Relief

This could be me, but too much and not enough was made of UNC's win at TCU.  Too much, of course, because one game is one game, but I also think the idea of underestimating Bill Belicheck is... unwise?  Especially in this NIL era, when he could recruit some players of his own, put in his own schemes tailored to them, etc.  To be sure, it is one game, but I would like to think the man could win one game if he needed to...and with the vultures starting to circle...

Last night I had a haircut in Lakewood and with a couple of hours to kill, I decided to go to Sarita -- never been there, heard it was good, and there I was.  Of course, the parking was a hot mess, and I could not help but note -- given the Acton signs -- that I was in enemy territory.  As for the grub, it was pretty good -- I had a peach burrata appetizer that was desserty, a chicken francaise (bit salty) with mushroom risotto (quite good), and bread pudding (I skipped lunch).  I think Rood is better, but it was good on its own.  Then off to Mahall's for Emo Night, which was glorious, as always.  

OC duty today -- 106 the count, but with five Saturdays, we expected it -- about 30%, I would say, had been there already and either forgot or were scamming.  Alas.  More seriously, all the produce is gone, the tables were wiped off, and we cleaned/consolidated the freezers; we are closed next week for Labor Day, and we can't have stuff lying around.  My month is over, and I can... not worry about crap.

Glenville football players accused of stealing $4,500 from Dick’s Sporting Goods - cleveland.com
This story amuses the hell out of me; for one, these kids should know better.  Two, we aren't going to hear from Teddy Ginn -- all about the kids, you know -- about this.  If we had real reporters, of course, they would be asking him about this.  But, we do not... 

Mattie is back

Long week.  Sigh.  And, one of my coworkers -- our Research Associate -- was let go today.  I feel badly for her -- a lot was on her plate, and she was trying to do that and learn the business of building products.  I mean, I understand, and the housing market is not good, but...  

Couple of days ago I dummied into a Creationism podcast on Youtube, and of course I had to listen.  It was...interesting.  Like, there is a lack of funding for Creation Science, a bunch of these guys want to go to Alaska to see if there is any DNA in the bones there, and that all the coprolites are evidence for Young Earth Creationism (the only kind!).  OK...But then it took an interesting turn; they discussed the Curse of Ham and how some groups -- especially on the right -- are using it to spread hate and racism.  I really paid attention here, because one so rarely hears this sort of thing, but they were quite animated about it; the Curse of Ham is NOT a racist trope -- and nor should real Christians partake.  Rather, the Curse is about those who turn from God.  Honestly, I had not heard such a strident denunciation of this -- and from a right-leaning site, if you will -- that I almost want to listen to another.

The moon disappeared!  I have been going out intermittently to check the eclipse, and it was one thing to see it in part, but it is completely different to not see the moon at all (even with the clouds).  Reminded me of the Totality during the solar eclipse, even if it was not quite so jarring...but still cool.

Getting Ahead Has Never Been Easy - A Wealth of Common Sense
I have seen the site referenced a couple of places, and there is something to be said -- that was once rare is now commonplace, and what was once a luxury, even poor people can enjoy - I always get a kick out of the large TVs you see when doing home visits (prolly rented at exorbitant rates, too).  Nothing like a bit of financial education couldn't cure...

What’s Cool in High School? Personal Finance - WSJ
Ask and you shall receive!  More seriously, this is good, even if for some people, it may as well be Greek...

Trump changed Republican economics. Now the GOP has to figure out how to sell it. - POLITICO
Dare I say that the combo of tariffs and the Iran War makes this...impossible?  I mean, the man would have a compelling case without both, and with one you can make an argument, but now...

Polynesian Wayfinding: How these sailors navigated the open Pacific with no compass or GPS
This is awesome, and if I had the stones, I would do the same...

‘There’s no real rules’ for NIL agents. And some like it that way - The Athletic
The whole time I was reading this article, I was like... isn't that the point?  I mean, there should be some rules, but it is not like the college coaches (ahem, Lane Kiffin) seem to operate with any, so why shouldn't everyone else do the same?

Matttie wakes

The Browns make me laugh.  I mean, I really don't care, since I seldom pay attention, but everyone loves a train wreck, and they are... and, to be sure, I think we all knew that Watson would be the QB.  It does seem that he really doesn't nave the arm/shoulder strength anymore to make long/deep throws, and he doesn't look good out there, so... why not?  Unless the plan is to play him a few games, he craps out, gets benched, and that's that (so there is no chance of grievance), but...it seems there is a simpler way to do this.  Of course, that would enrage the fan base less, but these people still root for the Browns, so what else will you do?  (I blame them more than anything, but people vote for Democrats, too.)

More or less funny; I thought I had my blood sugar just right, and here I am, awake because it is low.  To be sure, low is better than high, but between the extremes and the concerns about weight...well, it is a bit annoying.  But we will survive.

CABINET / Ingestion / Tempting the Temperate
Interesting.  I mean, I cannot remember the last time I went to a buffet -- didn't hit one when I was in Vegas -- but now I am thinking I should.  (OK, I think I went to Kumo last year.)  I mean, it is the principle of the thing, that a little gluttony is a good thing once a while.  Sort of.

Why House GOP hopes of cracking down on fraud could flame out - POLITICO
This could be me, but this seems to me to be a no-brainer, and if you think the Dems are going to control Congress...well, no day but today.  I realize we are GOPers, but sometimes we just do not act very intelligently.

Refugees among thousands of North Dakotans losing SNAP benefits amid federal changes • North Dakota Monitor
I get a kick out of these articles, because 1) We are $40 trillion in the hole, and that will have to be paid; 2) We have plenty of jobs available; and 3) Maybe we should be spending (and putting people to work) on US citizens?  Quite frankly, I believe that half of our clients at the food bank could -- and should -- join the work force, but, again, read my prior comment...

Catching Up

Good day today.  First, the lawn mower was fixed; the tech came and disconnected a tube.  He suspects a valve in the engine is leaking, pushing extra air and gas into the engine, causing stalling.  So, disconnecting the tube...well, it runs about one speed slower than usual, but it cuts, and that is all that matters.  The mower is more than 30 years old, but in mostly good shape, but I might have to consider a replacement.  At least the lawn is cut and I can weed-whack tomorrow.  

Then off to the OC, as we had duty.  The count was 106 -- a bit low, we all wonder why -- and it was very smooth.  All of the produce went, all the tables were cleaned, clothes were given away, etc.  Cannot complain.  Then off to the gym, a couple of stores (the salmon burgers on sale at Giant Eagle are quite good, will get some more tomorrow), the library, and then home to catch up on some work and get stuff done.  Rah.  Funny; I had made plans with friends to hang out Friday night and Saturday night, and in both cases, they called it off.  It does happen, and it is cool, bit then when people get at me for not having the time for them... oi.

Reliably red Ohio suddenly a red-hot mess for GOP
I completely agree, of course.  I mean, this is a red state, but a blue year, and the candidates are flawed.  Vivek has ads but is seldom seem, Husted is playing catch up, and Max Miller is still around.  Oi.  We should be burying these people, but of course, we are not. Sigh.

Why is Akron football letting season ticket holders call plays on offense? - The Athletic

Interesting.  Funny; one would think UA has made some progress and could make it to a bowl this year.  On the one hand, this is a gimmick, but on the other hand, if it gets them the cash they need to get transfers/boost the weight room/keep the talent they have... I suspect this is the sort of thing that only a MAC school could do, as the Power conferences do not need to and the others have pretensions of joining the big leagues...

SNAP enrollment dropping faster than expected. Here’s why
Funny; when they first announced SNAP cuts, everyone was shitting their pants about seeing an influx of people needing food...and it really hasn't happened.  I mean, for all my snarky comments about the GOP prosperity explaining this at the OC... well, as most of our clients are Hope and Changers, I do not think they are going out and getting jobs.  But they are not crashing food pantries.

Mattie is a moron

Another long week -- lots of work -- and of course I am bedeviled by sleeplessness and low blood sugar attacks (I am monitoring one now).  Oi.  But we persevere.  One advantage:  I have books due back at the library that cannot be renewed again, and this will help me to finish at least one of them before I need to return them.  I can of course re-order them, but... there is the inconvenience factor, and the fact that I am too damn busy to get my reading in.  Oi.

Had dinner with my friend Ted at LJ Shanghai today -- he had never been, and his wife is much less adventurous than I am (or Ted) -- and it was quite good.  I was ravenous -- worked through lunch -- and of course I wolfed down the pickle noodle soup; not like the Polish version (no cream base) but still good.  Indeed, a bit mellow, and not so much that it fills in the broth.  I need to try some of the spicier dishes, but they are a bit warm, and I need to bring milk, bread, or both.  I would say it is aging but I have always been like that, so...

The ‘Betting Coup’ Shaking Up Horse Racing - The New York Times
Interesting.  I mean, as the article suggests, it happens more often than not....or it can, just hard to prove.  But, this seems a little...brazen.  As I like to say, the slow play works best.

So, a bit ago I knocked over a water cup.  I thought I had wiped it up, or miscalculated the amount of liquid in it, as I discovered just now...I now have 12 papers of varying importance lying on the kitchen floor, as spread out as possible, in the (hopefully not) vain hope that we can put Humpty Dumpty back together again...oi.

Soirees

So, last night I was laying on the floor, answering some emails, and of course I nodded off...and woke up at 4 in the morning, lights on, laptop on, etc.  My carbon footprint will be most unpleasant.  To be sure, I guess I needed the rest, but I must really stop doing that sort of thing.  Of course, I am, doing it now, but a large cup of coffee is next to me as I type away.  Joy of joys.  Anyways, I tried to go to bed, failed, and ended up making some coffee and doing some laundry.   

Then it was off to the OC. Very quiet day; the count was off -- all that GOP prosperity, as I say.  More seriously, most of the bread and produce went, the tables were wiped down, and all the computer stuff was entered properly.  The month has been a bit off, not sure why; normally it picks up about now.

Anyways, while I had some work to do, I did take a couple of hours for a summer of fun and off to Country Maid Ice Cream Parlor and Orchard; I have passed by the place many a time, always wanted to go, and... the ice cream was quite good -- mango with a waffle cone.  The orchard I was a little surprised -- not a lot of apples, but then I looked at their schedule, and I realized it a bit off season.  I picked up some produce -- tart Paula Red apples and large peaches.  Quite delicious...I will have to go back in apple season.

Work has been busy, as with other things...funny; the paper pile seems to be getting larger, the links and articles are increasing, and there is much to do.  One thing that went well -- I got school supplies to the parish school AND some gift cards from our OC parishes.  Even have bulletin content for the next week, always good for the proper exploitation that everyone loves...

A Day of Sighs

Long couple of days -- lots of work and other stuff.  I would like to think it will ebb tomorrow or the weekend, but let's just that I am not exactly sure about that.  To be sure, it is the silly season, but it is a bit sillier than usual.  To be sure, some of it is just a compressed calendar, but... stuff just cascades and it is not exactly fun.

Sherrod Brown leads Husted by 8 as inflation tops Ohio Senate poll | Fox News
This is not fun.  To be sure, none of the OH GOP candidates have exactly run an inspiring campaign, but I would think in a blue year, this would be the time to do so, right? I should think we have the cash, so at least we are on the air, but the ads are mainly attack ads, and you need to be for something, not just against.  Just saying...

The Initiative That This Top House Republican Said 'There's No Excuse for Delay'
This could be me, but this should have been 1) Sooner 2) Faster and 3) More Often, as then we would have something to run on.  I realize there are a lot of things going on, but stamping out fraud should be an easy win, and with the plethora of red states out there, there are ready allies in the fight. OI.

So I went to cut the grass today and the thing was idling... hard.  I made two passes and the mower died.  I realize it has worked since I was in middle school, but I would prefer not to replace it now; so I will make a service call and hope it is just age-related stuff.  It has been a couple of years since I had one...at least I can weed-whack tomorrow and remove the weeds and the ditch.  I guess I could charge it 20 times and do the whole yard...