The Democrats have a media problem. They need to have a “Fox News/Tucker Carlson or OAN” equivalent in mainstream media. The goal of this new media organization is to counter, satirize, discuss and question the conservative agenda. Questions need to be asked to promote discussion and promote reality check.
Here are some questions to ask: 1) What was the real extent of Marina Butina’s infiltration of the Republican party? 2) Has the impartiality / non-political nature of SCOTUS been contaminated knowing that Justice Thomas’ wife has been privately supporting the lies of electrion irregularities even going so far as to encourage Mark Meadows to do “something”? 3) Why are Republicans openly hostile against COVID19 policies like mask wearing and vaccinations claiming these policies infringe on their freedoms yet brazenly implement laws like Texas’ SB8 that infringe on a woman’s freedom of choice and body?
One of the consistent squash tournaments that takes place in SoCal is the OC Squash Tournament held at the OC Equinox in Irvine. It occurs roughly every March and October and generally draws at least 30-50 players of various levels (from 3.5 to 5.5). As one of the only few local tournaments within driving distance, it’s a good opportunity to estimate your current squash skill/levels and gain insights on where to improve next. It’s a double elimination match and is fairly well organized for such a large player base.
During the pandemic, the tournament was put on hiatus. This was the first squash event of the year and drew approximately 30 or so players of various levels. The tournament coordinator was able to fill out three brackets of 8 (4.0, 4.5, 5.0) and a round robin bracket. Not too shabby for the first squash event.
I participated in the 4.0 bracket this time around. Having played before in the 3.5, I figured the 4.0 might give me some issues/challenges. Interestingly, many of the previous 3.5 players were also playing in this bracket leading me to conclude this was probably a combination of two brackets. Seeing the bracket, I thought I had a fairly good chance to place at best 2nd place. Why? Mainly because T was also playing and at my current fitness level, I know I cannot win against her athleticsm.
Day 1: Day 1 ends with me in the losers bracket with a 2-1 record. I won the first match relatively convincingly. Lost my match against T. And won the first losers bracket match convincingly too. My adjusted lob serves were still a little shaky but good enough to demoralize both opponent where I won. When they were unable to return the serve effectively, they don’t even have an opportunity to win the point. The match with T was excrutiating. I committed too many errors and generally wasn’t able to dictate the pace nor control the T.
Day 2 Being in the losers bracket, I need 2 wins to put me back into the winners bracket and an additional 2 wins (for a total of 4 wins) in order for me to win the division. Day 2 starts off with a no show so that’s an easy win. The 2nd win starts off a bit shaky as my serve wasn’t consistent enough in the 1st game of the 2nd match. It was actually being called out in the 1st game quite a few times. But with small adjustments, I managed to win both the 2nd and 3rd game on the backs of my serve and to fully frustrate the opponent in the 4th game to win the 2nd match. That’s win #2 and that puts me back head to head against T.
My 3rd match of the day was against T. She’s used to the timing of my lob serve and was able to return and stay competitive. Ultimately, I committed too many errors, was outplayed by T quite a few times, and general frustration/fatigue finally took over in the 3rd game.
I ended up placing 2nd place with an overall 4-2 record with both losses to T.
I’ve mentioned Portola Coffee in the past as one of the initial “gateway beans” into appreciating coffee. Going down to OC, I had the opportunity to buy a bag of Portola-roasted Ethiopian beans from the Sidamo region. Making my latte, I taste berries and a hint of florals. The flavor profile is amazing.
February’s Trade Coffee selection is this wonderful single origin Anodyne Coffee Roasting selection from Colombia. The bag smells amazing even after a month. I smell hints of fruit and this nutty aroma. Making my latte, I initially taste fruity and sweet flavors that melts into to a chocolate milk after taste. That chocolate after taste is very enjoyable.
I recently stumbled upon Robert Reich’s (link 1, link 2) Poverty and Wealth YouTube lectures. It’s only up to episode 5. I’ve already watched the first 4 episodes. In these first 4 episodes, Reich sums up some of the current social, political and economic ailments that are affecting the US and the world at large. I expect him to explore different facets of these topics over the next few weeks.
So far, he’s has so far talked about income equality, investor’s perspective, globalization and housing inequalities. He does a good job discussing the history of how the situation came to be by engaging listeners to think about these issues while also providing possible avenues of solutions.
I really recommend any of my readers to listen him.
Watching these YouTube videos (link 1, link 2, link 3) on options trading, I view options trading as an anti-thesis of normal stock investing where the judgement is based on the value of the stock price fluctuations rather than the value of the company.
January’s Angels Cup comes from Evans Brothers Coffee Roaster. It’s a “signature blend” with beans from Columbia and Brazil that’s a medium roast. Opening the bag, I’m greeted berry and nutty aromas. However, after making my latte, the sweet berry flavor dominates each sip. With each sip, the aftertaste though has a pleasant chocolate flavor that really makes this latte delicious. I wonder what ratio of high quality beans were mixed to make the sweet fruity flavor profile.
A Guy and His Thoughts... 