Mike O'Connell

Friday on Math and Musings I made a cryptic reference to “other things” I had going on this weekend besides the Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day. I didn’t want to say too much in case it was a flop, but having gone successfully I’ll now make note of Loudoun County’s “Run the Greenway” road race, a soggy affair held Saturday morning along Virginia’s Route 267. Let the record show I never drive on 267 because there’s a toll, but for the novelty of running on this highway I’d brave even the Binghamton-like conditions I encountered.

I never run in bad weather because I never really run in nice weather either. Ain’t my thing anymore. But it was my thing for many years, and like falling off a bicycle you just never forget. I walk up to the starting line and figure I can still do it. Same reason why I never practice the piano. I practiced for like 30 years. Now I pretty much got it.

Running in a road race? If it sounds interesting I’ll do it even in a downpour.

Because I still got it.

Headline from one of my local rags, Loudoun Now, from its April 28, 2022, issue:

“Requiring Affordable Units Has ‘Minimal Impact’ on Developer Profits: Consultant.”

(O’Connell does spit-take.)

Yeah, actually I’m not sure whether I should laugh or just #smh on that one.

“Minimal impact on profits.” That’s rich (pardon the expression). Don’t worry, you’re not going to lose that much money.

This is the best argument my local government comes up with? Relax, businessmen, we’re not messing up your projects that much.

Don’t people in business love it when government folks tell them how to run their affairs? At least this one’s honest, in that they’re upfront about the fact this will cost them money. Just not that much. Only gonna hurt a little.

To paraphrase an old Ronald Reagan line: I’m from the government and I’m here to hurt you only a little.

Awesome.

Six weeks ago I said either the Nets or the Sixers would be heading to the NBA Finals (and Phoenix and Miami wouldn’t be). I still stand by these statements. (It’s gonna be Sixers-Warriors, by the way.)

Great as my forecasting abilities are, I certainly didn’t think the Nets would be swept in their first round series with Boston.

Wow.

This is like the 1990 A’s getting swept by the Reds in the World Series.

Yeah, you have to be over 35 to get that reference.

If you’re under 35 check your phone.

We’ve gone very quickly from staying in because it’s too cold to staying in because it’s too hot. Super.

My son introduced me over the weekend during our time indoors to “reaction videos.” You familiar with these? Third degree television viewing that’s at least cubed as bad as the real thing. Watching a video of someone else watching a video of someone doing something.

Right.

Idea for next album: me listening to someone else’s really great album.

Idea for new book: me reading someone else’s bestseller.

Hmm… better pick one no one will recognize.

Shakespeare’s in the public domain now, right?

Good thing I got out of Binghamton when I did. Seems as though as I was posting Monday morning the Bing was getting 14 inches of snow. Hmph.
Oh, it’s not the 14 inches of snow at the end of April that surprises me, it’s that I was somehow able to miss it.
If you’re going to be good or lucky… choose lucky.