Sprawl

Interesting couple of days at the OC.  First, I had a chat with downtown over the proper name of our center...people writing checks need to have the proper name, as there are now four Ozanam Centers in the Diocese -- each with a separate name -- and HQ does not have ESP and cannot figure out where the money goes.  That was settled (downtown seems to think I am easy to deal with, which I find to be hilarious).  Then yesterday I got a call that we were in line to get a LARGE shipment of bread...did we want it?  Well, yes, but I had to hustle and make calls and get people there to help unload and etc.  So the stuff happened, and there are TWELVE racks of bread and buns; it takes up half of our storage space. This is an issue, as we have a delivery of real food this week.  So I made some calls and some emails to the Hot Meal people, and -- saints be praised -- they will be more than happy to use as much of it as possible tomorrow.  We'll still have a shitload left, but at least we will not have a mold colony by Sunday.  I hope.

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2013/07/sustainability_consortium_seek.html#incart_river

I sort of wanted to see one of these things, because -- I am sounding exactly like Ayn Rand here -- these sorts of things smack of one of my favorite topics, that of rewarding failure.  I have always thought that the issue of urban sprawl isn't bad for everyone, only for the central cities who have worked through shitty and idiotic politics to drive away everyone -- especially the most productive of citizens -- to the suburbs, because, let's face it, would YOU want to live next to people like the clients at the OC?  No way in hell.  Yes, it is inefficient for people to move far away and in suburbs and spend all this money on highways and such, but there is also an opportunity cost factor in that you don't have to live among...well, the urban issues.  The point of regionalism, of course, is for the politics who caused sprawl in the first place to come in and reassert their dominance in affairs so they can export the problems they created to the new turf, and fuck that up too.

I of course think it should be the opposite; that if we want regionalism, the outer-core suburbs -- where the population growth and income are the highest and driving economically -- should be in charge of everything, especially quesitons of economic policy.  To be sure, no one from the urban core would ever agree to it, but that is sort of the point, no?

Pensees

I am at the halfway point of Portnoy's Complaint and the end cannot come soon enough.  It's funny; I ordered a shitload of books from the library yesterday/today, so there should plenty of reading to be done when they come in.  It is the literary form of Say's law, but the pressure builds enough so you get cracking and start reading...and let's face it, reading is a good thing to do, even if it crappy, vulgar yet boring, modern American Literature that is somehow not in the top half of th greatest novels of the 20th century. 

Good to see the Tribe win; Giami really smacked the ball, which is good, as he cannot do anything else.  Reynolds had two walks, which is odd; given his month-long slump, you'd think they'd be throwing him everything but strikes.  McAllister had a very solid start, which is something I didn't expect, given his last one, but the White Sox have a weak offense and it leans righty, so double bonus.  I was appalled to see a triple awarded in the ninth...doesn't ANYONE give errors anymore?

http://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbrown/2013/07/26/thought-its-best-known-for-nascar-north-carolina-takes-a-tax-reform-victory-lap/

I rather like this.  I think people -- ok, GOP governors -- are beginning to figure out that no matter what happens in DC, they need to create things that can cause them to be seen as business-friendly states, and this is one of the ways in which it can be done.  I suspect government spending is not getting the cuts it requires, but a start is a start.

Vision

Finished up Lee's Army today and the march of literary progress continues:  Roth's Portnoy's Complaint, and is often the case, words cannot describe its awesomeness.

Went to the OC today after Mass (Fr. Eric had a nice sermon, but if his explication of The Lord's Prayer is correct -- and there is not reason as to why it is not -- I am seriously fucked.  But I digress.) and lo and behold, there is NO food.  I was going to ask if we had an order placed, and we do, but it is about $3,200, which is more than we budgeted for in a month, and, well, that comes out of the December rush.  I suspect the numbers were high, which is good -- we are helping people -- but also bad, because if we are busy now, it will be hell later on.  Oi.  I of course handle all the queries, so I have all of the onus but none of the responsibility.  And, to top it off, HQ called Friday with a bunch of things about tax IDs, addresses, changing the checkbook, and other policies.  I suspect that the changes will require my knowing about them, but have very little practical effect, but one never knows.

As those of you who read my facebook page (more seriously, who IS reading this blog?  Sometimes I wonder.), I finished up "Angels in America."  It was pretty crappy.  To be sure, I don't have a lot of identity going on...I guess I was a little disappointed in the ending; the AIDS-riddled character tells his bf -- who left him and cheated on him -- that he will always love him, but that he won't take him back.  To be sure, I would have said much the same, but there is some part of me -- cheesy romantic, maybe -- that was sad, as...well, that is the thing about true and total love (and it requires two)...that even if you are hurt by someone, the whole part of unconditional love is that you do take them back, much as they tolerate your failings.  But not me.  If there is ONE thing I have learned in my time, it is that I am cold and hard and mean, and I really do NOT (two relationships, failed, as evidence) tolerate any failings.  I say I do, but I do not...and while I say now I wouldn't be that way if there is a next time, well, self-deception is the easiest of all types.  That is why I am single...and why I will stay that way. On the one hand, it's completely depressing, but, as I like to say, I brought it on myself, so I really cannot complain about the outcome.  But it gnaws and gnaws and gnaws, and at my age, you just run out of chances.

To be home

Today was quite the day...I woke up early because I wanted to clean the floor and clean out a cupboard.  Then it was off to a meeting for social justice -- the voices of the poor, which I can summarize a hell of a lot better than anyone else -- followed by the dropping off of crap, lunch with the family for the b-i-law's bday, and then off to do some shopping (ant traps, set!) and now I am finally home.  I put the TV on, and the WNBA was on, so, this is what you get for coming home and watching television.  I have been in a clutter-cleaning mood, so I may handle a closet.  Tonite I am home, as I am beat and I slept poorly last nite.  I am not complaining....


http://www.forbes.com/sites/johngoodman/2013/07/25/detroit-is-a-dying-example-of-how-all-ponzi-schemes-end/

I am not surprised this is legal, but one would think somewhere, someone, would start passing laws to fix this.

I am reading Glattahar's General Lee's Army:  From Victory to Collapse and just got through Gettysburg.  Interesting; one chapter is a chronological, barebones approach to the war, the next is an in-depth look at one or two facets of the war -- religion, the home front, etc.  Interesting; not learning quite a bit, but still something, and it is not a slow read, either, which good.  Some wiseasses will of course say it is because we know how it turns out...

Invaders

So, I walked into the kitchen, and... I saw ants.  Every year, of course, for a week or so, Chateau Mattie is attacked by ants.  It's an older house, not properly sealed, so they find a way in (course, they would even if it was).  Matthew views this with even more than his typical paranoia, and attacks.  The first are repelled with physical force, with chemical weapons to come.  I should accept this as one of the glories of summer, but now I feel like scrubbing every surface in the house (which is clean) and then laying down traps, repellents, and enough DDT to kill a small planet.  Alas.


http://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbrown/2013/07/19/maine-gov-paul-lepages-bold-goal-to-eliminate-the-states-income-tax/

This is interesting...for one thing, give the Governor credit:  He is able to point out that high tax rates suppress revenues, in that people simply move to states where income taxes are less (or non-existent).  Implicit in this of course is that people who have high incomes have more disposable income to spend -- boosting economic growth -- and also most likely to invest in such things as land, real estate, and businesses, which create jobs.  Indeed, being next to New Hampshire is quite the unfortunate thing, as it provides a ready example of the evils and dangers of high taxation....

Wholesome foods

http://www.forbes.com/sites/henrymiller/2012/11/07/organic-agricultures-bitter-taste-or-is-organic-agriculture-affluent-narcissism/

I think a lot of you know that I am highly skeptical of organic farming, community gardens, etc... ok, I think they are good and noble, but I think they are really ways for the upper middle class types to stratify themselves in their cliques -- such as by eating organic veggies -- and casting aspersions on those who just want normal foods.  This IS a problem in the Social Justice world, because people just don't eat veggies, and I don't care HOW many people say it isn't so...it really is.  One reason conveniently NOT mentioned is that for a lot of people, veggies seem to be more expensive; part of it is they are too lazy/busy to cook, and part of it is...well, my clients at the OC watch a LOT of TV, and if you see enough ads and news reports...you get my drift.

Mishandling

I am shocked, shocked, by the Ryan Braun thing.  Ok, no I am not, and it really IS a good deal for all involved.  The Hebrew Hammer gets the rest of the year, which is like who cares, the Brewers are going nowhere.  Missing 65 games this year is a hell of a lot better than 100 next year.  The Brewers get $4 million or so in salary relief and can play Gindl/whoever else in LF.  Not that he will play in LF next year, but if Aoki gets moved, or they need him elsewhere....you have a frame of offensive reference.  MLB gets a star witness, a star punished (not named A-Rod), and a big stick to threaten everyone else.  Or, in economic terms, the first market mover often fares the best.  *snark*

So, I had to pick something up at Target today, so off I hauled -- after work -- to the one in Mayfield.  They moved everything around, impossible to find shit, but, they had a new food section, which actually looked busy (lot of empty shelves, but they looked recently picked.  Anyways, for ALL of the complaints about Wal-Mart...for a LONG time, they had all of TWO registers open, and to top it off, most of the people in the lines spoke minimal English.  I mean, it felt like the Steelyard Wal-Mart, honestly, which made me laugh, because one can't go 12 minutes without reading an article about the craptitide of Wal-Mart.  But, I had to admit, my Target experience didn't seem that much different.  To be sure, more clerks were added, and everyone I interacted with exceptionally pleasant, but it was...odd.

Strikes

I read the President's comments, and while I thought they were nice, and somewhat personal...well, so what?  I mean, I guess I am skeptical...for one thing, as he pointed out, that as long as African-Americans (and I am NOT ignoring the reasons why) account for a large share (and disproportionately so) of the criminal justice system...well, you're not going to get rid of white fear, etc... Just ask the people in the People's Socialist Republic of Cleveland Heights, for instance.  And, it's not the President has done anything to end the war on drugs; even the simple expedient of decriminalizing pot (mind you, I am not a fan, but we have to be objective here) is a no-go, to say nothing of the federalism issues, which, of course, the government sees fit to ignore.  Until we find a way to stop criminalizing and imprisoning young African-Americans, this problem will not go away.

In happier news, Helen Thomas is dead.  I never liked her, and it was a shame she wasn't unveiled as a bigot and asshole until late in the game, but...

Went bowling last nite for the first time in years...I broke 100 in both games.  Mission Accomplished, baby!  More seriously, it is a shame I never did more of it as a child; I mean, bowling is the sort of thing that, with enough practice and skill, one can become fairly proficient at it.  I guess I could start up at it now, but the few bad habits I have are prolly to ingrained to get rid of.

Death and Resurrection

http://www.forbes.com/sites/billfrezza/2013/07/16/we-are-gathered-here-today-to-witness-the-burial-of-the-protestant-work-ethic/

I think this article is largely correct, but the authors errs in that he assumes that we can do any sort of economic revival without a religious one.  I am suspect, because it is usually the "come to Jesus" moment that impels the intellectual and moral awakening that leads people into re-evaluating everything.  Similarly, the charts don't like; it was when the religiousness of America fell into decline that the two-parent home collapsed, which I believe -- and a raft of statistics underlie -- caused MANY of the social and economic problems that have seeped on to the modern era.  But good luck.

ASG was a little odd last nite; I thought Leyland had a patently stupid explanation for NOT having Rivera pitch the 9th, which gives me hope for the Tribe's chances in the pennant race.  I think -- and this is a contrarian view -- that is MORE possible for Tribe to take a wild card spot, given the weak division, which would enable to pile up Ws against the White Sox, Twins, and Royals while the AL powers duke it out.  Yes, they have better teams, but they also beat each other up.

I dread the electric bill, as I have the AC on now, and quite a bit.  To be sure, it's not 70 in here, and if I am gone the day, I shut it off, but it will still be an unhappy fest when the bill arrives.

Went to Town Hall last nite..good.  Not great, I guess (I have high standards, maybe) and maybe it was the tacos, but I missed part of the game last nite while a having Colon Blow moment, which was NOT a happy fun time, and, as I like to say, one does get from eating at Denny's.  Skeeball practice tonite, and while I had two totally awesome games, there were about 9 rounds where I ate a faceful of cock, literally and figuratively, so obviously, more practice is in order.  I suspect league play is NOT for a few months, but, much like Kirk Cameron, I don't want to be one Left Behind.

arms

I have been fascinated by the contretemps over Tim Lincecum and his 149-pitch no-hitter.  Yes, we all know I love the guy, so I am a little biased.  That said, it's a no-hitter, it is Tim Lincecum, and, for most of the evening, he was using the windup, so...I just wonder how much harm it will cause; I mean, he is 29 -- not that young of an arm -- and he does have the week to rest.  I thought it was interesting, given, say, the game when Kluber pitched; Francona yanked him at 109 or so and 7.2.  Smith came on and got one out in the 8th, and Allen worked an interesting ninth.  All of that is defensible, but...why not leave Kluber out there?  I know the whole pen is getting a long break, but... Kluber had pitched well, not many runners, why not let him get a little deeper?  Kluber is 27, a bit more of a risk, but...I guess, given the Tribe's bullpen, I would let Kluber have the chance to blow it, if you will, than the relievers.

I am not surprised by the Trayvon issue, or the reaction  afterwatds.  I don't think you could have found him guilty, given what we knew about the encounter and self-defense law...and I don't think you can blame... ok, yes, you can blame the Sharptons of the world for ginning this up; there is a responsible way to protest this, and I think we will see things get away from that as time goes on.

Chaos

Duty at the OC today, and it was...hell.  Pure, unadulterated hell.  Ok, it wasn't that bad, but it was close. First, there was a huge crowd.  Second, the USDA povery guidelines have been revised, so we had re-register everyone...which is not a bad thing, and in some ways does slow everyone down, but of course, our clients are idiots, and so even though they have been told 600 times they need two forms of ID, etc...they didn't have it, and of course, our clients seem to think the rules change.  In the meantime, because of the crowd, it was decided to add a fourth registration person, which meant that some volunteer had to be taken from real work...one of the other managers was approached by a client if he could help, and she said yes, and...well, after a few minutes, I was summoned from the clothing room, because...the guy was not the brightest bulb, and also had a tendency to bullshit with his friends, baby mama, etc...so while he was nice, and helped some...most of the time, well, we'd have been better off alone.  Someone also had the unwise idea of letting people store their carts in the main room, which added to the mess...especially when one of the clients -- a Romney voter, I am sure -- took someone else's cart and -- claimed it as their own, which nearly set off a riot... My battle-tested rule of course is that you take your cart with you... I guess the main problem is that when it is zoo city -- like today -- you really can't be nice, or too kind, or doing favors, because you'll forget, our clients will hose you (honest types, you know), and then EVERYONE will be trying it.  Some people say I am mean...I prefer efficient.

http://www.cleveland.com/osu/index.ssf/2013/07/former_ohio_state_buckeyes_rec_1.html#incart_river

I got a kick out of this...first, of course, we are shocked, shocked, to discover a Glenvillain involved in serious shenanigans.  Two...I thought of the contretemps with Aaron Hernandez, and how some people seem to think that Urban Meyer should be tarred and feathered, or something...I guess my answer is that these guys are football coaches, and they are hired to win games, preferably 13 or 14 in a row, so that while it would hekpful if they recruited choirboys...they're not going to, and we really should be mindful of that, especially as by the time the scholar-athletes (ha!) arrive on campus, there is prolly very little that can be done.

A friend and I dined Thursday at the patio of Sterle's Country House...I sort of regretted not eating inside, of course, but it was pleasant out there; a litle high, price-wise, but the beers were pretty decent and the food was good...the pretzel appetizer was pretty sharp, actually, and the sausage sandwich was good (not Polish, of course, but we can't be perfect).  The patio IS a good idea to attract people - not that far from downtown, and it's five minutes off the highway, so anybody could stop by, and we noted that some of the senior-types who stopped in for dinner (I escorted a carful of grandmas to the front door when I arrived, can't imagine why) came by for an after-dinner brew.  I suspect it will not attract the West 25th crowd, but that is probably a good thing as well.

Pain

The June stats for the OC:
526 households totaling:
197 seniors, 741 adults, 545 rugrats.

Big month, actually, sort of surprising...not sure why.  We did have some turkeys early in the month, so maybe news spread...hopefully we will NOT have any more, because the natives get fairly restless when they are around.  Or, more accurately, when the clients are around, but the birds are not.

If the Tribe loses this game...it will entirely rest on Francona.  First, in the 6th, it was PLAINLY obvious that Masterson had lost it, and Francona left him until he coughed up the lead.  It was fairly reprehensible, given his pitch count was high (but not that high) but you could clearly see him laboring.  Everything went -- command, control -- but there he was, giving up hits to Bonifacio...  of course, the announcers were complaining that Terry had Guilmet up, and you couldn't bring a rookie into the game...fine, but why warm him up if you don't want to use him with you need him?  Masterson may be your ace, but when everything goes, it's done.

Then, in the 8th -- mind you, Allen, Smith, and Perez have been used THREE games in a row -- even though Guilmet was pitching quite well, Terry goes to Pestano -- in a TIE game.  This sort of works...I mean, I see getting him some work, but...why not run through Guilmet and rest the pen?  Francona brings Hill in in the 9th, with predictable results, and then you haul Smith in for the FOURTH game, and he doesn't have it, and now you are down three.  Unbelievable and indefensible.

I just hate that...more than anything.  People talk about heart and emotion and all that jazz, but at the end of the day, in baseball, especially NOW, it's about brains and intelligence and using all of the data-supplied tools, with a healthy dose of common sense.  When a pitcher LOOKS lost, you pull him.  When a pitcher isn't pitching effectively, you cut him or send him down.  If you're afraid to pitch a guy, don't.

On to other current events, I am amused by the new GOP push to defund agencies that are pissing people off, like the IRS and ideally the Justice Department.  I am not sure why they haven't done it before; I mean the Constitution clearly states that spending bills originate in the House, so they may as well as send one out that represents their priorities (and one that happens to score points).  The Senate can reject it, but couldn't you imagine Rand Paul and ilk filibustering anything that isn't close to the House bill?  More to the point, do you think Harry Reid would go nuclear on the filibuster over the IRS?  Do you think guys like Manchin and Pryor and Begich would vote cloture?  If I am the GOP, I would gladly take that bet.  I mean, if you can manuever the enemy to terrain which is unfavorable for a successful attack....you should make them do it.  I bet good things would result.

Swelter

It's funny...today is the first hot day in a while.  Last nite I was thinking, gee, it's cool and comfortable at night now...not only is this better than sweltering heat, one also doesn't have to run the air conditioner, which saves me money, also beneficial, as I am a cheap bastard.  But, it IS July, so we should expect sweatfests until November, at least, with the global warming and all.

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/07/09/19369848-64-arrested-at-moral-monday-abortion-access-protest-in-north-carolina

This is why any time a Hope and Changer goes and announces they are a Christian, you can just stop listening.  Like I do.

Pale Fire continues, somewhat briskly, somewhat interestingly.  I mean, it's ok; I sort of get the novel wrapped in literary criticism bit, and Nabokov does have great lengths where you go back and say "Jesus, that was a good read" but on the whole, I do have a sensation of...who gives a shit?  I know I should not, but...

Ubaldo had an interesting start today.  Actually, it wasn't that bad; the Blue Jays can hit, and he pitched into and out of trouble.  The high pitch counts were annoying as fuck, but with all the issues of the pitching staff, six innings isn't too bad, especially when it is shutout baseball.  Jim Johnson, of all people, had some excellent stuff tonight, so you should pleased you got anything off of him.  I did note the Tribe is calling up Salazar for Thursday, which is interesting only in that it means that Bauer is in the shithouse regarding his mechanics, control, etc.  As he is but 21 years of age, I think we are panicking a bit...sort of like calling up Salazar.  If you're bringing him to pitch once, fine, but if you are showcasing him for a trade...well, unless it is Cliff Lee, I would be quite reluctant to pull a switch.

Tell me no lies

http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2013/07/06/not-qualified-for-obamacares-subsidies-just-lie-govt-to-use-honor-system-without-verifying-your-eligibility/

 

On a day when Eliot Spitzer announces his candidacy -- the idea of someone paying $5K for a call girl as money watchdog notwithstanding -- and Anthony Weiner running amok, this is simply rich.  To be sure, they are Hope and Changers, so it's not like we're dealing with a group of people who have any sort of experience with honesty and integrity, but...well, what else did you expect?

 

I finished up Taste of War and have moved on to Nabokov's Pale Fire, which...well, I am in the canto section, and it is just ok.  There are some turns of phrase which I like, but as always, it is fiction, and I just cannot get that excited about it.  It does read fairly smoothly, which is sort of nice, and I am getting most of it (I think), but I am not exactly sure I will be poring through the rest of his metier anytime soon.

 

On to more important news, Vinnie Pestano is now the Tribe's sixth inning guy, with Smith moving up and Allen taking the seventh.  This is...well, I see two problems with this.  First, Smith is effective against righties, but Mr. Sidearm is going to get drilled by lefties (which we have seen).  Two...I know managers LOVE the idea of everyone having a set role in the bullpen, but I would argue that NOW, with everyone in the 'pen struggling, it is exactly the time to simply say "your job is to pitch" and whoever gets outs gets to keep pitching in high-leverage roles.  I would argue that Hagadone should be recalled as soon as possible just to spare us the indignity of Rich Hill pitching, but right now, everyone should be worried about the one-way trip to Columbus.

Economics

http://www.forbes.com/sites/mikeozanian/2013/07/05/the-economics-behind-new-yorks-100-million-mls-team/

 

When the MLS was started, I always told people it would never work, that Americans just don't like soccer, for the obvious reasons -- like it is boring and that we don't have referees and players kill each other -- but lo and behold, MLS has expanded and brought in big names...and I was surprised.

 

Then, of course, I read this article, which pointed out much of what I have espoused...the league is losing money and that eventually -- like all other US soccer leagues -- you pull the plug.  This link seems to imply that that day is a little closer.  Now, I am not saying it will happen soon, or at all, but...I can easily see how, in a few years, some of the MLS franchises will close, and the more prosperous ones -- Portland, for instance -- will survive by cannibalizing the leftovers.  Depending on the size and scope of the TV contracts, there might not be that many.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2013/07/how_best_to_save_a_neighborhoo_1.html#comments

 

I am not quite sure this is the problem; people live where they do not necessarily because of the housing stock, but the because the city/neighborhood where they live offers the best prospects for economic advancement, good schools, good places for families, etc...  I might also add that living in a ward represented by a convicted felon does not exactly boost property values, either.

Bemusement

Yesterday's game was probably the main reason why the Tribe cannot catch up to the Tigers; when Masterson is your #1, it indicates a lack of good pitching depth.  Yes, the Tigers feature a potent offense, but all of the two-out walks and base hits to Ramon Santiago (of all people!) and the fact of the matter is you have a guy who is just a little better than average who can dominate crappy teams...but has to work to be moderately effective against the big ones.  Not everyone can be a Scherzer or a Verlander, but playoff teams do not feature Mastersons as their ace.  Alas.

Woke up this AM to take Mom to the lab for some bloodwork (course, I get up early regardless) and some other errands and of course she wanted bfast, so it is noon, my chores are done for the day (I came home and did the needed yardwork) and I feel somewhat lost...I could nap or watch TV, but I will prolly bury myself in a book or some other, equally useful, project.

I did read the jobs report, which is fairly good, aside from the fact that most of the jobs are of course part-time gigs, and if you think Obamacare isn't responsible, well, then, you are fucking stupid.  To be sure, it's what America picked -- twice -- so we really cannot complain, but if I hear some Hope and Change type complaining about not getting work, well...you must become the change you wish to see.

Catastrophe

Jesus, that was a painful Tribe game today.  I was listening on the radio when the Royals tied at 5, and Tom Hamilton was having an apoplectic fit about Ubaldo, which is fine... but if you think about it, Francona didn't exactly manage the hell out of this game.  For one thing, Ubaldo does tend to lose it quickly, so...someone should have been up sooner.  He had Hill up in the 6th and didn't use him to face Kottaras -- defensible but why warm him up if NOT to use him -- and then in the 8th he was used to face one batter...and lose him.  The lack of a good lefty is killing this team; either find one you can use, or cut him and go without....especially as they have EIGHT relievers right now, which is ridiculous.  I mean, Joe Smith should NOT pitch to good lefties with men on base.  As for Allen, he HAS been the most dependable reliever out there, so I suspect he is tired.  Shaw would be next up, but he has been excerable lately, so I would move up Albers -- I know, 'pen spots based on ability, not role -- and see what he can do, as at the least he would suck the same like the others.

Reading The Taste of War, which deals with the issue of feeding nations during WWII; right now I am in the Axis section, which as you can guess is both depressing and scientifically cruel.  I guess, when I read things like this, I just don't feel any sympathy or remorse in regards to the dropping of the A-bombs.  And sympathy has never really been my strong suit to begin with.

Victory

Jesus, I should post more.  On to the news, surprise about Brad Stevens and the Celtics.  For one, the NCAA-NBA track record is not that good -- especially in Boston -- and two, why would Stevens leave a job from which he really couldn't be fired from?  I mean, really...  I guess it IS the Celtics and he is a good -- and innovative -- coach, and not some schmoozer like Calipari and the like.  Still, I am not sure that it will end well.

Team XI won PQ last nite.  It is our fourth in a row, and it was by four points, which is actually fairly big.  We got the missing link -- thanx, Dee -- and everyone had something to contribute.  I was cruelly mocked several times -- I knew the Maroon 5 song, and I knew any answer about Mariah Carey, singing two of her choruses, which caused amusement and embarrassment.  I also knew an answer about "Gone With the Wind" (first color Best Picture), which is not exactly obscure, but under the circumstances was extremely suspect.  As with Saturday's fest, I played some country on the way home.

The toilet is fixed; I succumbed and called a professional, which is bad for my pride and checkbook (guess which one is the kicker), but it is fixed, and I need not run downstairs to crap (though I do need the exercise).  So I guess it is progress.

I have to admit, watching/listening to the last two innings of the Tribe game yesterday was akin to the time I passed a kidney stone.  It's fascinating; Francona wants NINE men in the pen, but he is completely by the book when using them; it's like he wants to out-LaRussa someone in the 16th.  Odd.