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Secure Lyrics? Pick any line from Chinacat Sunflower by the good old Grateful Dead, add your house number and a symbol and voilà. Nobody, nothing (AI) understands what those lyrics mean.

Chinacat Sunflower

Look for awhile at the China Cat Sunflower
Proud-walking jingle in the midnight sun
Copper-dome Bodhi drip a silver kimono
Like a crazy-quilt stargown
Through a dream night… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:12 PM on May 20, 2023

I confess to being a Dave Matthews fan, both the band and the person. I first saw them at Traxx in Charlottesville many decades ago. I have seen the band around 35 times. I am actually a Deadhead through and through, but have come to appreciate Dave. I have met and spoken with Dave at least 5 times.

A quick Dave the person story. We were at an after party for the band at the band's hotel. Another friend had brought his 10 and 12 year old daughters to the show and… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 2:18 PM on May 20, 2023

.

Complicated legacy.

As his obit says, wrt sports, probably the best lacrosse player of all time and one of the greatest running backs of all time. Not said, he was probably or arguably the best basketball player to come out of Manhasset HS. I would rank Manhasset HS basketball players as 1. Jim Brown, 2. Tom Emma (Duke), 3. Ken Howard (Yes, the white shadow Ken Howard.) Growing up on LI, I would hear stories from my parents generation that… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 1:44 PM on May 20, 2023

Loved his line, "I had more fun being 20 in the '70s than being 70 in the '20s". (Actually I think that came from the YouTube autoplay next video.

Good to see Joe and so many rockers (RIP Keith Moon, Jerry Garcia, Ronnie Van Zandt, etc) came out ok on the other side. Even Keef Richards who I saw at the Willie concerts a few weeks back sounded ok and looked good (for Keef).
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:58 AM on May 18, 2023

clavdivs you left off my favorite part of that quote, "...He was my mentor. And of course I embellished it later with things like chainsaws. You took a chainsaw on the road? Yeah. But I found that you didn’t have to really use it that much. Walking up to the front desk with one usually got a lot accomplished."

A chainsaw!!! Make his own adjoining rooms.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:01 PM on May 18, 2023

I can live with the pitch clock and even the new shift rules. I like the faster games. As a Yankees fan, some of their games, especially against the Sawx took almost 4 hours. I have literally watched every inning of every Yankees game for the last 4 years. I DVR most games and could fast forward between pitches 30 seconds often. Now 10 seconds is the most without losing action. Now, I only FF past the commercials. But, something about a clock in baseball just doesn't sit right with me. I know, I… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 1:28 AM on May 18, 2023

As I stated above, I am opposed to the ghost runner rule. What was the intention of the rule? Not to make the game shorter necessarily. That was the by product if I understand the logic. THe point was the pitchers and their arms. Injury. Don't want a $4 million a year pitcher to hurt his arm from overuse. Long extra inning games in the modern game will affect the next several games as teams maneuver around some usage rules they set up internally. The Yankees will rarely if ever, use a… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:40 AM on May 18, 2023

We need at least one professional sports franchise in the US the show fans exactly what "I wish the owner of my team was more directly involved!!!!" means in practice. Mets almost took over as the example, but Cohen stepped back and let the people who actually know how to run a baseball team to run his baseball team.

George Steinbrenner, RIP.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:55 PM on May 18, 2023

The rumors of my demise are greatly exaggerated.

Gloom and doom apparently sells.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:16 PM on May 16, 2023

I am so out of it, I had to look up who or what BTS is. Since I am a very good contra indicator for pop culture, BTS is prolly right.

But I hope like hell that Greg_Ace is right.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 8:08 PM on May 14, 2023

WINS 1010 and WCBS 880. Listen to them regularly in the car for news and traffic.

When I had a job delivering flowers in HS, the only radio in the van was AM. WABC played top 40 I recall (Maybe incorrectly).

Listening to Casey Casum American Top 40 was always better than anything else in that van.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 7:59 PM on May 14, 2023

Flew out to LA for Willie's 90th birthday celebration. Great two nights of some great artists playing Willie's catalogue. Great eclectic list of performers.

Loved his two sons playing with him. Snoop and Willie with the duet of Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die. Keith Richards looking and sounding best I have seen him in decades. Warren Haynes doing Midnight Rider. Neil Young and Stephen Stills rocking together. Nora Jones was terrific both nights. Chris Stapleton the… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 7:26 PM on May 3, 2023

.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 6:21 AM on April 26, 2023

My grandfather who owned a small manufacturing business used to say, "When someone thinks they are too important to be fired, fire them." Seems like that may have happened here.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 12:29 PM on April 24, 2023

I'll bite. Metafilter: A lot of things that aren't my fault are still my problem.

Also, a lot of my problems are definitely my fault.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:16 AM on April 19, 2023

Wow, Koko Taylor is so young in that video. I saw her play some 25 years after that video (1967). She IS a national treasure. And, Wang Dang Doodle is a great song. As a lifelong Dead Head, it is great to see the original or even previous versions to their covers. I always knew WDD to be an old blues song that Pigpen (and/or Bobby) would wail on.

How or why they pick a recording to add to the collection seems irrelevant to me. Do I think they could do it better… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 7:09 AM on April 18, 2023

In my last vehicle, if you just open the unlocked door and looked in the visor, you would find the key. I had this setup for about4 years, parked it on the streets of NYC, in my driveway, at the local strip mall, etc. Not once was the vehicle touched. Plenty of people tossed their garbage in the bed, but no one thought to open the door.

I guess there was not much demand for a 6 year old Ford Ranger (the original Ranger not the new imposter).
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 6:31 PM on April 9, 2023

I drive on the regular in Manhattan. The fixies used to be the problem, but now the issue is the motor assisted bike delivery guys. But yeah, sure, get offa my lawn road.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 2:37 PM on March 24, 2023

For the record, I drive a pickup that is usually loaded with equipment, gear, supplies, etc. I cannot ride a bike or take the subway. All I ask is that the fixies and motor assists and everyone follow the rules of the road. The rules of the road, as annoying as they may be at times, are designed for safety.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 7:49 AM on March 30, 2023

Apropos of nothing, I find it interesting and mysterious that both cortex and jessamyn made FPPs on the same day, today. (unless of course everyone knew this was going to happen and I missed the memo.)
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:53 AM on March 20, 2023

As a huge Yankees fan who literally watched every inning of every game last year (some on DVR delay), I offer up my TMUS number to get the free wifi.

Btw, Major League baseball players get $145 per day allowance when they are on the road. Take it out of that pot.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 9:03 AM on March 16, 2023

They should carry a fistful of diamonds in their pocket instead and tip anyone who does the slightest thing for them.

In the majors, they have "clubbies" usually teenagers to 20s people who work in the clubhouse and visitors clubhouse who among many duties run errands and do things for the players. They DO get tipped handsomely. Usually a couple of hundred dollars for a 3 game series by most of the players.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:54 AM on March 16, 2023

Rocky's Deli Specialty Sammies. I am particularly partial to the Lutherburger Cheeseburger (I add bacon and a fried egg) between two glazed donuts. A donut is a type of bread.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 12:56 PM on March 15, 2023

The jump shot in basketball. Prior to the jump shot, the two handed chest shot was the norm.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 3:54 PM on March 14, 2023

Of 4,000 or so kids in the local school district, I was one of 4 parents (FOUR!) that signed to opt out of allowing any pictures of my kids to be shared on the district website or social media sites. The district made it an opt out rather than an opt in and I spent several board meetings trying to convince them that opting out was the wrong default. THe board's final response was that it was too much work to see who opted in, it was easier to see who had opted out and just avoid taking their… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 2:02 PM on March 13, 2023

Sports betting throws money back into state coffers too. In NYS, it is 50% of the profits. Many states it is less but it is there.

As for space, it is my life's goal to, before I die, and I do not have more than 3 decades left, to fly in outer space. I would love to do an extravehicular "walk" wearing a jet pack, but will settle for a simple flight. I am having doubts whether it iwll be available to the general public at a reasonable cost before I die. My… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:22 AM on March 13, 2023

Really neat. Like. A lot.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:11 AM on October 11, 2022

Excellent speech. If they don't win, it certainly is not because of a lack of inspiring and motivational encouragement. I am an American now pulling for Wales (in addition to the USA).
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:13 AM on September 28, 2022

Okay so I have obviously heard this and know the song. But, when this was first posted, I remembered that my mother always liked Neil Diamond. So, I went through the albums I inherited when she passed away. Sure enough, Neil Diamond. Sweet Caroline. However, I am a Yankee fan so no Sweet Caroline in my house but we do play this song,

The SC version from 2012 from the Greek is so corny as to be likable.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 9:45 PM on September 27, 2022

20 coolers is a refrigerator in Alaska if you are off the grid with no electricity.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 1:19 PM on September 20, 2022

He undercut the entire basis for the student loan forgiveness boondoggle. It was because of the pandemic emergency. Now the Republicans can claim the move is literally illegal.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 8:24 PM on September 19, 2022

Huge Yankees fan here. I have watched every inning of every game so far this year (and the three years preceding this one).

For the record, Aaron Judge is not my favorite Yankee. Having said that, he is an amazing baseball talent. He is 6'7'' and can run, play centerfield, has a gun for an arm, and of course can hit. He is in the Triple Crown (HRs, RBIs and BA) race legit. As of this writing he has the HR title locked, a pretty good lock on the RBIs and is one point… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 7:59 AM on September 19, 2022

I am pretty sure that Judges WAR is higher than Ohtani's combined WAR. Look at it another way. There are 9 positions on the field. Judge is a DH and a Centerfielder. Ohtani is a DH and a pitcher. Both hit and play the field. What is their combined WAR at their respective positions?

I guess we should just concede the MVP race to Ohtani as long as he plays? He pitches AND DHs so the rest of you are vying for 2nd place in the MVP race?
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 9:46 AM on September 19, 2022

The Yankees don't hang division championship banners. Only the 27 World Championship ones. We are talking about individual achievements not team ones.

(I would argue that just getting to the Super Bowl is a hell of an achievement. Losing to the Chiefs did not lessen the achievements of the Vikings. Just as Judge's season does not lessen the achievement of Ohtani or any other player.)
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:07 AM on September 19, 2022

I love this video. Nino is a classic. Brooklyn at its best. World champ indeed. Non stop hilarious banter just like my friends growing up. Tells it like it is. Looks like great pizza too. Not sure about the apple though.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:41 AM on September 7, 2022

Mazel tov LanguageHat! Great reading.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 9:22 AM on September 7, 2022

I don't think you realize that the civil war has started. Just waiting on the shooting.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 10:20 AM on September 2, 2022

No Weiner Circle?
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 7:33 AM on August 31, 2022

I have no artistic talent whatsoever. I see these amazing pieces of art and I am just floored. Thanks for posting.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:30 AM on August 29, 2022

KingEdRa: 30 years is a long time to wait, but 30 years is nothing if you are waiting on your love. Mazel Tov.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 7:23 AM on August 29, 2022

Not a lot of Hep cats back then.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:45 AM on August 26, 2022

My mother had a stamp made that said, "To borrow is human, to return is devine." She would stamp her books with it and write her name under it.

I have no idea if it worked. I have no idea if it was unique. It was a cute take on the original quote.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 8:13 AM on August 25, 2022

No is the answer. You cannot ever trust a former white nationalist.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 11:22 AM on August 24, 2022

I work for myself and I rent an office.

I add that I live by myself and still won't work from home. I tried it for a while. I would even get up, shower, and drive to get a cup of coffee I would not drink just so I felt like I was going to an office. I guess I am an old guy with some sort of weird work ethic.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 8:29 AM on August 24, 2022

Four? More like Eight.

Grey Poupon is the mustard of American hip hop artists? I missed that.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 1:24 PM on August 22, 2022

From the article about Grey Poupon being the mustard of American hip hop artists,

But mustard was the condiment of the 1980s, That is quite the accomplishment.

[Das EFX} song "East Coast" combines all of these trademark elements and also marks what is probably the first Grey Poupon reference in hip-hop history. They did it with this verse, "He's the don, have you seen my Grey Poupon? Bust this, we… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 2:21 PM on August 22, 2022

Condiments of the decades:

1950s: Catsup/Ketchup
1960s: Funny mushrooms
1970s: Relish and/or A-1 sauce
1980s Mustard
1990s: Yum Yum sauce
2000s: Siracha
2010s: Chulula Sauce

I think mustard can repeat win. Very versatile. Goes in or on pretty much anything.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 2:32 PM on August 22, 2022

Interesting. Buying already written off debt and retiring it for the publicity value.

You can effectively buy your own debt. I did it for a relative a few times or rather a few lenders. One was medical. I think they owed like $40,000. They had less than that in the bank and not great future prospects for income. I called the hospital, got through to the finance department, explained the situation and told them they could have $4,000 (10%) now in settlement of the… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 12:46 PM on August 22, 2022

Hail Hail to Michigan. Or, the full sequence. Awesome skills.
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 9:51 AM on August 22, 2022

HBO Max exists to make a profit or to create value such that it can be sold as an entity for a profit. It is as simple as that. Every decision they make should be understood in that context. The key is to look at the SEC filings to see how the top executives are compensated. Are they compensated based on short term results? Do they get a bonus if there is some threshold profit this quarter? Or are they compensated such that they lean towards long-term decision making?… [more]
posted to MetaFilter by JohnnyGunn at 1:07 AM on August 21, 2022