199 Comments

Today in "you can't make this shit up": the dude who plays Judas in the touring company of Jesus Christ Superstar has been charged with being a traitor (you know, loosely speaking). I saw JCS a few weeks ago in SF (and apparently so did the FBI!) and he was very, very good. Sad about your career, asshole.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/24/politics/oath-keeper-broadway-january-6-arrest/index.html

A Florida man and actor playing Judas in the musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" has joined the list of Oath Keepers charged for participating in the US Capitol riot on January 6.

James Beeks, 49, has been charged with obstruction of Congress and unlawfully entering Capitol grounds.

This is the most recent charge coming from cooperation deals struck with members of the Oath Keepers who have already pleaded guilty.

According to an Oath Keeper identified in court records as "Defendant 4" who is cooperating with the investigation, Beeks approached the group of Oath Keepers as they walked to the Capitol and said he was a member. Prosecutors later discovered that Beeks had paid dues to the Oath Keepers organization two weeks before the attack...

Expand full comment

Ah, Florida Man strikes again.

Expand full comment

So I saw on reddit r/cfb a thread about what your personal record at games was. So I calculated for me (2006-present):

Overall: 51-46 (.526)

Home: 41-30 (.577)

Away: 6-14 (.300)

Bowl: 2-1 (wins @ Emerald and Redbox bowls. Loss @ Holiday)

Neutral: 2-1 (wins @ Sydney and Candlestick, loss @ Levi's)

What's everyone else's look like? I'm happy that my away record has improved. It used to be incredibly awful during the Tedford era.

Expand full comment

This took a while (plus all those 'Which game did I go to that year?' calculations- this might be off but it's not off by more than 2-3 games)

Home

18-12

Away

2-8

Neutral/Bowl

5-4

Student 13-10/2-5

15-15

Total - 25-24

Expand full comment

Looks like all of our away records hurt šŸ˜”

Expand full comment

That's 1992-Present

Expand full comment

I was 6-16-1 when I was in college, and I strongly doubt it's improved much then.

Expand full comment

What was the tie?

Expand full comment

I'm guessing 88? Tuan Van Le?

Expand full comment

The number of Americans filing initial unemployment claims fell to 199,000 ā€” the lowest level since November 1969 ā€” the Labor Department reported Wednesday.

Claims were down more than 71,000 for the week that ended Nov. 20, compared with the week before. This marks the eighth straight week of declines and a pivotal shift, with claims now down well below pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, average weekly jobless claims hovered around 220,000.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/11/24/jobless-claims-pandemic/

Since 1969- I guess isn't even adjusted for population.

Expand full comment

Chigi in the transfer portal.

https://twitter.com/chigi_123/status/1463563920472371202?s=21

Expand full comment

He waited all these years behind Bynum and Hicks, and finally became a starter. Why did he regress so quickly? He was passed up by a true freshman.

Expand full comment

Wow, time flew by fast. Congrats on getting his degree! Best wishes always!

Expand full comment

Says he got his degree so it's good.

Expand full comment

Figures to be the first of many, regardless of whether Wilcox stays or leaves.

Expand full comment

Getting passed up by the younger guys also a factor in this. he wasn't going to see the field in any capacity of consequence moving forward.

Expand full comment

Yep, this. I figured he was going to transfer after being passed.

Expand full comment
author

^ This. He started the season as a starter, then kept slipping down the depth charts. He got passed by Hearns, Young, and Gamble.

Expand full comment

He seemed OK in the Redbox Bowl. I wonder what happened.

Expand full comment

"Life" sometimes happens. Sometimes someone hits their limit, physically or mentally. Despite the mantra of improving in everyway every day forever, the truth is that only works for a while. And at this level, there are always that are also really good, so someone can be pretty good and still not be as or near as good as the competition.

Expand full comment

I would like to hear more about JustBear spending time in Ohio

Expand full comment

I only spent one day in Ohio actually. I had to spend about $700 by end of November to requalify for my United Airlines status, and also came across an invitation to a small conference in Celina, OH. It was perfect because I wanted to see some fall colors, and at the same time I could also write it off as business expense instead of paying out of own pocket. I looked for a nearby airport and I thought I would try Cincinnati. I ended up flying into Louisville and spent two days in Kentucky, then drove 3 hours to Celina, OH for the conference only, and flew home from Cincinnati. There was nothing to do around Celina, OH, or any good hotels, or any open restaurants on Monday night. I spent $11 for dinner at Bob Evans that did not offer any alcohol. After the conference I drove to Cincinnati and stayed at AC Hotel right next to the Great American Ball Park. I was excited to see their logo because it looks exactly the same as my favorite baseball team in Japan, Hiroshima Carp.

That's my Ohio story.

Expand full comment

Yay thanks for sharing. I do miss Bob Evans :)

Expand full comment

Don't forget about Waffle House and Cracker Barrel. And my favorite Huddl House which is an upscale Waffle House.

Expand full comment

I'm in the same boat for United. I have about 700 to spend on United before the end of Nov. It's not worth trying to do it. I'm going to miss status.

Expand full comment

Looks like I'm 474 PQP short. So I could do a 450 or so flight somewhere to the middle of the country and get what I need. I could fly Mon and back on Tues. Hmm....

Expand full comment

For my international flights I fly business so I get all the perks anyway, but the status helps get me upgraded on domestic flights, so that's mostly what I like about it. I think United requiring only $1800 spend between August and November to requalify for Platinum was very generous. I've never been 1K.

Expand full comment

$450

Expand full comment

oh, $450 would be worth it if you think you will be back flying more next year.

Expand full comment

I'll have 4 trips for work, 2 intl and 2 domestic. Then I have to fly to Nashville for No 2's graduation. Work would pay for economy plus but being able to go to the Lufthansa lounge in Germany would be good.

Expand full comment

DO IT. EAT ICE CREAM.

Expand full comment

Random question: But who or which department at Cal handles apparel licensing?

Expand full comment
author

I tried to get a Cal Suit with their permission. They did not allow anyone else besides big manufacturers do this. Party poopers.

Expand full comment

Just go to Asia and ask for forgiveness. Or do you want to create a line of them for sale to the public?

Expand full comment
author

This all started when Shinesty started making Cal versions. Then Cal wear left their site, so I tried to recreate it. But I first had to find bootleg fabric - which I found, but it looked awful. I could get my own small-batch fabric made, but it was expensive. Then I had to get someone who could sew it in Asia by just giving them my dimensions. It ended up being far too expensive with too much execution risk. Since then, I see Shinesty has re-stocked the Cal blazer, which doesn't look right to me.

https://www.amazon.com/Shinesty-Gameday-Blazer-Alabama-Crimson/dp/B08D3YJ4T8/ref=sr_1_2

Expand full comment

Oh wow...that looks like something Twist would wear...except probably in red.

Expand full comment

Thanks. There's a line called 19nine that does faithful retro basketball shorts. They've done a Kidd-era Cal drop before, but I missed them. I asked them recently if they'd be reprinting and they said Cal didn't renew whatever arrangement.

Expand full comment

I feel like you can get a Cal tie, then easily get a yale blue suit with california gold handkerchiefs or something like that.

Expand full comment

Thanksigiving Travel Plans

Expand full comment

Just driving to my dad's house for dinner. Luckily my family is mostly local (and all vaccinated).

Expand full comment

Staying home. The trip to in-laws has been cancelled due to someone's unvaccinated status.

Expand full comment

a 90 minute drive to my mother in law's place on the eastern shore, that's about it

Expand full comment

None.

Expand full comment

Rose Bowl

Expand full comment

None for us

Expand full comment

Flying to Austin tomorrow morning on American Airlines. What could go wrong?

Expand full comment

American had some good fares to MSP where I fly into to visit my sister but I decided I didn't want to travel. It's just as well because she fell riding her bike last weekend and has a broken bone near her elbow. It would have been a shame to make her do all that cooking and baking with a broken arm.

Expand full comment

Based on what I've read AA seems like the worst airline to fly during this holidays. Unless they figured out some agreements with the pilots.

Expand full comment

Fwiw, today's iteration of our flight tomorrow looks to have gone off without a hitch

Expand full comment

nice. that's good.

Expand full comment

Not going anywhere.

Expand full comment

Might walk down the road and back if the weather is nice. Otherwise, home sweet home.

Expand full comment

flying off to Paris this evening. i have not been in 17 yrs since kids were born.

last time wife was pregnant w/ first child. she had random bouts of morning sickness in first trimester and it was good that we stayed w/ friends who cooked Indian food for her.

this will be first time for kids, 14 anfd 17.

Expand full comment

Have fun.

Expand full comment

bon voyage!

Expand full comment

It won't be as smoky this time, HUGE change from 2001 to 2013

Expand full comment

No travel! Looking forward to our comfy pants informal Thanksgiving.

Expand full comment

I'm obviously not moving BUT I started getting quotations to move back home and the prices now are personally affecting me! The first company that came back with a price was 160,000 RMB which is like $25,000 USD. Absurd! I know things are more expensive but that's silly - I'm only moving clothing, shoes, some books, two snowboards and a few things from my kitchen.

I was expecting prices around 3-7 thousand USD. (I think the first quote is way overpriced though - the next two companies I talked to are more in my price range, just the upper end)

Expand full comment

it would almost be cheaper just to take several round trip flights with heavy suitcases

Expand full comment

except each re-entry to China is 2 weeks of quarantine!

Expand full comment

Honestly, you could probably FedEx that shit for less.

Expand full comment

I'm going to mail a couple of boxes of clothing and stuff.

Expand full comment

yeah, I think so

Expand full comment

(I realize that wouldn't help with the kitchen equipment)

Expand full comment
author

I've moved internationally 3 times. $25k is cheap.

Expand full comment

None of my moves cost more than $7K! And I had a full 20 foot container each time, with packing and unpacking included.

Expand full comment

Yeah - I read the price of a full container (for the shipper) has gone up from $1000 to $7000, so for 1/4-1/2 a container I'm hoping I'm paying around 5-7k. At 25k I'm just giving away every single thing and starting over in the US.

Expand full comment

Which reminds me in an oblique way what my new neighbors did to get their floors refinished. They rented a PODS container for 10 days. Dropped in their driveway on a Friday, packed it up with furniture over the weekend, locked it (obviously). Floors were redone starting on Monday. Job finished on Friday. Furniture moved back in on that weekend. Container taken away on Monday.

Expand full comment

There is a house that has had a PODS container in the driveway for at least a couple of years. Not sure what they're doing in the house. At this point I assume they bought it.

I used one to move my stuff from Louisville back to Ca. I only moved back a nice bookshelf furniture-wise so I was able to use one of the smaller ones. Everything else was in boxes. If you can do the packing yourself, then I would recommend it. I guess it depends on how much furniture you have.

Expand full comment

I recently got a quote from a major Van Lines company to take some stuff to my second home (which I am purchasing). The move cost was $16800. That's off season pricing. Late Spring/Summer pricing is 25% higher.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Sail the pacific!

Expand full comment

I'm available for trans-pick your ocean crossings!

Expand full comment

You have enough space for 9 cbm of t-shirts and nikes?

Expand full comment

If CBM means Cal Basketball Mens of T-Shirts, then yes

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

LBG is the best.

Expand full comment

Family, game, or both?

Expand full comment

Argentina

Expand full comment

when i was 6 we "lived" in Rio for 6 months. on the way home we did a S American tour that included a few days in Buenos Aires.

from that age i have scattered memories, but i do remember going an authentic churrascaria where they brought out some of the best grilled meats i ever remember tasting.

would love to go back ..

Expand full comment

Buenos Aires was amazing for honeymoon 10+ yrs ago. Gorgeous city, fun neighborhoods, amazing food. A Boca Jrs match was a highlight too. Would love to go back to see more of the country (stunning pic above!).

Expand full comment

Patagonia

Expand full comment

I've had a couple Patagonia jackets with the fleece on the inside. I think I gave my second one to No 1 since he needed it more than I did.

Expand full comment

I've always wanted to visit after watching that two-part Top Gear excursion.

Expand full comment

Going to high school near Ventura in the 80s meant that a lot of us wore Patagonia, whether it was the full price gear from Great Pacific Ironworks or the "slightly irregular" from Real Cheap Sports (IIRC). I have to say my slightly irregular jacket lasted me for years.

Expand full comment

I never did figure out what the problem with it was supposed to be.

Expand full comment

Sometimes there isn't one; it could be a production run overrun, or something discontinued or updated.

Expand full comment

I did a 3 day hike in Torres del Paine, once. It was pretty great. Also had a super fun time around San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina, but that might just be because there was a super fun crew in the hostel and we tore it up a little bit.

Expand full comment

this is super high on the travel list for a hiking/backpacking trip. either Torres del Paine or the Fitz Roy or both.

has anyone been?

i have this impression that it is probably the most beautiful mountain scenery in world that is even better in person

Expand full comment

A friend that did an REI hiking trip in Patagonia is itching to go back. She later went on a hiking trip to New Zealand, and said Patagonia hands down was more amazing.

Expand full comment

I surprised my wife for her birthday in 2014 with an REI Machu Picchu hiking trip. It was excellent, I highly recommend REI travel.

Expand full comment

I went by myself to Machu Picchu. It was also excellent, but Cuzco smells like pee.

Expand full comment

not quite the same but we did a Montenegro hiking trip w/ REI in the before-times and it was great.

they have since stopped doing intl trips.

Expand full comment

Where is turkey?

Expand full comment

Currently in the fridge, dreading the 4hr roast tomorrow morning

Expand full comment

In the oven as I type this. Preceded by 90 minutes on the smoker.

Expand full comment

what happened to turkey?

Expand full comment

Definitely not in Greece, as my wife's Greek family is very clear about telling me.

Expand full comment

On this Armenian's shit list.

Expand full comment
author

Being driven into a ditch by Erdoğan

Expand full comment

at the restaurant, getting prepared for our meal tomorrow

Expand full comment

It should be defrosted & in fridge by now

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

Ohh...that's good to know.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

I remember going to the Columbia employee store (had a coworker whose husband worked there so she would bring passes in). Makes things actually affordable.

Expand full comment

DBD THIS IS NOT REAL FINANCIAL ADVICE

Expand full comment

borrow as much as you can .. it is the American way

honestly though. one could argue that one of the main growth drivers in the US compared to other countries is the reliance on borrowing/lending.

that being said, the rules clearly favor those already w/ $$ or the know-how.

Expand full comment

In-Laws rely heavily on a lot of borrowing and leverage, both in terms of their real estate projects and for stock investing.

Expand full comment

DBD Test Kitchen

Expand full comment

Wife tried another new thing from the Falastin cookbook: Kale and toasted orzo with dill and chile yogurt, was very tasty, but kale is not my personal fave (recipe called for baby spinach).

Expand full comment

Kale is a vile weed

Expand full comment

It's not so much the taste as the texture.

Expand full comment

But also the taste.

Expand full comment
Comment deleted
Expand full comment

I saw some great centerpieces yesterday that were kale and artichokes in these chunky white footed bowls, they looked lovely. I'm not eating that crap though.

Expand full comment

dinner last night was a family favorite NYT recipe > Caramelized cabbage w/ anchovy bread crumbs and pasta.

grilled up some Italian sausages and steamer some broccolini to go with it

https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12373-pasta-with-caramelized-cabbage-anchovies-and-bread-crumbs

Expand full comment

DBD AV Club

Expand full comment

HAWKEYE - very fun! Hope it stays street level. Hailee is great as Kate Bishop. and PIzza Dog!

Expand full comment

Watched E2 and E3 of Dr. Brain last night. Better than E1, so will see it thru (6 eps, I believe). Entertaining, even tho it has a few "that's not how science works". Especially the cat stuff.

Expand full comment

Our Crumbling Democracy

Expand full comment

I did not see this coming. Guilty verdicts in Georgia.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/11/24/ahmaud-arbery-trial-verdict/

Expand full comment

I honestly did expect it. The evidence clearly pointed in that direction. (Opposite for Rittenhouse, at least based on laws as they currently stand.)

Expand full comment

I was a little surprised at some of it, but heard a good explanation on some points of order, and the locally applicable laws (its why I defer to actual lawyers on the fine points). I am curious to see if there are appeals to come.

Expand full comment

Oh I'm sure they'll appeal. I bet the lawyers already have them drafted.

Expand full comment

Watching the verdict was very satisfying. Rot in jail, MFers. https://twitter.com/BloombergTV/status/1463582560806739972

Expand full comment

at least one set of defendants over the last week have to serve time for murder.

Expand full comment

I saw the judge look closely to make sure he read the case number correctly. I think he made sure he read the correct number of 0s. What would happen if he read the case number wrong? I would assume it wouldn't change the verdict since it's on paper.

Expand full comment

harmless error

Expand full comment

Also, disbar Laura Hogue.

Expand full comment

Kyle Rittenhouse went to Mar-A-Lago

Expand full comment

Hopefully he can convince Trump to support BLM.

Expand full comment

As terrorists are wont to do.

Expand full comment

Today in Covid 19

Expand full comment

I discovered that there's an Instagram account dedicated to people at my daughter's HS not wearing masks / not wearing them properly. (County and I believe state rule is masks all round). You might not be surprised to learn that the offenders are like 90% freshman boys, 5% middle aged male teachers, and 5% girls.

Expand full comment

Absolutely correct. Not surprised in the least.

Expand full comment

Isn't the demographic of offenders always "90% freshman boys"?

Expand full comment

Welp, my daughter's got the covid. Home test was confirmed by the lab this morning. Feels fine, so far. She's just super bummed because she feels responsible for fucking up all her friends' families' Thanksgiving plans.

Expand full comment

It could've happened to anyone.

I hope it's just a mild case and recovery is quick.

Expand full comment

hope she feels better soon. And she could easily have got it from one of her friends, what's a kid to do?

Expand full comment

I'm glad she's feeling ok otherwise and that you're all being careful <3

Expand full comment

Is she asymptomatic? What prompted her to test?

Expand full comment

A runny nose prompted the home test. She otherwise feels pretty normal, physically.

Expand full comment

She could have not tested so she can attend Thanksgiving plans, but she was being very responsible.

Expand full comment

Dr. Ms. Newellbany is the responsible one. I'm much more fast and loose.

Expand full comment

You havenā€™t been fast since the Carter administration, and the only thing that youā€™re loose with is your objectivity when it comes to Cal revenue sportsā€¦

Expand full comment

@Luc or Chase would not have tested@

Expand full comment

personally, i am not sure i would test w/ just a runny nose. but good to know.

i would probably wait till i felt worse, but i guess that is how it spreads so quickly ..

Expand full comment

It's a symptom that anyone answering a symptom check is no longer allowed to ignore. At least that's true where I work. "It's allergies!", doesn't cut it.

Expand full comment

My 6-yo daughter has a runny nose, but otherwise feels fine. She gets tested every other Friday at school, but last test was 12 days ago. Getting her first shot Friday. Maybe we'll do a test this pm if we can. But we're not going anywhere this weekend.

I got my Moderna booster 80 minutes ago...no arm pain at all, but starting to get a wishful psychosomatic "I deserve a nap" fuzzy head. Got an ice pack on the shoulder and have chugged a bottle of gatorade (with another in the fridge). Hoping that this is the extent of the side effects, but know that I'll have to wait another 8 to 12 hours to really know.

Expand full comment

my Moderna booster arm pain didn't really hit hard until the next day (no pain at first, just a bit sore the first night). The next day spouse didn't feel well at all, I was fine until later in the 2nd day. I didn't know to hydrate, so hopefully that helps you.

Expand full comment

Pop 2 Advil. Trust me on this.

Expand full comment

Pro

Expand full comment
author

KAaron Rodgers doesn't just have a toe injury. He has "Covid toe". Well, well, well... if it isn't someone who is suffering from the consequences of their stupid behavior. Boo fucking hoo.

https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1462387735713488897

https://www.wsj.com/articles/aaron-rodgers-covid-toe-11637725526

Expand full comment

What is Covid toe?

Expand full comment
author

Also known as pernia or chillblains. Its blisters on swollen, discolored toes. The blisters can get infected and it's painful. Doctors think it's an autoimmune reaction that gas gone a bit awry. It generally lasts 2 weeks.

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/coronavirus/covid-toes

Expand full comment

Other College

Expand full comment
author

Utah's FR QB Peter Costelli enters the transfer portal. This is nine months after the article touting that Utah's QB room has never been deeper and more talented. Utah is now down to 2 scholarship QBs and a walk-on. Their QB room has lost 7 guys in 12 months.

Expand full comment
author

Hugh Freeze gets a 7 year extension at Liberty to average $4.0m/year, which is more than Justin Wilcox makes before incentives and bonuses.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32702207/liberty-hugh-freeze-secures-new-deal-average-more-4-million-annually-sources-say

Expand full comment
author

James Franklin gets a 10 year contract for $75m. However, university friendly buy-out terms included, so it's really a 2 year contract.

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/32700553/penn-state-nittany-lions-james-franklin-agree-new-10-year-contract

Expand full comment

I wonder how much of the terms of the buyout are influenced by Ms. Barbour's experience with Tedford's last extension.

Expand full comment
author

On this day in 1904, Tennessee defeated Alabama by throwing a guy for a TD.

https://www.newspapers.com/clip/71253452/alabama-went-down-in-defeat/

Expand full comment

College football rankings, grades: Ohio State earns another 'A+', Oregon gets 'F' in Week 12 report card

https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-rankings-grades-ohio-state-earns-another-a-oregon-gets-f-in-week-12-report-card/

Expand full comment

Cal

Expand full comment

Cal Might Get a Bowl Bid With 5-7 Record, or Not Get One With 6-6 Mark

https://www.si.com/college/cal/news/cal-bowl-with-5-7-record

Expand full comment

Go Bears!!!

Expand full comment
author

Heh...at first I thought they really did find one and name it Oaklandium.

Expand full comment

Mark Schalbach (sp) predicts Cal to the LA Bowl. That would be a good way for me to go to SoFi stadium for the first time.

Expand full comment

LA Bowl would be rad, but JimmyC is hoping for the elusive Sun Bowl.

Expand full comment

Iā€™m up early every morning, offering Ra the sun god a bounty of Tony the Tigerā€™s Frosted Flakes whilst Marty Robbins spins on the vinyl...

To have the U of A debacle be so impacted by Kekoa Crawford & the sun tells me this cruel, cruel world is just too harsh for us Cal fans....or itā€™s destiny.

Toughest test of the 3 by far awaits Sat., so weā€™ll know more then...

Expand full comment
author

Ave Tigris Antonius et benedictus carnium melliculus

Expand full comment

The Sun Bowl seems appropriate for Cal this season.

Expand full comment

I definitely would prefer Sun Bowl

Expand full comment

It's weird that Cal has never been to the Sun Bowl, given how long it's had a Pac-10/12 tie-in.

Expand full comment

Sun Bowl would be great, probably will take a 7-win team though. Just imagine if we had squeaked out the Zona game. We would be 5-5 right now.

Expand full comment

Not necessarily. The P12 does not have a true pecking order for the lower tier bowls, basing it more on matchups. If Cal beats UCLA, the Sun is very clearly in play, esp. considering the LA bowl would probably love to have hometown UCLA for itā€™s inaugural incarnation.

The Sun may prefer ASU, however, plus UCLA & Chip Kelly are a matchup nightmare. Cal coughing up Nevada & TCU tho, & of course the kids letting their COVID-guard down, will likely have consequences for this team, unfortunately.

Expand full comment

If I had to rate the 3 most unforgivable losses of the season it would be:

1. Nevada

2. Arizona

3. TCU

Expand full comment