samhexum

A new art gallery named Ptolemy is quickly becoming a cultural cornerstone in Glendale, and its owner, Patrick Reynolds, is determined to make it a space that speaks to both artists and the community. After opening in late 2024, the gallery is poised for a significant year ahead as it continues to showcase local and international talent. Designed with the artists’ perspectives at the forefront, Ptolemy is set to provide a nurturing environment where creative voices can thrive and be celebrated. Reynolds, an artist with years of experience working in the art world, has always dreamed of opening a space dedicated to exhibiting and promoting art. Having worked in various galleries across Manhattan and other art studios, Reynolds was eager to create his own platform for the arts. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while,” he said. “When I saw a storefront open up close to home, I just decided to go for it.” The decision to open Ptolemy at 6733 Central Ave. in Glendale was not only a professional move but also a personal one. (he had an unrelenting need to be an 8-minute walk from @pubic_assistance's favorite German restaurant) After living in New York for more than a decade, Reynolds and his family moved to Glendale three years ago, and the gallery became an extension of his desire to support and contribute to his local community. “Glendale and definitely Ridgewood has a strong concentration of artists and a really thriving community,” he remarked. The gallery, located in Glendale’s vibrant, creative area, has already struck a chord with local art enthusiasts. The surrounding neighborhood, with its deep roots in the arts, provides a solid foundation for Reynolds’ vision. He is excited about fostering an inclusive atmosphere where people of all backgrounds can come together to experience and appreciate art. However, Reynolds’ ambitions for Ptolemy go beyond serving the arts community alone. As a family-oriented individual, he envisions the gallery as a place where families can participate in cultural events, workshops, and other programming. With a three-year-old child and a household that includes his wife and mother-in-law, Reynolds values creating a gallery that is open, inviting, and accessible to all. The current exhibition at Ptolemy, running until March 9, showcases the work of Shirley Irons, an accomplished artist who has had international recognition since the 1980s. Irons’ oil paintings on canvas and panels often focus on quiet, intimate moments, capturing the beauty of seemingly mundane objects. The exhibition features several small paintings of everyday objects like light switches and flowers, reflecting her recent shift from painting based on photographs to creating work directly from life. During the pandemic, she began painting floral arrangements in her studio, exploring the passage of time through flowers in various stages of bloom and decay. Reynolds is particularly drawn to Irons’ work’s contrast between life and death. This thought-provoking exploration of life’s transience is central to the current show. Following the success of Irons’ exhibition, Ptolemy will host a photography exhibition by Ridgewood-based artist Tom Wilson. The show, which opens on March 14 and runs through April 13, will also feature a book release of Wilson’s photographic work. Over the coming months, the gallery will offer a mix of different mediums, from photography and painting to sculpture and glasswork, ensuring that there is something for everyone. As Ptolemy prepares for its first full year, Reynolds is focused on cultivating a gallery space that champions artists’ creative voices and fosters an environment of connection and community. “I spent a lot of time working in galleries and working for artists, but I’m also an artist myself. So I think that a big thing with the gallery is that I’m operating it from an artist’s perspective,” he shared. For Reynolds, Ptolemy is not just a space for displaying art; it’s a place for artists to find a platform to showcase their work, engage with others, and build connections with both local and international audiences. In addition to its exhibitions, Ptolemy also offers a small retail footprint, where visitors can purchase records, snacks, mugs, and other items that complement the gallery’s artistic vibe. With its artist-driven ethos and commitment to fostering creativity, Ptolemy is set to become a major part of the cultural landscape in Glendale. Patrick Reynolds opened Ptolemy in Glendale as a space for the community to come together. The current exhibition at the gallery is from New York-based artist Shirley Irons. Irons likes to celebrate the quieter things in life with her work. Ptolemy is not just for art enthusiasts but is welcoming to all aspects of the community.

Penny A. LaVodka Pearl E. Gates Carrie Ng-Charges

Tom Llamas will replace him.

Are you super psyched for the finale of THE FLIP OFF tonight?

Eammon Walker will guest star in episode 18 of CHICAGO FIRE.

Sheldon's mother will appear in two episodes of THE CONNERS, playing scenes opposite Sheldon's mother.

I got a covid booster and pneumonia shot tonight. I figured 'who knows how long they'll still be available for free'?

Spin Bagel, a new health-conscious bagel shop, opened on Feb. 17 in Bayside, replacing the longtime neighborhood staple Top Bagel, which operated for more than 20 years before closing permanently in April. The new shop at 40-18 Bell Blvd. is owned by Queens natives Yvonne and Cliff Themistocleous, who aim to reinvent traditional breakfast favorites by offering clean ingredients and gut-friendly options, including sourdough bagels that are fermented for improved digestion. The couple, who have lived in Bayside for most of their lives, had long dreamed of opening their own business but waited for the right opportunity. Yvonne, a clinical dietitian with over 15 years of experience, and Cliff, who has a background in construction and a family history in the Manhattan deli business, saw potential in the former bagel shop’s location on the bustling neighborhood street. “I just felt if we were going to open a food establishment, I had to remain within the scope of my practice,” said Yvonne. “I just didn’t feel right providing foods that I know are not beneficial, nutritious, or healthy for the public. This location had been a bagel store for a long time. I think someone came in and said this place had been a bagel store for over 20, 30 years, so we figured, why reinvent the wheel?” Spin Bagel differentiates itself by using unbleached and unbromated flour, avoiding processed ingredients, and cooking exclusively with avocado oil, olive oil, or real butter. Their bagel recipe is vegan, and they do not offer cold cuts or processed meats. Instead, their turkey and roast beef are prepared in-house, and their French ham is uncured and nitrate-free. The shop also makes its own jellies from fresh fruit without preservatives. “We also carry a French ham that is uncured, so there’s no nitrates in any of our meats. That goes for our bacon and our Canadian bacon, and everything is pretty much clean ingredients,” said Yvonne. The concept stems in part from Cliff’s personal experience. He recalled how years of eating takeout while working in the city left him feeling sluggish and unhealthy until Yvonne helped him transition to a cleaner diet. “I was in bad shape, and then after we started eating clean, all of a sudden, I had more energy than ever, my joints didn’t hurt, and other problems just kind of went away, and I was very happy for it,” said Cliff. Beyond its bagels, Spin Bagel offers unique Greek-inspired items, including rustic bread from Greece and an ancient grain called Zia, as well as specialty bagels such as Zaatar and rosemary and olive oil. Their selection of cream cheese spreads includes flavors like spicy feta and fig.

Senator Addabbo partners w/ Taxi & Limo Commission to host Van Hailin’ resource event for drivers

Spin Bagel, a new health-conscious bagel shop, opened on Feb. 17 in Bayside, replacing the longtime neighborhood staple Top Bagel, which operated for more than 20 years before closing permanently in April. The new shop at 40-18 Bell Blvd. is owned by Queens natives Yvonne and Cliff Themistocleous, who aim to reinvent traditional breakfast favorites by offering clean ingredients and gut-friendly options, including sourdough bagels that are fermented for improved digestion. The couple, who have lived in Bayside for most of their lives, had long dreamed of opening their own business but waited for the right opportunity. Yvonne, a clinical dietitian with over 15 years of experience, and Cliff, who has a background in construction and a family history in the Manhattan deli business, saw potential in the former bagel shop’s location on the bustling neighborhood street. “I just felt if we were going to open a food establishment, I had to remain within the scope of my practice,” said Yvonne. “I just didn’t feel right providing foods that I know are not beneficial, nutritious, or healthy for the public. This location had been a bagel store for a long time. I think someone came in and said this place had been a bagel store for over 20, 30 years, so we figured, why reinvent the wheel?” Spin Bagel differentiates itself by using unbleached and unbromated flour, avoiding processed ingredients, and cooking exclusively with avocado oil, olive oil, or real butter. Their bagel recipe is vegan, and they do not offer cold cuts or processed meats. Instead, their turkey and roast beef are prepared in-house, and their French ham is uncured and nitrate-free. The shop also makes its own jellies from fresh fruit without preservatives. “We also carry a French ham that is uncured, so there’s no nitrates in any of our meats. That goes for our bacon and our Canadian bacon, and everything is pretty much clean ingredients,” said Yvonne. The concept stems in part from Cliff’s personal experience. He recalled how years of eating takeout while working in the city left him feeling sluggish and unhealthy until Yvonne helped him transition to a cleaner diet. “I was in bad shape, and then after we started eating clean, all of a sudden, I had more energy than ever, my joints didn’t hurt, and other problems just kind of went away, and I was very happy for it,” said Cliff. Beyond its bagels, Spin Bagel offers unique Greek-inspired items, including rustic bread from Greece and an ancient grain called Zia, as well as specialty bagels such as Zaatar and rosemary and olive oil. Their selection of cream cheese spreads includes flavors like spicy feta and fig. and a block away... Bayside Rite-Aid sells winning Take 5 ticket worth over $30K

Last night's episode wasn't bad (writes the only person on this site watching the show).

Job Posting: Baseball Research Analyst At Boras Corporation (you're welcome!) Position: Baseball Research Analyst — Full-time Location: Newport Beach, CA Description: The Boras Corporation has an immediate opening for a creative, well-organized team player with a genuine interest in a career in baseball. You will be working in an office-based setting with others responsible for handling a variety of research, statistical and analytical needs. The ideal candidate will have personal experience in a team-sports environment combined with ability to present complex information in a visual presentation. Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university (or sufficient relevant experience) Prior baseball or team sports experience Proficient in presentations, visual graphics, and Microsoft Excel Outstanding communication, analytical, and organizational skills Able to operate under short deadlines in a fast-paced environment Salary range: $60,000 to $80,000 To apply: Please send an email with the subject “Open BC Position” to [email protected] by the end of Sunday, March 16, 2025. Emails should include a PDF of your resume. Please, no cover letters. Additionally, the body of the email should contain the following, in this order: Your full contact information How you obtained this listing Any details about athletic experience Fluency in languages other than English Emails that do not contain all of this information will not be considered.

Moose Tacos is retiring.

Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair Lands at Powerhouse Arts in March The inaugural event will feature international print galleries, independent artists and academic print departments, reaffirming New York’s role in the fine art print market. Powerhouse Arts is set to launch the Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair, a new print-focused fair, from March 27-30. The event aims to reaffirm New York’s role as a key hub for fine art print fairs while expanding opportunities for printmakers, collectors and publishers, according to a press release. PHA, home to multiple print shops including the Powerhouse Arts Print Shop, the Digital Print Lab and the MGC Community Print Studio, has long served as a hub for artists producing ambitious print-based works in Gowanus. The new fair will offer renewed opportunities for artists, educators, collectors and print professionals to connect. “This first annual Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair will showcase some of the most innovative printers in the world while also allowing first-time print enthusiasts access to our in-house fabrication shops and studios," said PHA Printshop Director and fair leader Luther Davis. With Fine Arts Baltimore as a partner, the inaugural event will feature a diverse lineup, including 41 international print-focused art galleries, 28 independent artists and book arts makers and six academic print departments. “If there are no opportunities for younger, emerging artists and galleries, then there is no future for the sector. Powerhouse Arts is one of very few organizations that can and is willing to put a fair together with this intentionality. This marks a unique and exciting opportunity to rally the print community around this shared vision," said Ann Shafer of FAB. TICKETS START AT $15 ONE-DAY, THREE-DAY, AND VIP TICKETS NOW ON SALE Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair Lands at Powerhouse Arts in March - BKReader WWW.BKREADER.COM The inaugural event will feature international print galleries, independent artists and academic print departments... applause.wav excellent.wav Please Come Again.wav real & spectacular.wav self-destruct button.wav Thank you, precious!.wav That's the way I like it.wav The next button you push....wav woo hoo.wav what's new pussycat.wav toodle-oo.wav crickets.wav

Don't worry about it... I wasn't at all concerned.

There's a point in the Gordon Grant/Nick Rodgers classic Hot Truckin' in which they pick up a guy riding his bike near their box truck, which is parked along a curb. There is a street sign on a pole on the corner in the background. One night I was bored and decided I had to find a current Street view of that location, and I eventually did, only to find that they had cleared away a great deal of greenery from the spot and the location where the truck had been parked looked very different… And the truck wasn't there anymore, either.

There was a BBC miniseries (that the Roseanne/Meryl Streep movie She Devil was based on) in which the lead character has it done.

I saw the headline and thought, 'donations'? In a way, the answer is 'yes'.

Inside Florida’s brewing condo crisis as property values drop in once-coveted retirement haven A slow-motion crisis is unfolding in Florida’s condo market, threatening to upend the state’s image as a haven for retirees and reasonably priced beach living. Owners of the state’s older condos are bracing for steep special assessments, while racing to sell their homes and receiving only tepid buyer response. Amid a property market that’s still vibrant for nearly every other segment, Florida’s aging condominiums are losing value. And nearly 1,400 buildings are now blacklisted from receiving mortgage financing, making those apartments an even-tougher sell. At the heart of this turmoil is a basic reality: Florida’s aging condo buildings desperately need repairs, and state officials are forcing them to assess (and pay for) those long-overdue upgrades. Under a law enacted after the tragic 2021 collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, which saw 98 people lose their lives, condo boards may no longer defer major structural improvements to another day — or decade. The “Building Safety Act” required every condo tower in Florida aged 30 years or older to complete a structural integrity study by the end of 2024, to get a full grasp of what problems need fixing. This year, the tab for those repairs comes due. Condo boards must now set aside funds to fix the issues found in those studies — from concrete restoration to balcony overhauls. And the assessments on individual condo owners are looking both pricey and unsettling. “You’re going to see a massive reduction in the value of these buildings based on these giant special assessments and the work that has to be done,” said Orest Tomaselli, CEO of Strategic Inspections, which advises condo boards nationally on how to shore up their reserves. In Florida buildings he’s worked with, Tomaselli has seen special assessments as low as $250 per month, to a property that levied $2,500 per month, per unit owner, for a three-year stretch. “There are real people in these units that may be displaced,” Tomaselli said of the assessments, “that may lose their nest egg and may lose tremendous amounts of value in their units.” At Aventura’s Mediterranean Village, a waterfront condo complex with a marina out front, unit owners were hit with six-figure special assessments last year, some as high as $400,000, according to published reports. At Miami’s Cricket Club, a 50-year-old waterfront tower burdened with $134,000 special assessments per condo, 23 of the building’s 217 condos are currently for sale, according to brokerage Compass. In a Miami market where the median condo price was $445,000 in the fourth quarter of last year, condos at the Cricket Club are seeking buyers with prices as low as $220,000 for a 1,950-square-foot two-bedroom on the 19th floor. (The owner initially sought $330,000). Meanwhile, at Summit Towers in Hollywood, a building-wide special assessment of $56 million led to the ousting of four board members in a January election, in favor of new members who promised “a more moderate approach” to building up reserves, said Amy Greenberg, a broker and resident of the building with several listings there. “A lot of people moved here to be able to retire and live their life here, and they’re on fixed incomes,” said Kathleen DiBona, a 50-year resident of Hollywood who serves as president of the Hollywood Beach Civic Association. “They’re having a difficult time being able to manage all that’s coming and hitting them.” Many owners whom DiBona knows in Hollywood, a city dotted with older towers, are seeking to off-load units with little success. Others, she said, have dropped insurance coverage for their condos so they can manage to pay their special assessments. Failure to pay these assessments will impact more than just the individual owners who can’t afford them. If 15% of unit owners in a building default, the entire property could become ineligible for mortgage financing, according to Tomaselli of Strategic Inspections. “What happens if nobody can get a loan to buy a unit in your building?” says Joseph Hernandez, a Miami-based partner in the real estate group of law firm Bilzin Sumberg. “It essentially makes the units in your building unsaleable and it makes the value of those units go down. “We may see a lot of condo projects go into distress.” Some could already be getting close. In February, Fannie Mae, the national mortgage finance agency, updated its running list of “unavailable” US condo buildings, meaning they are no longer eligible for mortgage financing. Of the 4,885 buildings currently on the list, 29% are located in Florida, the highest share of any state. The top reason: “critical repairs or deferred maintenance,” according to a person familiar with the roster. One newly flagged example is 4000 Island Blvd., a 32-story condominium in Aventura’s exclusive Williams Island, which was built in 1985 and added to Fannie Mae’s no-lending list in January. At least 24 unit owners are trying to sell, according to Compass. Barry Sytner, the condo board’s president, called the building’s inclusion on Fannie Mae’s list “incorrect,” noting that the property just secured a bank loan commitment to cover expenses tied to its 40-year inspection. There are roughly 1.1 million condo units in Florida that are 30 years old or more, and subject to the new law, according to the Florida Policy Project. Of those, 58% are concentrated along the Southwest and Southeast coastal counties, in places like Tampa, Clearwater and the greater Miami metro area, including Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach County. That means the law’s reach extends to more than half of all condo owners in Florida’s famed retirement enclaves. According to brokerage ISG World, apartments that are over 30 years old accounted for 86% of all Southeast Florida condo listings in the fourth quarter of 2024 — a total of 17,198 properties for sale across Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Yet even as thousands of newcomers flock to the region, these abundant and discounted units are languishing on the market, weighed down by the threat of special assessments and uncertainty over looming repair costs. “The fear of the unknown is scaring the hell out of potential buyers,” said Craig Studnicky, ISG’s chief executive officer. “Remember that show, ‘Let’s Make a Deal?’ ” Studnicky said. “They may get a special assessment and it could be quite modest, which means you just made one hell of a deal. But what if you’re wrong, and the special assessment is gargantuan? Not only is the special assessment big, but the scope of construction is big, and you’re going to be living in a construction site for the next two years.” The full extent of special assessments is still an open question for many Florida properties. While the state deadline for condos to submit their structural integrity studies was on Dec. 31, only 39% of buildings in Southeast Florida have done so, according to the Miami Association of Realtors. Some of that’s because engineers were simply not available, amid a statewide rush to get these studies completed. Others could be gambling that enforcement won’t be robust or swift, said Peter Zalewski, a Miami-based broker, analyst and condo investment consultant. “You have buildings that are shopping for studies, because maybe they’re coming in too high, and maybe they can find someone who can lowball it,” Zalewski said. “People are figuring out what to do,” Zalewski added. “They think there will be a silver bullet, some kind of cure in the upcoming Florida legislative session” amid outcry from condo owners The state legislature, which convenes its 2025 session March 4, has no plans to bail out condos or offer reprieve from the deadlines to fund repairs, Florida legislative leaders said at a condo conference last month held by Miami Realtors, according to Homes.com. Lawmakers, however, might consider financing solutions to help condos cover the cost of structural studies and maintenance, including allowing reserve funds they set aside to be invested. Despite some maintenance challenges, Florida’s older condos still reflect the only affordable opportunity at homeownership for those who can’t swing the price tags of Miami’s new crop of ultra-luxury developments, says Scott Diffenderfer, a Miami-Beach-based broker for Compass who specializes in sales of older units. He says he’s pretty upfront with potential buyers these days about the scope and costs of repair that some of his listings will undergo. Brokers view the new regulations and mandatory repairs as a necessary correction to Florida’s once-lax condo standards, Diffenderfer explained. Previously, buyers had little insight into a building’s true condition — much like purchasing a used car without a Carfax report. Now, with stricter enforcement requiring proper reserves and full disclosure of maintenance history, brokers say the condo market could become more transparent and ultimately unlock greater value for owners. “For probably 75% of the buildings in South Florida, when the dust settles, people are going to say, ‘You know what? That was painful. But look at these buildings!’ ” Studnicky said. “They’re in great shape.” Oshrat Carmiel is the publisher of Highest & Best, a newsletter on South Florida real estate and wealth migration, and a former real estate reporter for Bloomberg News. Inside Florida's brewing condo crisis as property values drop in... NYPOST.COM New assessments are making Florida condos harder to sell.

‘Megalodon’ goldfish went from ‘cute to brute’ in waterway as experts issue dire warning A pet store goldfish went from “cute to brute” after it was found in a Pennsylvania waterway – with experts now warning against dumping unwanted fish into ponds and lakes. The invasive species, which can grow up to four pounds when released into the wild, was caught during a survey at Presque Isle State Park in Erie, the US Fish and Wildlife Service said on Facebook Tuesday, with a photo of the hefty orange fish. Wildlife officials warned that goldfish grow massive when discarded into the wild, threatening native fish species by stealing food and turning bodies of water into “murky messes.” Anglers are also prohibited from using goldfish as bait in the Keystone State, a practice that is only legal in 16 states, experts said. Officials believe the creature – which they referred to as a “megalodon” – was swimming with the fishes for at least two years. “If you can’t keep your fish, rehome it,” the wildlife agency said, while providing a webpage to followers on “How to break up with your goldfish (the right way).” “Just don’t let it loose.”

Florida woman spray-paints wrong car while trying to get back at ex-boyfriend: ‘Devil’ A Florida woman is accused of spray-painting hateful messages, including “Devil,” on a car she thought belonged to her ex-boyfriend as part of a deranged plot to settle a debt worth $700. Evelina Fabianski, 18, tried to get back at her past love when she and her 16-year-old friend mistakenly egged and spray-painted a neighbor’s car in Deltona, Fla., on Feb. 26, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office. “Oops, wrong car,” police quipped on Facebook. The messy aftermath included smashed eggs and eggshells running down the windshield and driver’s side door while the bright yellow lettering and smiley face emojis defaced the vehicle’s body. Bodycam footage obtained by the outlet captured the moment police confronted the brazen duo while Fabianski’s alleged accomplice tried to walk away from any wrongdoing. “I’m not involved,” the teen yelled out. Deputies claimed that the teen was “covered head to toe” in yellow paint. “You really need to try harder to be sneaky because you are god awful,” police told Fabianski and her pal. “You guys spray-painted the wrong damn car.” Deputies reported that they saw the two teens driving with open containers of Four Loko in “plain view” along with an empty Crown Royal bottle, over 20 grams of marijuana and a can of yellow spray paint.

Gen Z ‘task-masking’ in the office & it’s destroying potential career growth The “Z” stands for “zero effort.” Gen Z employees are hiding how little they’re doing at work by “task masking,” a trend that is taking over TikTok — and the office. In order to “task mask,” employees are making themselves appear like they are doing a lot of work, when in reality, they’re actually barely working. While the phenomenon isn’t necessarily new, the behavior is cropping up again as more companies enforce return-to-office mandates. “Companies that demand their employees return to the office are sending a message that presence equals productivity,” Amanda Augustine, career coach at career.io, told Fortune. “This [trend] reflects young professionals’ beliefs that time and ‘face time’ at work isn’t equal to their outcome and impact.” While Jenni Field, the founder and CEO of Redefining Communications, argued that people who do not want to work simply won’t, she also told the publication that miscommunication and micromanagement could be to blame for the rise in “task masking.” “If someone is not delivering results, the issue is not where they are working but how they are being managed,” she explained. “If people are required to be in the office, there should be a clear purpose beyond just being seen, especially if the work could be done from home,” she continued. “If that purpose is missing, employees and leaders need to work together to redefine what in-person work should look like and address the root causes of task masking.” Managers told Fortune that they’ve seen an increase in unnecessary meetings or taking too long on simple tasks. One human resources director claimed their company, which went unnamed, even saw a surge in mouse movement software. City CV CEO and founder Victoria McLean told the outlet that the act of “task masking” should signal to managers that an issue needs to be addressed. “If employees feel the need to task mask, the question isn’t ‘Why aren’t they working harder?’ It’s ‘Why don’t they feel their real work is valued?’” she explained. “When people are putting more effort into appearing productive than actually being productive, there’s likely a trust or engagement issue at play.” A Workhuman survey from 2024 found that 36% of employees faked productivity — a trend dubbed “fauxductivity” — with 70% of those claiming it did not have any effect on their results in the workplace. “This indicates that the key reasons for ‘task masking’ may not be due to a refusal to do work, but rather from feelings of burn-out from being in the office or not having enough work to fill their hours in the office,” Augustine noted. But experts warn young workers that consistently “task masking” may signal that the work environment isn’t a good fit — and could hinder their career growth. To beat “task masking,” they advised that, instead of looking busier, ask for more work. “Your career isn’t built on desk hours; it’s built on results, relationships, and reputation. If you don’t see the value in being in the office, have an open conversation with your employer,” McLean said. If the culture still values performative work over real contribution, you might want to reconsider whether that’s the right environment for your growth.”

Three Minnesota Twins players are feeling fortunate after narrowly avoiding a car crash while driving to Monday’s road exhibition game. Reliever Jorge Alcala was in the lead car and outfielder Matt Wallner and infielder Edouard Julien were driving together behind him when, a speeding vehicle, coming from the opposite direction, drove through a grass median and went flying through the air, barely missing both cars, the players said. The three Twins were en route to Port Charlotte, Fla., where they were scheduled to play the Tampa Bay Rays, and had just left the team’s spring training site when the incident occurred, they said. Julien said he was alerted to the near-miss when Wallner, who was at the wheel of their car, began to scream obscenities. “I’ve never heard Wallner scared like that,” Julien said. “I look up, and I just see a car that’s in a ditch, like in the middle of the road, just going through bushes and going through trees, smaller trees. And all of a sudden, (the car) just jumps up, like six feet in the air. … He almost collided with Alcala, and he almost collided with us at the same time. It was kind of crazy. I saw under the car, too, that’s how far up he was.” Alcala was a passenger in a vehicle driven by his brother, Juan. He said his brother was driving approximately 40 mph when the other vehicle nearly hit them. “I saw everything,” Alcala said through an interpreter. “It flew over us. It was something really scary, a little traumatizing. But thanks to God. Every time I leave my home, I thank God for another day.” Afterward, Wallner pulled even with Alcala’s car as they headed for Interstate-75 and the pitcher tapped his chest as if to indicate his heart was racing, Julien said. Following the car flying past them, Julien said he looked back and didn’t see any signs of an accident. “There wasn’t any car behind us, so I think he kind of got back on the road,” Julien said of the vehicle that nearly hit them. “I don’t know what happened to him, but he needs to lose his driver’s license.” With no incident to report, both vehicles continued driving for Port Charlotte. Wallner played in Monday’s game and flew out to deep right field in his only at-bat, a no-doubt home run on most days that was knocked down by heavy wind. Julien also started in the game, but never had a chance to hit as the contest was rained out after two innings. Following the game, Julien jokingly requested that Twins media report he looked good at the plate, which drew a laugh from his teammates. Alcala pitched an inning in Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, walking a batter and striking out one.

Soccer Player's Kid Bites Ref's Crotch Forcing Match to Be Canceled don't you hate it when that happens? https://www.aol.com/lifestyle/german-soccer-players-child-bites-195911052.html A recent soccer match in Germany was postponed after an unfortunate injury to a referee. According to the Latin Times, Rheinische Post, and National World, the incident occurred just before the match between FC Taxi Duisburg II and FC Rot-Weiss Mülheim began on Sunday, Feb. 23. Referee Stefan Kahler was reportedly conducting his routine pre-game checks of the players' passports when a "small child" who was on the field "doing gymnastics" gave him a "sharp" bite on his left testicle. The young child was later identified as the son of a player on the Taxi Duisburg football team. Kahler's injury was so painful that he "buckled over" in pain, per the reports, and he was unable to perform his scheduled duties as referee. Kahler later explained, "While I was checking the FC Taxi players' ID, a small child was doing warm-up exercises alongside the players. He came closer and closer to me, then suddenly - to my complete surprise - gave me a sharp bite in my left testicle," according to National World. "It was the child of one of the FC Taxi players who was to blame," he confirmed, adding that he "did not start the game" on Sunday "because of the pain I was in and the situation." The player whose son bit Kahler was not identified. The two football clubs will play each other at a later date after needing to reschedule the match following the bizarre injury. It has not yet been made clear if Kahler will referee the match.