All-Star voting is live. More anti-Sisters sentiment drops. I talk about a nun. Rod Carew shares. Also: weird helmets, Al Pacino, child labor, "Lost" and a potential bourbon crisis.
Juiced balls? I’ll take it as a Nats fan; it feels like they didn’t hit five home runs in all of April. Also, staff “ace“ Patrick Qorbin was once again underwhelming (5IP/7H/4R/3ER/4BB/2K/2HR) - pitching like a man who realized too late he had only been passively liking hateful stuff on social media, instead of having the guts to come out and say it like the new guy. He’ll never get that warlord gig now.
PS Davey Martinez’ next loss will be #420 - so if you have any special herbs with which you like to celebrate, make sure you have them handy with the Phillies coming to town.
PPS “Carlo” Carrasco - made me smile. Typo of the day for me, #ProudPapa.
The Mets are now 15-0 when their starters have gone six or more innings. Obviously there is a problem in that they've only gone six or more innings 15 times, but they are the only team than can say it's still undefeated in that situation. Proof of concept for the roster construction, and also a reminder that David Robertson has done a great job thus far filling in for Diaz. But the Mets are still resorting to a sixth starter every so often to give Senga extra days off, and odds are it will be Peterson again. So clearly something isn't there yet, and might not be for a while.
I thought a bit about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and how I might react if someone decided to dress up in Hasidic garb as a form of performance art (since, from what I know, drag is definitely theater as much as anything else). Obviously the situation is not the same, but I suspect I would not care much for it. Indeed, at some point in the 90s, someone was making haute couture for women based on Hasidic garb and I found it tacky. Not offensive, just tacky. So I can understand why some Catholics might feel some discomfort at drag performers wearing habits. But looking on from the outside, and knowing what the Sisters have been doing for literal decades, I can say, as a fellow person of faith with a tendency to get tetchy about people not taking my faith seriously, that all the naysayers really need to get over themselves. I have also not met many nuns, but the few I have met seem like Craig's aunt and probably are more chill about the Sisters than the loudmouths.
Not going to defend Lindelof and Cuse, but I disagree that Lost was ever a chore. I loved it till the end. Which more than I can say for a lot of recent shows. But imagine how much better it could have been if the writers and actors were treated better.
Lastly, there is a great article at The Athletic about the San Diego Chicken, who is 50!
I don’t know about bowling a Dutch 200. But the phrase Dutch treat was originally used in the same way as the term Jewing them down. The former originated in early New York, referred to the Dutch settlers from the former New Amsterdam and their purported frugality and business practices.
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I went to turn on the ATL game last night before learning that they played in the afternoon. It sure would be nice is they published a schedule or I had some electronic device easily at hand to access the info. Shame how they keep the data locked away.
...
Nice little bounce back season for Andrew McCutchen. He is now 1 double away from 400 and five hits from 2000. Fine, fine career.
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Rod Carew, double transplant recipient. Heart and kidney. Register to be a donor and when you are gone you’ll be able to be remembered for helping a Hall of Famer sneak hot dogs in the theater.
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Anyone here have experience with the mini oak barrels for home aged cocktails? While out, I have had aged Manhattans and Negronis lately that really upped the quality but don’t know if I want to deal with the counter space or the minor leakage.
Had an exceptionally annoying classmate in my first class of vet school who had to be right about everything. Insisted that bourbon can only be called bourbon if made in Kentucky, like the sparkling wine & champagne divide. When you'd point out this wasn't true, he would just tell you it was no matter what you showed him saying otherwise. Damn good practice for the real world, that was.
I respect Simon’s take on the Sisters, especially since I was going to bring up Hasidic garb. My feeling as a non-practicing Jew is religion should be off limits for something like this. At that point, at least to me, I think it starts crossing over into a very dangerous and offensive territory. Two things can be true: the sisters do a lot of great work, and people defending the sisters by focusing on the evils of the church isn’t right or fair.
What I always liked about the idea of Pride Night (and I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ family, which might be surprising since I often take some conservative stances here, including today. Pansexuals unite!) is I loved that it’s about pride in bringing people together. It’s a reminder to people that yes, the LGBT community exists and we’re not going away. There’s nothing offensive about two men holding hands or Joe (he/him pronouns) and Platina (they/them pronouns) kissing on the Jumbotron. But when you do or promote something that could be genuinely seen as offensive... to me it’s not worth it. IMHO it hurts Pride more than it helps.
I just really hate how much of the last couple weeks have been CIS white people telling people how to feel and conveying the idea that Catholicism inherently = evil and hatred. It’s the usual suspects. Julie DiCaro, Keith Law. Meanwhile of my most supportive friends are God-fearing men and women from the Bible Belt. They don’t care where I use my tools. The “I must reference the sex scandals” argument is so tired in my book. I remember growing up in post-9/11 New York and being told by adults that not all Muslims/followers of Islam were terrorists. Wish we could have the same tolerance now for Catholics.
Anyway I don’t think you’re a bigot if you disagree with the Sisters wearing nun outfits or if you’re anti the sisters being there. Clayton Kershaw isn’t a bigot IMHO. I’m good with Trevor Williams. I wouldn’t be offended if the Yankees wear pride caps during warmups and Anthony Rizzo skips out. I was good with Daniel Murphy. I’m good. Just don’t go on a massively homophobic rant or start suggesting all gay men are groomers and we’re good!
Have you heard anything about players complaining to the MLBPA about Pride Nights? Saw something about it on Twitter but the source was some MAGA account so wasn’t sure if it was true. It’s really disappointing that no players have come out in support of Pride Nights as well.
I'm 25% Dutch (maternal grandfather 100%). My mom said the phrase "going Dutch" (everyone pays their own bill) came from the belief that Dutch people were frugal, even cheap, with the Benjamins. I'll let it slide...this time. I don't think it's possible to punch down on the Catholic Church. It's like making fun of the USA...I think we can take it and we probably deserve it.
I guess Pacino decided to one-up De Niro, who just went public with pictures of his baby. He's not even 80! In all seriousness, it feels kinda selfish to bring a kid into the world with the virtual certainty that it is going to experience the profound tragedy of losing a parent early in life - or at the very least, a diminished parental figure by their teen years. Sure, these people have money and it's not like the kid is going to be homeless, but surely money can't make up for being 10 and having a parent die? And then, most likely, replaced with a step-dad within a year who is more than half your dad's age. No thanks.
When we had our second at 33, I said that's it. First, table for 4 is the easiest to get. Second, there was no way I wanted to be responsible for a minor by my mid-50s. Time for the wife and I to focus on each other before old age REALLY sets in.
My comment does not rise to the major issues addressed in today's newsletter--serious cultural forces trying to shape what's true and what's best for themselves and others, and so on. But I do want to say that what is right and true is that American League teams like the Red Sox should not play National League teams like the Reds whatsoever during the regular season. That's how it is supposed to be. That's how it was in the good old days. And yes that's my tongue in my cheek if you were wondering.
Gee, do you think The Flying Nun was blasphemous, Blake? And how long did Sally Field remain holy once she began using MGM Grand airline to get around? Better yet, did she still resonate back to Sister Whatsername when Burt Reynolds, in a movie whose title I have blessedly forgotten, yelled at her "Well you could come once in a while!" and she shrugged.
And by the way, that habit she wore was incredibly stupid looking.
PS I also like how "people of faith" can belch anathemas at folks with divergent lifestyles but wax self-righteous and indignant when the absurdities of their religion are pointed out. To folks like that I can only say, FUCK ya.
Speaking of juiced balls, Dr. Meredith Wills would love some actual game-used or otherwise authentic balls for her annual "what the heck is MLB throwing out there this time" analysis. If you happen to have any you are willing to contribute to the cause of science, respond to this post and I'll put you in touch with her.
The Nats had a "Authentics Garage Sale" a year ago--I ordered the "10 authenticated balls for $100" special. It included a preponderance of Bryce Harper-hit balls. Guess they weren't selling well. Those went to her for dissection.
Red Sox go 7-0 to start May then go 6-13 the rest of the way, they hit a ton and get bad pitching, get good pitching and don’t hit. They’d still be near the top of the Central division in both leagues. I would not be surprised to see them sweep Tampa this weekend, including a scheduled doubleheader on Saturday.
The "they are mocking or making fun of nuns" conversation is now (it feels) so much louder than "LGBTQ+ folks are being targeted for abuse and more, are taking their lives, etc" and that is really sad to me. (I know it's not black and white, I know many people care about both things. I'm just feeling some sort of way about how we keep having to hear about how disrespectful this group is rather than focus on Pride itself and its purpose. Sigh.)
Juiced balls? I’ll take it as a Nats fan; it feels like they didn’t hit five home runs in all of April. Also, staff “ace“ Patrick Qorbin was once again underwhelming (5IP/7H/4R/3ER/4BB/2K/2HR) - pitching like a man who realized too late he had only been passively liking hateful stuff on social media, instead of having the guts to come out and say it like the new guy. He’ll never get that warlord gig now.
PS Davey Martinez’ next loss will be #420 - so if you have any special herbs with which you like to celebrate, make sure you have them handy with the Phillies coming to town.
PPS “Carlo” Carrasco - made me smile. Typo of the day for me, #ProudPapa.
The Mets are now 15-0 when their starters have gone six or more innings. Obviously there is a problem in that they've only gone six or more innings 15 times, but they are the only team than can say it's still undefeated in that situation. Proof of concept for the roster construction, and also a reminder that David Robertson has done a great job thus far filling in for Diaz. But the Mets are still resorting to a sixth starter every so often to give Senga extra days off, and odds are it will be Peterson again. So clearly something isn't there yet, and might not be for a while.
I thought a bit about the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and how I might react if someone decided to dress up in Hasidic garb as a form of performance art (since, from what I know, drag is definitely theater as much as anything else). Obviously the situation is not the same, but I suspect I would not care much for it. Indeed, at some point in the 90s, someone was making haute couture for women based on Hasidic garb and I found it tacky. Not offensive, just tacky. So I can understand why some Catholics might feel some discomfort at drag performers wearing habits. But looking on from the outside, and knowing what the Sisters have been doing for literal decades, I can say, as a fellow person of faith with a tendency to get tetchy about people not taking my faith seriously, that all the naysayers really need to get over themselves. I have also not met many nuns, but the few I have met seem like Craig's aunt and probably are more chill about the Sisters than the loudmouths.
Not going to defend Lindelof and Cuse, but I disagree that Lost was ever a chore. I loved it till the end. Which more than I can say for a lot of recent shows. But imagine how much better it could have been if the writers and actors were treated better.
Lastly, there is a great article at The Athletic about the San Diego Chicken, who is 50!
https://theathletic.com/4554282/2023/06/01/san-diego-chicken-ted-giannoulas/?source=pulsenewsletter&campaign=6937903
The world needs more people like Sister Sandra Peraldo.
I don’t know about bowling a Dutch 200. But the phrase Dutch treat was originally used in the same way as the term Jewing them down. The former originated in early New York, referred to the Dutch settlers from the former New Amsterdam and their purported frugality and business practices.
...
I went to turn on the ATL game last night before learning that they played in the afternoon. It sure would be nice is they published a schedule or I had some electronic device easily at hand to access the info. Shame how they keep the data locked away.
...
Nice little bounce back season for Andrew McCutchen. He is now 1 double away from 400 and five hits from 2000. Fine, fine career.
...
Rod Carew, double transplant recipient. Heart and kidney. Register to be a donor and when you are gone you’ll be able to be remembered for helping a Hall of Famer sneak hot dogs in the theater.
...
Anyone here have experience with the mini oak barrels for home aged cocktails? While out, I have had aged Manhattans and Negronis lately that really upped the quality but don’t know if I want to deal with the counter space or the minor leakage.
I don’t understand the all star ballot. Surely everyone gets to vote once. Why would you vote 25 times every day?
Had an exceptionally annoying classmate in my first class of vet school who had to be right about everything. Insisted that bourbon can only be called bourbon if made in Kentucky, like the sparkling wine & champagne divide. When you'd point out this wasn't true, he would just tell you it was no matter what you showed him saying otherwise. Damn good practice for the real world, that was.
I respect Simon’s take on the Sisters, especially since I was going to bring up Hasidic garb. My feeling as a non-practicing Jew is religion should be off limits for something like this. At that point, at least to me, I think it starts crossing over into a very dangerous and offensive territory. Two things can be true: the sisters do a lot of great work, and people defending the sisters by focusing on the evils of the church isn’t right or fair.
What I always liked about the idea of Pride Night (and I’m a member of the LGBTQ+ family, which might be surprising since I often take some conservative stances here, including today. Pansexuals unite!) is I loved that it’s about pride in bringing people together. It’s a reminder to people that yes, the LGBT community exists and we’re not going away. There’s nothing offensive about two men holding hands or Joe (he/him pronouns) and Platina (they/them pronouns) kissing on the Jumbotron. But when you do or promote something that could be genuinely seen as offensive... to me it’s not worth it. IMHO it hurts Pride more than it helps.
I just really hate how much of the last couple weeks have been CIS white people telling people how to feel and conveying the idea that Catholicism inherently = evil and hatred. It’s the usual suspects. Julie DiCaro, Keith Law. Meanwhile of my most supportive friends are God-fearing men and women from the Bible Belt. They don’t care where I use my tools. The “I must reference the sex scandals” argument is so tired in my book. I remember growing up in post-9/11 New York and being told by adults that not all Muslims/followers of Islam were terrorists. Wish we could have the same tolerance now for Catholics.
Anyway I don’t think you’re a bigot if you disagree with the Sisters wearing nun outfits or if you’re anti the sisters being there. Clayton Kershaw isn’t a bigot IMHO. I’m good with Trevor Williams. I wouldn’t be offended if the Yankees wear pride caps during warmups and Anthony Rizzo skips out. I was good with Daniel Murphy. I’m good. Just don’t go on a massively homophobic rant or start suggesting all gay men are groomers and we’re good!
Have you heard anything about players complaining to the MLBPA about Pride Nights? Saw something about it on Twitter but the source was some MAGA account so wasn’t sure if it was true. It’s really disappointing that no players have come out in support of Pride Nights as well.
I'm 25% Dutch (maternal grandfather 100%). My mom said the phrase "going Dutch" (everyone pays their own bill) came from the belief that Dutch people were frugal, even cheap, with the Benjamins. I'll let it slide...this time. I don't think it's possible to punch down on the Catholic Church. It's like making fun of the USA...I think we can take it and we probably deserve it.
I guess Pacino decided to one-up De Niro, who just went public with pictures of his baby. He's not even 80! In all seriousness, it feels kinda selfish to bring a kid into the world with the virtual certainty that it is going to experience the profound tragedy of losing a parent early in life - or at the very least, a diminished parental figure by their teen years. Sure, these people have money and it's not like the kid is going to be homeless, but surely money can't make up for being 10 and having a parent die? And then, most likely, replaced with a step-dad within a year who is more than half your dad's age. No thanks.
When we had our second at 33, I said that's it. First, table for 4 is the easiest to get. Second, there was no way I wanted to be responsible for a minor by my mid-50s. Time for the wife and I to focus on each other before old age REALLY sets in.
My comment does not rise to the major issues addressed in today's newsletter--serious cultural forces trying to shape what's true and what's best for themselves and others, and so on. But I do want to say that what is right and true is that American League teams like the Red Sox should not play National League teams like the Reds whatsoever during the regular season. That's how it is supposed to be. That's how it was in the good old days. And yes that's my tongue in my cheek if you were wondering.
Gee, do you think The Flying Nun was blasphemous, Blake? And how long did Sally Field remain holy once she began using MGM Grand airline to get around? Better yet, did she still resonate back to Sister Whatsername when Burt Reynolds, in a movie whose title I have blessedly forgotten, yelled at her "Well you could come once in a while!" and she shrugged.
And by the way, that habit she wore was incredibly stupid looking.
PS I also like how "people of faith" can belch anathemas at folks with divergent lifestyles but wax self-righteous and indignant when the absurdities of their religion are pointed out. To folks like that I can only say, FUCK ya.
Speaking of juiced balls, Dr. Meredith Wills would love some actual game-used or otherwise authentic balls for her annual "what the heck is MLB throwing out there this time" analysis. If you happen to have any you are willing to contribute to the cause of science, respond to this post and I'll put you in touch with her.
The Nats had a "Authentics Garage Sale" a year ago--I ordered the "10 authenticated balls for $100" special. It included a preponderance of Bryce Harper-hit balls. Guess they weren't selling well. Those went to her for dissection.
Red Sox go 7-0 to start May then go 6-13 the rest of the way, they hit a ton and get bad pitching, get good pitching and don’t hit. They’d still be near the top of the Central division in both leagues. I would not be surprised to see them sweep Tampa this weekend, including a scheduled doubleheader on Saturday.
The "they are mocking or making fun of nuns" conversation is now (it feels) so much louder than "LGBTQ+ folks are being targeted for abuse and more, are taking their lives, etc" and that is really sad to me. (I know it's not black and white, I know many people care about both things. I'm just feeling some sort of way about how we keep having to hear about how disrespectful this group is rather than focus on Pride itself and its purpose. Sigh.)