#60 Musings Beyond the Bunker (Wednesday June 16)
Good morning!
MANNA FROM HEAVEN
A few weeks ago I asked people to think about what “manna from heaven” would taste like for them. The theologians suggest that manna manifested itself in taste and texture as the food most desired by the recipient.
Karen Powell suggests blueberry pancakes with maple syrup. Others have suggested similar confections. But Peter Bain, ever one to challenge convention, asks about the limitations of the biblical statement:
“Can manna incorporate multiple components and a specific source? I ask because, while embarrassed to reveal my hopelessly out-of-date, Mad Men era palate, I do wonder if manna could be a perfectly prepared ribeye with creamed spinach at Smith & Wollensky?”
I responded that I assumed that, were Peter ever wandering through the desert and the lord granted him any food he desired, that he could opt for two items. Peter’s response was “Great. I rely upon you for my old testament theology.” If only the Rabbi from my Temple growing up (who thought I should study to be a rabbi) could hear this now. He’d be so proud…
EMERGING FROM ISOLATION
While we’re not out of the woods yet, it seems the pandemic finally is declining in severity. That said, people are still dying. We are on our way to 600,000 American’s dead from the virus—people lost and families devastated. And the toll worldwide is huge, unknowable, and growing.
As the pandemic recedes, people are coming out in force again. People are happier. Apparently it’s time to party! Lauren says New York is on fire, with all the bars filled. Restaurants around Los Angeles are packed. Reservations can’t be had in San Francisco. But even with the opening-up and the “return to normalcy,” I’m still carrying Purel in the car, will wash my hands even more often, and will wear a mask when in crowded public areas. One of the few benefits that the pandemic has bestowed is the realization that the care we have been exhibiting has benefits beyond the pandemic. We’ve experienced fewer cases of the common cold and other maladies. Some habits from isolation may serve us well in the future.
THE GREATEST BALLPLAYERS OF THEIR ERA
David Lash has this to say about Mike Trout, generally acknowledged to be the greatest ballplayer of this era:
“I can’t help but weep a bit for Mike Trout. The best baseball player on the planet and very unlikely to get to the post-season once again. He is such a good guy that he likely will never leave no matter how much higher he could build his legacy somewhere else. Good for us, not so much for him.”
Trout has attached himself to the Angels for the balance of his career. It’s difficult to see how that works out well. Until Arte Moreno, the owner of the team, accepts the ageless baseball adage that good pitching will beat good hitting every time, the Angels are destined for mediocrity. With four of the most potent bats in the major leagues (well, when Trout is healthy) the Angels still can’t win games with pitchers prone to giving up homers.
And to add insult to injury, arguably the second most accomplished player in the major leagues today plays on the same team…Shohei Otani, who both pitches and hits (for average and power). Not since Babe Ruth in the early 1920s has baseball seen a talent versatile as his.
Have a great day,
Glenn
From the archives: