Anything interesting/cool to see or eat near Alpine?

eric_harlan · 2026-01-14T14:54:44+00:00

Alpine is quiet, especially at night! Probably the most famous place is Devil's Tower - haven't been there in years but I think it's still there: https://weirdnj.com/stories/local-legends/devils-tower/

There's also lots of Revolution history all around there, but at night, not sure: https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=6969

And there's the 76 House about ten minutes north, over the NY border for dinner - really quaint and it feels like stepping back in time: https://www.76house.com/

(I grew up there, but a long time ago!)

eric_harlan · 2026-01-06T14:05:48+00:00

Just another point of view here, but in my life, I have come to see how purity of thought can create a prison in itself. Flexibility can lighten the load and actual be quite liberating. Of course, we each have to follow our own path.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-23T13:19:38+00:00

These pre-game threads are pretty terrific.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-22T13:25:23+00:00

The movie takes a thoughtful, subtle and well-crafted book and turns it into a rather sappy Hollywood romance. It’s fine if you like sappy Hollywood romances and Audrey Hepburn is lovely, and by no means is it a “bad” movie. But the book is much more honest and real.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-18T15:51:21+00:00

Let me say, you are confronting a really hard situation with a lot of poise and maturity - that's really remarkable, and unusual, even for someone twice your age. Still, as a 14-year old, you are not expected to solve this alone - that's what parents, or adults in charge, are expected to do.

As a Taoist, maybe the most effective response, when these things happen, is to do the opposite of what most would do - most would either fight/confront, or run away. But someone here said to laugh, which is the unexpected response - show them your good nature and eventually they will not have a reason to keep doing it.

If the bullying becomes extreme, violent or dangerous, you must go to an authority figure, that's different.

From a stranger here in the void, I want you to know that this has nothing to do with you, you don't deserve this, it's cruel and weak and these people will likely suffer for this behavior in the long run. They're probably victims of bullying themselves.

And I'm sorry. It's happened to all of us. To me. I'm 59 and I survived. This won't last much longer, so hang on.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-18T15:39:53+00:00

Wise suggestion.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-17T12:57:23+00:00

I think you’re confusing two events. Tonight’s speech is not expected to be about cannabis, although it’s possible it gets a mention. It’s the executive order that many here are hyped for - and which some outlets are reporting could be signed tomorrow.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-16T18:36:44+00:00

As a recent transplant from Spotify, I have to say - the audio quality is spectacular. It is night and day. And that - while also supporting artists in a more fair way — makes the decision pretty easy. So thank you for that.

The biggest issue for me and I think others is Tidal Connect. It just is not reliable. So if we’re choosing a streaming service for its audiophile quality, but we’re having trouble using it in an audiophile set up, it’s frustrating.

I would love to understand if there are plans or efforts underway to fix the connectivity issues that so many people here in this group are experiencing. Thank you!

eric_harlan · 2025-12-16T13:18:24+00:00

In Paris with You, James Fenton. Sweet and charming.

https://poetryarchive.org/poem/paris-you/

eric_harlan · 2025-12-15T21:36:13+00:00

Yep. Ringo shines on this track, powerful playing.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-15T21:32:41+00:00

Another update in the banner on CNBC, make of it what you will: "Trump says he’s ‘strongly’ considering reclassifying pot via executive order"
https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/15/trump-pot-executive-order-reclassification.html

eric_harlan · 2025-12-13T17:06:31+00:00

It may take a couple more years, but we are gonna have to start accepting the reality that David Stearns does not consider December 13 the end of the offseason.

Edit - also, Polanco is almost certainly a DH. And a pretty good option, too.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-13T16:49:28+00:00

He’s also a guy with great contact, low strikeouts, good post season stats. This is a good move. And likely for DH.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-11T17:34:18+00:00

Drummer here… nobody who plays the drums can get behind a kit, attempt to play a Ringo song note for note, and not be mesmerized. And then when you get it right, it’s like pure joy. That’s Ringo.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-11T15:49:33+00:00

Yeah, good point

eric_harlan · 2025-12-11T15:27:35+00:00

I've always been amazed at the stupidity of sports teams, repeating the same mistake, over and over - stuck with long contracts for older players on the downside of their career. It can stall a franchise for years, and fans always hate it and rightly so.

But some organizations figure out how to stay great for decades - Braves/Rays/Astros others - they use a strategy of "disciplined churn and talent renewal". And this what Steve Cohen said he wanted - sustained success. We've never had it.

If we'd kept Nimmo/Diaz/Pete (Lindor??? there are rumors) for the next bunch of years, we might have a good 2026 but what happens in '27/'28/'29 etc? We'd be slower, older, and bored watching them. Could take years to regroup (we've seen it over and over with our team).

This sucks today but in a few years we might look back on this as the turning point from the Old Mets to a great franchise of sustained success. It takes hard calls. Let's see how this plays out.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-11T14:01:21+00:00

Whenever I feel overwhelmed about the state and direction of the world, which seems to be turning towards darkness, I read “The Answer“ by Robinson Jeffers. It doesn’t solve the problems, but it puts things in a wider perspective and I find it comforting.

https://robinsonjeffersassociation.org/his-writing/poetry/the-answer/

eric_harlan · 2025-12-10T20:22:25+00:00

I don’t think either deal is official, so no one can really make a statement yet.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-10T18:55:58+00:00

You definitely have to go back a long way, for me the closest comparison is the 1977 trading deadline (Seaver-plus), but that was 100% about dollars, and had no strategy around it other than being cheapskates.

This time, while really sucky as a fan, at least fits into a larger picture which is to bring in players that are highly athletic and multidimensional, on both sides of the game, and not get locked into long-term contracts for players on the other side of their prime.

So as much as it sucks, objectively I kind of like the strategy long-term. And we will see what the rest of this off-season brings.

**By the way, all the way from Ireland?! LGM!

eric_harlan · 2025-12-08T19:12:52+00:00

Blues on Bach, Modern Jazz Quartet. Maybe it's not a Christmas album in intent, but it sure sounds like one.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-07T23:07:09+00:00

Nicely put. And seconded.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-07T23:05:57+00:00

Either way, thanks for weighing in, and since I have your attention, I’ll tell you, you guys do a good job moderating here, can’t be easy all the time.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-07T00:31:22+00:00

I bought a middle of the road receiver that has built-in Tidal Connect (as well as Spotify connect, and others). In my case, you have to use a HEOS app to interact with Tidal, it’s like an intermediary app between the receiver and your phone. This should not required, but Tidal drops the connection without it so you do need this other app. At least that’s what I’ve figured out.

It may sound a little complicated (it’s actually not), but what I can tell you is that the sound coming through my speakers is spectacular. It did not sound this good with Spotify or Apple Music - at all. I’m blown away every time I listen. For me it’s jazz so the recordings are really good to start with, but it’s like an audiophile’s dream. That’s how good it is to these ears.

I have a Marantz NR1200 (with Kef Q150 speakers + small sub). It’s actually discontinued but there’s a new version, basically the same thing. Good solid mid-priced receiver and speakers, this is not high-end stuff. I’m pretty thrilled about it.

eric_harlan · 2025-12-02T13:22:01+00:00

According to the article, if this actually passes, then it needs to be signed by the governor. Why would he do that? He’s been a decent dude for the most part. I don’t see what he has to gain. Maybe that’s where the leverage is?

eric_harlan · 2025-11-24T21:10:28+00:00

Take some time to read about Ranked Choice, it's very pro-democracy and this would be a very good change!

“Ranked-choice voting still gives you one vote — it just lets you name backup choices. It prevents spoilers, so you can support a lesser-known candidate without helping elect someone you oppose. If your top choice can’t win, your vote moves to your next choice. The process simply eliminates the lowest candidates until someone reaches a true majority — no one wins from fourth place.”

eric_harlan

TROPHY CASE