#Gaylord Perry

[floridaboiler]

[baseballbybsmile]

Fun Fact: Baseball Hall of Fame spitball pitcher Gaylord Perry won 314 games in his 22-year major league career!

[baseballsisco]

The announcers during the Guardians vs the Tigers Game 4 playoff game were talking about pitchers that have won the A.L. Cy Young with Cleveland. Here is the post with the list. Check it out.

[gummyartstradingcards]

[trevor50]

Gaylord Perry

[hollywoodfamerp]

WELCOME TO THE NASHVILLE OPRYLAND HOTEL! 

Experience the energy and excitement of Nashville, Tennessee – the Music City. On the banks of the Cumberland River, this landmark hotel is just a short drive or riverboat cruise from downtown Nashville’s historic attractions and nightlife. 2 of the city’s most popular attractions - the world-famous Grand Ole Opry and General Jackson Showboat – are conveniently located next door to the resort. Inside lies an extraordinary selection of dining, shopping, live entertainment and recreation options that provide the perfect destination. You'll be amazed at the 9-acres of indoor gardens, cascading waterfalls and indoor river with its very own Delta River flatboats. Discover Gaylord Opryland and make memories. You won't believe what they have under one roof!

UNDER THE CUT, YOU’LL FIND THE LIST OF ROOMMATES!

Due to an issue with the booking system at the hotel, it seems the roommates have all been mixed up. Was it the hotel? Or those pesky gossip blog hosts looking for drama? Guess we will never know... enjoy your stay, partners! 

PLEASE LIKE THIS NOTICE WHEN YOU HAVE READ IT AND SO THAT YOU CAN KEEP TRACK OF THE LIST UPDATES!

Pamela Martinez (Bayley) - Kelsea Ballerini Joshua Hong - Lili Reinhart Ariana Grande - Bill Skarsgård Mark Lee - Sabrina Carpenter Tom Holland - Zendaya Coleman Wong Yukhei (Lucas Wong) - Margot Robbie Timothée Chalamet - Lupita Nyong'o Kim Hongjoong - Beyonce Knowles Austin Butler - Vanessa Hudgens Chace Crawford - Elizabeth Olsen Alex Torres (Quackity) - Maia Mitchell Jung Wooyoung - Sarah Drew Tyler Hoechlin - Lucy Hale Louis Tomlinson - Jenna Ortega Natalia Dyer - Joe Keery Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul (Ten) - Maika Monroe Kim Mingyu - Sarah Paulson Jeon Jungkook - Blake Lively Lee Donghyuck (Haechan) -  Kim Jongin (Kai) Harry Styles - Taylor Swift Anya Taylor-Joy - Elizabeth Gillies Selena Gomez - Gigi Hadid Chris Evans - Tessa Thompson Choi San - Kim Ahyoung (Yura) Min Yoongi - Samantha Gibb Stephen Amell - Emily Bett Rickards Lee Sunmi - Kang Seulgi Colby Lopez (Seth Rollins) - Emily Osment Zoey Deutch - Florence Pugh Christian Yu - Brittany Baker (Britt Baker) Pedro Pascal - Jennifer Morrison Byun Baekhyun - Shay Mitchell Demi Lovato - Dua Lipa Hwang Hyunjin - Diamanté Quiava Valentin Harper (Saweetie) Nick Robinson - Maya Hawke Bruno Mars - Maura Higgins Leati Joseph Anoa'i (Roman Reigns) - Madelaine Petsch Brett Tucker - Demi Bennett (Rhea Ripley) Kim Namjoon - Camila Morrone Lee Taeyong - Camila Mendes Andy Biersack - Mazz Murray Dylan O'Brien - Adelaide Kane Harry Kane - Meghann Fahy Renee Paquette (Renee Young) - Sarah Hyland Jackson Wang - Emma Stone Geoff Wigington - Sana Minatozaki Otto Wood - Anna Kendrick Sebastian Stan - Jessica Chastain Sam Claflin - Ashley Elizabeth Fliehr (Charlotte Flair) Gareth Southgate - Jessica Lange Tyler Alvarez - Cate Blanchett Lee Felix - Kim Minjeong (Winter) Zac Efron - Perrie Edwards Ross Lynch - Yoo Jimin (Karina) Carrie Underwood - Lee Taemin Jonathan Good (Jon Moxley) - Zoe Kravitz Gong Jichul (Gong Yoo) - Dylan Sprouse Myoi Mina - Molly-Mae Hauge Choi Soobin - Sydney Sweeney Mason Mount - Brittany Snow Joe Burrow - Julianna Margulies Kim Jungwoo - Kim Jisoo Choi Minho - Rachel Weisz Akanishi Jin -  Colin O’Donoghue Lee Minho (Lee Know) - Megan Jovon Ruth Pete (Megan Thee Stallion) Xiao Dejun (Xiaojun) - Kaia Gerber Awsten Knight - Madelyn Cline Park Seonghwa - Hailee Steinfeld Miley Cyrus - Chris Hemsworth Mercedes Justine Varnado (Sasha Banks) -   Rebecca Quin (Becky Lynch)   Bella Poarch - Ana De Armas Yoo Siah (YooA) - Lauren Jauregui Jensen Ackles - Katherine McNamara Grace Van Dien - Christopher Bang (Bang Chan) Lily James - Jung Yoonoh (Jaehyun) Wong Kunhang (Hendery) - James Lafferty Kim Taehyung - Halle Bailey

[collectingall]

∀ 1984 Topps #4 Nolan Ryan-steve Carlton-gaylord Perry Hof Psa 9 B4186727-901 https://www.sportsmemorabilia.com/mlb-memorabilia/texas-rangers/1984-topps-number-4-nolan-ryan-steve-carlton-gaylord-perry-hof-psa-9-b4186727-901/o-3443+t-36780134+p-9144023045613+z-9-2687215057?_ref=p-CLP%3Am-GRID%3Ai-r4c1%3Apo-13&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=tumblr

[wutbju]

Charles Matthew Bump, BJU Class of 1955.

Chuck was born on June 24, 1935, at home in Flushing, to Merrill and Jane (Jenny) (Harburn) Bump. He graduated from Flushing High School. Chuck attended Bob Jones University where he played french horn in the orchestra before transferring to the University of Kentucky to study science. After graduating in 1957, Chuck went on to study at the University of Tennessee, obtaining a master’s degree in 1959.

He returned to Flushing and worked in the lab at McLaren General Hospital in Flint, for several years before accepting a job at Massachusetts General Hospital in the TB and mycology lab. Chuck left MGH to become the Microbiology Lab director at Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston. After completing his doctoral studies at Northeastern University in Boston in 1973, Chuck worked as the microbiologist at Boston Children’s Hospital until 1975 when he accepted the position as laboratory director at Memorial Hospital in Owosso, where he served for 12 years.

While in Owosso, Chuck owned and operated a water testing lab with colleague and friend, Jim Nielsen. He left Owosso to work as the microbiologist for Flint Clinical Pathologists in the labs at McLaren and St. Joseph’s Hospitals in Flint, eventually leaving that employ to work exclusively as the microbiology lab director at McLaren General Hospital. He retired from that position in 1999.

Chuck also taught at Perry Middle School, Alternative Education in Owosso, and at several community colleges. He was a frequent guest speaker in high school science classes in Shiawassee County. Chuck served on the Corunna School Board of Education for many years. He was a member of the Air Force reserves for eight years in the 1960’s as part of the critical skills program.

Aside from his professional career, Chuck had many hobbies. He was a voracious reader, collected stamps, self-published several children’s books, and did woodworking. He enjoyed landscaping design and growing things. Chuck was an active member of the Owosso Kiwanis Club (night club) for many years, serving as president of the local club and Lt. Governor of the district at various times. He was president of the board of John Wesley College during its final years and oversaw the campus before it was sold to Baker College. Additionally, Chuck was a devoted member of the Owosso Community Players for many years. He acted, made sets, sang, directed and did whatever needed to be done. Chuck relocated to Arizona where he continued teaching at the college level, including Mohave Valley Community College, as while as working actively in his church community.

Charles is survived by his wife of 16 years Nancy Morgridge; the mother of his children Sandra Lownds; and children Matthew (Karen) Bump of Owosso, Adam (Stacey) Bump of Owosso and Rachel (Jason) Britton of Calhan, Colorado. He also leaves stepsons Timothy and Todd (Pamela) Morgridge of Gaylord and Terrance (Cynthia) Morgridge of Mohave Valley, Arizona; grandchildren Nathan and Abigail Bump, Elena Bump of Owosso, Morgan (Charles) Sparks and Emmary Britton of Calhan, Colorado; great-granddaughter Sloan Sparks; stepgrandsons Dane (Lisa), Donald, Matthew, Greg (Syndie), Joshua, Joesph (Dallas), Jon and Harrison (Leanne) of Michigan, Pennsylvania and California; brother Thomas (Evlyn) Bump; sister Mary Rushin; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, brothers William and John (Jeanette) and sister-in-law Anna.

A celebration of life will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at Graham Church 7320 W Beard Rd, Perry.

[brookstonalmanac]

Birthdays 9.15

Beer Birthdays

John H. Meyer (1818)

Herman Lackman (1826)

Frank Jones (1832)

Will Kemper (1949)

Lars Larson (1966)

Larry Bennett

Larry Horwitz

Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø (1975)

Steve Luke (1983)

Five Favorite Birthdays

Julian "Cannonball" Adderly; jazz saxophonist (1928)

Agatha Christie; English writer (1890)

Dan Marino; Miami Dolphins QB (1961)

Ron Shelton; film director (1945)

Penny Singleton; actor (1909)

Famous Birthdays

Roy Acuff; country singer (1903)

Robert Benchley; writer (1889)

Silpa Bhirasri; Thai Artist (1892)

Edward Bouchet; physicist (1852)

Jackie Cooper; actor (1922)

James Fenimore Cooper; writer (1789)

Norm Crosby; comedian (1927)

Amy Davidson; actor (1979)

Francois de La Rochefoucauld; French writer (1613)

Prince Harry of Wales; English royalty (1984)

Merlin Olsen; Los Angeles Rams DT (1940)

Gaylord Perry; S.F. Giants, many others P (1938)

Marco Polo; Italian explorer (1254)

Jean Renoir; film director (1894)

Nipsey Russell; comedian (1918)

Bobby Short; jazz pianist (1924)

Henry Silva; actor (1928)

Wendy Jo Sperber; actor (1958)

Oliver Stone; film director (1946)

William Howard Taft; 27th U.S. President (1857)

Bruno Walter; orchestra conductor (1876)

Fay Wray; actor (1907)

[cleanwaterchronicles]

Beach-cleaning boost: Roving robot behind cleaner beaches throughout the state

July 22, 2024

Today’s MI Environment story is courtesy the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

A beach-cleaning robot known as “BeBot,” an advanced method of managing litter that’s electric-powered and remote-operated, is helping keep Michigan's inland lake beaches and Great Lakes shorelines clean. Courtesy of DNR.

Cigarette butts, discarded food wrappers, shards of plastic – all items we wish to avoid when we’re at the beach and have our toes in the sand.

Thanks to new technology – a beach-cleaning robot known as “BeBot,” developed by Niteko Robotics – we’ll be seeing less trash at our beloved inland lake beaches and Great Lakes shorelines. Several state park beaches are now using BeBot, an advanced method of managing litter that’s electric-powered and remote-operated.

This is good news for fun-filled summer days along the water, and even better news for the environment.

With the capability to cover 32,000 square feet per hour, the robot efficiently clears away various sizes of plastic debris from the landscape including bottles, food wrappers, cigarette butts and fragmented plastic particles. 

“The Michigan state parks and recreation system strives to seek out innovations that help us operate efficiently, saving time and resources while delivering quality outdoor recreation experiences to our visitors,” said Ron Olson, chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. “This innovative tool is an opportunity to improve our methods to maintain clean beaches.”

BeBot beach cleaning

The DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division purchased a BeBot in 2023 for use in southeast Michigan’s Rose Lake District, which includes Brighton Recreation Area in Livingston County.

“The BeBot is a great addition to the Rose Lake District,” said Rowdy Perry, unit supervisor at Brighton Recreation Area. “A lot of emphasis is placed on Great Lakes health, but inland lakes health also plays a major part in the state’s overall ecosystem protections. The BeBot not only helps clean the beaches around the district, but it also serves as a conversation starter to educate the public about the importance of clean beaches and water across the state.”

Farther north, the DNR’s Gaylord District is partnering with the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council to use a BeBot for trash collection on local beaches. These include shorelines at Petoskey and Cheboygan state parks.

Also this summer, the BeBot was deployed for the first time on Belle Isle, which the DNR has managed as a state park since 2014. This is part of the Belle Isle Conservancy’s environmental campaign, Keep Belle Isle Beautiful, and the Great Lakes Plastic Cleanup, a collaborative effort between the Council of the Great Lakes Region Foundation in the U.S. and Pollution Probe in Canada, targeting enhanced plastic litter removal and reduction on Belle Isle Beach, along the Detroit River.

A partnership among the Belle Isle Conservancy, the DNR and the CGLR Foundation, the BeBot deployment represents a significant step forward in utilizing technology to preserve and protect our natural environment, including the international Detroit River.

"This partnership exemplifies our commitment to leveraging technology and collaboration to address environmental challenges," said Tim Slusser, chief of the Office of Mobility Innovation at the City of Detroit. "By harnessing the power of BeBot, we are taking proactive steps to combat litter pollution and preserve the beauty of Belle Isle for generations to come."

The BeBot’s arrival on Belle Isle is the result of a collaborative effort between the City of Detroit's Office of Mobility Innovation and the CGLR Foundation, thanks to funding from The Clorox Company and ongoing support from Midwest retailer Meijer. With the DNR’s support, the BeBot operates at Belle Isle Beach, where it works alongside existing cleanup initiatives led by the Belle Isle Conservancy to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all visitors. Funding for this project was generously provided by The Clorox Company to the CGLR foundation.

“Since 2017, the Belle Isle Conservancy has educated thousands on the dangers of single-use plastic, removed upwards of 40,000 pounds of littered plastic pollution from Belle Isle and its waterways, and collaborated with local artists and designers to reuse waste collected at our cleanups to create and exhibit visual narratives around sustainability,” said Genevieve Rattray, director of sustainability and advocacy for the Belle Isle Conservancy.

“We are excited to work in partnership with the City of Detroit, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the CGLR Foundation to foster innovation and innovative technologies as we continue to protect and preserve our natural resources and make critical movement toward adopting the principles, practices and policies of a circular economy.”

Mark Fisher, the president and CEO of the CGLR network, also talked about the value of this partnership and its contribution to a circular economy – one that keeps materials and products in circulation for as long possible by reducing material use, redesigning materials and products to be less resource-intensive and recapturing waste as a resource to manufacture new materials and products.

"The Detroit River serves a vital economic and ecological corridor between the United States and Canada," Fisher said. "By partnering with the City of Detroit and the Belle Isle Conservancy, as well as The Clorox Company and Meijer that share our commitment to sustainability in the Great Lakes region, we are able to keep our beaches and waterways clean and free of plastic litter as we work to end plastic waste by moving to a circular economy."

Far-reaching robot

The BeBot has already proven its effectiveness in removing and studying the sources and pathways of plastic litter on Great Lakes beaches in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin with funding from Meijer. With cleanup efforts gaining momentum in the region, the introduction of the BeBot on Belle Isle this summer offers a unique and impactful solution to learn about and tackle the plastic litter pollution challenge facing not only the island and Detroit River, but the entire Great Lakes basin. 

“Meijer is proud to support the BeBot pilot program on Belle Isle Beach, which demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in the Great Lakes region,” said Erik Petrovskis, director of environmental compliance and sustainability at Meijer. “As a family company with a long history of serving Michigan communities, we care deeply about the health and beauty of our natural resources and the well-being of our customers and team members. We applaud the City of Detroit for their leadership and collaboration in this groundbreaking initiative to reduce plastic waste and protect our waterways.”

Continuing cleanup efforts

The City of Detroit, the DNR and other partners will seek to secure funding in the future to expand the initiative on Belle Isle with an additional BeBot as well as a PixieDrone, a remotely operated floating waste collector that would be deployed in local waterways. 

In addition to the BeBot pilot program, the City of Detroit remains committed to ongoing cleanup initiatives, in addition to the Keep Belle Isle Beautiful campaign launched in 2017. The Belle Isle Conservancy will operate the BeBot during public cleanup events, conduct waste characterizations – determining how much paper, glass, food waste and other materials are discarded in the waste stream to help plan how to reduce waste and conserve money and resources – and collect and report metrics from findings. 

Source: EGLE Newsroom

[sportstemplates]

San Francisco Giants memorial patches

Lon Simmons (2015)

Monte Irvin (2016)

Jim "Davvy" Davenport (2016)

Willie "Stretch" McCovey (2019)

Peter McGowan (2019)

Gaylord Perry (2023)

Vida Blue (2023)

Willie Mays (2024)

Orlando Cepeda (2024)

[baseballbybsmile]

Today In 1968: San Francisco Giants pitcher Gaylord Perry hurls a 1-0 no-hitter vs. Bob Gibson and the St. Louis Cardinals at Candlestick Park! STLCards pitcher Ray Washburn returns the favor the following day with a no-hitter of the Giants!

[plaidbooks]

Other baseball names

Duke Snider, Hughie Jennings, Juan Marichal, Gaylord Perry, Vida Blue, Chili Davis, Tito Fuentes, Mel Ott, Mickey Mantle, Joe Torre, Yogi Berra, Lefty Gomez, Goose Gossage, Wade Boggs, Red Ruffing, Ron Santo, Kiki Cuyler, Nellie Fox, Jackie Robinson, Charley Lau & Ozzie Guillen

Yesssss

[gummyartstradingcards]

[thorntonkrell-blog-blog]

It's me again Thornton Krell trying to recap the four rivulets that overflowed the Riv last week in case you missed it.

In contemplating the analogy of streams, both literal and metaphorical, we were confronted with the irony of nature's course and the epiphany of human interconnectedness. From political polarization to the quest for certainty in uncertain times, Riversend encourages a journey of inquiry and self-discovery, promoting thoughtfulness over confrontation. Through stories of baseball, historical synchronicities, and personal epiphanies, the narrative unfolds, revealing the intricate interplay between individual streams of consciousness and the vast ecosystem of human experience. From the Genesee River to the contemplation of mortality, the journey towards Riversend is marked by a recognition of the paradoxes that define our existence and the continuous flow towards enlightenment.

In the geopolitical realm, tensions rise as Putin seeks to expand Russia's influence into Ukraine, echoing echoes of past divisions and ideological certainties. geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine echoing echoes of past divisions underscoring the cyclical nature of history and the ongoing struggle for certainty in uncertain times, mirroring the paradoxes of human consciousness. Meanwhile, in America, political polarization persists, hindering progress and fostering echo chambers of certainty. Riversend challenges this certainty, embracing uncertainty as a catalyst for growth, trust, happiness and understanding.

Through the lens of baseball, we explore the paradoxes inherent in the game, mirroring the complexities of life itself. The tale of Gaylord Perry's historic home run, coinciding with humanity's first steps on the moon, serves as a poignant reminder of the synchronicity that pervades our existence. This synchronicity highlights the profound alignment of human progress and cosmic serendipity, underscoring the interconnectedness of human endeavor and the unfolding of history. From these stories emerge epiphanies, moments of sudden realization that propel us towards deeper understanding and connection.

Amidst discussions of mortality and the passage of time, Riversend encourages contemplation and dialogue, recognizing the interconnectedness of all things. From the streams of consciousness that flow through our minds to the rivers that carve their paths through the landscape, we are reminded of our place within the greater narrative of life. Through humility and curiosity, we embrace the paradoxes that define our existence, allowing the river to carry us towards continual epiphany.

As the journey unfolds, Riversend beckons us to engage with uncertainty, to embrace the unknown with open minds and open hearts. In the face of division and discord, it offers a sanctuary for contemplation and dialogue, where the flow of ideas and the exchange of perspectives enrich the collective consciousness. Like the river that meanders towards its destination, we too flow towards Riversend, guided by the currents of curiosity and the promise of enlightenment.

In the end, it is the recognition of our interconnectedness and the acceptance of paradox that leads us towards true understanding. As the river flows, so too do we flow towards epiphany, carried by the currents of thought and the timeless wisdom of the ages. the discussion delves into personal epiphanies, emphasizing the power of sudden realizations to propel individuals towards deeper understanding. Through a humorous exploration of the process of creating an epiphany, the Riv encourages embracing uncertainty and openness to new insights.

Interwoven throughout these stories are reflections on the paradoxes inherent in life, exemplified by the game of baseball itself. From the paradox of the defensive team possessing the ball to the unexpected prowess of pitchers at bat, these tales serve as allegories for the complexities of existence and the need to embrace uncertainty.

Finally, the Riv returned to the metaphor of streams, both literal and metaphorical, as a lens through which to view the interconnectedness of human experience. By recognizing the irony of nature's course and the fluidity of human consciousness, individuals are encouraged to navigate the currents of thought with humility and curiosity, ultimately flowing towards continual epiphany and enlightenment.

Uh well that's about as clear as I can make it.

Hope you're caught up and misunderstand correctly.

-30-

User recap the baseball stories, the histrorical synchronicities, personal ephiphanies and ironic juxtapositions in the order in which they appeared ChatGPT The narrative journey begins with a tale from the world of baseball, where Gaylord Perry's unexpected home run unfolds amidst a historic moment: humanity's first steps on the moon. This synchronicity highlights the profound alignment of human progress and cosmic serendipity, underscoring the interconnectedness of human endeavor and the unfolding of history.

Following this, the discussion delves into personal epiphanies, emphasizing the power of sudden realizations to propel individuals towards deeper understanding. Through a humorous exploration of the process of creating an epiphany, the narrative encourages embracing uncertainty and openness to new insights.

Next, the focus shifts to historical synchronicities, such as the geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine echoing echoes of past divisions. This discussion underscores the cyclical nature of history and the ongoing struggle for certainty in uncertain times, mirroring the paradoxes of human consciousness.

Interwoven throughout these stories are reflections on the paradoxes inherent in life, exemplified by the game of baseball itself. From the paradox of the defensive team possessing the ball to the unexpected prowess of pitchers at bat, these tales serve as allegories for the complexities of existence and the need to embrace uncertainty.

Finally, the narrative returns to the metaphor of streams, both literal and metaphorical, as a lens through which to view the interconnectedness of human experience. By recognizing the irony of nature's course and the fluidity of human consciousness, individuals are encouraged to navigate the currents of thought with humility and curiosity, ultimately flowing towards continual epiphany and enlightenment.

[mrbopst]

My Sound Advice column for Brick Weekly 2/10/20010

It is reasonable to wonder if love is always a good thing. For it’s many virtues, love compels many who feel it to act in ways that are thoroughly unsavory. It is a blinding emotion where thought and reason are often forsaken. Maybe that is why there is such a need to be in love. Thought and reason requires considered contemplation where as love operates almost exclusively on pure emotion. 

And when people are driven by pure emotion, bad things happen. 

Recently, a Daily Kos/Research 2000 Poll of 2,003 Republicans conducted this month has found that a little over a half (53 percent) actually believe Sarah Palin is more qualified to be president than Barack Obama. I know this may be impossible, but divorce how you feel about either of these people and evaluate both purely on their merits as if both were turning in faceless applications for the job of running the country. One candidate is a former beauty queen contestant that has a Bachelor of Science degree in communications-journalism (with a minor in political science) from the University of Idaho and the other is a graduate of Harvard Law School, magna cum laude and Columbia University with a BA in Political Science. One worked as a civil rights attorney and taught constitutional law at the University of Chicago Law School before becoming a three-term senator from one of the most populated states in the union and the other served on city council in Wasilla, Alaska (population 5,469) later becoming the Mayor of city and eventually governor of the state a position the applicant resigned from before the end of their term. Based on this information alone, which of these two applicants would you hire to run the country? Is it even close? If it is, if you are actually in a quandary over who is the most qualified of the two, well, I don’t know what to say. 

Obviously, judging qualified candidates isn’t your forte.

People love Sarah Palin. I think this because a lot of her followers want to fuck her. When I went to the Palin rally at the Richmond International Raceway in October of 2008, I overheard more people talking about her physical attributes than her potential governing ability. Many seemed to be enamored with her solely because of her fuckability. And it is because of these lustful urges that the true devotees of all things Palin can not view her objectively even when her rhetoric and actions are in direct conflict with their romanticized image of her and the movement she come to represent. At the first Tea Party Convention held last week in Nashville, the populist movement turned out to be big money politics as usual. The convention was held at the upscale Gaylord Opryland Hotel, charged $550 for admission and organizers of the event (the for-profit Tennessee corporation Tea Party Nation headed by Nashville-based criminal-defense lawyer Judson Phillips) have been accused of secrecy and corruption by the very people it claims to speak for, threatened lawsuits against dissenters unhappy about the direction of the event and overall movement. When some voiced their dissatisfaction with the event, their ire was not directed at Sarah Palin despite her reported and decidedly un-grass rootsy $100,000 speaking fee that resulted in $349 per-ticket cost to people who wanted to attend the speech. If anything, any reasonable criticism of her frightening lack of competence only strengthens the irrationality of the love they feel for her. "I doubt there is another public figure in our country who gives liberals a bigger case of the hives than our special guest today," Texas Gov. Rick Perry said at a campaign rally on Super Bowl Sunday in his introduction for Palin who is endorsing the governor in the upcoming election, "At the very mention of her name, the liberals, the progressives, the media elites, they literally foam at the mouth." That’s a pretty strange proclamation of someone’s worth, isn’t it? If the ability to offend is the yardstick by which someone’s worth is measured, then I know a lot people who are stellar individuals, but the larger question is this; Is that rage, that frothing of the mouth of which Perry and other Palin enthusiasts site as her defining attribute really just a perfectly justifiable response when reasonable people are confronted with something ethically repugnant? Like someone who keeps sticking his dick in a blender after they’ve been told what irreparable physical harm it will cause them, they cling to their bloody stump logic that Sarah Palin is what our country needs.

But that’s love for you. It sometimes makes people stupid.

Chris Bopst February 8th, 2010