Author: fasted86

Friday, August 23, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

Running feels great unless you compare it to… not running.

Trivia #1: Last week marked the 55th anniversary of Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix was the last person to perform on day 4 of the concert, Monday. What time of day did Hendrix go on stage? – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6p.m., 9 p.m.
Trivia #2: Who was Paavo Nurmi?
Trivia #3: On August 23, 1993, the Braves Fred McGriff & David Justice became just the 6th teammates to accomplish what feat in the same game? – hit two triples apiece, hit back-to-back homeruns twice, hit for the cycle, strikeout 5 times, choke on their chew

On this date: August 23, 1305, Scottish patriot William Wallce is executed for high treason by Edward I of England at Smithfield, London.
August 23, 1942, Walter Johnson pitches to Babe Ruth in pregame attraction that draws 69,000 for NYY-Washington MLB doubleheader at Yankee Stadium; raises $80,000 for Army-Navy relief.
August 23, 1989, known as The Baltic Way (or Baltic Chain), approximately two million people form a human chain across Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in a peaceful pro-independence demonstration against Soviet occupation.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On August 23, 1974, John Lennon reported seeing a UFO in New York City.

Go away: Ben Affleck/J-Lo

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97.

Earlier this week, the Florida Marlins turned an 8-9-4-2 double play. Look it up.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Oklahoma State football players’ helmets will feature a QR code linking to a “general team fund” for student-athletes during the 2024 season. The initiative is “believed to mark the first time that a college football team will wear QR codes in regular season games to promote players’ earning potential,” according to the school.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: Victor Miller, who had been running as an artificial intelligence-powered bot named “VIC” [Virtual Integrated Citizen] in Wyoming’s capital city, conceded his bid to make technological political history on Wednesday. Miller received 327 votes, or about 3% of the total cast, in Cheyenne’s nonpartisan mayoral primary on Tuesday night.

The NFL kicks off two weeks from yesterday. Not only that, there is a game (Packers/Eagles) scheduled on Friday, the next night! Oh, joy!

Good news: I’m still looking…

DYK: In MLB, prior to 1888, wild pitches, walks and passed balls counted as errors?

As of today, only two National League players have a batting average higher than .300. The lowest batting average ever by a player who captured the NL crown was .313 by Tony Gwynn in 1988. The lowest average by a player who won his league’s batting title was .301 by Yaz in 1968. That year was also dubbed “The Year of the Pitcher.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the birth rate in America has dropped to a historic low, decreasing by 3% since 2022. The rate has been on a steady decline since 2014, except for a brief 1% increase from 2020 to 2021. Experts say this drop-off could be caused by many factors — including a heightened focus on career goals, the cost of raising children, a priority on personal liberty and mental health, the fear of an uncertain future and growing fertility concerns. 

Pretty cool: Last week, I gave the Salem, NH little league team kudos here. This week, three 17-year-olds from Salem, NH each got a hole-in-one within weeks of each other. This week they are all trying out for the Salem High School golf team.

Back to the Olympics… Bonus trivia: A running race winner is determined by what body part crossing the finish line? – The forehead, the chest, the clavicle, the foot/toe, the knee, any part of the body

Article I’ll skip: Ben Alleck, Jennifer Lopez impending split teased long before cracks began to show.

Procaffeinating: The tendency not to do anything until you have coffee.

Trivia #1 answer: Last week marked the 55th anniversary of Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix was the last person to perform on day 4 of the concert, Monday. What time of day did Hendrix go on stage? – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6p.m., 9 p.m. – He went on at 9 a.m.
Trivia #2 answer: Who was Paavo Nurmi? – Nicknamed “The Flying Finn”, Nurmi of Finland ran a then (1923) world record mile in 4:10.4. The record would stand until 1931.
Trivia #3 answer: On August 23, 1993, the Braves Fred McGriff & David Justice became just the 6th teammates to accomplish what feat in the same game? – hit two triples apiece, hit back-to-back homeruns twice, hit for the cycle, strikeout 5 times, choke on their chew – The two hit back-to-back homeruns twice in the same game

Bonus trivia answer: A running race winner is determined by what body part crossing the finish line? – The forehead, the chest, the clavicle, the foot/toe, the knee, any part of the body – The clavicle

They said it: “He who dares not to offend cannot be honest.” – Thomas Paine

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Sponge Cake Day!

– Paul Simon (Me And Julio Down By The School Yard)

Friday, August 16, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (kinda)

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

Wife: While going through her wardrobe (all smiles), “look at this, it still fits after 25 years!”
Husband: “It’s a scarf!”

Trivia #1: What state’s motto is: Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere (We Dare Defend Our Rights)?
Trivia #2: What part of a knight’s armor protects the hands? – Hauberk, Gauntlet, Spaulder, Glove, Greaves
Trivia #3: What two teams had the best winning percentage (.500) against a team with Tom Brady starting at quarterback? Denver & San Fran, Denver & Kansas City, LA Rams and San Fran, Buffalo & Indianapolis, Philadelphia Kansas City, New Orleans, & Denver

On this date: August 16, 1858, Britain’s Queen Victoria telegraphs US President James Buchanan for 1st time by transatlantic telegraph cable, he replies “it is a triumph more glorious, because far more useful to mankind, than was ever won by conqueror on the field of battle.”
August 16, 1906, an 8.6 earthquake destroys Valparaiso Chile, fire kills 20,000.
August 16, 1965, American Football League’s 9th franchise is officially awarded to Joe Robbie and television star Danny Thomas; Miami Dolphins start play in AFL’s Eastern Division in 1966
August 16, 1974, American punk rock band “The Ramones” concert debut at CBGB’s in New York City

Go away: LeBron James (he’s been here before)

Don’t cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.

Monday’s 4.4 magnitude earthquake that jolted the Los Angeles area is part of a broader trend of increased seismic activity in Southern California that is likely to continue, according to the region’s leading seismologist. 2024 has had more earthquakes than any year since 1988. Since 1932, Southern California has averaged 10 to 12 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater per year.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The alphabet song has changed! The original song most of us grew up singing was set to a sing-song melody with pauses between “G,” “P,” “S,” “V” “X” and ended with “Y and Z.” The song closed with the line, “Now I know my ABCs, next time won’t you sing with me?” The newer version takes the same tune but restructures the phrasing, instead placing the pauses after “G,” “N,” “Q,” “T,” “W” and ending with “XYZ.” The closing lines are also different, now sung, “Now I never will forget, how to say the alphabet.” The reason for the change seems fairly apparent to the average listener. There is no more rushing through the mess that was “LMNOP,” which often came out sounding like nothing more than mush mouth. It also removes the “and” between Y and Z, eliminating another potential source of confusion. “Source of confusion??” Puh-lease!

Good news: Another year, another highly successful NESN Jimmy Fund Telethon. During this year’s event, pitcher Garrett Whitlock as named Jimmy Fund Captain, while NESN’s Tom Caron and former Red Sox Brock Holt were named Co-Chairmen. Brock Holt, a former Captain while with the Red Sox, has stayed involved ever since he left the organization.

The little league team from local Salem, NH was this close to pulling a huge upset over the team from Hawaii in the Little League World Series. They play again tomorrow (ESPN) in the double elimination tournament. And I’m not plugging them just because my cousin’s kid plays for them! He’s their shortstop.

So, the Red Sox make multiple deals at the trade deadline, most targeted at relief pitchers. They have been dreadful since. Case in point, Luis Garcia, since being traded, has appeared in 6 games, 6.2 innings pitched: 12.14 ERA, 1.95 WHIP, 1BB, 5K, 3HR. Dreadful. The Sox are 2.5 games out of a wildcard spot and spiraling downward, on the fast track.

Back to the Olympics… I don’t think I could walk end-to-end across a balance beam.

Olympic track & field is the best, in general, but table tennis (ping pong) is incredible to watch.

Thankfully, for me, my wife also enjoys watching women’s beach volleyball.

Sometimes, when your golf league gets rained out, it’s a drag. Other times, it’s a lot of fun!

Article I’ll skip: Country reports first case of highly infectious virus as outbreak spreads

R.I.P. This just in… Former President Jimmy Carter is still not dead.
R.I.P. Peter Marshall (98): Game show host for 16 years (more than 5,000 episodes) of “The Hollywood Squares.”
R.I.P. Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez (88) – World Golf Hall of Fame with 30 career victories between the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. He took as much pride in his Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater, Florida, that helped at-risk youth achieve academic, social and economic success. Rodriguez’s memory will live on at his Youth Foundation, which each year brings in 600 children from low-income families or broken homes to its municipal course to develop skills like responsibility and work ethic. His altruistic nature culminated in 1989 with the USGA’s highest honor, the Bob Jones Award, and later his acceptance into the World Humanitarian Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. Cool.

Remember Popeye? That guy was awesome!

Trivia #1 answer: What state’s motto is: Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere (We Dare Defend Our Rights)? – Alabama (Alabama’s state motto was inspired by the poem “In Imitation of Alcaeus” by Sir William Jones, specifically the lines “Men, who their duties know, / But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain.”)
Trivia #2 answer: What part of a knight’s armor protects the hands? – Hauberk, Gauntlet, Spaulder, Glove, Greaves – Gauntlet
Trivia #3: What two teams had the best winning percentage (.500) against a team with Tom Brady starting at quarterback? Denver & San Fran, Denver & Kansas City, LA Rams and San Fran, Buffalo & Indianapolis, Philadelphia Kansas City, New Orleans, & Denver – Denver & San Francisco

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Roller Coaster Day!

– The Contours (Do You Love Me)

Bonus (The Ramones)

Friday, August 9, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

The two unwritten Rules of Life:
1)
2)

Trivia #1: Who is Yusuf Dikec?
Trivia #2: How did the diesel engine get its name?
Trivia #3: On August 9, 1925, Babe Ruth was pinch hit for, the only time in his career, by Bobby Veach. What did Veach to in the at-bat?
Trivia #4: What does BAbip stand for in baseball terms?
Trivia #5: During a stretch where Jack Nicklaus played in The Open Championship in every year from 1963-1980. What was his worst finish? – 7th, T(ied)8th, 10th, T12, 15th, T16th, T22

On this date: August 9, 1173, construction of the Tower of Pisa begins. It takes two centuries to complete.
August 9, 1848, US Barnburners (anti-slavery) party merges with Free Soil Party nominating Martin van Buren for president.
August 9, 1905, Ty Cobb’s mother kills her husband mistaking him for a burglar. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)

Damn girl, are you a Prius? Because you’re giving me no sounds or indications that you’re turned on right now.

The Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers last night. My quick, unknowledgeable take on the game? The Panthers stink.

“Breaking” is an Olympic sport? I’m confused and don’t consider it a sport. Then again, many people think car racing is a sport too. Are they going to introduce the “Tango” as a sport in future Olympics? I may be joking but, really. And while we’re at it, what about body surfing???

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Over the last few years, Delta Air Lines has embraced the diversity, equity and inclusion agenda under the purview of a chief officer who believes that the phrase “ladies and gentlemen” isn’t inclusive. 

Good news: The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman was moved to tears when he was given a standing ovation before his first at-bat after a nine-day absence due to his son, Maximus, being diagnosed with a rare neurological illness. Touching.

The Chicago White Sox finally won a game, ending their 21-game, record tying losing streak. Their manager has been fired and they stand at 28-89, in line to challenge the ’62 Mets’ modern-era record of 120 losses in a season.

Where is the fun?

Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun, but mama, that’s where the fun is.

Stop complaining: Re: Debby

Speaking of the Patriots… I can only assume Bailey Zappe got so much playing time last night was to showcase him as trade bait? What else?

Speaking of Jerod Mayo, after last night, it had been 24 years, 7 months and 7 days since someone other than Bill Belichick coached the New England Patriots.

You’ve’ all heard it before, don’t drink the water! A dream vacation turned into a nearly fatal nightmare after two Oklahoma State University students were allegedly poisoned after ordering water from a poolside bar at a Cancun resort.

The Pirates’ Aroldis Chapman is 36-years-old. The other night he struck out Manny Machado on a 104.7 mph fastball, after throwing 105.1 mph fastball earlier in the at-bat.

Headline of the week: Fugitive on the run for 35 years finally captured across the country after car chase. (“On the run for35 years?” Who is this guy, Forrest Gump?!)

Speaking of the Olympics… though the US has only one more gold medal than the next country, China, they do have 30 more overall medals. Dominance!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The Red Sox have the 5th easiest remaining “strength of schedule” in the AL.

Article I’ll skip: Study finds consumption of everyday item could pose increased heart attack risk.

R.I.P. This just in… Former President Jimmy Carter is still not dead.

DYK, Billy Bean died last week. He was MLB’s Sr. Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. He was NOT Billy Beane (note the “e” at the end), former GM for the Oakland Athletics and the man behind Moneyball. Well, I didn’t know that…

Remember the good ‘ole ice cream truck? I mean, there was nothing like the 25-cent, two-ball screwball!

Trivia #1 answer: Who is Yusuf Dikec? – He is a 51-year-old Turkish, silver medal-winning pistol shooter. He wears no visor or blinders, as other shooters do, and simply has one hand in his pocket when he shoots. He is a social media sensation. Dude!
Trivia #2 answer: How did the diesel engine get its name? – It was patented by Rudolph Diesel in 1898
Trivia #3 answer: On August 9, 1925, Babe Ruth was pinch hit for, the only time in his career, by Bobby Veach. What did Veach to in the at-bat? – He flied out (boring answer, yes)
Trivia #4 answer: What does BAbip stand for in baseball terms? – Batting average for balls put in play. I’m sure some little dweeb from MIT came up with that stat.
Trivia #5 answer: During a stretch where Jack Nicklaus played in The Open Championship in every year from 1963-1980. What was his worst finish? – 7th, T(ied)8th, 10th, T12, 15th, T16th, T22 – T12th (1965)

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Rice Pudding Day!

– Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (Blinded by the Light)

Friday, August 2, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (Early tee time)

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

It amazes me how much exercise and extra fries sound alike.

Trivia #1: Where is Leiden University’s main campus? – United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Austria, United Kingdom, Lawrence
Trivia #2: Who is Stefani Joanne Andelina Germanotta?
Trivia #3: What percentage of kickoffs in the NFL were returned last season? – 9.9%, 11.3%, 18.6%, 21.8%, 3.6%, 28.5%, 33%

On this date: August 2, 1581, Leiden University names Rudolph Snellius as math professor
August 2, 1776, formal signing of the US Declaration of Independence by 56 people (date most accepted by modern historians)
August 2, 1865, Louis Carroll publishes the children’s novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”
August 2, 2012, American swimmer Michael Phelps wins an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal in the 200m individual medley at the London Olympics

I starting a dating site for chickens. It’s not my day job but it does make hens meet.

They said it: “This will be a symbol of hope for all refugees in the world, and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis. It is also a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society.” – IOC         President Thomas Bach on the Refugee Olympic Team

Good news: Many, many “firsts” in the Paris Olympic Games in terms of medals won. Pretty cool.

Good news, part deux: The US leads in Olympic medals won, so far.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif advanced to the women’s 66kg quarterfinals after Khelif’s opponent forfeited just 46 seconds into the match. Khelif fought Italian boxer Angela Carini, who said she decided to take the loss after getting punched harder than she had ever been punched in her career. Khelif is under fire for having previously been deemed to have XY chromosomes; the Algerian fighter was banned from last year’s IBA World Championships for failing to meet gender requirements.

Sailing, you’re doing it wrong: A lack of wind caused the men’s skiff final race to be abandoned on Thursday at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Stop complaining: It’s hotter than a hooker’s doorknob on nickel night. Go ahead and complain!

“I’m just twenty-two and I don’t mind dying”

The Red Sox made some moves… useless moves.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: August 2, 1581 – Leiden University names Rudolph Snellius as math professor

The NFL preseason began last night. Yikes!

Article I’ll skip: Richard Simmons’ family sets the record straight in scathing statement aimed at Pauly Shore

R.I.P. This just in… Former President Jimmy Carter is still NOT dead.

Trivia #1 answer: Where is Leiden University’s main campus? – United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Austria, United Kingdom – Netherlands
Trivia #2 answer: Who is Stefani Joanne Andelina Germanotta? – Lady Gaga
Trivia #3 answer: What percentage of kickoffs in the NFL were returned last season? – 9.9%, 11.3%, 18.6%, 21.8%, 3.6%, 28.5%, 33% – 21.8% of kickoffs were returned

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Ice Cream Sandwich Day!

The Black Eyed Peas can sing us a tune but the chick peas can only hummus   one.

“Never thought about tomorrow
Seemed like a long time to come
How could I be so blind, baby
Not to see you were the one”

– J. Geils Band (Must Of Got Lost)

Be patient, the music starts eventually…

Friday, July 26, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I’m back!)

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

Don’t be sad because “sad” backwards is “das” and das not good.

Trivia #1: Of Joe Castiglione’s broadcast partners over his career, which one did he work with the longest? – Ken Coleman, Johnny Pesky, Bob Starr, Jerry Trupiano, Dave O’Brien, Tim Neverett, Will Flemming, Sean McDonough
Trivia #2: Before Joe DiMaggio’s record 56-game hitting streak in the big leagues, he had record hitting streak in the Pacific Coast League. How long was that streak? – 45 games, 49, 53, 56, 59, 61
Trivia #3: What is the GPGP?

On this date: July 26, 1524, James V was declared fit to govern by the Scottish Parliament at age 12
July 26, 1776, the US Continental Congress creates United States Post Office (U.S.P.O.) in Philadelphia under Benjamin Franklin
July 26, 1947, US President Truman signs National Security Act, establishing Department of Defense, National Security Council and Joint Chiefs of Staff

Did you happen to catch Big Papi rubbing Adrian Beltre’s head during Beltre’s HOF induction? Hilarious!

They said it: “It is foolish to be convinced without evidence, but it is equally foolish to refuse to be convinced by real evidence.” – Upton Sinclair

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The XQ-67A, a sleek unmanned aircraft, soared into the sky for the first time, giving us a glimpse into the future of aerial combat and reconnaissance. The XQ-67A is what’s known as a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle. This aircraft is packed with cutting-edge technology that allows it to fly without a human pilot on board. Instead, it can be controlled remotely or even fly on its own, making decisions based on its programming and the data it collects.

The sky is falling, the world is flat and the United States is converting to the metric system someday.

Really, WTF is a kilometer?

Another WTF: Yoga goats. Please, people…

Shohei Ohtani hit a 473 ft homerun. That’s wicked far.

Speaking of baseball, if you bet the under (27 runs) in Wednesday night’s Red Sox/Rockies game… you lost!

Stop complaining: With so many people battling and being diagnosed with cancer of some other disease, if it ain’t you, shut up.

BetMGM has already taken as many bets for the first half of the 2024 season as we did for all of 2023.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Salt Lake City to host 2034 Winter Olympics. (I don’t care who hosts as long as I’m around to see them!)

Congratulations to Red Sox broadcaster Joe Castiglione as the 2024 recipient of MLB’s Ford C. Frick Award as an outstanding broadcaster. What class act he is!

Pickleball is booming in popularity and more courts are popping up in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Some homeowners say they’re frustrated with the noise, and want something done. At least 26 communities across Massachusetts are dealing with the incessant racket. It is estimated you can hear a ball hit someone’s racket 80,000 times a day.

I need to throw a shout-out to National Grid for notifying me of the power outage at my house 14 minutes after I called it in. Thanks, guys.

Good news: The beloved game show host Alex Trebek will live on forever after being honored by the United States Postal Service (USPS) with his very own “Forever Stamp.” – “Good” news? I don’t know, cool guy, cool gesture.

Article I’ll skip: Fauci dismisses concerns over former President Trump’s gunshot wound.

R.I.P. This just in… Former President Jimmy Carter is NOT dead.

Trivia #1 answer: Of Joe Castiglione’s broadcast partners over his career, which one did he work with the longest? – Ken Coleman, Johnny Pesky, Bob Starr, Jerry Trupiano, Dave O’Brien, Tim Neverett, Will Flemming, Sean McDonough – Jerry Trupiano (15 years)
Trivia #2: Before Joe DiMaggio’s record 56-game hitting streak in the big leagues, he had record hitting streak in the Pacific Coast League. How long was that streak? – 45 games, 49, 53, 56, 59, 61 – 61 games (breaking the previous record of 49 games by Jack Ness)
Trivia #3 answer: What is the GPGP? – The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world and is located between Hawaii and California. Scientists of The Ocean Cleanup have conducted the most extensive analysis ever of this area.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National All or Nothing Day! (Have at it!)

My step counter reads zero. Bullshit! I’ve at least gone from the couch to the refrigerator three times.

“Every day when I get home from work
I feel so frustrated
The boss is a jerk
And I get my sticks and go out to the shed
And I pound on that drum like it was the boss’s head”

– Todd Rundgren (Bang the Drum All Day) – For all you working folk

I’m back! (In Black)

Friday, July 19, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I’m still away. This ain’t easy)

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

Pro tip: Adopt a retired drug dog to find fun friends at parties.

Trivia #1: Which of the following Red Sox players were NOT an All-star game MVP? – Mo Vaughn, Roger Clemens, Carl Yastrzemski, J.D. Drew, Jarred Duran, Mike Greenwell, Pedro Martinez
Trivia #2: On July 19, 1920, Babe Ruth hit a homerun, breaking his own single season record. He went on to hit 54 that season. What was the single season record after the 1919 season? – 29, 35, 39, 41, 46, 49
Trivia #3: In the famous “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry in 1977 between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, which player had the 36-hole lead? – Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Roger Maltbie, Hale Irwin, Peter Oosterhuis, Dane Hubbard
Trivia #4: Who is Travis Bazzana?

On this date: July 19, 1545, King Henry’s VIII flagship Mary Rose sinks at Portsmouth; 73 die.
July 19, 1692, 5 more people are hanged for witchcraft (19 in all) in Salem, Massachusetts
July 19, 1940, Adolf Hitler orders Great Britain to surrender – they decline

Ads have been promoting new feminine deodorants, even for down there. Who do they have taste testing this stuff? Who??

They said it: “Don’t just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything. The value of an education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think.” – Comedian George Carlin

Incognito, you’re doing it wrong. A man was arrested on Monday just blocks from Fiserv Forum where the Republican National Convention is being held in Milwaukee. Homeland Security Investigators and Capitol Police were conducting surveillance near the RNC perimeter when they noticed a suspicious man approaching. He was wearing a ski mask and carrying a tactical bag. Inside the bag, police found the gun and a full magazine.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Major US airlines ordered ground stops this morning citing communications issues, while other carriers, media companies, banks and telecoms firms around the world also reported system outages were disrupting their operations. Microsoft has said it has resolved the cloud-services outage that was blamed for disrupting flights and banks. 

Stop complaining: You got up this morning and you’re reading this, correct?

Good news: Scientists at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota say they have identified a new type of memory loss. Limbic-predominant amnestic neurodegenerative syndrome, or LANS, affects the brain’s limbic system, which helps to regulate emotions and behavior. The syndrome is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease, but doesn’t progress as quickly and has a better prognosis. “This paper is putting our clinical expertise into a precise framework that others can use to care for their patients,” says a Mayo Clinic press release.

Article I’ll skip: UFC’s Dana White sounds alarm at what’s at stake in upcoming presidential election

R.I.P. George Robert “Bob” Newhart (94) – The actor was known for his hit sitcom, “The Bob Newhart Show,” in the ’70s. Newhart went on to have two additional shows named after him, “Newhart” and “Bob.” His groundbreaking work in stand-up and television – and his beloved deadpan delivery – have left an indelible mark on the art form of comedy and will be treasured by comedy fans for generations to come.

Trivia #1 answer: Which of the following Red Sox players were NOT an All-star game MVP? – Mo Vaughn, Roger Clemens, Carl Yastrzemski, J.D. Drew, Jarred Duran, Mike Greenwell, Pedro Martinez – Mo Vaughn and Mike Greenwell
Trivia #2 answer: On July 19, 1920, Babe Ruth hit a homerun, breaking his own single season record. He went on to hit 54 the season. What was the single season record after the 1919 season? – 29, 35, 39, 41, 46, 49 – 29 homeruns
Trivia #3 answer: In the famous “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry in 1977 between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, which player had the 36-hole lead? – Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Roger Maltbie, Hale Irwin, Peter Oosterhuis – Roger Maltbie
Trivia #4 answer: Who is Travis Bazzana? – Travis is the first Australian-born No. 1 pick in the MLB draft. Interesting, he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians, who were making their first-ever No. 1 selection.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Play Day! (Have at it!)

Here’s a little song I wrote called… Where In the Hell Did My Weekend Go

“Block off the streets and houses
Because there’s something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution’s here”

– Thunderclap Newman (Something In The Air)

Bonus!

Friday, July 12, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I’m away. This ain’t easy)

If you feel useless today, remember, some people work as lifeguards at Olympic swimming events.

Trivia #1: Approximately how many earths could fit inside the sun? – 150,000, 300,000, 770,000, 1,000,000, 1,300,000, 1,500,000, 2,000,000
Trivia #2: What third two basemen are tied for the most All-star game starts? How many?

On this date: July 12, 1441, King Alfonzo V of Aragon becomes king of Naples
July 12, 1804, Former United States Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton dies after being shot in a pistol duel the previous day by Vice President Aaron Burr
July 12, 1940, Frederick McKinley Jones receives a patent for an air conditioning unit for trucks, helping to change long-haul carriage of food and blood
July 12, 1979, “Disco Demolition Night” at Comiskey Park: Fans go wild destroying disco records and cause the White Sox to forfeit second game of a doubleheader to the Detroit Tigers

Go away: Karen Read

There is an ice cream stand just down the street from me with an ATM. Gimme the extra scoop!

They said it: “You are the trailer park, I am the tornado.” – Beth Dunn from Yellowstone

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: 33 people were shot across the nation in July 4th shootings

Stop complaining: Ya, Beryl again…

Cincinnati rookie Rece Hinds became the first player in MLB to have at least 5 extra base hits in his first two games in the big leagues. I’m not a big fan of “StatCast” stuff but… he is also the first player of the StatCast era to hit each of his first two career homeruns at least 445 feet.

Speaking of StatCast, the relatively new baseball term “knock” irritates the shit out of me. It’s a hit, OK!!!

A walk in the park, you’re doing it wrong. A 27-year-old man was found in Riverfront State Park in Lawrence, MA with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Good news: Well, for me. Our Boston Red Sox are now 10 games over .500 after sweeping the Oakland A’s, in this season of astonishment.

Speaking of the Celtics, you have to love what they are doing in keeping their championship team together. Really.

Article I’ll skip: Man accused of decapitating elderly parents, dog at mobile home park

Don’t look now but the S&P index topped 5,600 this past week. Yes, your portfolios are up.

I know, I know, but hear me out. In his first 390 career at-bats, Mookie Betts – 10 HR, 43 RBI, 14 SB. In his first 390 at-bats, Red Sox rookie Ceddanne Rafaela – 13 HR, 55 RBI, 14SB

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On July 12, 1441, King Alfonzo V of Aragon became king of Naples.

Trivia #1 answer: Approximately how many earths could fit inside the sun? – 150,000, 300,000, 770,000, 1,000,000, 1,300,000, 1,500,000, 2,000,000 – 1.3 million (useless info also)
Trivia #2 answer: What third two basemen are tied for the most All-star game starts? How many? – You probably got one. Brooks Robinson and Wade Boggs each had 11.

You can’t replace time.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National French Fry Day!

Unless you can rock a mustache, you can’t. Take a good look at yourself.

“I see a woman in the night
With a baby in her hand
Under an old street light
Near a garbage can
Now she puts the kid away,
And she’s gone to get a hit
She hates her life,
And what she’s done with it
There’s one more kid
That will never go to school
Never get to fall in love,
Never get to be cool.”

– Neil Young (Rockin’ In The Free World))

Friday, July 5, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

A King and a Queen walk into a bar and both order drinks. The bartender says, “I can’t serve you, you’re not 21.”

Trivia #1: For you Bostonians, why is the ‘Hatch Shell’ called the ‘Hatch Shell’?
Trivia #2: Who was the first MLB player to have is uniform number retired by his team? Bonus: What was his number?
Trivia #3: What was Lou Gehrig’s full name?
Trivia #4: The Red Sox’ Jared Duran just became the first American League player in history to record all of the following before the All-star break: 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 homeruns and 20 stolen bases. Who is the only National League player to accomplish the same feat? – Stan Musial, Jose Reyes, Ron Acuna Jr., Chipper Jones, Ricky Henderson, Tim Raines
Trivia #5: What do Bernie Madoff and Bobby Bonilla have in common?

On this date: July 5, 1865, US Secret Service begins operating under the Treasury Department
July 5, 1891, hail kills 16 horses in Rapid City, South Dakota
July 5, 1950, US forces enter combat in the Korean War for the first time, in the battle of Osan
July 5, 1994, Amazon.com founded in Bellevue, Washington by Jeff Bezos

I don’t know about you, but to me the Fourth of July just wasn’t the same without Joey Chestnut. Since he was barred from the Coney Island competition, Chestnut took his talents to Fort Bliss, Texas, for his Fourth of July Feast and competed against Army soldiers. In just five minutes, Chestnut ate 57 hot dogs and buns, outdoing four competitors combined, who tallied 49 hot dogs and buns in total.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: More bad news is on the horizon for Florida homeowners. On top of insurers pulling out of the state altogether, Florida’s state-created Citizen’s Property Insurance just voted to raise rate by 14% across the state.

Stop complaining: Unless you’re in Beryl’s path

Good news: We live in the greatest country in the world. I hope you celebrated that yesterday.

My wife bought me toe nail clippers. Romantic, I know. The package read “for men.” Huh? Riddle me this. Do women not clip their toenails or… are their toenails such that they need differently designed clippers? Stuff like this keeps me up at night.

Article I’ll skip: ‘Yellowstone’ star Lainey Wilson says being an American “means everything to me.” (I mean, good for her, but I ain’t reading)

Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

Trivia #1 answer: Why is the Hatch Shell called the Hatch Shell? – The Charles River Esplanade went through a vast expansion beginning in 1928, which widened and lengthened the park land. It was during this expansion that the first lagoon was built, as well as the Music Oval, where a temporary concert shell was placed. The summer of 1929 was the first year Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops performed on the Esplanade. In 1941, the construction of the new music shell took place with a $300,000 trust, donated by benefactor Maria Hatch, to build a memorial for her late brother, Edward.
Trivia #2 answer: Who was the first MLB player to have his uniform number retired by his team? What was his number? – Lou Gehrig (#4)
Trivia #3 answer: What was Lou Gehrig’s full name? – Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig Jr. (If you got this correct, I’ll buy you a drink)
Trivia #4 answer: The Red Sox’ Jared Duran just became the first American League player in history to record all of the following before the All-star break: 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 homeruns and 20 stolen bases. Who is the only National League player to accomplish the same feat? – Stan Musial, Jose Reyes, Ron Acuna Jr., Chipper Jones, Ricky Henderson, Tim Raines – Jose Reyes in 2008.
Trivia #5: What do Bernie Madoff and Bobby Bonilla have in common? – In 2000, the Mets agreed to buy out the remaining $5.9 million on Bobby Bonilla’s contract. However, instead of paying Bonilla the $5.9 million at the time, the Mets agreed to make annual payments of nearly $1.2 million for 25 years starting July 1, 2011, including a negotiated 8% interest. At the time, Mets ownership was invested in a Bernie Madoff account that promised double-digit returns, and the Mets were poised to make a significant profit if the Madoff account delivered — but that did not work out. Happy Bobby Bonilla Day (July 1).

Don’t let the old man in.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Workaholics Day! (You know who you are)

Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain.

“Boy you sure took me for one big ride
And even now I sit and wonder why
That’s when I think of you
I stop myself from crying
I just can’t waste my time
I must keep trying
I’ve got to stop believing in all your lies
‘Cause there’s too much to do before I die”

– Joe Cocker (Fellin’ Alright)

July 4th (Ok, 5th) Bonus

Friday, June 28, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Remember: When you bury a body, cover it with endangered plants so it’s illegal to dig it up. Follow me for more gardening tips.

Trivia #1: Who is Zaccharie Risacher?
Trivia #2: Who is the shortest MLB player to hit 3 homeruns in a game? Hint: He only hit 41 homeruns in his career.

On this date: June 28, 1846 – The saxophone is patented by Antoine-Joseph “Adolfe” Sax
June 28, 1919 – The Treaty of Versailles is signed in France, ending World War I and establishing the League of Nations
June 28, 1957 – Reds’ fans stuff ballot box, electing 8 Reds as All-Star starters. Commissioner Ford Frick overrules and names Stan Musial, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron to the team as starters.

The Stanley Cup Final Game 7 outdrew any NBA Finals or World Series game in the past five years.

Local congratulations to the Haverhill High School Athletic Department and its student-athletes. 1 Team State Championship, 1 Regional Championship, 9 Individual State Champions, 8 MVC (Conference) Team Championships, 14 Individual MVC Champions, 4 MVC Coaches of the Year, 6 MVC Players of the Year, 105 All-Conference Selections. Go Hillies!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: An artificial intelligence generated version of Al Michaels’ voice will be used for Olympic recaps. The AI-powered voice of Michaels will narrate Olympic video highlights for the company’s streaming platform.

Good news: As a country, through lots of hard work from clinicians, patients and organizations like the American Heart Association, mortality from heart disease has been reduced by more than 50% in recent years.

Bad news: Heart disease has been the world’s No. 1 killer for over a century and a report this month from the American Heart Association (AHA) predicts that at least six in 10 U.S. adults could experience cardiovascular disease within the next 30 years. The last decade has seen a surge of cardiovascular risk factors, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, each of which raises the risks of developing heart disease and stroke. As a result, total cardiovascular disease is predicted to rise from 11.3% to 15.0% between 2020 and 2050.

Last week, the music industry trade publication ‘Hits’ reported that Sony had emerged triumphant in a battle with other recording giants to claim ownership of Queen’s catalog for $1.2B.

Back to Willie Mays, mentioned last week. Here’s some numbers:
100 Homeruns / 100 Stolen Bases: 48 players in MLB history
150 HR / 150 SB: 15
200 HR / 200 SB: 8
250 HR / 250 SB: 2
300 HR / 300 SB: Only Willie Mays
400 HR / 300 SB: Only Willie Mays
500 HR / 300 SB: Only Willie Mays
600 HR / 300 SB: Only Willie Mays

Article I’ll skip: Reddit user seeks advice after sister insists on bringing her ‘demon’ dog

Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender yelled “last call!”

Trivia #1 answer: Who is Zaccharie Risacher? – Risacher, from France, was the No. 1 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in this past week’s NBA draft
Trivia #2: Who is the shortest MLB player to hit 3 homeruns in a game? Hint: He only hit 41 homeruns in his career. – Freddie Patek, at 5’5”, hit three homeruns at Fenway Park on June 20, 1980.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Paul Bunyan Day!

Not all who wander are lost.

“Buddy you’re an old man poor man
Pleadin’ with your eyes gonna make you some peace some day
You got mud on your face
Big disgrace
Somebody better put you back into your place”

– Queen (We Will Rock You)

Friday, June 21, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I forgot my power cord up north here and aren’t very good at this on my phone)

It’s a 5-minute walk from my house to the pub. It’s a 35-minute walk from the pub to my house. The difference is staggering!

Trivia #1: The shortest player ever in the NBA (Muggsy Bogues) was how tall/short? – 4’11”, 5’3”, 5’5”, 5’8”, 5’10”

The Celtics have won the World Championship, banner #18! Don’t expect them to apologize because the playoffs were often a downer due to all the injuries up and down the conference. Not after all of the championship-or-bust pressure that had been thrust upon them. Not after going 64-18 winning the East by 14 games, finishing 80-21 and holding the high-powered Dallas Mavericks under 100 points in four of the five NBA Finals games.

Speaking of the Celtics, I’ve been wearing baseball caps backwards since I was about 13-years-old, but can’t get out of my head the image of Dallas coach Jason Kidd giving speech after speech to the Mavericks’ team with his cap on backwards. How do you look at, and respect, a coach who looks like a 13-year-old?

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Quick, efficient and with a bird’s-eye view of any scene, more police departments are embracing the use of drones to carry out law enforcement work, with some cities now even using them to respond to 911 calls.

Article I’ll skip: Taylor Swift’s favorite menu item, according to restaurant owner who saw her monthly.

Speaking of the Celtics, they last won the NBA Championship on June 17, 2008, after winning this past week on June 17, 2024 – 6/17 – the area code for Boston (617). Whoa!!!

R.I.P. Willie Howard Mays (94) – Considered one of the best all-around player in MLB history. Mays played 21 seasons with the San Francisco Giants and the Mets, batted over .300 10 times en route to a .302 career average, 3,283 hits. He was MVP in 1954 and 1965, a 24-time all-star and won 12 Gold Gloves. He led the league in homeruns four times, stolen bases four times, slugging percentage five times, total bases three time and triples three times. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.
R.I.P. Donald Sutherland (88) – Canadian actor whose career spanned more than half a century from “M.A.S.H.” through “The Hunger Games”, appearing in nearly 200 films and series. He received an Emmy in 1995, two Golden Globe awards and an honorary Oscar in 2017. His breakthrough was “The Dirty Dozen”, then the 1970 “Kelly’s Heroes (one of my all-time favorites) and then “M.A.S.H” which catapulted his career.

Trivia #1 answer: The shortest player ever in the NBA (Muggsy Bogues was how tall/short? – 4’11”, 5’3”, 5’5”, 5’8”, 5’10” – He was 5’3”

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Wagyu Day!

The three stages of life: Birth, WTF is this, Death.

“In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers we’ll be there and laughing too
Twenty-four before my love you’ll see I’ll be there with you”

– Yes (Roundabout))