Author: fasted86

Briefly.

Keep moving the sticks.

Trivia #1: The first Macy’s Day Parade took place in what year? –  1920, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1941

Trivia #2: Thanksgiving football is believed to have started at the college level in 1876. What two schools are reported to have started playing football on Thanksgiving? – Yale and Princeton, Yale and Harvard, Trinity and Yale, Harvard and Princeton, NECCO and UMass Lowell

Trivia #3: Alice doesn’t live at the restaurant. Where does she live?

The Buccaneers’ Antonio Brown is still good and I still don’t want him on my team.

Why don’t NFL cheerleaders have to wear masks?? What? They do wear masks?!

Feel good story of the week: 9-year old Reese Osterberg lost not just her family home in the Creek Fire in California, but she also lost her baseball card collection. Her community heard of the loss and at first donated a binder of cards but that quickly grew to over 25,000 cards and other memorabilia. On Tuesday she gave out cards, baseballs and memorabilia to other kids who had also suffered losses. She has a website setup where kids can make requests – cardsfromreese.org.

There’s a fine line between saying too much and saying too little. I walk that line like a drunken clown at a circus.

Could Tom Brady do a better job with this Pats’ team? I think so.

Headline of the day: Dying Alabama man ready to “meet his maker” confesses to cold case murder of a 26-year-old. – Editor’s note: Buddy, if you are confessing to a murder, I’m not so sure you’re going to get a chance to meet your maker.

Headline of the week, part deux: TSA shares Thanksgiving foods you can and can’t carry on flights

Philadelphia’s Carson Wentz is leading the Triple Crown race with 40 sacks, 14 interceptions and 10 fumbles.

I’m typically not one for touchdown celebrations but I laughed at the Bucs’ last weekend when the players sat down, one behind the other, and made like rowing a boat. Good one.

I’m not buying a 2021 planner until I see a trailer.

College hoops is back!

Gordon Hayward played 139 games for the Celtics (regular season and playoff combined) and earned over $91 million in the process.  That’s a cool $658,986.27 per game.

Really, how did we go from the dumpy, white “Jake from State Farm” to the jacked, black guy? (can the T-shirt be any smaller?) I would have liked to have been a fly-on-the-wall for that meeting!

If I were a diehard Redskins’ fan I’m not so sure I would be compelled to wear their new hat.

Quote for the week: “I awoke this morning with devout Thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

No, this did not happen prior to a Pop Warner football game but instead at the Saturday night Dallas Cowboys’ team meeting last week. Coach Mike McCarthy rolled out watermelons, each one with a team objective written on it, and smashed them all with a sledgehammer. One pumpkin had a picture of Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook which DeMarcus Lawrence insisted on smashing himself. On Sunday the Cowboys ended their 4-game losing streak by beating the Vikings and Lawrence had half a sack and two QB hits. Hey, if it works, it works.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Funeral home employee fired for disturbing selfie with Diego Maradona’s body

I don’t always have time to fold laundry, but when I do, I don’t.

Reputed south Philly wise guy Anthony “Tony Meatballs” Gifoli (72) was named in a grand-jury indictment, along with others, and accused of everything from sports betting to heroin-peddling to offering loans at 400 percent. “Tony Meatballs” is not to be confused with “Jimmy Bag of Doughnuts”

R.I.P. Diego Maradona (60) – Argentinian national hero, deemed one of the greatest “football” players of all time. He played for clubs including Barcelona and Napoli and was captain when Argentina won the 1986 World Cup, scoring the famous “Hand of God” goal against England in the quarter-finals. Maradona, who was deemed a god by many in Argentina, in Naples and all the world, apparently died in his home of “acute heart failure.”

Trivia #1 answer: The first Macy’s Day Parade took place in what year? – 1920, 1924, 1928, 1932, 1936, 1941 – 1924

Trivia #2 answer: Thanksgiving football is believed to have started at the college level in 1876. What two schools are reported to have started playing football on Thanksgiving? – Yale and Princeton, Yale and Harvard, Trinity and Yale, Harvard and Princeton, NECCO and UMass Lowell – Yale and Princeton

Trivia #3 answer: Alice doesn’t live at the restaurant. Where does she live? – Alice lives in the church nearby the restaurant, in the bell tower, with her husband Ray and Fasha the dog

“Ah! Mashed potatoes, ah!
Getting’ my potatoes, yeah!
Byrd! Wanna get in these potatoes, brother? (Yeah!)
Getting’ mashed potatoes, yeah yeah
(Tater!)
Getting’ my mashed potatoes! (Potatoes!)
Ha-ha (ho), French fry ‘em! (taters!), hey ho”

– James Brown

Briefly.

Trivia #1: With the 25^th pick in the second round of the NBA draft the other night, the Brooklyn Nets selected Jay Scrubb out of John A. Logan College. He was later traded to the Clippers. Multi-part question: Where is John A. Logan College? Who was John A. Logan? What is the college’s nickname?

Trivia #2: When the Patriots take on the Houston Texans on Sunday, it will mark a matchup between the oldest head coaching matchup in NFL history. Romeo Crennel is 73 and Bill Belichick is 68. What matchup holds the current record for oldest head coaches?

160’ divided by 3 = 53.3 yards.

Trivia #3: The Green Bay Packers’ Paul Hornung rushed for how many career yards in the NFL? – 3,711, 5,230, 7,002, 10,114, 12,948

Did you watch any of the NBA draft? There was the #3 overall pick Lamelo Ball sitting on his couch, no mask. To his right was his mother who was wearing a mask. To his left sat his father, wearing a mask, pulled down under his nose. I thought it looked hilarious.

Back to Alex Trebek who lost his battle to pancreatic cancer last week. What a guy. Not only did Trebek give away a great deal of money to numerous charitable organizations, he was tied more directly to World Vision – the Christian humanitarian organization that conducts relief efforts for children and families in nearly 100 countries around the world. Trebek’s relationship with the organization began in the early 1980’s and included multiple international trips as well as video appeals, where the gregarious Canadian native lent his name and reputation.

#1 pick gone bad. Brandon Martin, a former Tampa Bay Rays’ first-round draft pick, was sentenced to prison without parole for the 2015 grisly murder of his disabled father, uncle and alarm installer in California. He beat them all to death with a black wooden baseball bat with his name engraved on it.

Birthdays are good for us. Statistics show that people who have the most birthdays live the longest.

Kim Ng (52) just became the first female general manager in major league baseball history. She is with the Florida Marlins.

The NCAA is considering holding the 2021 men’s basketball tournament at a single site, bubble-like. Indianapolis is the leading candidate.

Learning a lesson, you’re doing it wrong. The New York Mets’ Robinson Cano was suspended for 80 games in 2018 for testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. He tested positive again and has been suspended for the entire 2021 campaign.

I was looking at the injury report for last night’s Thursday Night Football game. It got me thinking, aren’t we all “questionable” on any given day?

Honored? The Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant had a giraffe named after him at the Memphis Zoo.

Be sure to bring up politics at Thanksgiving this year to, you know, save on Christmas gifts.

For you fantasy footballers, here’s a stat. Christian McCaffrey is #26 in points scored by a running back this season. He has missed 6+ games.

I think the “neutral zone infraction” is the coolest sounding penalty in sports. It sounds a lot better than tripping, traveling or holding, doesn’t it? Neutral zone infraction!

Some good news (I may make this a regular addition): A FedEx driver in New Trenton, IN, saw a boy and his friends playing basketball using an old, broken down hoop. The FedEx driver, Aubrey, who often delivers packages in the area, dropped off a brand new hoop and basketball purchased on her own.

Headline of the day: “Stanley Cup champion Brandon Holtby struggles to get across US-Canada border due to tortoise issues”

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The 2020 Shit Show continues. Period.

R.I.P. Paul Hornung (84) – Hornung played for the NFL’s Green Bay Packers from 1957-1966. He played on teams that won four NFL titles including the first Super Bowl. He is the first Heisman trophy winner to be selected as the first overall selection in the NFL draft, play pro football, win the NFL most valuable player award, and be inducted into both the professional and college football halls of fame.

Trivia #1 answer: With the 25^th pick in the second round of the NBA draft the other night, the Brooklyn Nets selected Jay Scrubb out of John A. Logan College. He was later traded to the Clippers. Multi-part question: Where is John A. Logan College? – Caterville, Illinois. Who was John A. Logan? – A civil war general who later represented Illinois in the US Congress. What is the college’s nickname? – The Volunteers

Trivia #2 answer: When the Patriots take on the Houston Texans on Sunday, it will mark a matchup between the oldest head coaching matchup in NFL history. Romeo Crennel is 73 and Bill Belichick is 68. What matchup holds the current record for oldest head coaches? – It was earlier this season between Belichick and Seattle’s Pete Carrol (69).

Trivia #3 answer: The Green Bay Packers’ Paul Hornung rushed for how many career yards in th NFL? – 3,711, 5,230, 7,002, 10,114, 12,948 – 3,711

“Well, we’re big rock singers
We got golden fingers
And we’re loved everywhere we go…
We sing about beauty and we sing about truth
At ten thousand dollars a show…
We take all kinds of pills that give us all kind of thrills
But the thrill we’ve never known
Is the thrill that’ll getcha when you get your picture
On the cover of the Rollin’ Stone”

– Dr. Hook

Briefly.

Trivia #1: Five players have won the Masters wire-to-wire. Which two of the following have not – Raymond Floyd, Tiger Woods, Craig Wood, Jordan Spieth, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer

Trivia #2: How many world rankings points and FedEx Cup points does the winner of the Masters receive, respectively? – 75/400, 75/500, 75/600, 100/400, 100/500, 100/600, 200/400, 200/500, 200/600

Trivia #3: What four people have been inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame as a player and a head coach? (no hints, tough one…)

Trivia #4: The New York Jet’ Frank Gore has a chance this season to surpass Lorenzo Neal for all-time games played by an NFL running back (239). Who is #3?

I’ve been watching golf this past season but it is especially noticeable during the Masters, no fans. That’s gotta stink for the players, to drain a long, eagle/birdie putt and get no reaction. I know it stinks as a fan watching.

Riddle me this (thinking ahead). What will the NFL do if one of the Super Bowl starting quarterbacks tests positive for Covid just before the big game?

After yesterday, Kevin Na is the first player to hit every green in regulation during a round in the Masters, and still shoot over par. That begs the question “How’s your three-putt?”

So how do you feel about Alex Cora? He was caught cheating as part of the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, served his one-year suspension and was subsequently fired as the Red Sox’ manager, and has now been rehired following his suspension? Is he a free man having served his time or is he forever a cheater? Follow-up question, are all criminals forever criminals even after time served?

Go out and earn yourself a “Tommy Point” today

I like the Baker Mayfield, Progressive Insurance “At Home” commercials. I laugh

In case you missed it, one of the Masters’ greatest traditions, the Wednesday Par 3 contest, was not held this year due to the fact that there would be no fans. It would not have been the same without them. However, the Augusta National Par 3 course will be used in a unique way by being the sight of ESPN’s “College Gameday” on Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon.

Why can an offensive player give a stiff-arm to the facemask in the NFL without consequences?

If a southern woman says “What did you say?”, she isn’t asking you to repeat it. She’s asking you if you’re good with Jesus because you’re about to meet him.

Not sure whether it was Tiger Woods or not but who introduced the non-collared shirt to golf? I don’t like it and think it’s disrespectful.

Headline of the day: “Woman tries to deliver heroin-filled sandwich to her boyfriend at the Lynn Police Station”

Quote for the week: “He’s a great driver of the golf ball” – now bear with me here. This statement, made during golf tournaments and referring to a golfer, challenges my intelligence. Do we really think the broadcaster might actually be referring to the fact that the player is a great driver of a Ford Mustang?

Quote for the week part deux: “It’s not about being better than anyone else, it’s about being better than you were the day before”

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Elizabeth City, North Carolina, starting a “Calling All Elizabeths” promotion on Monday, which is encouraging any person named Elizabeth to visit and take advantage of freebies and discounts until December 30.

R.I.P. Alex Trebek (80) – A native of Canada, Trebek became a naturalized US citizen in 1998 and hosted the syndicated game show “Jeopardy” for 37 years. He received the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host seven times for his work on Jeopardy.

R.I.P. Tommy Heinsohn (86) – (try to keep up here):

• He is the only person to have been involved the Boston Celtics for all 17 of its championships, as well as all 21 of its NBA Finals appearances
• Averaged 21.1 points during his college career, becoming The College of Holy Cross’ all-time leading scorer. During his Sr. year averaged 27.4 points and 21.1 rebounds
• He was a “territorial pick” of the Boston Celtics in 1956 and was Rookie of the Year as well as an All-Star, averaging 16.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. The Celtics won their first Championship that year.
• He played nine NBA seasons averaging 18.6 PPG and 8.8 RPG, earned six All-Star selections and eight NBA titles
• He served as the NBA Players’ Association’s second president
• After the 1964-65 season his #15 was retired by the Celtics
• He spent the next three years broadcasting on the radio before coaching the Celtics for nine seasons becoming their second-winningest coach (427-263), won two Championships and was Coach of the Year in 1973
• He retired after the 1977-78 season and spent the next nearly 40 years along side Mike Gorman in the broadcast booth
• In 1995, he was the recipient of the Jack McMahon Award, given annually by the National Basketball Coaches Association to an individual who has made a special contribution to the NBA coaching profession
• He was just the 4^th person in NBA history to be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame as a player and a head coach
• He was associated with the Celtics for 65 years

Trivia #1 answer: Five players have won the Masters wire-to-wire. Which two of the following have not – Raymond Floyd, Tiger Woods, Craig Wood, Jordan Spieth, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Arnold Palmer – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson

Trivia #2 answer: How many world rankings points and FedEx Cup points does the winner of the Masters receive, respectively? – 75/400, 75/500, 75/600, 100/400, 100/500, 100/600, 200/400, 200/500, 200/600 – The winner receives 100 world rankings points and 600 FedEx Cup points

Trivia #3 answer: What four people have been inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame as a player and a head coach? (no hints, tough one…) – Lenny Wilkins, John Wooden, Bill Sharman, Tommy Heinsohn

Trivia #4 answer: The New York Jet’ Frank Gore has a chance this season to surpass Lorenzo Neal for all-time games played by an NFL running back (239). Who is #3? – Tony Richardson

“Too late to save myself from falling
I took a chance and changed your way of life
But you misread my meaning when I met you
Closed the door and left me blinded by the light

Don’t let the sun go down on me
Although I search myself, it’s always someone else I see
I’d just allow a fragment of your life to wander free
But losing everything is like the sun going down on me”

– Elton John

Briefly.

It was correctly pointed out to me that Brad Johnson and Mark Rypien can be added to last week’s trivia question answer of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks who have played on 5 or more NFL teams. Thanks for keeping me straight…

Trivia #1: Who is the only Masters champion to start the final round outside of the top 10? Jack Burke Jr., Art Wall Jr., Danny Willett, Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal?

Trivia #2: Magnolia Lane (at Augusta National) is how long? 150 yards, 220 yards, 275 yards, 330 yards, 400 yards, 1 mile?

Trivia #3: Who is Ron Townsend?

Trivia #4: How many James Bond films did Sean Connery appear in?

Betfair Exchange, the world’s largest online betting exchange, reported that someone bet $1.29 million on Joe Biden to win the U.S. election. The 10 largest bets in Betfair’s history before now, all on sporting events, have been winners.

Quote for the week: We sold out and won three Super Bowls, played in a fourth, and played in th AFC Championship Game. This year we have less to work with. It’s not an excuse. It’s just the facts.” – Bill Belichick

I don’t always jump out of bed like a Ninja, but when I do… it’s because of a leg cramp.

Ease up Patriots’ fans. Last Sunday the Los Angeles Chargers became the first team in NFL history to blow leads of at least 16 points in four consecutive games.

Ease up Patriots’ fans. Patrick Mahomes threw more touchdown passes (5) against the New York Jets than the Jets have thrown all season.

Speaking of the lowly Jets, coach Adam Gase now has more 20-point losses with the Jets (8) than he does wins (7).

The Pats can’t lose on Monday Night to the Jets, can they?

The NBA will start up again on December 22 with a 72-game schedule.

After New England’s 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, Bill Belichick is 51-66 without Tom Brady as his starting quarterback, 224-66 with Brady as his starting quarterback.

I say again, all-world quarterback Jimmy “G” Garoppolo cannot stay on the field and again is out for at least another 6 weeks. Traded for a second round pick? Not bad, say I.

In 20 years when kids ask about the 2020 toilet paper shortage, I’m telling them we had to drag our butts across the lawn, in the snow, uphill, both ways, dodging murder hornets!

Last night the Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rogers joined Tom Brady as the only quarterbacks in NFL history to throw at least 24 touchdown passes and two or fewer interceptions through the first 8 games of the season.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The Masters begins next Thursday… November 12.

R.I.P. Sean Connery (90) – The Scottish actor, best known for his portrayal of James Bond, won an Oscar in 1988 for his role in The Untouchables. If you want some slightly off-color laughs, search YouTube for “Sean Connery SNL”

Trivia #1 answer: Who is the only Masters champion to start the final round outside of the top 10? Jack Burke Jr., Art Wall Jr., Danny Willett, Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabal? – Art Wall Jr.

Trivia #2 answer: Magnolia Lane (at Augusta National) is how long? 150 yards, 220 yards, 275 yards, 330 yards, 400 yards, 1 mile?  – Magnolia Lane is 330 yards long

Trivia #3 answer: Who is Ron Townsend? – Townsend was the first African-American member at Augusta National, admitted in 1990

Trivia #4: How many James Bond films did Sean Connery appear in? – 7

“Say your prayers, little one
Don’t forget, my son
To include everyone

I tuck you in, warm within
Keep you free from sin
Til the Sandman he comes

Sleep with one eye open
Gripping your pillow tight

Exit light
Enter light
Take my hand
We’re off to Never, Neverland”

– Metallica

Briefly.

VOTE!

Happy Birthday to my Mum, tomorrow!

Trivia #1: More for all you Doc Emrick fans. Last week we reported that Doc has a doctorate in Communications. From what school does he have that degree?

Trivia #2: What three quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl and played on 5 or more NFL teams?

Trivia #3: In what years are “Gen X” people born?

The Kansas Chiefs are favored on Sunday by 20 points (it may be down to 19 ½) over the New York Jets. 13 times in NFL history have teams been favored by 20 points or more. Those teams are 13-0 in those games but only 3-10 against the spread (ATS). Also, the Dallas Cowboys are currently 0-7 ATS to start the season. The NFL record is 0-8 by both the ‘91 Bengals and ‘03 Raiders.

“Urology Department… can you hold?”

OK, if you missed it, Atlanta Falcons’ running back Todd Gurley could have gone to the ground with about one minute to go just before the goal line to setup a chip shot, last second field goal to win the game. They were down 16-14. Instead, he busted through the line, stumbled and couldn’t control his momentum in crossing the goal line for a touchdown. Detroit subsequently went 75 yards after the ensuing kickoff and won the game on a last-play touchdown. Now everyone is blaming Gurley. I have two questions. First, why didn’t QB Matt Ryan simply kneel down? Second, why not blame the defense for allowing the ridiculous drive that ended the game? Watch where you point fingers. (editor’s note: Yours truly have both Gurley and T.J. Hockenson, who scored Detroit’s last-play touchdown, so I was pretty happy with the outcome!!!)

Don’t you hate hearing other’s fantasy sports stories?

Speaking of the NFL, The Buffalo Bills beat the lowly New York Jets 18-10 by kicking 6 field goals. They missed two others. That’s pathetic.

This week, the Philadelphia Eagles lead the NFC East with a 2-4-1 record.

The future’s open wide…..

In my opinion, if you need an energy drink to get you 5 hours of energy, then what you are about to do is not worth doing.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Two suspects in Florida have been arrested after being accused of stealing mail and mail-in ballots earlier this week by using an apparent homemade device capable of lifting letters out of a dropbox.

So the Dodgers won the World Series, abbreviated, that is. I have to admit I am happy for manager Dave Roberts. He holds a special place in the hearts of all true Red Sox fans.

Imagine being fired and then, 34 years later, being rehired by the same company? That’s what just happened to 76-year old manager Tony LaRussa. The three-time World Series champ (Oakland and two with St. Louis) is back with the White Sox. LaRussa is 2,728-2,365 in his career.

The Ohio State Buckeyes played, and won, their first football game of the season. They are currently ranked #3 in the country! Top ranked Clemson is 6-0. Six

Speaking of Clemson, all-world quarterback Trevor Lawrence “has the ‘rona” and will miss at least this week’s game against Boston College.

Headline of the week: Online cheating is on the rise amid remote learning. (Nooooo!)

Headline of the week part duex: Deer with head stuck in plastic pumpkin rescued by New Jersey animal control officers.

A loan at a bank can take 30 years to pay off. If you rob a bank, you’re out in 10 years. Follow me for more financial advice.

R.I.P. Travis Roy (45) – Former Boston University hockey player paralyzed after an injury in 1995 who became a philanthropist for spinal cord treatment. Roy had slid headfirst into the boards just 11 seconds into his first shift for BU. He died from complications from a procedure needed to maintain his quality of life.

Not exactly “R.I.P.” but I think Julian Edelman’s career is finished.

Trivia #1 answer: Last week we reported that Doc has a doctorate in Communications. From what school does he have that degree? – Bowling Green University

Trivia #2 answer: What three quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl and played on 5 or more NFL teams? – Jim McMahon, Trent Dilfer and Nick Foles

Trivia #3 answer: In what years are “Gen X” people born? – Between 1965 and 1980

Don’t forget to move your clocks forward this weekend. Not sure how much forward but 4 months should do!

I approve this message.

“I’ll stop the world and melt with you
You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time
There’s nothing you and I won’t do
I’ll stop the world and melt with you”

– Modern English

Briefly.

Trivia #1: The Great Central U.S. Shakeout is held here?

Trivia #2: The Pittsburgh Steelers logo is based on the Steelmark logo of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The three hypocycloids (diamond shapes) mean: steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure and widens your world. They also represent the three materials used to produce steel: orange for iron ore, blue for steel scrap and yellow for what?

Trivia #3: Mike “Doc” Emrick, 50-year NHL announcer, is referred to as “Doc” for what reason?

Longtime NHL announcer Mike “Doc” Emrick is retiring as a broadcaster, announced Monday. His resume includes calling 22 Stanley Cup Finals and winning eight sports Emmy awards for play-by-play, including seven straight from 2014-2020. In 2008 Emrick was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which awarded him the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting. In 2011, he was the first announcer inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. (I didn’t know there was a separate “U.S.” hall???)

I lost my pizza cutter so I used my Bryan Adams’ CD. It cuts like a knife.

I mentioned last week that “launch angle” is killing baseball. A close second anyone? How about junior homerun derbys? Fun, of course, but I think it sets the wrong mindset in kids.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: San Francisco may change ‘inappropriate’ names of some city schools. At least 44 schools in San Fran could see their names changed as officials believed some were named after those with potential connections to slavery, genocide and colonization. Some of the schools listed under the proposed name changes include Abraham Lincoln High School, George Washington High School, Roosevelt Middle School and Jefferson Elementary.

Hey, you can’t change history. Teach it.

Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick recently had a turn of what I’ll call ‘bad luck.’ Despite having a “pretty good” season so far in 2020, he was demoted to backup in favor of rookie top draft pick Tua Tagovailoa. Yes, time for move forward for the Dolphins. Fitzpatrick’s reaction? “I basically got fired yesterday and my day consisted of zoom meetings with the guy who fired me and siting in a room with the guy who replaced me for four hours.” OK, Fitzy was benched and we can feel for him, but please don’t whine to us about “getting fired.” You got demoted, are 38 years old, in the back end of a two-year $11M contract and have made over $35M on top of that. Suck it up, Harvard Boy!

The Dallas Cowboys sit atop the NFC East with a 2-4 record.

Speaking of the Cowboys, even after missing last week’s game and some of the prior week’s game, Dak Prescott still leads the NFL in passing yards.

Speaking of the Patriots… for you/us Patriots’ fans, after last week’s loss to the Broncos and lack of late-game heroics, we now know for sure that Cam ain’t no Tom.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: “Hollywood celebs share their reactions to Trump-Biden debate”

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination, part duex: “Britney Spears reveals ‘5 most important’ beach day essentials”

Ziggy played guitar… and was a lefty.

The World Series is down to a 5-game series. Go Rays! (really, I don’t like the Rays at all but do really dislike the Dodgers). That’s correct, I’m not rooting for Mookie.

Hormel Foods made their first batch of Spam in 1937. With everyone out shopping and hoarding food they have announced they will be making their second batch later this week.

This past Sunday night, announcer Mike Tirico, on multiple occasions, mentioned that Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker had made his last 30ish field goals inside the 40-yard line. He has also missed 4 extra points this year. Since the extra point attempt is from 33-yards out, I’d say he’s missed some kicks inside the 40, right? What’s the difference?!

Quote for the week: Discussions are always better than arguments because an argument is to find out who is right, and a discussion is to find out what is right.

Quote for the week, part deux: “I hope I can handle retirement, especially since I’ve never done it.” – Doc Emrick

Headline of the week: “Florida wildlife investigators uncover flying squirrel trafficking ring”

Trivia #1 answer: The Great Central U.S. Shakeout is held here? – Anywhere in the U.S.. The main goal of the Shakeout is to get  everyone prepared for  major earthquakes. Anyone can participate, from a single person to  a major company at an office. Where ever you are at the moment -at home, at work, at school, anywhere – you should “drop, cover and roll” as if there is an earthquake at the very moment. The event takes place on the third Thursday in October (last Thursday this year) at 10:15am. Well, I missed it…

Trivia #2 answer: The Pittsburgh Steelers logo is based on the Steelmark logo of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The three hypocycloids (diamond shapes) mean: steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure and widens your world. They also represent the three materials used to produce steel: orange for iron ore, blue for steel scrap and yellow for what? – Yellow for coal

Trivia #3: Mike “Doc” Emrick, 50-year NHL announcer, is referred to as “Doc” for what reason? – He has a doctorate in communications

“If the sun refused to shine,
I would still be loving you.
When mountains crumble to the sea,
There will still be you and me.

Kind woman, I give you my all.
Kind woman, nothing more.”

– Led Zeppelin

Briefly.

Trivia #1: What two states are not members in the 48-state Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact?

Trivia #2: What team did MLB HOF’er Joe Morgan debut with in 1963 as an amateur free agent? – San Francisco Giants, Houston Colt 45’s, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies

Trivia #3: In what sport, any of the major North American sports leagues, did the visiting team win all seven games of a best-of-seven postseason series?

If you’re wearing your mask inside your car, alone, with the windows up, I’m going to go ahead and assume it’s to control your urge to lick the windows.

Get your flu shot.

Dak Prescott. Not exactly a Joe Theisman replay, but close and something I didn’t watch more than once. Not to be cold but… any truth to the rumor that Dak was crying while being carted off the field because he never signed that huge, multi-year contract???

Speaking of the Cowboys… I realize they went on to win that game with Andy “Big Red” Dalton at the helm, but Andy Dalton? Cowboy fans are bummin’.

I heard an announcer say during one NFL game last Sunday, “he doesn’t want to make any mistakes here…” Tell me, who wants to make a mistake anywhere, anytime? It doesn’t matter who the announcer was because it’s been said before and will be said again. It’s just a lousy cliché.

17-year old Maci Currin of Cedar Park, TX, is 6’ 10” and now holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest legs for a woman and the longest legs on a teenager. Her left right leg measures 52.874 inches and her left leg is slightly longer at 53.155 inches.

Jimmy “G” Garoppolo. Remember him, Pats’ fans? We thought Belichick was crazy dealing him for a second round pick. The guy cannot stay on the field! He tried last weekend only to be lifted at halftime. The coaches said it was to protect him because he wasn’t fully healthy. Hmmm. I’m sure it had nothing to do with his “15” rating in the first half! Heck, my rating was nearly that high while I sat on the couch!

On Wednesday, Atlanta Braves’ pitcher Kyle Wright (or “Wrong?”) became the first starting pitcher to allow seven earned runs and pitch less than one inning in a postseason game as the Dodgers scored 11 first inning runs in route to a 15-3 win. Editor’s note: The Braves came back last night and scored 6 runs in the 6^th to go up 3-1 in the NLCS. Game 5 tonight.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: San Francisco may change ‘inappropriate’ names of some city schools. At least 44 schools in San Fran could see their names changed as officials believed some were named after those with potential connections to slavery, genocide and colonization. Some of the schools listed under the proposed name changes include Abraham Lincoln High School, George Washington High School, Roosevelt Middle School and Jefferson Elementary.

Coronavirus update #11,293, the current border closure between the U.S. and Canada is set to expire on October 21 but will likely be extended for the seventh time, says Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

I haven’t lost all my marbles yet but there is definitely a small hole in the bag somewhere.

Hunting, you’re doing it wrong. 57-year old Kurt Johnston of Pickford, Michigan, has lost his hunting privileges for life and will spend three months in jail for allegedly killing 18 wolves and 3 bald eagles, amongst other charges. Given the charges, he is also banned from hunting in the 48 members states of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (created to promote compliance with the laws, regulations, ordinances, resolutions and administrative rules that relate to the management of wildlife resources in the respective member states)

I tell you, there’s some funny people out there, specifically those creating Geico television commercials. How about the ones pertaining to the ants (aunts) in the home and the other with rats (Ratt) in the basement? Funny stuff.

The Masters is set to begin less than one month from now, Thursday, November 12.

Phoenix, Arizona just set the record for 100-degree days in a calendar year with number 144! Suddenly, quarantine doesn’t sound so bad!

“V”, as in “Vodka” – says the homeschool Mom.

Quote for the week: Discussions are always better than arguments because an argument is to find out who is right, and a discussion is to find out what is right.

The Lakers won.

Headline of the week: Tennessee mayor resigns after allegedly shoplifting at Target

R.I.P. – Joe Morgan (77) – A key member of the Cincinnati Red’s “Big Red Machine” in the mid-seventies. Morgan was a two-time NL MVP (’75 & ’76), 10-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner. Widely regarded of one of the greatest second baseman in baseball history, he went on to broadcast games for over 25 years following his playing career. He also stole 689 bases, 11^th in baseball history. For those of us who remember watching Morgan, who didn’t imitate his at-bat, elbow twitch either on the baseball or whiffleball field?

Trivia #1 answer : What two states are not members in the 48-state Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact? – Hawaii and Massachusetts (MA is in process of joining)

Trivia #2 answer: What team did MLB HOF’er Joe Morgan debut with in 1963 as an amateur free agent? – San Francisco Giants, Houston Colt 45’s, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies – The Houston Colt 45’s

Trivia #3 answer: In what sport, any of the major North American sports leagues, did the visiting team win all seven games of a best-of-seven postseason series? – The Washington Nationals last year won the World Series over the Houston Astros 4 games to 3 with every game being won by the visiting team.

“In that case I don’t want no part
I do believe that that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin’ me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion
So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion”

– Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Briefly.

Trivia #1: The Yankees have won the most AL pennants, 40. What team is second?

Trivia #2: “Vote while you float” is the motto for who?

Tom Brady lost last night on national television. Poor Tom.

Tom Brady has won more playoff games than anyone else has played in. (all with the Patriots, I might add)

When life shuts a door, open it back up. That’s how doors work.

Joe Flacco is starting for the Jets this Sunday. Joe Flacco?? I could have sworn I recently saw him on a milk carton.

Speaking of baseball… check out the MLB upcoming schedule. Tonight is the deciding game 5 of the ALDS, Yankees/Rays. (go Rays!) The other three series have already been decided. There are no games scheduled on Saturday but then… The ALCS begins on Sunday and the NLCS on Monday. Both series play EVERY night until each ends. No breaks! Are you listening NHL and NBA!

Speaking of basketball, the Lakers lead the Heat three games to one. Go Heat!

Don’t say/think “that’s what they get for living there” regarding people who live on the gulf coast who are about to be battered yet again by another storm. People live down there for countless reasons with no other options. Just pray for them.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Tracie’s Place Karaoke Bar and Restaurant in Ontario, Canada is allowing customers to sing within a makeshift shower stall (on stage) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In the first spoken words in the original “Rambo” movie, John J actually smiles. He introduces himself to Delmar Berry’s mother who informs Rambo that Delmar died. It is the only time in the movie that Rambo smiles. (useless information, I know…)

The Indianapolis Colts’ kicker, Rodrigo Blankenship, has single-handedly outscored the opponent in each of the Colts’ three victories.

Training, you’re doing it wrong. A 66-year old Illinois motorcyclist was killed in a crash during her second day of a motorcycle safety training course.

Have you ever reached for your drink thinking you had one sip left and then finding out there was really more than one sip? Isn’t that awesome!

Another NFL game moved from Sunday to later in the week. I really can’t see the season ending as a full season. It’s falling apart.

Do you know that Bruce Springsteen song “Glory Days?” “I had a friend was a big baseball player back in high school. He could throw that speedball by you, make you look like a fool…” – What in hell is a “speedball?” I’m thinking Springsteen was one of those kids who stepped up to the plate back in the day and yelled to the pitcher “Don’t whip it!”

Quote for the week: “To hell with the rules. If it sounds right, then it is” – Eddie Van Halen

Headline of the week: “Winner of ‘Fat Bear Week’ competition crowned by Alaska national park”

R.I.P. – Eddie Van Halen (65) – Considered by many as the best and most influential guitarists of all-time. Eddie first made a name for himself with his solo “Eruption” which was on Van Halen’s first album. Eddie became a pop culture icon with the 1983 release of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”  – which featured Eddie’s iconic guitar solo. Eddie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Trivia #1 answer: The Yankees have won the most AL pennants, 40. What team is second? – The Oakland A’s (15) – the Red Sox are third with 14.

Trivia #2 answer: “Vote while you float” is the motto for who? – Astronauts

“Happy trails to you,
Until we meet again,
Happy trails to you,
Keep smiling on til then
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together
Just sing a song an’ think about sunny weather
Happy trails to you,
Til we meet again”

– Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (Van Halen ended each concert with this song back in the day)

Briefly.

Trivia #1: Which world leader has NOT contracted Covid-19? Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, United States President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Honduras President Juan Orlando Heranadez, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattel, Bolivian interim president Jeanine Anez, Indian President M. Venkalaiah, Venezuelan interim president Nicolas Maduro

Trivia #2: What did the UN designate the first Monday in October as? World Wildlife Day, Worldwide Holiday, World Children’s Day, World Habitat Day, World Dumpster Day

Trivia #3: Before Clayton Kershaw (last night), who was the last left-hander to strike out 13 or more batters in a postseason game?

COVID-19 has finally found the NFL as Sunday’s game between Tennessee and Pittsburgh has been postponed until “later in the season.” Week #18???

Did you get your flu shot yet? Seriously, get one!

I actually got two flu shots. I went with bourbon and tequila.

The Jets lost again.

Reveal party gone wrong. 33-year old Hayley Sexton had painted the nursery pink, chosen the name Isabella and bought two Moses baskets, blankets and onesies in girl hue. She then gave birth to a baby boy. DOH!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The love child of former Belgian King Albert II on Thursday won a seven-year-long battle over her loyal rights and can now officially call herself a princess. She is now entitled to the same royal titles and privileges as her father’s three other children.

Doc Rivers was fired by the LA Clippers and then hired as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Sounds like a promotion to me.

Quote for the week: “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” – George Orwell

Headline of the week: “Vietnam police confiscate 345,000 used condoms that were washed and sold as new”

Nothing new in the NBA. I’m rooting against the Lakers, much like rooting against the Yankees. Hater… me.

To the person who stole my glasses. I will find you, I have contacts.

In case you missed it, the Houston Astros became the first MLB team ever to win a playoff after making the playoffs with a losing record – 29-31.  They beat the Minnesota Twins and went on to sweep them two games to none. The Twinkies have now lost an MLB record  18 playoff games in a row.

Speaking of the Oakland A’s, they won their first playoff series in 14 years. (14 years?! That’s a lot???)

During his September 24, 1960 campaign stop in Sullivan, Illinois, then vice-president Richard Nixon stopped to eat a barbeque buffalo sandwich at a related cookout. He barely finished the sandwich before getting up to make a speech. Then 14-year old Steve Jenne pounced, took the half-eaten sandwich and still has it today, 60 years later. (No one, and I mean no one, can make that shit up.)

Trivia #1 answer: Which world leader has NOT contracted Covid-19? Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, United States President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Honduras President Juan Orlando Heranadez, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattel, Bolivian interim president Jeanine Anez, Indian President M. Venkalaiah, Venezuelan interim president Nicolas Maduro – the last one here, Venezuelan interim president Nicolas Maduro

Trivia #2 answer: What did the UN designate the first Monday in October as? World Wildlife Day, Worldwide Holiday, World Children’s Day, World Habitat Day, World Dumpster Day – World Habitat Day

Trivia #3 answer: Before Clayton Kershaw (last night), who was the last left-hander to strike out 13 or more batters in a postseason game? – Cliff Lee (13 K’s for the Rangers against the Yankees in 2010)

“Jump up, look around, find yourself some fun
No sense in sitting there hating everyone
No man’s an island and his castle isn’t home
The nest is full of nothing when the bird has flown”

– Jethro Tull

Briefly.

WordPress tracks hits to my blog and where they originate. I routinely have 2-3 hits from Baidu, an internet company in China. Hmmm.

Trivia #1: Who was the only player named at two positions to the NFL’s 75^th Anniversary Team in 1994?

Trivia #2: How many different venues have hosted an NFL game? – 79, 127, 160, 188, 209, 246

Trivia #3: B.B. King. What does “B.B.” stand for?

Trivia #4: Since 1970, which team is the only one to make the Stanley Cup Final in five consecutive years? – Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Charlestown Chiefs

LeBron, 2^nd in MVP voting, again, is bitching about it. ‘Nuf said.

Not to sound insensitive but the worst part about all of these NFL injuries is that we can kiss ‘good-bye’ to any thought of future, shortened preseasons.

The Red Sox lost their final “home” game last night to the Orioles. Thankfully, their season ends this weekend.

I have found myself on a steady diet of alcohol, vitamin D and an occasional steak tip.

Quote for the week: “Do I think I’m the best quarterback in the NFL? I believe so, without a doubt.” – Seattle’s Russell Wilson on the “Dan Patrick Show” – Sounds a little like “Hey, don’t you know about me!?”

Quote for the week, part deux: “You flatter me by giving me this award, but I can tell you here and now that I accept it for Brian Piccolo. … I love Brian Piccolo and I’d like all of you to love him, too. Tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.” – Gail Sayers during his acceptance speech for the George S. Halas Award for courage in 1969. I have to admit I got a little misty-eyed reading/writing this.

The hypocrisy continues, now in the NFL. The NFL has hit Denver’s Vic Fangio, Seattle’s Pete Carroll and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan with $100,000 fines and their teams with $250,000 fines for not wearing masks last Sunday. In all, the league issued $1.05 million in fines. Now maybe I don’t know the definition of “wearing a mask” but I saw FAR more violations in various other games on Sunday.

Did you see Danny Lee’s 6-putt on the 18th at the US Open? After missing a 4-footer for par, he missed the return putt and frustration set in. He then withdrew from the tournament, citing a wrist injury. Wrist injury?! I’m sorry but that’s hysterical!

NFL quarterbacks are running wild! Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, to name a few. If this season’s pace continues, quarterbacks will score 48 more rushing touchdowns than they ever have in a season and they’ll finish with over 1,400 more rushing yards. I tell you, wild!

“Stop the pain”, you’re doing it wrong. A Los Angeles Chargers team doctor punctured quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s lung just before kickoff last Sunday while trying to administer a pain-killing injection to the quarterback’s cracked robs.

DYK, Tyrod Taylor is one of six NFL QB’s to register 3,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in consecutive seasons? I didn’t.

Don’t think “end of summer”, think “beginning of fall.”

Everything that has a beginning, has an end.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback Carson Wentz was booed last Sunday due to his continuing poor play. As there were no fans allowed at Philly’s home field, Lincoln Financial Field, Wentz was digitally booed. (that’s gotta hurt!)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: (I do try to keep politics out of this but…) FOX Super Bet 6, a free-to-play app that typically focuses on sporting events, will allow users to win prizes by making accurate predictions about the first presidential debate on Tuesday, September 29^th in Cleveland. A $25,000 prize pool is guaranteed with 6 questions, including – Will Trump use the term “Sleeping Joe” during the debate? and will Biden say the word “malarkey” more than he mentions former President Barack Obama?

On Monday Night Countdown this past week the panelists, as they always do, make their game predictions. All of the men confidently predicted the Saints would beat the Raiders. Suzy Kolber however, commented on the karma of opening a new stadium (Allegiant Stadium) and chose the Raiders, much to the others dismay. Karma.

Say what you will, the NHL Bubble works!

In feel-good news, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ “Day On Fund”, established in 2018, is supporting Bezos’ first tuition-free preschool for underserved children. On Oct. 19 the doors open for Bezos Academy in Des Moines, WA and is the first of many free preschools that Bezos plans to open.

People often ask me, not in this lifetime, what ever happened to NFL quarterback Blake Bortles? With the injury to Denver Broncos’ quarterback Drew Lock, Bortles was signed to a one-year deal as backup to new starter Jeff “don’t call me ‘Whitey’” Driskel.

People also routinely ask me about Deion Sanders. Last week, Prime Time was named head football coach at Jackson State. During his first week on the job, Mississippi State freshman cornerback Javorrius Selmon announced he was transferring to Jackson State to play for “Coach Prime.”

Florida prosecutors said Monday that they won’t appeal a court’s decision blocking video that allegedly shows New England Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft paying for massage parlor sex. The charges have since been dropped. Let me tell you there are some days I miss my father more than others. He’d be shaking his head over this duck-n-dodge by Krafty Bob.

R.I.P. Gail Sayers (77) – Considered one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL, Sayers played primarily only five seasons, all with the Chicago Bears (he played sparingly in 70’ and ’71) and finished with 4,956 yards, 39 touchdowns, 30 yards per kick return and six touchdowns, 14.5 yards per punt return and two touchdowns. He averaged more than 5 yards per carry for his career and led the NFL in rushing twice, including 1969 one season after tearing his ACL and MCL in his right knee. He was a member of the 1964 All-America team at Kansas and, at age 34, was the youngest player ever inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. (OK, who’s not making time to watch Brian’s Song in the near future?)

Trivia #1 answer: Who was the only player named at two positions to the NFL’s 75^th Anniversary Team in 1994? – Gail Sayers (halfback and kick returner)

Trivia #2 answer: How many different venues have hosted an NFL game? – 79, 127, 160, 188, 209, 246 – this past Monday, Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium became the 188^th different venue to host an NFL game.

Trivia #3 answer: B.B. King. What does “B.B.” stand for? – Blues Boy – As a singer and disc jockey in Memphis, he was given the nickname “Beale Street Blues Buy”, later shortened to “Blues Boy” and finally to B.B.

Trivia #4: Since 1970, which team is the only one to make the Stanley Cup Final in five consecutive years? – Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Charlestown Chiefs – The New York Islanders (won the Cup in ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83 then lost in ’84) – BTW, the Charlestown Chiefs is the minor league hockey team from the movie “Slapshot”

The NHL season could end this weekend. I’ll leave you with this:

“Hit somebody! was what the crowd roared
When Buddy the goon came over the boards
“Coach”, he’d say, “I wanna score goals”
The coach said, “Buddy, remember your role
The fast guys get paid, they shoot, they score
Protect them, Buddy, that’s what you’re here for”

– Warren Zevon