Author: fasted86

Briefly. (I had my fantasy football draft last night. “I’m kinda tired”, as Forrest would say)

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

Two days ago, I accidently passed my wife a glue stick instead of a Chap Stick. She’s still not talking to me.

Trivia #1: Jeff Driskel is the third string quarterback for which NFL team?
Trivia #2: Who is Khari Blasingame?
Trivia #3: In what city was the first lighthouse in North America built? Bonus: What year? – 1668, 1700, 1716, 1742, 1772, 1802
Trivia #4: Who recorded the guitar tracks for George Harrison’s Beatles song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps?” – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Peter Ham, Duane Allman, George Harrison

On this date: September 6, 1522, Ferdinand Magellan’s Spanish expedition, now led by Juan Sebastian Elcano, returns to Seville without their captain after a three-year epic voyage, becoming the first to circumnavigate the globe.
September 6, 1899, Carnation processes its first can of evaporated milk.
September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. plays in his 2,131 straight game breaking Lou Gehrig’s record.

Go away: Nick Saban. While I think he did a pretty good job last Saturday as a college football analyst, his predictions were terrible. Plus, I don’t like him!

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97. Make that 31-104! Make that 32-109.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A Navy veteran in California has been entertaining the local community with his creative bubble performances for over 10 years. But Sandy Snakenberg, known as the “Bubble Pirate,” was donning his pirate costume and performing his usual bubble show at La Jolla Cove in San Diego last week when he was issued a ticket by park officials. The ticket alleges that Snakenberg, 63, violated San Diego’s municipal code against littering due to the fluid from his bubbles.

It’s football season! While college football is in full swing, the NFL kicked off yesterday. Not a bad game last night as KC knocked off Baltimore, by a toe!

Article I’ll skip: Taylor Swift, Brittany Mahomes sit separately at game amid Trump support controversy. (Get ready, it’s football season and Taylor is back on your television.)

I don’t always do the wrong thing, but when I do, it’s the wrongiest of all the wrongs that ever wronged.

Good news: Thermal drone footage shows the rescue of a 3-year-old who became lost after he had wandered into a 100-acre corn field alone and at night in Alto, Wisconsin. The video begins with the drone surveying the large expanse of the cornfield of 6-foot-tall corn stalks. The thermal image makes the rows of corn appear as a textured black and white image. At around 9:30 p.m., a bright white shape appears to move through the corn, breaking up the monotonous pattern they form in the frame. It’s the toddler!

R.I.P. Johnny (31) and brother, Matt (29) Gaudreau. Both professional hockey players were killed when cycling and hit by a car. Carneys Point, New Jersey, natives and were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding that was scheduled for last Friday in Philadelphia. Ouch.
R.I.P. Thomas “Tommy” Gagne (68), after a 6 ½ year battle with cancer. As his obituary reads: “Throughout his life, Tom made a significant impact, whether through his business endeavors, being a friend to all or his recent role these past 6 and a half years as an advocate for early cancer detection, reminding people to get their butts checked!” Father of three, “Grank” of 8 grandkids, loving husband and friend. Tommy impacted countless lives with his generosity, kindness, humor and love.

Trivia #1 answer: Jeff Driskel is the third string quarterback for which NFL team? – The Washington Redskins
Trivia #2 answer: Who is Khari Blasingame? – Blasingame is currently listed as the 5^th string running back in the Chicago Bears’ offense. Last year Khari rushed 8 times for 26 yards and caught 3 of 6 passes for 2 yards.
Trivia #3 answer: In what city was the first lighthouse in North America built? Bonus: What year? – 1668, 1700, 1716, 1742, 1772, 1802 – It was built in Boston in 1716
Trivia #4 answer: Who recorded the guitar tracks for George Harrison’s Beatles song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps?” – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Peter Ham, Duane Allman, George Harrison – Eric Clapton

I like red cabbage in my salads. It gives it an extra “crunch” factor.

I’ll be on the bar this afternoon and would love to serve you.

“He put two and two together…” What the heck does that mean? I mean, two and two is four, right?

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Coffee Ice Cream Day!

“Dear Mister Fantasy, play us a tune
Something to make us all happy
Do anything, take us out of this gloom
Sing a song, play guitar, make it snappy”

Traffic (Dear Mr. Fantasy)

Another long one. Just put it on, turn it up and find something to do!

Briefly. (Enjoy your long weekend. Remember, summer ain’t over until you say it is!)

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

I don’t understand why banks get upset when you can’t repay a loan. You already knew I had no money when I came to borrow it!

Trivia #1: Aaron Judge is just the 5^th player in MLB history with 50+ homeruns in a season. Which two of the following are not in the group? – Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire
Trivia #2: What quarterback has the most passing yards on opening day? – Tua Tagovailoa, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Dan Marino, Mark Rypien
Trivia #3: What has 4 letters, sometimes 9 letters, but never has 5 letters?
Trivia #4: What team had the best regular season record in the NFL last season at 13-4? – Buffalo, Baltimore, San Francisco, Kansas City, Dallas, Detroit

On this date: August 30, 1862, Second Battle of Bull Run in Manassas, Virginia, ends with a Confederate victory over Union forces
August 30, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the first U.S. law requiring inspection of meat products.
August 30, 1972, Slalom canoeing is introduced at the Munich Olympics with East Germany winning all 4 events. Hmmm
August 30, 1979, 1st recorded occurrence of a comet hitting the sun, releases energy equal to one million hydrogen bombs. Chew on that for a minute.
August 30, 1993, Billy Joel performs on the debut of “The David Letterman Show”

Speaking of chewing on something for a minute… The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is looking to become the first player ever hitting 50+ homeruns and stealing 50+ bases in a season. How can you not root for that! (Well, he is a Dodger I guess…)

Meanwhile, back in Boston… the Red Sox’ Jarren Duran Duran became the first player eva with >=40 doubles, >=10 triples, >=20 homeruns and >=30 stolen bases in a single season.

Oh ya, the Patriots. Jacoby Brissett will be your starting quarterback a week from Sunday against the Cincinnati Bungals. The Pats are currently 9 ½ underdogs.

Go away: Dallas Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97. Make that 31-104!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse:

Chris Sale has now thrown more innings this year than he did in his last 4 years combined for the Red Sox. Wowza!

Don’t look now but tennis is going on…

It’s football season!

Poor guy: Last weekend, the PGA’s Thomas Detry tied for 31^st place and did not qualify for this weekend’s championship. In doing so he won $142,500.

I really like baked beans.

Article I’ll skip: Late fitness guru Richard Simmons’ toxicology report released

Silly putty implies the existence of serious putty.

Trivia #1 answer: Aaron Judge is just the 5^th player in MLB history with 50+ homeruns in a season. Which two of the following are not in the group? – Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire – Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr.
Trivia #2 answer: What quarterback has the most passing yards on opening day? – Tua Tagovailoa, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Dan Marino, Mark Rypien – Tom Brady (517 yards) against the Dolphins in 2011
Trivia #3 answer: What has 4 letters, sometimes 9 letters, but never has 5 letters? – Correct!
Trivia #4 answer: What team had the best regular season record in the NFL last season at 13-4? – Buffalo, Baltimore, San Francisco, Kansas City, Dallas, Detroit – Baltimore

Coke or Pepsi? I’m a Coke guy, every day!

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Beach Day!

“You had to have the last word, last night
You’re so much fun to be around
You had to have the front page, bold type
You had to be a big shot last night”

– Billy Joel (Big Shot)

Totally random bonus track!

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 55^th 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 6^th 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 55^th 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 6^th 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)

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)

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? – 7^th, T(ied)8^th, 10^th, T12, 15^th, 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 5^th 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? – 7^th, T(ied)8^th, 10^th, T12, 15^th, 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)