apparently the ol' square face got married. Or it appears he did based on recent pics posted online. For those who were holding out for a DBD wedding table, sorry.
John Steed when I started, then switched to Micro-kid. By my senior year, I had earned the Friday 11am-2pm slot, and had a blast just playing music for 3 hours, then heading into the weekend.
I was a newscaster/reporter, at the same time Roxy Bernstein was doing sports. Every time I see him on TV, I say "I started out with that guy."
Roxy once crashed in my dorm bed (he was friends with my roommate) when I was gone in LA for a weekend. He had been sick and HIS roommate was a big partier . .. so thanks Steve for letting a sick dude sleep in my bed.
This thread made me go look at the current DJ lineup, and a couple of the people from the early 90's (at least same handles) are still active. Maybe it's their kids :-)
I used to donate about 8 weeks apart when it was thd Alameda-Contra Costa Counties BloI d Bank with zn officd on Claremont Ave. Then, the American Red Cross took over and started calling me frequently to practically demand that I donate.
I do not take kindly to being bullied. At a blood drive at work, I left off my phone number on the intake form and got bullied about that, too. I haven't donated in probably 15 years. Maybe longer.
I know American Red Cross does important disaster relief work. I cannot stand how I've been treated in trying to help out because I don't want to receive insulting phone calls.
I don't like holding grudges. I seem to be making an exception here.
it was super easy to do in grad school. i could just walk there and know that i was coming back in 8 wks. but around here you always have to find a blood drive that suits your schedule.
i think i was prompted to sign up recently just because i heard there is a severe shortage right now.
In my defense, urbandictionary.com is blocked at work. Which keeps me from deep dives on looking at slang terms while I should be processing invoices, agreements, managing the filling of vacant positions, and creating spreadsheets tracking paid leave in certain job classes.
the term used in hip hop is really "ratchet" with a "t" -- and it's a little ignorant to be throwing this term around (i think?). i commented about it below. it started out as a pretty demeaning term along the lines of race, gender, and socioeconomic status, though i understand has been extended to basically mean "ghetto" (which, too, can be problematic to a lesser extent), but still this term almost exclusively applies to Black women, though its being normalized in pop culture. (see use in Megan Thee Stallion songs). Somewhat similar to the "n" word in a sense.. so it's not really for just anyone to be throwing around. Granted, I'm still not sure how far off I am on this being the case.
I believe the term is actually spelled "ratchet" (despite the ever trustworthy and revered urban dictionary source), but more importantly, I might be off about this, but I thought it was a bit of an impropriety for most people to use this term because of overtones of cultural appropriation, sexism, and/or racism. (queue Debbie Downer sound). Again, I could be off on all of this, and it can all vary regionally and in different circles.
Yes. When I started running I did lots of races. Have lots of t-shirts from races in the 80s that have survived til now but many have started to get holes or wear through and are on their last legs for use.
Probably our 06 Scion xB, but finally putting it up for sale in the near future and replacing with a more modern plug-in hybrid or another electric car.
Also does anyone have any recs on plug in hybrids that they've driven or owned? Looking for something that drives a little sporty, but is still economical.
The EasyDriver was one of my favorite screwdrivers. Unfortunately, last week I overtorqued it and broke the bit. Not sure if it's being made any longer. There are other similar screwdrivers, but the EasyDriver was nice and simple.
I caught up with a neighbor over the weekend. He was telling me that three of his church pastors came down with Covid and were awfully huggy [pause for Scootie, TBB, and DCT to react]. He also got a call from the family who sat down next to them unmasked last week that they had Covid. He's not Calvinist, but he said that it's been an interesting discovery of finding out who at his church wholly believe in predeterminism and divine intervention rather than helping yourself out.
The Hilinski's family has "Hilinski's Hope", a not-for-profit to promote mental health awareness amongst student-athletes to honor their son Tyler. Tyler threw for 1,176 yards his sophomore season at Washington State, completing a sparkling 72.6% of his passes. He was set to ride the Mad Pirate's Air Raid offense to greatness the next season. But without warning, he committed suicide in January 2018. Sixteen college football programs have signed up to honor Tyler (Pac-12: WSU, UCLA). It includes awareness, wearing a green ribbon/decal, and putting up 3 fingers in the third quarter to commemorate Tyler's jersey number. This year, Mental Health Week will run from Oct2-9th. On Oct 2, Cal will play Washington State. I cannot fathom the pain that Kym, Mark, and the rest of the Hilinski family have had to endure.
Handwriting analysis is kind of bullshit to begin with but I have to imagine it's completely useless when comparing normal handwriting to something as different as spray painting.
It's not handwriting analysis. It's literally the same handwriting. The upside down U's for dots on the i. The n is the exact same shape. It's the same handwriting. They're not analyzing "the handwriting tells us this about the person" - they're comparing the handwriting and the way the letters are formed.
Matt Gaetz and his fiancee took a yacht out for a spin after getting the new name and the hailing port (his hometown) painted on the back. The problem was... they didn't own the boat.
Gen. Michael Flynn (ret) endorses a military coup in the US to overthrow Biden. What are you going to believe -- a) your eyes, ears, and the video of it, or b) Michael Flynn?
NV lawmakers pass bill to make Nevada have the nation's first primary ahead of IA and NH. Still needs to be signed by Governor (D) and be approved by the two parties - the latter being tall orders.
The AP is showing its bias towards the major political parties by saying that the major parties would need to give their approval. No, not really.
Nevada could tell the parties, "You'll have the primary when we say so or not at all." The GOP will say "Meh" and not hold one. The Dems will be put into a tough spot because of the GOP efforts to pass voter suppression bills. My guess is that the Dems would be forced to go along because of the optics or there will be much bargaining to come to a compromise.
To put it simply, the presidential nominating process frontloads a number of small states and the Deep South to give them outsized importance in the nominating process. You want a process that honors the concept of 1 person, 1 vote?
Then have a national primary. The problem, the weakness, with a national primary will always be that candidates with little or no name recognition will have no chance of becoming the nominee.
The last nominee with little or no name recognition to win the White House? Arguably, it was Jimmy Carter.
Is this the consequence of writing a story questioning Trump?
Bomb Threat in Rosslyn — “The police activity in Rosslyn [Sunday] was due to a phone threat received by a tenant at 1100 Wilson Blvd, police tell ARLnow. The office building is home to Politico, UVA grad programs, TV station WJLA and others. The ‘all clear’ [was] given, after the building was evacuated.”
I am trying to pretend that this is not happening, because decades of Cal fandom have shown me that hope only leads to crushed dreams, so I am ignoring the standings until September.
It's crazy that this team is doing this, with a roster stitched together with veteran castoffs and old players having unexpected resurgences. It reminds me of the 1997 Giants, only that team got outscored on the year and was kind of a fluke. This team's underlying metrics have been pretty good. Like, they're not the BEST but they're at least in the realm of the Dodgers and Padres. Pretty wild.
I don't remember the playoff bracket this year but I would guess the 1 seed will almost for sure be coming out of the NL West. Then the other two will be in the WC games. The Mets lead the NL East and are only 3 games over .500. Whoever comes out of the NL Central will be perfectly content on only needing to play the Mets whereas the 3 NL West teams will be in a dogfight to play the 2-3 seeds.
I am predicting a three way race for the NL West title with several lead changes between now and October.
If this prediction bears out, it will be one of the most exciting races in MLB history, even knowing that the teams finishing in 2nd and 3rd will probably be the NL Wildcard teams.
Yeah, go figure. Like Scootie I've been disappointed so often that I fully expect it all to come crashing down at some point; probably when it will be most deflating and most cruel.
Also, I can read the standings just like anyone else and can recognize the makings of an epic division race involving three ballclubs. Those things seem to be in potential conflict with each other. I'm going to enjoy the latter while it lasts.
Zinedine Zidane resigned as manager of Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti has resigned from Everton to take his place. It's frankly not that surprising that Ancelotti would be quick to take a prestige job.
What more can we say about Kanté, an absolute legend of the world game already, and one who just happened to save his best performance for his 218th Chelsea game — now one more than Claude Makélélé, his spiritual predecessor, for 75th all-time in club history — on the biggest stage in the club game. And that’s saying something, considering the levels we’ve seen from him in the preceding 217.
The Oakland A’s almost stole one on Monday, but they gave it right back at the last moment.
The A’s came back from an early deficit to force extra innings and then took the lead in the 10th, but couldn’t hold on and dropped a 6-5 heartbreaker to the Seattle Mariners. In the bottom of the bonus frame, Seattle stormed back and capitalized on an Oakland error to plate the walk-off run.
This was a weird day from the very beginning. The first pitch of the game pegged Mark Canha for a leadoff HBP, and the second pitch was tapped for a double play. Two pitches, two outs, but in the kind of bizarre sequence that leaves you wondering if it’s ever happened exactly like that before in history.
Chris Taylor had the at bat of the season, as his 14-pitch (!!!) at bat resulted in a bases-clearing double, helping the Dodgers pick up the 9-4 victory over the Cardinals on Memorial Day.
With score knotted at three a piece, Taylor stepped up to the plate with the score tied at three. The bases were loaded and there were two outs. About five minutes later, we had the best AB we’ve seen all season. Taylor saw an incredible 14 pitches before connecting on a fastball that he sent to right-center field, bringing in three runs to break the tie.
After quickly going up 2-0 in the count, Taylor fouled of five of the next six pitches he saw. On the ninth pitch of the at bat he took ball three, making it a full count. He then fouled off four more pitches, bringing up the 14th pitch. Taylor got all of it, as he sent it to the wall and cleared the bases to put LA up 6-3.
Hauled out my 10" reflecting telescope last night and observed the globular clusters M13, M92, NGC 5466, NGC 6229, M53 and M3. Also caught NGC 4564 the Needle Galaxy in Coma Berenices and M109 in the Great Bear. Fairly relaxing.
Run the Jewels and Rage Against the Machine when their tour comes through DC in August (except it's August 2022 instead of this year). They were supposed to tour together last year, but that was postponed for obvious reasons.
I had tickets last summer to see the Black Keys and Gary Clark Jr, who were not touring together but doing just a few shows, and I really wish they would revive the idea because I'd love to see them together.
Waiting for some announcements, the only tickets I've purchased so far are for shows in Oct and November. I'm planning on going to some comedy shows soon and hopefully will find some live music and sports to attend in the near future as well.
my daughter is going to see Ms Eilish in NYC next year with a friend who had tickets for the tour that was cancelled last year. Even the "replacement" price was an eye opener.
I think that's right. Now that she's 18 (moments away from 19!!!!!) I am training myself not to ask too many questions. She'll be able to take the metro north down from Poughkeepsie and if all else fails she can stay with her great uncle and aunt in Greenwich Village
Free punk show in Oakland on June 26 featuring Gulch, who was one of my favorite discoveries last year.
I already have tickets for the Osees in September, Deafheaven in October, Idles in November, and Blacklight Holywater in January. Contemplating getting tickets for Ministry on Halloween.
My wife has really gotten into Idles lately and got tix to a show down here in November, but apparently I'm not invited as her bff has already requested the 2nd ticket.
Eh it's my fault, I didn't initially like their first album (or the first one she played for me) and made it clear she could invite someone else whenever they started touring again. Then when I warmed up to them and expressed interest in the concert and she said "You snooze you lose buddy"
we spent the weekend at a regional rock climbing competition for both girts (14 and 17). because of coronavirus times, 2 rounds of competition for 2 disciplines got combined into one mega weekend of climbing.
the older one made it to nationals in both bouldering (3rd) and lead climbing (4th) . So we’ll be in Reno the whole week of jul 12.
if a "come from behind" victory is possible in rock climbing, we witnessed one this weekend. Aryana needed to make it to a specific hold on the final bouldering problem that required launching yourself into the air. as time was winding down on the 4 min timer, she got the move and the final hold w/ 2 sec left that propelled her into 3rd place in the standings.
when she realized she made nationals, because you dont know while you are climbing, she collapsed in tears/exhaustion.
in case you want to see the footage, the crucial move is at about 3:30 on the first video
One of the ESPN networks had some climbing competitions on this weekend. That's some serious work--I cannot believe how fast some of those people can climb.
rock climbing is in the Olympics for the first time in Tokyo. it is interesting that they combined it into one event w/ scores from 3 disciplines, bouldering, speed and rope.
the speed climbers are not necessarily the best at the other 2 and vice versa.
My next flight will probably be for the home opener in September (fingers crossed). We are also going to Maui for a family trip at the end of the year, which I'm super stoked for.
No 1 was thinking about going back to Philly at the end of June for a week or two and then coming back out here. Flights to the east coast are crazy expensive all summer. Most flights to the east coast are well over 400 one way. Even flying into EWR and then taking the train is expensive.
When I checked a month ago, there were direct flights between San Francisco and Columbus, but alas, those don't seem to exist anymore. So, I'll be transferring in Chicago both ways when I go to Ohio for a wedding in August.
Also thinking about a trip to New York (and possibly tacking on Boston and New Hampshire) for my birthday in October.
I'm still trying to decide what to do after the Cal/TCU game. I've got my ticket booked to DFW but may go to Philly for the rest of the week before coming back here. Not sure yet. I do know that I've got to get back here at some point because No 3 will be moving in toward the middle or end of sept.
I'm not panicking. You're panicking. I AM CERTAINLY NOT HOARDING BEEF. (shakes fist at Russians).
https://twitter.com/MikeDorning/status/1399792424856207374
CAL
apparently the ol' square face got married. Or it appears he did based on recent pics posted online. For those who were holding out for a DBD wedding table, sorry.
from what I know, he is punching way above his square faced weight
It's a micro wedding. They have mentioned there will be something at a later date. Doubtful there will be a DBD table though. #notwists
I mean for most of us that's pretty easy isn't it?? haha
Cal Falcons have all fledged. My suggested names for the chicks, all males, were Marshawn, Aaron, and Jared.
Go Bears!!!
Female with children walks on easement between two properties and minding her own business - gets attacked by a Karen and her dogs.
https://twitter.com/9livesrock/status/1399599937697026052
Damn!!
First and 10 do it again go Bears! (Haven't heard that one in awhile).
KALX
Was a DJ and newscaster there from '90-'95, when they were still on Bowditch. When they moved to on-campus, the whole vibe changed.
What was your handle?
John Steed when I started, then switched to Micro-kid. By my senior year, I had earned the Friday 11am-2pm slot, and had a blast just playing music for 3 hours, then heading into the weekend.
I was a newscaster/reporter, at the same time Roxy Bernstein was doing sports. Every time I see him on TV, I say "I started out with that guy."
Were you at KALX, Cugel?
Roxy once crashed in my dorm bed (he was friends with my roommate) when I was gone in LA for a weekend. He had been sick and HIS roommate was a big partier . .. so thanks Steve for letting a sick dude sleep in my bed.
I do say hi to him every time I see him though.
Ha, no, but my radio dial was welded to 90.7 - I did do a guest DJ spot for St. Mary's once, brought in a box of my vinyl.
This thread made me go look at the current DJ lineup, and a couple of the people from the early 90's (at least same handles) are still active. Maybe it's their kids :-)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHsvdSPgzdg
Doctor appointments
Donating blood today for the first time in forever.
I used to be a regular every 8 weeks. But it has been a bit since those days.
I used to donate about 8 weeks apart when it was thd Alameda-Contra Costa Counties BloI d Bank with zn officd on Claremont Ave. Then, the American Red Cross took over and started calling me frequently to practically demand that I donate.
I do not take kindly to being bullied. At a blood drive at work, I left off my phone number on the intake form and got bullied about that, too. I haven't donated in probably 15 years. Maybe longer.
I know American Red Cross does important disaster relief work. I cannot stand how I've been treated in trying to help out because I don't want to receive insulting phone calls.
I don't like holding grudges. I seem to be making an exception here.
I may have to start that back up. The double red machine at the Pleasant Hill location was broken for maybe 6 months before Covid.
it was super easy to do in grad school. i could just walk there and know that i was coming back in 8 wks. but around here you always have to find a blood drive that suits your schedule.
i think i was prompted to sign up recently just because i heard there is a severe shortage right now.
Luckily there are plenty of Red Cross offices around here where you can pretty easily make an appt.
First time having a smartphone while donating...
not a fan. but need to be done.
Hoping my second half of 2021 has a lot fewer of them than the first half has had.
Getting all my checkups now that I'm fully vaccinated...and I suspect many others are doing the same.
What's the most ratched thing you own?
By "ratched", do you mean "wretched"?
I do not understand this "ratched" term of which you speak. I keep thinking of Nurse Ratched, the character from "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest".
it is in the link at the top. i did not know what it meant either ...
In my defense, urbandictionary.com is blocked at work. Which keeps me from deep dives on looking at slang terms while I should be processing invoices, agreements, managing the filling of vacant positions, and creating spreadsheets tracking paid leave in certain job classes.
the term used in hip hop is really "ratchet" with a "t" -- and it's a little ignorant to be throwing this term around (i think?). i commented about it below. it started out as a pretty demeaning term along the lines of race, gender, and socioeconomic status, though i understand has been extended to basically mean "ghetto" (which, too, can be problematic to a lesser extent), but still this term almost exclusively applies to Black women, though its being normalized in pop culture. (see use in Megan Thee Stallion songs). Somewhat similar to the "n" word in a sense.. so it's not really for just anyone to be throwing around. Granted, I'm still not sure how far off I am on this being the case.
I believe the term is actually spelled "ratchet" (despite the ever trustworthy and revered urban dictionary source), but more importantly, I might be off about this, but I thought it was a bit of an impropriety for most people to use this term because of overtones of cultural appropriation, sexism, and/or racism. (queue Debbie Downer sound). Again, I could be off on all of this, and it can all vary regionally and in different circles.
Agreed on both the spelling and your commentary
Many ratty work-out T-shirts.
This. I have too many old Cal shirts from when I was a student.
Yes. When I started running I did lots of races. Have lots of t-shirts from races in the 80s that have survived til now but many have started to get holes or wear through and are on their last legs for use.
Probably our 06 Scion xB, but finally putting it up for sale in the near future and replacing with a more modern plug-in hybrid or another electric car.
Also does anyone have any recs on plug in hybrids that they've driven or owned? Looking for something that drives a little sporty, but is still economical.
The EasyDriver was one of my favorite screwdrivers. Unfortunately, last week I overtorqued it and broke the bit. Not sure if it's being made any longer. There are other similar screwdrivers, but the EasyDriver was nice and simple.
The EasyDriver is a ratchet screwdriver. Since I broke it, it became a ratched ratchet.
Definitely a dad joke.
Today in Covid
I caught up with a neighbor over the weekend. He was telling me that three of his church pastors came down with Covid and were awfully huggy [pause for Scootie, TBB, and DCT to react]. He also got a call from the family who sat down next to them unmasked last week that they had Covid. He's not Calvinist, but he said that it's been an interesting discovery of finding out who at his church wholly believe in predeterminism and divine intervention rather than helping yourself out.
My sister-in-law sent me this link this weekend: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPbAfPZgQ2H/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
My nephew still refuses to be vaccinated, much to the consternation of the whole family.
Are the reasons clear or is he just pulling on chains?
No clear reason and not Qanon
Elsewhere in college
The Hilinski's family has "Hilinski's Hope", a not-for-profit to promote mental health awareness amongst student-athletes to honor their son Tyler. Tyler threw for 1,176 yards his sophomore season at Washington State, completing a sparkling 72.6% of his passes. He was set to ride the Mad Pirate's Air Raid offense to greatness the next season. But without warning, he committed suicide in January 2018. Sixteen college football programs have signed up to honor Tyler (Pac-12: WSU, UCLA). It includes awareness, wearing a green ribbon/decal, and putting up 3 fingers in the third quarter to commemorate Tyler's jersey number. This year, Mental Health Week will run from Oct2-9th. On Oct 2, Cal will play Washington State. I cannot fathom the pain that Kym, Mark, and the rest of the Hilinski family have had to endure.
https://www.hilinskishope.org/
USC's freshman NG Jay Toia (former 4-star) who is in the transfer portal takes unofficial visits to Cal and Stanfoo.
https://twitter.com/JayToia_102
As you might imagine, the USC alumni were not hugely impressed about this turn of events, but happily for Mr Toia, the alumni are pissed at Helton.
2021 Pac-12 spring football overreactions: USC carries league's CFP hopes; young quarterbacks need to shine
https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/2021-pac-12-spring-football-overreactions-usc-carries-leagues-cfp-hopes-young-quarterbacks-need-to-shine/
Actually Cal is mentioned as sort of a dark horse, along with ASU.
OUR CRUMBLING DEMOCRACY
US Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) claims Antifa vandalized her house. The weird thing is that they did it in her handwriting.
https://twitter.com/NancyMace/status/1399808169929494529
Handwriting analysis is kind of bullshit to begin with but I have to imagine it's completely useless when comparing normal handwriting to something as different as spray painting.
It's not handwriting analysis. It's literally the same handwriting. The upside down U's for dots on the i. The n is the exact same shape. It's the same handwriting. They're not analyzing "the handwriting tells us this about the person" - they're comparing the handwriting and the way the letters are formed.
Antifa and anarchists also usually stay away from house paint and only hit easily power washer areas.
And they definitely care about policy!
Matt Gaetz and his fiancee took a yacht out for a spin after getting the new name and the hailing port (his hometown) painted on the back. The problem was... they didn't own the boat.
https://www.wfla.com/8-on-your-side/yacht-owner-details-failed-st-pete-deal-involving-rep-gaetz-fiancee/
Abbott vetoes part of TX state budget that funds legislators.
"No pay to those who abandon their responsibilities", says the guy who let hundreds of his constituents freeze to death and blamed it on windmills.
https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1399428885008236544
Gen. Michael Flynn (ret) endorses a military coup in the US to overthrow Biden. What are you going to believe -- a) your eyes, ears, and the video of it, or b) Michael Flynn?
https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/31/politics/michael-flynn-qanon/index.htm
https://twitter.com/JustinGlawe/status/1399141771997745156
MSNBC analyst General Barry McCaffrey said Flynn has a mental illness last night on the tube.
NV lawmakers pass bill to make Nevada have the nation's first primary ahead of IA and NH. Still needs to be signed by Governor (D) and be approved by the two parties - the latter being tall orders.
https://apnews.com/article/ia-state-wire-nevada-bills-election-2020-government-and-politics-f2a8771919ea6d6f66e6b4ea54a80fb5
The AP is showing its bias towards the major political parties by saying that the major parties would need to give their approval. No, not really.
Nevada could tell the parties, "You'll have the primary when we say so or not at all." The GOP will say "Meh" and not hold one. The Dems will be put into a tough spot because of the GOP efforts to pass voter suppression bills. My guess is that the Dems would be forced to go along because of the optics or there will be much bargaining to come to a compromise.
To put it simply, the presidential nominating process frontloads a number of small states and the Deep South to give them outsized importance in the nominating process. You want a process that honors the concept of 1 person, 1 vote?
Then have a national primary. The problem, the weakness, with a national primary will always be that candidates with little or no name recognition will have no chance of becoming the nominee.
The last nominee with little or no name recognition to win the White House? Arguably, it was Jimmy Carter.
Carter was the Governor of Georgia from '71 to '75. In 1973 he appeared on an episode of "What's My Line?"
None of the celebrity panelists recognized him.
Rutherford B. Hayes in shambles.
Republicans fear Trump will lead to a ‘lost generation’ of talent
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/06/01/trump-lost-generation-491474
Just finished reading that.
meh. it is a bunch of speculation and anecdotes.
Is this the consequence of writing a story questioning Trump?
Bomb Threat in Rosslyn — “The police activity in Rosslyn [Sunday] was due to a phone threat received by a tenant at 1100 Wilson Blvd, police tell ARLnow. The office building is home to Politico, UVA grad programs, TV station WJLA and others. The ‘all clear’ [was] given, after the building was evacuated.”
PRO
Giants beat Angels 6-1
Somehow the Giants have the best record in the National League.
I am trying to pretend that this is not happening, because decades of Cal fandom have shown me that hope only leads to crushed dreams, so I am ignoring the standings until September.
It's crazy that this team is doing this, with a roster stitched together with veteran castoffs and old players having unexpected resurgences. It reminds me of the 1997 Giants, only that team got outscored on the year and was kind of a fluke. This team's underlying metrics have been pretty good. Like, they're not the BEST but they're at least in the realm of the Dodgers and Padres. Pretty wild.
I don't remember the playoff bracket this year but I would guess the 1 seed will almost for sure be coming out of the NL West. Then the other two will be in the WC games. The Mets lead the NL East and are only 3 games over .500. Whoever comes out of the NL Central will be perfectly content on only needing to play the Mets whereas the 3 NL West teams will be in a dogfight to play the 2-3 seeds.
I am predicting a three way race for the NL West title with several lead changes between now and October.
If this prediction bears out, it will be one of the most exciting races in MLB history, even knowing that the teams finishing in 2nd and 3rd will probably be the NL Wildcard teams.
Yeah, go figure. Like Scootie I've been disappointed so often that I fully expect it all to come crashing down at some point; probably when it will be most deflating and most cruel.
Also, I can read the standings just like anyone else and can recognize the makings of an epic division race involving three ballclubs. Those things seem to be in potential conflict with each other. I'm going to enjoy the latter while it lasts.
Probably something to do with winning a higher percentage of their total games than anyone else in the National League.
Zinedine Zidane resigned as manager of Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti has resigned from Everton to take his place. It's frankly not that surprising that Ancelotti would be quick to take a prestige job.
Here's the one reason the Packers would reportedly agree to trade Aaron Rodgers
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/heres-the-one-reason-the-packers-would-reportedly-agree-to-trade-aaron-rodgers/
Jazz beat Grizz, 120-113. Jazz up 3-1
Wizards beat 76ers, 122-114. 76ers up 3-1
Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea, Champions League Final Player Ratings: N’Golo the Kanté of the Match
https://weaintgotnohistory.sbnation.com/2021/5/31/22461838/manchester-city-0-1-chelsea-champions-league-final-player-ratings-ngolo-the-kante-of-the-match
1. N’GOLO KANTÉ (9.9)
What more can we say about Kanté, an absolute legend of the world game already, and one who just happened to save his best performance for his 218th Chelsea game — now one more than Claude Makélélé, his spiritual predecessor, for 75th all-time in club history — on the biggest stage in the club game. And that’s saying something, considering the levels we’ve seen from him in the preceding 217.
that might have been the first Chelsea match I've watched this past season and holy moly Kante was good
Game #56: A’s come back, force extras, take lead, lose anyway
https://www.athleticsnation.com/2021/5/31/22462390/oakland-as-game-56-seattle-mariners-score-result
The Oakland A’s almost stole one on Monday, but they gave it right back at the last moment.
The A’s came back from an early deficit to force extra innings and then took the lead in the 10th, but couldn’t hold on and dropped a 6-5 heartbreaker to the Seattle Mariners. In the bottom of the bonus frame, Seattle stormed back and capitalized on an Oakland error to plate the walk-off run.
This was a weird day from the very beginning. The first pitch of the game pegged Mark Canha for a leadoff HBP, and the second pitch was tapped for a double play. Two pitches, two outs, but in the kind of bizarre sequence that leaves you wondering if it’s ever happened exactly like that before in history.
Absolutely infuriating to watch in the late innings.
I agree it was a weird game, and a blown save for Trivino. Again we see that the A's have no real, bona fide closer.
Chris Taylor’s incredible at bat gives Dodgers victory
https://www.truebluela.com/2021/5/31/22462588/los-angeles-dodgers-mlb-news-recap-st-louis-cardinals-chris-taylor
Chris Taylor had the at bat of the season, as his 14-pitch (!!!) at bat resulted in a bases-clearing double, helping the Dodgers pick up the 9-4 victory over the Cardinals on Memorial Day.
With score knotted at three a piece, Taylor stepped up to the plate with the score tied at three. The bases were loaded and there were two outs. About five minutes later, we had the best AB we’ve seen all season. Taylor saw an incredible 14 pitches before connecting on a fastball that he sent to right-center field, bringing in three runs to break the tie.
After quickly going up 2-0 in the count, Taylor fouled of five of the next six pitches he saw. On the ninth pitch of the at bat he took ball three, making it a full count. He then fouled off four more pitches, bringing up the 14th pitch. Taylor got all of it, as he sent it to the wall and cleared the bases to put LA up 6-3.
Hauled out my 10" reflecting telescope last night and observed the globular clusters M13, M92, NGC 5466, NGC 6229, M53 and M3. Also caught NGC 4564 the Needle Galaxy in Coma Berenices and M109 in the Great Bear. Fairly relaxing.
So... you whipped out your big 10 inch?
Is that Aerosmith I hear?
how's the light pollution where you are?
Bortle 6/7, can see down to mag 4.5-5.0
we are lucky to see stars around here. NYC lights extend out quite a bit in terms of light pollution
Holly Anderson tweeted about this very Berkeley thing: https://twitter.com/HollyAnderson/status/1399870318991249413?s=20
(Ayelet is an author who is married to another author, Michael Chabon)
Summer Concerts -- who do you want to see?
Run the Jewels and Rage Against the Machine when their tour comes through DC in August (except it's August 2022 instead of this year). They were supposed to tour together last year, but that was postponed for obvious reasons.
I had tickets last summer to see the Black Keys and Gary Clark Jr, who were not touring together but doing just a few shows, and I really wish they would revive the idea because I'd love to see them together.
RTJ and RATM is a great double bill.
$130 tickets for nose bleed seats at oracle for this tour
Mine are slightly lower than nosebleed.
Hope The Beths come back, I had tix to a show in April '20
slow restart to concerts in the DC area so I'm just keeping my eye out
Waiting for some announcements, the only tickets I've purchased so far are for shows in Oct and November. I'm planning on going to some comedy shows soon and hopefully will find some live music and sports to attend in the near future as well.
my younger one (14) wants to see Billie Eilish. she is part of some 3 day festival in NYC called the Governor's Ball at Citi Field.
i am a little worried that general admission tickets may not be so great for kids that are only 5 ft tall. not sure how they will see anything ...
my daughter is going to see Ms Eilish in NYC next year with a friend who had tickets for the tour that was cancelled last year. Even the "replacement" price was an eye opener.
are these the Feb 2022 dates? i looked at those too
I think that's right. Now that she's 18 (moments away from 19!!!!!) I am training myself not to ask too many questions. She'll be able to take the metro north down from Poughkeepsie and if all else fails she can stay with her great uncle and aunt in Greenwich Village
they can stay here in New Rochelle! it is a bit closer ...
Free punk show in Oakland on June 26 featuring Gulch, who was one of my favorite discoveries last year.
I already have tickets for the Osees in September, Deafheaven in October, Idles in November, and Blacklight Holywater in January. Contemplating getting tickets for Ministry on Halloween.
My wife has really gotten into Idles lately and got tix to a show down here in November, but apparently I'm not invited as her bff has already requested the 2nd ticket.
Idles are great and agree with Cugel, ouch.
Eh it's my fault, I didn't initially like their first album (or the first one she played for me) and made it clear she could invite someone else whenever they started touring again. Then when I warmed up to them and expressed interest in the concert and she said "You snooze you lose buddy"
I admire her moxie and for sticking to her guns
Ouch
Just announced: Atmosphere and Cypress Hill at the Greek 8/19. Not really my thing, but it might be some of yours?
Marcus Anderson (Jazz) - Koka Booth (6/4)
Rage Against the Machine / Run the Jewels - PNC Arena (7/31)
That’s an unusual pairing. While I like both separately, they are not two groups I would have thought would tour together
DBD flights
just booked flights to Reno. not cheap.
we spent the weekend at a regional rock climbing competition for both girts (14 and 17). because of coronavirus times, 2 rounds of competition for 2 disciplines got combined into one mega weekend of climbing.
the older one made it to nationals in both bouldering (3rd) and lead climbing (4th) . So we’ll be in Reno the whole week of jul 12.
if a "come from behind" victory is possible in rock climbing, we witnessed one this weekend. Aryana needed to make it to a specific hold on the final bouldering problem that required launching yourself into the air. as time was winding down on the 4 min timer, she got the move and the final hold w/ 2 sec left that propelled her into 3rd place in the standings.
when she realized she made nationals, because you dont know while you are climbing, she collapsed in tears/exhaustion.
in case you want to see the footage, the crucial move is at about 3:30 on the first video
https://photos.app.goo.gl/xV13w5879javwevP7
One of the ESPN networks had some climbing competitions on this weekend. That's some serious work--I cannot believe how fast some of those people can climb.
rock climbing is in the Olympics for the first time in Tokyo. it is interesting that they combined it into one event w/ scores from 3 disciplines, bouldering, speed and rope.
the speed climbers are not necessarily the best at the other 2 and vice versa.
Wow, way to go!
heading to Portland this weekend.
I read this as "Fights" as was thankful for learning how to box the past few years that I feel comfortable enough to hold my own here
My next flight will probably be for the home opener in September (fingers crossed). We are also going to Maui for a family trip at the end of the year, which I'm super stoked for.
No 1 was thinking about going back to Philly at the end of June for a week or two and then coming back out here. Flights to the east coast are crazy expensive all summer. Most flights to the east coast are well over 400 one way. Even flying into EWR and then taking the train is expensive.
When I checked a month ago, there were direct flights between San Francisco and Columbus, but alas, those don't seem to exist anymore. So, I'll be transferring in Chicago both ways when I go to Ohio for a wedding in August.
Also thinking about a trip to New York (and possibly tacking on Boston and New Hampshire) for my birthday in October.
I'm still trying to decide what to do after the Cal/TCU game. I've got my ticket booked to DFW but may go to Philly for the rest of the week before coming back here. Not sure yet. I do know that I've got to get back here at some point because No 3 will be moving in toward the middle or end of sept.
Which school did he decide on?
he got off the waitlist at Santa Cruz, so he is going there no?
Yup. Officially signed up last Fri. Now just need to decide where to live.
going Glacier NP w/ the family at the end of Aug and spending the week of Labor Day in Jackson WY riding my bike before flying down to TCU game.
i could have gone home, but this will give me a chance to goof around on my own for a few days.