2017

Fade in: 

Int. Buffalo Wild Wings, Wichita, KS, 9:30 pm.

Patrons stare at the screen, in disbelief or joy at what they had just witnessed.

Under the table Winston’s feet made convulsive movements. He had not stirred from his seat, but in his mind he was running, swiftly running, he was with the crowds inside the stadium, cheering himself deaf. He looked up again at the portrait of Big Brother. The colossus that deflated the world! The rock against which the hordes of Atlanta dashed themselves in vain! He thought how ten minutes ago—yes, only ten minutes—there had still been equivocation in his heart as he wondered whether the news from the replay official would be of victory or defeat.

Ah, it was more than a Georgian army that had perished! Much had changed in him since that first day in the Ministry of Love, but the final, indispensable, healing change had never happened, until this moment.

The voice from the 4K TV was still pouring forth its tale of Patriots and trophies and slaughter, but the celebration inside had died down a little. A few Patriots fans celebrated, Sam Adams in hand, knowing that the victory they had expected had indeed come to pass. Just as Big Brother had foretold! The waiters were turning back to their work. One of them approached with the gin bottle. Winston, sitting in a blissful dream, paid no attention as his glass was filled up. He was not eating wings or cheering any longer. He was back in the Ministry of Love, with everything forgiven, his soul white as snow. He was in the dock, confessing everything, implicating everybody, Making America Great Again. He was walking down the white-tiled corridor, with the feeling of walking under Gillette’s lights, and an armed guard at his back. The long-hoped-for bullet was entering his brain through his brand-new hoodie.

He gazed up at the enormous face. Seventeen years it had taken him to learn what kind of eyes were hidden beneath the dark helmet. O cruel, needless misunderstanding! O stubborn, self-willed exile from the loving breast! Two gin-scented tears trickled down the sides of his nose. But it was all right, everything was all facking right, the struggle was finished. He had won the victory over himself. He loved the Patriots.

Fin.

This is the world we live in now. President Trump. Five-time Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots. It will not stop fucking snowing in Vancouver. Here was the view out my school window this morning at 8:00:

2017 can eat ALL OF THE DICKS!

Here’s all the Falcons get, after letting down most of the planet last night:

I’m not even going to bother summarizing the news in my usual style for a few days, simply because I can’t bring myself to look at the NFL or NFL sites until the bile leaves my mouth. I’m certain most of us feel the same way. I am seriously considering cancelling my cable package because my US time-shift stations all emanate from Boston.

Ultimately, I refuse to submit. So, here’s some pictures of my dog enjoying the weekend blizzard.

She’s the only reason my TV doesn’t have a size-10 hole in it today. Her name is “Riga”, and I enjoy screwing up the Instagram hashtag for that city by posting her photos with it. With so many Latvians wondering why a dog comes up when they look for their town, it’s a good thing I can read & speak Latvisk a little bit. It’s usually good-natured. Mostly, they just ask if they can come & stay once the Russians invade. ??

Tonight’s sports: oh look – everything but football!

• NHL:
  • Blues at Flyers – 7:00PM | NBCSN
  • Leafs at Islanders – 7:00PM | Sportsnet
• NBA:
  • Cavaliers at Wizards – 7:00PM | TNT
  • Clippers at Raptors – 7:30PM | TSN
  • Spurs at Grizzlies – 9:30PM | TNT
  • Bulls at Kings – 10:30PM | TSN
• NCAA:
  • Men
    • Louisville at Virginia – 7:00PM | ESPN
    • Kansas at Kansas State – 9:00PM | ESPN
  • Women:
    • Texas at Baylor – 8:00PM | FS1
    • UCLA at Stanford – 9:00PM | ESPN2
  • Men’s Hockey
    • Beanpot Semifinal: Boston College vs. Boston University – 8:00PM | TSN2 / NESN
      • might be best to avoid, to avoid Pats reminders
        • Maestro excepted

I’m not giving up, but I am not paying attention for a while. WHEN’S THE DRAFT?!