Break

Well, that was some interesting news regarding Almonte today.  First, it is dumb, given that he was a lock, of sorts, for the CF job.  Now, Rajai Davis moves into the role.  Second, you have to wonder if the Tribe knew this going in...I mean, the collection of crappy fifth OFs (they signed one today who is only sort of, Venable) seemed excessive for one spot.  Now, of course, there are two slots in play, and as we really don't know when Brantley will come back, there could be plenty of opportunities for someone to collect MLB paychecks, a not-unimportant consideration.  Davis had better hit, or else...yet another long April in C-town.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/mlb/ozzie-smith-baffled-by-current-hitters-approach-to-shifts/ar-BBpY0Wc

I agree; you'd think after a while players, if not organizations, would start teaching guys to hit away from the shift.  You sacrifice power, of course, but there is nothing wrong with singles the opposite way, especially given the mantra of on-base percentage.

The week is over -- thank God -- but I do have work at home to handle, a pile of movies from Netflix and the library to watch, and not enough time for either.  I've been getting plenty of exercise, if nothing else...today I hit the gym in the AM (I had post-work errands) and it was a completely different feel -- people, workouts, etc.,; not much competition for the machines, and as I suspect I am fresher in the AM, I certainly found myself pushing a bit in the weight category..

Surge

http://www.bloomberg.com/features/2016-abortion-business/

This could be me, but...if it is was really so important for women to have this sort of...resource...couldn't they all band together and fund it?  I mean, Hillary could give a few speeches, and lo and behold, there would be the dough!

In the meantime, the Donald continues his run through the primaries.  I have to admit, I wouldn't like voting for him, but given the choice between him and Hillary...well, it's pretty clear.  Honestly, I suspect for most people, no matter the party, they will support the nominee; the Dems in 2008 and the GOP in 2012 bears this out.  I also note that the GOP attendance/voting figures this time around are...high.  One would have to suspect these are Donald voters, and if it carries over to the general...well, that would be good for us, even if I am not sure what "us" is anymore.

Went to Confession...St. Paschal Baylon in Highland Heights.  Interesting approach/penance; not sure if it is the order or the man, but I found it....different.

Respite

Long weekend and a longer week ahead; work is going to be a zoo.  We had our OC board meeting today, where the rising food costs, lack of increases in revenues, and general...concern with how things are going.  A compromise of sorts was settled -- less food to be distributed, more careful ordering, and attempts to boost revenues and collections from other sources.  As with most compromises, no one was terribly happy, but content enough.  To be sure, things are otherwise good; the clothing bank is fine, the Hot Meal is at max capacity, the expansion is coming into view, and we can still serve the 400-plus families a month....

Started reading The Ruling Race today, which comprises a look at those who owned slaves in antebellum America.  So far it is interesting, but, of course, I wouldn't expect anything less.  I finished the "Flash Gordon" series -- I liked it, not terribly, but enough -- and am now awaiting whatever else Netflix sends my way.

There was an article on slate which stated that Cruz or Rubio will never beat Trump until one drops out.  I think that is correct, although Carson's departure would boost Cruz (who has a lot of cash) and Kasich's would boost Rubio; the question would be if it were enough to put them over Trump.  Not sure, though the notion that Trump is the candidate of last resort for many GOPs is quite accurate, I think.

Flash

Worked from home today...nice, I like it, get to be productive, the only drawback being I didn't get to the gym, and, well, I NEED to go, if you get my drift.  Alas.  I have some work to do Sunday -- the numbers are quite the project -- but I am seeing some light, which is good.

I started the next installment on the film series -- the entire 1936 collection of "Flash Gordon."  It is...interesting.  Stars Buster Crabbe, the swimming star of the time; he has a rugged good body and you can tell much of the action -- underwater scenes, wrestling, combat -- were designed for him in mind.  The thing is sort of hokey and melodramatic, and, honestly, I can't help but note that all of these advanced civilizations use the weaponry of the Roman Empire, but the thing does have its charm, and certainly for its time...it is amusing.

Miracle

http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2016/02/17/believe-it-or-not-the-republican-obamacare-replacement-plan-might-come-together/#dcfcf134f89e

It is a shame the GOP cannot get its act together, such as  by choosing a nominee, as things like this would be...easier to message, to say nothing of such things as suitability and all that jazz.

The Duke-UNC game was most impressive last night.  I thought they were dead and buried, especially after Jones went down, but, miracle of miracles, they pulled it out...even if no one really knows how they will win without the two key big guys.  We were discussing at work the fact that UNC didn't call time; I mean, for all the complaints about basketball games taking forever to wrap up because of the 8,000 clock stoppages, the flip side is something like the end of yesterday's game, where, quite frankly...you have to wonder what would have happened if someone went and drew something up.

Skeptics abound!

http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2016-02-12/school-choice-lotteries-fail-to-make-a-difference

I think is one of the main problems with school choice/vouchers; there isn't enough evidence that it works across the board.  I mean, I realize there are some charter schools that are highly rated, but not ALL of them are, and it is a little troubling to this conservative that we are willing to throw money at them, ready or not, simply because we can.  I agree that yes, choice is good, and -- I have said this before -- much of the impetus to improve public schools has been caused by competition (which is always good!), but it doesn't mean we need to throw the money around like a rainmaker.

So, PECOTA at baseballprospectus has the Tribe at 92 wins and the Royals at 76.  Like many, I doubt both, mainly because I don't think the Tribe's offense will be good as advertised.  Urshela still can't hit.  Lindor will regress, and I suspect Chisenhall will as well.  No one really knows when Brantley will be back.  I am skeptical of Napoli.  I think Davis and Gomes will be as good/better, but that's still not quite enough.  The rotation should be decent; the top three are solid, and I'd like to think that Tomlin/Bauer will make do.  The pen could be worrisome, given the workloads.  We also don't really have a LOOGY, not that that is a huge problem, but given the way Terry runs things, he will need at least two.

Thinking

Watched the debate last night...was it me, or was Trump a little unhinged?  I mean, I think he is usually unhinged, but extremely so.  As the articles noted, it might not hurt him down there, but I wonder...the other candidates, such as Jeb!, are also popular, and they are also real Republicans, which will help in the state.  You get the opinion that if the Donald has a couple of losses it will all be downhill for him.  At least, one hopes.

Watched "Flesh and the Devil" last nite; silent from 1927 starring Garbo (whom everyone knows about) and John Gilbert (whom no one remembers).  It was decent; there were certain parts of the story that were well done, and it didn't take long to find evidence onscreen of the romance between the stars.  For less serious fare, I checked out "A Walk Among the Tombstones," which was fairly entertaining, if nothing else.

Started McCulloch's The Greater Journey his book about Americans in Paris.  I rather like it, mainly because he tends to pack in the facts, but also includes much interesting detail from the reader's pen...Also, his work is fairly accessible for all; both the general reader and the history nerd (like your humble correspondent).

caught

This week was not exactly one for the record books, and today was not much better.  To be sure, I went to Stations last night, which did help...reminding me that there is far worse out there, and also providing me with a spiritual backbone, of sorts.  Getting there in the whiteout and the unplowed city roads was quite the adventure, especially as it was barely a mile away.

OC duty today...with the cold, it was very light, and we closed early; not even 40 people showed up.  Alas.  There was lots of stuff, and I -- as well as the other volunteers -- ended up with vegetables, which I will be sure to eat...I am thinking fish with mushrooms and scallions, rah.  I had thought about going out tonight, but considering how nothing has gone to plan, the debate, and the need for rest, I think a night in would not be unwise.  It's also cold -- wind picked up again -- and there is also snow, so...call me an old person, or a tired person, but I am calling it a day tonight.

Reflections

I know, no blogging...exercising and the Primary results were the cause.  The Trump thing is starting to worry me; I think this is an election that can be won by the GOP, and..well, they're blowing it.  Last time there were no good candidates, and now...well, we do, and look what happens.  I think the other thing that annoys people is that Trump is no Republican, or at least not one known to the rest of us..

Worked from home today, and glad I did, though tomorrow will be a beat as well.  I did go to Mass and got ashes, and was fairly productive on the research side....mainly by discovering there was really no info out there on what I was looking for.  I was not surprised -- absence of info is info in and of itself -- but I would have liked something...the main challenge, of course, is NOT eating.  To be sure, I often go without snacking, but when you want to, and can't...well, then you feel shitty because of all the people out there who are literally dying to eat something you just shove in your out of boredom.  Course, it is Lent, so that could be the point.

steps

Hit 20,000 steps on the fitbit yesterday -- I had a busy day at the OC (decent crowd, especially early) and a kiddie bday, so that meant getting chased and chasing Uncle Matt...I got home at 19,400 or so, so I just trucked around the house.  Rah.  Today, returned to the gym...workout not the best, but I survived, and it was prolly good to just let it go, one way or the other.

Watched "Enter the Dragon" yesterday, as well.  It was not exactly the best film I've seen, but it was entertaining.  Actually, the combat scenes were pretty cool, and I can easily see how people were impressed...and the film legacy that followed.

Super Bowl Sunday, which I will watch for the commercials, and only then until Downton is on.  I do find it amusing, to say the least, with all the hem-haw about concussions. that everyone will be watching the game.

Interesting article in the PD about the FAs left for the Tribe.  It is a shame about Desmond costing them a #1 pick, as he would be an ideal addition at 3rd or even the OF.  As for the rest...I can see the Tribe making a deal for a reliever (lefty) or another OF, provided the price was right.  I'd like to think some guys would rather $2 million and be in the big leagues than not...

No rest

Been a busy week so far...PQ last night (second), and work has been a zoo; our company's founder decided it was time to sell, and he did...while I am not expecting major changes (or a permanent vacation without pay), there will be some changes...and this week has been a series of meetings detailing all of what is going on.  Some of this is good -- more information about OUR sales, profitability, etc.,; on the other hand, I've done actual work about half of the week.  Oi.

I also note that today we had a company potluck, and let's just say I've been feeling it.  I didn't hit the gym for the third day today, and I am feeling that (on the inside).  To be sure, I have been running and been busy, but...this business is going to come an end and we are hitting the weights tomorrow.

http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-02-04/the-great-gop-realignment

I think this is exactly what is going on...

I also note that I watched the 400th film on the list -- "The Endless Summer," the surfing film of the 1960s.  Interesting, even if it was just teenagers riding around on waves.  I also note that the film is 50 years old...in some ways, it didn't seem it.  Also started a book on Vienna during WWI; the chapter on food shortages fascinates (Supply problems always do), mainly because, as with so much else about the war, no one expected to go on as long as it did (ok, a few exceptions) and thus everything that happened later was a result of this gross miscalculation.  The phrase about deck chairs on the Titanic comes to mind.