i've been rereading the Sherlock Holmes stories recently. i hadn't read them in at least 20 years. In Hound of the Baskerville, Holmes refers to another famous murder case, the "Anderson murders" in North Carolina. I'm a native, but had never heard of this -- i like local knowledge, so i assumed that i should have. I searched google with many permutations -- "anderson + murder"; "anderson + carolina + killed"; etc. -- but nothing came up.
However, i did find a list of women executed in the US from1632 to 1962.
6.18.2004
5.07.2004
Baby got back. Saartje Baartman was the name taken by a Khoisan woman upon her arrival in London in 1810. The women of the Khoisans, believed to be the original inhabitants of the southern tip of Africa, fascinated the Europeans of the time, due to the women's tendency toward steatopygia, "an extreme accumulation of fat on the buttocks." Saartje was put on display in sideshows, at which some viewers (you can be sure they were all white boys) would pay extra to touch her ass.
(the illustration seems a little sly. note the "sword" of the man on the left as well as the dog. what's he sniffing?)
(the illustration seems a little sly. note the "sword" of the man on the left as well as the dog. what's he sniffing?)
5.06.2004
Do you ever want to compare your life to Darwin's? AboutDarwin.com has a fairly specific timeline of the great man's life. This year, I lazily researched the NFL Draft. Around the same time in his life, Darwin was developing his "transmutation" theory: "a sort of self correcting feed-back loop, in which animals and plants remain unmodified until the environment changes. When changes took place the members of a species with traits that gave them a slight advantage in the new environment gained more reproductive success. Over eons of time this process resulted in one species transmutating into another."
...And I thought all along the Packers would take a QB. (sigh)
...And I thought all along the Packers would take a QB. (sigh)
4.28.2004
What's easier to say: "There's" or "There're"? It seems, increasingly, for many people it's the former. I've caught myself doing it. Example: "There's two ways to look at the problem." Don't contract, and you get: "There is two ways to look at the problem." That sounds terrible to my ears.
I think this is becoming common usage, to the point where most speakers don't even think it "sounds" wrong.
Here's a comparison done via google searches. (And assumedly, the comparison is even more extreme, as changes such as these appear in spoken English much earlier than written.)
"there's two" - 105,000 results >>>>>>>>> "there're two" - 5,980 results
"there's three" - 37,000 results >>>>>>>>> "there're three" - 1,710 results
"there's four" - 15,900 results >>>>>>>>>"there're four" - 4,620 results
Here's a long, and interesting, discussion, if you're interested in this sort of thing.
[snip]
What _has_ happened is that some nouns once indubitably singular
have recently acquired a plural sense, sometimes as a shadow
double and sometimes almost to the exclusion of the original
singularity..."Lot", for example, is now singular only when distinctly and
obviously referring to a collection as a single unit, typically
in commercial contexts...
[snip]
I think this is becoming common usage, to the point where most speakers don't even think it "sounds" wrong.
Here's a comparison done via google searches. (And assumedly, the comparison is even more extreme, as changes such as these appear in spoken English much earlier than written.)
"there's two" - 105,000 results >>>>>>>>> "there're two" - 5,980 results
"there's three" - 37,000 results >>>>>>>>> "there're three" - 1,710 results
"there's four" - 15,900 results >>>>>>>>>"there're four" - 4,620 results
Here's a long, and interesting, discussion, if you're interested in this sort of thing.
[snip]
What _has_ happened is that some nouns once indubitably singular
have recently acquired a plural sense, sometimes as a shadow
double and sometimes almost to the exclusion of the original
singularity..."Lot", for example, is now singular only when distinctly and
obviously referring to a collection as a single unit, typically
in commercial contexts...
[snip]
4.13.2004
Polar adventurer Ben Saunders is attempting to ski alone from Russia to Canada by way of the North Pole. That's 1,240 miles towing a 400-pound sled (and sometimes being chased by polar bears). It's warm today: -14°C.
4.06.2004
With the amazingly enhanced ability to reference knowledge, will "learned" knowledge decrease? Why learn the dates of the American Civil War when you can look it up on the browser on your cell phone?
Much like the paradox of the Internet -- a social technology that reduces social interaction -- the "Knowledge Economy" just might reduce what people actually know (along with a cruddy educational system).
A few years ago, I was buying tickets to a movie at the box office. Tickets were $8. I asked for two. She said that will be $20. "Excuse me?"
"$20," she said.
"Two $8 tickets are $20?" She nodded.
"8 + 8 = 20?"
"Oh, sorry," she said, punching in the right combination on the computer.
Much like the paradox of the Internet -- a social technology that reduces social interaction -- the "Knowledge Economy" just might reduce what people actually know (along with a cruddy educational system).
A few years ago, I was buying tickets to a movie at the box office. Tickets were $8. I asked for two. She said that will be $20. "Excuse me?"
"$20," she said.
"Two $8 tickets are $20?" She nodded.
"8 + 8 = 20?"
"Oh, sorry," she said, punching in the right combination on the computer.
4.02.2004
Please don't confuse my agenda with that of Operation Clambake.
I'm more in line with these teachings, either in English or Italian.
I'm more in line with these teachings, either in English or Italian.
3.30.2004
3.29.2004
I've reached the depressing age in one's life when friends and co-workers start either 1) having children, some of whom will inherit their parents' screwed-up values, or 2) getting into politics. Can we not just have computers run the place? Processing vs. checks and balances—what's the difference? The computers already have an insidiously low-quality website.
3.25.2004
3.22.2004
I was just looking at "Washington Crossing the Delaware," the well-known painting by Emanuel Leutze. Maybe it's the influence of Dan Brown, but I had never noticed a woman in the boat. Who was this woman? No one knows. Some other sites reveal that only two other people in the boat are ID'd, though it's unsure if either was actually onboard.
This seminal American painting seems mostly German, as it was painted by Leutze in Germany 70 years after the event, using the Rhine as the model for the Delaware.
While most sites agree that this is a romanticized version of the event, most also knock it for its inaccuracies: the crossing took place in the dead of night in a snowstorm; the flag depicted was supposedly not developed until later.
Another interesting fact is that Leutze painted two versions of this painting, one of which was destroyed by a bombing raid on Bremen, Germany in 1942.
This seminal American painting seems mostly German, as it was painted by Leutze in Germany 70 years after the event, using the Rhine as the model for the Delaware.
While most sites agree that this is a romanticized version of the event, most also knock it for its inaccuracies: the crossing took place in the dead of night in a snowstorm; the flag depicted was supposedly not developed until later.
Another interesting fact is that Leutze painted two versions of this painting, one of which was destroyed by a bombing raid on Bremen, Germany in 1942.
I lost another winter glove this morning. I retraced my steps back to the train platform but ..............
What's more useless than one glove? Vaya con dios, little friend.
Here are some lost-glove links.
From the New Yorker: lost-glove theory
Lost Glove Archive
What's more useless than one glove? Vaya con dios, little friend.
Here are some lost-glove links.
From the New Yorker: lost-glove theory
Lost Glove Archive
3.19.2004
Have troubling rumors about corporate giant Procter & Gamble been keeping you up at night? Specifically, that their president was a member of the Church of Satan? um.....NO! However, P&G is so worried about it that they've set up a page on their website to refute these claims.
Here's the ridiculous backstory.
(ChristianAnswers.net is "a mega-site providing biblical answers to contemporary questions for all ages and nationalities." Here are "10 common questions": Is the Bible true; Where did Cain get his wife; Why do innocents suffer; Am I good enough to go to heaven; Does archaeology verify the Bible; How do dinosaurs fit with the Bible; Bibically, how can star be millions of light-years away; How can I deal with sexual addiction; How can I experience forgiveness; Can I lose my salvation)
Here's the ridiculous backstory.
(ChristianAnswers.net is "a mega-site providing biblical answers to contemporary questions for all ages and nationalities." Here are "10 common questions": Is the Bible true; Where did Cain get his wife; Why do innocents suffer; Am I good enough to go to heaven; Does archaeology verify the Bible; How do dinosaurs fit with the Bible; Bibically, how can star be millions of light-years away; How can I deal with sexual addiction; How can I experience forgiveness; Can I lose my salvation)
3.18.2004
3.17.2004
"We've been fighting a losing battle against the insects for 15 years! But I never thought that I'd see the final face-off in all my lifetime! And I never dreamed--that it'd turn out to be the bees! They've always been our friends!!"
Why is that I like a movie I've never truly seen? Maybe this was when irony kicked in for me, as I was 10 when The Swarm came out (1978). Notice I said "like," not love. This is love (check audio and video clips at the bottom). So is this. And so is this — sick, twisted love, but love nonetheless.
Check out that cast: Michael Caine, Richard Widmark, Henry Fonda (as Dr. Krim), Olivia d'Havilland, Katherine Ross, Lee Grant, Patty Duke, Slim Pickens, Fred MacMurray, et al. That's star power. To match that, you have to go here.
Why is that I like a movie I've never truly seen? Maybe this was when irony kicked in for me, as I was 10 when The Swarm came out (1978). Notice I said "like," not love. This is love (check audio and video clips at the bottom). So is this. And so is this — sick, twisted love, but love nonetheless.
Check out that cast: Michael Caine, Richard Widmark, Henry Fonda (as Dr. Krim), Olivia d'Havilland, Katherine Ross, Lee Grant, Patty Duke, Slim Pickens, Fred MacMurray, et al. That's star power. To match that, you have to go here.
3.16.2004
Tornoto Blue Jays Top Prospects for 1980
Joe Cannon, 26 years old, 6'2", 185 pounds. Bats left, throws right.
Summoned from Syracuse in June, helped save game against Yankees, robbing Graig Nettles of HR with a leaping catch to spoil Billy Martin's return...Acquired in trade from Astros...Houston's top pick in January, 1974, draft...Excellent speed on the bases...Named to International League all-star team in '78.
Joe Cannon, 26 years old, 6'2", 185 pounds. Bats left, throws right.
Summoned from Syracuse in June, helped save game against Yankees, robbing Graig Nettles of HR with a leaping catch to spoil Billy Martin's return...Acquired in trade from Astros...Houston's top pick in January, 1974, draft...Excellent speed on the bases...Named to International League all-star team in '78.
Butch Edge, 23 years old, 6'4", 190 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Was 3-3 in eight games with Jays in '79...Plucked from Brewers' farm system in expansion draft...Was Milwaukee's No. 1 pick in June, 1974, draft...Strikeout artist in the minor leagues...Has outstanding arm and fine minor-league credentials...Has shown steady improvement.
THE REALITY
Cannon played in the majors from 1977-80 (4 seasons) for Houston and Toronto. Career: .176, 1 HR, 11 RBI.
Edge pitched in the majors in 1979 (1 season) for Toronto. Career: 3-4, 5.23 (W-L, ERA).
3.13.2004
New York Yankees Top Prospect for 1980
Dave Righetti, 21 years old, 6'3", 175 pounds. Bats left, throws right.
Made three starts late in '79 and althought he didn't win a game, Yanks are very high on him...Will get chance to prove himself in spring training...Acquired by Yankees from Rangers in Nov., 1978, as partial payment for Sparky Lyle.
THE REALITY
Righetti pitched in the majors in 1979 and from '81-'95. (16 seasons) for the Yankees, San Francisco, Oakland, Toronto and the White Sox. Career: 82-79, 3.46, 252 (W-L, ERA, Saves). He played in the 1981 World Series, a year in which he also won Rookie of the Year. He pitched a no-hitter in 1983, and was an All-Star in 86' and '87. Now he's the pitching coach for the Giants, but his left knee has a "bag of corn chips where the knee is normally found."
Dave Righetti, 21 years old, 6'3", 175 pounds. Bats left, throws right.
Made three starts late in '79 and althought he didn't win a game, Yanks are very high on him...Will get chance to prove himself in spring training...Acquired by Yankees from Rangers in Nov., 1978, as partial payment for Sparky Lyle.
THE REALITY
Righetti pitched in the majors in 1979 and from '81-'95. (16 seasons) for the Yankees, San Francisco, Oakland, Toronto and the White Sox. Career: 82-79, 3.46, 252 (W-L, ERA, Saves). He played in the 1981 World Series, a year in which he also won Rookie of the Year. He pitched a no-hitter in 1983, and was an All-Star in 86' and '87. Now he's the pitching coach for the Giants, but his left knee has a "bag of corn chips where the knee is normally found."
3.12.2004
Milwaukee Brewers Top Prospect for 1980
Bob Galasso, 28 years old, 6'1", 205 pounds. Bats left, throws right.
Finally showed definite signs in '79 of living up to potential people have always insisted he had...Compiled 3-1 record and saved three games while pitching in relief for Brewers...Spent six years in minors before getting first chance in majors with Seattle in '77...Was unimpressive as a Mariner but showed promise while with Brewers last year.
THE REALITY
Galasso pitched in the majors in 1977, '79 and '81. (3 seasons) for Seattle and Milwaukee. Career: 4-8, 5.87, 4 (W-L, ERA, Saves).
Bob Galasso, 28 years old, 6'1", 205 pounds. Bats left, throws right.
Finally showed definite signs in '79 of living up to potential people have always insisted he had...Compiled 3-1 record and saved three games while pitching in relief for Brewers...Spent six years in minors before getting first chance in majors with Seattle in '77...Was unimpressive as a Mariner but showed promise while with Brewers last year.
THE REALITY
Galasso pitched in the majors in 1977, '79 and '81. (3 seasons) for Seattle and Milwaukee. Career: 4-8, 5.87, 4 (W-L, ERA, Saves).
On Tuesday I was reading a 1975 Playboy interview with John and Yoko. (I stumbled across it trying to find out more about a Neil Young song called "Tired Eyes".) The interview was interesting, as Lennon talked about the meaning behind some of the Beatles' songs. Toward the end, though, when an interviewer asks about his diet (?), he says: "We're mostly macrobiotic, but sometimes I take the family out for a pizza." I guess I'm naive, because I only became aware of that kind of diet a few years ago. Anyway, the point to all of this is that last night I had dinner at Souen, a macrobiotic restaurant, and Sean Lennon was eating there. Weird
3.11.2004
Detroit Tigers Top Prospects for 1980
Kirk Gibson, 22 years old, 6'3", 215 pounds. Bats left, throws left.
Turned down lucrative pro football career to sign $200,000 bonus contract with Tigers…A possible superstar, may be less than a year away…Showed steady, encouraging improvement both in minors and with Tigers in ’79…Played one year of college baseball at Michigan State, while earning All-America honors as a four-year starter in football…Extremely fast…Will improve as outfielder.
Kirk Gibson, 22 years old, 6'3", 215 pounds. Bats left, throws left.
Turned down lucrative pro football career to sign $200,000 bonus contract with Tigers…A possible superstar, may be less than a year away…Showed steady, encouraging improvement both in minors and with Tigers in ’79…Played one year of college baseball at Michigan State, while earning All-America honors as a four-year starter in football…Extremely fast…Will improve as outfielder.
Dave Steffen, 21 years old, 6'3", 220 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Strong, hard-throwing burly right-hander…Stopped by Tiger Stadium on his way to Florida Instructional League last fall to give Sparky Anderson a sneal preview…Started ‘79n season at AA but promoted to AAA at midseason…Helped Evansville to American Association title…Sixth-round pick in June, ’77.
THE REALITY
Gibson played in the majors from 1979-95 (17 seasons) for Detroit, Los Angeles, Kansas City and Pittsburgh. Career: .268, 255 HRs, 870 RBI. He played in the postseason in 84 (World Series), 87 and 88 (World Series). He was the NL MVP in 88 (with the Dodgers), and his pinch-hit, injured-leg, two-out, game-winning homer off Dennis Eckersley in the first game of the ’88 World Series will is replayed endlessly. He is now the bench coach for Detroit after working five years as a TV analyst.
Steffen never pitched in the majors. No record of what he’s doing now, but looks like his son is an athlete too.
3.09.2004
Cleveland Indians Top Prospects for 1980
Larry Anderson, 26 years old, 6'3", 180 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Summoned again by Indians late last season for another look...Strictly a reliever...No. 7 pick in June, 1971 draft...Set Pacific Coast League record with 25 saves at Portland in '78...Played baseball, football and basketball in high school—leading all three of his teams to state championships.
Larry Anderson, 26 years old, 6'3", 180 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Summoned again by Indians late last season for another look...Strictly a reliever...No. 7 pick in June, 1971 draft...Set Pacific Coast League record with 25 saves at Portland in '78...Played baseball, football and basketball in high school—leading all three of his teams to state championships.
Sandy Wihtol, 24 years old, 6'2", 190 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Made major league debut with Tribe in '79...Appeared in four games...No. 2 pick in June, 1974 draft...Strikeout artist in the minor leagues, averaging almost one per inning...Primarily has pitched in relief...In only start in '77, threw a seven-inning one-hitter, striking out nine.
THE REALITY
Andersen (the correct spelling) pitched in the majors from 1975-76, 77-79, and 81-94 (17 seasons) for Cleveland, Seattle, Philadelphia, Houston, Boston and San Diego. Career: 40-39, 3.15, 49 (W-L, ERA, Saves). He played in the postseason in 83 (World Series), 86, 90 and 93 (World Series). He is now a commentator for the Philllies.
Wihtol pitched in the majors from 1979-80 and '82 (3 seasons) for Cleveland. Career: 1-0, 3.75, 1 (W-L, ERA, Save). He sells real estate now.
Boston Red Sox Top Prospect for 1980
John Tudor, 26 years old, 6'0", 185 pounds. Bats left, throws left.
Promising left-hander with good assortment of off-speed pitches...Beat Tigers in late September for first win by a LH Boston starter in Fenway Park since July, '78...Spent early part of the season in the International League...Finished year with record of 1-2.
THE REALITY
Tudor ptiched in the majors from 1979-1990 (12 seasons) for Boston, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Los Angeles. Career: 117-72, 3.12 (W-L, ERA). He played in the postseason, including the World Series, in 1985, '87, and '88; and won 21 games in 1985 (for St. Louis).
John Tudor, 26 years old, 6'0", 185 pounds. Bats left, throws left.
Promising left-hander with good assortment of off-speed pitches...Beat Tigers in late September for first win by a LH Boston starter in Fenway Park since July, '78...Spent early part of the season in the International League...Finished year with record of 1-2.
THE REALITY
Tudor ptiched in the majors from 1979-1990 (12 seasons) for Boston, Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Los Angeles. Career: 117-72, 3.12 (W-L, ERA). He played in the postseason, including the World Series, in 1985, '87, and '88; and won 21 games in 1985 (for St. Louis).
"Twenty-eight Tasmanians were awarded a medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division, called OAM...[including] Eric Louis Philips, of Mt Nelson, for achievement in polar exploration and for service to the community by promoting outdoor activities, particularly to young people.
Mr Philips is the only person to have skied across the world's four largest ice caps and he established a new route through the Trans-Antarctic Mountains in 1998-99.
He was a field officer at the Australian Antarctic Division's Mawson Station in 1996-97, is director of Ice Trek, an expedition company and works as a motivational speaker.
He has produced four documentaries about his expeditions, including Chasing the Midnight Sun, which won an Emmy Award."
—from the Mercury (Tasmania)
Mr Philips is the only person to have skied across the world's four largest ice caps and he established a new route through the Trans-Antarctic Mountains in 1998-99.
He was a field officer at the Australian Antarctic Division's Mawson Station in 1996-97, is director of Ice Trek, an expedition company and works as a motivational speaker.
He has produced four documentaries about his expeditions, including Chasing the Midnight Sun, which won an Emmy Award."
—from the Mercury (Tasmania)
The International Polar Heritage Committee aims "to promote international co-operation in the protection and conservation of non-indigenous heritage in the Arctic and Antarctic." A division of International Council of Monuments and Sites, the IPHC lists 76 historic sites.
Here are links to early (1885-1936) photos of polar travels.
There's also a marathon run there every year.
Here are links to early (1885-1936) photos of polar travels.
There's also a marathon run there every year.
3.07.2004
Potential is rampant at the start of the baseball season. Everything is possible, but nothing is realized. In honor of this chrysalis time, I will present The Complete Handbook of Baseball's Top Prospects of 1980. These prospects had eaten their way through the minor leagues and were deemed ready to enter a new stage (and to try to hit curveballs).
However, not all butterflies are truly free, so I compared the potential to the reality. Career stats are culled from baseball-reference.com.
Note that there were only 26 teams in 1980. They will be presented in alphabetical order over time, by division, American League teams first. Some teams had more than one prospect listed. Some personal info (i.e., birthdates, birthplaces, current hometowns) omitted.
Baltimore Orioles Top Prospects for 1980
Wayne Krenchicki, 25 years old, 6'1", 175 pounds. Bats left, throws right.
Perhaps the most versatile infielder in organized ball...Can play second, third or short, and also catch..."I think I can handle any position on a steady basis."...His .190 in 16 games with the Birds in '79...Impressed the top brass with his performance in spring training, but was sent to Rochester anyway because he had options left...Ideal No. 2 hitter with good eye and bat control.
Mark Corey, 24 years old, 6'2", 200 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Hard-hitting outfielder, was Orioles' No. 2 pick in January, 1976 draft...Hit .400 at Bluefield in Appalachian League, his first season in pro ball—the first player to do so in that league since Tony Oliva in '61...Appeared briefly with Orioles in '79, batting .154...Led his league in batting, hits and total bases in each of his first two pro seasons.
Lenn Sakata, 26 years old, 5'9", 160 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Hit .500 in four games with the Brewers in '79...Also spent parts of the 1977-78 seasons with club...Was Brewers' first round pick in secondary phase of January, 1975, draft...Began the 1978 season as the Brewers' regular second baseman against lefthanded pitching but lost job to Paul Molitor...Dealt to Orioles for John Flinn.
THE REALITY
Wayne Krenchicki played in the majors from 1979-1986 (8 seasons) for Baltimore, Cincinnati, Detroit and Montreal. Career: 550 games, .266 batting average, 15 home runs, 124 RBI. He's a manager now.
Mark Corey played in the majors from 1979-1981 (3 seasons) for Baltimore. Career: 59 games, .211 batting average, 1 home run, 13 RBI.
Lenn Sakata played in the majors from 1977-1987 (11 seasons) for Milwaukee, Baltimore, Oakland and the Yankees. Career: 565 games, .230 batting average, 25 home runs, 109 RBI. The native Hawaiian is a roving instructor for the Giants now.
However, not all butterflies are truly free, so I compared the potential to the reality. Career stats are culled from baseball-reference.com.
Note that there were only 26 teams in 1980. They will be presented in alphabetical order over time, by division, American League teams first. Some teams had more than one prospect listed. Some personal info (i.e., birthdates, birthplaces, current hometowns) omitted.
Baltimore Orioles Top Prospects for 1980
Wayne Krenchicki, 25 years old, 6'1", 175 pounds. Bats left, throws right.
Perhaps the most versatile infielder in organized ball...Can play second, third or short, and also catch..."I think I can handle any position on a steady basis."...His .190 in 16 games with the Birds in '79...Impressed the top brass with his performance in spring training, but was sent to Rochester anyway because he had options left...Ideal No. 2 hitter with good eye and bat control.
Mark Corey, 24 years old, 6'2", 200 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Hard-hitting outfielder, was Orioles' No. 2 pick in January, 1976 draft...Hit .400 at Bluefield in Appalachian League, his first season in pro ball—the first player to do so in that league since Tony Oliva in '61...Appeared briefly with Orioles in '79, batting .154...Led his league in batting, hits and total bases in each of his first two pro seasons.
Lenn Sakata, 26 years old, 5'9", 160 pounds. Bats right, throws right.
Hit .500 in four games with the Brewers in '79...Also spent parts of the 1977-78 seasons with club...Was Brewers' first round pick in secondary phase of January, 1975, draft...Began the 1978 season as the Brewers' regular second baseman against lefthanded pitching but lost job to Paul Molitor...Dealt to Orioles for John Flinn.
THE REALITY
Wayne Krenchicki played in the majors from 1979-1986 (8 seasons) for Baltimore, Cincinnati, Detroit and Montreal. Career: 550 games, .266 batting average, 15 home runs, 124 RBI. He's a manager now.
Mark Corey played in the majors from 1979-1981 (3 seasons) for Baltimore. Career: 59 games, .211 batting average, 1 home run, 13 RBI.
Lenn Sakata played in the majors from 1977-1987 (11 seasons) for Milwaukee, Baltimore, Oakland and the Yankees. Career: 565 games, .230 batting average, 25 home runs, 109 RBI. The native Hawaiian is a roving instructor for the Giants now.
3.06.2004
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