samhexum

of course

The amazing Irishman from Japan has been on a stolen base binge lately and is up to 28 of 32, after having middling percentages whilst with the Angels. He's now on pace for a 40/40 season.

The Yankees signed 30-year-old Brett Phillips, an excellent defensive outfielder who is incredibly fast and an excellent base Runner, and can't hit for his life… Which is why they signed him as a pitcher after he hit 97 in a semi pro game yesterday.

It WAS terrible. but there were about a half dozen or so episodes over the years that dealt with more serious stuff that were actually pretty decent, though simplistic. In the final season there was an episode in which Blair got stuck in an elevator with a Holocaust survivor that was poignant. In an early episode that had Natalie dating Dorothy's (I refuse to call her Tootie if she's the bitch who ruined things) cousin, it caused friction between the girls over the racial aspect. Then there was the 2 part episode in which Blair's cousin, Jan Brady, visited and declared Marcia! Marcia! Marcia! that she was going to become a nun, which Blair didn't handle well (which was interesting given Welchel's strong religious beliefs, which made her refuse to play Blair having sex and skipping the episode in which Natalie became the first one to have sex with her boyfriend). An episode set 40 years in the future was stupid but had a hilarious performance by Dorothy as an aging grand dame actress. I also remember off the top of my head... An episode in which Natalie is attacked while walking across campus at night. An interview-style episode about "The Women of Eastland" that had each girl & Mrs. Garrett talking about their experiences. A sweet, though not great, episode in which Natalie gets to date a hot guy named Denny, only to realize they are too different for it to work. A really dumb episode, in which Jo borrowed Blair's watch without asking and broke it and then blew the whole thing off as insignificant, leading Blair to take her to small claims court, had one good scene at the end in which the two discuss what it was like for Jo to watch Blair be so cavalier about her money.

celibacy

I'm guessing he is: Catholic priest outed for using Grindr sues dating app for allegedly selling data

you're welcome!

born the same day as yours truly

DEAR ABBY: I worked for 11 years in the accounting department of a busy law firm. During my tenure, my three much younger colleagues married and started families. Due to the inevitable trials of raising kids, planned, unplanned and often simultaneous absences became commonplace, which left me to run the department alone. During my last performance review, which I presumed to be confidential, I shared with our boss my exhaustion and health-impacting stress. My appeal for additional personnel was rejected. Rather than address the matter in the context of firm productivity, our boss informed each of my co-workers that I had complained about their chronic absenteeism, drawing charges that I, a middle-aged male with no children, was “insensitive” to their familial obligations. I mended fences to the best of my ability but resigned shortly thereafter. I never confronted my boss, and he was never aware I had any knowledge of his manipulation. He now contacts me monthly to feign concern for my health and tell me how much I am missed, all of which is disingenuous. As my former colleagues have now left the firm and face no retribution, I would like to end his contacts with an appropriate expression of my contempt. Or should I simply block him and be done with it? — MOVED ON IN ARIZONA DEAR MOVED ON: As a former employee of that firm, you are under no obligation to have any more contact with your former boss. If you are still in the working world, refrain from venting about your contempt. Simply express that you prefer he not call you again. If he asks why, you would be within your rights to tell him you know he violated your confidence, which is why you left the firm. IF EVER THERE WAS A SITUATION THAT CALLED FOR A WORKPLACE MASS SHOOTING, THIS WAS IT, BUT YOU MISSED YOUR CHANCE WHEN THE YOUNGER BITCHES LEFT THE FIRM. KILLING YOUR EX-BOSS MIGHT FEEL GOOD (and bring some justice to the situation) BUT THE HASSLES INVOLVED WITH YOUR ARREST & TRIAL WOULDN’T BE WORTH IT, SO UNLESS YOU ARE PLANNING TO KILL YOURSELF AFTERWARD, JUST LET IT GO. DEAR ABBY: Last year, I reconnected with a childhood friend. We met for dinner a few times with our husbands, and everything seemed fine. They keep asking us to take a trip together, but I don’t feel we know them well enough to spend that much time with them. I’m also becoming uncomfortable when we are together. She says things like she told her mother she was meeting me for dinner and her mother said, “I’m jealous.” Her husband tells me she says I’m her favorite person, EVER. She constantly sends me silly things on social media. I have now backed off even meeting them for dinner because I feel crowded by her. She recently texted me asking if she had done anything to offend me. I explained that I had a lot of work issues right now and was not good company — I hoped it would be enough. I don’t want to hurt her feelings, but I don’t want to encourage her friendship, either. Should I leave it alone, or say something more? — SMOTHERED IN GEORGIA DEAR SMOTHERED: Listen to your intuition. I don’t think you need to do more than you are already doing, which is distancing yourself. If you are confronted directly again, remind her that you and your husband are busy people and you do not have the time to devote to cultivating a closer social relationship. YOU’LL HAVE BO CHOICE BUT TO KILL THE BITCH. DEAR ABBY: My daughter is 16. She has been with her boyfriend, who is 18, for a year. She says she loves him, but she doesn’t want to go on dates. She also doesn’t like to give him hugs (the only type of affection that is shown). I have told her it’s OK if she doesn’t like him like that, and it’s OK to not have a boyfriend at all. She says she doesn’t want to talk about it. I am concerned because this isn’t normal. He gets to see her only when she allows him to come to our house. She could go weeks without seeing him and be OK. He is so in love with my daughter that I don’t think he will ever end their relationship. I just want her to be happy, and she doesn’t seem to be. I try to let her figure things out herself, but her dad and I are at a loss. How can we help her? — SOMETHING’S OFF IN OHIO DEAR OFF: You and your husband should stay out of this. This is your daughter’s problem (if there IS a problem) to resolve. She may like this young man only as a friend, or she may be taking her time figuring out where her true feelings lie. Once she does, SHE will end it. If her boyfriend (I use this term advisedly) wants more than he’s receiving, he will eventually draw the line himself. WAKE UP & SMELL THE SCENTED CANDLES- YOUR DAUGHTER'S A DYKE. DEAR ABBY: I’m a 50-year-old man, married for 17 years with two kids. I have a mostly good marriage, but I have been noticing things that bother me. Almost daily, my wife seems to insult me or make a sarcastic comment. I work long hours because of the nature of my job, which my wife claims I am a slave to. Whenever I get a raise, my wife says, “Is that all?” She never seems happy with what I make. We’re in debt, but she works part time at what she calls a “princess job” that pays well per hour, but she works only three days a week. Sometimes, however, she doesn’t work for months. My wife seems uninterested in anything I try to tell her that isn’t about her. While she cooks, I handle most of the other chores. I have grown less content with my situation recently, although I admit I’m not without my faults. This has me wondering if there’s something wrong with me. I wonder, if I can’t make my wife happy, would I be able to make anyone happy? A friend told me he thinks I have been mentally abused for years. Could it be true? There are times when things feel fine. This is embarrassing to ask, but have I really been abused? Has it been going on for a long while and I’m just noticing it now? — LESS THAN HAPPY IN MICHIGAN DEAR LESS THAN: Your friend may have a point. It’s not just women who are subjected to spousal abuse; it happens to men, too. Your wife is hardly supportive if she snipes at you on a daily basis and refuses to recognize your achievements at work. I wish you had mentioned why you and your wife are in debt. It may contribute to the stress that has been happening in your marriage. While I hesitate to advise you to take on any more expenses, it might benefit you to talk with a licensed counselor, HIT MAN whether it be for you and your wife, or you alone. DEAR ABBY: My 25-year-old son lives with his two girlfriends, who are also romantically involved with each other. They share a single bedroom. One of them has a baby due this week, and the other has made noises about wanting a child. I don’t approve of this arrangement and can’t see it ending well. I love my son and I have a good relationship with all three of them, but it flies in the face of my upbringing and beliefs. My question: How do I deal with this threesome if they come stay at my house? I don’t want this going on under my roof, but I don’t know how to assign bedrooms. If it were just two of them in a committed relationship, I could suck it up and put them together, but all three? I think my son knows me well enough to (hopefully) make that decision before coming here. I’m afraid if I assign bedrooms according to my convictions, it will lead to a falling-out. Any advice? — CONFLICTED DAD IN OHIO DEAR DAD: Discuss your feelings with your son as soon as he tells you he and his “extended family” want to stay at your home. Explain that what goes on in his dwelling is his business, but in your home, you prefer the three of them (or four, once the baby arrives) not share one room, and let him decide where everyone sleeps. (This would include staying in a nearby hotel or motel during their visit, which might be more comfortable for them.) PUT THEM ALL IN ONE ROOM, HIDE WEBCAMS, STREAM THEM 24/7, AND FUND YOUR RETIREMENT (or the kid’s college fund; that might make the cost of the cameras tax-deductible; talk to your accountant, as I am only an expert on advice, not tax law). DEAR ABBY: My parents are in their early 70s and have been married 51 years. They have two homes — one in the Midwest and another in the South. They used to go back and forth between them together, but for the past two years, they have basically lived in separate states. In total, they spend about two months a year together, and Mom complains nonstop when they are together. She is concerned only with herself and having fun, and she has progressively ignored my dad, my brother, her grandchildren and me. I’m so angry with her that I think my dad should divorce her. She stays with him only for his money and admits it to me and all of her friends. Should I tell Dad to divorce her? I don’t understand why he puts up with her behavior. I’m convinced once he dies (his health is worse than hers), we will never hear from her again. — FRUSTRATED AND HURT IN THE MIDWEST DEAR FRUSTRATED: Many marriages are close and loving ones; others are what I would call “arrangements.” Your parents apparently have the latter because it may work better for them (possibly for religious or financial reasons) than divorce. Please refrain from telling your father what to do. I have a strong hunch he has thought this through, KNOWS YOUR MOTHER IS A BITCH, WISHES HE COULD KILL HER, BUT IS TOO MUCH OF A PUSSY TO DO SO. As to your relationship with dear old Mom THE GOLD-DIGGING WHORE, you have my sympathy. You may need a therapist HITMAN to deal with her selfishness and rejection of you, your brother and the grandchildren. DEAR ABBY: I’m a Chinese man born in the United States. My girlfriend, whom I’ve yet to meet in person, lives in China and is 24 years younger than I am. (I live in California.) We’re awaiting approval of paperwork with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. We have both been divorced twice. She has a grown son (single) in his 30s in Japan. My two children are in their 50s and self-sufficient. We both are Christian and educated. Her English proficiency is fair to good. I’m a physician; she’s a teacher. We are kind, gentle, patient people. We plan to meet and, hopefully, marry. She would relocate to the U.S., and I might continue to work part time. From what I’ve told you, how would you rate our chances of marital success? — HOPING FOR THE BEST DEAR HOPING: Are you absolutely certain that this woman is who she says she is? Many people have been duped by someone they met on the internet. Have you discussed this with your adult children, who might be more tech-savvy? (I hope so!) You and this woman have never seen each other in person and have no idea what the chemistry between the two of you would be like. When she arrives, take sufficient time to get to know each other, observe each other in various situations (including stressful ones) and figure out whether your personalities and lifestyles mesh. Because of these unanswered questions, I think your chances of success are about 50-50. AS THEY SAY IN CHINA, MAZEL TOV! (they say it, but nobody understands it) Edited Wednesday at 02:54 AM by samhexum to ensure maximum delight for the reader!

Why would a humble Chinese noodle maker be buried in a tomb fit for an emperor? And why would a Westerner – complete with blonde hair – be important enough to commemorate on its walls? Archaeologists in northern China have unearthed a small but richly decorated 1,200-year-old tomb on a mountain outside Taiyuan, the capital of China’s northern Shanxi province. It dates from China’s Tang Dynasty (618-907AD), a period coinciding with the end of Western Europe’s Dark Ages. And it’s full of surprises. The Shanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology first made the discovery during a 2018 road construction survey. But, according to the State-run Xinhua newsagency, they’ve only recently released their findings. A tombstone epitaph states its owner died at home in the 24th year of Kaiyuan (736AD) at the age of 63. His wife, Guo, was buried there the same year. The archaeologists found an exceptionally well-preserved, brightly colored single-chamber brick structure. Reds, yellows and oranges cover its whitewashed walls and ceiling. And amid it all stands a stark stone coffin bed on which the couple are believed to have been placed. But the stark, clear artwork caught the eye of researchers. It doesn’t tell the expected tale of great battles or successful hunts. Nor does it place its occupants amid the pomp and pageantry of the imperial court. Instead, the murals show them hard at work under the watchful eye of magical beasts. And trading with a Westerner. The noodle maker A bold, sweeping botanical design marks the entrance. Three pairs of yellow-robed figures line the doorway and passage. The pair at the door hold jade tablets, which Xinhua reports reveals them to be “gatekeepers”. A pair inside the portico appear to be welcoming visitors. And a pair just inside the tomb itself are guardians armed with swords. Fantastical beasts (at least one of which is a dragon) weave between thick red banners, dividing the conical ceiling into four equal parts. And 12 regularly-sized red-bordered panels stand beneath. Many appear to show the same ethnic Han man, based on the consistency of his appearance and clothing. These may be different stages of the unnamed tomb owner’s life and career. But the Xinhua report says experts also speculate that the stylistic pictures may represent his particular “virtues”. One shows him holding a ritualistic jade tablet. Another shows him facing a tomb. And another where he’s confronting a snake. Others show him chopping wood, pointing to a tree while holding a cup, and one scene – without people – of a plant with withered flowers. One panel, in particular, appears to show both the husband and wife immersed in the process of making rice noodles. They’re seen doing everything from carting water, threshing grains, using grinding and mill stones, and forming dough balls. Chinese archaeologists say the strong outlines, simple shading and efficient two-dimensional designs make the tomb’s artwork distinct from other works from the same era. The ‘Westerner’ One of the boldest tomb panels shows a woman dressed in an ornate, multi-colored gown and holding a chequered box. Behind her is a yellow-blonde-haired man with a whip leading three saddled horses and a two-humped camel. The Chinese archaeologists believe this shows contact with distant lands through the Silk Road trading route, which had been in operation for almost 800 years before the tomb was painted. “Based on his facial features and outfit style, we can identify him as a ‘Westerner,’ likely a Sogdian from Central Asia,” Professor Victor Xiong told LiveScience. The Sogdian people lived in an area now known as Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, a central hub in the Silk Road network linking Asia and Europe. Xinhua states camels – while not native to China – were a relatively common feature of artwork of the Tang Dynasty era to highlight the importance of international trade. Whomever the noodle maker was, he had regal tastes. The South China Morning Post quotes the director of the Jinyang Ancient City Archaeological Institute, Long Zhen, as saying the unique artistic style was very similar to that found in the tomb of Prince Wang Shenzi (renamed Emperor Taizu of Min – the founder of the Min dynasty during the Ten Kingdoms period – after his death). Prince Wang rose through the ranks of administrators to become a military governor, chancellor and eventually anointed as a prince. Legend has it Wang was a frugal man and a fair judge, leading his lands into an era of prosperity. “Dr Long hypothesized that the same artist may have painted both Wang’s tomb and the newly discovered mural,” the SCMP states. But Prince Wang died on December 31, 925 AD. That’s 189 years after the noodle maker’s tomb was sealed. https://nypost.com/2024/07/27/world-news/researchers-amazed-by-miraculous-find-in-1200-year-old-tomb-in-china/

NOW A YANKEE

The 2 Irishmen vying for the NL HR crown both homered today... O'htani hit his 32nd & O'zuna hit his 30th.

I LOVE A VISUAL PUN (OR TWO):

talk about real estate 'finds'... For more than a century, this quaint seaside enclave in California has clung to its whimsical ways, shunning street addresses in favor of charming directional descriptors and fanciful home names. But now, the beloved tradition is set to become a thing of the past. In a contentious 3-2 vote earlier this month, the Carmel-by-the-Sea City Council decided to break with tradition and assign street numbers to all buildings in the town of 3,200, reported the Los Angeles Times. Proponents argue that this move is crucial for public safety and necessary to comply with the state fire code, which mandates building numbers. “Do we need to wait for someone to die in order to decide that this is the right thing to do? It is the law,” said Councilmember Karen Ferlito, who cast her vote in favor of the change. Carmelites have cherished their unique navigation system. Instead of street addresses, locals have long relied on directional cues — City Hall is on the east side of Monte Verde Street between Ocean and 7th avenues — and property names like Sea Castle and Faux Chateau. But as online shopping surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, so did frustrations with the town’s lack of street numbers. Residents struggled with lost packages, utility setups and medical deliveries, and some feared for their safety in emergencies. “This is a life-and-death situation in my life and my family,” said Deanna Dickman, a concerned resident who spoke at the City Council meeting. “I want a street address that people can find on GPS and get there, and my wife can get the medication she needs.” Dickman’s wife requires a refrigerated shot delivered by mail. A previous delivery was tossed over a fence and ruined. Susan Bjerre recounted a similar ordeal when she needed oxygen delivered for a hospital discharge. “I will be in the street. I will wave you down,” Bjerre said. Opponents of the change argue that assigning addresses will erode the town’s cherished character. “We are losing this place, day by day and week by week, from people who want to modernize us, who want to take us to a new level,” said Neal Kruse, co-chair of the Carmel Preservation Association. “We want to stay where we are.” Artist and longtime resident Alice Cory voiced concerns that addressing the town would strip it of its signature appeal. “Let’s keep the sweetness of this little town, because people know Carmel for a reason,” Cory said. City administrative analyst Emily Garay highlighted the practical necessity of the change. “While local authorities might be familiar with Carmel’s unconventional navigation, other emergency responders might struggle to quickly locate residents,” Garay explained. Andrew Miller, Chief of the Monterey Fire Department, supported the move, stating, “If the question is, ‘Is it more advantageous to have building numbers identified?’ Yes, absolutely.” Some residents worry that the new addresses might lead to home mail delivery, potentially jeopardizing the town’s beloved post office where residents head to collect their deliveries. However, David Rupert of the US Postal Service told the publication that the post office, established in 1889, has no plans to close. The post office’s lobby was recently red-tagged after a car crash, adding fuel to the fire of concerns. Before casting his dissenting vote, Mayor Dave Potter expressed concerns “about the fact that we’re kind of losing our character of our community along the way here.” But Ferlito countered that addressing concerns is about more than preserving the character of Carmel-by-the-Sea. “If we’re saying we will lose our quaintness because we have an address, I think that’s a false narrative,” she said. “This is more than quaintness. This is life emergencies.” 'quaint' is nice; being able to have an emergency vehicle find you is even nicer.

Stop & Shop closes all store delis after Boar’s Head recall over listeria fears

Wild black bear and cub trapped in car shred vehicle to pieces Trapped inside a car, the adult black bear and cub thrashed about. The horn was blaring and the radio blasting. Outside the car, a second cub ran around in apparent distress by the Connecticut home. State environmental conservation police were called by the startled vehicle owner on the morning of July 15. They opened a door, and the two bears ran off into the woods safe and sound with the third bear. Officials believe they got in the vehicle by opening a door, but it’s not clear how the door then closed.

posting this after finishing a large bowl of Rice Krispies for lunch... Travis and Jason Kelce release new cereal with General Mills combining 3 childhood favorites

Time to get scrolling. Mindy Cohn made headlines for recently claiming on SiriusXM’s “Jeff Lewis Live” that one of her main co-stars from “The Facts of Life” ruined their chances to make a revival of the show. Cohn, 58, didn’t say whether it was Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields or Nancy McKeon — but she did refer to the alleged culprit as a “greedy bitch.” “One of the girls … went behind our backs and tried to make a separate deal for a spinoff just for herself and devastated the rest of us,” the actress said. Cohn said the cast didn’t speak to that co-star “for a while,” but “now we do-ish.” When pressed to reveal the mystery co-star’s identity, Cohn said that anyone can figure it out by going on her Instagram and seeing who from the cast she doesn’t post. Cohn follows all three of the other “Facts of Life” ladies on the social media platform. McKeon, 58, was the most recent cast member to show up on Cohn’s main Instagram feed. Cohn wished McKeon a happy birthday on April 4 with a photo of the pair. “Wishing you everything and more for your new trip around the sun my friend. adore you so @nancymckeonofficial #andmanymore,” Cohn wrote in her tribute. Before that, Cohn posted a picture with McKeon and Fields, 55, in September 2022 on the set of Norman Lear’s 100th birthday ABC special. Lear, who died at 101 this past December, had reached out to the “Facts of Life” actors about doing the revival. “Celebrating @thenormanlear 100th birthday with these brilliant, gorgeous women whom i proudly call my family. #iloveus,” Cohn’s caption read. In April 2022, Cohn shared another birthday tribute to McKeon. And nearly one year before that, Cohn honored Fields on her birthday with a throwback photo of the two. Cohn wrote, “Happy birthday to my cherished pal @kimfieldsofficial – only you could divinely coordinate your special day with the debut of your new show @theupshawsnetflix #boss #iadoreyou #andmanymore.” There are no pictures of Whelchel, 61, on Cohn’s Instagram in recent years. But in February, Cohn reunited with Whelchel and McKeon on “The Drew Barrymore Show.” The trio appeared on the show without Fields as a surprise for Drew Barrymore’s 49th birthday. They did not address Fields’ absence. The Post has reached out to Fields’ rep for comment. The key foursome from “The Facts of Life” previously reunited for the 2019 Lifetime holiday movie “You Light Up My Life.” In 2001, Cohn, Fields and Whelchel appeared in “The Facts of Life” reunion movie. McKeon didn’t participate because of scheduling issues with her TV show “The Division.” During her SiriusXM radio show interview, Cohn said the plans for a “Facts of Life” revival are “dead” because of the unnamed “greedy” co-star. “A couple of people can’t move past it, don’t want to move past it,” Cohn explained. “We are not as united, let me put it that way. We were united for 40 years over not talking about each other, not doing dirty,” she continued. “You know, ‘All for one, one for all,’ and this kind of wrecked that, which is sad. Really sad.” “The Facts of Life,” a spinoff of “Diff’rent Strokes, aired on NBC from 1979 to 1988. Cohn, McKeon, Whelchel and Fields starred in the sitcom as students at an all-girls boarding school in New York. fun trivia... Robin Thicke is best-known for being the son of the co-author of the 'FACTS' theme.

I don't get the pun.

Free Carnival Thrills and Dollar Bills Children's Book A fully illustrated book that introduces 1st – 3rd grade students to the unique features of Federal Reserve notes. The characters in the book journey through a nearby carnival, where they discover the similarities between the attractions and security features of U.S. currency. https://www.uscurrency.gov/educational-materials/order-materials/carnival-thrills-and-dollar-bills @marylander1940 will want this for his 'great' nephew.