Author: fasted86

Briefly.

I just realized the word “seven” has “even” in it. That’s odd…

Trivia #1: What does “canola” stand for in canola oil?
Trivia #2: The land now encompassing the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS® Championship since 1982, was purchased for how much in 1978 by then-PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beaman? – $1, $100, $1,000, $10,000, $1M, it was free?
Trivia #3: What plyer has the most Opening Day RBIs in his career? – Miguel Cabrera, Adam Dunn, Vladimir Guerrero, Dave Kingman, Eddie Murray, Derek Jeter, Neil Kelleher

Do you ever feel like you’re body’s “check engine” light has been on and you’re still driving it like, “Nah, I’ll be fine?”

On this date: March 13, 483, Felix III begins his reign as Catholic Pope
March 13, 1677, Massachusetts gains title to Maine for $6,000
March 13, 1877, American Chester Greenwood patents earmuffs after inventing them at age 15
March 13, 1901, amidst increasing anti-gambling sentiment, wagering on horse racing is banned in San Francisco, CA; Ingleside Race Track closes March 15
March 13, Brooklyn Robins manager Wilbert Robinson tries to catch a baseball dropped from an airplane, but the pilot substitutes a grapefruit – Wait… what?
March 13, 1965, British guitarist Eric Clapton quits the Yardbirds due to the band moving away from traditional blues; Jeff Beck becomes his replacement
March 13, 1977, Dennis Lillee takes 6-26, England all out 95 in Centenary Test – Ya, OK…
March 13, 1987, John Gotti, boss of the Gambino crime family, is acquitted of racketeering
March 13, 2012, Encyclopaedia Britannica announces that it will no longer publish printed versions of its encyclopaedia
March 13, 2022, After a 40-day retirement, record breaking quarterback Tom Brady announces he will play at least one more season in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Spring training (MLB) scores. Unless you are a total gambling degenerate betting these games, who really cares?

Speaking of useless, among people who took a multivitamin every day for two years, biological aging slowed down by about four months, found a study. The findings came from a large randomized clinical trial of nearly 1,000 healthy older adults averaging 70 years of age. The participants were divided into four groups — one took a daily multivitamin-multimineral supplement along with a cocoa extract, one took a daily cocoa extract and placebo, one took a placebo and multivitamin, and one took just a placebo. “Large” randomized clinical trial? “Large???” There are nearly 8.2 billion people on this planet and they tested 1,000 people split into 4 groups (only 250 per). Sheer buffoonery, I tell you.

Good news: Opening Day is two weeks from yesterday.

Article I’ll skip: Sammy Haggar hasn’t spoken to Alex Van Halen in years and says he won’t reconcile

They said it: “NFL teams called, other programs called, but I am not leaving Notre Dame. I’m going to finish what I started here. This team, this university, these fans – they shaped me. They reminded me why coaching matters. I’m not chasing money, I’m chasing purpose. Loyalty still lives in blue and gold.” – The University of Notre Dame’s football coach, Marcus Freeman

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A 15-year-old Long Island boy who vanished after telling his family he was meeting someone from the online game Roblox was found dead in Brooklyn waters two months later. Thomas Medlin, of St. James, New York, was recovered from waters off Red Hook in Brooklyn on March 7. Medlin left the Stony Brook School on Jan. 9 around 3:30 p.m. and ran to the Stony Brook train station. He was last seen at Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan around 5:30 p.m. later that day.

So, Jason Tatum is back with the Celtics and that’s pretty cool. I made a point to watch his return last Friday night, and you know me and the NBA… Anyway, just my luck as the game “featured” 83, 3-point field goal attempts! The Celtics took 48 of those. Forget shooting 3’s, just shoot me!

Speaking of the NBA… how about the Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo scoring 83 points the other night! Adebayo set records for most free throws made (36) and attempted (43) in an NBA game. Amongst other records he set, Adebayo shot 20-of-43 from the field. He is the first player in NBA history to score at least 70 points while making less than 50% of his shots. As we used to say at the local Boys’ Club back in the day; “Hung!”

Trivia #1 answer: What does “canola” stand for in canola oil? – Canadian oil, low acid.
Trivia #2 answer: The land now encompassing the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, home of THE PLAYERS® Championship since 1982, was purchased for how much in 1978 by then-PGA TOUR Commissioner Deane Beaman? – $1, $100, $1,000, $10,000, $1M, it was free? – It costs one dollar
Trivia #3: What plyer has the most Opening Day RBIs in his career? – Miguel Cabrera, Adam Dunn, Vladimir Guerrero, Dave Kingman, Eddie Murray, Derek Jeter, Neil Kelleher – Adam “All” Dunn (21 RBI)

If you’ve never had a bad time in your life, just keep living…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)

Happy National Coconut Torte Day!

Remember, when you’re dead, you do not know you are dead. It is only painful for others. The same applies when you are stupid.

Jeff Beck (Freeway Jam) – Play it loud… of course!

Oh, you want lyrics too?!

“I’d give the moon if it were mine to give
(For your love)
I’d give the stars and the sun ‘fore I live
(For your love)
To thrill you with delight
I’ll give you diamonds bright
There’ll be things that will excite
To make you dream of me at night

(For your love)
(For your love)
(For your love)
(For your love)”

The Yardbirds (For Your Love)

Briefly.

Salesman: “The car you’re interested in can sit six people without any problems.”
Me: “I don’t think I know six people without any problems.”

Trivia #1: For you puckheads out there… In terms of hockey equipment, what does CCM stand for?
Trivia #2: What is “Mc” on the Periodic Table?
Trivia #3: Which country produces more major leaguers (MLB) per capita than any other country in the world? – Cuba, Curacao. Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Lawrence, Venezuela, Mexico

The biggest lie going… Sorry, my phone was on silent.

On this date: March 6, 1079, Persian polymath Omar Khayyam completes the Jalali calendar, a solar calendar with a precise 33-year intercalation cycle and the basis for the Persian calendar still in use today
March 6, 1831, Edgar Allan Poe court-martialed and dismissed from West Point military academy for gross neglect of duty and disobedience of orders
March 6, 1836, Battle of the Alamo: After 13 days of fighting, 1,500 to 3,000 Mexican soldiers overwhelm the Texan defenders, killing 182 to 257 Texans, including William Travis, Jim Bowie, and Davy Crockett
March 6, 1857, Dred Scott Decision: US Supreme Court rules African Americans cannot be US citizens
March 6, 1869, Dmitri Mendeleev presents the first periodic table of the elements to the Russian Chemical Society
March 6, 1899, Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is patented by Felix Hoffman at the German company Bayer
March 6, 1965, The Temptations’ single “My Girl” reaches #1 on the Billboard Pop Chart; written and produced by the Miracles members Smokey Robinson and Ronald White
March 6, 2000, Long-time Boston Bruin defenseman Ray Bourque is traded to the Colorado Avalanche

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: See trivia question #2.

Good news: A sign of the times. In Rhode Island, Joseph Boutros, 21, was found unconscious in a snow-covered vehicle while charging his phone and later died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Speaking of golf, within 12 hours of the announcement of Travis Kelce’s inclusion in the Pebble Beach Pro Am, $60,000 worth of tickets were sold. No, Taylor Swift did not show up to watch.

Did you see the PGA’s Shane Lowry crapped his pants last Sunday and blow his big lead? Now, I like Lowry, there’s just something calming to watch a pro golfer collapse like that.

Article I’ll skip: Mother charged in Cleveland case after daughters found in buried suitcases.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Sargassum seaweed is on the rise— and yes, you guessed it, yet again — just in time for spring break. The sea blob is making its way to popular beach destinations, continuing a decades-long pattern. An estimated 9.5 million tons of sargassum is moving toward the Caribbean and Florida beaches, with heavy amounts already reported in parts of the Caribbean, Mexico, and the Florida Keys.

Think about it. Even the smallest whale is as big as a whale.

Trivia #1 answer: For you puckheads out there… In terms of hockey equipment, what does CCM stand for? – Canada Cycle and Motor Company.
Trivia #2: What is “Mc” on the Periodic Table? – Moscovium. Moscovium is an extremely radioactive element: its most stable known isotope, moscovium-290, has a half-life of only 0.65 seconds. Trivia #3: Which country produces more major leaguers (MLB) per capita than any other country in the world? – Cuba, Curacao. Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Lawrence, Venezuela, Mexico – Curacao

Stupid questions asked at the bar: “Would you like a large or small?” and “Would you like an extra shot for a buck?”

If you’ve never had a bad time in your life, just keep living…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)

Happy National Spray Tanning Day!

Are you thirsty? Come on downtown this afternoon and I’ll try to help with that.

“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it’s cold outside I’ve got the month of May

I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin’ ’bout my girl (my girl)”

The Temptations (My Girl)

Briefly.

Were both the men’s and women’s hockey teams beating Canada for the gold not one of the coolest things in all of USA sports, eva?! And not for nothing, the men’s game, a Saturday morning special, was one of the greatest sporting events many of us will ever see. Having said that, beating the Russians in 1980 was better, for us older folks. I mean, beating Russia was a miracle…

Volunteer to the nurse: When I donate blood, I don’t have to extract it myself, the nurse does it for me.
Nurse: I understand, sir, but this is a sperm bank. It doesn’t work that way.

Trivia #1: What is “anosmia?”
Trivia #2: Who wrote the song “Woodstock?”
Trivia #3: What is referenced by the phrase ‘Beware of the Phog?’ and who/what is ‘Phog?’
Trivia #4: Who were the three MLB wild card teams in the AL and NL last season?

The biggest lie going… Sorry, my phone was on silent.

On this date: February 27, 837, 15th recorded perihelion passage of Halley’s Comet
February 27, 1813, First federal vaccination legislation enacted
February 27, 1827, First Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans
February 27, 1879, Russian-American chemist Constantin Fahlberg discovers an artificial sweetener (later named ‘saccharin’), while working on coal tar analysis at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland
February 27, 1908, Baseballs’ sacrifice fly adopted (repealed in 1931, reinstated 1954)
February 27, 1960, US Olympic Ice Hockey Team beats USSR 3-2 en route to gold medal
February 27, 1974, “People” magazine begins sales
February 27, 2002, Singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell receives Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
February 27, 2019, Smallest baby boy ever born to be later successfully released, goes home, after original birth weight of 268g (9.45oz) from Tokyo hospital

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: New Coca-Cola flavors for 2026 are Cheery Float, Zero Sugar Cherry Float and Diet Coke Cherry

Fun fact: Koi fish always travel in groups of 4. Thay way, if attacked, koi A, B, and C will scatter, leaving behind the D koi.

Go away: News from the Olympics. Can we move on?

As you know, I’m not a big NBA guy but that doesn’t mean I’m not a Celtics fan. They swept the Lakers this season. That is still sweet!

Speaking of golf, Scottie Sheffler last week ended his streak of top 10 finishes, 18 tournaments! He finished 12^th last weekend…

Getting back to the Olympics, I thought the use of drones following athletes in certain events was pretty cool. The ski jump for one.

As a public service: Olive oil has long been shown to benefit heart health, but a new Spanish study from Universitat Rovira i Virgili revealed that extra virgin olive oil may also protect brain health. The study found that people who consumed virgin olive oil — rather than refined olive oil — had improved cognitive function and greater diversity in the gut biome, which the researchers claim is an “important marker of intestinal and metabolic health.” – Lube up!

Don’t be that guy. If you miss the trash can, pick up the trash and put it in.

Good news: A convicted California child molester, who was set to walk free this week, was instead turned over to law enforcement after a new arrest warrant was issued in Placer County. At approximately 7:30 a.m., David Allen Funston, 64, was transferred to law enforcement authorities after Placer County filed new criminal charges and issued a warrant for his arrest. Funston had been granted parole Tuesday and was scheduled for release later this week.  Funston was sentenced in 1999 to life with the possibility of parole in connection with sexual abuse of children, including kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 years of age.

Tiger Wood’s son, Charlie, a senior in high school, is a pretty good golfer.

Article I’ll skip: Cultures clash as American-born Team China skier is spotted with Caitlin Clark

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: An Atlanta-area police department issued a blunt notice to parents after officers claimed a child brought a vodka-based beverage to school — tucked beside Doritos in a packed lunch.

Trivia #1 answer: What is “anosmia?” – Anosmia is the loss of the sense of smell, either total or partial. It may be caused by head injury, infection, or blockage of the nose
Trivia #2 answer: Who wrote the song “Woodstock?” – Joni Mitchell (Joni wrote it, Crosby, Stills & Nash made it famous)
Trivia #3 answer: What is referenced by the phrase ‘Beware of the Phog?’ and who/what is ‘Phog?’ – ‘Beware of the Phog’ references the University of Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse, home of Jayhawks basketball. Phog was the Jayhawks first basketball coach, Forrest C. “Phog” Allen, having been introduced to the sport by basketball inventor Dr. James Naismith in the early 1900’s.
Trivia #4 answer: Who were the three MLB wild card teams in the AL and NL last season? – AL: Yankees, Red Sox, Tigers – NL: Cubs, Padres, Reds

Mentally, I’m still 25. Humor-wise, I’m 12, but physically I’m pretty sure I fought in the Civil War.

If you’ve never had a bad time in your life, just keep living…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)

Happy National Anosmia Awareness Day!

“Moons and Junes and Ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As every fairy tale comes real
I’ve looked at love that way

But now it’s just another show
You leave ’em laughing when you go
And if you care, don’t let them know
Don’t give yourself away”

Joni Mitchell (Both Sides Now)

What? Too slow for you this morning? How about we pump you up!

Briefly. (I might need to change this intro…)

A friend of mine had a new baby girl. She was asked: “What’s her name?” The mother replied: “Melanie Noelle.” Her friend then asked: “Well then, how do you spell it?”

Trivia #1: What is a Pyrrhic victory?
Trivia #2: What are the Flo?
Trivia #3: Where did the sport of curling first originate? – United States, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, Lawrence

The biggest lie going… Sorry, my phone was on silent.

On this date: February 20, 1280, Japanese Imperial Court orders all temples and shrines to pray for victory in the impending second Mongol invasion
February 20, 1725, 10 sleeping Indians scalped by whites in New Hampshire for £100 a scalp bounty. (And you think things are f’d up today?)
February 20, 1816, Gioachino Rossini’s comic opera “Barber of Seville” premieres at the Teatro Argentina in Rome, Italy
February 20, 1929, Boston Red Sox announce they will play Sunday MLB games at Braves Field; Fenway Park located too close to a church
February 20, 1959, Jimi Hendrix (16), rock and roll guitarist, plays his first gig in the Temple De Hirsch synagogue basement, Seattle; fired from the band after the 1st set due to “wild” playing
February 20, 1971, National Emergency Center erroneously orders US radio & TV stations to go off the air. Mistake wasn’t resolved for 30 minutes
February 20, 1974, ABC records releases “Pretzel Logic”, the third studio album by rock band Steely Dan; it features hit single “Rikki Don’t Lose That Number”
February 20, 2003, Pyrotechnics display sets ‘The Station’ nightclub ablaze during a concert by rock band Great White; kills 100 and injuries over 300 others (West Warwick, Rhode Island)
February 20, 2012, Scientists successfully regenerate the flowering plant Silene stenophylla from a 31,800-year-old piece of fruit, greatly surpassing the previous record of 2,000 years
February 20, 2022, XXIV Olympic Winter Games close in Beijing, China; Norway finishes with record 16 gold medals. Note: They have 16 gold already this year!

Girl #1: I’ve really been getting into the science of plants lately.
Girl #2: Botany?
Girl #1: Yes, but only a few so far.

Nancy Guthrie. Missing, seemingly kidnapped, I get it. I just hope the FBI is not putting any additional time, effort, manpower into this case than they do for all similar missing/kidnapped persons’ cases, just because it involves the mother of a celebrity. Hopefully, they make the same effort for everyone and we just don’t hear/know about it.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination:

Go away: Iran

I’m am happy to say I did not watch one second of the NBA all-star game or related events. Zero.

Speaking of the Olympics, as a friend of mine pointed out, mixed doubles in curling is much like life in that the guy has to enjoy being yelled at by his partner while he works the broom.

OK, so the U.S. women’s hockey team reached greatness, now it’s the men’s turn. U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.

Back to Lindsey Vonn(?). Anyway, did you see her get flown off the course after her fall last week? Man, I’d wipeout just for that helicopter ride. Cool!

Really, some great Olympic hockey down the stretch with a plethora of overtime games.

Stop complaining: At least six victims have been identified in the tragic avalanche incident on Tuesday that killed up to nine people in Sierra Nevada, near Lake Tahoe, CA. Six of the victims were among a group of outdoor-loving mothers who regularly traveled together. What a lousy way to go.

Don’t be that guy. When the fire truck/ambulance drives by and you pull over, don’t zip out immediately after it goes by and try to pass the first car or two ahead of you. Dink.

Did you catch the car race last weekend? I missed it but understand that the cars went wicked fast.

Good news: Winters across the U.S. are starting later and ending earlier, with 195 cities now seeing the coldest stretch of the year shrink by nearly 9 days on average compared to the late 20th century.

Article I’ll skip: Cam Newton gives hot take on women who have children with multiple men

Lesser-known Knights of the Round Table. The knight who drank too much: Sir Rhosis

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The University of Texas System’s Board of Regents on Thursday approved a rule requiring its universities to allow students to graduate without studying “unnecessarily controversial subjects.” The rule, approved unanimously, also states that faculty must include the topics they plan to teach in their syllabi and follow that plan throughout the course. When courses include controversial subject matter, instructors are directed to take a “broad and balanced approach” to the discussion. Now, the policy does not define what constitutes “controversial” or a “broad and balanced approach.” Wait… what?

Blowing leaves, you’re doing it wrong. United States ski jumper Ben Loomis luckily avoided what could’ve been a disaster at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games on Thursday after being struck by a leaf blower on his attempted jump. 

Trivia #1 answer: What is a Pyrrhic victory? – A success that inflicts such devastating costs on the victor that it is tantamount to defeat.
Trivia #2 answer: What are the Flo? – The Flo are a sextet of impish animated snowdrop flowers that, per the Olympics website, “never leave their friends and love to have fun even if sometimes this gets them into trouble.” Just as Tina and Milo represent the Olympics and Paralympics, respectively, the Flo are divided into a pair of corresponding trios. Sport Flo, Cute Flow and Genius Flo represent the Olympics, while Fashion Flo, Super Flo and Rock Flo represent the Paralympics. (You know, those stuffed animals the athletes are receiving along with their medals.)
Trivia #3 answer: Where did the sport of curling first originate? – United States, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, Lawrence – The answer is Scotland

I found a great place online to order sausage. I’ll send you a link.

If you’ve never had a bad time in your life, just keep living…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)

Happy National Cherry Pie Day!

A little something different here.

“”No reason to get excited”
The thief, he kindly spoke
“There are many here among us
Who feel that life is but a joke”

Jimi Hendrix (All Along the Watchtower)

Quick bonus.

Briefly. (Today? Not so much)

Waitress: Would you like to hear today’s special, sir?
Patron: Yes, please.
Waitress: Today is special, sir.

Trivia #1: Who was Barry Wilburn?
Trivia #2: The most recent MLB knuckleball pitcher to win the CY Young award was the New York Mets’ R. A. Dickey (2012). What does the “R. A.” stand for?
Trivia #3: You may know that Kenneth Walker III became the 8^th running back to win Super Bowl MVP honors joining Larry Csonka, Franco Harris, John Riggins, Marcus Allen, Ottis Anderson, Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis. Of the 8, which running back had the most receptions in the Super Bowl in which he won MVP, and how many receptions did he have?
Trivia #4: In November 2026, the NASA space probe Voyager 1 is expected to reach a distance of one light day away from Earth. How many years will it have taken to get that far? – 2, 26, 39, 48, 75, 101, 2026

Ask her is she’s gained weight. That way, she’ll know you are paying attention to her. Follow me for more relationship advice.

On this date: February 13, 528, Roman Emperor Justinian appoints a commission to compile a single code of imperial constitutions (Justinian Code published 529)
February 13, 1633, Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei arrives in Rome for trial before the Inquisition for professing the belief that Earth revolves around the Sun
February 13, 1693, College of William & Mary opens in Williamsburg, Virginia
February 13, 1866, Jesse James robs his first bank, stealing $15,000 from the Clay County Savings Association in Liberty, Missouri
February 13, 1912, Olympic boxing gold medalist Johnny Douglas takes 5/46 as England cricket team regains Ashes with an innings and 225 run 4th Test win over Australia in Melbourne – Wait… what?
February 13, 1970, Man-eating tiger is reported to have killed 48, 80 km from New Delhi
February 13, 1971, US Vice President Spiro Agnew hits 2 tee shots into crowd while golfing, injuring 2 – Which is why there is no gallery when I tee off!
February 13, 1984, 6-year-old Texan Stormie Jones gets 1st heart and liver transplant – She lived nearly 7 years.
February 13, 2000, The last original “Peanuts” comic strip appears in newspapers one day after Charles M. Schulz dies

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination; See trivia question #4, above.

Go away: Any and all athletes who use the Olympics as a political platform, in any way.

Speaking of the Olympics, I thought the Opening Ceremonies were pretty cool. Incredible costumes, choreography, etc.

Speaking of the Olympics, the Skeleton competition. I don’t care whether there is life on others planets but, if there is, they ain’t doing shit like this.

U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A!

The biggest scam in life! Paying taxes on money you’ve earned, then paying taxes on money you spend and then paying taxes on things you own that you already paid taxes on with previously taxed money.

Good news: Aloe vera, a rubbery green plant, may be best known for its skin-soothing qualities, but a study published in Current Pharmaceutical Analysis suggests that key chemicals within the plant could interact with enzymes involved in Alzheimer’s disease, hinting at a new approach to disrupting cognitive breakdown.

Don’t be that guy. Don’t go into a steak house, order your steak well-done… and then ask for ketchup.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Anything to do with NFL mock drafts, especially in February!

Article I’ll skip: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s wife reveals why she banned pop star from husband’s NASCAR bus

They said it: “This is one of the only places all year where if it’s raining, you’re still pretty happy to be here.” – PGA’s Chris Gotterup referring to Pebble Beach. Tune in to the PGA this weekend to see one of the most beautiful golf courses on the planet.

From last week: Patriots – 26, Seahawks – 24 (Yes, I have 6,4 in a pool) – Nice call, Ed. Did I tell you I also had 9,3?!

Speaking of the Super Bowl: I’m over it. There, I said it.

Lesser-known Knights of the Round Table. The knight who kept the maps up-to-date – Sir Veyer

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: One study from Cornell University found that more than a quarter of Americans — roughly 67 million people — report being estranged from a family member. That’s really too bad.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: Former “One Direction” star Zayn Malik revealed the tooth fairy gave his daughter nearly $700 for losing her first tooth, defending his decision to splurge on a childhood milestone. Malik, 33, opened up about being able to provide financial stability for his daughter after finding success in the music industry.

Trivia #1 answer: Who was Barry Wilburn? – a Super Bowl champion defensive back who played eight years in the NFL. The Washington Redskins announced Wilburn’s death, he as 62. He was a part of the team’s 1987 Super Bowl-winning team. Wilburn was a victim of a house fire in Tennessee. Tragic!
Trivia #2 answer: The most recent MLB knuckleball pitcher to win the CY Young award was the New York Mets’ R. A. Dickey (2012). What does the “R. A.” stand for? – R. A. stands for Robert Allen
Trivia #3 answer: You may know that Kenneth Walker III became the 8^th running back to win Super Bowl MVP honors joining Larry Csonka, Franco Harris, John Riggins, Marcus Allen, Ottis Anderson, Emmitt Smith and Terrell Davis. Of the 8, which running back had the most receptions in the Super Bowl in which he won MVP, and how many receptions did he have? – Emmitt Smith had 4 receptions for 26 yards.
Trivia #4 answer: In November 2026, the NASA space probe Voyager 1 is expected to reach a distance of one light day away from Earth. How many years will it have taken to get that far? – 2, 26, 39, 48, 75, 101, 2026 – It will have taken 48 years.

If you’ve never had a bad time in your life, just keep living…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)

Happy National No One Eats Alone Day!

Speaking of happy days, come on downtown this afternoon. I can serve you in my attempt to make you even happier.

3 Doors Down lead singer and songwriter, Brad Arnold, has died after a battle with cancer at the age of 47. Too young. Here’s to him.

“I watched the world float to the dark side of the moon
After all I knew, it had to be something to do with you
I really don’t mind what happens now and then
As long as you’ll be my friend at the end”

3 Doors Down (Kryptonite)

Briefly.

Many years ago, cowboys would hang a lantern on their saddles at night so they could find the trail when they were far from home. This was early Saddle Light Navigation.

Trivia #1: Which one of the following was NOT in the inaugural class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees on January 23, 1986 – Buddy Holly, John Hammond, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles
Trivia #2: In what city was the first MLB game played under the lights? – Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, New York, Cincinnati
Trivia #3: Who is Ben DiNucci?

What do you call a magician who has lost his magic? Ian.

On this date: January 23, 393, Roman Emperor Theododius I proclaims his nine year old son Honorius co-emperor
January 23, 1368, In a coronation ceremony, Zhu Yuanzhang, aged 40, ascends to the throne of China as the Hongwu Emperor, initiating Ming Dynasty rule over China that lasts for three centuries
January 23, 1556, Shaanxi Earthquake, the deadliest ever recorded, kills 830,000 in Shaanxi Province, China
January 23, 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell becomes the first woman in the US to earn a medical degree, graduating from New York’s Geneva Medical College
January 23, 1943, Duke Ellington plays at Carnegie Hall in New York City for the first time
January 23, 1957, Wham-O Company acquires rights to the “Pluto Platter” plastic flying disc toy from inventor Walter Frederick Morrison; they rename it “Frisbee” in 1958 as a nod to the Frisbie Pie Company, whose empty tins were tossed by Yale University students (including Morrison) in the 1930s
January 23, 2016, 8 museum workers from Egyptian Museum, Cairo referred for prosecution for reattaching Tutankhamun’s beard with inappropriate glue

Go away: Rules Experts. I mean. Who are these buffoons?

Stop complaining: Unless you were scheduled on one of the nearly 1,300 flights canceled across the country through Saturday, as a sprawling winter storm that is set to blast more than 40 states from Arizona to Maine, makes its way across the U.S. Thousands of more flights are expected to be canceled into early next week. 

Don’t be that guy. Don’t make a Super Bowl prediction one week only to get it incorrect, then make a new prediction the following week.

Well, last week I said “Patriots/49ers Super Bowl.” This week?  Patriots/Seahawks.

DYK: Last Sunday’s Patriots/Broncos game (the AFC divisional round playoff game) was the most-watched event in ESPN history! That dates back to when ESPN started televising NFL games in 1987.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Both NFL conference championship games feature a coach Sean vs. a coach Mike.

Article I’ll skip: Hoosier QB’s comments on love life resurface after national championship win.

Lesser-known Knights of the Round Table. The knight who showed up unexpectedly: Sir Prize

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: An Oklahoma teenager is behind bars after allegedly calling 911 to tell authorities he stabbed his brother to death after becoming “enraged” over a video game. Oklahoma City police were called to the scene of a domestic stabbing. When they arrived, officers learned two brothers, 19-year-old William Spencer and 25-year-old Nicholas Spencer, were reportedly playing video games when William Spencer became angry and allegedly stabbed his brother. 

Abducting a woman, you’re doing it wrong. Police have ruled a Florida man’s actions self-defense after he shot a felon who allegedly attempted to abduct his wife. Nicholas Palomo, a 36-year-old felon who had previously gone to prison for kidnapping and other crimes, attempted to abduct a woman who was walking her dog in Bradenton, Florida, on New Year’s Day. The woman managed to run away from Palomo’s car and warned her husband, who went outside to confront Palomo. Palomo began acting in a threatening way before advancing towards the husband. That’s when he allegedly opened fire on Palomo.

Chess teaches us about life: Only the female piece can do whatever she likes.

Trivia #1 answer: Which one of the following was NOT in the inaugural class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees on January 23, 1986 – Buddy Holly, John Hammond, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Muddy Waters, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles – Muddy Waters had to wait until 1987
Trivia #2 answer: In what city was the first MLB game played under the lights? – Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Detroit, New York, Cincinnati – In a game where the Cincinnati Reds beat the Philadelphia Phillies at Crosley Field in Cincinnati
Trivia #3 answer: Who is Ben DiNucci? – Ben was signed to the Denver Broncos practice squad a few days ago and will serve as the team’s third-string quarterback on Sunday vs. the Patriots

There are no atheists in foxholes.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)

Happy National Pie Day! (As opposed to ‘Pi’ Day on March 14)

It’s a wonderful life.

“You must take the A train
To go to Sugar Hill way up in Harlem

If you miss the A train
You’ll find you missed the quickest way to Harlem

Hurry, get on, now it’s coming
Listen to those rails a-humming

All aboard, get on the A train
Soon you will be on Sugar Hill in Harlem”

Duke Ellington (Take the A Train)

Briefly.

Autocorrect has become my worst enema.

Trivia #1: Speaking of Dick’s (see below), you know the yellow whiffleball bat and ball, sold together? How much are they currently going for? – $8.99, $9.49, $9.99, $10.49, $10.99, $11.99
Trivia #2: Who was the last player to be named All-American at two different positions in the same season? – Bronko Nagurski, Charles Woodson, Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Travis Hunter, Toney Pendleton
Trivia #3: How many cross-laces are on an NFL football – 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

Instead of going to Starbucks, I make my own coffee, yell my name out incorrectly and then light a $5 bill on fire.

On this date: January 16, 27 BC, the title Augustus is bestowed upon Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus by the Roman Senate
January 16, 1492, the first grammar of a modern language, Spanish, is presented to Queen Isabella
January 16, 1688, Infamous sword duel between George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham and Francis Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury over Anna, Duchess of Shrewsbury and mistress of Buckingham. The Earl is mortally wounded.
January 16, 1868, Refrigerator car patented by William Davis, a fish dealer in Detroit
January 16, 1945, Adolf Hitler moves into the Fuhrerbunker, his underground bunker in Berlin, where he lives until his suicide April 30
January 16, 1985, “Playboy” announces the end of stapling centerfolds
January 16, 2016, First-ever flower grown in space: a zinnia aboard the International Space Station using NASA’s Veggie system

Go away: Mike Tomlin

Stop complaining: Unless you don’t like the cold weather but have to deal with it. Then go ahead, complain.

The month of January is half over.

Don’t be that guy. Mall food, it’s a thing. Stay away. Don’t do it!

Article I’ll skip: Kenny Chesley says he does “witchcraft stuff” in wellness confession

Lesser-known Knights of the Round Table. The knight who exceeded expectations: Sir Passed

My observation: Dick’s House of Sport (that’s correct, name change) has more mannequins than any other store, by far. They even have families of mannequins, and some move!

Patriots/49ers Super Bowl.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A college basketball point-shaving scheme involving more than 39 players on 17 NCAA Division I teams resulted in dozens of games in the previous two seasons being fixed by a gambling ring that included a former NBA player. Twenty of the 26 defendants played college basketball during the 2023-24 and/or 2024-25 seasons. Four of the players charged have played for their current teams in the past week. (Folks, wake up. This is likely happening in any sport, at any level, that you can wager on.)

What does it mean when holy water sizzles when it hits your skin? Asking for a friend…

Good news: Historically, parents were advised to avoid feeding peanuts to babies for the first few years of life, but emerging research has confirmed that introducing them sooner — as early as infancy — could help stave off food allergies. A 2025 study led by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia analyzed medical records from dozens of pediatric practices across the U.S., finding that early introduction of peanuts resulted in a 27% decrease in peanut allergy diagnoses among children and a 38% decrease in overall food allergies.

R.I.P. Bob Weir (78) – American musician and songwriter best known as a founding member of the Grateful Dead. During his career with the Grateful Dead, Weir played mostly rhythm guitar and sang many of the band’s rock & roll and country and western songs. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead and in 2024, he was awarded Kennedy Center Honors. 

Trivia #1 answer: Speaking of Dick’s, you know the yellow whiffleball bat and ball, sold together? How much are they currently going for? – $8.99, $9.49, $9.99, $10.49, $10.99, $11.99 – The bat and ball are selling for $8.99
Trivia #2 answer: Who was the last player to be named All-American at two different positions in the same season? – Bronko Nagurski, Charles Woodson, Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, Travis Hunter, Toney Pendleton – Bronko Nagurski in 1929 (fullback and tackle at the University of Minnesota)
Trivia #3 answer: How many cross-laces are on an NFL football – 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 – There are 8

There are no atheists in foxholes.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)

Happy National Fig Newton Day!

It’s a wonderful life.

“You imagine me sipping champagne from your boot
For a taste of your elegant pride
I may be going to hell in a bucket, babe
But at least I’m enjoying the ride
At least I’m enjoying the ride
At least I’m enjoying the ride”

The Grateful Dead (Hell in a Bucket)

Briefly.

I saw a guy going up a hill pushing a cart full of four-leaf clovers, horseshoes and rabbits’ feet and thought to myself; “Wow, that guy’s really pushing his luck.”

Trivia #1: On January 9, 1977, the Oakland Raiders beat the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI. Who was the MVP? – Kenny Stabler, Cliff Branch, Fred Biletnikoff, Dave Casper, Mark van Eeghen, Phil Villipiano, Ted Hendricks
Trivia #2: How many NFL quarterbacks have had a regular season with >=4,200 passing yards, >=30 passing TD’s, >=400 rushing yards, >=4 rushing TD’s and a passer rating of 110 or greater? Name them
Trivia #3: What is the only NFL team with a left-facing logo? No hint!
Trivia #4: On the Periodic Table, what chemical element is represented by ‘V’?

Did you catch the ending to the Georgia/Ole Miss game on New Year’s Day? Sorry Scamp…

On this date: January 9, 475, Byzantine Emperor Zeno is forced to flee his capital at Constantinople
January 9, 1349, Black Death Massacre: 700 Jews of Basel Switzerland, are burnt to death in a specially constructed building on suspicion of poisoning the community during the Bubonic Plague; part of a wave of pogroms across Western Europe
January 9, 1493, Christopher Columbus mistakes manatees for mermaids, describing them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted”
January 9, 1861, A Union merchant ship, the Star of the West, is fired upon by cadets from the South Carolina Military Academy as it tries to deliver supplies to Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina; considered to be the first shots fired in US Civil War
January 9, 1880, The Great Gale of 1880 devastates parts of Oregon and Washington with high wind and heavy snow (6 feet of snow falls in Seattle in 5 days)
January 9, 1958, In basketball, Cincinnati’s Oscar Robertson scores 56 points, Seton Hall team scores 54
January 9, 1984, Rock band Van Halen release their most successful album “1984” (I don’t know, I still like their older stuff better)

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: A NASA team using the Hubble Space Telescope found an object in space never recorded before, nicknamed “Cloud-9.” Cloud-9 is a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter cloud considered a “relic” or remnant of early galaxy formation.

Stop complaining. Unless you live in Juneau, Alaska. A record-snowy December in Juneau, Alaska, wreaked havoc across the city with the unusually-deep snow sinking boats and causing roofs to collapse. Residents say there’s nowhere to put the cleared snow. This week, snow is starting to pile up again, with rain on the way making the situation even more dire.

“I’ll show you!”… You’re doing it wrong. Crystal D. Randall was charged in connection with a fire that tore through an apartment complex after she allegedly burned her boyfriend’s clothing in a barbecue pit. The flames “heavily and irreparably damaged” 13 apartment units.

Don’t be that guy. Don’t cut me off and then wave like I did you a favor. Don’t do that!

Article I’ll skip: Woman faces multiple charges after ‘mermaid’ skinny-dipping incident turns violent.

Lesser-known Knights of the Round Table. The knight who was never killed in battle: Sir Vivor

The Celtics have been playing remarkably well lately and are currently 3^rd in the East. The Bruins? Not so much.

But enough of that, it’s Wild Card Weekend! (With a CFP appetizer!)

Good news: Of the more than 50 types of robots developed by RobotLAB, there are some that are manufactured to enter burning buildings to protect firefighters.

Trivia #1 answer: On January 9, 1977, the Oakland Raiders beat the Minnesota Vikings 32-14 in Super Bowl XI. Who was the MVP? – Kenny Stabler, Cliff Branch, Fred Biletnikoff, Dave Casper, Mark van Eeghen, Phil Villipiano, Ted Hendricks – The MVP was Fred Biletnikoff
Trivia #2 answer: How many NFL quarterbacks have had a regular season with >=4,200 passing yards, >=30 passing TD’s, >=400 rushing yards, >=4 rushing TD’s and a passer rating of 110 or greater? Name them – There’s been just one – New England’s Drake Maye this past season
Trivia #3 answer: What is the only NFL team with a left-facing logo? No hint! – The Philadelphia Eagles
Trivia #4 answer: On the Periodic Table, what chemical element is represented by ‘V’? – Vanadium – It is a hard, silvery-grey, malleable transition metal. Wait… what?

Until they invented the other side of Velcro, it never really caught on.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!)

Happy National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day!

It’s a wonderful life.

“I live my life like there’s no tomorrow
And all I’ve got I had to steal
Least I don’t need to beg or borrow
Yes, I’m living at a pace that kills

Runnin’ with the devil
Runnin’ with the devil”

OK, let’s slow it down a little, shall we?