So Simon & Schuster gave controversial Milo Yiannopoulos a $250,000 book deal. Good for Milo and good for Simon & Schuster.
I've heard Milo speak on the Joe Rogan and Adam Carolla podcasts and he comes off as a witty, intelligent guy. He also comes off as an attention whore. But that just makes him the perfect foil to expose the Social Justice Warriors for just what they are - pompous attention whores. Battling fire with fire!
Milo (I call him Milo not because I know him but because his last name is so long) might be best known for being banned by Twitter and for having some speaking engagements cancelled by snowflake factory colleges. But what the SJW's don't get is the more you try to silence him the more people what to hear what he has to say. And the more you want to silence him like human windbag Howard Dean - the more defenders of free speech will take up his cause.
All this is good for Simon & Schuster. There is no need to advertise Milo's new book. The outrage will fuel the success of the book! The $250,000 advance to Milo might turn out to be one of the biggest bargains in publishing history. Simon & Schuster is a private company but if they wanted to go public now would be the perfect time. Just to fans of Ernest Hemingway they could sell all the stock they wanted.
Hey Howard Dean - you know that Simon & Schuster published Hemingway's books right? Why not call for a boycott of Hemingway too? Sales of The Old Man and the Sea would go through the roof. Simon & Schuster would appreciate it if you could.
Friday, December 30, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- KG's "Cuss Button" is the greatest invention of 2016
- My guess is what Bill Murray did to Jon Hamm's hat was not good-natured
- 10 common words you should try to stop using. You should also try to do this with the most common swear words. More creativity in 2017!
- Prime example of how the modern society is often focused on the wrong things
- Heh Heh
- Back in 2008 Obama needed the Jewish vote - 2016 not so much
- Simple plan to read more. I am already doing this.
- Why reunification may be in Ireland's near-term future
- KG's "Cuss Button" is the greatest invention of 2016
- My guess is what Bill Murray did to Jon Hamm's hat was not good-natured
- 10 common words you should try to stop using. You should also try to do this with the most common swear words. More creativity in 2017!
- Prime example of how the modern society is often focused on the wrong things
- Heh Heh
- Back in 2008 Obama needed the Jewish vote - 2016 not so much
- Simple plan to read more. I am already doing this.
- Why reunification may be in Ireland's near-term future
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Theo Epstein
Today is Theo Epstein's 43rd birthday. Happy birthday Theo!
I am seriously curious about what he'd want for his birthday. What do you get for the man who has everything? Seriously - what does the man who ended the "curse" for both the Red Sox and Cubs desire for his birthday?
I'm guessing there are some billionaire Cubs fans out there that would absolutely get Theo whatever his heart desired (especially this year). Although it is more likely than not that Theo would just ask for donations to his favorite charities.
I am seriously curious about what he'd want for his birthday. What do you get for the man who has everything? Seriously - what does the man who ended the "curse" for both the Red Sox and Cubs desire for his birthday?
I'm guessing there are some billionaire Cubs fans out there that would absolutely get Theo whatever his heart desired (especially this year). Although it is more likely than not that Theo would just ask for donations to his favorite charities.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- If the Blue Jackets don't give this guy a pair of tickets for all home playoff games they are missing a great good will gesture.
- Fantastic!
- She should have won a Nobel Prize!
- All fathers of daughters take note (literally)
- Cool - a Godfather scene-to-script comparison
- 4 tips for never going broke in poker
- If the Blue Jackets don't give this guy a pair of tickets for all home playoff games they are missing a great good will gesture.
- Fantastic!
- She should have won a Nobel Prize!
- All fathers of daughters take note (literally)
- Cool - a Godfather scene-to-script comparison
- 4 tips for never going broke in poker
Monday, December 26, 2016
Carlton Fisk
Carlton Fisk (who is celebrating a birthday today) was drafted by the Red Sox in 1967. He was the 4th choice overall. Who went ahead of Fisk?
1. Alec DiStaso P Cubs
2. Michael Flanagan P Yankees
3. Ken Singleton OF Mets
4. Carlton Fisk C Red Sox
Can you imagine if Fisk had been taken by the Yankees? Do you think the Cubs wish they had a do-over on this draft? Ken Singleton was good (3 All Star games) but he was certainly no Pudge Fisk.
1. Alec DiStaso P Cubs
2. Michael Flanagan P Yankees
3. Ken Singleton OF Mets
4. Carlton Fisk C Red Sox
Can you imagine if Fisk had been taken by the Yankees? Do you think the Cubs wish they had a do-over on this draft? Ken Singleton was good (3 All Star games) but he was certainly no Pudge Fisk.
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- 27 of the most amazing science photos from 2016
- Another Christmas gone by without getting something I really wanted
- This is awesome! "Give me yer belt Joe Rogan!"
- I agree - for those who know recent Irish history this might be Tweet of the year!
- 45 podcasts from TedTalks. Has to be a couple there I'd enjoy.
- 27 of the most amazing science photos from 2016
- Another Christmas gone by without getting something I really wanted
- This is awesome! "Give me yer belt Joe Rogan!"
- I agree - for those who know recent Irish history this might be Tweet of the year!
- 45 podcasts from TedTalks. Has to be a couple there I'd enjoy.
Sunday, December 25, 2016
Christmas Greetings from Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Awesome!
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Top 5 - Otters in US History
Here are what I consider to be the Top 5 Otters in US history. Otter from Animal Housedid not make the list because he's fictional. List in reverse order of significance:
5. Obadiah Otter - he was a curious otter who happened upon the Donner Party in 1846. These were the first humans Obadiah ever encountered and as it worked out also the last. He is historically significant because he kept the Donner Party from resorting to cannibalism (for an additional 36 hours).
4. Jeremiah Otter - his wife and adopted son were killed by a Crow Indian raiding party. He spent the rest of his life tracking down Crow Indians and ripping out their necks while they slept. He became a Rockie Mountain legend and some say a myth. Some even say he's up in those mountains still.
3. Sergeant York Otter - while it was widely reported that the Navy experimented with strapping bombs to dolphins it is lesser known that the Army had a similar project utilizing otters. Sergeant York Otter was named after the WWI hero and died during a training accident.
2. Sacajawea Otter - the only female otter on the list. She was the mascot of the Lewis and Clark expedition party until she was killed by Meriwether Lewis and her pelt was exchanged for some corn meal.
1. Bedford Otter - this otter is significant because as a youth he used to live in a pond in Bedford Falls and one winter when he was young he was poking around under the ice to the point where he caused a few cracks. These cracks broke when a young Harry Bailey was sledding onto the ice. In one timeline Harry's older brother George was able to save Harry but in another timeline George wasn't around to save Harry. In a third less publicized timeline - Bedford Otter didn't nose around under the ice and Harry never fell into the icy waters. In that timeline George Bailey was a whole lot less necessary to the happiness of Bedford Falls.
5. Obadiah Otter - he was a curious otter who happened upon the Donner Party in 1846. These were the first humans Obadiah ever encountered and as it worked out also the last. He is historically significant because he kept the Donner Party from resorting to cannibalism (for an additional 36 hours).
4. Jeremiah Otter - his wife and adopted son were killed by a Crow Indian raiding party. He spent the rest of his life tracking down Crow Indians and ripping out their necks while they slept. He became a Rockie Mountain legend and some say a myth. Some even say he's up in those mountains still.
3. Sergeant York Otter - while it was widely reported that the Navy experimented with strapping bombs to dolphins it is lesser known that the Army had a similar project utilizing otters. Sergeant York Otter was named after the WWI hero and died during a training accident.
2. Sacajawea Otter - the only female otter on the list. She was the mascot of the Lewis and Clark expedition party until she was killed by Meriwether Lewis and her pelt was exchanged for some corn meal.
1. Bedford Otter - this otter is significant because as a youth he used to live in a pond in Bedford Falls and one winter when he was young he was poking around under the ice to the point where he caused a few cracks. These cracks broke when a young Harry Bailey was sledding onto the ice. In one timeline Harry's older brother George was able to save Harry but in another timeline George wasn't around to save Harry. In a third less publicized timeline - Bedford Otter didn't nose around under the ice and Harry never fell into the icy waters. In that timeline George Bailey was a whole lot less necessary to the happiness of Bedford Falls.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- This was fantastic.
- Your morning coffee is more endangered than you might know.
- 2016 was a pig of a year. At least we didn't lose Brian May.
- Panda Bear vs Snowman - who ya got?
- New found respect for Barry Switzer
- This was fantastic.
- Your morning coffee is more endangered than you might know.
- 2016 was a pig of a year. At least we didn't lose Brian May.
- Panda Bear vs Snowman - who ya got?
- New found respect for Barry Switzer
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- Awesome
- Excellent Anthony Bourdain interview
- The self education of Louis L'Amour. Why you should always carry a book.
- 20 things leaders need to be thinking in 2017
- Funny story but I visual I could have done without
- An interesting idea for truly appreciating all of human history
- Awesome
- Excellent Anthony Bourdain interview
- The self education of Louis L'Amour. Why you should always carry a book.
- 20 things leaders need to be thinking in 2017
- Funny story but I visual I could have done without
- An interesting idea for truly appreciating all of human history
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
The Birth of Basketball
History says that basketball was invented on this day by James Naismith in Springfield, MA. That's the generally accepted history.
What's little known is the more accurate history may show that basketball was actually invented in Plainfield, MA which was home to Naismith at the time he was developing the rules to the game. But what chance has tiny Plainfield (population 648) have against the City of Springfield?
What's little known is the more accurate history may show that basketball was actually invented in Plainfield, MA which was home to Naismith at the time he was developing the rules to the game. But what chance has tiny Plainfield (population 648) have against the City of Springfield?
Clay Buchholz
Yesterday the Red Sox traded pitcher Clay Buchholz to the Phillies for second baseman / DH prospect Josh Tobias. Before I give my thoughts on the "trade" I have to confess two things; when I saw Buchholz was pitching for Boston most times my first thought was "take the over!" and my second thought usually was "hey Buchholz does kinda look like Hilary Swank".
This was a "trade" only in the sense that Philadelphia included a player on their end. This really was a straight salary dump on the part of the Red Sox. Buchholz's $13.5 million contract had to come off the books to give Boston some in-season flexibility and to get the team under the salary cap. The trade happened now because Dave Dombrowski wanted the Red Sox front office to wrap business up before the holidays.
Buchholz as a player was maddening to most Red Sox fans. He would have seasons like 2010 (17-7 with a 2.33 ERA) or 2013 (12-1 with a 1.74 ERA) but he'd also have seasons where he just sucked or was hurt (which was often). And Buchholz has the potential to continue to be maddening to Red Sox fans. If he pitches effectively for the Phillies there's a real potential for him to be traded for a much better prospect than what the Red Sox got in Josh Tobias. And if the team that trades for him is say the Toronto Blue Jays (Buchholz has a career 11-3 record and a 2.63 ERA at the Rogers Centre) - can you imagine how Boston fans will react if he beats them in a big second half game next season? Maddening!
Even though he could be maddening - I wish Clay Buchholz the best of luck with his new team. Maybe a change of scenery will help him to finally reach his potential. And I'd be remiss if I didn't say "Thank you Clay for being a big part of the 2013 World Series champs - there's so few members of that team still on the roster."
This was a "trade" only in the sense that Philadelphia included a player on their end. This really was a straight salary dump on the part of the Red Sox. Buchholz's $13.5 million contract had to come off the books to give Boston some in-season flexibility and to get the team under the salary cap. The trade happened now because Dave Dombrowski wanted the Red Sox front office to wrap business up before the holidays.
Buchholz as a player was maddening to most Red Sox fans. He would have seasons like 2010 (17-7 with a 2.33 ERA) or 2013 (12-1 with a 1.74 ERA) but he'd also have seasons where he just sucked or was hurt (which was often). And Buchholz has the potential to continue to be maddening to Red Sox fans. If he pitches effectively for the Phillies there's a real potential for him to be traded for a much better prospect than what the Red Sox got in Josh Tobias. And if the team that trades for him is say the Toronto Blue Jays (Buchholz has a career 11-3 record and a 2.63 ERA at the Rogers Centre) - can you imagine how Boston fans will react if he beats them in a big second half game next season? Maddening!
Even though he could be maddening - I wish Clay Buchholz the best of luck with his new team. Maybe a change of scenery will help him to finally reach his potential. And I'd be remiss if I didn't say "Thank you Clay for being a big part of the 2013 World Series champs - there's so few members of that team still on the roster."
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Top 5 - Greatest Single Seasons by a Red Sox Pitcher
Rick Porcello won the 2016 AL Cy Young Award but how does his season stack up in Red Sox history? Well his 22-4 with a 3.15 ERA and 145 ERA+ doesn't come close to cracking the top 5 seasons by a Boston pitcher.
1. Pedro Martinez - 2000 - 18-6 / 213 IP / 313 K / 2.07 ERA / 285 ERA+
2. Cy Young - 1901 - 33-10 / 371 IP / 158 K / 1.62 ERA / 216 ERA+
3. Pedro Martinez - 1999 - 23-4 / 217 IP / 284 K / 1.74 ERA / 245 ERA+
4. Roger Clemens - 1990 - 21-6 / 228 IP / 209 K / 1.93 ERA / 211 ERA+
5. (tie) Pedro Martinez - 2003 - 14-4 / 186 IP / 206 K / 2.22 ERA / 211 ERA+
(tie) Smokey Joe Wood - 1912 - 34-5 / 344 IP / 258 K / 1.91 ERA / 180 ERA+
Notes: Cy Young's 158 K's may seem small but it led the league that year and his ERA+ is smaller than what Pedro had in 1999 but keep in mind that Cy pitched 154 more innings - so I think we can give him a break on the ERA. Roger Clemens finished second in Cy Young voting in 1990 to Bob Welsh of the A's who had a 27-6 record with an ERA that was a full run higher than Roger (2.95 to 1.93). Joe Wood had a great 1912 but his K's and ERA were still second in the league to Walter Johnson of Washington. You could also argue Pedro's 2002 and I'd be OK with that.
1. Pedro Martinez - 2000 - 18-6 / 213 IP / 313 K / 2.07 ERA / 285 ERA+
2. Cy Young - 1901 - 33-10 / 371 IP / 158 K / 1.62 ERA / 216 ERA+
3. Pedro Martinez - 1999 - 23-4 / 217 IP / 284 K / 1.74 ERA / 245 ERA+
4. Roger Clemens - 1990 - 21-6 / 228 IP / 209 K / 1.93 ERA / 211 ERA+
5. (tie) Pedro Martinez - 2003 - 14-4 / 186 IP / 206 K / 2.22 ERA / 211 ERA+
(tie) Smokey Joe Wood - 1912 - 34-5 / 344 IP / 258 K / 1.91 ERA / 180 ERA+
Notes: Cy Young's 158 K's may seem small but it led the league that year and his ERA+ is smaller than what Pedro had in 1999 but keep in mind that Cy pitched 154 more innings - so I think we can give him a break on the ERA. Roger Clemens finished second in Cy Young voting in 1990 to Bob Welsh of the A's who had a 27-6 record with an ERA that was a full run higher than Roger (2.95 to 1.93). Joe Wood had a great 1912 but his K's and ERA were still second in the league to Walter Johnson of Washington. You could also argue Pedro's 2002 and I'd be OK with that.
Flotsam and Jetsam
Miscellaneous thoughts and observations.
Of all the words of tongue and pen / the saddest are / I started the wrong Tight End (lost my Fantasy Football playoff because I started Jordan Reed and his 0 points instead of Cameron Brate and his 13 points)... Heh heh... For the record - despite never using performance enhancing drugs the rumors of such use seem to be keeping me out of the Baseball Hall of Fame... This Dunkin Donuts commercial was pretty funny... Just as a reminder - Britney Spears is an anagram for Presbyterians... Crap - Batmania is so much cooler than Melbourne...
Of all the words of tongue and pen / the saddest are / I started the wrong Tight End (lost my Fantasy Football playoff because I started Jordan Reed and his 0 points instead of Cameron Brate and his 13 points)... Heh heh... For the record - despite never using performance enhancing drugs the rumors of such use seem to be keeping me out of the Baseball Hall of Fame... This Dunkin Donuts commercial was pretty funny... Just as a reminder - Britney Spears is an anagram for Presbyterians... Crap - Batmania is so much cooler than Melbourne...
Monday, December 19, 2016
Linky Links
Stuff I found interesting or amusing and thought I'd share.
- On this day in 1998. Turns out he did have sex with that woman.
- I would agree with this.
- TNT's touching video tribute to Craig Sager
- Prince Charles is a gold-plated douchnozzle
- Interesting take on the future for people in the Global Warming business
- Mental toughness tips
- Leon Powe has always been a Celtics favorite of mine. After reading this profile of what he's had to overcome my respect for Powe is off the charts.
- Now that's an obituary! Irishman dies from stubbornness, whiskey.
- On this day in 1998. Turns out he did have sex with that woman.
- I would agree with this.
- TNT's touching video tribute to Craig Sager
- Prince Charles is a gold-plated douchnozzle
- Interesting take on the future for people in the Global Warming business
- Mental toughness tips
- Leon Powe has always been a Celtics favorite of mine. After reading this profile of what he's had to overcome my respect for Powe is off the charts.
- Now that's an obituary! Irishman dies from stubbornness, whiskey.
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Annie Lennox - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
I'll be enjoying tidings of comfort and joy later today. Let us spring out of our sober selves and soar like drunken eagles!
Friday, December 16, 2016
Roll Tide
- I believe in the soul, the Roll Tide, the pussy, the small of a woman's back, the strong side sweep, high fiber, good scotch, and that the teams of Auburn are self-indulgent, overrated crap. Roll Tide
- In Soviet Russia - Tide Rolls you
- Oh Mandy, you came and you gave without taking - and then I gave you Roll Tide - Oh Mandy
- I see Roll Tide people. Walking around like regular people. They don't see each other. They only see what they want to see. They don't know they're Roll Tide.
- E = Roll Tide Squared
- Confucius say Roll Tide is Erik Estrada - all else is Larry Wilcox. Roll Tide
- Me Roll Tide - you Jane
- Of all the words of tongue and pen - the awesomest are Roll Tide!
- Latin: "Audio, video, disco, Rolltideo" English: "I hear, I see, I learn, I Roll Tide"
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