samhexum

Wanna be MORE impressed? On what was in many ways a difficult afternoon, Shohei Ohtani still came strikingly close to accomplishing something unprecedented. He missed by only a few feet. Ohtani came to bat in Thursday's eighth inning with a chance to become the first player in baseball history to hit for the cycle while also serving as that game's starting pitcher. He then drove the first pitch he saw into deep center field, bringing a sparse Angel Stadium crowd to its feet -- but Oakland Athletics center fielder Esteury Ruiz caught it right before crashing into the fence. It was a 389 feet out. "It was off the end," Ohtani said through an interpreter, "so I knew it wasn't gone off the bat." Ohtani, with a .278/.343/.526 slash line as a hitter this season, entered Thursday having allowed only two runs through his first 28 innings on the mound in 2023. Opponents were batting only .092 against him. He then retired the first nine hitters in order, striking out five of them. The fourth inning, however, saw Ohtani expend 36 pitches and cough up a five-run lead, a rarity for the two-way star who has developed into one of the sport's best pitchers. An entire ballpark was stunned. Ohtani allowed the first six batters of the fourth inning to reach -- one on a walk, one on a double, two on hit by pitches and two on home runs. The seventh, Aledmys Diaz, hit a 367-foot lineout. Ohtani felt he was "a little passive, trying to protect our lead too much." But he came back to retire eight of the next 10 batters, completing six innings to ultimately capture his fourth win. Despite allowing five runs, Ohtani scattered only three hits. It marked the 10th consecutive time Ohtani had allowed three hits or less, tying Jacob deGrom for the longest streak by a starting pitcher since the mound moved to its current distance in 1893, according to research from the Elias Sports Bureau. Had he managed a few more feet on his latest drive, he would have stood alone another way. Ohtani, who hit for the cycle in June 2019, would have become the first player since Jimmy Ryan of the Chicago White Stockings in 1888 to hit for the cycle during a game in which he also pitched. Ryan, though, started that game in center field and merely came in for relief. No player had accomplished the feat while also serving as a starting pitcher, an unsurprising circumstance given that Ohtani qualifies as the first two-way player since Babe Ruth. Instead, Ohtani became the first player to strike out eight batters and hit a single, a double and a triple in the same game since Dave Danforth of the St. Louis Browns on Aug. 25, 1923. During his last four starts, Ohtani has contributed more hits himself (seven) than he has allowed to others (six), an unprecedented feat. By the time the bottom of the third came to an end, Ohtani had already accumulated a single and a double as a hitter, while rolling through the worst team in baseball on the mound. Nevin began to consider the possibility of a hitting cycle and a perfect game simultaneously. Said Nevin: "You're thinking those things whenever he's out there." https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/36307953/shohei-ohtani-only-feet-short-hitting-historic-cycle

The Yankees were lauded when they sent Andrew Miller to Cleveland for a four-prospect package before the 2016 trade deadline. Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield headlined New York's return for the reliever, which also included pitchers Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen. Frazier, who last season reverted to his given name Jackson, was released last week from Texas' minor league club. Sheffield was released last night from Seattle's minor league club. Heller had TJ surgery and never amounted to anything. Feyereisen eventually had some success with Milwaukee, then Tampa, but will miss most of the season and was traded in a roster-crunch move to Miami. I think it's safe to say the trade wasn't spectacular for the Yankees.

SOME DAYS IT'S SO EASY... Dear Abby: Our mom just turned 100, and she is in good health. I threw a big birthday celebration to honor this amazing woman. My brother and I were adopted as infants. She gave us a fabulous childhood, and we grew up to be responsible adults. My brother, who’s retired, lives 6 miles from Mom, but he never goes to see her or offers any type of help he is capable of doing. He thinks a daily phone call is enough. He didn’t even show up to her birthday party. I live 40 miles from Mom. I leave early for work to spend time with her each morning. My brother and I do not talk, so how do I get the point across that he needs to spend TIME with her? If I mention it to Mom, she constantly makes excuses for his behavior. What can I do? — Frustrated Sister in Arizona Dear Sister: Although you and your brother were raised by the same woman, you are two different individuals. The pattern of how your brother treats Mom has been established, and because there is little time left, it isn’t likely to change. You cannot control his behavior, so quit making it your problem. You are a dutiful and loving daughter. Leave it at that. KILL THE BASTARD! Dear Abby: I have recently retired after 40 years of working. My wife, who still works, thinks I should get up every morning and take her to work. We live in a big city where crime happens, so she doesn’t want to take the bus. Uber and Lyft are strangers to her. I tried teaching her to drive — even bought her a car — but she’d rather I take her. It’s a 40-mile round trip. The traffic is crazy at that time. If I refuse, there are usually hard feelings. I don’t want to do it every morning only to have to pick her up in the evening at major traffic time. What can I do? — Unenthused Chauffeur Dear Chauffeur: Uber and Lyft and more expensive than they used to be. Even if your wife were willing to drive herself, the cost of the vehicle, insurance and fuel would cost a bundle. Encourage her to ask if she could rideshare with a co-worker and repay the person for the gas. Even if it didn’t happen every day, it might relieve some of the stress on you. Also, if she would be willing to take a bus to and from work on the lightest ridership day, it might make driving her more palatable. It’s worth a try. KILL THE BITCH! Dear Abby: I became “friends” with a woman recently who constantly feels the need to put me down. She criticizes my house decor, my hair, my makeup, etc. WHO DOES THIS? I like to build other women up. I no longer feel good being around her, but she’s part of my larger circle. Please tell me how to handle this. — Hurt and Angry in the Northeast Dear Hurt And Angry: In my experience, people who can’t resist the urge to “improve” those around them with “helpful” criticism are insecure and trying to make themselves feel superior. The next time it happens, tell her that when you think you need her opinion, you will ASK for it. Then, to the extent you can, avoid her. KILL THE BITCH!

Jenny Craig appears to be shedding more than pounds. The weight-loss company warned staffers to look for other employment opportunities as it prepares for potential mass layoffs. The private equity-owned company said it didn’t know “if any employees may be retained” as it begins preparations to shutter its physical operations in internal communications obtained by NBC News. “We do not know the exact employees/groups whom will be impacted, and if any employees may be retained. As a result, we would suggest that you anticipate that your employment may be impacted and begin to seek other employment,” stated Tuesday’s document titled “Jenny Craig Company transitions FAQs.” Though Jenny Craig’s policy is to dole out severance pay based on employees’ job level and time with the company, the forthcoming laid-off staffers may not receive any. “At this time, it is highly unlikely that these will be paid,” according to the document. Jenny Craig, which was founded in Australia in 1983, issued “Warn Notices” — as required by federal law — for its locations where 50 or more employees could be impacted by the potential layoffs, but added that all employees will likely be impacted “in some manner” in the FAQs document. The federal WARN Act requires employers with 100 or more staffers to give workers a heads-up about potential layoffs or worksite closure two months in advance. The company also stated in the documents that it “has been going through a sales process for the last couple of months.” Bloomberg Law reported last month that Jenny Craig was seeking potential buyers as it grappled with “cash flow pressures.” The California-based company was bought in April 2019 by HIG Capital, a $55 billion private equity firm, for an undisclosed amount, according to NBC News. At the time, the company operated about 500 locations — both company-owned and franchised — in the US and Canada. https://nypost.com/2023/04/27/jenny-craig-warns-staffers-of-mass-layoffs-plans-to-shutter-locations-report/ My former roommate had a friend named Genay who had an idea at one point to start a weight-loss company and asked us for suggestions for names. My roommate suggested ‘Weight No More’. I suggested ‘Genay Craig’. Btw, when my former roommate was in the hospital recovering from a serious accident, she gave Genay her ticket, and she & I saw the Bee Gees in a light rain at Jones Beach.

Stew Leonard, founder of famous grocery chain, dies at 93 after ‘brief illness’ Stew Leonard, the founder of the famous Connecticut grocery store chain that went by his name, died Wednesday at the age of 93. The businessman succumbed to a “brief illness” during his stay at Lenox Hill Hospital. “Yesterday, my dad passed away at 93-1/2 years old while holding my mother’s hand. They had been married for 70 years. I knew this day would come but I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Just a month ago, he was swimming in a pool,” his son and successor, Stewie Leonard, Jr, said. Leonard opened his first dairy store in his native Norwalk, Connecticut, in 1969 after serving as a milkman for his family’s dairy business for several years. The 17,000 square foot store — which originally only carried just eight items — earned the “World’s Largest Dairy Store” title at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, as well as the place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the highest dollar sales per square foot of selling space. Leonard opened his second Connecticut location in 1991 and continued to expand until the chain popped up across New York and New Jersey. There are seven locations across the three states. He earned various accolades throughout his life, including the 1986 Presidential Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence bestowed upon him by then-President Ronald Reagan. The regional supermarket, valued at roughly $600 million, has enjoyed great success and was named as one of FORTUNE magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” ten years in a row — through recently suffered a 50% blow to Bud Light sales amid its controversial partnership with Dylan Mulvaney. Outside of running his $600 million business, Leonard was an avid outdoorsman and water skier. He won the 1956 North American Water Ski championship and set a world and national record in point totals for trick water skiing in 1959. Leonard stepped down as CEO in 2014 and handed the reigns over to his oldest son, Stewie. He leaves behind his wife, Marianne; children Stewie, Tom, Beth, and Jill; 13 grandchildren; and over 2,200 employees. “He always had an inspirational insight offering hope and a brighter future. Boy, am I going to miss that!” Stewie wrote.

Oh, brother! The Atlanta Braves have been celebrating home runs with an oversized hat this season, but that has been put to a stop after a complaint from the league's official on-field hat manufacturer. The Braves said they can no longer sport the oversized baseball cap to celebrate home runs after complaints from New Era, who did not manufacture the big hat being used by players in the dugout. The Braves began the celebration after More than Sports, a local sports memorabilia collector, gave the hat to Ozzie Albies and A.J. Minter during opening weekend. The Braves confirmed to WSB-TV in Atlanta that the celebration was nixed because of the request from New Era. The larger-than-life hat received a lot of play, as Atlanta currently ranks second in baseball in homers, trailing just the Tampa Bay Rays. The celebration had become a fan favorite in a few short weeks, inspiring social media content. But fans noticed the absence of the hat this week, drawing negative feedback on social media.

...where they become part of the cast of HACKS season 3.

Those are actually great ideas. Dottie & Ebun can decide to visit and spend several episodes on the road.

I'm sure you love your mom and are very proud of her, but she's lying to you. Somebody else started Meals-on-Wheels a long time ago.

Irony: Just last week Billy Gardell discussed his 150 pound (68 kg) weight loss after surgery, & this week the PTB are cutting the fat. This explains why Kemi (British-born & raised co-creator & co-producer Gina Yashere, who IS of Nigerian descent and anglicized the spelling of her name from Iashere) accepted Chukameka’s proposal — she’ll be busy with married life. Dele will go off to college. Bob’s work scenes will be at the new plant, but most of the characters will work at the original one. OR: Abishola gets accepted to medical school, she & Bob move there, and there are occasional trips home or visits from ~loved ones. They will have had 80 episodes by the end of this season, so one more full season would get them to the magic syndication number of 100 episodes. They are probably just cutting costs ahead of the final season. I have enjoyed the show but feel that it has run its course. The Goodwin-Kofu storyline has been annoying. Oh well! My brother in law's reaction:

A strange development at BHA: Only B & A are being brought back as series regulars for season 5. The 11 other cast members are downgraded to recurring, & guaranteed only 5 episodes apiece. As a result, they've all been told they're free to accept jobs on other shows.

my sister just sent me this text:

Is there a way to make it a monthly subscription feature? Charge a nominal fee, which you could use for the site or donate to LGBTQ causes ($2/mo = $24/yr) and then don't moderate it and let the folks rip each other to shreds, since they know what they are paying for and could opt out at any time. It could be your choice whether non-payers could view the section (but not reply, of course).

Zack Gallen, who had a long (41 inning?) scoreless streak late last season, started this one with 2 stinkers. His last 4? 27 IP, 11H, 0R, 1BB, 41K

BIG DUMPER tripled tonight. That must've been quite a sight!

Were you wearing a singlet? Did anybody videotape you?

He didn't get that job, but was hired today to coach the Houston Rockets. Abba Seafood AB, formerly Abba AB, with head offices in Gothenburg, Sweden, is a company producing preserved fish products. The main factory is located in Kungshamn. They never won a Novel Prize (or even a Nobel Prize), but they won the 1974 Eurovision song contest (as Olivia Neutron Bomb would go on to do in a subsequent year).

Monday marks exactly two decades since Melissa Joan Hart wrapped her seven-season run as Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and we still have big feelings about how it all went down. Fortunately, Sabrina herself was more than happy to tackle some of those questions in honor of the finale’s 20th anniversary. Read on for our Q&A with Hart, who dishes on the show’s open-ended conclusion, whether Aaron ever stood a chance against Harvey, the unfortunate absence of a certain aunt and much more… https://tvline.com/lists/sabrina-series-finale-ending-explained-reboot-revival-melissa-joan-hart/sabrina-cancelled-7-seasons/

But how do you REALLY feel?

Don't let the door hit you on the way out! The View's Studio Audience Erupts in Applause at Tucker Carlson's Fox News Departure Announcement

Yes, the firing of Lemon was very tart. We should do a telethon for him. We could call it LemonAid.

KILLING EVE's homicidal delight is killing it on Broadway: At the play “Prima Facie,” which opened Sunday night on Broadway, the audience is hit by two wildly different sensations. First, as we become fully absorbed by the harrowing story of Tessa, a brilliant young barrister whose life is horribly upended, there is great pain and sadness in watching her go through a trauma nobody should ever have to experience. Some viewers will be understandably overwhelmed by it all. Then, at curtain call, as we step outside of the drama and back into our seats at the John Golden Theatre, pure exhilaration washes over us — because we have just witnessed the emergence of an extraordinary new stage talent. That would be the sensational Jodie Comer, who won an Emmy Award for playing the Russian assassin Villanelle on TV’s “Killing Eve,” and is every bit as good — nay, even better — live and in-person. “Prima Facie,” which played London’s West End last year, somehow marks Comer’s professional stage debut. In the best of circumstances, when a film or TV star usually first treads the boards, they’re lauded for being surprisingly assured and confident — they hold their own, and you’re relieved you can actually hear them. But Comer goes far beyond our basic expectations and into the upper echelons of greatness. The 30-year-old actress is remarkably alive with both the nuclear energy of newness and the sturdy force of someone who’s been at it for decades. And “Prima Facie,” the one-woman play by Suzie Miller, is an ideal canvas for Comer’s prodigious skills. Her Tessa is a London lawyer who specializes in sexual-assault cases, and is especially adept at poking holes — sympathetically, she believes — in the plaintiffs’ fuzzy recollections. She sees herself as a master of “the game of law” and bats away suggestions that accused men hire her to defend them just because she’s a woman. But when she is raped at her apartment by a colleague who she’s been casually seeing, Tessa finds herself resenting and then opposing the very same system she has played a part in propping up. The plot, which spans more than two years, allows us to meet a multitude of Tessas: the swaggering lawyer at the start, the daughter who fights for her working-class mom’s approval, the fun-loving partier and, finally, the victim who battles against all odds. Most astonishing throughout are Comer’s quick shifts in posture, voice, pace and body language that instantly and impactfully reveal Tessa’s state of mind. The actress shoves heavy tables and chairs around the stage in director Justin Martin’s production, and looks drastically different by the end. I was in awe that I’d been in the room with the same person for an uninterrupted 100 minutes. Comer becomes many other characters, too — Tessa’s mother, her assailant, friends, professors, policemen — but this is not the sort of play in which we’re meant to marvel at an actor convincingly playing 30 different parts like this season’s one-man “A Christmas Carol.” It’s Tessa’s journey that’s gripping, and Comer makes it more so. Miller’s play itself is not always as sterling as the actress inhabiting it. At times, the piece invokes old tropes and cliches of one-person shows and veers into beat poetry territory. And some will find Tessa’s final direct-address monologue to be more of an on-message essay than an in-character speech. But when you reframe it as a lawyer delivering her closing remarks, the words make sense. Miller’s play works well in the end. At my performance, Comer took two quick, gracious bows as the audience kept on clapping. Why milk it? Surely she knows this won’t be her last standing ovation on Broadway. https://nypost.com/2023/04/23/prima-facie-review-brilliant-jodie-comer-is-a-must-see/