samhexum

entered the 9th w/ 108 pitches, got a 4 pitch K, then 2 one-pitch outs.

I stopped by to see of any mention of Blake Snell, who'd never completed 8 innings in a game, throwing only the 2nd no-hitter thrown by a current or former San Diego Padre this year.

Big Apple bargain Huge Midtown office building sells at auction for a 97% discount after receiving just 1 bid The half-block behemoth at 135 W. 50th St., which sold for $332 million in 2006, garnered just $8.5 million at auction this week.

Live 2-foot eel chews through man’s intestines after he put it up his anus

Birthday Time (over the hill).wav happy birthday.wav

Big duck energy! World’s largest rubber ducky lands in New York this week The world’s largest rubber ducky — a six-story tall inflatable social media darling — is waddling her way to New York this week.

Christina Hall takes subtle jab at Josh over possibility of ex Ant Anstead replacing him on ‘The Flip Off’ I can't believe this... Christina subtle?

Elliot Stabler's older brother (Dean Norris) is going to be Sam's dad. I like him. We also meet Jay's parents this year and there will be a ghost pet and somehow Jay is going to be able to hear at least some of them, though I didn't read the article for specifics.

Thanks to a scheduling wrinkle that the league is trying out for the first time, Major League Baseball announced on Thursday that the World Series could begin three days earlier than scheduled, with a change in the start date dependent on the results of both league championship series in the previous round. The adjustment would eliminate a potential break in the action — long the bane of teams trying to stay sharp in the postseason — if the pennants from each league are decided in short series. It is scheduled to start on Oct. 25 and could stretch to Nov. 2 in case a Game 7 is needed. However, Game 1 of the Fall Classic could instead be moved up to Oct. 22 instead if both the American League and National League championship series conclude no later than Oct. 19. Barring rainouts during the championship series this fall, that means both seven-game series would need to be wrapped in five games, a statistical rarity since the the current format went into effect in 1985. Since then, there have been only five instances of both league championship series being wrapped up in five games or less: 1989, 2001, 2002, 2014 and 2022, when the Phillies and Astros waited four days to start the World Series after having won the pennant. drum.wav excellent.wav Get off the computer.wav That's the way I like it.wav tradition.wav what's new pussycat.wav

Thanks, but WAY TOO MUCH when shipped by them OR Walmart.

Just popped another devil's food cake into my toaster oven. I have started to mix everything directly in the pie tin… For the devil's food cake and the golden cake I use 1/3 of the mix – I eyeball it – and 1/3 of the water and oil recommended, plus one of the three eggs recommended, and it all comes out wonderfully, with nothing to wash but a spoon. With the brownie mix, I can put the entire package in the pin and mix it up - more carefully because there's a little bit more of it - and it winds up coming out about the same size and volume as the 1/3 of the package of the devil's food cake or golden cake, so I shant be buying the brownies anymore And will instead be constantly buying, baking, and shoving devils food cake into my mouth in the foreseeable future, which is only sold locally by Walmart, of course, none of which are near me. The devils food cake is easily the best of the three, the brownie ranks in the middle, and the golden cake brings up the rear, although it is perfectly fine for a no sugar dessert. Overall, I am pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoy the mixes.

NYC seniors pen last-ditch plea to save beloved decades-old garden: ‘I believe in miracles’ Over 130 seniors, many who would qualify for the 123 units of planned affordable to be built after the garden’s demolition, have inked a last-ditch letter to Mayor Eric Adams to rethink the project. Elderly New Yorkers have mounted a last-ditch campaign to save the decades-old Elizabeth Street Garden from being torn down to make way for affordable senior housing, The Post has learned. Over 130 seniors — many of whom would qualify for the 123 units of affordable housing for the elderly set to be built on the city-owned Nolita lot — inked a letter to Mayor Eric Adams imploring him to rethink the project. “It is a quiet, shaded resting place crucial to our environment, especially in the heat of summer,” the letter reads. The letter from the gray-haired garden enthusiasts is only the latest in a decade-long battle to preserve the 20,000-square-foot sculpture garden, which could be evicted as soon as September to make way for the development project. Locals say the green space — originally the site of a schoolhouse 120 years ago and converted into a sculpture garden in 1990 — provides them with a rare patch of grass undisturbed by recreational sports or playground noise. Its destruction would be a devastating quality of life loss to residents “in our remaining years,” the seniors wrote. “Where are we all going to go?” Judy Liu, 72, a retired lawyer who lives on the Bowery and was one of the signatories, told The Post this week at the garden, located on Elizabeth Street between Prince and Spring Streets. “My dog loves this place. He sniffs every square inch of this place every day,” she said of Giuseppe, her half-Bichon, half-Shih Tzu dog. “I truly don’t know what I’m going to do if this place is destroyed.” The senior citizens noted that many of them “rely heavily on the garden as the only real green space within walking distance in the district.” In fact, it’s the only public green space in Little Italy and SoHo, according to the garden’s website. “Affordable housing must be built in our district. However, we strongly reject the false choice of losing a cherished community garden to do so,” the letter by the seniors says. While there are other parks in lower Manhattan, they offer different purposes than Elizabeth Street Garden’s “thriving volunteer community” and those seeking quiet outdoor time, the seniors wrote. “It’s one of the only places you can sit and not spend money and see your community,” Patricia Squillari, 72, a Lower East Side resident and retired NYC Department of Education parent coordinator, told The Post. Elizabeth Street Garden also offers nearly 200 free programs year-round for all ages, ranging from Tai Chi, poetry and outdoor movie nights to yoga, food drives, live music and more. “Destroying the Garden would not only diminish the lives of the thousands of seniors who already live in Lower Manhattan, but would significantly detract from the quality of life promised to the seniors who would eventually occupy the site’s proposed development,” the letter reads. Multiple alternative sites within the district can provide more housing without the loss of the garden space, the seniors added. The local community board found another site at 388 Hudson St. that could provide five times as much housing at an empty, city-owned gravel lot, advocates say. The affordable housing units, developed by Pennrose Properties, aren’t entirely permanent, either — those are slated to change to market rate in 30 to 60 years, according to supporters of the park. Retail and 11,200 square feet of office space is destined for the ground floor, with Habitat for Humanity already tapped as the anchor tenant. A .15 acre space next to the building is also included in the plans, The Post previously reported. A similar letter writing campaign opposing the plans — and which garnered worldwide supporters — has amassed nearly 400,000 signatures to date. The 2023 letter from New York electeds stood in unwavering defense of the “beloved open space,” calling the garden a “respite” for seniors and families alike. Elizabeth Street Garden, the eponymous nonprofit responsible for the site, challenged the city’s approval of the affordable housing building in 2019, arguing officials didn’t do an adequate environmental review. Last month, the state’s Court of Appeals ruled the NYC Housing and Preservation Department “rationally determined” the plan would not have a significant negative impact on the environment, essentially giving the development project the green light. The nonprofit has also appealed its eviction from the city – though a judge ruled against the garden in May. As a result, the garden could be evicted as soon as Sept. 10, and was ordered to shell out $95,500 in back rent plus interest. Now, the only person who can reverse the eviction is New York City’s mayor. The Elizabeth Street Garden offers a pre-written letter to Adams and the HPD demanding to reverse the eviction for garden supporters to use on its website. “We’ve welcomed the mayor and many of the people who had the power to preserve the garden and they won’t come,” Squillari, the LES resident, told The Post. A City Hall spokesperson said the project would “deliver 100% deeply-affordable senior housing in a neighborhood with few affordable options, while also delivering over 15,000 square feet of public space including a garden and public art, nearly doubling the space currently accessible to this community.” “The Adams administration is working tirelessly to create the housing we need to remain a diverse, inclusive city where every New Yorker can live and thrive,” the statement said. When asked if she would ever come back to the site if it were to be demolished, Squillari refused to even acknowledge the possibility. “I believe in miracles,” she said.

Louis Armstrong House Museum awarded $750k historic civil rights grant

CarShield ordered to pay $10 million federal settlement over deceptive repair coverage ads In a statement Wednesday, the Federal Trade Commission said CarShield, which employs celebrity endorsers including rapper and actor Ice-T and sports commentator Chris Berman, had falsely lured customers with the promise of "peace of mind" and "protection" from the cost and inconvenience of vehicle breakdowns through its contracts. The FTC also charged American Auto Shield, LLC (AAS), the administrator of CarShield's vehicle service contracts, in the scheme. The agency said that at least one ad, which ran 18,000 times on television, stated, "With CarShield’s administrators, they make sure you don’t get stuck with expensive car repair bills like this." It also touted CarShield contracts as "your best line of defense against expensive breakdowns." Yet many purchasers discovered that their repairs were not covered, despite making payments of up to $120 per month for CarShield's product, the FTC said. I guess the FTC agrees about her boobs being a deceptive practice

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!