Archive for May 9, 2024

This past weekend my family and I had to be on the road at the ridiculously early time of 5 am.  We decided to buy a dozen donuts the day before so we could get a quick start, and not have to get up even earlier than necessary.  I was absolutely flabbergasted when the cashier informed me that the dozen donuts would cost $23.  That was twice the price I paid for a dozen donuts at the same establishment just a year ago. 

I was quite outraged over the drastic price increase.  I did not take out my anger at the cashier because I know that store employees have absolutely nothing to do with our nation’s inflation crisis.   I wonder how many customers vent their rage at these hard-working individuals who are absolutely blameless.

The next time we need to be up at an ungodly hour we will not be buying a dozen donuts.  We will seek a much cheaper alternative.  We no longer eat at McDonalds, or any other fast food restaurants, because $20 is way too much for a value meal. Also, we have drastically cut back on our pizza purchases.

We are far from alone when it comes to scaling back on our eating out.

American consumers love their fast food but price hikes are preventing them from enjoying a burger or burrito as often as in years past. 

Traffic to big fast food chains has dropped 3.5 percent in the first three months of 2024, compared to 2023. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Popeyes, Pizza Hut, and Chipotle have likely sold millions fewer burgers, pizzas and burritos. 

How long before Bidenomics causes a complete collapse of the fast food industry?  It probably won’t be too far in the future.

It’s been an interesting season in our 1972 Draft league here is where we stand so far

Team AL Alpha DivisionWinsLossesPCTGBWild Card GB
New York Yankees3614.720—-n/a
California Angels2519.5688+1 1/2
Cleveland Indians2723.5409+ 1/2
Kansas City Royals (Kansas shitty)1832.360188 1/2
Baltimore Orioles1334.27721 1/212

The Yankees hold the best record in baseball thanks to the 2nd best ERA in the AL (2.65) the 3rd best fielding percentage .986 and a team that leads the majors in slugging percentage by almost 40 points thanks for Bobby Mercer and John Mayberry California and Cleveland continue the fight for the wild card while last years top dogs KC & the O’s are both falling behind. Interesting stat KC while having a horrible record are 3rd in the AL and 4th in the league in walks

Team AL Beta DivisionWinsLossesPCTGBWild Card GB
Milwaukee Brewers3215.681—-n/a
Boston Red Sox2522.5327—–
Minnesota Twins2324.48992
Oakland A’s2227.44011 1/24 1/2
Washington Senators2027.426125

Milwaukee leads the pack based on Pitching, Pitching and Pitching. Last years NL Cy Young winner Don Wilson (1.24) & Ken Holtzman (1.44) are 2nd & 4th in the Majors for ERA While leading the majors in doubles and sitting 3rd in OBP (.320) & 4th in OPS (.688). Boston hold the last wild card but is poised to advance leading the majors in OBP (.339) and just behind NY in OPS (.712) thanks in part to a rookie named Carlton Fisk. The twins remain in the hunt despite a -17 run differential. Oakland started strong but is fading thanks to an injury to ace Vida Blue. The Senators seem poised to take advantage to climb out of the cellar and back in the wild card race.

Team NL Alpha DivisionWinsLossesPCTGBWild Card GB
St. Louis Cardinals2918.617—-n/a
Cincinnati Reds (cin city)2522.5324+1
Atlanta Braves (Bananas)2423.5115
Philadelphia Phillies2225.46872
New York Mets (Daytraders)2126.44783

The Cardinals hold a 4 game lead despite Bob Gibson’s complete inability to get run support in his starts (5-3 1.79 ERA ) fortunately the team 2.54 ERA has made the difference. Cincinnati has thrived under new management this year, of course Johnny Bench’s Major league leading 14 HR might have something to do with it. The Atlanta Braves (Bananas) Billy Williams is helping them keep a grip on the wild card. The Phillies with an off season from Torrie but a powerful rookie Named Luzinski are right there and with Tom Seaver and Steve Carlton going 1,2 the Mets (Daytraders) aren’t far behind. Both the wild card and indeed the division are wide open.

Team NL Beta DivisionWinsLossesPCTGBWild Card GB
Pittsburgh Pirates2918.617—-+5
San Francisco Giants2918.617—-+5
Montreal Expos2126.44783
Chicago Cubs1829.38311 6
Los Angeles Dodgers1430.31813 1/28 1/2

Pittsburgh and the Giants are locked in a battle for 1st. The Pirates trying to make up for a disappointing 1971 and the Giants trying to return to the world series winning glory of 1970. Gaylord Perry (Pit) & Jim Palmer (Giants) leading the fight. The Montreal Expos despite having issues holding managers have been a surprise only 3 out of the wild card thanks to Lou Brock’s hitting and speed. The Chicago Cubs are top 5 in the majors in OBP (.315) & top 10 in slugging (.351) but are dead last in ERA (4.85). The Champion Dodgers have two great arms in Nolan Ryan (ERA 1.63) 2nd in NL and Wayne Twitchell (ERA 1.72) 3rd in NL but nothing else.