Author: fasted86

Friday, April 11, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

“I” before “e” except for when your neighbor Keith receives eight counterfeit, beige sleighs from feisty caffeinated weightlifters… Weird!

Trivia #1: Which two NHL players are NOT in the top 10 for most career goals scored? – Teemu Selanne, Mike Gartner, Marcel Dionne, Steve Yzerman, Mark Messier, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille
Trivia #2: Who holds the record for consecutive birdies at The Masters? – Tiger Woods, Steve Pate, Tom Weiskopf, Gene Sarazen, Tommy Aaron, Jack Nicklaus
Trivia #3: Which state has produced the most Masters champions?

On this date: April 11, 1612, Last public burning at the stake in England – Edward Wightman for heresy in Lichfield
April 11, 1890, Ellis Island, New York, designated as an immigration station
April 11, 1900, the first modern submarine designed and built by John Philip Holland, USS Holland is acquired by the U.S. Navy (Rumors of Holland being an ancestor to David Francis go unconfirmed)
April 11, 1912, RMS Titanic leaves Queenstown, Ireland, for NY
April 11, 1936, Stanley Cup Final, Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, ON: Detroit Red Wings beat Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-2 for a 3-1 series win; Red Wings first SC Championship
April 11, 1961, Bob Dylan makes his 1st appearance at Folk City, Greenwich Village, New York City
April 11, 1989, 1st playoff goal scored by a goalie, Ron Hextall of visiting Philadelphia Flyers shoots into Washington Capitols empty net while his team is shorthanded in 8-5 win

Go away: Torpedo bats

Speaking of going away, Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrell Hatton are both tied for 5th after one round of the Masters. Join me and just say “no” to a LIV Masters’ champion.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The use of artificial intelligence to reimagine the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” will likely see mixed reactions from fans. While “film purists” may resist the idea of using generative AI to give classic films an entire makeover, the technology could “breathe new life” into hit movies — including “The Wizard of Oz.” Warner Bros. Discovery, Google Cloud and Magnopus have set out to do just that by creating an immersive experience for fans of the 1939 classic. The new “Wizard of Oz” experience is set to premiere at the Las Vegas Sphere on Aug. 28.

They said it: “Get it airborne, bottom line. Just get it in the air.” Tom Watson, on his mindset as an honorary starter at The Masters.

The fact that the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s record of career goals scored (895 to 894) in the same number of games played (1,487) is mind-boggling.

The SEC pulled it off as one of its 14 entries into the men’s NCAA basketball tournament, the University of Florida, won the title.

The Boston Bruins have two games left and are officially out of the playoff hunt. Last night, tied with the Red Wings at 1-1 in the third period, they let up 3 goals in 1 minute, 33 seconds. How appropriate.

Good news: At just 13, Clara Fuller began experiencing uncontrollable seizures that baffled doctors. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety and gallbladder issues, she even underwent unnecessary surgery before doctors finally identified the real culprit: epilepsy. But this wasn’t just any epilepsy; Clara had multifocal epilepsy, a rare and severe form that resists all medication. Everything changed this past summer when Clara became the first pediatric patient to undergo a minimally invasive procedure at the Mayo Clinic using NeuroOne’s cutting-edge brain implant technology. The device, known as the NeuroOne OneRF Ablation System, is the first of its kind FDA-cleared technology designed for both diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in one procedure.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Newly signed New England Patriots’ wide receiver, Stephon Diggs, will wear #8.

Sightseeing, you’re doing it wrong: Six people — including a pilot, two adults and three children — were killed after a tour helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Thursday afternoon. Sad.

Well, I missed Opening Day this year, at least in terms of attending. Nice watching on TV for a change though. Great tribute to the ’75 Sox, in particular, Louis “El Tiante” Tiant. The video tribute to Taint was to Aerosmith’s ‘Sweet Emotion’. Sweeet!

Just another shot from me towards the NBA. The “Teammate of the Year” award is voted on by all NBA players. How the hell do I know what kind of a teammate a guy is on another team?

Crow: “Excuse me, ma’am.”
Woman: “What?”
Crow: “Would you like to donate to my charity?”
Woman: “Maybe, what’s it called?”
Crow: “Caw! Caw! Caw! Caw!”… It’s four good caws.

Article I’ll skip: Jelly Roll drops nearly 200 pounds, sets sight on sky-high goal.

Trivia #1 answer: Which two NHL players are NOT in the top 10 of most career goals scored? – Teemu Selanne, Mike Gartner, Marcel Dionne, Steve Yzerman, Mark Messier, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille – Teemu Selanne (#12) and Luc Robitaille (#13)
Trivia #2 answer: Who holds the record for consecutive birdies at The Masters? – Tiger Woods, Steve Pate, Tom Weiskopf, Gene Sarazen, Tommy Aaron, Jack Nicklaus – Steve Pate (seven straight in 1999)
Trivia #3 answer: Which state has produced the most Masters champions? – Texas

I was in psychology class the other day and we couldn’t stop laughing about how stupid Pavlov’s dogs were. Then the bell rang and we all went to lunch.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Cheese Fondue Day!
And… Happy National Submarine Day! (There’s that submarine-thing again!)

“Early one morning the sun was shining
I was laying in bed
Wondering if she’d changed at all
If her hair was still red
Her folks they said our lives together
Sure was gonna be rough
They never did like mama’s homemade dress
Papa’s bankbook wasn’t big enough
And I was standing on the side of the road
Rain falling on my shoes
Heading out for the East Coast
Lord knows I’ve paid some dues
Getting through
Tangled up in blue.”

– Bob Dylan (Tangled Up In Blue)

Bonus!

Friday, April 4, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly. (Not exactly)

I ordered a book off the internet called ‘How To Scam People’ – It’s been three months now and it still hasn’t arrived.

Trivia #1: On April 4, 1841, what US Vice President became President after the death of President William Henry Harrison?
Trivia #2: Nolan Ryan was the only pitcher to face the last three single season homerun leaders, Roger Maris, Mark MaGwire and Barry Bonds. (This was prior to Aaron Judge’s 62 in 2022.) Of those other three, how many homeruns did they combine to hit against Ryan in their careers? – 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9

DYK: The people of Massachusetts voted in 1928 to allow sports on Sundays between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. ET. However, it was still illegal to play a professional game on Sundays within 1000 feet of a church, which Fenway was. The Red Sox played the first Boston Sunday game ever on April 28, 1929 … at Braves Field, home of the then-other professional Boston baseball team. Eventually, the church rule was lifted, so the Red Sox got to play a Sunday game at Fenway for the first time on July 3, 1932. Hey, I’m here to educate.

Stop complaining: A deadly Tornado outbreak has killed at least eightpeopleand spawned more than 30 reports of twisters across the lower and mid-Mississippi Valley on Wednesday. At least six people have died in Tennessee due to the severe weather. The storms also injured multiple others and destroyed several homes from Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee through Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana.

On this date: April 4, 1818, Congress decides on the US flag: 13 red & white stripes & 20 stars
April 4, 1917, US Senate agrees (82-6) to participate in WWI
April 4, 1922, WAAB (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) becomes 1st US radio station with “W” calls
April 4, 1968, US civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. Riots break out in over 100 cities in the United States.
April 4, 1974, Hank Aaron ties Babe Ruth’s home-run record by hitting his 714th in Cincinnati, facing Jack Billingham
April 4, 1987, Dow Jones Industrial Average up 69.89 points, ending at record 2,390.34 points (Conversely, it went down 1,679.39 points just yesterday!)

Is there a trend of players stepping up on their own bobblehead nights? The other night, Shohei Ohtani homered on his bobblehead night for the second straight year. José Ramírez, last year, went 3-for-5 with three RBIs on his bobblehead day, and in 2022 he homered twice. In 2023 he had a reversible bucket hat day and was 1-for-4 with a double. Add it all up and in the past three years on José Ramírez-themed days, José Ramírez is 6-for-13 with eight RBIs and three homers. Mike Trout homered twice on his bobblehead day in 2019, and Mookie Betts homered twice in his first one with the Dodgers in 2021. On Yankees’ players Star Wars-themed bobblehead nights: Anthony Rizzo homered twice after his Mandalorian giveaway in 2023 and Aaron Judge went deep on his Jedi bobblehead day in 2018. The Giants’ Patrick Bailey splash-homered into McCovey Cove on his bobblehead day and Texas’ Nathaniel Lowe two-HR performance on the night of his Gold Glove Award giveaway.

OK, so the Red Sox aren’t going to go 162-0, but please, relax folks.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A public high school in Fairfax County, Virginia, decorated its history hallway with a polarizing alphabetic display for Women’s History Month, beginning with “A is for Abortion.” “The ABCs to ME” display “is a student-led history project that is part of an elective Women’s History class.”

Can the SEC pull it off? The conference sent 14 teams to the men’s NCAA basketball tournament with 7 of those teams making the Sweet 16 and two of them making the Final Four (Auburn and Florida). Will the conference be able to boast the champion???

They said it: “Lete’s go, Sports Bar!” – The Buffalo Wild Wings buffalo

Good news: Maybe it’s for the best that the Padres’ Kyle Hart didn’t earn his first big league win until this past Monday night. No, technically Hart was not making his Major League debut. The 32-year-old left-hander had made four appearances for the Red Sox in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We couldn’t even be there [for Kyle’s debut],” Kyle’s father Roger said, “because there was nobody in the stands. This was our first chance to see him pitch at the Major League Baseball level. That was a good feeling to be able to be here for that — just to be a part of it.” In his first start as a Padre, Kyle Hart worked five solid innings against the Indians. He allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four, as San Diego improved to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history.

Along those lines, “Yellowjackets” star Christina Ricci placed her home in Silver Lake, CA on the market for just over $4 million. Her decision to sell the home comes just eight months after she first purchased it in July 2024, as she is now looking for a bigger property that would allow her family members, who lost their homes in the Palisades Fire earlier this year, to move in with her. Nice! (Note: Apparently, “Yellowjackets” is some television show, series, whatever…)

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Your Boston Red Sox scored 8 runs yesterday. It was the first time they had scored 5 or more runs since the season began, their longest such drought to open the season since 2009.

Article I’ll skip: Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s adult daughters still take baths together. (I said I’ll skip the article. I didn’t say I wouldn’t look at pictures.)

Trivia #1 answer: On April 4, 1841, what US Vice President became President after the death of President William Henry Harrison? – John Tyler
Trivia #2 answer: Nolan Ryan was the only pitcher to face the last three single season homerun leaders, Roger Maris, Mark MaGwire and Barry Bonds. (This was prior to Aaron Judge’s 62 in 2022.) Of those other three, how many homeruns did they combine to hit against Ryan in their careers? – 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 – They hit zero homeruns while combining to go 5-28.

Math is hard. 15+15 is thirty and 16+16 is thirty too!

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day!

And Happy Opening Day, at Fenway Park. If you’re heading in, or watching on NESN, pregame ceremonies for the April 4 home opener will welcome members of the 1975 team to mark the 50th anniversary of their AL Championship win, and remember Red Sox Hall of Famer Luis Tiant, who passed away October 8, 2024, at the age of 83. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m. to enjoy the ceremonies preceding the 2:10 p.m. game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Before the game, the two teams will be introduced along the base lines, with the colors presented by the 1st Battalion and 181st Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard, the 66th Air Base Group out of Hanscom Air Force Base, and members of the 1st Coast Guard District. The National Anthem will be performed by the Boston Arts Academy “Treble Allstars,” and punctuated by a fly-over by two F-35’s flown by the 134th Fighter Squadron, Green Mountain Boys of the Vermont Air National Guard and one KC-46 from the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing.

“Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride”

– U2 (Pride (In the Name of Love))

Bonus – Luther!

Repeat Double-bonus! Happy Opening Day (Fenway)

Friday, March 28, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly. (I woke up handsome again. This is getting ridiculous)

Her, lying in bed next to her husband, thinking to herself: “I bet he is thinking of another woman.”
Him, thinking to himself: “I wonder how long it takes for a giraffe to throw up?”

Trivia #1: Three of the following MLB teams have never had a league MVP. Which three? – Tampa Bay Devil Rays, San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals
Trivia #2: Of the top 9, total strikeouts in a 10-game span, there are only two pitchers on that list. Which two? – Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson, Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez, Nolan Ryan and Justin Verlander, Bob Feller and Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan and Pedro Martinez
Trivia #3: Who has the most Opening Day RBIs (21) in his career? – Adam Dunn, Miguel Cabrera, Vladimir Guerrero, Dave Kingman, Mo Vaughn, Ken Griffey Jr.
Trivia #4: Who has the most Opening Day strikeouts in his career (107) – Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Ric Accardi

Yes, I know it’s not the “Devil” Rays any more. Jeez, you must be a Commanders or Guardians fan.

Stop complaining: See “Not-so-good news” below.

And this; Three wildfires in western North Carolina are proving challenging for firefighters to beat because of rough terrain and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene.

On this date: March 28, 1797, Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire patents the washing machine. (He was destined to become a popular lady’s man!)
March 28, 1885, US Salvation Army officially organized
March 28, 1957, 1st National Curling Championship held
March 28, 1972, Elvis Presley records his final Top Ten hit, a cover of “Burning Love”, a song written by Dennis Linde, and first recorded by Arthur Alexander
March 28, 2017, World’s largest dinosaur footprint at 1.7 metres found in Kimberley, Western Australia

Opening Day in MLB was yesterday! Your Boston Red Sox are 1-0 after a thrilling 5-2 win.  They are tied for 1st place in the AL East and on pace to go 162-0.

Let’s summarize the Sox’ schedule, shall we?
– They open at home next Friday, April 4th vs the Cardinals
– Their dreaded west coast trip is in mid-June (SEA, SF, LAA). They opened the season on that trip last year
 – Their longest homestand is 10 games in 10 days (ATL, Mets, BALT) towards the end of May. Their longest road trip is the aforementioned west coast swing
– They end with 3 home games vs Detroit
– They don’t play the Yankees until June 6th
– They play 10 divisional games in a row (2 at home), in late August (BAL (6) and Yankees (4))

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A tranquilizer commonly referred to as a “zombie drug” is being manufactured and smuggled across the U.S. southern border. The drug xylazine, known as “tranq” in street lingo, is used as a tranquilizer by veterinarians. The drug leaves users in a “zombie-like” state as it constricts blood vessels and cuts off oxygen flow to the body, causing abscesses that rot the flesh. 

They said it: “He’s not human!” – Ian Eagle on Duke’s Tyrese Proctor last weekend. Yes, the kid got hot and hit 7-8 from 3-point range. He got hot. Relax, Ian.

Stuntman!… you’re doing it wrong: Chachi Valencia, whose stage name is The Rocketman Valencia, was performing his death-defying human cannonball act at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio. Footage from the accident shows Valencia, a sixth-generation circus performer, sailing through the air after being launched from a 35-foot human cannon. As he falls to the landing spot, a gust of wind blows him toward the side of the net, causing him to bounce into the air and smash into the concrete ground below. 

Good news: After an expected brief mission to the International Space Station, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth after what turned out to be a grueling 9-month spaceflight.

Not-so-good news: Said a leading expert in spaceflight-associated health changes: “One of the most immediate challenges astronauts face when they return to Earth is mobility and balance. These issues often recover more quickly compared to others, but it takes time for astronauts to readjust to gravity. The balance, mobility, and walking difficulties astronauts experience during the first weeks back are typically resolved in a short period, but brain function and structure require longer recovery periods.”

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: March 28, 1957, 1st National Curling Championship held (Ya, maybe that ‘dinosaur footprint’ thing too)

Let the UNC/WVU men’s basketball controversary continue as, after winning their play-in game, UNC lost their first round game to Ole Miss.

Men who regularly dodge prostate cancer screening appointments are 45% more likely to die from the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. Just sayin’…

Article I’ll skip: Country singer ‘finds God’ while hunting and fishing in the great outdoors.

Trivia #1 answer: Three of the following MLB teams have never had a league MVP. Which three? – Tampa Bay Devil Rays, San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals – The New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Trivia #2 answer: Of the top 9, total strikeouts in a 10-game span, there are only two pitchers on that list. Which two?  – Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson, Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez, Nolan Ryan and Justin Verlander, Bob Feller and Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan and Pedro Martinez – Nolan Ryan did it twice and struck out 123 batters and 122) and Pedro Martinez did it 7 times – 130 (the most), 128, 123, 122, 121, 120(2x)
Trivia #3 answer: Who has the most Opening Day RBIs (21) in his career? – Adam Dunn, Miguel Cabrera, Vladimir Guerrero, Dave Kingman, Mo Vaughn, Ken Griffey Jr. – Adam Dunn
Trivia #4: Who has the most Opening Day strikeouts in his career (107) – Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Ric Accardi – Randy Johnson

DYK: William H. Taft threw out the first Presidential first pitch from his box seats, not the pitcher’s mound (April 14, 1910).

My tolerance for idiots is extremely low today. I used to have some immunity built up, but obviously there is a new strain out there.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Triglycerides Day! (Ya, go ahead and celebrate that!)

“Got my mojo working, but it just won’t work on you
Got my mojo working, but it just won’t work on you
I wanna love you so bad till I don’t know what to do”

– Muddy Waters (Got My Mojo Working) – Newport!

Bonus!

Friday, March 21, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

A few weeks ago, my mother-in-law began reading “The Exorcist.” She said it was the most evil book she ever read. So evil in fact, she couldn’t finish it, took it over to the beach and threw it off a fishing pier. I went and bought another copy, ran the faucet over it and left it in the night table drawer by her bed. I’m going to hell.

Trivia #1: What school has made the most Final Four appearances? – North Carolina, Kentucky, UCLA, Michigan, Michigan St., Kansas, Northern Essex
Trivia #2: What school has the most appearances in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament without a Final Four appearance? Boston College, Xavier, Missouri, Tennessee, UAB, Creighton, BYU, Northern Essex
Trivia #3: What did brothers Theodore Golden Grigg and F. Nephi Grigg invent?

Stop complaining: Severe weather is forecast to pose threats to portions of the southern Plains and the Mississippi Valley this weekend, only one week after a deadly tornado outbreak struck the region.

On this date: March 21, 1844, the original date predicted by William Miller of Massachusetts for the return of Christ and the end of the world
March 21, 1947,  US President Harry Truman signs Executive Order 9835 requiring all federal employees to have “complete and unswerving loyalty to the United States”
March 21, 1952, 20,000 attempt to attend the 1st rock & roll concert ever when Alan Freed presents “The Moondog Coronation Ball” at old 12,000 seat Cleveland Arena; performers include: Paul Williams and the Hucklebuckers; Tiny Grimes and the Rocking Highlanders; The Dominoes; and Varetta Dillard
March 21, 1962, Yogi the bear becomes the 1st creature to be ejected at supersonic speeds by the US military testing ejection seats (I can’t make this shit up!)
March 21, 1964, Beatles’ single “She Loves You” goes #1 in the US & stays #1 for 2 weeks
March 21, 1982, “Little Johnny Jones” opens & closes at Alvin Theater NYC (Ha!)
march 21, 1991, Tatsumi Fujinami beats Ric Flair for NWA wrestling championship

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Two high school graduates who say they can’t read or write are suing their respective public school systems arguing they were not given the free public education to which they are entitled.

Traveling to London, you’re doing it wrong. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) said it is “experiencing a significant power outage” after an electrical substation that supplies the airport caught on fire. The airport will be closed all day today.

Good news: Well, for college basketball and its fans: College basketball coaching legends John Calipari (Arkansas) will face off against Rick Pitino (St. John’s) tomorrow.

Question: Would astronaut Suni Williams be such a celebrity if she had a short, butch-type haircut? Just sayin’.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: See the answer below to trivia question #3.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination, part deuz. Mangoes may be linked to lower insulin resistance, a factor involved in the prevention of diabetes. The reference to “may be” renders the statement useless.

The calculated odds of my bracket being perfect were 496,319,938,358,861 to 1, before the tournament began. That is about correct as it wasn’t nearly perfect yesterday.

American University Eagles, in Washington, D.C., has to be the greatest nickname in college in the nation.

Meanwhile, the Youngstown State Penguins, maybe the worst?

Article I’ll skip: Actress fascinated by MAHA movement, says institutions are “really failing us.”

Trivia #1 answer: What school has made the most Final Four appearances? – North Carolina, Kentucky, UCLA, Michigan, Michigan St., Kansas, Northern Essex – North Carolina (20 appearances)
Trivia #2 answer: What school has the most appearances in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament without a Final Four appearance? Boston College, Xavier, Missouri, Tennessee, UAB, Creighton, BYU, Northern Essex – BYU (31 appearances)
Trivia #3 answer: What did brothers Theodore Golden Grigg and F. Nephi Grigg invent? – The brothers, founders of Ore-Ida, invented the Tater Tots in 1953. One of the brothers was the great-grandfather of BYU men’s basketball player Richie Saunders.

Potential pick-up line if you happen to be out on the prowl this weekend: “Hey, how’s your bracket?”

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

Happy National Fragrance Day! (That don’t stink)

“You think you lost your love
Well, I saw her yesterday
It’s you she’s thinking of
And she told me what to say

She says she loves you
And you know that can’t be bad
Yes, she loves you
And you know you should be glad”

The Beatles (She Loves You)

Bonus! – Alice is ageless

Friday, March 14, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

Your brain at 3AM: I can see you’re trying to sleep, so I would like to offer you a selection of every memory, unresolved issue, mistake, or thing you should have said or done yesterday or in the past 40 years!

Please, pardon my recent mistakes in trivia questions. (Ya, like I give a shit.)

Trivia #1: Is it St. Patty’s Day or St. Paddy’s Day?
Trivia #2: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, what’s the highest number of leaves ever recorded on a single clover stem? – 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 63.
Trivia #3: What is the term for a young Irish woman or girl? – Lad, Lady, Catherine, Colleen, Ruby, Lass, Maeve
Trivia #4: On what instrument do you play piobaireachd music?
Trivia #5: According to folklore, what’s a leprechaun’s occupation? – Blacksmith, Shoemaker, Carpenter, Poet, Farmer, Locksmith
Trivia #6: St. Patrick was known to wear what color, Green, Blue, Gold, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Red, Sky-blue-pink

Stop complaining: New details have emerged in the shocking story of a 32-year-of a Connecticut man allegedly held captive in a single room by his father and stepmother for 20 years. While receiving medical care after the fire he lit inside his own home, the 32-year-old said he had been held captive in the home since he was 11 years old. Subsequent arrest warrants revealed the man was locked inside a room nearly 24 hours each day without heat or air conditioning. He was also provided two sandwiches and two bottles of water on a daily basis, which he rationed for soapless baths.

On this date: March 14, 1743, the 1st American town meeting is held in Boston’s Faneuil Hall
March 14, 1794, Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin machine revolutionizing the cotton industry in the southern US states
March 14, 1880, the Salvation Army of England starts work in the US at Harry Hill’s Variety Theatre in NYC
March 14, 1923, US President Warren G. Harding becomes 1st president to pay taxes.
March 14, 1972, Muddy Waters wins his first Grammy Award, for his album “They Call Me Muddy Waters”
March 14, 2018, NASA twin study finds that Scott Kelly is no longer identical to his twin brother after one year in space, 7% of his genes altered. Wowza!

Go away: Aaron Rodgers, get off my television. (Repeat offender)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The Boston Celtics took 63 (63!) three-point shots the other night, going 5-27 in the second half. Yawn.

They said it: “My ma urged me to get out of this game. When I was a kid, she pleaded with me. And I meant to, you know what I mean? But she died. Now look at me. I’m wet nurse to a last-place, dead-to-the-neck-up ball club, and I’m choking to death!” – Pop Fisher (Wilfred Brimley), manager of the New York Knights in the movie “The Natural.”

Good news: For NFL quarterback Gardner Minshew, that is. Minshew, who started nine games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million contract last offseason to battle for the starting role with the Raiders. 

He may be too hurt to golf, but apparently Tiger Woods is still at it, reportedly dating the president’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump.

Again folks, it’s not complicated. Put on your directional and then use your brakes. Argh!

Tragic… NOT! The Yankees’ ace pitcher Gerrit Cole is to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: “Pi” has been calculated to over 62.8 trillion digits.

Did you catch the high school track star bashing her opponent in the head with the baton during a recent relay race? She’s been charged with assault and battery. Bitch.

Article I’ll skip: Vanna White details surprising number of days she gets off each year on ‘Wheel of Fortune.’

Article I’ll skip, part deux: 9 must-have March Madness party supplies

Trivia #1 answer: Is it St. Patty’s Day or St. Paddy’s Day? – St. Paddy. Pádraig is the Gaelic or Irish origin of the name Patrick, which is colloquially shortened to Paddy, hence the abbreviation, St. Paddy’s Day.
Trivia #2 answer: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, What’s the highest number of leaves ever recorded on a single clover stem? – 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 63. – It is 63. That’s a lot of luck!
Trivia #3: What is the term for a young Irish woman or girl? – Lad, Lady, Cathrine, Colleen, Ruby, Lass, Maeve – Colleen
Trivia #4: On what instrument do you play piobaireachd music? – The bagpipe
Trivia #5: According to folklore, what’s a leprechaun’s occupation? – Blacksmith, Shoemaker, Carpenter, Poet, Farmer, Locksmith – He’s a Shoemaker
Trivia #6: St. Patrick was known to wear what color, Green, Blue, Gold, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Red, Sky-blue-pink – Blue

If your wife is mad at you, buy a new fishing pole… She’ll still be mad at you, but you’ll have a new fishing pole.

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a three-day, St. Patrick’s Day bender. Enjoy.

“To all the days here and after, may they be filled with fond memories, happiness and laughter.”

Live, every day.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

Happy National Pi Day!

“When Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, ’tis like the morning Spring
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy
All the world seems bright and gay
What when Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, they steal your heart away”

– The Irish Tenors (When Irish Eyes Are Smiling)

Bonus track!

Friday, March 7, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

When I was a kid, bedtime was 9pm. I couldn’t wait to be a grownup so I could go to bed anytime I wanted. Turns out that is 9pm.

Trivia #1: What does AAA and AARP stand for? (I don’t give a lot of layups)
Trivia #2: According to the Mayo Clinic, people in their 60’s, both genders, should be able to do at least how many push-ups?
Trivia #3: Who won the 2015 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2015)?

Stop complaining: I don’t want to hear it today.

On this date: March 7, 1530, English King Henry VIII’s divorce request is denied by Pope Clement the VII. (that must have sucked)
March 7, 1774, King George III charges colonists in Boston with attempting to injure British commerce, paving the way for the closing of the port to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party
March 7, 1857, baseball decides 9 innings constitutes an official game, not 9 runs
March 7, 1911, US sends 20,000 troops to Mexican border (Hmmm)
March 7, 1975, RCA releases “Young Americans”, David Bowie’s 9th studio album, recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York City; featuring appearances by John Lennon on two tracks, it peaks in the U.S. charts at No. 9, and No. 2 in the U.K.
March 7, 1988, Howard Stern’s 1st pay-per-view special “Underpants & Negligee Party” premieres

Disturbing: Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier were arrested in Oregon on Thursday for their alleged roles in gathering and sending sensitive information to individuals in China. All three are charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. One is facing additional charges of conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to an individual not authorized to receive it.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A new fleet of self-driving taxis is ready to hit the streets this year, rolling out first in Las Vegas. The Amazon-backed vehicles are ten years in the making, and the company says they want to redefine transportation. You know, I think I’d actually try these. Not for nothing but I would guess you don’t need to leave a tip!

My wife is furious at our neighbor who sunbathes naked in her backyard. Personally, I’m on the fence.

They said it: “You have to chase the things that ignite you. You have to do the things that bring you joy. You have to surround yourself with the people who bring you back home to yourself, with the people who respect you and embrace you in ways that make you feel like you are worthy and accepted and loved.” – Bianca Sparacino, author.

Good news: It’s March! Can you sense the madness? College basketball conference championships have begun. By this time next Friday, we will be on the cusp of “Selection Weekend.” Buckle up!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: “Stewardesses” is the longest word that can be typed with just the left hand. “Lollipop” is the longest word for the right hand.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Saquon Barkley agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $41.2 million in new money. The deal includes $36 million guaranteed with $15 million more in incentives. The Eagles later announced Barkley had signed a two-year extension.

DYK: After winning the Super Bowl last month, Saquon Barkley bought each of his offensive linemen a 2-ton, Bud Lite truck. Really.

Article I’ll skip: Dolly Parton’s marriage thrived despite late husband not being ‘biggest fan’ of her music.

Gene Hackman, his wife and his dog had apparently been dead for 9 days?! He had three children, an ex-wife, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Now, I don’t know the relationship amongst them all, but how about checking on 95-year-old family members more frequently than every 9+ days?

Trivia #1 answer: What does AAA and AARP stand for? – AAA=American Automobile Association, AARP – American Association of Retired Persons
Trivia #2 answer: According to the Mayo Clinic, people in their 60’s, both genders, should be able to do at least how many push-ups? – People in their 60’s should be able to do at least 10 push-ups. (For the record, people in their 30s should be able to do at least 19 (women) and 21 (men), people in their 40s should be able to do at least 14 (women) and 16 (men), people in their 50s should be able to do at least 10 (women) and 12 (men)).  – Now don’t go and hurt yourself trying.
Trivia #3: Who won the 2015 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2015)? – New York Islanders (NHL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Baltimore Orioles (MLB), Washington Redskins (NFL)

I told my wife I wanted to be cremated. She made an appointment for next Tuesday.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

Happy National Crown Roast of Pork Day!

“They pulled in just behind the bridge
He lays her down, he frowns
“Gee, my life’s a funny thing
Am I still too young?”
He kissed her then and there
She took his ring, took his babies
It took him minutes, took her nowhere
Heaven knows, she’d have taken anything, but…”

– David Bowie (Young Americans)

Friday, February 28, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

DYK? You can tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile by paying attention to whether the animal sees you later or in a while.

Trivia #1: In what game, in 1954, did the Milan Indians defeat the Muncie Central Bearcats, 32-30.
Trivia #2: What rock band had their first six albums all on the US billboard 200 at the same time in 1975.
Trivia #3: Who won the 2015 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2015)?
Trivia #4: What are “gate lice?”

Stop complaining: Unless you work in, or eat at, fast-food restaurants in California. Fast-food job losses in the state spiked after passage of the $20 minimum wage for some workers, according to a new study. Not only were there 10,700 jobs lost between June 2023 and June 2024 in the sector, but prices at the establishments soared by 14.5% after the new minimum wage became law.

On this date: February 28, 1646, Roger Scott tried in Massachusetts for sleeping in church
February 28, 1844, 12-inch gun aboard USS Princeton explodes, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer, and other high-ranking U.S. federal officials
February 28, 1931, British politician Oswald Mosley founds the New Party (Peaky Blinder fans might recall Oswald)
February 28, 1939, The erroneous word “Dord” is discovered in the Webster’s New International Dictionary, Second Edition, prompting an investigation.
February 28, 1983, Final TV episode of “M*A*S*H”, a 2-hour special directed by series star Alan Alda titled “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen”, airs (CBS); record 125 million watch in the US.
February 28, 1983, U2 releases their third studio album “War” featuring the protest song “Sunday Bloody Sunday”.

Go away: Karen Read (A repeat offender here)

When I was young (9-11 years old?), on rainy Saturdays, several of us would go to another’s house and watch Creature Double Feature (on channel 56). Little did we know at the time that we were having watch parties.

I have no interest in the NFL Combines. Just get me to the draft.

The Bruins are sinking. The Celtics? Meh, just get me/them to the playoffs.

I was driving down the road on Wednesday. The windows were down, the sun shining in and the Red Sox were on the radio. It was a beautiful day.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: “California sober”, or “Cali sober”, is a thing. It originates with the idea that people transition away from alcohol to a “safer” alternative using cannabis-based products, a term some people also use when they quit everything but weed. You don’t have to be from California to be “California sober.”

I hate the Yankees. Now they’ve gone and dropped their “facial hair” restriction. The new, gutless regime will ignore the longstanding rule and totally disregard a standard that the team once stood by. 

They said it: “Until someone comes along and eclipses what she’s done, then yes, she is the GOAT.” – Long-time NCAA women’s basketball coach, Geno Auriemma on Diana Taurasi, who recently announced her retirement from the WNBA. Check out this resume: Scoring (10,646 points in the regular season, nearly 3,000 clear of the runner-up, Tina Charles), Taurasi hit more three-pointers than anyone in WNBA history and is fourth all-time in assists. She won a trio of WNBA championships (in 2007, 2009, and 2014), three in the NCAA, six Euroleague titles during her 12-year overseas career in Russia and Turkey, and six Olympic golds, an all-time record for a basketball player. She was the 2009 WNBA MVP, a two-time WNBA Finals MVP, a three-time Euroleague MVP, and a three-time Russian League Player of the Year. Wowza!

A few months ago, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that they will play their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. The roof at Tropicana Field was decimated by hurricanes Helene and another one whose name escapes me…

Good news: The Pope is apparently getting better.

Not-so-good-news: Hurricane (April 26, 2009 – February 18, 2025) was a Special Operations canine of the United States Secret Service. He was a black Belgian Malinois recognized for his valor and bravery in 2014. He was considered the most decorated dog in American history.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On February 28, 1970, bicycles were first permitted to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

Article I’ll skip: Girl Scouts defends cookies amid ‘toxic’ concerns in ongoing controversy over ingredients.
Article I’ll skip, part deux: Travis Kelce appears to make retirement decision after months of speculation. (I can wait…)

R.I.P. Eugene Allen “Gene” Hackman (95). I am kinda getting away from this section but Hackman was one of my personal favorites. Sad, continuing story of his, his wife’s and one of his dog’s death.

Trivia #1 answer: In what game, in 1954, did the Milan Indians defeat the Muncie Central Bearcats, 32-30. – It was the 1954 Indiana High School State Championship basketball game, which would later inspire the movie “Hoosiers.”
Trivia #2 answer: What rock band had their first six albums all on the US billboard 200 at the same time in 1975. – Led Zeppelin with Physical Graffiti (#1), Led Zeppelin IV (#83), Houses of the Holy (#92), Led Zeppelin II (#104), Led Zeppelin (#116), Led Zepplin III (#124)
Trivia #3 answer: Who won the 2015 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2015)? – Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Golden State Warriors (NBA), Kansas City Royals (MLB), New England Patriots (NFL)
Trivia #4 answer: What are “gate lice?” – “Gate lice” refers to passengers who attempt to cut the line and board the plane earlier than their proper boarding zone. (Don’t be that guy!)

“I love you guys.” – Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman, Hoosiers)

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

My friend Sarah left her bottle of Pepsi at a rest stop about 60 miles south of Tampa. That’s where Sarah’s soda is.

Happy National Tooth Fairy Day! I won’t be on the bar this afternoon but will gladly meet you on the other side.

Almost 2 years to the day, March 17, 2023, I ran “Sunday Bloody Sunday” here. So here’s another from U2’s album, “War.”

“Under a blood red sky
A crowd has gathered in black and white
Arms entwined, the chosen few
The newspaper says, says
Say it’s true, it’s true
And we can break through
Though torn in two
We can be one”

– U2 (New Year’s Day)

Friday, February 21, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly. (Up late watching hokey last night)

I just had my annual physical. The doctor said, “Don’t eat anything fatty.” I said, “Like bacon and burgers?” He said, “No fatty, don’t eat anything!”

Trivia #1: On February 21, 1887, which US state became the first to make Labor Day a holiday? – California, Oregon, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia
Trivia #2: In terms of MLB MVP awards by team, which of the following teams is not in the top five, number of players who have won the MVP award? – Giants, Yankees, Red Sox, A’s, Dodgers, Cardinals
Trivia #3: Which NHL team was the only one without a representative playing in the   Nations Face-Off?

Stop complaining: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been tracking a measles outbreak in the South Plains region of the state. The agency first confirmed the outbreak on Feb. 5, and it has since been growing. A Tuesday update stated that 58 cases have been identified within the last three weeks as symptoms occurred. Only four are confirmed vaccinated. The rise in cases comes more than two decades after health agencies reported that the disease was “eliminated” in 2000. Said one doctor, “There is a 90% chance you will get it if you are unvaccinated and step into a room where someone with measles was two hours before.”

On this date: February 21, 1804, The world’s first steam locomotive, built by Richard Trevithick, runs for the first time along the tramway of the Penydarren Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
February 21, 1842, 1st known sewing machine patented in US by John Greenough of Washington, D.C.
February 21, 1965, Civil rights activist and Muslim minister Malcolm X is shot dead by Nation of Islam followers at Audubon Ballroom in New York City
February 21, 1980, American speed skater Eric Heiden wins 1,500m in Olympic record 1:55.44; 4th of record 5 gold medal sweep of events at Lake Placid

Go away: Boy, do I have a list…

The Red Sox play today…

Why is ‘AAA’ called Triple A, but AARP is A-A-R-P and not Double A-R-P? And why is ‘AA’ called ‘AA’ and not Double A? F*ckin-A, this stuff actually makes me think!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: In 2008, American Airlines became the first major U.S. carrier to charge for checked bags, introducing a $15 fee as part of a cost-cutting measure. Since then, other airlines have adopted similar fees, with prices steadily increasing over the years. Now, a new debate has emerged about whether airlines should charge passengers based on their weight to help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Well, the NBA is at the break and the Celtics stand in 2nd place in the East, 5.5 games back behind Cleveland. They are 39-16, but an alarming 17-10 at home. They continue to be a work-in-progress.

Meanwhile, the Bruins are in 6th place in the 1atlantic division, 11 points behind the leading Panthers. They have work to do.

Good news: Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis analyzed how long 282 Alzheimer’s patients were able to continue living independently after taking two specific treatments: lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). Both FDA-approved medications are designed to remove amyloid beta plaques from the brains of people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, potentially slowing the rate of cognitive decline. On average, a patient with mild symptoms could expect to live independently for another 29 months without treatment, 39 months with lecanemab and 37 months with donanemab.

Not-so-good-news: Adenocarcinoma — which starts in the cells lining the air sacs in the lungs — is the most common type of lung cancer among people who have never smoked, comprising up to 50% of diagnoses in that group. Air pollution was cited as a key driver of this type of lung cancer, with the highest levels reported in East Asia, particularly China. Worldwide, adenocarcinoma made up more than 45% of lung cancer cases in males and nearly 60% of female cases.

Article I’ll skip: The coffee connoisseur’s guide to the top coffee pots for every type of coffee drinker. – Puh-lease!

4 Nations Face-Off. What a great idea for a mid-February world competition. Some great games, including last night’s OT win for Canada over the USA.

(Speaking of the 4 Nations Face-Off) They said it: “They should not be booing the Americans during that anthem. They have nothing to do with the political things that are going on. I do feel bad for those guys in that moment. I don’t think it’s right.” Canadien Bard Marchand in response to the Canadien fans during the opening game of Canada vs. USA. (There sounded as though there may have been boos early on during last night’s Canadian national anthem at the Garden but, if there were any, they were silenced quickly during a stellar rendition.

“Somewhere, Don Cherry is smiling.” Former Montreal Canadien and NHL color commentor, PJ Suban, after the three fights within the first 9 seconds of the first Canada/USA game.

My favorite actor nowadays is the buffalo from the Buffalo Wild Wings commercials.

Electric-truck maker Nikola Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday after the company failed to overcome market and macroeconomic challenges. I truly believe we will all be driving electronic vehicles… very soon after we convert to metric system.

Slippery slope: A mother is speaking out after she says her 12-year-old daughter was denied a place on the heart transplant list at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital because of her vaccination status. “The doctors at Cincinnati Children’s were talking with us and told us that one of the requirements [for being] put on the list is to have the COVID vaccination and the flu vaccination,” Deal said. “That is against everything we believe in.” The family said they asked for a religious exemption, but the hospital declined – citing its transplant policy.

Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.

Trivia #1 answer: On February 21, 1887, which US state became the first to make Labor Day a holiday? – California, Oregon, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia – Oregon was the first
Trivia #2 answer: In terms of MLB MVP awards by team, which of the following teams is not in the top five, number of players who have won the MVP award? – Giants, Yankees, Red Sox, A’s, Dodgers, Cardinals – Yankees (24), Cardinals (21), Dodgers (15), Giants (14), A’s (13), and the Red Sox are #6 with 12.
Trivia #3: Which NHL team was the only one without a representative playing in the   Nations Face-Off? – The Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals, second in the NHL in points.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

Happy National Sticky Bun Day!

“Every day I work so hard bringing home my hard earned pay
Try to love you, baby, but you push me away
Don’t know where you’re going, only know just where you’ve been
Sweet little baby, I want you again”

– Led Zeppelin (Dazed and Confused)

Friday, February 14, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

In a tremendous stroke of luck, Dr. Remley has the opportunity to perform surgery on the contractor who renovated his kitchen. Says the doctor, “OK, Roger. That’s all the time I’ve got for now, I’ll try to get back to you in a week or two to finish the job.

Trivia #1: For you Patriots’ fans… Mosi Tatupu played for the Patriots from 1978-1990. What team did he play 5 games for in 1991?
Trivia #2: Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net the other night to move closer to Wayne Gretzky’s career record for goals. In terms of career empty net goals, what two players are NOT in the top 5 all-time? – Wayne Gretzky, Brad Marchand, Jarome Iginla, Mario Lemieux, Alex Ovechkin, Marian Hossa, Sidney Crosby
Trivia #3: Who is Nicholas Daniel “Nick” Miller?
Trivia #4: Woodpeckers can peck at a rate of how many pecks per second? – 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 100

Stop complaining: As if the southern California wildfires weren’t enough, a major storm packing a plume of moisture that has evolved into quick-moving atmospheric river will slide southward along the California coast. The firehose effect will direct a period of torrential rain along the shoreline, the Coast Ranges and the lower west-facing elevations of the Sierra Nevada. Making matters much worse will be the burn scars of the recent wildfires that swept through South California. There is little to hold back the water and mudflows as the onset of storms demonstrated in late January. Some of the runoff can be toxic in some locations as it washes ash and other debris into streams and then reaches the beaches.

Please Lord, just get me through February. (We’re half way, baby!)

That’s right! Pitchers and catchers have reported. Though I don’t believe in daylight savings, we do turn the clocks ahead in a mere three weeks. What I’m saying is, we’re getting there!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Jets tell Aaron Rodgers they’re “moving on” from the QB next season

On this date: February 14, 1849, In New York City, James Knox Polk becomes first serving US President to have his photograph taken (by Matthew Brady).
February 14, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray apply separately for telephone patents, the Supreme Court eventually rules Bell the rightful inventor
February 14, 1924, Thomas J. Watson Sr. renames the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) as International Business Machines (IBM)
February 14, 1931,  The original “Dracula” film starring Blea Lugosi as the titular vampire, is released
February 14, 1962, US 1st lady Jacqueline Kennedy conducts White House tour on TV
February 15, 1989, The first of 24 satellites of the Global Positioning System are placed into orbit.
February 14, 2005, Online video sharing site YouTube is launched in the United States by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim; headquartered in San Bruno, California

Congrats to the, then 9th ranked, BU Terriers in defeating the, then #1 ranked, BC Eagles 4-1 in the Beanpot final on Monday.

Speaking of hockey… the Minnesota Wild. What a weak nickname.

Go away: The Kansas City Chiefs. You can stop with the “Mahomes may become the new GOAT” talk. The “Travis Kelce is better than Tony Gonzales and Gronk” talk. And the “Andy Reid is a better coach than Belichick” talk.

Go away, part deux: Pennies – According to the U.S. Mint, each penny cost 3.69 cents to produce in fiscal year 2024, costing taxpayers $119 million. This marked the 19th consecutive year in which production exceeded its face value. 

Good news, x2: Hall of Famer Randy Moss made an emotional return to ESPN’s coverage of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, two months after he took a leave from his job to get treatment for cancer. He was greeted with a video that included messages from Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Justin Jefferson, Kevin Garnett and several other big names welcoming him back to ESPN’s set. Moss was moved to tears by the video before getting on with his job of analyzing the Super Bowl. Also, on Saturday night, Dick Vitale made his long-awaited return to the ESPN airwaves. The crowd gathered behind him made sure to let him know how much he was missed. After battling through several different forms of cancer and going nearly two full years without calling a game, Vitale received warm welcomes and loud ovations from inside Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum. The 45-year ESPN veteran, who has become one of the faces of college basketball over the course of his distinguished broadcasting career, was understandably emotional when addressing the audience for the first time.

Article I’ll skip: Make delicious pizza with the help of these 12 tools and accessories. – Hey look, I make my own pizza and it’s pretty damn good, if I don’t say so myself. I don’t need new “tools and accessories” to try to improve it.
Article I’ll skip, part deux (I had to do it): ‘Karate Kid’ star shares secret behind his successful marriage to wife of 38 years. (Really?)

Red Bull gives you wiiiiings…

Trivia #1 answer: For you Patriots’ fans… Mosi Tatupu played for the Patriots from 1978-1990. What team did he play 5 games for in 1991? – The LA Rams
Trivia #2: Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net the other night to move closer to Wayne Gretzky’s career record for goals. In terms of career empty net goals, what two players are NOT in the top 5 all-time? – Wayne Gretzky, Brad Marchand, Jarome Iginla, Mario Lemieux, Alex Ovechkin, Marian Hossa, Sidney Crosby – Mario Lemieux is #7, Jarome Iginla is #8
Trivia #3 answer: Who is Nicholas Daniel “Nick” Miller? – Nick is professionally known as Illenium, is an American musician, DJ, music producer and songwriter. Tickets for Illenium at MGM Music Hall at Fenway are on sale now! (I gotta get out more often…)
Trivia #4 answer: Trivia #4: Woodpeckers can peck at a rate of how many pecks per second? – 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 100 – 20 times per second

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

Happy National Ferris Wheel Day!
And, of course, Happy Valentine’s Day, for you love birds out there!

“When you invent the ship, you also invent the shipwreck.” – Paul Virilio, philosopher

“Well I’m not the kind to live in the past
The years run too short and the days too fast
The things you lean on are the things that don’t last
Well it’s just now and then my line gets cast into these
Time passages
There’s something back here that you left behind
Oh time passages
Buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight”

– Al Stewart (Time Passages)