Day 1,293, Quasi-Quarantine: Vapid Book Uses Bait-And-Switch Approach To Turn Into Reality-TV Vehicle

 

"There's something to be said about preaching eternal life while slowly dying inside."

Ostensibly a memoir about the author's relationship with her faith and the difficult choices made as a result of both embracing and rejecting it, "Bad Mormon" eventually devolved into the lengths a specific person would go through to join a reality-TV show. 

Heather Gay's tale started out intriguing (it seemed she was more than happy to share insights into sacred, secretive rites, but only as a way to justify the book's title), but quickly lost focus the more it became clear that the narrator was glossing over major details and minimizing her privilege. 

To wit, it seems rather strange that it took 60 pages for her to mention fleetingly and in passing that she was a "piano prodigy." There was also an odd scenario described where she is titillated by secretly going to see a movie by herself on her mission -- yet at the same time, she had somehow internally justified that it was OK to steal and sell drugs while working with Doctors Without Borders?

The wedding and honeymoon scenario that the author shared was also exceedingly bizarre, as the basis for her perceived bad vibes were never explained. This and other instances cemented the idea that it's difficult -- impossible? -- to trust a memoir that elides massive events and occurrences.

Based on my morbid curiosity stemming from aspects of my upbringing, the book represented a unique concept but lost its impact as it lost its own thread and became progressively murkier, leaving readers to draw assumptions about the truth of confusing situations.

Day 1,292, Quasi-Quarantine: The Inquisitor Transport Scythe Is A Sleek, Modular Build With Iconic Minifigures

 

After asking for the Inquisitor Transport Scythe (set 75336) based on its cool look in the "Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi" series, my building partner wasted little time in constructing it. And then destroying it.

Figuring it was a shame that such a promising and intricate build was sitting in shambles, I painfully reconstructed it recently. (Editor's note: There are a lot of black pieces in this set. A lot of small, black pieces. That are hard to find in buckets of black Lego. Difficult.)

A sleek and beautiful 924-piece build, the Scythe uses a number of clever techniques and makes some of the best use of interior space of any Star Wars Lego set I can recall. The unfolding cockpit mechanism, adjustable landing and flight modes, and uniquely hidden access ramp are all a credit to Lego designers.

The set also comes with a stunning collection of unique minifigures: Ben Kenobi, the Grand Inquisitor, Reva (Third Sister), and the Fifth Brother. Every minifigure is carefully printed and singular, rounding out a stellar build in the best possible way.

While it sounds like the $99 price tag initially turned off a lot of fans, that price point feels right in line with recent Lego costs based on the piece count, playability features, and distinctive minifigure inclusions. The series itself was short-lived, but I can see the Scythe playing a central figure in a number of forthcoming Lego missions now that it has been resurrected from the ashes.

Day 1,291, Quasi-Quarantine: Thursday Was Definitely A Vibe

The day started when I was voluntold to be part of an all-day workshop, which primarily consisted of people arguing about what constitutes a customer and what the best way to onboard them to the company is.

This was my view out the front window. Apparently the neighbor was having some yardwork done and street naps were in order.

 

Pest control came by to have a look at our wasp's nest. It was the largest one he has ever seen. And he is allergic. Pictures were taken. Reinforcements were called. Future plans to remove were made. 

For at least the third time since we've lived on the cul de sac, a delivery guy hit our basketball goal and knocked it over on to our mailbox. Random note found on door. Fourth mailbox ordered. Googled "sams club bulk mailbox bundle."

The day that would not end ended with Bell's Two Hearted Ale.

Limerick Friday #594: A Week Of Forced Coaching Accountability -- Day 1,287

Chop down that coaching tree

Of overrated Sean Payton, you see

When you stink up the joint

And give up 70 fucking points

Try to blame that on your QB

Just do what we say

It'll all be OK

Do your job

Stop being a knob

Just get out of your own way

ESPN pissed their pants

With "Coach Prime" sycophants

So after a 36-point defeat

Are they still firing Belicheat

And replacing him with a Deion dance?

An action drama with anxiety and wings

It's a bit like "Stranger Things"

And part "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"

With an alien hive mind

"Invasion" is yet another Apple+ show that sings

An offensive philosophy that's lame

With a quarterback with no aim

State continues to regress

And failing to impress

Hope is fading from game to game

Last time ...

Day 1,286, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Patriots Game 2 Review

 

With three of their 10 top (or so) players missing in left tackle Terron Armstead, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and outside linebacker Jaelen Phillips, the 'Fins were still able to go into Foxboro, fade a strong defensive gameplan by New England, six penalties, some baffling calls by the officials, and some extremely questionable late-game decisions by coach Mike McDaniel to earn a vital division road victory. 

On to the F the cheaters recap ...

Offense

• With the Patsies focused on limiting Tyreek Hill and taking away the opportunity for downfield shots, Miami responded with a shorter passing game and a more dedicated ground attack. The 'Fins averaged 6.4 yards per play, racking up 389 total yards and 22 first downs and converting two of three red-zone visits into touchdowns. Despite more bad snaps, the Dolphins committed only a single turnover, but did misfire on 6 of 10 third-down attempts and did not go for any fourth downs. Averaging 4.8 yards per rush and collecting 145 rushing yards ended up being the difference for the Miami "O."
• Tua Tagovailoa connected on 21 of 30 passes for 249 yards and a score, getting the ball out quickly and playing more of a point-guard role this time around. He rushed four times for three yards, was sacked once, fumbled twice, and threw an interception. 
• At running back, Raheem Mostert put together one of his finest games as a Dolphin, beasting his way to 121 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries, adding a six-yard catch in his 46 snaps. Salvon Ahmed backed him up again, carrying three times for 13 yards and grabbing three passes for 28 yards in his 12 snaps before being injured. De'Von Achane saw the first action of his career, recording a five-yard run and a four-yard catch in his six snaps. Alec Ingold did not get a touch but was noticeable in the blocking game in his 38 snaps at fullback. Ahmed's injury will be one to monitor with Jeff Wilson still on IR as well.
• Reflecting New England's defensive focus, Hill was limited to five grabs on nine targets, good for 40 yards and a score in his 54 snaps. Jaylen Waddle was targeted six times in his 46 snaps, reeling in four receptions for 86 yards and drawing a clear pass interference that was mystifyingly uncalled. Braxton Berrios notched two catches on three targets for 28 yards in 21 snaps, while River Cracraft snared both targets for 34 yards in his 18 snaps. Erik Ezukanma once again filled a hybrid role, rushing three times for five yards without pulling in his lone target in the passing game. Cedrick Wilson was inactive in this one.
• At tight end, it was once again the Durham Smythe show, with the veteran hauling in three grabs for 23 yards in his 61 snaps. Tyler Kroft was untargeted in his three snaps in reserve.
• The offensive line once again played at an above-average level. The most pressing -- and persistent problem -- remains center Connor Williams's  snapping struggles, with two more botched exchanges with Tua. Left guard Isaiah Wynn was whistled for an illegal block above the waist and right tackle Austin Jackson was called for holding, but through two games, Tua has been sacked only once and hit four times. Right guard Robert Hunt has been the standout, with reserve left tackle Kendall Lamm performing admirably in Armstead's absence, though Jackson's play bears monitoring over the next several weeks. The front five played all 63 snaps, and to this stage, represents the most promising improvement among Miami's positional units.

Defense

• Despite allowing 23 first downs -- most coming late in the contest -- the 'Fins held the Patsies to 288 yards and 4.1 yards per play. New England converted 7 of 15 third-down attempts and one of two fourth-down tries, while turning both red-zone trips into touchdowns. However, Miami forced two turnovers and four sacks, holding the home team in check for the majority of the contest.
• Along the defensive line, Christian Wilkins picked up an 81.3 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), notching seven tackles, five solos, one sack (that he likely didn't deserve credit for), a stop for loss, and a quarterback hit in his 52 snaps. Zach Sieler delivered four tackles and a solo stop in his 52 snaps, with Da'Shawn Hand (10 snaps) and Chase Winovich (two snaps) failing to record stats in reserve duty.
• In the middle, Raekwon Davis had his best game in quite a while, piling up five tackles, three solos, and a stop for a loss in his 37 snaps. Brandon Pili got a pair of snaps in reserve.
• Bradley Chubb was a warrior at outside linebacker, racking up seven tackles, five solos, a sack (a half-sack was taken away from him after the game), two stops for losses, two quarterback hits, six pressures, and a forced fumble. He was whistled for a neutral-zone infraction, but his overall play in 67 snaps earned him a 90.8 PFF grade in a game where the Dolphins needed him badly. Playing on the outside after playing inside most of the season opener, Andrew Van Ginkel posted six tackles, a sack, a stop for a loss, a pass breakup, and three quarterback hits on his way to a 90.4 PFF grade in 65 snaps. Emmanuel Ogbah was shut out in his 16 snaps in his second straight subpar performance. 
• At inside linebacker, David Long had a bounce-back game, earning a 79.5 PFF grade after recording eight tackles, five solos, a sack, a stop for a loss, and two quarterback hits in 62 snaps. Jerome Baker collected six tackles and three solo stops in 74 snaps, with Duke Riley getting a lone snap in reserve.
• Miami got winning play at cornerback, with Xavien Howard experiencing a bit of a bounce-back game himself. In 74 snaps, he tallied six solo stops, a pass breakup, a key interception, and a holding penalty. In the same number of snaps, Kader Kohou earned an 80.4 PFF grade on the strength of four tackles, three solos, and a stop for loss. After "X" was targeted by officials a week ago, it was Eli Apple's turn in the second week of the campaign. In his 68 snaps, Apple recorded six tackles, five solo stops, and two pass breakups, but he was called for three penalties (two pass interference and a hold that was declined) and gave up seven receptions on 10 balls thrown his way. In reserve, Justin Bethel had a pair of solo stops in 10 snaps.
• At safety, Jevon Holland totaled 11 tackles, six solos, a stop for a loss, and one pass breakup in 74 snaps. In the same number of plays, DeShon Elliott had four tackles, three solo stops, and a pass breakup. Somewhat surprisingly, Brandon Jones did not get any snaps from scrimmage despite earning 15 special-teams plays.

Special teams

• In a performance that may have been more indicative of the shakiness of Danny Crossman's role as special teams coordinator, Jason Sanders missed two of three field-goal attempts, with one being blocked and a 55-yarder (that never should have even been considered) influenced by the specter of a block attempt. Sanders did hit all three extra points, but Miami was dramatically outschemed on both of his misfires. After a troubling special-teams performance a year ago, Crossman's longevity in the position has to be in question at this point.
• Jake Bailey punted three times for a 48-yard average.
• Berrios ran back two punts for 27 yards, with a long of 18. Neither team recorded a kickoff return.
• Bethel and Riley led defensive players with 19 special-teams snaps each, with rookie corner Cam Smith posting 18 reps with Kelvin Joseph being inactive in this one. Among offensive players, Smythe had a solo stop while leading the way with 13 third-phase snaps.

2023 Schedule

Miami 36, Los Angeles 34 (1-0)

Miami 24, New England 17 (2-0)

Day 1,285, Quasi-Quarantine: "The Quiet American" Offers On-The-Ground Account Of Love Triangle Set Against War Background

 

"My fellow journalists calls themselves correspondents; I preferred the title of reporter. I wrote what I saw. I took no action -- even an opinion is a kind of action."

Graham Greene's iconic Vietnam War novel is short, but packs significant character sketching and world building. "The Quiet American" documents the experience of Thomas Fowler, a married British atheist and war correspondent enduring something of a midlife crisis by living with a 20-year-old Vietnamese woman, Phuong, and avoiding a journalistic promotion back in England.

"I shut my eyes and she was again the same as she used to be: she was the hiss of steam, the clink of a cup, she was a certain hour of the night and the promise of rest."

Fowler encounters Alden Pyle, a privileged WASP and idealistic CIA undercover agent who tries to take an academic approach to complex international issues that have very real consequences. Pyle saves Fowler's life and then steals Phuong from him, leading Fowler to make difficult choices about exposing Pyle's connection to domestic terrorist acts in Saigon.

"Everything was as it had been before Pyle came. Rooms don't change, ornaments stand where you place them: only the heart decays."

Often credited as one of the first works to explicitly question the wisdom of intervention in Vietnam, "The Quiet American" is semi-autobiographical and powered by a strong first-person perspective that makes plenty of room for Fowler to examine his feelings on colonialism and his level of involvement in what is happening in the country. 

"'Find me an uncomplicated child, Pyle. When we are young we are a jungle of complications. We simplify as we get older.'"

Immediately ascending to the top of the books I've read in 2023, Greene's stellar novel will stay with you well out of proportion with its relative brevity.

"Suffering is not increased by numbers: one body can contain all the suffering the world can feel."

Day 1,284, Quasi-Quarantine: When Conference Alignment Gets All Methodist And Texas

 

That sentiment when you suddenly remember that SMU is now somehow in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

I don't think that's ever going to go away.

Day 1,280, Quasi-Quarantine: Dolphins-Chargers Game 1 Review

 

The 'Fins survived being manhandled defensively, committing six penalties, and losing the turnover battle 2-0 to eke out a crucial road victory in Los Angeles. In a game that featured nine lead changes, Miami used a scintillating effort by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill to outlast the Chargers, 36-34, in a contest that reminded some of vintage 1980s Dan Marino-Dan Fouts matchups.

On to the 1-0 recap ...

Offense

• The Dolphins collected 30 first downs, averaging a staggering 8.2 yards per play on their way to 536 total yards. Miami had 17 plays of 15 yards or more -- which hadn't happened in the NFL in more than a decade. The unit was four of nine on third down and converted its lone fourth-down attempt, but earned just 70 yards on the ground (3.5 yards per carry) and went three of five in the red zone, so nitpickers will find some areas for improvement. The reality is that the offense bailed out a shaky debut defensive effort by coordinator Vic Fangio.
• Earning a 92.1 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Tua connected on 28 of 45 passes for 466 yards with three touchdowns, no sacks,and five rushes for five yards. He was credited with one interception and two fumbles, but threw five first-half passes that could have been intercepted. He was pure in the final 30 minutes however, making stellar third-down decisions and fitting balls into nearly impossible windows at times.
• At running back, Raheem Mostert led the way with 10 carries for 37 yards and two grabs for 13 yards in his 49 snaps. With Jeff Wilson sidelined, Salvon Ahmed had three rushes for 11 yards, took some vicious hits, and did not reel in a catch despite three targets in his 19 snaps. His near-fumble on the game's final drive helped lead to a 62.8 PFF grade, while Alec Ingold earned a 57.2 PFF mark on the strength of two receptions for 34 yards in 30 snaps. Mostert had some big moments, but it was clear the unit missed the tone-setting style of Wilson in this one.
• Hill was simply uncoverable, reeling in 11 of 15 targets for 215 yards and two touchdowns in his 44 snaps, drawing a 30-yard pass interference penalty to boot. Showing even more versatility, he was elusive after the catch and even caught a fade pass for the winner, earning a 93.0 PFF grade. After a fast start, Jaylen Waddle finished with four grabs for 78 yards, with a long of 35, on five targets in 43 snaps for a 75.8 PFF grade. Braxton Berrios proved to be a key third-down addition, making four catches on five targets for 42 yards. Second-year man Erik Ezukanma filled a bit of a Deebo Samuel role, rushing twice for 17 yards and drawing a pass-interference flag on his lone target. River Cracraft also came up big, snaring three of five targets for 40 yards and a score. With Cedric Wilson being inactive, suffice it to say that the receiving corps looked to be in midseason form.
• Durham Smythe carried the weight at tight end, catching three passes for 44 yards on seven targets in 67 snaps on his way to a 63.5 PFF grade. Tyler Kroft got two snaps in relief, but it will be interesting to monitor tight end usage throughout the season after the Mike Gesicki fiasco of last year.
• The line had to do without left tackle Terron Armstead up front, but Kendall Lamm did an admirable job in his stead, earning a 72.9 pass-blocking grade from PFF. Next to him, Isaiah Wynn beat out a limited Liam Eichenberg (one snap) and posted PFF grades of 80.3 in pass blocking (he did not surrender a single pressure or hurry according to PFF) and 61.0 overall, picking up a false start as well. Center Connor Williams was accorded a 77.7 PFF grade in run blocking, but had another rough outing snapping the ball and was whistled for a key holding penalty. Right guard Robert Hunt earned a 72.8 grade from PFF, while right tackle Austin Jackson was assigned a 53.9 grade by the service. Overall, the line held up well in pass protection against the likes of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack to avoid giving up a sack, though the holes were few and far between in the running game.

Defense

• Like Miami, the Chargers picked up 30 first downs, managing to convert nine of 15 third downs and misfiring on their lone fourth-down attempt. A dominant running game accounted for 234 yards on 5.9 yards per carry, allowing Los Angeles to win the time of possession (32.41 to 27:19) and rack up 433 yards of offense. The Chargers converted four of five red-zone visits into touchdowns and did not commit a turnover against a Dolphins "D" that blitzed just seven times. Though Los Angeles balanced the run game and short passing game effectively, Miami's front four closed out the game with consistent pressure on the final drive, sacking Justin Herbert twice in a row to end the contest.
• Along the defensive line, Christian Wilkins (68 snaps) and Zach Sieler (65) saw their customary heavy workload, with Wilkins recording three tackles and Sieler adding four stops, three solo tackles, a sack, a stop for a loss, and a quarterback hit for a 65.0 PFF grade. At the nose, Raekwon Davis struggled in his 46 snaps (50.1 PFF grade), notching a single assisted tackle, while Emmanuel Ogbah had a forgettable return to action, struggling to hold the edge and assisting on one stop for a dismal 29.5 PFF grade. While the late-game pressure ended up being the difference, this unit bears responsibility for the Chargers' overpowering performance on the ground.
• At outside linebacker, Jaelan Phillips (73 snaps) and Bradley Chubb (71) proved to be a formidable duo, with Phillips earning a 66.8 PFF grade after registering 11 tackles, six solo stops, half a sack, seven hurries, and two quarterback hits. Chubb posted four tackles, two solos, and a stop for loss to earn a 46.6 PFF pass-rushing grade, but there was conjecture that he and Phillips were largely being asked to pursue a containment policy. Also, pure pass-rushing opportunities were scarce due to LA's run game.
• The struggles were legion at inside linebacker, with prospective starters Jerome Baker (38.9 PFF grade in 81 snaps) and David Long (39.7 PFF grade in just 17 snaps) earning two of the worst three PFF grades on defense. Baker had six tackles and four solo stops, while Long added a single solo tackle. Making the transition to the inside, Andrew Van Ginkel saw a surprising 51 snaps, picking up a 63.3 PFF grade after recording five tackles and four solo stops. Duke Riley had a solo tackle on his lone snap of the game. The usage comparison between Long and Van Ginkel will bear watching in coming weeks, but the reality is that the linebackers struggled mightily in run fits and were victimized a lot in the passing game as well. 
• At cornerback, both Kader Kohou and Xavien Howard played 79 snaps, with disparate results. Kohou earned a 72.6 PFF grade after collecting nine tackles, six solo stops, a sack, one tackle for loss, and a quarterback hit, though he was called for offsides at one point. Howard was targeted repeatedly by both Herbert and the refs, tallying six tackles, five solo stops, a pass breakup, and three flags (two pass interference and one illegal contact) to earn a 48.3 PFF grade. Veteran Eli Apple was solid in his 60 snaps, picking up three tackles and two solo stops. The unit obviously misses Jalen Ramsey, but the continued struggles of "X" despite a new defense is cause for major concern.
• Jevon Holland and DeShon Elliott were paired for 81 snaps at the safety spots, with Holland earning a team-high 86.4 PFF grade after 14 tackles, 10 solo stops, and one tackle for loss. Elliott added 13 tackles, including eight solo stops, while Justin Bethel made the most of his nine snaps, recording four tackles, three solo stops, a quarterback hit, and half a sack on Miami's final defensive snap. In his return from injury, Brandon Jones saw two snaps. The safety rotation will be interesting to follow as Jones and Ramsey both work their way back from injury.

Special teams

• Jason Sanders's stellar day (three for three on field goals with a long of 45 and three for three on extra points and touchbacks on every kickoff) was ruined when he missed a crucial point following the Dolphins' final score of the day. Miami faded the mistake, but nearly all of Sanders's kicks tended to drift right, which bears monitoring.
• In his 'Fins debut, Jake Bailey punted a single time for 38 yards.
• The game also featured no punt or kickoff returns despite 14 kickoffs and four punts. Welcome to football in 2023.
• Riley and Kelvin Joseph led defensive players with 24 special-teams snaps apiece, with rookie Cam Smith adding 23 snaps in the third phase despite no reps from scrimmage. Ahmed led offensive players with 17 special-teams snaps, with Smythe contributing 15 in a category he routinely led a season ago.

Momentum plays

• Overcoming a first-play fumbled snap, Miami got rolling with 16- and 35-yard strikes to Hill and Waddle, respectively. Ezukanma took an end-around all the way to LA's 2-yard line, but another fumbled snap gave the ball to the Chargers at the 6-yard line to ruin a golden red-zone opportunity.
• Los Angeles immediately embarked on what would be a 14-play, 96-yard drive, converting three third downs and using a single completed pass (36 yards to Keenan Allen). Austin Ekeler powered across on 3rd & goal to stake the Chargers to a 7-0 lead.
• Miami responded quickly, with Tua finding Cracraft for 24 yards and using a third-down facemask call to set up a short Mostert (four carries for 31 yards on the drive) touchdown run to tie it at 7.
• After the 'Fins forced a three-and-out, Tua found Hill for 29 and 28 yards on back-to-back plays. After a Hill catch at the goal line was overturned on replay, Miami had to settle for a 23-yard Sanders field goal for a 10-7 advantage.
• A 55-yard jaunt by Ekeler sparked an LA drive that culminated in a short touchdown toss to Donald Parham for a 14-10 Chargers lead.
• The teams exchanged rare three-and-outs before Tua found Smythe for 18 and 16 yards. Miami converted a 4th & 7 when Tua found Smythe for 10 more yards, then a Hill 19-yarder set the 'Fins up deep in Los Angeles territory. Two more Hill connections made it a 1st & goal from the 1-yard line, and Tua found Cracraft (Smythe was also wide open) for the score and the 17-14 edge.
• Herbert found Allen for nine yards to convert a 3rd & 6, then hit Parham for 15 more. Third-down pressure from Phillips and Chubb forced a 50-yard field goal and a 17-all tie, with Mike McDaniel adeptly using a timeout to ensure Miami got a final first-half possession.
• The coaching move paid off when Tua hit Waddle for 22 yards on a back-foot pass, then Ezukanma drew a 30-yard pass-interference flag with no time remaining on the clock. Sanders drilled a 41-yard field goal to send the 'Fins into the locker room with a 20-17 advantage.
• On a demoralizing 11-play drive that saw the Chargers cover 75 yards without a completed pass, LA pounded Miami on the ground and used a pair of pass-interference calls on Howard to set up a Herbert 1-yard plunge and a 24-20 lead.
• A promising Dolphins drive -- propelled by a 30-yard strike to Hill and a 13-yarder to Waddle -- ended when Tua was picked off in the end zone when J.C. Jackson appeared to get away with pass interference to intercept a ball intended for Berrios.
• An ill-advised pick return and a three-and-out punctuated by a third-down sack by a blitzing Kohou set Miami up at the Chargers' 35-yard line. Tua needed only a single play to find a streaking Hill down the right sideline for a touchdown and a 27-24 advantage.
• Two plays later, Ekeler was left uncovered and streaked 35 yards after a short pass. A series of short passes and runs set up Joshua Kelley for a two-yard plunge to once again give LA the lead, 31-27.
• Tua converted a 3rd & 15 with a stellar throw on the run to find Berrios along the sideline for 16 yards. The signal-caller then found Ingold for 19 and Berrios for 15 more (upheld on replay challenge). Miami had to settle for a 45-yard Sanders field goal and a 31-30 deficit after not being able to overcome a first-down pass to Hill that lost five yards.
• Los Angeles responded yet again, putting together a 13-play, 68-yard drive that featured a 3rd & 12 conversion when Herbert found Mike Williams for 24 yards. The Dolphin D stiffened inside the 10-yard line, however, forcing a 25-yard field goal to extend the Chargers' lead to 34-30.
• With less than 4 minutes remaining, the 'Fins withstood a near fumble on an Ahmed catch that was ruled incomplete, setting up Tua to convert a 3rd & 10 with maybe the best throw of his career. Climbing the pocket to avoid Mack pressure, the quarterback showed both mobility and arm strength by throwing a seed to a streaking Hill for 47 yards. A 15-yarder to Cracraft set up 1st & goal, and on a key third-down play, Tua somehow completed a TD fade to Hill on a ball that appeared to go through the cornerback's body. However, Sanders pushed his extra point right to make it 36-34, giving LA an opening to win on a field goal.
• Herbert started the ensuing drive with a 10-yard sideline strike to Gerald Everett, but Fangio rolled out a blitz package at that point. Pressure caused an intentional grounding to force a 2nd & 21, with Sieler bursting in for a sack partially caused by Phillips pressure. On 3rd & 30, Chubb appeared to be held without a call, allowing Herbert to find Williams for 17. On 4th & 13, Bethel came on a blitz and met Phillips at the quarterback, delivering a big hit on Herbert and giving the Dolphins the ball on downs.
• Two kneeldowns salted away an impressive opening-day road victory for Miami.

2023 Schedule

Miami 36, Los Angeles 34 (1-0)

Day 1,278, Quasi-Quarantine: They Were The Cable Ties, And They Were Bloody Rippers

After the Cable Ties become a bit of a late-summer 2021 obsession for me, I was chuffed when I heard in March that a new album -- "All Her Plans" -- was being released this summer.

This album shows off range above and beyond their post-punk and garage-rock sound (their label, local Merge Records, characterizes it as adding nuance to their "urgency and fury"). Though the album generally is somewhat tamer than previous efforts like "Far Enough" and "Live At The Scrap Museum," there is plenty of frantic to go around for those so inclined.

My favorite song off the album, "Mum's Caravan," shows the surprising beauty and versatility of Jenny McKechnie's voice, as does "Deep Breath Out." "Thoughts Back" is an intriguing depiction of techno angst; "Silos" is a searing, semi-spoken-word evisceration of the state of health care; and "Change" and "Time for You" are classic Cable Ties bangers.

I got even more excited when I heard that this Aussie trio would be touring with Superchunk and potentially appearing at Hopscotch.

Which is how I found myself at Ruby Deluxe at noon on a sweltering September Friday, waiting to see one of my favorite bands perform a 30-minute set for free.

There were technical difficulties that led to a 20-minute delay, and the poor singer/guitarist had to duct-tape her own leads squatting in the horrific heat wearing biker shorts.

The band recovered quickly, powering through "Mum's Caravan," "Thoughts Back," and a couple of others before finishing with a raging cover of The Clean's "Point That Thing Somewhere Else," one of my favorites from that iconic New Zealand band.

The torrid finale left McKechnie bloody and battered, but she assured onlookers she was OK. I went back to the offices in a daze, still reeling from the intensity of what I just witnessed.

I've been told I don't do enough things for myself. Making the trek downtown with broken ribs to brave the midday heat and see an obscure Australian band at a gay bar was something I felt I needed to do.

And I couldn't be happier that I did. Thanks, Cable Ties.

Day 1,276, Quasi-Quarantine: Another Season Of Kinetic Miami Dolphins Football Is Officially Here

 

The 'Fins outlasted the Chargers on the road in L.A., 36-34, in a game that wasn't great for my heart nor my ribs. But hey, I'll take the outcome.

1-0. Onward.

Limerick Friday #593: Finally Seeing A Raging Aussie Trio Live -- Day 1,273

Hopscotch hit the town

So I had to make it down

To check out Cable Ties

And I'm tellin' no lies

When I say they had blood in their sound

Week 1 of the NFL

It's too early to tell

But hope springs eternal

Of faith, there's a kernel

Before your team's season goes to hell

Not to brag or boast

'Bout a week shittier than most

Entitlement and tears

Assumptions and fears

All salvaged by delivery of "The Ghost"

Welcome to a new season

On Thursday for some reason

Brennan ran wild

State was kinda mild

But of potential they were teasin'

One quick look

Was all it took

To swoon inside

And struggle to hide

My deep love for Sarah Snook

Last time ...

Day 1,272, Quasi-Quarantine: Disjointed "Novelist As A Vocation" Lacks A Unifying Theme

 

"What I want to say is that in a certain sense, while the novelist is creating a novel, he is simultaneously being created by the novel as well."

A collection of essays compiled over a number of years, "Novelist as a Vocation" is Haruki Murakami's effort to share his back story and any insights it may provide writers seeking to think about audience, originality, prizes, and other topics.

"For the most part, novelists are trying to convert something present in their consciousness into a story. Yet there is an inevitable gap between the preexisting original and the new shape it is spawning. That creates a dynamic the novelist can use as a kind of lever in the fashioning of his narrative."

While a few intriguing concepts are shared (the "E.T. concept" was definitely interesting), the book suffers a bit from repetition, and overall, lacks a cogent throughline to connect these various essays. Making matters more difficult, my version of "Novelist as a Vocation" was missing four pages in two different locations in the book.

I should say that I "won" a hard copy version of this book through Goodreads and received it more than a year after getting notice of that "win." Considering that fact and the missing pages, I wondered if I was belatedly given some sort of rejected galley copy to fulfill a promise.

"I wanted to do more than just take images inside me and express them in words in a fragmentary, instinctive way; I wanted to come to grips with the ideas and awareness inside me and in a more comprehensive, three-dimensional way set them down in writing."

Any aspiring novelist can benefit from any level of advice offered by a writer of Murakami's stature. However, "Novelist as a Vocation" could have benefited from the connective tissue needed to turn this from a compendium of disparate essays into a more focused and helpful work.

"Only the author knows for sure if enough time has been invested in each step of the process: completing the initial preparatory work, giving the ideas concrete shape, letting them fully 'settle' in a cool, dark place, exposing them to the natural light when they are ready, carefully inspecting them, and then tinkering."

Day 1,271, Quasi-Quarantine: It's Time To Pay The Polar Bear

 

Look, there's no denying that Pete Alonso has had rough moments this year. His average has hovered too close to .200 for too long, he's grounded into too many double plays, he has struck out too often. Hell, he took a pop fly to the face at one point while trying to field his position. Alonso was kind of the (bruised) face of a lost Mets season for much of the way.

All that said, the dude is third in the majors in homers (42), second in RBIs (102), and 11th in slugging percentage (.529). He's even lifted his average all the way to .225 (I know, I know). Alonso has taken his role to the next level even amid incessant conjecture about his future with the franchise and rumors about how close he came to being traded to Milwaukee at the deadline.

Alonso is turning 29 soon and he hasn't progressed much beyond the one-dimensional power threat most felt he would outgrow. But his value to the Mets extends far beyond the gaudy run production, and it would be a shame if the team with the highest payroll in the league decided to pick this situation to start becoming penny-pinchers.

Do the right thing. Don't let the Polar Bear get away. 

Pay the man.

Day 1,270, Quasi-Quarantine: Our Long-Sought Lego Ghost Has Finally Been Brought To Life

 

As long-time fans of "Star Wars: Rebels," we have been longing for the iconic Ghost starship for years. When we heard rumors that it may be featured as a re-release as part of the "Star Wars: Ahsoka" series on Disney+, we did not yet dare to believe. However, when the set was announced for pre-order on the Lego site, we had to pounce and face the interminable wait for its release.

Well, somehow, it exceeded all expectations.

Set 75357 (the Ghost & Phantom II) checks in at a robust $159.99 price point, but that is understandable when you account for the 1,394 pieces, five minifigures, and dual starships. 

I had previously cobbled together the original Phantom, so seeing the newer version and how it fits neatly into the Ghost design was very satisfying. The Ghost itself is beautiful constructed and highly swooshable, with essentially three cockpits (four if you count the Phantom's) and a lot of interior room -- which has often been a drawback in Star Wars builds. There are a number of playability features, though the turning turret mechanism can be a trifle balky and temperamental.

 

The build comes with five minifigures, including three brand-new characters. The OGs are Hera Syndulla and Chopper, with both being impeccably printed and dramatic improvements from previous versions.

Lieutenant Beyta, First Officer Vic Hawkins, and Jacen Syndulla are the newcomers, with my only quibble being that Jacen should have come with blue hair as depicted in the show. I also feel that Ahsoka Tano probably should have come with the set as the star of the series, and six minifigures would have been a more appropriate number considering the price point.

All that said, the Ghost & Phantom II immediately ranks among my favorite all-time Lego Star Wars sets. The combination of unique-colored bricks, innovative building techniques, modular aspects, and interior playroom makes this set a stunning addition to the entire Lego Star Wars line. I can't wait to follow the series for more ideas on mission storylines and possibilities.