Odds and Ends

Let's do a catch-all post.

Mets Update

The Mets signed two more helpful bullpen arms. Jerry Blevins, the former Mets pitcher, and current commentator, on a podcast, said he felt there was a possible 75-95 (ten-game levels of worse case/probable/best case) range for the 2024 season. 

The high end seems a tad generous but overall it seems reasonable. The starting rotation has some question marks but is credible. It is overall not as bad of a team as some make it out to be. This season is clearly a stepping stone to the future, which is probably for the best. 

Bill Belichick 

I thought that he was a good possibility for the Atlanta Falcons, a team that knew how to blow games. In a weak division, the Falcons are a team that could easily have a turnaround season. But, it looks like the Hoodie won't even have a job. One report noted:

Sources close to Belichick also cited a frosty relationship with Falcons president Rich McKay as a primary reason the parties might have decided they could or should not work together.

In general:

Three primary reasons were echoed by numerous league sources: Belichick’s mishandling of the Patriots’ quarterback situation in recent years, his desire to maintain total control of football operations and a growing concern over the coach’s ability to relate to this generation of players.

Sounds reasonable. It is silly to badmouth the guy or say he only won because of Tom Brady. This is shown by a year when Tom Brady was hurt and they managed to almost get to the playoffs with a rookie back-up. Nonetheless, the team has struggled after Tom Brady left. There clearly have been problems. And, someone over 70 set in his ways and a bad fit for the current era is not that surprising. I still thought he would find a team. 

New York Trump Trial

The Trump judge who should be recused is delaying things in Florida. Georgia has lots of defendants even with some plea deals. The patently full-of-shit immunity case for some reason is still not done in D.C., which is driving me and others nuts. So, it looks like the "runt of the litter" might actually go first. That is the NYC corruption case.

I have consistently argued this case deserves to be tried. People worry about the novelty of the argument and reliance on an asshole for a chief witness. But, Trump chose the asshole. Having a conspirator turn state's evidence is standard. Plus, as someone argued, there is value to the basic simplicity of this case. 

Two civil cases have basically run their course (E.J. Carroll and the civil fraud trial). It's time for a criminal trial to get things rolling. And, damn it, can the D.C. Court of Appeals rule? The March trial date has now officially been suspended. 

Middle East 

After three servicemen were killed by a drone attack, the U.S. counterattacked. This continues to show the possible expansion of the conflict arising from the Hamas attack and Israel's response.

Left-leaning scholar Juan Cole suggests other options. I admit my ignorance of this overall situation (more so than some things I opine on). I am wary even to comment on these things on blogs. But, I do overall lean toward non-military options when possible. 

I do want to push back somewhat on the idea President Biden is somehow all-in with Israel. It is not true. He has worked to obtain ceasefires. I have seen pushback about Israeli excesses. He has spoken about two-state solutions. There are also reports of them investigating recognizing Palestine. If Hamas earned blame for starting all of this, Israel has earned blame for the counterattack. 

I put aside the fact Congress is pro-Israel so it is dubious that he realistically has much wiggle room anyhow. There is a fear that the issue will suppress needed support, including Arab-Americans in necessary states like Michigan. What is their alternative? Robert Kennedy Jr.? And, the election is over six months away. Who knows what will happen.

I welcome more pushback on Israel, including not supplying them with as much support, and whatever the Administration can do to show support for both sides. He has put forth an executive order that in a small way (it appears) penalizes settlers in the West Bank for excesses there.

I accept the idea that more can be done to stop our at times too one-sided pro-Israeli policy. My own representative has shown his excesses, including joining a petty resolution against a member of his own party. Nonetheless, we should not use that to not give credit where it is due or provide a one-sided attack on President Biden. It's unfair and unproductive.

Harry and Meghan 

I recently finished watching S4 of The Crown. The next two seasons, including the just completed last one, do not appear to be in the NYPL system. I also read two helpful historical companion volumes by Robert Lacey that overlap with the first three seasons. I do not see additional ones. 

In that spirit, I rewatched the Harry and Meghan Wedding DVD. I also reserved another DVD providing background and a fictional film. In the past, I read a biography and skimmed Harry's overlong autobiography. The whole thing is sweet and to the degree they have a rebellious side, it is easy to root for them. An interracial marriage, with a commoner from America, also has a Hallmark Channel flavor. Better than her two blah films!

One thing that caught my eye when re-watching the video involved the vows. There was the usual exchange of vows (they personally didn't have personal vows like in some weddings). But, then the minister asked the audience to voice their support. This is a good touch. It is what a wedding is all about. It is a public support of the wedding.

But, having the audience chime in that they support the wedding is a nice official touch. Other rituals also appeal to me. For instance, some weddings have a form of handfasting ceremony, where the hands of the couple are symbolically bound. I think that is a good touch as well. 

Anyway, it will be six years this May. Tempus Fugit.