Briefly. (Another year, another day, another extension of my personal record for consecutive days alive. Still going…) Seriously, I hope you all have a healthy, happy 2026!
Studies have shown that people who have more birthdays live longer than those who do not have as many.
Trivia #1: In the Super Bowl era, who are the only two coaches who’ve won over 180 games but have never coached in a Super Bowl game? – No hint
Trivia #2: Actor Burt Reynolds played sparingly for what college football program? – Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Texas, LSU, University of Alabama, Northern Essex
Trivia #3: On the Periodic Table, ‘Pb’ is the symbol for what?
Trivia #4: Samuel Adams announced the release of its Utopias 2025, a “barrel-aged extreme beer”. Banned in 15 states, what is the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the beer? – 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 80%
Trivia #5: On December 26, the University of Florida International Panthers beat the University of Texas at El Paso Roadrunners in the First Responder Bowl. What company is the lead sponsor of the First Responder Bowl?
On this date: January 2, 69, Roman Lower Rhine army proclaims its commander, Vitellius, Emperor
January 2, 1570, Tsar Ivan IV the Terrible begins his march to Novgorod
January 2, 1811, Timothy Pickering of Massachusetts becomes the first US Senator censured by the body for revealing confidential documents of President Thomas Jefferson
January 2, 1906, Willis Carrier receives a US patent for an “Apparatus for Treating Air,” the world’s first modern air conditioner
January 2, 1974, Speed limit of 55 mph is imposed by President Nixon
January 2, 1982, The “Epic in Miami,” played in 85°F heat, sees the San Diego Chargers defeat the Miami Dolphins 41-38 in overtime in the AFC Divisional Playoff, setting numerous playoff scoring records
January 2, 1985, Leg-spin bowler Bob “Dutchy” Holland takes 4/90 for match figures of 10/144 as Australia beats the West Indies by innings in 5th Test in Sydney; Windies take series, 3-1 – Wait… what?
January 2, 2018, WHO reveals it will classify gaming addiction as mental health condition in its next Classification of Diseases
Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On January 2, 1960, John Reynolds set the age of the solar system at 4,950,000,000 years
Stop complaining. New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Chris Olave will not play in Week 18 after a blood clot was reportedly found in his lung. The blood clot was caught early, and Olave was expected to be discharged from a hospital Thursday. Olave has no prior history of blood clots and is expected to be sidelined for about a month. (You never know…)
“Can I have fries with that?” – You’re doing it wrong: A grandfather was killed just days before Christmas in what officials have described as a “freak accident” at a McDonald’s drive-thru in Nebraska. Michael Dickinson, 69, was crushed to death after he was pinned between his vehicle and the payment window. It appears the deceased opened the door to further reach out of the window for payment purposes.
Say what you will, but some of the mannequins at Macy’s are hot!
Jeez Ed, grow up.
This week’s sign of the apocalypse: OpenAI says it is taking stronger steps to protect teens using its chatbot. OpenAI’s updated Model Spec builds on existing safety limits and applies to teen users ages 13 to 17. It continues to block sexual content involving minors and discourages self-harm, delusions and manic behavior. For teens, the rules go further. The models must avoid immersive romantic roleplay, first-person intimacy, and violent or sexual roleplay, even when non-graphic. They must use extra caution when discussing body image and eating behaviors. When safety risks appear, the chatbot should prioritize protection over user autonomy. It should also avoid giving advice that helps teens hide risky behavior from caregivers. These limits apply even if a prompt is framed as fictional, historical, or educational. (You people with young children… good luck!)
This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: The Iowa State University football program has lost more than 40 players to the transfer protocol. Let the madness stop!
Don’t be that guy. It’s a new year. Go see a doctor and get checked out, you stubborn bastard. If you don’t do it for yourself, do it for someone else.
Article I’ll skip: US reduces proposed duties on Italian pasta following dumpling investigation
History repeating: Both Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes suffered torn ACLs in their 9th NFL seasons. Both ACL injuries came the year after losing a Super Bowl, with both QBs already having won 3 Super Bowls prior to that.
Lesser-known Knights of the Round Table. The uncover knight: Sir Veillance
Celtics/Bruins – meh.
Good news: Scientists may have pinpointed a way to reverse Alzheimer’s disease in an animal study. The study, led by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, found that restoring a central cellular energy molecule in mice’s brains reversed the markers of the disease, including brain changes and cognitive decline.
What’s the difference between a poorly dressed man on a bicycle and a well-dressed man on a unicycle? – Attire
Trivia #1 answer: In the Super Bowl era, who are the only two coaches who’ve won over 180 games but have never coached in a Super Bowl game? – Marty Schottenheimer and Chuck Knox. Schottenheimer went 200-126-1 with four teams. Knox went 186-147-1 with three teams.
Trivia #2 answer: Actor Burt Reynolds played sparingly for what college football program? – Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Miami, University of Texas, LSU, University of Alabama, Northern Essex – Florida State University
Trivia #3 answer: On the Periodic Table, ‘Pb’ is the symbol for what? – Lead
Trivia #4 answer: Samuel Adams announced the release of its Utopias 2025, a “barrel-aged extreme beer”. Banned in 15 states, what is the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the beer? – 5%, 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 80% – The ABV is 30%
Trivia #5 answer: On December 26, the University of Florida International Panthers beat the University of Texas at El Paso Roadrunners in the First Responder Bowl. What company is the lead sponsor of the First Responder Bowl? – SERVPRO (I know one of you who got this!)
It’s been 6 months since I joined the gym and still no progress. I’m going there in person tomorrow to find out what’s really going on.
Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.
Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)
Happy National Cream Puff Day!
It’s a wonderful life.
“Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
It’s not warm when she’s away
Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone
And she’s always gone too long
Anytime she goes away”
Bonus “pick me up!”
Ed's Head On Friday 