Author: fasted86

Briefly. 

What a glorious day today is. For the next 6 months starting today, each day gets a little longer. 

Trivia #1: What team holds the longest active streak in North America’s four major professional sports for years not reaching the playoffs.

Trivia #2: What two Patriot players are the only two with 200+ yards receiving in a single game: Julian Edelman & Wes Welker, Terry Glenn & Wes Welker, Julian Edelman & Stanley Morgan, Irving Fryar & Stanley Morgan, Gronk & Wes Welker, Russ Francis & Terry Glenn 

Hey Mike Tomlin, nice use of the play review timeout. Stand on the sideline, look at the big screen and watch the reply for the entire timeout. 

In case you missed it, John Gruden was honored at the Bucs/Falcons game this past Monday night. Former coach Gruden was welcomed to the Tampa Bay’s “Ring of Honor.” To put that in perspective, Gruden joins another former Buccaneers’ coach, John McKay. McKay first “guided” the Bucs to an 0-14 record his first season (1976) and went on to lose his first 26 games (not a typo). He finished with a 44-88-1 record with Tampa. Great company in “The Ring.” 

When Cincinnati Bengals’ coach Marvin Lewis took over the team, the franchise had a total of 5 playoff wins. 15 years later Lewis is stepping down and the franchise has a total of 5 playoff wins. 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Palm Springs, CA, says it will remove a row of trees dividing a neighborhood and a golf course after residents complained that the trees evoked feelings of “segregation” and “discrimination.” The trees were planted in the 1960’s. 

Say what you want about the Sox offseason moves, or lack thereof, but the team just got better with the news that Evan Longoria is moving out of the AL East.

Papa John founder John Schnatter is stepping down from his CEO position and being replaced by Steve Ritchie. Papa Steve?? 

I work in healthcare. Diagnosis code (ICD10): V0600XA = PEDESTRIAN ON FOOT INJURED IN COLLISION WITH OTHER NONMOTOR VEHICLE IN NONTRAFFIC ACCIDENT, INITIAL ENCOUNTER. Translation? Grandma got run over by a reindeer. 

In the spirit of giving, Texas Rangers’ pitcher Cole Hamels, and his wife, Heidi, are donating their Missouri mansion and 100 acres of land to a charity that provided camps for children with special needs and chronic illnesses, and their siblings. The massive 32,000-square foot home, worth an estimated $10 million, will be donated to Camp Barnabas in Table Rock Lake. Nice. 

Christmas quote of the week: “I stopped believing in Santa Claus when I was six. My mother took me to see him in a department store and he asked for my autograph.” – Shirley Temple. 

Do you know how much weight you are going to gain on over the holidays? Correct! Who gives a shit? 

Residents in a wealthy area of Bristol in England have installed anti-bird spikes, or pigeon spikes, on trees to protect their cars from bird poop. Said one twitter response, “Now Clifton residents are trying to ban birds from trees!” You should see the spikes! Not some 1-2 inch spikes spaced a few inches apart. These things are 4-6 inches long bundled up across nearly all of the branches. Incredible! 

“Oh my!” – R.I.P. Dick Enberg (82) – Enberg retired from his TV job with the San Diego Padres in 2016. Over six decades Enberg called UCLA basketball, Super Bowls, the Olympics, Final Fours, Angels baseball and Rams football. 

Trivia #1 answer: The Buffalo Bills (17)

Trivia #2 answer: Terry Glenn & Wes Welker 

Merry Christmas to all of you and yours! Remember: 

“You can’t always get what you want
but if you try sometimes
you get what you need.”

Briefly.

A reader of last week’s post boasted that he nailed all three trivia questions. Well good luck this week! 

Trivia #1: On January 3rd, 1998, the Steelers beat the Patriots 7-6 in the divisional round of the playoffs. Who led the Patriots in rushing that afternoon? Dave Meggett, Sam Gash, Sedrick Shaw, Troy Brown, Drew Bledsoe, Derrick Cullors, Curtis Martin

Trivia #2: Who wore Ted Williams’ #9 during the 1944 season while he was serving in the military? 

The Red Sox made big news at the Winter Meetings by signing Sam Adams! Seriously though, Sam Adams is the official beer of the Boston Red Sox. In turn, Fenway will get two “Sam Adams experiential bar areas,” the right field roof deck will now be known as the “Sam Deck” and a bar area located behind the third base stands will be known as “Sammy’s on Third.” (not to be confused with “Hu’s on First”) The park will also begin to sell new brews such as the upcoming “Sam ’76.” Now if there is a new beer that is selling in Fenway Park, shouldn’t it really be called “Sam ’67?” 

Merriam-Webster’s 2017 Word of the Year is “feminism.” In 2017, lookups for feminism increased 70% over 2016 on Merriam-Webster.com and spiked several times after key events said lexicographer Peter Sokolowski, the company’s editor at large. 

I’ve tended bar before but have never tended net. I just hope this platooning of goaltenders works with the Bruins. 

Indianapolis running back Frank Gore has over 17,500 all-purpose yards in his 13-year NFL career. This past Sunday he had a career high 36 carries against Buffalo. 

The Thomas fire, burning in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, is now the fourth-largest wild fire in CA history, covering 379 square miles (think about that). Yesterday the fire took the life of 32-year old Cory Iverson who leaves behind a pregnant wife and 2-year-old daughter. Officials say they do not expect to have the fire fully contained for more than three weeks. 

Intriguing headline of the week: Can LSD improve work productivity? (I don’t know but I’ll sign up for the study!)

Useless headline of the week: The internet is divided on the right way to cut toast. 

Interesting formation the other night. The Dolphins had an empty backfield and Jay Cutler was under center. (I know, Jay Cutler) 

5. The number of wins (in 20 games) that the Chicago Bulls had the other night before steamrolling the mighty Celtics who boasted the best record in the NBA. Boom!

Are you ready to go bowling?! The first of 41 college bowl games kick off this Saturday. Six games are on Saturday’s slate. 

Best (worst?) name for a bowl this year? How about the Cheribundi Tart Cherry Boca Raton Bowl! No? Then what about the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl? 

This is great. Four-year-old Ruby Lewis was participating in her first wrestling match and her family was right there on the sidelines to cheer her on. Ruby’s younger brother Jash (2) however had apparently mistaken the match for a real-life fight and rushed out to “save” his sister from her advisory. Screaming out onto the mat, Jash rushed towards Ruby’s opponent, Ryan, and attempted to throw him off his sister, much to the audience’s amusement.  

Trivia #1: Sedrick Shaw (22 yards on 10 carries)

Trivia #2: Johnny Peacock 

“Livin’ easy, livin’ free,

Season ticket on a one-way ride

Askin’ nothin’, leave me be

Takin’ everything in stride

Don’t need reason, don’t need rhyme

Ain’t nothing that I’d rather do

Going down, party time

My friends are gonna be there too”

Briefly.

Trivia #1: Who threw the most interceptions during the 2016-2017 NFL season? Philip Rivers, Blake Bortles, Ryan Tannehill, Ryan Ritzpatrick, Derek Carr, Jay Cutler.

Trivia #2: Miami Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese was the first NFL football player to wear what in a game in 1977?

Trivia #3 (why not?): There was a M*A*S*H episode where everyone in camp is excited about the upcoming Army-Navy game. When Father Mulcahy walks into Henry’s office for the radio party, what university’s pennant is he holding? Army, Navy, Notre Dame, Xavier, Loyola, Rutgers 

My son told me he liked the band – Phish. I said I had heard that they stink, especially their older songs… 

I don’t know about you but I had new Arizona St. head football coach Herm Edwards as older than 63.

According to the 2016 Survey of American Physicians, 49% of physicians experience feelings of burn-out and 49% would not recommend medicine as a career to their children. 

Would you agree that, when you step out of your home, a good neighbor will smile and wave while a great neighbor will turn and go back into his/her home? 

On Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 2013 the Yankees signed free agent Jacoby Ellsbury to a seven-year deal valued at around $153 million. Today many Yankee followers consider it the worst signing in franchise history. 

What a week for upsets in college hoops! Washington was a 17 dog and won by 9 over #2 Kansas, Loyola-Chicago -20 won by 6 over #5 Florida, and Ball St. -17.5 beat #9 ND by 3. 

Dwight Gooden donned a Santa Claus suit this past Tuesday night in the spirit of Christmas. Well, not really. Gooden was allegedly paid $500 for wearing the suit and appearing at the Vivid Cabaret in Midtown Manhattan, a gentlemen’s club. Said Dwight: “It’s Christmastime, and I got a lot of presents to buy. I got seven kids, four grandkids, with another on the way any minute now, and two ex-wives. So every dollar counts.” 

It’s Jimmy V week in college hoops. Cancer sux. Make a donation. 

Last year, Marketwatch.com listed analysts’ favorite stocks (large-cap) for 2017. Now it’s noted that 12 months isn’t necessarily a long time to hold a stock but, nonetheless, 11 of the 18 S&P stocks underperformed the S&P 500 which rose 20% over the 12 months. 18 suffered declines in general and six dropped by double digits. Two of those six dropped more than 50%. The lesson, if you are going to buy stocks, plan for the long term. Lesson #2, experts – ya, right! 

As of Wednesday, the Celtics’ rookie Jason Tatum was shooting a league-best 51.3% from 3-point range. He is on pace for the 8^th best in NBA history. 

Tiger Woods is back and getting all the attention. Twice last Saturday during the Hero World Challenge golf tournament, host Terry Gannon said Woods had “unfortunately” fallen out of contention. No one else was nearly as unfortunate. 

The world’s oldest restaurant, Stiftskeller, has been operating in Salzburg, Austria since 803. It continues to serve patrons in the same building it has for more than a millennium: St. Peter’s Abbey. 

Trivia #1 answer: Philip Rivers

Trivia #2 answer: Glasses

Trivia #3 answer: Notre Dame. As he walked in he said “How about one for the Gipper!” 

“My eyes are blind but I can see

The snowflakes glistened on the tree

The sun no longer sets me free

I feel there’s no place freezing me.”

Briefly. 

Right to trivia. One difficult, the other not so much???

#1 – Who caught Tom Brady’s first ever touchdown pass in the NFL?

#2 – If USC beats Stanford tonight they will become the first team to beat them twice in one season since when (and who beat them)? 

Lorenzo Ball. He has to be the greatest pick that Danny Ainge never made. The luggage that goes with him is far too great. 

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has upheld rulings in favor of the truck manufacturer and the maker of a piece of truck equipment in a wrongful death suit filed by the widow of Northboro pitching star Mark Fidrych. The 1976 American League Rookie of the Year was found dead underneath his 10-wheel dump truck on his 107 acre farm in Northboro in April 2009. The medical examiner ruled that Mr. Fidrych, 54, died of asphyxiation when his clothing became entangled in a spinning component of the vehicle’s undercarriage while he was underneath, working on the truck. His widow had sought $5 million apiece from Mack Trucks and from the maker of the truck component before filing suit in Worchester Superior Court in 2012. 

Of the 12 pitchers to throw more than 40 innings for the Red Sox in 2017, only one of them, reliever Matt Barnes, was homegrown. The Red Sox haven’t drafted and developed a starting pitcher that stuck in the rotation since Clay Bucholtz, who was drafted in 2005. There have been 12 drafts since then, and the Sox have yet to develop a starter in any of them. 

I shouldn’t laugh but… A police office taunted a Jacksonville man who shot him several times last year by taking out a tube of K-Y Jelly personal lubricant in court Wednesday and saying, “You are going to need a lot of this,” local reports said. 

Ah, social media. Danni Messina, 19 and a student at Washington State University, was feeling charitable during the Thanksgiving holiday. She posted a tweet that she was donating to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and would give $.25 for every “favorite” and $.50 for every retweet. Cute. The problem is that the tweet went viral and she owes over $200,000. 

Brett Favre won 26 games against the Detroit Lions during his career. A win on Sunday would give Tom Brady 27 against the Bills, most all-time by a starting quarterback against a single opponent. 

First class is there to remind you that you are not in first class. 

If you can’t say something good about someone, sit right here by me. 

The Celtics are 5-4 when Marcus Smart shoots >30% and 11-1 when he shoots <= 30%. (It was 11-0 until they won and he shot 33% last night) 

Quote of the week, in last night’s Dallas/Washington game, by the referee: “False start. Everyone but the center…” 

Speaking of football, here’s a suggestion. If a team is backed up to their goal line, say the 1/2 yard line, and they get flagged for a penalty – half the distance. What, a few inches? Make is a loss of down. 

I saw a headline for the “Weirdest Health Stories of 2017.” Of course, I followed along. I’ll note just one of those stories. Doctors in China removed 30 inches of a 22-year old’s colon after his belly had swelled past the size that would normally be seen in a full-term pregnant woman. They discovered 29 pounds of feces within the colon, after learning that the man had been constipated since birth. Hirshsprung disease is a birth defect that occurs in about 1 in every 5,000 births per year, and leaves patients with no nerve cells within the wall of their colon. “Read full article here” – it said. Ahhhh no. I’m good, thanks. 

R.I.P. – One week late, Malcolm Young (64). Though brother Angus was/is far more popular in the rock ‘n roll world, it was said that Malcolm was the heart and soul of AC/DC. DYK, AC/DC’s album Back in Black is the 2^ndhighest selling rock album behind Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. 

Trivia #1: The easier one – Terry Glenn (R.I.P.) – drafted in 1996 and help lead the Pats to the Super Bowl that year.

Trivia #2: Tough and a little tricky. The last time Stanford lost twice to the same team in one season was in 1913. They lost to the New Zealand All-Blacks. Back then Stanford’s football team was also a rugby team. 

“Oh, what a night

Late December, back in ‘63

What a very special time for me

As I remember, what a night”

Briefly. 

Say what? Headline: Sick Ohio death row inmate will get pillow to help him breathe during execution.
Follow-up to that headline. They finally started the execution but, because of health reasons, they couldn’t find a usable vein and called it off. What?! 

Trivia #1: How many players are on the field for each team during a regulation hurling match?

Trivia #2: The ball used in hurling is called a what? Globule, sliotar, spherule, ovoid, slug, bulb or bullet? 

You know how the catcher often looks up at the batter when he gives signals to the pitcher as if the batter is trying to steal the sign? Have you ever actually seen a batter looking down trying to steal a sign? 

I really don’t like the sports’ term – Length. “The guy has great length.” Please. Save that one for the porn industry. 

I don’t really mind the winters in New England. It’s these rainy, 40-degree days that sometimes get to me. 

I have a feeling that the Patriots (and the NFL) want to showcase players like Gronk when they play outside the States. Look out Mexico! 

The Celtics streak is at 14 after last night’s won over the Champion Golden State Warriors. That’s awesome but relax folks, it’s November. 

For those who haven’t been there in a while, you can still get a $3 Pabst or a $3 ‘Gansett at Sully’s. Tall-boys, of course. 

The 2018 Winter Olympics take place in Pyeongchang, South Korea from Feb. 9 thru Feb. 25. That, to me, is a scary thought to have all of those countries represented in a single area so close to Rocket Man. 

Casual Day at Buckingham Palace? Surprising. Funny commercial. 

A local sports radio station the other morning announced that the AL CY Young award went to Corey Kluber and that Chris Sale finished second, not even mentioning the NL CY Young award winner. Now I already knew it was won by Max Scherzer but come on. It’s not all about the AL. 

On Opening Day, 1961 the White Sox’ Manuel “Jungle Jim” Rivera asked John F Kennedy for his autograph. After looking at the signature, Rivera allegedly said, “What kind of garbage is that Harvard where they don’t even teach you how to write? Do you think I can go into any tavern on Chicago’s south side and really say the President of the United States signed this baseball for me? I’d be run off!” 

R.I.P. Donny Shea (55) and Gary D’Orazio (53) – two more youngsters before their time

R.I.P. (Well, not exactly) – Mike & Mike – the ESPN morning radio program of 18 years. Mike Greenberg is moving on to his own TV show while Mike Golic will continue with the show along with Trey Wingo and apparent frequent guest Mike Golic Jr. Mike & Mike were good together. I hope the show continues to be as good. I often flip over to it during my 12-20 minute commute to work. 

Trivia answer #1: 15

Trivia answer #2: A hurling ball is called a ‘sliotar’ 

“I’m singing this note ‘cause it fits in well

With the chords I’m playing

I can’t pretend there’s any meaning here

Or in the things I’m saying

But I’m in tune

Right in tune

I’m in tune

And I’m gonna tune, right in on you!”

Briefly.

First, let me apologize for botching last week’s trivia by putting the answer immediately after the question. This ain’t easy ya know!

Trivia #1: Who holds the AL record for shutouts in a season for left-handed pitchers?

Trivia #2: What player has the following post-season statistics – .470 OBP, .744 slugging, 1.2 OPS, 13 homeruns?

Trivia #3: I promised someone an NBA question. Who holds the record for most 3-point field goals made in one game with no misses (9)? Hint: He was a punk. 

I’ve mentioned on more than one occasion that people who leave children in cars in hot weather should be hung, to put it nicely. But alas, two high school freshmen have come up with ‘Baby Saver 2000.’ They are the youngest pair to ever win the Betty A. Loew MD Award for outstanding service to children. Baby Saver 2000 is a device that attaches to any car seat and registers the weight in the seat and the temperature in the car. If the temperature goes over a set number , a sensor in the key fob engages the panic button alerting the driver (idiot). 

I’m a big fan of ESPN’s 30-for-30 series. Coming out soon is one entitled ‘Two Bills’ starring Belichick and Parcells. That has to be a must-see! 

If you rob a house boat that is docked are you a burglar or a pirate? 

The Celtics have gone from  0-2 to 10-2, adding to their NBA record of consecutive wins following an 0-2 start. I’ll be there on Sunday hoping they continue. In a related story, the New Orleans Saints started the season at 0-2 and are now 6-2 and they are even playing defense! 

Congratulations to Shalane Flanagan, 36, the first American woman to win the NYC Marathon since 1977. I’m a fan. She attributes her success to three words – Hard work. Patience.

Now, in NAZCAR news… 

Quote of the week brought to you by Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton: “We lost a great player, but nevertheless the Titanic still has to go.” 

Now I can see why Mike Evans got suspended last Sunday for his cheap shot, but how AJ Green doesn’t get suspended is beyond me. An around-the-neck, body-slam take-down, followed by an ill-advised punch to the head/helmet? $42K fine? Come one, man! 

Bob Costas warns that the future of football, as we know it today, is bleak because the sport “destroys people’s brains.” 

I’m not sure I have this straight. Did the Houston Texans release quarterback Matt McGloin or was that Pat McGroin? 

Monday night marked the 36 year anniversary of Mike Gorman and Tommy Heinsohn calling Celtics games together. I love both of those guys. 

Give-away hint to the first two trivia questions – same player. 

Now, in soccer news… 

TJ Maxx in Puerto Rico, has continued to pay its employees even though they haven’t worked in weeks due to Hurricane Maria. Very nice! 

Riddle me this. Yankees’ catcher Gary Sanchez needs a Spanish-to-English interpreter while Yankees’ pitcher Masahiro Tanaka needs a Japanese-to-English interpreter. Yet, when the two make up the Yankees battery on any given night, Sanchez will go out to the mound and speak with Tanaka. We could have a lot of fun over a couple of beers discussing how those talks go. 

Brett Hundley, Green Bay Packers QB, is not very good. BTW, did you notice his helmet on MNF? Looks a little old-school, not much padding. Good luck with that! 

Trivia answer #1 & #2 – Babe Ruth

Trivia answer #3 – Latrell Sprewell 

“Dilly dilly!” 

R.I.P. Angela Conte Iannalfo, 43. Too young, too soon, too terrible.

R.I.P. Ray Halladay, 40. Amongst other stats, in 2010 while pitching for the Philadelphia Phillies, Roy went 21-10 with a 2.44 ERA and 219 K’s. He also pitched a perfect game on May 29 of that year AND a postseason no-hitter on October 6. At the time of his retirement he was the active leader in complete games with 67. DYK, his given name was Harry Leroy Halladay III.   

“Holly came from Miami, F.L.A.

Hitched-hiked her way across the U.S.A.

Plucked her eyebrows on the way

Shaved her legs and then he was a she

She says “Hey, babe,

Take a walk on the wild side.”

Said, “Hey, honey,

Take a walk on the wild side.”

Briefly. 

Trivia #1: After the Impossible Dream season of 1967, Jim Lonborg tore knee ligaments doing what? – skiing

Trivia #2: There has been only one teammate duo in the last 30 NFL seasons to account for a higher percentage of their team’s single-season scrimmage yards than Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown this season (64.9 percent). Who was it and what team? 

What a World Series! Though really, game 7 was kind of a buzz-kill. Here are just some of the 18 World Series records set (five by George Springer). Dodgers manager Dave Roberts made 32 pitching changes passing the previous record of 30 by Tony LaRussa. Springer had 8 extra-base hits beating the previous record of 7 by Willie Stargell (1979). Of the dubious sort, Cody Bellinger struck out 17 times. The previous record was 13!   

What’s really in Oreo cookie cream filling? You know, I really don’t want to know. I just like it. 

Whoa! I wrote two weeks ago of the sad story of the couple found dead in the woods, locked in an embrace. Turns out the girl had fallen and hit her head. The two appeared to have run out of water in the 100 degree heat and were rationing food. The guy had a gun and the thought is that it was a murder-suicide out of compassion. Wow! 

I’m not giving the Bruins a mention…

McKinney High School running back Matt Gadek set the Texas high school single game rushing record with 599 yards in a 63-50 victory against Plano East. DYK, the national record is 754 yards by John Giannantonio of Netcong, NJ, in 1950, according to the National Federation of High Schools. 

As of June, American households were more than a half a trillion dollars deeper in debt than they were a year earlier, according to the latest figures from the Federal Reserve. Total household debt now totals $12.84 trillion dollars  – which is, coincidently, about two-thirds of gross domestic product. 

This was the first NBA season where every coach who started one year had the same job to begin the next. Well, that’s over. The Phoenix Suns have fired coach Earl Watson just three games into the season. Watson has the league’s second-youngest head coach behind the Lakers’ Luke Walton, and the Suns were tied with the Chicago Bulls as having the youngest opening-night roster in the NBA this season. The Suns came into the season as having only four losses by 40 or more points in franchise history, and had two in the first three games this season – a 124-76 loss to Portland and a 130-88 loss to the Clippers. The loss to Portland was the largest margin of victory ever in an NBA opener. 

You often hear complaints about cold, October nights at northern or Midwestern, outdoor MLB ballparks during the playoffs. Hey, I’ll take a 45-50 degree night anytime over the 103-degree game-time temperature from Game 1 of the World Series in LA. 

Got my attention headline of the week: “Olympics may soon feature pole dancing, foosball and poker” 

Oskar Gray Frankenstein was born on Halloween to parents Kyle and Jessica Frankenstein. 

Would the Celtics be playing better with Gordon Hayward?

Denver’s record high of 84 on last Wednesday was 4 degrees higher than the previous record, and Thursday night was expected to be in the 20’s with 3-5 inches of snow. Sounds like New England! 

I missed a week so…

R.I.P. Rock ‘n Roll pioneer and legend, Fats Domino (89). Now ain’t that a shame? Fats sold over 110 million records. 

Trivia #1 answer: Jim Lonborg tore up his knee while skiing.

Trivia #2 answer: Edgerrin James and Marvin Harrison (65.1 percent)for the ’99 Colts. 

“I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill

On Blueberry Hill, when I found you

The moon stood still on Blueberry Hill

And lingered until my dreams came true”

 

Good night everybody!

Briefly.

So the US Men’s National Soccer Team lost 2-1 to Trinidad and Tobago meaning that the US won’t qualify for the world cup for the first time since 1986. The quotes say it all regarding what the USA Today says is “…the lowest point in its( the US) sporting history.” SI wrote, “the most surreal and embarrassing loss in US soccer history.” The Daly News, “It took 90-plus minutes for United States soccer to regress 30 years.” 

Trivia: In the movie “The Natural”, what number did Roy Hobbs wear, and why did he wear that number?

Useless headline: Celtics complete undefeated preseason. 

You know how it smells outside after a rainstorm? There’s a word for that. Petrichor. It’s the name of an oil that is released from the earth into the air before rain begins to fall. 

Though only 4-2, the Patriots have won 11 straight road games, one shy of the team record. 

Few things in life are more aggravating than trying to peel a hard-boiled egg that is not cooperating. 

Quote of the week, from John Gruden on Jacoby Brissett comparing Indianapolis’ offense to the Patriots’ offense: “The only thing similar to the Patriots’ offense for Jacoby Brissett is when he says, “ready, break!”

How about those BC Eagles knocking off Louisville. Stunning! 

Sad story. The bodies of a guy (21) and his girlfriend (20) were found in Joshua Tree National Park, CA. The couple was reported missing on July 28, after they failed to check out of their accommodations near the park. Temperatures topped 100 degrees in the park in late July and it was unclear whether the couple had water and supplies with them. The two bodies, found in rugged terrain near a popular trail, were locked in an embrace. 

For the second season in a row (a couple of weeks ago), both Oakland Raider quarterback Derek Carr and Tennessee quarterback Marcus Marriota were injured on the same day. What does that mean? Nothing really. Just a weird coincidence. 

Whenever someone says, “I don’t believe in coincidences”, I say, “Oh my God, me neither!” 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Nose hair extensions are the latest bizarre beauty trend. (Google up some pictures of these. Disgusting!) 

So I turned on the news yesterday at 5AM and channel 7 has “breaking” sports news. Gordon Hayward’s agent says Hayward is “likely out for the season.” BREAKING NEWS?!?! Are you shitting me? Anyone who saw it happen or saw one of the 16 million replays had that figured out. Even if there was question the “breaking” news said he is “likely” out for the season. Gimme a break! 

“Break”, get it! 

Useless information, supposed to fire my imagination. This just in, Santa Claus (St. Nick himself) has been found buried beneath an ancient church in southern Turkey. 

Last week in the NFL New Orleans, Houston and Tennessee (Monday Night) were the only favorites to beat the point spread. It was also the first week since 1973 where two teams that were 13 or more point underdogs won their games outright (Miami over Atlanta and the Giants over Denver). The New Orleans/Detroit game saw 5 defensive/special teams scores. 

The Pawtucket Red Sox will begin their 2018 home season with a weekend series against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. DYK, the 2018 season will also mark the 77^th year of McCoy Stadium, which opened in 1942, by far (46 years) the oldest ballpark in the International League and it is the oldest ballpark (by 17 years) in all of AAA baseball. I haven’t been to McCoy Stadium since the 2^nd leg of my brother John’s tri-state stag party, circa 1996. Nice place, I think… 

Trivia answer #1: Robert Redford grew up a Ted Williams and Red Sox fan and hence, Roy Hobbs wore #9. 

“Because I’m still in love with you

I want to see you dance again

Because I’m still in love with you

On this harvest moon.”

Briefly. 

Trivia #1: What pitcher became the oldest to win his 20^th game of the season for the first time in his career? It was in the final major league game he played of his 18-year career? He was 39 years old at the time.

Trivia #2: What number did Ty Cobb wear? 

I read a list of the “Best Foods at Every NFL Stadium.” Standing out to me was the Cardiac Cards Dog (at University of Phoenix Stadium) – an all-beef hot dog wrapped in a burger with maple peppered bacon topped with pico de gallo & roasted poblano queso. Best sounding drink? The Ole Smoky Bloody Mary at the Titans Nissan Stadium. A Bloody Mary loaded with carrots, hickory smoked sea salt, hot chicken, celery, feta stuffed olives, bacon, okra, asparagus, cheddar cheese stick, pickled tomatoes and habanero pickles. 

Many think it’s overkill but I love Thursday night football, pro and college. 

If you don’t like what’s going on then either do something about it or get out. 

Who will win more playoff games, the Red Sox or the Patriots? 

I imagine Celtics’ coach Brad Stevens is coming into this season with a woody. 

Taxachusetts? Not so much. According to the Census Bureau, which regularly releases details on taxes collected by state and local governments, Massachusetts taxes are pretty average and second to New Hampshire as the lowest rate in New England. For every dollar people earned in MA, about 10.4 cents went to state and local taxes – in line with the national average of 10.3 cents. There are 18 states with higher overall tax rates including what some might call Taxawii and Tax York. Said numbers are from 2015, though at least MA hasn’t pursued any recent tax changes. 

The best thing about this time of year? Candy corn. Especially the ones with the chocolate bottom. 

The Houston Texans’ rookie QB, 22-year old Deshaun Watson, donated his first NFL game check ($27,000) to help three women from Houston who work in  the team’s cafeteria. A man humble beyond his years. 

Tom Brady. Noting the obvious here but I liken these days akin to the days of Pedro and Larry Bird. If you’re not taking the time to watch the Pats, you are missing one of the greatest players of all time. 

The past few days have been too hot and too muggy. This morning it’s too cold. If some people weren’t complaining, they wouldn’t utter one word. 

Need a hint to the trivia? He was a Yankee. 

There is finally a “ray of hope” that one day CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), the mysterious brain disease ravaging the NFL, may be treated. Boston University researchers have found a biomarker that may be detected while a patient is still alive. Previously, CTE could only be confirmed in a post-mortem brain exam. More study is needed, but the hope is that the results could lead to early detection that could help millions of athletes across many sports. 

Speaking of CTE-related behavior, rapper B.o.B. has started a GoFundMe page to prove that the earth is flat. He hopes to raise $200,000 to launch satellites into space to “find the curve” of the earth.

“Ice cold Buuuuuuud Lite here!” The best running commercial today.

R.I.P. Hugh Hefner. He’s in a better place now. Well, maybe not. 

Trivia answer #1: Mike Mussina

Trivia answer #2: Ty Cobb wore a uniform with no number 

Stand. 

“You’re my blue sky,

You’re my sunny day.

Lord you know it makes me high

When you turn your love my way,

Turn your love my way, yeah.”

Briefly.

Chris Sale, 300 strikeouts. Congrats! DYK, if the Red Sox hold on and win the division, Sale will be the only AL pitcher in the DH era to throw 300 strikeouts for a division winning team. We note the “DH era” because the argument is (a good argument, mind you) that it is more difficult to strike out 300 batters with pitchers batting than it is with a DH. Babe Ruth aside… 

Oh, and the Sox clinched a playoff spot along the way. 

Trivia #1: How many 300-strikeout seasons did Nolan Ryan have? 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 

Signing, you’re doing it wrong. Nothing was funny about Hurricane Irma but… a sign language interpreter in Manatee County on Sept. 8 reportedly confused some of his viewers, warning about “pizza” and later a “bear monster.” The NY Times reported that the interpreter was a lifeguard who has a deaf brother and was selected last minute because there was little time to find one prior to the Board of County Commissioners meeting. 

ESPN gives the Celtics a 12% chance of winning the title this coming season.

Headline of the week: “Free abortions offered to women affected by Hurricane Harvey” – “affected”, is that what you call it??

Headline of the week part deux: “Fireball whisky bagels arrive just in time for tailgating season” 

The Bruins beat the Canadians Monday night. I just like saying that. 

A Pennsylvania high school golfer defied odds (67 million-to-1) when he sank two holes-in-one during the same round (9-hole course). Let the records show that just 4 or so weeks ago two holes-in-one were had in back-to-back foursomes at Bradford Country Club during the Garibaldi Golf League. Odds are that the high schooler was sober… 

If you are a follower/believer in David Meade, a Christian numerologist and self-described “researcher,” what are you doing today given that the world is ending tomorrow?? Meade says that Sept. 23 is foretold in the Bible’s Book of Revelation as the day a series of catastrophic events will begin, and as a result, a major part of the world will not be the same. What am I going to do? I’m going to have a beer and a slice of pizza. 

Andrew Benintendi, that cute little hunk of a man, has four extra inning, game-winning RBIs this season. The most by a Red Sox since Clyde Vollmer in 1951. 

Speaking of the Bruins, what’s a Jack Studnicka? He’s an 18-yeard old wannabe Bruin. 

The Chargers stadium holds about 30,000 people and they didn’t come close to filling it at their home opener. As a matter of fact, word has it that more than half the fans were Miami fans. Why would anyone go? It costs $100 to park! 

Useless information, supposed to fire my imagination… – This Canadian town holds the Guinness World Record for being the world’s only community with two exclamation marks in its name – Saint-Louis-du-Ha!-Ha!

This isn’t being insensitive but don’t tell me to feel bad for people who choose to vacation in the Caribbean during hurricane season.  

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The mother of a man who police said attempted to rob a Starbucks in California, but was thwarted by a Good Samaritan, reportedly said her son plans to sue because the hero used “excessive force.” 

The Patriots, under Belichick, have never lost at home to a rookie QB. 

A Financial Times journalist was killed by a crocodile while washing his hands at a lagoon in Sri Lanka during a holiday with his pals. The 25-year old Brit is believed to have been dragged under the water at a lagoon called Crocodile Park after being ambushed by the reptile. He is understood to have wandered away from his group to find a ‘toilet’ when he was attacked. 

I guess this is much more meaningful if you are a woman but the headline read “6 Women Accidentally Wear Identical Dresses to Wedding”. I saw the picture and, ironically, they were all ugly too! 

R.I.P. Boxing legend, Jake LaMotta, the onetime middleweight champion of the world who was played by Robert DeNiro in 1980’s “Raging Bull”, died Tuesday, his fiancee told the Associated Press. He was 95. Ya, that’s what I said too! Fiancee?!?! 

R.I.P. Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, 73. Heenan, who worked as a wrestler, professional wrestling manager and commentator for more than 40 years, was “regarded by many as the greatest manager in sports-entertainment history,” said the WWE. 

Trivia answer: 6 – Nolan Ryan went 12 seasons between his 5^th 300-strikeout season and his 6^th! 

“Talent is overrated. Hard work and consistency is always connected to ones character.” Inky Johnson (I chose to leave in the grammatical errors) 

“Now in darkness, world stops turning

Ashes where the bodies burning

No more war pigs of the power

Hand of God has struck the hour”