Author: fasted86

Briefly.

Starting to run in my 60’s turned out to be a great way to meet people. I met a paramedic, two nurses and almost Jesus.

So far, this is the oldest I’ve ever been!

Trivia #1: What is Hyperkalemia?
Trivia #2: Which of the following was NOT in the top 5 homerun hitters of the 1970’s: Willie Stargell, Reggie Jackson, Johnny Bench, Bobby Bonds, Lee May, Mike Schmidt
Trivia #3: Who won the 2019 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2019)

On this date: May 8, 535, John II’s reign as Catholic Pope ends, upon his death
May 8, 1348, Ship from Bordeaux carrying the plague, lands in Melcombe Regis (now Weymouth), Dorset. The beginning of the Terrible Pestilence (Black Death) in England.
May 8, 1792, US establishes the military draft     
May 8, 1919, Edward George Honey first proposes the idea of a moment of silence to commemorate The Armistice of World War I, leads to the creation of Remembrance Day
May 8, 1945, V-E Day: World War II ends in Europe after German Field Marshall General Wilhelm Keitel formally signs Germany’s unconditional surrender in Berlin to the Allies, represented by the United States, the UK, France and the Soviet Union
May 8, 1963, Daniel Paul James ‘Tiger’ Ruth is born
May 8, 1967, Muhammad Ali is indicted for refusing induction in US Army
May 8, 2022, Thai government announces it will give away one million cannabis plants to households to mark new rule allowing people to grow it at home

You know, I was thinking… All these people, athletes mostly, after accomplishing “something”, point upwards and say something like; “I know my Mom is looking down at me and she’s proud.” It just seems presumptuous that all of the deceased are in Heaven, looking down. The odds of that seem doubtful, to me. Just once, I’d like to see a kid point to the ground and say; “I know my Uncle Leo is looking up at me… and he’s proud.”

Go away: Mike Vrabel/Dianna Russini

Article I’ll skip: Infectious disease expert reveals whether hantavirus could cause pandemic in the US 

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The New England Patriots revealed the jersey numbers for Caleb Lomu and the other members of the team’s 2026 rookie class.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: More than two dozen cruise ship employees, including Disney cruise workers, were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in a child exploitation ring bust at a port in San Diego. In all, 28 people from three different countries — 26 from the Philippines, one from Indonesia and another from Portugal — were interviewed, and 27 were found to have taken part in the “receipt, possession, transportation, distribution, or viewing of [child sexual exploitation material] or child pornography.” It is unclear how many of those people worked for Disney Cruise Line.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: A high-tech humanoid robot was officially “ordained” as a Buddhist monk during a ceremony at Seoul’s Jogyesa Temple on Wednesday. The robot, a $13,500 Unitree G1 model standing just over four feet tall, was given the name “Gabi.” Dressed in traditional brown robes, plain shoes and gloves designed to mimic human hands, the machine stood before a panel of Buddhist monks to commit itself to the faith. During the ceremony, hosted by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, the robot was asked by a monk if it would devote itself to the “holy Buddha.” “Yes, I will devote myself,” Gabi responded to the crowd’s cheers.

Good news: For him, anyway… A Kentucky man who spent more than two decades behind bars for a murder he says was built on fabricated evidence has been awarded more than $24 million, after a jury found he was wrongfully convicted in a case once described by prosecutors as a “satanic” killing.

Terrible news: An elementary school student died after a tree fell on a playground at a school in Melrose, Massachusetts. The incident happened Monday at the Winthrop Elementary School. Two other people — a student and an adult — were injured. “It is with great sadness that we share that the student who was seriously injured (Monday) afternoon during the incident on the Winthrop School playground has died. It is our understanding that the other two individuals, one student and one adult, who were injured yesterday, have been discharged from area hospitals.” I have a couple of kids but, whether you do or you don’t, this is hard to imagine happening.

Don’t be that guy! It’s allergy season. Whether coughing or sneezing, jeez, cover your mouth!

Trivia #1 answer: What is Hyperkalemia? – Hyperkalemia (high-per-kuh-LEE-mee-uh), also known as high potassium or HK, is when the blood has higher than normal potassium levels.
Trivia #2 answer: Which of the following was NOT in the top 5 homerun hitters of the 1970’s: Willie Stargell, Reggie Jackson, Johnny Bench, Bobby Bonds, Lee May, Mike Schmidt – The first five were 1-5, in order. Mike Schmidt was number 8.
Trivia #3 answer: Who won the 2019 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2019) – St. Louis Blues (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Washington Nationals (MLB), New England Patriots (NFL)

Unless you fell on the treadmill, no one wants to hear about your workout.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Have a Coke Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all of you Muthas out there!

Amtrak has informed a small-town girl, living in a lonely world, that they don’t actually have a midnight train going anywhere. “I’m sorry miss, but you have to choose an actual destination.”

“Just a small-town girl
Livin’ in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere

Just a city boy
Born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train goin’ anywhere”

Journey (Don’t Stop Believen’)

Briefly.

My favorite childhood memory is getting out of bed in the morning without my back hurting.

Trivia #1: What distress phrase, used in aviation and maritime, signals channel clearance and all other radio users must cease transmissions and clear the channel for the distressed vessel? It also initiates immediate rescue efforts and alerts emergency services.
Trivia #2: Who is Red Murdock?
Trivia #3: Joe Buck is closing in on a deal to host ESPN Jeopardy, looking to air this summer. This will not be the first time the Jeopardy! franchise has had an offshoot dedicated to sports trivia. Sports Jeopardy! previously aired on Crackle from 2014 through 2016. Who hosted the program during that time? – Keith Olbermann, Dan Patrick, Stuart Scott, Matt Barrie, Linda Cohn, Rich Eisen

On this date: May 1, 305, Diocletian and Maximian retire from the office of Roman Emperor
May 1, 1822, John Phillips is elected the first mayor of Boston
May 1, 1840, “Penny Black,” the world’s first adhesive postage stamp is issued by the United Kingdom
May 1, 1863, Hospital for the Ruptured and Crippled first opens its doors in New York City, the oldest orthopaedic hospital in the United States
May 1, 1930, The planet Pluto is officially named by 11-year-old English schoolgirl Venetia Burney
May 1, 1941, US savings bonds go on sale to help finance the war effort
May 1, 1952, Mr. Potato Head is first introduced by toy company Hasbro
May 1, 1989, Tim Berners-Lee, working at CERN, submits his initial proposal for the World Wide Web (WWW)
May 1, 2019, New York City officially names a street Sesame Street at the intersection of West 63rd Street and Broadway in honor of the show’s 50th anniversary

Go away: The Red Sox’ Craig Breslow. (And while we’re at it, go away Sam Kennedy too)

Article I’ll skip: Burger King fans reveal Whopper ordering trick for a fresher burger: “I’m converted!” Editor’s note: I can’t recall the last time I was at a Burger King, or a McDonalds for that matter.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Thursday the company’s latest round of layoffs is tied to increased spending on artificial intelligence, while leaving the door open to additional job cuts. Zuckerberg made the remarks during a company town hall, his first time addressing employees since Meta confirmed plans to cut roughly 8,000 jobs — about 10% of its workforce.

Audience participation, you’re doing it wrong! A German tourist in Egypt died after a poisonous snake slithered up his pants and bit him on the leg. Two snakes – presumably cobras – were used, which were placed around the necks of the guests from the audience, among other things. As part of this snake show, the ‘snake charmer’ let one of the snakes crawl into the pants of a 57-year-old man, causing the snake to bite the leg of the German vacationer.

Good news: ESPN Jeopardy? Sign me up! (The program is not to be confused with Monday Night Garibaldi Coach’s Corner Sports Trivia, which began circa 2014.)

They said it: “That’s the way the pickle squirts.” – Bing Russell, American actor and minor-league baseball club owner, Kurt’s father. I have to say, I’d never heard that one before!

LIV will not play its event at Bayou Oaks at the originally scheduled dates in late June. Days after reports emerged regarding Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund no longer backing the fledgling golf league, Secretary of Louisiana Economic Development Susan Bourgeois reached out to LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil regarding the league coming to her state. LIV officials agreed to “push back the date” due to its changing business model. Additionally, LIV has instead pitched a fall date with a different format and smaller field. Bye-bye, LIV!

Don’t be that guy! Did you hear about the guy who got himself tossed from a JetBlue flight because he wouldn’t get off his phone when the plane was taxiing out? Don’t be that guy!

Trivia #1 answer: What distress phrase, used in aviation and maritime, signals channel clearance and all other radio users must cease transmissions and clear the channel for the distressed vessel? It also initiates immediate rescue efforts and alerts emergency services. – “May Day” (declared three times consecutively)
Trivia #2: Who is Red Murdock? – Red is ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ as the last player selected in last week’s NFL draft. The Broncos’ seventh-round draft pick out of the University of Buffalo led the NCAA in career fumbles forced while founding a tutoring program in his hometown, majoring in psychology and working a part-time job. Nice!
Trivia #3: Joe Buck is closing in on a deal to host ESPN Jeopardy, looking to air this summer. This will not be the first time the Jeopardy! franchise has had an offshoot dedicated to sports trivia. Sports Jeopardy! previously aired on Crackle from 2014 through 2016. Who hosted the program during that time? – Keith Olbermann, Dan Patrick, Stuart Scott, Matt Barrie, Linda Cohn, Rich Eisen – It was hosted by Dan Patrick

I saw a guy at Starbucks yesterday with no iPhone, no tablet, no laptop. He just sat there… drinking coffee… like a psychopath.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy May Day!

“And you can’t fight the tears that ain’t coming
Or the moment of truth in your lies
When everything feels like the movies
Yeah, you bleed just to know you’re alive

And I don’t want the world to see me
‘Cause I don’t think that they’d understand
When everything’s made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am”

Goo Goo Dolls (Iris)

Here’s a little pick-me-up for ya. (Speaking of pick-me-up, be sure to come visit me downtown this afternoon. We can discuss how the Bruins and Celtics may leave us high and dry with the Red Sox.)

Briefly. (I enjoyed, as always, the NFL draft last night. I did not enjoy the Bruins or Red Sox games. I’m a little tired this morning…)

I remember the first year we were married. One rainy Saturday, our afternoon, outdoor plans were canceled. I asked my wife what she was going to do all afternoon. She said she wanted to restuff some decorative pillows. She sent me to the fabric store to buy some cotton batting. I went out and drove right past the fabric store and went to the Club and drank beer all afternoon… Gone, but not for cotton.

Trivia #1: Who is Vincent Damon Furnier?
Trivia #2: The Red Sox Aroldis Chapman is third all-time in strikeouts by a relief pitcher. Which of the following are first and second? – Billy Wagner, Rich Gossage, Craig Kimbrel, Hoyt Wilhelm, Jesse Orosco, Kenley Jansen, Mariano Rivera, Bob Montgomery
Trivia #3: What team was involved in the only two, Stanley Cup Game 7’s that went to overtime? – New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Newburyport Clippers
Trivia #4: Which NBA player was the first to win two NBA Finals MVP awards? – Michael Jordan, Willis Reed, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Mike Marcoux

On this date: April 24, 1459, Fra Mauro completes his Map of the World in Venice for King Alfonso V of Portugal – largest known world map from Medieval Europe and the first to show Africa as a free-standing continent
April 24, 1704, First continuously published newspaper in America, The Boston News-Letter, is published in Boston by John Campbell
April 24, 1908, Mr. & Mrs. Jacob Murdock and their children depart Los Angeles in a Packard Thirty, endeavoring to become 1st family to travel across United States by car; arrive in NYC 32 days, 5 hours and 25 minutes later
April 24, 1956, AL umpire Frank Umont is 1st to wear glasses in a regular season game
April 24, 1979, US State of Georgia designates Ray Charles’ rendition of “Georgia On My Mind” (written by Hoagy Carmichael and Stuart Gorrell) as official state song
April 24, 2018, Streaming music services overtake worldwide sales of CDs and vinyl for the first time

It’s one of those years, a great time to be a Boston sports fan.

I’ll only comment on Mike Vrabel briefly. I really can’t be bothered with this crap. I will say I believe he is finished as the coach of the New England Patriots. D-U-N

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The United States faces a growing wildfire threat in the coming months, with fires in 2026 forecast to burn between 5.5 and 8 million acres across the country. – Now, that’s a tragic prediction, I get it, but it’s also a pretty ridiculous disparity (5.5-8). Useless, I say.

Article I’ll skip: Scott Baio admits producers wanted him gone from ‘Happy Days’ for not doing his job

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: At a Beijing half marathon trial, a humanoid robot went down hard right before the start line, literally breaking apart. The robot tripped on the elevated, protective mat used to hide wires that were running across the street. The robot face-planted before kicking its legs around as pieces flew.

Good news: Billionaire Michael Dell and his wife, Susan Dell, have become the first donors to give more than $1 billion to the University of Texas at Austin, funding a massive new medical research campus and hospital system powered by artificial intelligence. The couple’s latest investment includes a $750 million gift to help build the UT Dell Medical Center, a planned “AI-native” hospital expected to open in 2030 as part of a more than 300-acre advanced research campus.

Don’t be that guy! Don’t litter… anything… at all!

Trivia #1 answer: Who is Vincent Damon Furnier? – Alice Cooper
Trivia #2 answer: The Red Sox Aroldis Chapman is third all-time in strikeouts by a relief pitcher. Which of the following are first and second? – Billy Wagner, Rich Gossage, Craig Kimbrel, Hoyt Wilhelm, Jesse Orosco, Kenley Jansen, Mariano Rivera, Bob Montgomery – Rich Gossage (2^nd), Hoyt Wilhelm (1^st)
Trivia #3 answer: What team was involved in the only two, Stanley Cup Game 7’s that went to overtime? – New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Newburyport Clippers – The Detroit Red Wings (1950 & 1954)
Trivia #4 answer: Which NBA player was the first to win two NBA Finals MVP awards? – Michael Jordan, Willis Reed, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jerry West, Mike Marcoux – Willis Reed

Never discuss infinity with a mathematician, they can go on about it forever.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Pigs-in-a-Blanket Day! (And ‘Happy Birthday’ to brother, Paul! The last day of the year we are the same age.)

“Other arms reach out to me
Other eyes smile tenderly
Still in peaceful dreams I see
The road leads back to you

I said Georgia, oh Georgia
No peace I find (peace I find)
Just an old sweet song
Keeps Georgia on my mind (Georgia on my mind)”

Ray Charles (Georgia On My Mind)

The following was sent to me and has to be shared as a bonus. It’s a little long and may be a little much for some of you. I mean, Neil appears outright angry!

Briefly. (My son’s wedding was great, thanks for asking.)

Sylvester Stallone said he wants to make a movie about classical music. He says, “I’ll be Beethoven.” Jean Claude van Damme says, “Okay, I’ll be Mozart.” Arnold Schwarzenegger says, “I’ll be Bach.”

Trivia #1: After a major renovation, including a hand-operated electronic scoreboard, Fenway Park in Boston re-opened in what year? – 1934, 1936, 1938, 1939, 1940
Trivia #2: In 1947, Jackie Robinson’s first hit was what? – A bunt single, a single, a double, a triple, a homerun
Trivia #3: What is the meaning of a yellow cap on a bottle of coke? Hint: It’s a seasonal thing.
Trivia #4: What was the last year that both the Bruins and Celtics made it to the finals for the championship?

On this date: April 17, 642, Chindasuinth becomes the Visigothic King of Hispania after deposing King Tulga in a coup and tonsuring him (making him a monk)
April 17, 1492, Christopher Columbus signs a contract with Spanish monarchs King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I to find the “Indies” with the stated goal of converting people to Catholicism. This promises him 10% of all riches found and the governorship of any lands encountered.
April 17, 1860, Champion of England Tom Sayers and American John Heenan fight a brutal 2-hour, 27-minute draw that ends only after police stop the fight near Farnborough in England, acknowledged as the first world title bout
April 17, 1907, Ellis Island, New York records 11,745 immigrants
April 17, 1963, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle suspends Green Bay Packers halfback Paul Hornung and Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alex Karras indefinitely for betting on football games – Note: Both are in the NFL Hall of Fame. Hey, MLB, where’s Pete Rose?
April 17, 1999, Rock for the Rainforest benefit concert held at Carnegie Hall, NYC; performers include: Sting, Elton John, James Taylor, Billy Joel, Tony Bennett, Don Henley, Ricky Martin and Charles Aznavour
April 17, 2015, after 108 years, a “message in a bottle” placed in the sea by the UK Marine Biological Association is found on a beach on the island of Amrum, Germany

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Fredric Baur – the mastermind behind stacking chips in a can. His burial wishes were for his ashes to be buried in a Pringles can. After he passed, his family respectfully brought the original flavored Pringle can on their way to the funeral home for the collection of his ashes.

Buckle up, it’s playoff season! Bruins/Sabres, Celtics/76ers. Now I can finally watch the Celtics. Did you bet the Bruins preseason? They were +5500. The Celtics? They were +550.

Speaking of springtime… it’s that time of year when everyone gets back outside after the long winter. One etiquette reminder – as State Farm says, “like a good neighbor… stay over there.”

Article I’ll skip: Singer D4vd held without bail after 14-year-old’s dismembered body found in his Tesla (D4vd? Wait… what?)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: U.S. officials have issued a travel advisory for a budget-friendly European tourist destination popular for its Adriatic coastline. Tirana, Albania, is the subject of a travel advisory issued by the U.S. Embassy in Albania on April 1. – Folks, may I suggest you heed this warning. Don’t vacation in Albania!

Good news: Google is contributing $10 million to the Manufacturing Institute to support new artificial intelligence (AI) training for 40,000 manufacturing workers. Funding for the initiative is coming from Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund and will go to the Manufacturing Institute (MI), the nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers.

Don’t be that guy! Don’t wear a V-neck sweater to an outdoor sporting event but, if you have to, don’t tuck it in!

Trivia #1 answer: After a major renovation, including a hand-operated electronic scoreboard, Fenway Park in Boston re-opened in what year? – 1934, 1936, 1938, 1939, 1940 – It reopened in 1934
Trivia #2 answer: In 1947, Jackie Robinson’s first hit was what? – A bunt single, a single, a double, a triple, a homerun – His first hit was a bunt single
Trivia #3 answer: What is the meaning of a yellow cap on a bottle of coke? Hint: It’s a seasonal thing. – On Passover, observant Jews refrain from eating leavened foods or foods with leavening ingredients. Yellow caps on Coke bottles indicate the soda is kosher, or fit, for drinking on Passover. It’s made with Coke’s original recipe of sucrose instead of corn syrup.
Trivia #4 answer: What was the last year that both the Bruins and Celtics made it to the finals for the championship? – 1974

Anything you do after getting drunk is not you, it’s AI. Alcohol Intelligence.

I can’t complain, but sometimes I still do…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Ellis Island Family History Day!

30 days sober! Not consecutively, but here and there over the years. I’m estimating.

“And when my mind is free
You know a melody can move me
And when I’m feelin’ blue
The guitar’s comin’ through to soothe me

Thanks for the joy that you’ve given me
I want you to know I believe in your song
And rhythm and rhyme and harmony
You’ve helped me along
Makin’ me strong”

Dobie Gray (Drift Away)

Briefly.

Me: I’ll have the sloppy Joe.
My wife: This is a fancy restaurant, you idiot.
Me: Apologies. I’ll have the uncouth Joseph.
Waiter: Excellent choice, sir.

Trivia #1: Which U.S. President was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree from Harvard, though he did not attend the university?
Trivia #2: Who’s newborn baby was featured on the first-ever cover of TV Guide in 1953? – Lucille Ball, Betty White, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Tylor, Doris Day
Trivia #3: In the 1969-70 regular season, the Boston Bruins had 4 players in the top 13 scorers in the league. Name them.
Trivia #4: After the Red Sox broke the 86-year curse and won the World Series in 2004, the 2005 home opener featured the raising of the championship banner. Which two players raised the banner? – Johnny Pesky, Carlton Fisk, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Louis Tiant, Jerry Remy, Bob Montgomery
Trivia #5: What is the nickname for Illinois State University?
Trivia #6: Artemis was the Greek goddess of what? – Marriage, Hunt, Agriculture, Hearth, Wisdom, Love, Earth

How is it that female NFL line judge Robin DeLorenzo can be fired “following three seasons of documented underperformance,” but MLB umpire CB Buckner still has a job?

On this date: April 3, 419, Antipope Eulalius loses to Pope Boniface I after both were elected in a dual election and becomes bishop of Napete
April 3, 1860, Start of the Pony Express, mail is delivered by horse and rider relay teams between St. Joseph, Missouri and Sacramento, California
April 3, 1882, Wood block alarm invented, when alarm rang, it dropped 20 wood blocks
April 3, 1933, Then longest North American hockey game requires a 1:44:46 overtime as Maple Leaf Ken Doraty scores to beat Canadiens 1-0 (Would you rather that than a shootout?)
April 3, 1968, Science fiction film “Planet of the Apes”, starring Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowell, opens nationally in the United States
April 3, 1988, Mario Lemieux wins NHL scoring title, stopping Gretzky’s 7 year streak
April 3, 2007, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards denies saying he smoked his father’s ashes in an interview with NME

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Tiger Woods leaving US for overseas treatment after DUI arrest

Good news: The Red Sox didn’t lose yesterday.

Article I’ll skip: 20 Facts About the Dark Side of Popeye That Most Fans Never Figured Out

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The rapid rise of weight-loss injections is reshaping the quantity of food people eat — leaving farmers in some areas with a growing surplus of unsold potatoes. Farmers across the United Kingdom, for example, say they’re facing the prospect of discarding thousands of tons of stored potatoes as their sales continue to fall.

Hey, Red Sox Nation, calm the f*k down!

Trivia #1 answer: Which U.S. President was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) degree from Harvard, though he did not attend the university? – George Washington (in 1776)
Trivia #2 answer: Who’s newborn baby was featured on the first-ever cover of TV Guide in 1953? – Lucille Ball, Betty White, Audrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Tylor, Doris Day – Lucille Ball (Desi Arnaz Jr.)
Trivia #3 answer: In the 1969-70 regular season, the Boston Bruins had 4 players in the top 13 scorers in the league. Name them. – Bobby Orr (1^st with 120 pts), Phil Esposito (2^nd with 99 pts), John “Pie” McKenzie (12^th with 70 pts) and Johnny Bucyk (13^th with 69 pts)
Trivia #4 answer: After the Red Sox broke the 86-year curse and won the World Series in 2004, the 2005 home opener featured the raising of the championship banner. Which two players raised the banner? – Johnny Pesky, Carlton Fisk, Carl Yastrzemski, Jim Rice, Fred Lynn, Louis Tiant, Jerry Remy, Bob Montgomery – Johnny Pesky and Carl Yastrzemski
Trivia #5 answer: What is the nickname for Illinois State University? – The Redbirds
Trivia #6 answer: Artemis was the Greek goddess of what? – Marriage, Hunt, Agriculture, Hearth, Wisdom, Love, Earth – She was the Greek goddess of (the) hunt

Fear not, there is still a place to get gas for under $2… Taco Bell

Enjoy the Final Four. I’ll be on a long flight enjoying nothing but uninterrupted (I hope!) basketball.

I can’t complain, but sometimes I still do…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Tweed Day!

Some people call it “boxwine.” I call it “cardboardeaux.” It feels fancier that way.

Give me a little credit for getting this out on the morning of the Red Sox Home Opener, before I board the train to Boston. Also, I will be taking next Friday off as I travel to Seattle to celebrate my birthday, as well as my son’s wedding, in that order…

If you were subscribed at the time, and paying attention, you would have realized that last week’s song (I’m Your Captain by Grand Funk Railroad) was featured here on August 12, 2022, same video. My first repeat of a video.

“Saturday summers, when I was a kid
We’d run to the schoolyard and here’s what we did
We’d pick out the captains and we’d choose up the teams
It was always a measure of my self-esteem
Cuz the fastest, the strongest, played shortstop and first
The last ones they picked were the worst
I never needed to ask, it was sealed,
I just took up my place in right field.
Playing…

Right field, it’s easy, you know.
You can be awkward and you can be slow
That’s why I’m here in right field
Just watching the dandelions grow”

Peter, Paul and Mary – (Right Field)

Go Sox!

Briefly.

No debt, ideal weight, 8 hours of sleep every night, mental health on track, the right nutrition, zero alcohol – this was my peak. I was eight… Good times

Trivia #1: “ABS” Challenge in MLB. What does it stand for?
Trivia #2: What color is a polar bear’s skin?
Trivia #3: Who holds the Red Sox record for homeruns by a rookie? – Walt Dropo, Fred Lynn, Tony Conigliaro, Carl Yastrzemski, Mo Vaughn, Jerry Remy

On this date: March 27, 196 BC, The Rosetta Stone and others like it are inscribed with the Decree of Memphis proclaiming the rule of the King of Ptolemaic Egypt, Ptolemy V
March 27, 1790, The modern shoelace with an aglet patented in England by Harvey Kennedy
March 27, 1794, Naval Act of 1794 is signed by President George Washington, authorizing the building of six frigates and establishing a permanent US Navy
March 27, 1884, First long-distance telephone call, Boston to New York
March 27, 1972, Adolph Rupp retires after 42 years of coaching University of Kentucky
March 27, 1973, 45th Academy Awards: “The Godfather”, Marlon Brando & Liza Minnelli win; Brando declines the Oscar for Best Actor to protest Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans in film, in a speech by activist Sacheen Littlefeather
March 27, 1995, 67th Academy Awards: “Forrest Gump”, Jessica Lange & Tom Hanks win

Go Sox!

Did you know there are three places you can stay for free? In your lane, out of my way and WAY over there.

One of the new food items at Fenway Park – Lobstah Poutine. The dish, which comes in a boat-shaped box, comes with Cavendish Farms fries and Luke’s Lobster meat. It’s then topped with bacon, and clam chowder (instead of gravy). 

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

Look, I can’t stand Lebron James. Never liked him, never have, never will. I will say this; He recently broke the record for career games played at 1,612. He is currently averaging 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game. Pretty sick. I still can’t stand him.

Good news: The mound visit Carter Baumler received Monday night from Texas Rangers manager Skip Schumaker wasn’t to remove the rookie right-hander from his last spring training outing, but rather to let him know he made the opening day roster. Schumaker emerged from the dugout after Baumler retired the first two Kansas City Royals batters in the fifth inning. Texas catcher Danny Jansen and all four infielders were also on the mound when the new Rangers skipper told the 24-year-old reliever he will start the season in the Texas bullpen. Great story.

Article I’ll skip: Ted Danson admits he can be a “d—k” after wife’s blunt wake-up call

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A year after the actor’s death, a generative AI version of Val Kilmer will co-star in an independent film, in one of the boldest uses yet of artificial intelligence in moviemaking. First Line Films announced Wednesday that Kilmer has posthumously joined the cast of a film titled “As Deep as the Grave.” The producers said that, before his death, Kilmer had signed on to perform in the movie but was unable to because of his health. Kilmer’s estate gave permission for his digital replication, and is being compensated for it. (Gee thanks, Dad!)

Trivia #1 answer: “ABS” Challenge in MLB. What does it stand for? – Automated Ball-Strike
Trivia #2 answer: What color is a polar bear’s skin? – Polar bears have black skin beneath their fur, which absorbs solar radiation to help them retain warmth in the Arctic, while their fur is actually transparent and hollow rather than white. Their skin turns from pink at birth to black within a few months, and they have a thick, insulated layer of fat.
Trivia #3: Who holds the Red Sox record for homeruns by a rookie? – Walt Dropo, Fred Lynn, Tony Conigliaro, Carl Yastrzemski, Mo Vaughn, Jerry Remy – Walt Dropo (34 in 1950)

I can’t complain, but sometimes I still do…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Joe Day! (Really)

Come on down and let me serve you a drink this afternoon. Let’s talk about the undefeated Red Sox.

Speaking of the Red Sox… Remember Kristian Campbell? Last season, the Red Sox’ rookie flashed his talent and opened eyes throughout Boston to the tune of an 8-year, $60M contract. Ya, he was recently optioned to Triple-A.

My friend Phillip had his lip removed. Now we just call him Phil.

“I can feel the hand of a stranger
And it’s tightening around my throat
Heaven help me, Heaven help me
Take this stranger from my boat

I’m your captain, I’m your captain
Though I’m feeling mighty sick
Everybody, listen to me
And return me my ship”

Grand Funk Railroad (I’m Your Captain)

Briefly.

Sometimes, I lie awake in bed wondering, why doesn’t Tarzan have a beard?

I would rate these trivia questions as fairly difficult. When you buy me a beer this afternoon, let me know how you did.

Trivia #1: For you Puttheads, what are the names for each hole (16, 17, 18) that makes up the “snake pit” at the Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course, site for this weekend’s PGA Valspar Championship?
Trivia #2: On Opening Day, 1980, what was ironic about the victory for the Seattle Mariners’ starting pitcher Mike Parrott?
Trivia #3: On Opening Day in 1976, which pitcher started for the Philadelphia Phillies? It was the only opener between 1972 and 1986 in which Steve Carlton was not on the mound for the team.

“Puttheads”, I just made that up. See: “Puckheads” for reference.

On this date: March 20, 141, 6th recorded perihelion passage of Halley’s Comet
March 20, 1774, The British parliament passes first of the Intolerable Acts: the Boston Port Act, which closed Boston harbor until colonists would pay for damages following the Boston Tea Party
March 20, 1819, London’s famous Burlington Arcade opens as the world’s first shopping arcade
March 20, 1854, Boston Public Library opens in Boston, Massachusetts as the first large free municipal library in the US
March, 20, 1917, After the sinking of 3 more American merchant ships, US President Woodrow Wilson meets with cabinet, who agree that war is inevitable
March 20, 1958, 50 inches of snow falls across the Mason–Dixon line
March 20, 1992, Manuel Noriega’s wife Felicidad arrested for stealing buttons from dresses (Really)
March 20, 1997, US tobacco company Liggett admits cigarettes are addictive
March 20, 2024, French mathematician Michel Talagrand awarded 2024 Abel prize for his work on probability theory and describing randomness (“probability” and “randomness” – doesn’t sound like math to me!)

Speaking of dates, what a great time of year! This past week, the greatest sports tournament of the year got under way. Think about it, counting the four play-in games, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament is 67 game 7’s! Madness, I tell you! Today is the first day of spring, Opening Day is next week and then April with the Masters.

So Opening Day is next Thursday. Let’s take a closer look at the Red Sox schedule, shall we?
They do not have a divisional game until game #23! (Seems a little late considering about 33% of their games are divisional games.)
They then have 9 divisional games in a row.
Their longest road trip is in early July, 9 games in 10 days, followed by the All-Star break, followed by their longest homestand of the season, 9 games in 10 days.
They don’t have a terribly long west coast swing, as they usually do. They play in Seattle and Colorado in June and come home only to go back out to LA (Angels) 8 days later. At the end of July, they play 7 games in a row in Oakland and LA (Dodgers).

Go Sox!

They said it; “There’ll be two buses leaving the hotel for the park tomorrow. The 2 o’clock bus will be for those of you who need a little extra work. The empty bus will leave at 5 o’clock.”
— Dave Bristol, Milwaukee Brewers manager, 1972

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Rory McIlroy has revealed his menu for the Masters Club dinner on Tuesday before the tournament. (What do I care what other people are eating?)

Good news: Well, not to rub it in but, U.S.A. beat Canada once again! This time in the World Baseball Classic, again in front of the world. BTW, the WBC title game between Venezuela and the US was the most watched WBC game ever, up 128% over the 2023 title game.

Article I’ll skip: 3-time Masters champ Phil Mickelson reveals which GOP candidate ‘can save California’

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, you’re doing it wrong – A Kentucky woman is dead after she was dragged under a float and crushed in front of crowds of revelers during a local St. Patrick’s Day parade (Louisville) this past weekend. A preliminary investigation revealed the woman, identified as 50-year-old Joan Pannuti, was walking next to a float when her foot became caught, causing her to fall to the ground and get stuck under the vehicle. 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Las Vegas Strip gaming revenue fell 11% year over year, from $840,093,428 in January 2025 to $747,655,527 in January 2026. Nevada’s nonrestricted gaming licensees reported a total gaming win of roughly $1.35 billion in January of this year, dropping 6.55% compared to the same month last year. There were 38,545,700 people who visited Sin City — down 7.5% from 2024. Said one; “Now nearly everyone under 40 who bets seems to do it online. I don’t know one person under age 40 who goes to Vegas regularly to bet or play slots.” – Damn kids! 

“Ed”itorial: The four NCAA play-in games are stupid. Don’t try explaining it to me. Two games between #16 seeds and two between #11 seeds. The East bracket had zero play-in games. Stupid.

Trivia #1 answer: For you Puttheads, what are the names for each hole (16, 17, 18) that makes up the “snake pit” at the Innisbrook Resort’s Copperhead Course, site for this weekend’s PGA Valspar Championship? – Moccasin (16), Rattler (17) and Copperhead (18)
Trivia #2 answer: On Opening Day, 1980, what was ironic about the victory for the Seattle Mariners’ starting pitcher Mike Parrott? – He didn’t win another game that season, finishing 1-16.
Trivia #3 answer: On Opening Day in 1976, which pitcher started for the Philadelphia Phillies? It was the only opener between 1972 and 1986 in which Steve Carlton was not on the mound for the team. – Jim Kaat

Life’s been good to me… so far.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Ravioli Day!

I am not bartending this afternoon but I will be downtown watching college hoops. Come… join me.

The best pickup line this time of year; “Hey, how’s your bracket?”

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.

“You’ve gotta be cruel to be kind in the right measure
Cruel to be kind, it’s a very good sign
Cruel to be kind means that I love you, baby
(You’ve gotta be cruel)
You’ve gotta be cruel to be kind”

Nick Lowe (Cruel To Be Kind)

‘Tis the season!

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!