I don’t post much about current events, but I do pay attention.
For example, I know that the US war effort has been marked by tactical excellence by the people in uniform and by strategic incoherence and incompetence by the buffoons in suits.
I hear strategy is important in war.
Now on to the onsen.

Or Mike Toglia.

I just looked at Hunter Goodman’s strikeout rate so far this season.
Wow!

Heading to Hakone tomorrow to soak in onsen for a couple days.

Cartoon from NYer depicting baseball announcers in booth: "New rule this year - the pitcher or catcher may challenge the batter's walk-up music"

"When simulation becomes the norm, it weakens the human capacity for discernment." This is really good and very much worth reading.

Dogged pursuit earns pitcher spot in women’s pro league in U.S. | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis Ayuri Shimano had always felt frustrated in childhood because of the hurdles she had to overcome while pursuing the same baseball dreams as her two older brothers.

A story of determination.

The Rockies have defeated the Dodgers twice in a row.
The Swallows have the best record in NPB.
The Age of Miracles is not over.

Shohei Ohtani meets 100-year-old Nagasaki survivor who calls him ‘pride of Japan’ The Dodgers' two-way star posed for a picture and signed his autograph before Saturday's game against the Rockies in Denver.

Full story from @fabianardaya.bsky.social : www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...

I think you’re right.

I have a confession.
I have no idea who or what Clavicular is.

Oh, what to watch before bed tonight?
“A House of Dynamite” for the second time?
Or
“A Man for all Seasons” for the gazzilionth time?

I’m going to meet a couple of visiting American friends at the airport soon, but first I’m catching a few innings of the As-Rangers game on MLBtv.
It’s good to listen to Jenny Cavnar again.

This phenomenon is called “moving in the right direction.”
Experts in all fields say that moving in the right direction is required to get to a desired destination.

The Swallows faithful showed up today.
Swallows 2
Giants 0

Today’s schedule includes a trip to the Tokyo Dome to watch the Swallows dispose of the Giants, followed by a dinner of Hiroshima style okonomiyaki.
The Swallows are a half game out of 1st place in the Central League.

Excellent. The Penners buying the Rockies has been on my wish list.

Yes, the loss.

I’m grateful for being alive and reasonably healthy at my age.
Aging, however, sucks in some ways.
News came tonight about the death of a former colleague and dear, close friend. Crushingly sad news.
It’s the 3rd time of such news in the last few months.
Grief.

I can’t pick a favorite. The entire body of work is so varied, beautiful, and challenging.

That was a beautifully weird game. Or weirdly beautiful.

The weather precludes tennis this morning, so I’ll watch the Rockies instead.

Good stuff. Thanks.

On a wet, blustery spring day in Tokyo I just booked a one week stay in early June in Miyakojima, Okinawa.
I also just watched the Rockies win, so it’s a good day despite the weather.

What gave you that idea?

Matisse
Hockney
Braque
Frida
Matisse
Matisse

Go, go Swallows!

Ugly.

Tonight’s night time music: The Messiah, He Shall Purify.
Beautiful, sublime.

After watching the movie I was asked to explain to my Japanese wife why the project is called Hail Mary.
Explain “Hail.” Explain Mary. Explain the two words together. Football? This movie?
I tried.