Lost In Translation

 

A Lot Of History

 

This is a picture of Yonge Street in Toronto from 1954.  Just south of Davisville Ave, which is south of Eglinton Ave.

What's interesting about this is

1) there is a train going over what is now a pedestrian bridge. but was then a main CNR bridge

2) some old cars

3) subway cars along the right belonging to Toronto new, but unopened subway system, and

4) and middle left, chugging up Yonge St, an Toronto streetcar from Toronto's old (circa 1890) streetcar system, obviously still in operation.

So, four different modes of transportation all together in one picture. 

71 Years Later.....

A lot more character 71 years ago.

Maybe this will help.....

What The....?

 

I Still Got It!

 

Now, since this fellow, Goliath, is reported to be 135 years old, how do they know this is his first...uhh...child?

But I wouldn't want to call him out on it, though.

You Wanna Go?

But turns out, maybe they do know this is his first.

According to Goliath’s official record, he hatched on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos on June 15, 1890.  He arrived at the Bronx Zoo in 1929 and moved to Zoo Miami in 1981. 

He has bred with several different females during his time at Zoo Miami, but he has never sired an offspring. 

Whoa!  How did that picture get in here!  Tortoise porn.

Anyway, I guess Goliath likes 'em young; the new hatchling’s mother, Sweet Pea, is estimated to be between 85 and 100 years old.

But I guess old friendships are the best friendships.....

Happy birthday and Father's Day, Goliath.

I Knew It!

 

"I'm Feeling Much Better"

 

This was actually quite common in the 1,800s. The fear of being buried alive peaked in the early 19th century during the cholera epidemics. 

A design for safety featured an above ground bell that could be rung from inside the coffin. 

I'm guessing after a while and if nobody noticed, you might get a little anxious and start really yanking on that bell. 

Of course the last thing you want is for that string to break. Then you're really done. 

Ever heard of the expression "Saved by the bell?

Apparently, that has nothing to do with being buried alive and everything to do with boxing.

Canada Is Hosting The G7 Summit....

 

...in beautiful Kananaski Alberta this week (these are the Finance Ministers who were here last week in case you don't recognize any world leaders).

However, based on current world Gross Domestic Product (GDP), this could be Canada's last hosting job....

...as we now only rank 10th in world Gross Domestic Product.

And haven't been in the top 7 for many, many years, though.

Until, of course, we get our elbows up...

....and get our economy humming again.

Now we're talking!

And a few Gordie Howe hat tricks couldn't hurt either.

Boy, If I Had A Dollar For Every One Of These I've Made.....

 

Oh, Here's One Now

I Think I Know.....

 

....a lot of people like that.  Maybe present company included.....

Store Signs I Don't Understand

 

I don't know what any of those words mean.

Likely not a store for me.

So turns out it is some kind of hair styling place.

David Mitchell obviously doesn't want - or need - my business.

Great Memories And A Great Picture

 

Really captures the essence of that pair.

And sad to think that Loretta Swit just passed away this week at 87.

And not to be too harsh, but I liked the original cast......

....more than the replacements they brought in over the years.

Just not the same quirky chemistry of the original cast.

Pay For Performance?

 Here is a chart of Major League Baseball's payroll by team and the winning percentages.

Can't really tell to much from this.  But let's drill deeper.

Chart is now divided into four quadrants.

Upper right quadrant are the teams that seem to be money well spent.

Not surprisingly, they are the Mets, Phillies, Dodgers and Yankees.

Lower left quadrant are the teams that seem to be money well, well, not spent.

Among them, the Rockies, White Sox & Pirates.  The lovable losers.  Not much expected, not much delivered.

Lower left quadrant are the overachievers.  Modest payroll, delivering great results. 

Among them, The Cubs, Tigers and Guardians.

Which leaves us with one remaining quadrant, with one team;  high payroll, poor results.

Who could that be....?

Of course, the Toronto Maple Leafs!

Sorry, wrong league, that's a different blog post.

Of course, the Toronto Blue Jays! 

Now, interestingly, the Blue Jays current President and General Manager used to be in those positions for the perennial loser Cleveland Guardians.

Until the Guardians sent them packing off to the Blue Jays and they brought their losing ways with them.

And with new management, the Guardians are, well, just check that overachiever chart again.

'nuff said.....

Oh, And Execute

 

A Florida Man, Sure

 

But a Norwegian Man?

A Florida Man would have stolen a boat and drove it home drunk from a bar.

A Norwegian Man would just wake up one morning and say, what the hey? Or whatever Norweiainers would say.

Honey, I'm Home

I got it!  A Florida Man stole the boat and drove it into a Norwegian Man's home.

Now it all makes sense....

They're Slapping Up These Things So Fast.....

 

...they don't even have time to name them!

Okay, okay, this name was selected on purpose.

By Pharrell Williams. 

Why a musician is collaborating with the developers I don't know.

I guess they wanted a happy vibe. 

Here's A Better Idea

 

Cancel the whole damn thing.

They're still a year away and already in financial trouble.

And we all know that the current estimate of $380 million - to host six games! - is probably going to be double that when it's all over.

Sheesh.....

It's Good Until It's Not

 

This 45 story condo was built across the street from me a couple of years ago.

I'm sure they absolutely love their unobstructed views of the city and of the lake.

And paid a pretty price to purchase it.

So two years later......

...an 85 story condo is being built in front of them.

Well, it was good while it lasted.

Doesn't Look Very Blanca To Me

 

Cuz We's Tasty?

 

No, not according to the latest study out of Florida.

The study out of Florida looked at causes for alligator attacks/encounters/bites going through records from the 1730s to the present day (these guys must have way too much time on their hands).

The results:  96% of the attacks are result of human behavior.  Improper human behaviour.  I'm guessing probably because there are a lot of Florida men living in Florida.

The majority of bites occurred following what they call moderate risk behaviors, swimming or wading in areas known to be alligator infested. 

[This Florida Man is using an inflatable crocodile to swim with the gators, I guess to blend in.]

The highest proportion of fatal bites occurred after high risk behaviors such as deliberately entering alligator infested areas and waters. 

[Somebody else must be holding this Florida Man's beer.]

Low risk behaviors rarely result in gator attacks.

Of course, 100 years ago, gators were so much nicer.

Little girls back then had a different wish than  "And I want a pony."

And Takes A Lot Of Pressure Off, Too

 

Rat does have an interesting life philosophy.