PicoBlog

Some quick thoughts on Green Day’s new album, “Saviors,” before we get into the song-by-song analysis. This is the most complete record they’ve put out since 2009’s “21st Century Breakdown,” surpassing 2016’s Revolution Radio. A lot of the themes are the same (a critical look at society, government, politics, social media, drug use) but there are very few low moments or throwaway songs. I could have cut three songs off RevRad and not missed them.

If newspapers, magazines, and social media are any indication, everyone needs - on an annual basis - even more ways to roast turkey (or braise, sous-vide, Instant Pot, deep-fry, brine, dry brine, etc). And just when you thought pumpkin, pecan, or apple pie meant you made a crust, baked the filling inside it, and served it forth, there are a gazillion ways to do it better, bigger, more apple-y, less corn syrupy, etc.

I don’t think that many of you who follow my work and have read my books will be unaware of the remarkable gigantic old woman in the Gaelic folkloric traditions: the Cailleach, the creator and shaper of the land, and (in Scotland, at least) the spirit of the season of winter. I’ve been researching and writing about this character for two full decades now, and over that time it’s been a delight to see her creep into contemporary consciousness again.

I’ve been thawing out of my frittata era for the last year (we know this because I posted a whole 2 frittata recipes. Which forecasts we will be seeing much more of them this spring season. Because a frittata gives spring. And understandably, you might be like “what is this - 2016? why are you making a frittata?” Well, 2016 was the best year of life for all of us, so yeah I have no issue bringing back the tata and reminiscing on the old days.

Greg Luzinski was emerging as one of baseball’s big power hitters with the Phillies when I was growing up on Chicago’s West Side in the mid-1970s. I haven’t forgotten a story a neighbor, who coached youth baseball, told about what “The Bull” accomplished in the Little League state tournament. Batting average is a statistic that frequently gets trashed these days. Good luck downplaying the .947 - yes, .947 - Luzinski had with 18 hits in 19 at-bats.

All Predictions Wrong By Gregg Easterbrook All Predictions Wrong offers eclectic commentary on science, sports, politics, economics, faith, movie plot holes, cars and my hometown of Buffalo New York. During the NFL season, Tuesday Morning Quarterback is included. ncG1vNJzZmirpZfAta3CpGWcp51kjaat0q2cq5qipLys

There is this saying, “Don’t wait to light the candles.” Meaning, don’t wait to seize the beauty in front of you. A lot of us wait for the right moment. We will light the candles in a special moment. We will write that book in a more sensible moment. We will tell someone we love them in a safe moment. We will go watch the sunset when we’re less tired. We’ll call our family when we’re less busy.

“Grit Capital is a smart and fun daily read for anyone at least somewhat engaged with the markets. Genevieve is awesome at curating content and commenting on the news. Her writing style fresh and the format of her newsletter is innovative. Also, the memes...” ncG1vNJzZmifop7BpK3PoquapF6owqO%2F05qapGaTpLpw

Hello there! I hope you’re warm and or dry wherever you are. I have lots to report and couldn’t get it all organized and polished to send sooner. This grocery shopping travelogue should interest you whether or not you go to Hawaii. Before I ever visited the islands, people told me about the price of groceries — how they are expensive but also wonderfully diverse, leaning toward Asia more than any other state in the nation.