisher still have a job?
- This is probably true
- Cool - for $129,000 you can own Dangerfield's yacht from Caddyshack
- Heh heh
- This holiday season - please keep this in mind
- One dose of magic mushrooms can stop depression for months
- Heh heh
- Death of an American hero
- In my mind July 9th (7-9) will always be Jeff Fisher day. I agree with Tom E. Curran - how does Fisher still have a job?
- This is probably true
- Cool - for $129,000 you can own Dangerfield's yacht from Caddyshack
- Heh heh
- This holiday season - please keep this in mind
- One dose of magic mushrooms can stop depression for months
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Did MSNBC Cost Hillary Clinton the Election?
A breaking conspiracy theory* now says that Rachel Maddow and MSNBC cost Hillary Clinton the election not Jill Stein who is being blamed by some for losing the Democrats states like Michigan, Wisconsin and Florida.
What if viewers of MSNBC believed Rachel Maddow and either stayed home (like the cast of Hamilton) because their vote wasn't needed or cast their votes for Jill Stein or Gary Johnson as sort of a mini-protest? In the video above Maddow is so cocky who could blame Bernie Sanders supporters watching at home for making other plans on election day? What has Rachel Maddow done to this country!
* Yeah I just made up this breaking conspiracy theory. But it doesn't make the schadenfreude of the video any less amusing.
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Kiko Alonso is my new favorite (non-Patriot) NFL player
- Thanks to the "ferocity and swiftness" of "cowboy" George Bush there was no follow-up attack after 9/11. The source of this claim would be the one to know.
- The Eagles are an enigma to me. I don't like their songs but know all the lyrics. I don't like the musicians but can't get enough stories like this.
- Heh heh
- 10 Irish pub rules for proper drinking etiquette. I agree 100% with these rules.
- Why Titan might be the only habitable world in our solar system
- Kiko Alonso is my new favorite (non-Patriot) NFL player
- Thanks to the "ferocity and swiftness" of "cowboy" George Bush there was no follow-up attack after 9/11. The source of this claim would be the one to know.
- The Eagles are an enigma to me. I don't like their songs but know all the lyrics. I don't like the musicians but can't get enough stories like this.
- Heh heh
- 10 Irish pub rules for proper drinking etiquette. I agree 100% with these rules.
- Why Titan might be the only habitable world in our solar system
Monday, November 28, 2016
Arctic and Antarctic Ice Sheets
So the Arctic ice sheets are melting. But the Antarctic ice sheets are growing.
The skeptic in me wonders why the loss of ice mass in the North Pole is attributed to Global Warming (the science is settled) but the explanation for the ice gains in at the South Pole has many theories. Doesn't quite seem like proper science to me.
The historian in me wonders - hasn't this happened before? Isn't the Arctic ice melting before where stories of a semi-mythical Northwest Passage came from? And didn't the opposite effect of the Arctic ice growing so much that the Bering Straits were frozen solid give rise to the theory of that's how the first people originally came to North America come from?
The scientist in me wonders if this might be caused in part by the Earth changing from a magnetic North Pole to a magnetic South Pole. What about the change in Earth's tilt being an explanation? Maybe a combination of both and possibly other factors? Truth is scientists just don't know. More research is needed. But true science is not served if every result needs to be pre-determined to point to a man-made global catastrophe.
The science is not settled. Mankind has just scratched the surface of the science of how our climate works and the history of past changes.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Why does a QB say "hike" in football? What is he "hiking"? Seriously this little language nugget bugs me... I'm depressed that Florence Henderson has taken the secret of where Mrs. Brady buried the body of her first husband to her grave... What kind of monster was Fidel Castro? One interested in starting a thermonuclear war... In my opinion - if you can't name the last two people to hold a Cabinet position you really aren't in a great position to complain about Trump's choices... WTF?!? Seriously - WTF?!?... Another language question - why is it that we say "slept like a lamb"? Why a lamb? Why not a sloth or a welfare recipient?... I only know Ron Glass from his work as an actor but he seemed like the nicest and coolest guy around. RIP Ron Glass... Bill Cosby says he plans to go back on tour. Most likely to countries without extradition treaties with the US...
Why does a QB say "hike" in football? What is he "hiking"? Seriously this little language nugget bugs me... I'm depressed that Florence Henderson has taken the secret of where Mrs. Brady buried the body of her first husband to her grave... What kind of monster was Fidel Castro? One interested in starting a thermonuclear war... In my opinion - if you can't name the last two people to hold a Cabinet position you really aren't in a great position to complain about Trump's choices... WTF?!? Seriously - WTF?!?... Another language question - why is it that we say "slept like a lamb"? Why a lamb? Why not a sloth or a welfare recipient?... I only know Ron Glass from his work as an actor but he seemed like the nicest and coolest guy around. RIP Ron Glass... Bill Cosby says he plans to go back on tour. Most likely to countries without extradition treaties with the US...
Tom Brady's 200th Win
Tom Brady goes for his 200th win today as a starting QB in the NFL. That would tie him with Peyton Manning for the most wins in NFL history. Brady could be reaching 200 wins in just 261 games. It took Manning 292 games.
Not only is this another data point in the argument that Brady is the greatest QB to ever walk the Earth - it also leads to some interesting drama. Will NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell be in attendance at the game against the Jets? Will there be a televised in-person congratulations from the commissioner if Brady wins the game? How cold will the reception be for Goodell in the Patriots locker room?
And even more interesting - would Roger Goodell dare to show up in Foxboro next week when Brady most surely will break the tie with Manning in the home game against theSt. Louis LA Rams?
Not only is this another data point in the argument that Brady is the greatest QB to ever walk the Earth - it also leads to some interesting drama. Will NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell be in attendance at the game against the Jets? Will there be a televised in-person congratulations from the commissioner if Brady wins the game? How cold will the reception be for Goodell in the Patriots locker room?
And even more interesting - would Roger Goodell dare to show up in Foxboro next week when Brady most surely will break the tie with Manning in the home game against the
Saturday, November 26, 2016
How History Could Have Been Different
Fidel Castro had a law degree and when he was young he joined the firm of Azpiazo, Castro and Resende. He didn't do very well in the practice. Castro was a young lawyer without any clients.
I can't help but wonder how history could have been different if only Castro had been a better lawyer. Or if he happened to get a big case or client. Would Fidel have been so hot for communism if he was sitting on a pile of money?
But no - Castro was a shit attorney and a horrible monster. And any person praising him upon his death is an idiot.
I can't help but wonder how history could have been different if only Castro had been a better lawyer. Or if he happened to get a big case or client. Would Fidel have been so hot for communism if he was sitting on a pile of money?
But no - Castro was a shit attorney and a horrible monster. And any person praising him upon his death is an idiot.
Friday, November 25, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- People whose feelings are so weak that they can be hurt by a Lynyrd Skynyrd song shouldn't be running anything - never mind the country.
- For Harry Potter fans
- The real war on science.
- Bob Newhart is the best
- Ethos, Logos and Pathos: the Structure of a Great Speech
- The Pope's 10 tips for living a happier life
- Two-years old but still makes me laugh every time
- People whose feelings are so weak that they can be hurt by a Lynyrd Skynyrd song shouldn't be running anything - never mind the country.
- For Harry Potter fans
- The real war on science.
- Bob Newhart is the best
- Ethos, Logos and Pathos: the Structure of a Great Speech
- The Pope's 10 tips for living a happier life
- Two-years old but still makes me laugh every time
Top 5 - Christmas Songs by Rock Stars
Today is traditionally not just the first shopping day for Christmas but also the day when most radio stations start playing Christmas tunes (although there are some out there that started playing them on November 1st- which really bugs me). Anyway - here are the top 5 Christmas songs by rocks stars in my estimation.
2. Santa Claus is Coming to Town - Bruce Springsteen
3. Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid
4. Father Christmas - The Kinks
5.. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Bare Naked Ladies
3. Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid
4. Father Christmas - The Kinks
5.. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Bare Naked Ladies
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Great Thanksgiving Story
My favorite Thanksgiving story comes from Gabe Kaplan (of Welcome Back Kotter fame).
When Gabe was a kid – his older sister was embarrassed about becoming a young woman. She used to have the young Kaplan go into the drug store to buy her Sanitary Napkins. Gabe was curious and asked his sister just what these things were.
“Oh, they’re special occasion napkins,” she would reply.
This explanation was enough for Kaplan and he didn’t give it another thought.
Then one Thanksgiving morning – young Gabe was left alone at home while his parents and older sister drove to the airport to pick up his uncle. Gabe was left with the job of setting the table for Thanksgiving. Then it occurred to him, “what could be more of a special occasion than Thanksgiving?”
Needless to say – his parents were confused, his sister was very embarrassed but his uncle couldn’t stop laughing when they came home and saw the creative way young Gabe had set the table for Thanksgiving.
When Gabe was a kid – his older sister was embarrassed about becoming a young woman. She used to have the young Kaplan go into the drug store to buy her Sanitary Napkins. Gabe was curious and asked his sister just what these things were.
“Oh, they’re special occasion napkins,” she would reply.
This explanation was enough for Kaplan and he didn’t give it another thought.
Then one Thanksgiving morning – young Gabe was left alone at home while his parents and older sister drove to the airport to pick up his uncle. Gabe was left with the job of setting the table for Thanksgiving. Then it occurred to him, “what could be more of a special occasion than Thanksgiving?”
Needless to say – his parents were confused, his sister was very embarrassed but his uncle couldn’t stop laughing when they came home and saw the creative way young Gabe had set the table for Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Political Corruption
**WARNING - HERE BE TALK OF POLITICS**
As I've gotten older I've become less and less political. I think that's because I've come to believe that both parties are equally rotten to the core. The current kerfuffle over Donald Trump's "conflict of interests" regarding his businesses and his duties as President is a perfect example of this.
Will foreign nations try to curry favor by staying at Trump hotels and playing golf at Trump resorts? Absolutely! Will they also try to curry favor by trying to do other business deals with him? Again - absolutely! I don't mind this so much because it is more out in the open and transparent then say a gift to the Clinton Foundation for example. Recently it was revealed that Norway has cut their donations to the Clinton Foundation by 90%. Is this because the Clinton Foundation has stopped doing worthwhile charitable things or because the power and influence of the Clinton's were crippled when Hillary lost the election?
The Trump University settlement? During the campaign it was made clear by the media that Trump University was a scam from top to bottom. But maybe if that same media hadn't tried to portray Mitt Romney as a bigoted, misogynist, shady business man the public might have believed them when a real bigoted, misogynist, shady business man actually appeared. Besides - I'm glad Trump did the right thing and settled the case so it wouldn't be hanging over his Presidency.
Going back to Trump's hotel business - am I the only one who remembers the stories written with glee about how Trump's campaign was hurting his business? Who is really surprised the opposite is happening now that he won? Besides for every foreign delegation - there's an NBA team or Hollywood star boycotting Trump properties.
It's the nature of the beast. Get over it!
As I've gotten older I've become less and less political. I think that's because I've come to believe that both parties are equally rotten to the core. The current kerfuffle over Donald Trump's "conflict of interests" regarding his businesses and his duties as President is a perfect example of this.
Will foreign nations try to curry favor by staying at Trump hotels and playing golf at Trump resorts? Absolutely! Will they also try to curry favor by trying to do other business deals with him? Again - absolutely! I don't mind this so much because it is more out in the open and transparent then say a gift to the Clinton Foundation for example. Recently it was revealed that Norway has cut their donations to the Clinton Foundation by 90%. Is this because the Clinton Foundation has stopped doing worthwhile charitable things or because the power and influence of the Clinton's were crippled when Hillary lost the election?
The Trump University settlement? During the campaign it was made clear by the media that Trump University was a scam from top to bottom. But maybe if that same media hadn't tried to portray Mitt Romney as a bigoted, misogynist, shady business man the public might have believed them when a real bigoted, misogynist, shady business man actually appeared. Besides - I'm glad Trump did the right thing and settled the case so it wouldn't be hanging over his Presidency.
Going back to Trump's hotel business - am I the only one who remembers the stories written with glee about how Trump's campaign was hurting his business? Who is really surprised the opposite is happening now that he won? Besides for every foreign delegation - there's an NBA team or Hollywood star boycotting Trump properties.
It's the nature of the beast. Get over it!
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Rodney Dangerfield
Today would have been Rodney Dangerfield's 95th birthday. Some of my favorite Dangerfield one-liners.
My wife was afraid of the dark... then she saw me naked and now she's afraid of the light.
Yeah, I know I'm ugly... I said to a bartender, 'Make me a zombie.' He said 'God beat me to it.'
I come from a stupid family. During the Civil War my great uncle fought for the west
I worked in a pet store and people would ask how big I would get.
I remember the time I was kidnapped and they sent back a piece of my finger to my father. He said he wanted more proof.
I was so depressed that I decided to jump from the tenth floor. They sent up a priest. He said " on your mark ......"
Monday, November 21, 2016
Just Saying
I'm just saying but if you Google "Jeffrey Dahmer cannibal" you get about 128,000 hits.
If you Google "Harry Reid pedophile" you get about the same number of hits (if you include "Harry Reid pederast" it's over 141,500 hits).
If you Google "Harry Reid pedophile" you get about the same number of hits (if you include "Harry Reid pederast" it's over 141,500 hits).
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- CERN physicist Brian Cox's talk on why we need science
- This is true (especially on days there is football on TV)
- Jaromir Jagr is amazing. I really wish the Bruins kept him.
- Given the success of the movie Doctor Strange - you would think there would be a resurgence in the Three Dog Night song Shambala.
- The (Russian) spy who added me on LinkedIn
- Why Arizona Ice Tea is cheaper than water
- CERN physicist Brian Cox's talk on why we need science
- This is true (especially on days there is football on TV)
- Jaromir Jagr is amazing. I really wish the Bruins kept him.
- Given the success of the movie Doctor Strange - you would think there would be a resurgence in the Three Dog Night song Shambala.
- The (Russian) spy who added me on LinkedIn
- Why Arizona Ice Tea is cheaper than water
Saturday, November 19, 2016
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Trump should collectively nominate the cast of Hamilton to be Secretary of Education just to see leftists heads explode. "But they are not qualified" the media will point out. Then why are you listening to them Trump could ask... I love Mitt Romney. People who see cheap in that picture and not humble just don't get it... Quote of the day: "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."- Mark Twain... A day late but still worth remembering... I don't want a drone. I want the mechanical owl from the first Clash of the Titans movie... This is true (and sad)... Reading Charlie Pierce's post election Tweets - I can't help but picture him going naked Howard Hughes peeing into glass jars insane because the election didn't go his way... Am I the only one who reads this report and immediately thinks of Breaking Bad?... I would love to hear Adele cover Ted Nugent's Stranglehold... I'm still disappointed that Conor McGregor wasn't signed to play Mad Sweeney in American Gods... This is also true (and sad)...
Trump should collectively nominate the cast of Hamilton to be Secretary of Education just to see leftists heads explode. "But they are not qualified" the media will point out. Then why are you listening to them Trump could ask... I love Mitt Romney. People who see cheap in that picture and not humble just don't get it... Quote of the day: "I am an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened."- Mark Twain... A day late but still worth remembering... I don't want a drone. I want the mechanical owl from the first Clash of the Titans movie... This is true (and sad)... Reading Charlie Pierce's post election Tweets - I can't help but picture him going naked Howard Hughes peeing into glass jars insane because the election didn't go his way... Am I the only one who reads this report and immediately thinks of Breaking Bad?... I would love to hear Adele cover Ted Nugent's Stranglehold... I'm still disappointed that Conor McGregor wasn't signed to play Mad Sweeney in American Gods... This is also true (and sad)...
Friday, November 18, 2016
Heh Heh
A nice young woman on a flight from Switzerland said to the priest beside her, "Father, may I ask a favor?"
"Of course. What may I do for you?"
"Well, I bought an expensive electronic hair remover that is well over the Customs limits and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there anyway you could carry it through Customs for me? ..Under your robes perhaps?"
"I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you: I will not lie."
"With your honest face, Father, no one will question you."
When they got to Customs, she let the priest go ahead of her. The official asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?"
"From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare."
The official thought this answer strange, so asked, "And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?"
"I have a marvellous little instrument designed to be used on a woman, which is, to date, unused."
Roaring with laughter, the official said, "Go ahead, Father." "Next!"
"Of course. What may I do for you?"
"Well, I bought an expensive electronic hair remover that is well over the Customs limits and I'm afraid they'll confiscate it. Is there anyway you could carry it through Customs for me? ..Under your robes perhaps?"
"I would love to help you, dear, but I must warn you: I will not lie."
"With your honest face, Father, no one will question you."
When they got to Customs, she let the priest go ahead of her. The official asked, "Father, do you have anything to declare?"
"From the top of my head down to my waist, I have nothing to declare."
The official thought this answer strange, so asked, "And what do you have to declare from your waist to the floor?"
"I have a marvellous little instrument designed to be used on a woman, which is, to date, unused."
Roaring with laughter, the official said, "Go ahead, Father." "Next!"
Thursday, November 17, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Heh heh - good question.
- Theranos is to the medical device companies what Enron was to energy companies and Theranos fraud was basically exposed by one man.
- A cross country runner gets destroyed by a deer in the middle of a race. Once you see it in the back you will replay the video several times and each time say "WHOA!!"
- Heh heh
- Maybe the best Tweet in the history of Twitter
- Heh heh
- I think Tony Romo is nothing but class but this made me chuckle.
- Heh heh - good question.
- Theranos is to the medical device companies what Enron was to energy companies and Theranos fraud was basically exposed by one man.
- A cross country runner gets destroyed by a deer in the middle of a race. Once you see it in the back you will replay the video several times and each time say "WHOA!!"
- Heh heh
- Maybe the best Tweet in the history of Twitter
- Heh heh
- I think Tony Romo is nothing but class but this made me chuckle.
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
The Clinton's Last Hurrah
Are you familiar with The Last Hurrah? The recent election got me thinking about it.
The movie (and the book) are truly classic but unfortunately the movie (and the book) have started to fade from the public consciousness. The movie was directed by the legendary John Ford and the screenplay was the work of Frank Nugent (who also wrote the screenplay for Ford's The Quiet Man and Forte Apache).
The basic plot of the book is both a thinly veiled biopic of Boston's James Michael Curley and also a tale of the changing of the guard in politics. The tale of the old, machine politics, ward boss, dispenser of favors vs the new, young telegenic politician is very spot on. Does this sound like it could also be a brief synopsis of the election last Tuesday (except that Donald Trump isn't exactly young).
The problem with those old Frank Skeffington / James Michael Curley ways is that A: the ugly side of graft and extortion are glossed over and B: they just wouldn't work today. They wouldn't work today because the spoils system of patronage has been replaced by affirmative action and civil service. At least that's what I used to think.
Bill and Hillary Clinton were much in their own way old school machine politics animals. The pay to play with the Clinton's and the Clinton Foundation though wasn't patronage for jobs - it was millions in exchange for access to power. Maybe the real cause of Hillary's downfall was in the pursuit of global graft they forgot Tip O'Neil's dictum that all politics is local.
Hollywood is always looking for remakes. Why not a remake of The Last Hurrah? But instead of basing it on James Michael Curley - base it on Bill and Hillary Clinton. Like the original movie - the remake could be a thinly veiled biopic and a tale of the changing of the guard in politics.
I'd go to see it.
The movie (and the book) are truly classic but unfortunately the movie (and the book) have started to fade from the public consciousness. The movie was directed by the legendary John Ford and the screenplay was the work of Frank Nugent (who also wrote the screenplay for Ford's The Quiet Man and Forte Apache).
The basic plot of the book is both a thinly veiled biopic of Boston's James Michael Curley and also a tale of the changing of the guard in politics. The tale of the old, machine politics, ward boss, dispenser of favors vs the new, young telegenic politician is very spot on. Does this sound like it could also be a brief synopsis of the election last Tuesday (except that Donald Trump isn't exactly young).
The problem with those old Frank Skeffington / James Michael Curley ways is that A: the ugly side of graft and extortion are glossed over and B: they just wouldn't work today. They wouldn't work today because the spoils system of patronage has been replaced by affirmative action and civil service. At least that's what I used to think.
Bill and Hillary Clinton were much in their own way old school machine politics animals. The pay to play with the Clinton's and the Clinton Foundation though wasn't patronage for jobs - it was millions in exchange for access to power. Maybe the real cause of Hillary's downfall was in the pursuit of global graft they forgot Tip O'Neil's dictum that all politics is local.
Hollywood is always looking for remakes. Why not a remake of The Last Hurrah? But instead of basing it on James Michael Curley - base it on Bill and Hillary Clinton. Like the original movie - the remake could be a thinly veiled biopic and a tale of the changing of the guard in politics.
I'd go to see it.
Tuesday, November 15, 2016
Monday, November 14, 2016
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
The New England Patriots are now winless since Donald trump was elected President... Amazing photo of the "Super Moon" over the Saint Louis arch... Is there a stat for Ben Roethlisberger getting hurt when Steelers are losing vs when they are ahead? Just saying... New TV show idea - Scott Baio is an LA real estate agent selling homes of Hollywood stars who are moving to Canada because Trump was elected President... Cool - Bruce Springsteen rescued from roadside by NJ bikers... Still surprised that Zima was never actually the Official drink of the US Men's Figure Skating Team... Damn it! The Twitter handle "ThanksTrump" is already taken... This is true... Just saying but Al Gore was born 9 months after aliens supposedly landed at Roswell, NM. Coincidence or something else?... "A man is what he wills himself to be." - Jean-Paul Sartre... I would be curious to see which number is larger - the number of Liberal Arts Colleges that cancelled classes because Donald Trump was elected President and the snowflakes had trouble dealing with that or the number of Liberal Arts Colleges that had no school on Veterans Day to honor those who served in the military...
The New England Patriots are now winless since Donald trump was elected President... Amazing photo of the "Super Moon" over the Saint Louis arch... Is there a stat for Ben Roethlisberger getting hurt when Steelers are losing vs when they are ahead? Just saying... New TV show idea - Scott Baio is an LA real estate agent selling homes of Hollywood stars who are moving to Canada because Trump was elected President... Cool - Bruce Springsteen rescued from roadside by NJ bikers... Still surprised that Zima was never actually the Official drink of the US Men's Figure Skating Team... Damn it! The Twitter handle "ThanksTrump" is already taken... This is true... Just saying but Al Gore was born 9 months after aliens supposedly landed at Roswell, NM. Coincidence or something else?... "A man is what he wills himself to be." - Jean-Paul Sartre... I would be curious to see which number is larger - the number of Liberal Arts Colleges that cancelled classes because Donald Trump was elected President and the snowflakes had trouble dealing with that or the number of Liberal Arts Colleges that had no school on Veterans Day to honor those who served in the military...
Heh Heh
These two old ladies, Myrtle and Mildred, are at the beach, when Myrtle notices that Mildred's pack of cigarettes have a condom stretched over it.
"Why on earth did you do that, Mildred?"
"It's the best way I've ever found to keep the sand out of my cigarettes while at the beach!"
So the next day, Myrtle goes to the drug store, and tells the pharmacist that she'd like a pack of condoms. The pharmacist is surprised, and says, "Well, Ok, but they come in different styles and sizes. Do you know what you what?"
Myrtle responds, "I really don't care as long as they work on a pack of Camels."
"Why on earth did you do that, Mildred?"
"It's the best way I've ever found to keep the sand out of my cigarettes while at the beach!"
So the next day, Myrtle goes to the drug store, and tells the pharmacist that she'd like a pack of condoms. The pharmacist is surprised, and says, "Well, Ok, but they come in different styles and sizes. Do you know what you what?"
Myrtle responds, "I really don't care as long as they work on a pack of Camels."
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Nature
You might have seen this clip that was all over the Internets last week from Planet Earth II:
Here's some behind the scenes of how it was filmed.
Here's some behind the scenes of how it was filmed.
Friday, November 11, 2016
Leonard Cohen
Songwriter / singer Leonard Cohen has passed away at age 82. Cohen has lived quite a full life as evidenced by this October 16, 2016 New Yorker profile.
Today you will see many people posting or linking to versions of his best known song Hallelujah but I prefer this collaboration with U2.
Today you will see many people posting or linking to versions of his best known song Hallelujah but I prefer this collaboration with U2.
Liam Clancy - Band Played Waltzing Matilda
Seemed like a good song to remind some on this day of remembrance of the price veterans can pay.
Thursday, November 10, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- The best explanation of why Trump won I've seen
- The Trump Election aftershocks!
- Well that's one question from my childhood answered
- Who is today's reigning King of All the Taverns?
- A few thoughts on the cancellation of Bill Simmons' Any Given Wednesday
- ESPN is hemorrhaging viewers
- The best explanation of why the Democrats lost I've seen
- The best explanation of why Trump won I've seen
- The Trump Election aftershocks!
- Well that's one question from my childhood answered
- Who is today's reigning King of All the Taverns?
- A few thoughts on the cancellation of Bill Simmons' Any Given Wednesday
- ESPN is hemorrhaging viewers
- The best explanation of why the Democrats lost I've seen
Happy 241st Marines
Today is the 241st birthday for the United States Marine Corps.
In honor of the Marines - here's my favorite Ronald Reagan quote:
In honor of the Marines - here's my favorite Ronald Reagan quote:
Some people live their entire lifetime and wonder if they ever made a difference to the world. Marines don't have that problem. -- January 1995
Wednesday, November 09, 2016
Top 5 - Thoughts on President-Elect Trump
Holy Shit! Didn't see that coming - did you? Here's my Top 5 initial thoughts on a Trump Presidency.
1. I know many are going to wake this morning with the feeling that they are now living in a Stephen King novel. But in the real world there was no Christopher Walken in The Dead Zone to save the day. "The missiles are flying. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" I know this new reality is scary for many people but in actuality President Trump is most likely going to have to delegate much of the day-to-day responsibilities both because he has no experience and also because I don't think that stuff interests him. Think a more disinterested Jimmy Carter instead of President Greg Stillson.
2. Paul Ryan as Speaker of the House is in position to become the real power for the next four years. Half the country hates Trump and the people who represent those people in Congress will be willing to reach across the aisle to vote for any measures Speaker Ryan puts forth that are viewed as keeping Trump in check. And if Ryan has eyes on a 2020 run for the White House this could be a very interesting dynamic.
3. Can you pardon yourself? I'm all for President Obama pardoning Hillary Clinton for the email business. That damage is done and even though it sends the wrong message that some people are above the law - it is probably best to move forward without long drawn out court proceedings. But will pardoning Clinton embolden President Trump to pardon himself? Can the President do that? Sorry everyone who went Trump University and everyone else suing him. How funny would it be if that was the real reason Trump ran for President in the first place - to pardon himself.
4. Cutting the cord. The biggest losers in last night's results (besides Hillary and the Clinton Foundation) are the MSM (Main Stream Media). They enabled Trump by giving him free air-time. They rooted Trump on because they thought he would be the easiest candidate for Hillary to beat. They have lost all credibility by slowly losing any veneer of being impartial over the years. They say that the two main reasons cable TV stays relevant is because of news and because of live sports. For many people watching the news just proved to be a gigantic waste of time. Those people in the media didn't know dick. And on top of that I'm guessing that Donald Trump will most likely demand being on TV almost full-time as President which will result in many more deciding they can watch their live sports at a local bar. Cutting the cord will be a much bigger thing in the next couple of years and the media having to then shed jobs will be the karma paid for the MSM shilling for Hillary.
5. It bugged me how much President Obama golfed during his Presidency but if President Trump wants to golf every day for the next four years - that's OK by me. It lessens the opportunities for him to do any damage at his now day job.
We have now gone from a man who served as Governor of a major state and had executive experience to a one-term Senator known for voting "Present" to a man who had never previously been elected to anything. I don't likey this trend.
1. I know many are going to wake this morning with the feeling that they are now living in a Stephen King novel. But in the real world there was no Christopher Walken in The Dead Zone to save the day. "The missiles are flying. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" I know this new reality is scary for many people but in actuality President Trump is most likely going to have to delegate much of the day-to-day responsibilities both because he has no experience and also because I don't think that stuff interests him. Think a more disinterested Jimmy Carter instead of President Greg Stillson.
2. Paul Ryan as Speaker of the House is in position to become the real power for the next four years. Half the country hates Trump and the people who represent those people in Congress will be willing to reach across the aisle to vote for any measures Speaker Ryan puts forth that are viewed as keeping Trump in check. And if Ryan has eyes on a 2020 run for the White House this could be a very interesting dynamic.
3. Can you pardon yourself? I'm all for President Obama pardoning Hillary Clinton for the email business. That damage is done and even though it sends the wrong message that some people are above the law - it is probably best to move forward without long drawn out court proceedings. But will pardoning Clinton embolden President Trump to pardon himself? Can the President do that? Sorry everyone who went Trump University and everyone else suing him. How funny would it be if that was the real reason Trump ran for President in the first place - to pardon himself.
4. Cutting the cord. The biggest losers in last night's results (besides Hillary and the Clinton Foundation) are the MSM (Main Stream Media). They enabled Trump by giving him free air-time. They rooted Trump on because they thought he would be the easiest candidate for Hillary to beat. They have lost all credibility by slowly losing any veneer of being impartial over the years. They say that the two main reasons cable TV stays relevant is because of news and because of live sports. For many people watching the news just proved to be a gigantic waste of time. Those people in the media didn't know dick. And on top of that I'm guessing that Donald Trump will most likely demand being on TV almost full-time as President which will result in many more deciding they can watch their live sports at a local bar. Cutting the cord will be a much bigger thing in the next couple of years and the media having to then shed jobs will be the karma paid for the MSM shilling for Hillary.
5. It bugged me how much President Obama golfed during his Presidency but if President Trump wants to golf every day for the next four years - that's OK by me. It lessens the opportunities for him to do any damage at his now day job.
We have now gone from a man who served as Governor of a major state and had executive experience to a one-term Senator known for voting "Present" to a man who had never previously been elected to anything. I don't likey this trend.
Tuesday, November 08, 2016
Gonna Raise Hell - Cheap Trick
This mostly forgotten song would probably make a good theme song for the year 2016 as a whole.
Also seems as fitting a song for election day as any.
Sunday, November 06, 2016
If you liked Guardians of the Galaxy or the Lord of the Rings - pretty sure you'll like Doctor Strange. If those movies weren't your cup of tea - well save your money. And don't worry if you aren't familiar with the main character - the movie is basically an origin story. In my opinion the best Marvel origin story movie since Iron Man.
And yes there is extra content after the credits - so stick around.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Heh heh - I can't help but giggle at that.
- In pictures - Ireland's historic victory over New Zealand's All Blacks. The first time in 111-years.
- This is cool. A man's lived a rich life if he has a friendship like this that lasts 51-years (and still going strong).
- Tough to describe what beauty is but you know it when you see it. This is beautiful to me. Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland.
- Heh heh
- Incredible - this is Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill.
- Heh heh - I can't help but giggle at that.
- In pictures - Ireland's historic victory over New Zealand's All Blacks. The first time in 111-years.
- This is cool. A man's lived a rich life if he has a friendship like this that lasts 51-years (and still going strong).
- Tough to describe what beauty is but you know it when you see it. This is beautiful to me. Trinity College Library, Dublin, Ireland.
- Heh heh
- Incredible - this is Gary Oldman as Winston Churchill.
Friday, November 04, 2016
Gunga Galunga
The flowing robes, the grace, bald, the Boston Bruins hat... striking! Big hitter the Lama.
Let It Roll Tonight
What a great song. You don't hear it played near enough. Always gets me pumped up.
The weekend is here! Let us spring up out of our sober shells! This weekend we shall soar like drunken eagles!
Thursday, November 03, 2016
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Congratulations to the Cubs and the City of Chicago. I have the feeling that this is just the first of a few Championships to come... I love this poker story... Jut a reminder - the Red Sox magic number is now 163... Any time I see Newt Gingrich - I try to picture him as Santa's gay half-brother to see if it makes him more likable... Some good tips for better swimming... Not only is Tom Brady 1st in quarterback rating, he's also tied for 11th in TD's despite missing the first 4 games... Pretty sure Rape Whistle would be a horrible name for a band or a coconut rum drink... Henry Miller's 11 Commandments of writing... First it was the Chippendale Dancers, then it was the Thunder Down Under, now it's MEAT RAFFLE!... Should the Jaguars hire Tom Coughlin? I say yes (or hire Josh McDaniels)... I think if Mel Gibson came out and endorsed Hillary Clinton then most of Hollywood would forgive him en masse... Heh heh...
Congratulations to the Cubs and the City of Chicago. I have the feeling that this is just the first of a few Championships to come... I love this poker story... Jut a reminder - the Red Sox magic number is now 163... Any time I see Newt Gingrich - I try to picture him as Santa's gay half-brother to see if it makes him more likable... Some good tips for better swimming... Not only is Tom Brady 1st in quarterback rating, he's also tied for 11th in TD's despite missing the first 4 games... Pretty sure Rape Whistle would be a horrible name for a band or a coconut rum drink... Henry Miller's 11 Commandments of writing... First it was the Chippendale Dancers, then it was the Thunder Down Under, now it's MEAT RAFFLE!... Should the Jaguars hire Tom Coughlin? I say yes (or hire Josh McDaniels)... I think if Mel Gibson came out and endorsed Hillary Clinton then most of Hollywood would forgive him en masse... Heh heh...
Mount Whoredom
Long before Archer had Whore Island there was an actual Mount Whoredom.
Prostitution was so rampant in Boston in the 1770's that a British military cartographer marked the red light district in Boston as Mount Whoredom. The American troops surrounding Boston back then may have been short of military dress and ammunition but they were drinking about a bottle of rum a day - apiece. Viva the American way!
This may be one of those historical facts that only twisted minds like mine find interesting.
Prostitution was so rampant in Boston in the 1770's that a British military cartographer marked the red light district in Boston as Mount Whoredom. The American troops surrounding Boston back then may have been short of military dress and ammunition but they were drinking about a bottle of rum a day - apiece. Viva the American way!
This may be one of those historical facts that only twisted minds like mine find interesting.
Wednesday, November 02, 2016
Is Jon Lester a HoF Player?
Joel Sherman raises the question of whether Jon Lester is a Hall of Fame player. I hadn't really thought about it before but the answer is NO. At least not now.
Jon Lester would need at least 5 more seasons averaging 15 or more wins, 200 strike outs and an ERA of about 3.00. That would give Lester about 221 wins and about 2,861 strikeouts. That's still borderline but that's what's really needed to put Lester into the conversation.
I love Jon Lester but we are talking about a guy who's top finish in Cy Young voting was 4th in 2010 and 2014.
Jon Lester would need at least 5 more seasons averaging 15 or more wins, 200 strike outs and an ERA of about 3.00. That would give Lester about 221 wins and about 2,861 strikeouts. That's still borderline but that's what's really needed to put Lester into the conversation.
I love Jon Lester but we are talking about a guy who's top finish in Cy Young voting was 4th in 2010 and 2014.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Bauer ice hockey gear maker files bankruptcy in US and Canada
- OK - now Congress will absolutely come up with the money to fight Zika
- The Civil War in just 5 minutes
- If Albert Einstein dressed as Doctor Strange for Halloween
- This might be my favorite moment from Election 2016
- I think I'm rooting for the Cubs tonight just for Bob Newhart's sake. The John Belushi story is gold. Bob's the best.
- History might be against the Cubs tonight though.
- Bauer ice hockey gear maker files bankruptcy in US and Canada
- OK - now Congress will absolutely come up with the money to fight Zika
- The Civil War in just 5 minutes
- If Albert Einstein dressed as Doctor Strange for Halloween
- This might be my favorite moment from Election 2016
- I think I'm rooting for the Cubs tonight just for Bob Newhart's sake. The John Belushi story is gold. Bob's the best.
- History might be against the Cubs tonight though.
Tuesday, November 01, 2016
Jamie Collins
Have to get this off my chest so I can stop thinking about it. I think Bill Belichick did the right thing by trading Jamie Collins.
Anyone watching New England knows their offense is firing on all-cylinders. It is the defense that is the big question mark. And the Patriots defense this season was actually better when Jamie Collins was not on the field. Let that sink in for a minute. The biggest issue for many fans is the lack of pressure on the opposing QB by the Pats defense. Collins had just 1 sack in the first half of the season. Do you think someone will be able to step up and replace or improve upon that one sack in the second half? I do.
New England was already starting to use rookie Elandon Roberts more and Collins less. You don't want a player in his contract year, a player who by reports plays when he wants to play, getting reduced snaps in games. That player is bound to be unhappy with his decreased playing time hurting his market value. Would that player become a clubhouse distraction down the stretch and into the playoffs? Well now the Patriots don't need to find out.
Right now the Patriots don't have any major dead money salaries on the books. Their two best players, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, are both grossly underpaid. The team wasn't about to give Collins the type of money he is looking for and in the end the current on-the-field production and potential distractor-factor wasn't worth it to Belichick for what the team is already paying him now.
I wish Jamie Collins nothing but the best. I hope he does get his big payday. But it will be interesting to watch (from afar) if all that money effects his motivation to play all-out.
Anyone watching New England knows their offense is firing on all-cylinders. It is the defense that is the big question mark. And the Patriots defense this season was actually better when Jamie Collins was not on the field. Let that sink in for a minute. The biggest issue for many fans is the lack of pressure on the opposing QB by the Pats defense. Collins had just 1 sack in the first half of the season. Do you think someone will be able to step up and replace or improve upon that one sack in the second half? I do.
New England was already starting to use rookie Elandon Roberts more and Collins less. You don't want a player in his contract year, a player who by reports plays when he wants to play, getting reduced snaps in games. That player is bound to be unhappy with his decreased playing time hurting his market value. Would that player become a clubhouse distraction down the stretch and into the playoffs? Well now the Patriots don't need to find out.
Right now the Patriots don't have any major dead money salaries on the books. Their two best players, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, are both grossly underpaid. The team wasn't about to give Collins the type of money he is looking for and in the end the current on-the-field production and potential distractor-factor wasn't worth it to Belichick for what the team is already paying him now.
I wish Jamie Collins nothing but the best. I hope he does get his big payday. But it will be interesting to watch (from afar) if all that money effects his motivation to play all-out.
Monday, October 31, 2016
Put Joe Biden in the Movie Title
I amused myself by replacing part of some of the greatest movie titles of all-time with Joe Biden. Some of these movies actually should be made:
- The Good, the Bad and the Joe Biden
- The Silence of the Joe Biden
- Forrest Gump
- Joe Biden 2: Judgement Day
- Joe Biden of Arabia
- Eternal Sunshine of the Joe Biden
- Joe Biden: A Space Odyssey
- Inglorious Joe Bidens
- Mr. Joe Biden Goes to Washington
- Cool Hand Joe Biden
- The Good, the Bad and the Joe Biden
- The Silence of the Joe Biden
- Forrest Gump
- Joe Biden 2: Judgement Day
- Joe Biden of Arabia
- Eternal Sunshine of the Joe Biden
- Joe Biden: A Space Odyssey
- Inglorious Joe Bidens
- Mr. Joe Biden Goes to Washington
- Cool Hand Joe Biden
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
If dressing as scary clowns is outlawed - will people dressed as Rex Ryan get arrested?... Bills fan throws "marital aid" onto field during Patriots game. I just love that they call it a marital aid instead of a dildo... Every mention of Anthony Weiner should be prefaced with the words "Jon Stewart's former roommate" just to confuse and conflict Millennials... Why is it "Happy as a clam"? Is it because clams have no brains or feelings?... Scary pumpkin for adults... "Remember - with Great Pumpkin comes great responsibility" - Linus... Seems about right... I'm slowly starting to dislike Rich Eisen as much as Roger Goodell. Eisen's act has grown old... Heh heh... Sandy Koufax's career record in 1-0 games was an astonishing 11-3... Now I can't get this question out of my head...
If dressing as scary clowns is outlawed - will people dressed as Rex Ryan get arrested?... Bills fan throws "marital aid" onto field during Patriots game. I just love that they call it a marital aid instead of a dildo... Every mention of Anthony Weiner should be prefaced with the words "Jon Stewart's former roommate" just to confuse and conflict Millennials... Why is it "Happy as a clam"? Is it because clams have no brains or feelings?... Scary pumpkin for adults... "Remember - with Great Pumpkin comes great responsibility" - Linus... Seems about right... I'm slowly starting to dislike Rich Eisen as much as Roger Goodell. Eisen's act has grown old... Heh heh... Sandy Koufax's career record in 1-0 games was an astonishing 11-3... Now I can't get this question out of my head...
Happy Halloween
Just a reminder that the slutty witch costume is nothing new. This illustration by Bill Layne is from around 1966.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
The Devil's Footprints
Since tomorrow is Halloween I thought I'd bring up the Devil's Footprints - one of the strangest phenomenons in history:
Happy Halloween.
On the night of the 8th of February 1855, heavy snowfall blanketed the countryside and small villages of Southern Devon [England]. The last snow is thought to have fallen around midnight, and between this time and around 6.00 am the following morning, something (or some things) left a myriad of tracks in the snow, stretching for a hundred miles or more, from the River Exe, to Totnes on the river Dart.Freaky stuff with no rational explanation - I find that stuff fascinating.
The early risers were the first to find them, strange hoof-shaped prints in straight lines, passing over rooftops, through walls and covering huge areas of land. A set of the prints were even supposed to have bridged a two mile span of the river Exe, continuing on the other side as if the creature had walked over the water.
Happy Halloween.
Saturday, October 29, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Bill Murray is the best (but only because he's Bill effin Murray). Picture anyone else doing this and would you find it as entertaining?
- If Jon Hamm did the above it would only be to troll Cubs fans
- Heh heh
- NASA finally getting all the data from New Horizons fly-by of Pluto
- I don't want to spend a day at Dale Earnhardt Jr's estate. I want to live at Dale Earnhardt Jr's estate. If I can't live there then I would like to live in a tree house like the one he has.
- Tim Ferriss' breakfast routine
- Thursday Night NFL games this season explained in one graph
- Bill Murray is the best (but only because he's Bill effin Murray). Picture anyone else doing this and would you find it as entertaining?
- If Jon Hamm did the above it would only be to troll Cubs fans
- Heh heh
- NASA finally getting all the data from New Horizons fly-by of Pluto
- I don't want to spend a day at Dale Earnhardt Jr's estate. I want to live at Dale Earnhardt Jr's estate. If I can't live there then I would like to live in a tree house like the one he has.
- Tim Ferriss' breakfast routine
- Thursday Night NFL games this season explained in one graph
Joke of the Day
Heh heh.
In a recent Harris Online poll, 38,562 men across the US were asked to identify a woman’s ultimate fantasy.
97.8% of the respondents said that a woman’s ultimate fantasy is to have two men at once.
While this has been verified by a recent sociological study, it appears that most men do not realize that, in this fantasy, one man is cooking and the other is cleaning
Friday, October 28, 2016
Red Auerbach
It has been ten years to the day of the passing of Arnold "Red" Auerbach. It is probably impossible to overstate what Red Auerbach was to basketball especially in New England. He was the architect of the Celtics first 16 World Championships. His "Red on Roundball" tutorials and his books probably taught ten times as many people basketball fundamentals than Tom Emansky did for baseball. He was more important as a GM in his sport than Branch Rickey was to his and he was a better coach in his sport than Bear Bryant was in his. One man accomplished all that.
It irks me to no end to see people praise Phil Jackson as the best NBA coach of all-time. Simply put - Phil Jackson couldn't carry Red's jockstrap.
Red was coach of the Celtics for just 16 years but during that time he won 9 championships (including 8 in a row). When it was time for him to step aside - he named Bill Russell as his replacement. It made no difference to Red that he was making history by naming the first black head coach in NBA history. Red named Bill Russell player-coach because Red figured that after he was gone - the only person who could get the best out of Bill Russell was Bill Russell himself.
Because of my age - I knew Red as a GM not as a coach and I would argue that he was not just the best coach of all-time but the best general manager as well. In the 1956 NBA draft, the Rochester Royals had the first pick and the Boston Celtics had the second pick (via a shrewd trade Red made with St. Louis). With the first pick Rochester selected 6'2" Sihugo Green of Duquesne. With the second pick, the Boston Celtics selected Bill Russell of San Francisco. Red drafted Larry Bird as a "junior eligible". He exposed that loophole and the NBA changed the rules because of Red. Dennis Johnson in exchange for Rick Robey? One of the great forgotten trades of all-time. Robert Parish and the third pick (Kevin McHale) in exchange for the first pick of the draft (Joe Barry Carroll) - perhaps the greatest trade of all-time. Taking a third round risk on a mediocre baseball player named Danny Ainge? The list could go on and on.
Speaking of Danny Ainge - it was of no small importance to Boston fans that the first thing he and the new owners did when taking over the Celtics was to reinstate Red as the "President" of the Celtics. Red was stripped of that honorary title by ego-maniac Rick Pitino whose name is now mud in New England.
One of my favorite stories about Red involves the landmark Boston restaurant Legal Seafoods who banned cigar smoking in their establishments years ago with the written exception of Red Auerbach. One day Red was having lunch and after lunch he lit up a cigar. A lady complained (it's always a lady who complains isn't it?). Red asked her to read the asterix on the menu and then told her "I'm Red Auerbach" while blowing a big big cloud of smoke.
I've heard some people say that they would light up a cigar today in Red Auerbach's honor and that is a fine idea. However, if smoke is not your thing then how about getting some Chinese food? After his wife and kids and basketball - Chinese food was probably Red's greatest joy. I know where I'll be going for lunch today.
It irks me to no end to see people praise Phil Jackson as the best NBA coach of all-time. Simply put - Phil Jackson couldn't carry Red's jockstrap.
Red was coach of the Celtics for just 16 years but during that time he won 9 championships (including 8 in a row). When it was time for him to step aside - he named Bill Russell as his replacement. It made no difference to Red that he was making history by naming the first black head coach in NBA history. Red named Bill Russell player-coach because Red figured that after he was gone - the only person who could get the best out of Bill Russell was Bill Russell himself.
Because of my age - I knew Red as a GM not as a coach and I would argue that he was not just the best coach of all-time but the best general manager as well. In the 1956 NBA draft, the Rochester Royals had the first pick and the Boston Celtics had the second pick (via a shrewd trade Red made with St. Louis). With the first pick Rochester selected 6'2" Sihugo Green of Duquesne. With the second pick, the Boston Celtics selected Bill Russell of San Francisco. Red drafted Larry Bird as a "junior eligible". He exposed that loophole and the NBA changed the rules because of Red. Dennis Johnson in exchange for Rick Robey? One of the great forgotten trades of all-time. Robert Parish and the third pick (Kevin McHale) in exchange for the first pick of the draft (Joe Barry Carroll) - perhaps the greatest trade of all-time. Taking a third round risk on a mediocre baseball player named Danny Ainge? The list could go on and on.
Speaking of Danny Ainge - it was of no small importance to Boston fans that the first thing he and the new owners did when taking over the Celtics was to reinstate Red as the "President" of the Celtics. Red was stripped of that honorary title by ego-maniac Rick Pitino whose name is now mud in New England.
One of my favorite stories about Red involves the landmark Boston restaurant Legal Seafoods who banned cigar smoking in their establishments years ago with the written exception of Red Auerbach. One day Red was having lunch and after lunch he lit up a cigar. A lady complained (it's always a lady who complains isn't it?). Red asked her to read the asterix on the menu and then told her "I'm Red Auerbach" while blowing a big big cloud of smoke.
I've heard some people say that they would light up a cigar today in Red Auerbach's honor and that is a fine idea. However, if smoke is not your thing then how about getting some Chinese food? After his wife and kids and basketball - Chinese food was probably Red's greatest joy. I know where I'll be going for lunch today.
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
I'm grabbing my musket if Donald Trump loses the election. Oh wait no I won't - I don't have a musket. And I am also not insane... Heh heh... How the mighty have fallen - the Boston Globe sports department doesn't have a single reporter at the World Series. The paper that gave the world Peter Gammons, Gordon Edes and Bob Ryan is not represented at baseball's biggest event... Interesting advice on how to bet on horse racing. Can't wait to test this out... If the Indians wins the World Series look for the Paper Lace song The Night Chicago Died to have a sudden resurgence on Cleveland radio stations... I agree that this would make a great Scorsese movie. I picture Jeremy Renner as the lead...
I'm grabbing my musket if Donald Trump loses the election. Oh wait no I won't - I don't have a musket. And I am also not insane... Heh heh... How the mighty have fallen - the Boston Globe sports department doesn't have a single reporter at the World Series. The paper that gave the world Peter Gammons, Gordon Edes and Bob Ryan is not represented at baseball's biggest event... Interesting advice on how to bet on horse racing. Can't wait to test this out... If the Indians wins the World Series look for the Paper Lace song The Night Chicago Died to have a sudden resurgence on Cleveland radio stations... I agree that this would make a great Scorsese movie. I picture Jeremy Renner as the lead...
Missouri Executive Order 44
Extermination Order Day:
It blows my mind to think this law was on the books for 138 years!
"...the Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace—their outrages are beyond all description."Missouri Executive Order 44 passed on this day in 1838. The law made it legal to kill Mormons in Missouri. The law was not repealed until 1976.
It blows my mind to think this law was on the books for 138 years!
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Steven Den Beste
The greatest thing about the Internet is the way it opens up new ways of thinking to a person's world and new exciting thinkers. In the early days of blogging Steven Den Beste was one of the most influential - to me - thinkers on the Internet.
Whether it was explaining why we are fighting in Iraq, riots in Paris, or heroism. Steven's logic was always almost flawless. When I learned of his passing I looked through my archives for essays of his but unfortunately the links to those articles and his old site, USS Clueless, no longer work.
I first learned of Steven's passing from Borepatch. With the passing of Den Beste - the Samurai Jack of the Interwebs - the world is a lesser place.
EDIT: Harvey kindly provided a link to Steven's archives
Whether it was explaining why we are fighting in Iraq, riots in Paris, or heroism. Steven's logic was always almost flawless. When I learned of his passing I looked through my archives for essays of his but unfortunately the links to those articles and his old site, USS Clueless, no longer work.
I first learned of Steven's passing from Borepatch. With the passing of Den Beste - the Samurai Jack of the Interwebs - the world is a lesser place.
EDIT: Harvey kindly provided a link to Steven's archives
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- One of the better political ads I've seen.
- Go eat some Dick's (yeah I've got the sense of humor of a 13-year old boy)
- This is the future of medicine in the US - using IBM's Watson as a second medical opinion
- Heh heh
- The things nightmares are made of
- One of the better political ads I've seen.
- Go eat some Dick's (yeah I've got the sense of humor of a 13-year old boy)
- This is the future of medicine in the US - using IBM's Watson as a second medical opinion
- Heh heh
- The things nightmares are made of
Something That Always Bothered Me
Couple of years ago there was an AXE shampoo commercial that claimed that 85% of girls found dandruff on a man to be a turn-off. What the heck was wrong with that other 15% of women polled?
Did they find dandruff on a man to be a turn on? I mean it seems like it was a yes or no type of poll.
Given the profitability of niche marketing - shouldn't AXE have been marketing fake dandruff to men trying for sexy time with that 15% of women by now?
Did they find dandruff on a man to be a turn on? I mean it seems like it was a yes or no type of poll.
Given the profitability of niche marketing - shouldn't AXE have been marketing fake dandruff to men trying for sexy time with that 15% of women by now?
Monday, October 24, 2016
Top 5 Songs with the Word "Under" in The Title
Top 5 songs with the word "under" in the title.
1. I've Got You Under My Skin - Frank Sinatra
2. Under My Thumb - Rolling Stones
3. Under My Wheels - Alice Cooper
4. Under Pressure - David Bowie and Queen
5. (tie) Under the Milky Way - The Church (tie) Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Didn't mean it this way but I think these songs are also ranked in the order they were released to the world.
EDIT: Donald rightly points out that Under the Boardwalk should be on the list. I 100% agree and would probably put it fourth and bump Under the Milky Way and Under the Bridge off the list. Under My Wheels stays at three because it's one of my Karaoke go to songs.
1. I've Got You Under My Skin - Frank Sinatra
2. Under My Thumb - Rolling Stones
3. Under My Wheels - Alice Cooper
4. Under Pressure - David Bowie and Queen
5. (tie) Under the Milky Way - The Church (tie) Under the Bridge - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Didn't mean it this way but I think these songs are also ranked in the order they were released to the world.
EDIT: Donald rightly points out that Under the Boardwalk should be on the list. I 100% agree and would probably put it fourth and bump Under the Milky Way and Under the Bridge off the list. Under My Wheels stays at three because it's one of my Karaoke go to songs.
King of Spades
Did you know that the King of Spades on a playing card was originally supposedly designed to represent King David from the Bible? The sword he holds was supposed to be the sword used to cut off Goliath's head after young David killed him with a rock from his his sling.
During the early parts of the Civil War - Robert E Lee was given the nickname "King of Spades" because of his propensity to dig trenches as part of his strategy. At first the nickname was derisive because soldiers hate to dig. Later when the effectiveness of his tactics saved the lives of many of these same soldiers - the nickname became affectionate. Reportedly Lee always loathed the nickname.
And he didn't play cards.
During the early parts of the Civil War - Robert E Lee was given the nickname "King of Spades" because of his propensity to dig trenches as part of his strategy. At first the nickname was derisive because soldiers hate to dig. Later when the effectiveness of his tactics saved the lives of many of these same soldiers - the nickname became affectionate. Reportedly Lee always loathed the nickname.
And he didn't play cards.
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