Day 3205: Swing and miss,

 

 

"Tucson": junk mail collage, digital.

 

 

Want music?

Click here, Al Green, Let's Stay Together. 

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

 

 

 

2GN2S

Japanese Baseball’s Ceremonial Opening Pitch

photos by Yoshiki Yamada / Sankei Photo

May 22, 2019 — in Japan, at a baseball game at Koshien Stadium between Hanshin and Yakult, a maiko-san threw the opening pitch. 

 It was a dreamy scene as her light orange kimono fluttered through the air. The ball bounced once and landed in the catcher’s mitt. The batter swung and a strike was called. 

 

Although the ceremonial first pitch is an American export, Japan has embraced it to its fullest. And there’s an element to it that’s uniquely Japanese. 

The ritual is said to have originated in 1892 when, “Governor McKinley threw the ball into the diamond” from his seat, rather than the mound as is custom today. The pitch went on to evolve as an event between the pitcher and catcher. There was no batter. In Japan however, the ritual involves the batter, who is always supposed to swing and miss on purpose.

Japan’s ceremonial first pitch dates back to 1908 when the Reach All-Stars, the first professional team from the United States to tour Japan, came on a promotional junket. It was a big deal.

The noble statesman Okuma Shigenobu was to throw the first pitch. As former Prime Minister, founder of Waseda University, it’s hard to overstate how symbolic and important a figure he was.  
In what was surely a distressful nomination, Shoji Yamawaki, the top batter in the Waseda Baseball Club, was chosen to bat.

No one will know what was going through Yamawaki’s head as the former Prime Minister and perhaps the greatest nobleman he ever faced off with, threw the ball towards him and it hit the ground, rolled and stopped.According to some records, several American players began rushing towards the ball to pick it up. But that would mean an incredible failure and embarrassment for Okuma and Yamawaki couldn’t let that happen. So he swung his bat, a strike was called and the crowd cheered. Since then, it’s always been customary for the batter to swing and miss on purpose.

 

 

 

 

•  An amazing 4-1/2 minute video, air sculptures , here.

 

 

Just because ...

 

 

 

Asian Golden Weaver

 

  

                     

Smiles for Monday ...

 

 

                                                               Thanks for coming by today.

 

Day 3204: What do you see?

 

 

"Jake": close-up photograph, junk mail collage, digital.

 What do you see?

 

"Jake2": close-up photograph, junk mail collage, digital.

 

 

 

 

Want music?

Click here , Jack Johnson, Better Together.

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

 

 

 

 

From blog # 2368, a year ago today. Proof that I am nuts? 

 

Just an ordinary beautiful Thursday. 

I am washing dishes and checking the neighborhood.

I find out a lot from that vantage point. 

A Honda I didn't recognize pulled into a parking space in front.

As is my duty, I looked to see who was inside.

He took his time and I assumed it might be a lady. 
Then, the Dalai Lama got out of the grey Honda.

He was dressed in his disguise attire.

A faded flowered shirt and baggy pants.

The kicker was he wore both a belt and suspenders.

He opened the car back door and got a file.

He clicked the remote and locked his car,

as he walked off to a nearby residence.

I just checked he's still there.

I'll respect his privacy.

  

 

 

 

•  A sweet 4-minute video, cards , here.

 

 

Just because ...

 

 

Reddish Egret

 

 

  

                     

Smiles for Sunday ...

 

 

                                                               Thanks for coming by today.

 

Day 3203: Humble and Kind.

"Palm Springs": 2 photos, junk mail collage & digital.

 

 

Want music?

Click here Tim McGraw, Humble and Kind.

then click back on this blog tab or here to listen as you browse, or not?

 

 

 

 

FYI & facts?

If you're traveling for Memorial Day, you're gonna break the bank filling up the tank. Gas is at a 7-year-high, just in time for your road trip. 

           &

05.27.21

Picnic enthusiasts can leave the set-up, design, food and drinks to the pros with the Picnic Company OC. The brainchild of Julie French, a former fashion director, stylist and interior designer, the Picnic Company OC creates lasting memories in exceptional locations.

The Picnic Company OC curates elegant, professionally styled picnics guaranteed to make any occasion special: date nights, proposals, birthdays, family outings, bridal showers, and more. From the “California Classic” to “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Six on the Beach”, the Picnic Company OC offers a variety of options to satisfy any need and desire.

All picnics include complete setups to match the desired themes, from umbrellas to seating to exquisite table settings. Flowers, candles and lighting are supplied, along with custom blankets to ward away the chill in the air as the sun sets.  Food and drink can be supplied through their preferred vendors, or guests can bring their own.

The Picnic Company OC operates in a variety of locations including Salt Creek Beach, Aliso Creek Beach, and parks in Orange County. Picnics are also available at private residence.

* I'll be home saving gas money and organizing random, non-elegant  eating events. Sounds fine to me. 

 

 

 

 

•  An amazing 4-minute video, Flag history, here.

 

 

Just because ...

 

 

 

red avaqavat

  

                     

Smiles for Saturday ...

 

 

                                                               Thanks for coming by today.