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Post by inger on Jun 1, 2023 16:38:38 GMT -5
Thanks Kaybli. Later I will send a photo of a Fart bus in action. Getting ready to turn in here to be up with the larks and hit the trails early. No way am I in Chi territory. He actually has to run 26 miles. I can stop and have some Swiss cheese and beer along the route.  very true. He (Chi) just wants to get it over with. If you walk at 4MPH it takes 6.5 hours… 🤓 |
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Post by chiyankee on Jun 1, 2023 18:09:20 GMT -5
Thanks Kaybli. Later I will send a photo of a Fart bus in action. Getting ready to turn in here to be up with the larks and hit the trails early. No way am I in Chi territory. He actually has to run 26 miles. I can stop and have some Swiss cheese and beer along the route. Great to hear from you, pipps! 12 to 15 inclined miles, I'm certainly not doing that every day! I can feel the quads burning just thinking about that. You're missing some good baseball, the Yanks have been on a roll, hope it continues. Have a great rest of your trip and be safe out there! |
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Post by rizzuto on Jun 1, 2023 20:32:31 GMT -5
I just wanted to check in from Switzerland to let you guys know I really enjoy looking at the game coverage. The six hour time difference from the East Coast makes it tough to follow live, but I look through it every day to watch the game unfold before ever looking at final scores. Not many baseball connections here -- there is a popular soup called Knoblauch Soup that is basically a garlic and onion cream soup -- very good and I experienced no yips in consuming it. Switzerland remains impossibly beautiful and quintessentially civilized. Every moment is a photo op. From the balcony of our condo in Wengen where I am currently sitting we have spectacular views of the Jungfrau and many other 12,000 - 13,000 plus foot peaks. Hiking hiking and more hiking. We're doing 12-15 miles every day, and every inch of it is on an incline. No flat land here. Instead of wearing us out, we feel more energetic every day. The bus system in the Lugano area, the Italian part of Switzerland where we began our trip, is called Fart. Doesn't sound like good marketing to me, but it seems to work here. Literary notes for those who care about such things -- we visited Reichenbach Falls near the town of Meiringen -- this is where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had Holmes and his arch-enemy Moriarty plunge to their deaths. The whole town milks the Holmes connection for all it is worth. For Mr. Rizzuto -- we hiked into Brissago on Lake Maggiore. This is the small port where the protagonist and his pregnant girlfriend row into when deserting from Italy in "A Farewell To Arms." Several Hemingway-related sites in the region. Lots of James Bond movie connections throughout Switzerland -- remember Ian Fleming gave him a Swiss mother -- one we visited was Schilthorn, used in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Okay, back to baseball. We'll be back in the U.S. in about 10 days. Unless we can come up with an excuse to stay longer. Ah, but did Holmes and Moriarty really plunge to their deaths at Reichenbach Falls? Conan Doyle thought he had done indeed that, wanting to spend his writing future sans arguably the most recognizable character in the history of English fiction. Not that he could have predicted the incredible negative response from fans. For ten years - in reality, not in story time - Holmes was dead. Then, Conan Doyle capitulated and brought Holmes back to life in "The Empty House," forcing Watson to faint and then explaining that he had faked his death. Possibly the second best fictional consulting detective Nero Wolfe, had a picture of Reichenbach Falls in his study. Many literati believe that Wolfe was actually the love child of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler during his absence following the "fall" with Moriarty. Thank you for thinking of me, Pipps. Any Hemingway references are always welcome. As most of Papa's writing, much is autobiographical. Despite its popularity, AFTA is the novel that I am least likely to re-read. There is something about The Sun Also Rises that intrigues me in a way that AFTA does not. The Short Happy Life of Francis McComber may be my favorite short story to re-read. I'm delighted that you are enjoying your trek hither and yon. Incredible hearing about how much you two are hiking! Muy impresivo! |
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 1, 2023 23:14:48 GMT -5
Thanks Kaybli. Later I will send a photo of a Fart bus in action. Getting ready to turn in here to be up with the larks and hit the trails early. No way am I in Chi territory. He actually has to run 26 miles. I can stop and have some Swiss cheese and beer along the route. Great to hear from you, pipps! 12 to 15 inclined miles, I'm certainly not doing that every day! I can feel the quads burning just thinking about that. You're missing some good baseball, the Yanks have been on a roll, hope it continues. Have a great rest of your trip and be safe out there! Thank you Chi. I am quite sure I could not run a marathon! I actually prefer the uphill climbs to the descents. It can get slippery on gravel paths and hard to slam on the brakes. The scenery is so jaw-dropping that it distracts us from getting tired. Yeah, I know I've missed some good baseball -- Judge making it obvious he's heading to Cooperstown -- winning series on the West Coast, never easy -- it's why I appreciate this site and the commentary to feel like I'm watching the game. I was getting ticked off at C.B. Buckner just as if I were sitting in front of my TV at home! Take care. |
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 1, 2023 23:28:16 GMT -5
I just wanted to check in from Switzerland to let you guys know I really enjoy looking at the game coverage. The six hour time difference from the East Coast makes it tough to follow live, but I look through it every day to watch the game unfold before ever looking at final scores. Not many baseball connections here -- there is a popular soup called Knoblauch Soup that is basically a garlic and onion cream soup -- very good and I experienced no yips in consuming it. Switzerland remains impossibly beautiful and quintessentially civilized. Every moment is a photo op. From the balcony of our condo in Wengen where I am currently sitting we have spectacular views of the Jungfrau and many other 12,000 - 13,000 plus foot peaks. Hiking hiking and more hiking. We're doing 12-15 miles every day, and every inch of it is on an incline. No flat land here. Instead of wearing us out, we feel more energetic every day. The bus system in the Lugano area, the Italian part of Switzerland where we began our trip, is called Fart. Doesn't sound like good marketing to me, but it seems to work here. Literary notes for those who care about such things -- we visited Reichenbach Falls near the town of Meiringen -- this is where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had Holmes and his arch-enemy Moriarty plunge to their deaths. The whole town milks the Holmes connection for all it is worth. For Mr. Rizzuto -- we hiked into Brissago on Lake Maggiore. This is the small port where the protagonist and his pregnant girlfriend row into when deserting from Italy in "A Farewell To Arms." Several Hemingway-related sites in the region. Lots of James Bond movie connections throughout Switzerland -- remember Ian Fleming gave him a Swiss mother -- one we visited was Schilthorn, used in "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." Okay, back to baseball. We'll be back in the U.S. in about 10 days. Unless we can come up with an excuse to stay longer. Ah, but did Holmes and Moriarty really plunge to their deaths at Reichenbach Falls? Conan Doyle thought he had done indeed that, wanting to spend his writing future sans arguably the most recognizable character in the history of English fiction. Not that he could have predicted the incredible negative response from fans. For ten years - in reality, not in story time - Holmes was dead. Then, Conan Doyle capitulated and brought Holmes back to life in "The Empty House," forcing Watson to faint and then explaining that he had faked his death. Possibly the second best fictional consulting detective Nero Wolfe, had a picture of Reichenbach Falls in his study. Many literati believe that Wolfe was actually the love child of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler during his absence following the "fall" with Moriarty. Thank you for thinking of me, Pipps. Any Hemingway references are always welcome. As most of Papa's writing, much is autobiographical. Despite its popularity, AFTA is the novel that I am least likely to re-read. There is something about The Sun Also Rises that intrigues me in a way that AFTA does not. The Short Happy Life of Francis McComber may be my favorite short story to re-read. I'm delighted that you are enjoying your trek hither and yon. Incredible hearing about how much you two are hiking! Muy impresivo! Thanks Rizz. I knew you would know the full story. There is a Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen where they outline the whole saga, complete with Paget illustrations and a replica of Holmes's apartment at 221B Baker Street. Even a statue of Holmes in front, and right next door to the hotel Doyle stayed at when he visited Meiringen. Today you can take a funicular up to the falls, but Doyle had to ascend a very steep and wet trail to get up there. The Yankees have had a Doyle (Brian), a Holmes (Clay) a Watson (Bob) and even a couple of Bakers (both Frank) but no Moriarty to my knowledge. Concur totally on AFTA as opposed to TSAR, which to me is Hemingway's piece de resistance. Probably my second favorite is "A Moveable Feast." I need to do my homework and read McComber. Thanks for the insights as always! |
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Post by inger on Jun 1, 2023 23:47:10 GMT -5
Ah, but did Holmes and Moriarty really plunge to their deaths at Reichenbach Falls? Conan Doyle thought he had done indeed that, wanting to spend his writing future sans arguably the most recognizable character in the history of English fiction. Not that he could have predicted the incredible negative response from fans. For ten years - in reality, not in story time - Holmes was dead. Then, Conan Doyle capitulated and brought Holmes back to life in "The Empty House," forcing Watson to faint and then explaining that he had faked his death. Possibly the second best fictional consulting detective Nero Wolfe, had a picture of Reichenbach Falls in his study. Many literati believe that Wolfe was actually the love child of Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler during his absence following the "fall" with Moriarty. Thank you for thinking of me, Pipps. Any Hemingway references are always welcome. As most of Papa's writing, much is autobiographical. Despite its popularity, AFTA is the novel that I am least likely to re-read. There is something about The Sun Also Rises that intrigues me in a way that AFTA does not. The Short Happy Life of Francis McComber may be my favorite short story to re-read. I'm delighted that you are enjoying your trek hither and yon. Incredible hearing about how much you two are hiking! Muy impresivo! Thanks Rizz. I knew you would know the full story. There is a Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen where they outline the whole saga, complete with Paget illustrations and a replica of Holmes's apartment at 221B Baker Street. Even a statue of Holmes in front, and right next door to the hotel Doyle stayed at when he visited Meiringen. Today you can take a funicular up to the falls, but Doyle had to ascend a very steep and wet trail to get up there. The Yankees have had a Doyle (Brian), a Holmes (Clay) a Watson (Bob) and even a couple of Bakers (both Frank) but no Moriarty to my knowledge. Concur totally on AFTA as opposed to TSAR, which to me is Hemingway's piece de resistance. Probably my second favorite is "A Moveable Feast." I need to do my homework and read McComber. Thanks for the insights as always! You ask, I deliver. Gentleman, meet George Moriarty. He was a utility man for the Yankees 1906-08… |
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Post by Renfield on Jun 1, 2023 23:59:40 GMT -5
Thanks Rizz. I knew you would know the full story. There is a Sherlock Holmes Museum in Meiringen where they outline the whole saga, complete with Paget illustrations and a replica of Holmes's apartment at 221B Baker Street. Even a statue of Holmes in front, and right next door to the hotel Doyle stayed at when he visited Meiringen. Today you can take a funicular up to the falls, but Doyle had to ascend a very steep and wet trail to get up there. The Yankees have had a Doyle (Brian), a Holmes (Clay) a Watson (Bob) and even a couple of Bakers (both Frank) but no Moriarty to my knowledge. Concur totally on AFTA as opposed to TSAR, which to me is Hemingway's piece de resistance. Probably my second favorite is "A Moveable Feast." I need to do my homework and read McComber. Thanks for the insights as always! You ask, I deliver. Gentleman, meet George Moriarty. He was a utility man for the Yankees 1906-08… If you find a LeStrade, Baskerville or Adler we could just about make a team of Holmes characters. They could play in the Red Headed League. |
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Post by inger on Jun 2, 2023 10:00:01 GMT -5
You ask, I deliver. Gentleman, meet George Moriarty. He was a utility man for the Yankees 1906-08… If you find a LeStrade, Baskerville or Adler we could just about make a team of Holmes characters. They could play in the Red Headed League. We might have to settle for some extra Watsons… 😂 The closest I can come to LeStrade is Lee Stange… My 60’s/70’s are showing… 🤓 |
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Post by inger on Jun 2, 2023 10:08:43 GMT -5
BTW: Lee Stange was one of my favorite non-Yankees. I still remember Chuck Thompson, the great Orioles announcer moaning about Stange, who had a 13-7; 2.73 career mark vs. the Orioles. He was also 9-3 ; 2.37 vs. the Indians. So 22-10 between the two. His career mark was 62-61, so 40-51 against all other comers, including a nifty 3-7; 5.09 vs. the Yanks. What more could you ask of an opposing pitcher? 🤓…
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Post by inger on Jun 2, 2023 10:14:08 GMT -5
The world has gone mad. Two of my favorite classic vehicles, the Hummer and the VW bus, are being reintroduced. Great! Right? Well, no. They’re both only available in EV models at a cost of $110,000 and up. What a bummer…
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Post by kaybli on Jun 2, 2023 15:34:39 GMT -5
The only downside to implementing the automated strike zone is no more gems like these :
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 4, 2023 11:52:04 GMT -5
BTW: Lee Stange was one of my favorite non-Yankees. I still remember Chuck Thompson, the great Orioles announcer moaning about Stange, who had a 13-7; 2.73 career mark vs. the Orioles. He was also 9-3 ; 2.37 vs. the Indians. So 22-10 between the two. His career mark was 62-61, so 40-51 against all other comers, including a nifty 3-7; 5.09 vs. the Yanks. What more could you ask of an opposing pitcher? 🤓… Stinger Stange! Now that you mention it, Chuck Thompson did bring him up a lot. I didn't appreciate Chuck as much as I should have back then on that 50,000 watt flamethrower WBAL 1090. From where you lived you probably received that station in your fillings. |
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Post by inger on Jun 4, 2023 12:07:03 GMT -5
BTW: Lee Stange was one of my favorite non-Yankees. I still remember Chuck Thompson, the great Orioles announcer moaning about Stange, who had a 13-7; 2.73 career mark vs. the Orioles. He was also 9-3 ; 2.37 vs. the Indians. So 22-10 between the two. His career mark was 62-61, so 40-51 against all other comers, including a nifty 3-7; 5.09 vs. the Yanks. What more could you ask of an opposing pitcher? 🤓… Stinger Stange! Now that you mention it, Chuck Thompson did bring him up a lot. I didn't appreciate Chuck as much as I should have back then on that 50,000 watt flamethrower WBAL 1090. From where you lived you probably received that station in your fillings. Fillings? I was 17 or so when I first saw a dentist. I paid for the funeral of one of my molars that day with my own money. The thought of going to a dentist unless you were on the verge of death never occurred to anyone in my family at that point in life. Mom, I have a toothache meant some of those little clove cotton balls and a heating pad (one of the worst things you can do for a toothache, but my mom’s go to was a heating pad. Ma! I think I broke my arm! Here comes the heating pad. Ma! I gonna throw up, here! Put this heating pad on your stomach. But, yeah. That station could rattle windows, especially ours since they rattled anyway… Okay, I exaggerate. We did use ice when it was appropriate… |
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Post by pippsheadache on Jun 4, 2023 12:15:22 GMT -5
One short self-indulgent squib here. I'm broadcasting today from Zermatt, world-renowned skiing venue which sits below the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is the tallest peak in Europe at over 14,000 feet, which means it is usually under cloud cover, which it has been so far during our two days here. We got one brief glimpse for about a minute and people gasped as if they had seen the Aurora Borealis.
I actually did get a good look at it in 1971, but you know after over half a century I'd like a little refresher. Plus my wife has never seen it (other than at Disneyland and Disney World, and somehow this is a little different.)
Switzerland is stupidly gorgeous so I won't go over that again -- this is my fifth visit but my wife had only passed briefly through Zurich and I needed to share it with her.
One more literary note -- Mark Twain wrote about visiting this area in 1878 in "A Tramp Abroad." We followed his footsteps by hiking from Zermatt up to Riffleberg, where he stayed in a hotel that is still there at over 8,000 feet. In fact the trail is called the Mark Twain Trail. People in those days were pretty rugged -- I can't imagine a tour group making that 3,000 foot ascent over three miles dressed in what was available at that time over far more primitive paths than we used. And Twain was a chain-smoking, hard-drinking middle-aged writer when he did this.
I found my new favorite bar in Zermatt -- it's called Paul's Cocktails and the sign in the window says "Cocktails -- because what great story ever begins with someone eating a salad?"
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Post by kaybli on Jun 4, 2023 12:26:48 GMT -5
One short self-indulgent squib here. I'm broadcasting today from Zermatt, world-renowned skiing venue which sits below the Matterhorn. The Matterhorn is the tallest peak in Europe at over 14,000 feet, which means it is usually under cloud cover, which it has been so far during our two days here. We got one brief glimpse for about a minute and people gasped as if they had seen the Aurora Borealis. I actually did get a good look at it in 1971, but you know after over half a century I'd like a little refresher. Plus my wife has never seen it (other than at Disneyland and Disney World, and somehow this is a little different.) Switzerland is stupidly gorgeous so I won't go over that again -- this is my fifth visit but my wife had only passed briefly through Zurich and I needed to share it with her. One more literary note -- Mark Twain wrote about visiting this area in 1878 in "A Tramp Abroad." We followed his footsteps by hiking from Zermatt up to Riffleberg, where he stayed in a hotel that is still there at over 8,000 feet. In fact the trail is called the Mark Twain Trail. People in those days were pretty rugged -- I can't imagine a tour group making that 3,000 foot ascent over three miles dressed in what was available at that time over far more primitive paths than we used. And Twain was a chain-smoking, hard-drinking middle-aged writer when he did this. I found my new favorite bar in Zermatt -- it's called Paul's Cocktails and the sign in the window says "Cocktails -- because what great story ever begins with someone eating a salad?" Sounds majestic pipps! If you ever want to send me pictures later I can post them. Wow five visits to Switzerland! No doubt negotiating some secret world diplomacy in a neutral country  . Stay safe on those trails! We're looking forward to having you back! |
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very true.
. Stay safe on those trails! We're looking forward to having you back!