hogan873

Reading on a Kindle is very convenient, and I read most books that way. But there is something about reading an actual book. I'll still grab one from the library once in a while.

I primarily read fiction, but I've read some non-fiction lately. Douglas Preston's The Lost City of the Monkey God is one of my favorites.

It's very good. I didn't know what to expect, even with the nearly 100% positive reviews. It jumps around in time a lot, but it will at least tell you what year it is (in pandemic years with 2020 being year zero). The bulk of the story takes place in 2040 (year 20), but there's a ton of flashback and character detail. I was surprised at how much I enjoy it.

Just started Bad Blood, the story of the Theranos start-up that scammed hundreds of millions of dollars from investors. Pretty fascinating so far, and it's written almost like a thriller. I didn't know much about Theranos until I saw there is going to be a series on Hulu and a movie on Apple coming out this year. I figured I'd read the book first. So far, I'm really enjoying it.

I read that they did away with the confusing out-of-sequence time jumps from the first season. At the very end of the first season it all came together, and we realized that the story was told out of sequence, and it made sense. But it was probably over done.

Watching Invasion on Apple+. It was panned by critics and audiences complained it was too slow. I'm actually really enjoying it. I like the slow build and not seeing the aliens right away. The character building it decent, although not many of the characters are likable. I find this to be pretty realistic, though, with people being selfish and motivated to do what's best for them when disaster strikes. Station Eleven on HBO Max is very good. I didn't know what to expect based on the description, and I didn't know if I was ready to watch a show about a pandemic. But, the show does a nice job of jumping around it time showing how the pandemic unfolded and then how life is after (decades into the future). The second season of The Witcher is awesome. So far, it's even more fun than the first season while expanding on the universe.

There's been essentially no news on negotiations, and I don't expect to hear much until after the new year. I hope they get to work and hammer out an agreement early so we don't lose any games next season.

I'm a fan. I also picked up a bottle of Evan Williams egg nog, made with bourbon. It is quite good.

I'm not going to pretend to know all of what is being bargained over. I would think most of us don't know much more than the obvious. As far as supporting one side or the other, I don't know...or care really. Both sides will be at fault for a work stoppage. It was obvious, to me at least, that neither side cared much what the fans thought when they squabbled over when to start the 2020 season. I'm just hoping for a quick resolution to this and there being no effect on when the 2022 season will start. I do hope a few things come out of this, including the universal DH, expanded playoffs, and a salary floor.

That would make sense. And maybe that is what they're aiming to do. I think if the Sox offered the Kimbrel/Segura swap, the Phillies may have already agreed to that. Regardless, I don't see Kimbrel being a part of the 2022 Sox.

Segura is better than Hernandez. Not $10 million better, but he's been much more valuable over the years. His WAR is 14 better than Cesar's with about 1000 more plate appearances. I'd be okay with a Kimbrel for Segura swap. Not the perfect fit, but he'd definitely fill the hole at 2B well enough.

From a few years ago, but I'm halfway through the second and unfortunately last season of The Knick. A fantastic show about a very interesting time in medical history. Clive Owen's character is one of the best in TV history.

This is fine. As I, and others, have mentioned, the three years is a bit weird, but the $ per year is acceptable for what Leury brings to the team.

Leury is quite valuable as a utility player. He can play every OF position and just about every IF position. As long as he continues to be used as a super sub, I'm fine with having him back. The 3-year deal is a bit unexpected, but as long as the $ is lower, I'm fine with this.

Right after the news of Gomes' signing, he tweeted an four airplane emojis, showing it taking off and landing. The comments to the tweet seem to indicate he's expecting to be traded and/or wanting to be traded.