Blog

Briefly. (Hmmm)

Customer, older gentleman, at the pharmacy: “I have a few questions about my prescriptions. One pill makes me larger and one pill makes me small, and the ones you gave me last week don’t do anything at all.”
Pharmacist: “Go ask Alice.”

Trivia #1: Four former Celtics have one the NBA 3-point contest, two of them while with the Celtics and two while with other teams. Name them.
Trivia #2: Who received a then record 17 curtain calls at a performance at New York’s Metropolitan Opera? (not sure whether the record has been broken since)
Trivia #3: Who was the first man in PGA history to shoot nine under par for nine holes in a PGA tournament?

Just let me hear some screamin’ guitar.

Yesterday/ last night, Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy were grouped together and each birdied their final hole. Very cool. How is Tiger playing? He birdied the final three holes and outdrove big-hitter McIlroy on the 18. Great theater!

On this day: Frenchman Jean Claude-Killy completes a clean sweep of the alpine skiing events at the Grenoble Winter Olympics when he wins the slalom; also takes out the downhill and giant slalom.

How about those maggot Philadelphia fans at the Super Bowl (I assume it was them) who booed rival Cowboy Dak Prescott when he was presented the NFL Man-of-the-Year award. Disgraceful!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Kourtney Kardashian has rolled out her latest vitamin called “Lemme Purr”. Said Kardashian’s Instagram post, “You know what they say…you are what you eat. We combined real pineapple and Vitamin C with the power of clinically-studied SNZ 1969™ probiotics to target vaginal health and pH levels that support freshness and taste.” Gynecologists and other women’s health experts promptly called out the reality television star and her new product and said the promises of the product were “purely misogynistic and anti-feminist.”

In a 4-game stretch last week, the Celtics made 81 3-pointers and 81 2-pointers. If I want to watch a 3-point contest, I’ll just tune in tomorrow night.

They said it: “Ever since I’ve been here, even as an assistant, I’ve always felt their support, I’ve always felt their communication, I’ve always felt their honesty.” – Joe Mazzulla, who had the “interim” tag removed and was named head coach of the Celtics.

Go away: Ime Udoka, former Celtics’ head coach suspended for banging two members of staff. Knucklehead.

BTW, the Celtics swept this year’s season series with Detroit. That is just nice to hear for those of us who remember the rivalry from the 80’s.

Are you ready for the XFL which kicks off tomorrow?

Congratulations to the Northeastern Huskies’ men’s hockey team, I guess, for winning the Beanpot championship 3-2 over Harvard… in a shootout. Under the new rules regarding overtime in the Beanpot, this was the first-ever shootout in the tournament’s history. In the eyes of the NCAA, both teams were credited with a tie. DOH!

There was an article out last Saturday about George Toma, otherwise known as the “God of Sod.” The 94-year-old had tended to every Super Bowl field over his career and announced that this year’s would be his last. Well, what a way to go out as players were slipping and sliding all over the State Farm Stadium on Sunday. The field was a disgrace! The Sodfather, meh.

New Mexico State fired first-year men’s basketball coach Greg Heiar on Tuesday, days after the school canceled the remainder of the Aggie’s season. Yet another casualty of hazing allegations across the country, all sports, all levels. Too bad.

Nettie’s House of Spaghetti in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, has decided to ban children under 10 from its restaurant citing noise levels, lack of space for high chairs and “crazy messes” kiddos sometimes leave behind. “We love kids, we really do!” said the restaurant’s social media accounts. Ya.

Ndamukong Suh (big punk in my book), had chosen Tampa Bay, the LA Rams and this year the Philadelphia Eagles as teams to sign with over the past few years. Each team went to the Super Bowl. An article I read questioned what his secret was. His secret!? This past season he signed with Philly after week 10 when the Eagles were 9-1 and then favored to win the Super Bowl. Secret my ass!

Stop complaining. Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, are continuing to speak out about the health effects they’re experiencing after toxic chemicals were released in their community in early February. A Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals such as vinyl chloride, benzene and butyl acrylate derailed, forcing officials to burn the roughly 20 cars to prevent a deadly explosion.

Good news: Michael Jordan donated $10M to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Man, that guy has given away a lot of money over the years to countless causes.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The Kansas City Chiefs are favorites (+575) to win the Super Bowl next season.

R.I.P. Raquel Welch (82) – The legendary bombshell actress of film, television and stage, in 1979 was named the most desired woman of the 70’s by Playboy magazine. (She was certainly on my list!)

Trivia #1 answer: Four former Celtics have one the NBA 3-point contest, two of them while with the Celtics and two while with other teams. Name them. – Larry Bird (1986-1988), Ray Allen (2001 with the Bucks), Paul Pierce (2010 – Celtics), Kyrie Irving (2013 with the Cavaliers)
Trivia #2: Who received a then record 17 curtain calls at a performance at New York’s Metropolitan Opera? (not sure whether the record has been broken since) – Luciano Pavarotti after his performance of “La fille du régiment”
Trivia #3: Who was the first man in PGA history to shoot nine under par for nine holes in a PGA tournament? – Billy Mayfair at the 2001 Buick Open

Those who like my posts are happier, more intelligent, and better-looking than those who don’t; according to a study I made up.

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

Happy National Cabbage Day!

“Purple Haze all around
Don’t know if I’m coming up or down
Am I happy or in misery
Whatever it is, that girl put a spell on me”

– Jimi Hendrix

Briefly.

Kids today are so open to experiencing culture. They’ll try anything, from chicken tenders at a Mexican restaurant to chicken tenders at a Mediterranean restaurant.

Trivia #1: What was the first year of the World Baseball Classic and which two of the following countries have never won a championship? – USA, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Japan, Dominican Republic
Trivia #2: What NBA player was recently traded twice on consecutive days?
Trivia #3: Who is credited with coining the term “Super Bowl?”
Trivia #4: The Philadelphia Eagles have never lost to which two teams?
Trivia #5: Who wrote the song, “Spirit in the Sky?”

Chris Stapleton, please don’t let me down. Just sing the damn song.

Good luck on all of your Super Bowl wagers. According to the American Gaming Association, a record 50.4 million Americans (20%) plan to bet an estimated $16 billion on the game – a 61% and 110% increase over 2022 respectively.

On this day: February 10, 1971, the Royal Albert Hall banned a scheduled concert featuring Frank Zappa as management was outraged over Zappa’s lyrics.

My guitar wants to kill your mama

Yes, LeBron James broke Kareem’s all-time scoring record. The next night, before the game, he was honored by the Lakers at halfcourt. LeBron was so touched that he sat out the game with an apparent ankle injury. Yes, the night after breaking the record. What a fraud!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: From a survey in our local newspaper: In December 2022, Oddspedia.com surveyed 1,053 people about their Super Bowl plans – 50% were male, 49% female and 1% non-binary/non-conforming.
Part duex: 12 Red Sox players will be playing in the World Baseball Classic next month, none of which are from the U.S.
Part trois: There is a Super Bowl prop bet on what color Rihanna’s hair will be during her halftime show.

I also read in that same newspaper as above: Top Super Bowl party cities across the country are Minneapolis, Atlanta and Raleigh, NC. Says who?! How was this determined??

Speaking of which, it’s probably not a bad time to be in Phoenix, AZ with Super Bowl weekend and the PGA’s Phoenix Open in nearby Glendale.

They said it: “China’s balloon saw more states than Forrest Gump on a jog.” – Fox News’ Greg Gutfeld

It’s Beanpot season! It’s hard to imagine that in the 70 years of the storied history of the Beanpot hockey tournament, Harvard and Northeastern are squaring off in the final for the first time, eva!

Stop complaining. Rescue teams battled snow and freezing temperatures to search for survivors following two earthquakes in Turkey and Syria as hopes fade of finding people alive on the fourth day. The death toll is more than 19,000!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Jupiter now has 92 moons after new discovery

Article I’ll skip: Middleton’s chess move amid Prince Harry PR war, Markle sisters meltdown

Unfortunately… I do find everything funny.

Trivia #1 answer: What was the first year of the World Baseball Classic and which two of the following countries have never won a championship? – USA, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Japan, Dominican Republic – Puerto Rico and Cuba have never won
Trivia #2 answer: What NBA player was recently traded twice on consecutive days? – Jae Crowder was traded from the Nets to the Suns on Wednesday and from the Suns to the Bucks yesterday.
Trivia #3 answer: Trivia #3: Who is credited with coining the term “Super Bowl?” – Chiefs founder Lamar Hunt
Trivia #4 answer: The Philadelphia Eagles have never lost to which two teams? – The N.Y. Jets (12-0) and the Houston Texans (6-0)
Trivia #5 answer: Who wrote the song, “Spirit in the Sky?” – Norman Greenburg

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

Vegans confuse me with their fake meat. I don’t understand why someone would want to eat something that mimics an item that they don’t want to eat.

Happy National Bubble Gum Day!

I couldn’t find a Frank Zappa video worth posting.

“Prepare yourself, you know it’s a must
You gotta have a friend in Jesus
So you know that when you die
Gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky

Gonna recommend you to the spirit in the sky
That’s where you’re gonna go when you die
When you die, and they lay you to rest
You’re gonna go to the place that’s the best”

– Norman Greenburg

Briefly.

It’s so cold, people are starting to wear two pairs of pajamas to Walmart.

Trivia #1: Who is Julius Russell?
Trivia #2: Super Bowl LVII will be played on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium previously hosted Super Bowls XLII and XLIX. What teams won each of those Super Bowls? Bonus: Who did they beat?
Trivia #3: Before becoming a broadcaster, Billy Packer was the head men’s basketball coach at what school? Bonus: Where did he attend college where he was All-ACC in 1961-62?

I’d lay my head on the railroad tracks and wait for the Double “E”…

On this day: February 3, 1887, the U.S. Congress creates the Electoral Count Act to avoid disputed national elections. (Now, isn’t that funny!)

Wanna get away: Joseph Ossai, after his late hit on Patrick Mahomes late in the game last Sunday.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Money matters – @CircaSports announced the opening line for the Super Bowl at Kansas City -2.5. 21 minutes later, due to the influx of opening bets, the line shifted to Philadelphia -2.5. That’s crazy!

A 66-year-old woman at Glen Oaks Alzheimer’s Special Care Center was mistakenly pronounced dead and taken to a funeral home only to wake up when she “Gasped for air.”

They said it: “I told him he can find another place to play. … I’m not paying a kid a bunch of NIL money before he earns it.” – I’m not a fan of Nick Saban, well maybe now I am. He said this referring to a player who requested $800,000 in NIL money before signing on to Alabama. (He also told another to take a hike when he requested $500,000)

Are you ready for the Kelce Bowl? Jason, a center for Philadelphia and his brother, Travis, tight end for Kansas City. Jason is two years older though they didn’t play together in high school because Travis couldn’t play in his sophomore year. Trivia here: Why couldn’t Travis play that year? – He flunked French, he torn his ACL/MCL, he had the measles, he got in trouble with the law. Answer below.

No airbag needed: A 25-year-old Ugandan human rights activist and her husband were on vacation in Utah just months after their wedding. On the edge of Arches National Park, a metal gate that was normally secured with a lock was left untethered. As Nakajjigo and her husband were leaving the park, gusting wind flung the gate around rapidly. The force was enough to slice through the passenger side door of their car, decapitating Nakajjigo as her husband sat in the driver’s seat.

Global warming my ass!

It’s Beanpot season!

I’ve said this before but I don’t see Tom Brady as a good television analyst. I guess we’ll see soon enough as he begins his stint on Fox next season. That is of course if he doesn’t change his mind on retirement.

They should announce a sequel to the movie Groundhog Day (Groundhog Day II) and then rerelease the original.

Stop complaining. Organizations from Jackson, Mississippi are asking for help from other states as the water crisis dries up resources. It’s been over five months since the Pearl River crested and Jackson’s water system failed. Now, crews are working to replace the entire pipe system, but families and businesses are prepared to go without water periodically for up to 10 years!

Warren Zevon has finally been nominated for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I’ll report back in May concerning the outcome.

It’s so cold, Richard Simmons is wearing shorts that come nearly to the half-thigh region.

Article I’ll skip: LeBron James, NBA world react to horrific Tyre Nichols video AND Fungal illness that mimics COVID could spread across US, experts warn

R.I.P. Billy Packer (82) – The voice of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for more than 30 years.
Cindy Williams (75) – First starred in the movie “American Graffiti”, the sitcom “Happy Days” and later her most famous role as “Shirley” in “Laverne & Shirley.”
Bobby Hull (84) – He scored a wicked lot of goals

Trivia #1 answer: Who is Julius Russell? – Julius “Nipsey” Russell, was an American actor, comedian, poet, and dancer best known for his appearances as a panelist on game shows from the 1960s through the 1990s, including Match Game, Password, Hollywood Squares, To Tell the Truth, and Pyramid
Trivia #2 answer: Super Bowl LVII will be played on Feb. 12 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The stadium previously hosted Super Bowls XLII and XLIX. What teams won each of those Super Bowls? Bonus: Who did they beat? – XLII -The Giants beat the Patriots 17-14, XLIX – The Patriots beat the Seahawks 28-24.
Trivia #3 answer: Before becoming a broadcaster, Billy Packer was the head men’s basketball coach at what school? Bonus: Where did he attend college where he was All-ACC in 1961-62? – He coached at Lehigh and attended Wake Forest.
Bonus Trivia: Why couldn’t Travis Kelce play football during his sophomore year in high school? – He flunked French, he torn his ACL/MCL, he had the measles, he got in trouble with the law. – He couldn’t play because he flunked French.

Fun fact: Alcohol increases the size of the “Send” button by 89%.

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

Happy National Bubble Gum Day!

In tribute:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJzF8_df1R8

“There were Swedes to the left of him
Russians to the right
A Czech at the blue line looking for a fight
Brains over brawn – that might work for you
But what’s a Canadian farm boy to do
What else can a farm boy from Canada do
But what’s a Canadian farm boy to do
What else can a farm boy from Canada do”

– Warren Zevon

Briefly.

If 4 out of 5 people suffer from diarrhea… does that mean that one enjoys it?

Trivia #1: What 4 teams have never appeared in a Super Bowl?

On this day: January 27, 1591, as part of the Berwick witch trials, Scottish schoolmaster Dr. John Fian is burned for witchcraft at Castle Hill,  by order of King James VI.

I’m beginning to think that the Bruins are for real but the Celtics are not.

I went 3 for 4 in my NFL picks and are still alive for Philadelphia to beat Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: I honestly don’t know where to start. This world is going to shit. I guess I’ll pick one: Renovations on Splash Mountain, which many fans consider a Disney staple, began on Monday. Disney announced in June 2020 that it was planning to reimagine the ride after growing complaints due to its associations with the 1946 film Song of the South, namely a Change.org petition with over 21,000 signatures stating that the ride is “steeped in extremely problematic and stereotypical racist tropes.”
This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: DMT, a hallucinogenic drug and schedule I substance, could be legal if a bill is passed in New Hampshire. The House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee heard from several people who said they were ministers of a nontraditional church, who claim the drug allows people to find God and should be legal for spiritual reasons.

After the Cowboys collapse last weekend, Dak Prescott threw his helmet in disgust. It was intercepted.

Good news: The FDA last Friday approved the use of Alzheimer’s drug lecanemab, the first drug clearly shown to slow the progress of the debilitating disease.

So, I was channel surfing the other night and came upon a WWE match. There was actually a commercial break in the middle of a match! WTF!

Don’t allow a job to stress you out because your job will be posted online before your obituary.

With 16:30 left in the second half of Loyola-Chicago-Duquesne game the other night, with the ball down near the right baseline, an Uber Eats delivery man waltzed onto the court looking for someone to claim the McDonald’s he was holding. 

The NFL dodged a bullet with Cincinnati beating Buffalo thereby avoiding the AFC Championship being played at a neutral site, Atlanta, due to the Damar Hamlin incident.

Have you seen professional “Slap Fighting?” Google it. Holy shit!

Speaking of which, I recommend google.com as the best website to google stuff on the internet.

Article I’ll skip: Here’s who Americans want to see in Super Bowl LVII matchup

Trivia #1 answer: What 4 teams have never appeared in a Super Bowl? – Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars

Fun fact: Alcohol increases the size of the “Send” button by 89%.

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

Happy World Breast Pumping Day!

“They’re dancin’ on the ceilin’
they’re dancin’ on the floor
People everywhere comin’ through the door
They knew there’s a party goin’ on
Do the dancin’ romance all night long
C’mon baby, I’ll keep you satisfied
All you gotta do is move
Every time you feel that groove
Ain’t nothing but a house party”

Briefly. (kinda)

People say “I would never…” then here they come nevering like they never nevered before.

Trivia #1: What does WIPO stand for?
Trivia #2: What team(s) did Chris Ford coach in the NBA?
Trivia #3: Who won the 1981 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1981)?

On this day: January 20, 1930 – The first radio broadcast of “Lone Ranger.”
Also on this day in 1982, Heavy metal musician Ozzy Osbourne allegedly bites the head off a bat onstage in Des Moines, Iowa.

Go away, Brian Walshe. Walshe is the psycho, A-hole, moron who, along with being accused of assaulting and beating his wife with the intent to murder her, Brian Walshe is charged with moving her body or remains. I say moron because he made a number of disturbing searches Google searches including “10 ways to dispose of a dead body if you really need to” and “how to stop a body from decomposing”.

I can’t believe I didn’t make picks for last weekend’s Wildcard Weekend in the NFL, but that was last week. Next weekend’s games will be Philly/Dallas, Cincinnati/Kansas City and Philadelphia will beat Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: “Not all students who menstruate are female.” – Said DFL Rep. Sandra Feist said during a hearing to consider a bill that would provide menstrual products in all school bathrooms, including boys’ bathrooms.

Let’s talk “beatdowns.” Dallas Cowboys kicker, Brett Maher, missed 4 of 5 extra points last Monday Night. The final score was 31-14 and the over/under was 45.5 points. 77% of bets were on the over. Also, there was a prop on Maher for more than 2.5 extra points in the game. He had only missed three extra points all season.

Article I’ll skip: Celebrity captains for All-Star game announced

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tom Brady fired offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich.

For just the second time, since the merger, all 8 quarterbacks in the divisional round of the playoffs are <= 30 years old. (the only other year was 2004) I think that’s good for the NFL.

They said it: “I’ve always said that I picked up the guitar as a shortcut to sex and after my first joint I was sure that if everyone smoked dope there’d be an end to war” – David Crosby in his 1988 autobiography.

If Tom Brady started playing in the NFL when he was 35 years old, he would still be 9^th all-time in touchdown passes in the regular/postseason. Wowza!

Speaking of Tom Brady (again), it’s time to step away.

The Bruins and Celtics? Well, old news but they are still the best in the NHL and NBA, respectively. Both were victorious again last night.

Several teams have tried to contact recently fired Arizona Cardinals’ head coach Kliff Kingsbury about vacant coaching positions. I say “tried?” Yes, as Kingsbury bought a one-way ticket to Thailand and is unavailable. Really.

R.I.P. Chris Ford (74) – Drafted by the Detroit Pistons, Ford spent most of his career with the Boston Celtics, winning a championship in 1981. In 1979, he made the first three-pointer in NBA history. He later compiled a 222-188 record as Celtics head coach.
R.I.P. – David Crosby (81) – Legendary singer/song-writer, he was a founding member of both the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash (CSN & Young years later), Crosby was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with each band.

Trivia #1 answer: What does WIPO stand for? – World Intellectual Property Organization. The Global Design Database is a library that acts as protection for the designs of various products.
Trivia #2 answer: What team(s) did Chris Ford coach in the NBA? – Somewhat of a trick question as he coached the Celtics, Bucks and Clippers, and was an interim head coach of the 76ers.
Trivia #3 answer: Who won the 1981 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1981)? New York Islanders (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), San Francisco 49ers (NFL)

Have you ever met someone and immediately thought to yourself, “this guy drank the water at Camp Lejeune!”?

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) – (Happy 60^th, Iceman!)

Happy National Disc Jockey Day!

“Take my hand, my child of love, come steps inside my tears
Swim the magic ocean I’ve been crying all these years
With our love we’ll ride away into eternal skies
A symptom of the universe, a love that never dies

Yeah”

– Black Sabbath

That’s right, bonus Friday!

“Wooden ships on the water very free and easy
Easy, the way it’s supposed to be
Silver people on the shoreline let us be
Talkin’ ‘bout very free and easy”

– Crosby, Stills & Nash

Briefly. (sorry, minimal spell/grammar checking)

A 72-hour hold in a psych unit it beginning to intrigue me as a potential vacation opportunity.

Another year, another day, another personal record for consecutive days alive! Here’s to me (and anyone reading this)!

Trivia #1: In 1983, the American Medical Association (AMA) urged a ban on boxing noting what?
Trivia #2: Who won the 1979 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1979)?

On this day: January 14, 1610, Galileo Galilie discovers Callisto, the 4^th satellite of Jupiter

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The University of Southern California’s School of Social Work will no longer use the word “field” because it “may have connotations for descendants of slavery and immigrant workers that are not benign.”

Pass the sunscreen? Since its inception in the 1960s, pickleball has been a popular paddle sport enjoyed by people of all ages. While the game is typically played with players wearing clothes, there is a growing trend of people playing pickleball naked. That’s right, there is such a thing as nude pickleball. The idea of playing pickleball nude might sound a bit odd, but it’s actually not that unusual. There are a number of nudist resorts around the country that offer pickleball as one of the activities available to guests.

After a rare 3-0 defeat to the Seattle Kraken’s, the Bruins still boast the best win percentage in the NHL. And, the Celtics still have the best record in the NBA.

Father Time wins again, remains undefeated! Bessie Hendricks, the oldest person in the United States, died on Tuesday at the age of 115 at the Shady Oaks Care Center in Lake City, Iowa.

Trevor, what’s the Story?

Dude’s Threads, a rather unique clothing line, proudly advertises that 17% of the shirts they sell are purchased from the toilet. Now, I’m sure that cannot be measured but it’s still funny.

Article I’ll skip: “Yellowstone” star Kevin Costner reveals why he was not at Golden Globes

Article I will read: Chocolate is as healthy as fruit.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: See above, “On this day…”

Taking advantage of “free.” The Miami Heat set an NBA record on Tuesday night going 40-for-40 from the charity stripe.

The 13-4, NFC #3 seeded Minnesota Vikings actually let up more points this past season than they scored (427 to 424)!

Good luck to all in tonight’s lottery.

I don’t know, can Rafael Devers hit with no one, potentially, in front of him or behind him?

Good news: VantageScore, is removing medical debt being from consumer credit reports. I think that’s fair.

R.I.P. Charles White (64) – A two-time All-American and Los Angeles native, White won a national title in 1978 before claiming the Heisman the following season, when he captained the USC Trojans and led the nation in yards rushing. White led the Trojans in rushing in each of his final three seasons. He also won the Walter Camp, Maxwell and Pop Warner awards after his senior season.
R.I.P. Jeff Beck (78) – After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis. Legendary guitarist with The Yardbirds and an extensive solo career with The Jeff Beck Group and others. Personally, in the top five guitarists all-time, if not ten ten.

Keeping personal, circa 1979, I purchased Charles Whites’ game jersey. In 1980/’81(?), I purchased Jeff Beck’s “Blow by Blow” album (cassette tape). Two of my legends died on the same day.

Trivia #1 answer: In 1983, the American Medical Association (AMA) urged a ban on boxing noting what? – Muhammed Ali’s deteriorating health condition
Trivia #2 answer: Who won the 1979 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1979)? – NHL (Montreal Canadiens), NBA (Washington Bullets), MLB (Pittsburgh Pirates), NFL (Pittsburgh Steelers)

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

Nothing makes me more productive than the last minute.

Happy National Blame Someone Else Day!

“Sick at heart and lonely,
Deep in dark despair.
Thinking one thought only
Where is she tell me where.
And if she says to you
She don’t love me
Just give her me message
Tell her of my plea

And I know if she had me back again
well I would never make her sad.
I’ve gotta heart full of soul.”

p- The Yardbirds

Bonus tune!

Briefly. (very)

Duct tape. It can’t fix stupid, but it can muffle the sound.

Trivia #1: In 1955, what player shattered the 72-hole scoring record on the PGA tour at the Texas Open with a 4-round total of 257? – Gene Littler, Mike Souchak, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Frank Beard, Ben Hogan, Dane Hubbard
Trivia #2: Madden Football debuted in 1988 with John Madden himself on the cover. Madden was the face of the game until 2001. Who was the first NFL player on the cover of Madden Football? – Eddie George, Duante Culpepper, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Peyton Manning, Mark Comeau
Trivia #3: The Sargasso Sea is a region in which ocean?

On this day: On January 6, 1975, “Wheel of Fortune” debuted on NBC-TV.

Guy #1: I need help with a crossword puzzle. The clue is “overworked mailman.”
Guy #2: How many letters?
Guy #1: I’m guessing too many.

Three days after hosting a clinic in Brighton, MA for kids, Boston Celtic and Haverhill native Noah Vonleh was traded to the San Antonio Spurs for a second-round draft pick.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale is offering customers who buy mattresses ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 or so will get double their money back if TCU beats Georgia in the FBS Championship on Monday night. To help cover his potential losses, McIngvale bet $1.5M on the TCU moneyline +370 on DraftKings. He also placed other bets including a $1M point-spread bet on TCU +13.

Article I’ll skip: 24 Celebrities Who Married Their Mistresses

I’m not much of a prayer myself but we are all at least thinking of Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin. While you’re at it, also pray for former NFL running back, and 4-year player out of U of Arkansas, Peyton Hillis who is in critical condition after saving his children from drowning in the ocean in Florida. Hillis was the cover player for Madden 12.

BTW, the NFL has decided to cancel Monday night’s game.

BIG weekend in the NFL as multiple teams vie for the playoffs.

R.I.P. Barbara Walters (93) – The trailblazing television news broadcaster and longtime ABC News anchor and correspondent who shattered the glass ceiling and became a dominant force in an industry once dominated by men. Walters joined ABC News in 1976, becoming the first female anchor on an evening news program. Three years later, she became a co-host of “20/20,” and in 1997, she launched “The View.”

Trivia #1 answer: In 1955, what player shattered the 72-hole scoring record on the PGA tour at the Texas Open with a 4-round total of 257? – Gene Littler, Mike Souchak, Sam Snead, Arnold Palmer, Frank Beard, Ben Hogan, Dane Hubbard – Mike Souchak
Trivia #2 answer: Madden Football debuted in 1988 with John Madden himself on the cover. Madden was the face of the game until 2001. Who was the first NFL player on the cover of Madden Football? – Eddie George, Duante Culpepper, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Peyton Manning, Mark Comeau – Eddie George
Trivia #3 answer: The Sargasso Sea is a region in which ocean? – The Atlantic Ocean

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

Nothing makes me more productive than the last minute.

“I wish that I could fly
Into the sky
So very high
Just like a dragonfly

I’d fly above the trees
Over the seas in all degrees
To anywhere I please”

– Lenny Kravitz

Briefly.

Life is not a fairy tale. If you lose a shoe at midnight, you’re drunk.

Trivia #1: 4.3 births and two deaths are expected worldwide every second, two seconds, three seconds, five seconds or 10 seconds?
Trivia #2: Most wins in regular/post season in NFL history – Don Shula (347), Bill Belichick (328), George Halas (324) and who is fourth with 285?
Trivia #3: Who is Edson Arantes do Nascimento?

On this day: December 30, 1968, Frank Sinatra first records “My Way” with lyrics written by Paul Anka and based on the French song “Comme d’habitude.”

Once again, my resolve for 2023 is to have no resolve.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Buffalo, NY usually averages around 95 inches of snow a year and has already reported 101 inches with two months of meteorological winter left to go. Despite warnings of the pending storm, many residents were out and about on the Friday before Christmas amidst power outages, zero visibilities and the threat of hyperthermia. More than three dozen people have died.

They said it: “I’m sorry, guys. I know it’s been many hours, but we can’t find our flight attendants. We called headquarters and no one knows where they are.” – A Southwest gate agent to people waiting for a flight from Oakland to Denver.

The Bruins still have the best points % in the NHL and the Celtics still have the NBA’s best record. Incredible.

Trivia question #2 is a trick question.

Hey Josh McDaniels, do you really think Derek Carr is the problem?

Shocking? I think not! For the past 75 years, Christmas Day has been an NBA tradition. But the NFL scheduled a triple-header on the holiday and dominated the ratings on Sunday.

I wish every day was Christmas.

Article I’ll skip: Kim Kardashian on her faith in God, praying every night with her children. (what interests people is so far beyond my comprehension)

R.I.P. Pele` (82) – Soccer superstar and Brazilian “national treasure.” At age 17, “The King” was carried off the field after two goals in the World Cup final. Pele` went on to play 1,260 minutes over four World Cups with three championships. He retired in 1974 and returned a year later with the New York Cosmos for a then astounding $7 million over two-plus years. He was a wealthy businessman and an ambassador for UNESCO and the United Nations.

Whatever you do in 2023 and beyond, do it your way.

Trivia #1 answer: 4.3 births and two deaths are expected worldwide every second, two seconds, three seconds, five seconds or 10 seconds? – Every one second. The world population is expected to be 7.9 billion people on New Year’s Day 2023.
Trivia #2: Most wins in regular/post season in NFL history – Don Shula (347), Bill Belichick (328), George Halas (324) and who is fourth with 285? – Tom Brady
Trivia #3: Who is Edson Arantes do Nascimento? – Pele`

Don’t piss of old people. The older we get the less “life in prison” is a deterrent.

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

May your 2023 be the best eva!

“I did it my way.”

– Frank Sinatra

Briefly. (not)

This is my favorite time of year… because all the mosquitos are dead.

Trivia #1: What college bowl games make up the ‘New Year’s Six?’ No need to name the sponsors.
Trivia #2: The word “Hanukkah” means which of these in Hebrew? – Festival, Dedication, Fest, Light, Holiday
Trivia #3: Franco Harris played 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his final season with what team? Bonus: What number did he wear with each team?

On this day: December 23, 1972, the “Immaculate Reception turned a 7-6 defeat to the Oakland Raiders into a 13-7 victory for the Pittsburgh Steelers. (The Steelers will celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the game tomorrow despite Franco Harris’ death on Wednesday.

You can’t spell “families” without “lies.”

We’re you watching the Bills/Dolphins last Saturday night? Just before the winning field goal, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen took a knee. Now, I realize it’s only a couple of yards but he made the kick longer instead of just falling forward. Then, and this cracked me up, the players immediately cleared the snow for the final kick. However, rather than just clear the spot of the hold, they cleared a full path from the line of scrimmage to the spot of the kick, which of course is useless.

Speaking of Buffalo… I have to admit I was a little jealous at the end of that game. Before the kick, there was a timeout. The home team was getting ready to win the game in OT with a short kick, the snow was falling, Christmas tunes were blaring and the crowd was sucking it all in. A good place and time to be there, I think.

“…I don’t know, if they’ll be snow, but have a cup of cheer…” Sound reasoning in my book!

The New England Patriots’ offense has converted just 3 of their last 39 attempts (7.7%) on 3^rd and 6 or more yards. The league average is 26.5%. Now, go ahead and blame Mac Jones, blame the set of receivers/tight ends, blame Matt Patricia, blame Belichick. The fact is, they are all to blame.

We are not even going to get into the “Las Vegas Lateral.”

Well, the World Cup is over. Congratulations to the team that won. I did watch some of the final. There were actually some goals scored, though it still ended in a shootout. Call me a traditionalist but you gotta play to sudden-death for the title.

Stellantis is urging people to stop driving Dodge Magnum wagons, Dodge Challenger and Charger muscle cars and Chrysler 300 sedans from the 2005 through 2010 model years. Since 2009, the exploding air bags have killed at least 33 people worldwide, including 24 in the United States. (If you are driving one of those vehicles, you may have other problems too)

The Pittsburgh Steelers were 26-71-3 before Franco Harris came to town and 74-25-1 in the 100 games he was there.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Earlier this month, in Dedham, Massachusetts Library Director Amber Maroney banned Christmas trees because they made people feel “uncomfortable.” Last week, the Satanic Temple of Illinois installed a holiday display of its own next to a Nativity scene and Menorah in Springfield, to commemorate its “satanic values.” Moving up the Eastern Seaboard to South Carolina, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office arrested Leslie Reese, 42, after allegedly breaking into several churches and taking Christmas ornaments, candles, and a cross. In Taylor, Texas, a city of about 15,00 people and located about 30 miles northeast of Austin, the annual Christmas Parade was separated into two after a group of local churches booted an LGBT group from the original event because they featured drag queens. Merry Christmas, everyone!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: Several media outlets and talking heads have encouraged parents to rethink having children because human beings – even small ones like kids – risk polluting the world and causing global climate destruction.

A crash between two tractor-trailers in Virginia last Friday resulted in tens of thousands of pounds of meatballs rolling down the highway.

“Philadelphia is peaking at just the right time.” – NFL analyst Daryl Johnston, before last weekend’s Philly/Bears game. Dude, “peaking at the right time?” The playoffs don’t start for another month!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: 12 games in the NFL last weekend were decided by one score, tied for the most ever in one weekend. – Useless

Feed the fish, you’re doing it wrong. “AquaDom”, the world’s largest cylindrical aquarium holding 264,000 gallons of water and 1,500 fish, burst last week in the Radisson Blu hotel in Berlin, Germany.

The Celtics finally came crashing down a bit, losing three straight. The Bruins? Not so much as they are still rolling!

Article I’ll skip: Who are among Red Sox most valuable trade chips? (Trade?? Are you kidding me!)

“Mr. Irrelevant”, the last pick each year in the NFL draft, whenever he actually does something worth noting, he gets a lot of play. Doesn’t that give him relevance and make the pick before him “Mr. Irrelevant?” I mean, you never hear about that guy.

R.I.P. Franco Harris (72) – HOF running back with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 4x Super Bowl Champion (MVP in Super Bowl IX), NFL Rookie of the year in 1972, 9x Pro Bowl, amongst other accolades. His number is set to be retired by Pittsburgh tomorrow on the 50^th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception. Referred to as a “great, humble person” by many, he was named the NFL Man of the Year in 1976. DYK: The Immaculate Reception won that divisional matchup with the Raiders in 1972 and was the Steelers’ first-ever playoff win.

Trivia #1 answer: What college bowl games make up the ‘New Year’s Six?’ No need to name the sponsors. – Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Peach Bowl
Trivia #2: The word “Hanukkah” means which of these in Hebrew? – Festival, Dedication, Fest, Light, Holiday – Dedication
Trivia #3: Franco Harris played 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and his final season with what team? Bonus: What number did he wear with each team? – Franco wore #32 with the Steelers and #34 in his final season with the Seattle Seahawks

This Christmas, I’m going to donate a bunch of stuff to Goodwill, but first I’m going to drive around with it in my trunk for a few months.

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

Owning less is great. Wanting less is even better.

Merry Christmas to all!

“The first thing at Christmas that’s such a pain to me…”

– Bob Rivers

Briefly.

I opened up a can of worms. They just sit there, the worms. Hardly the chaos that’s been advertised.

Trivia #1: In 1912, the first postage stamp featuring an airplane was issued. What was the cost? – 6 cents, 11 cents, 17 cents, 20 cents, 25 cents, 29 cents, 32 cents
Trivia #2: Before the Rams moved west to Los Angeles in 1945, where were they based? – Cleveland, Philadelphia, Detroit, New York, Cincinnati, Baltimore
Trivia #3: In what league do the Orix Buffaloes play?

Now do you believe in Rock and Roll?

On this day: December 16, 1971, Don Maclean’s 8+ minute version of “American Pie” was released.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Thomas Loden, 58, was condemned to die by lethal injection for the 2000 rape and slaying of a 16-year-old girl. His last meal included two bone-in fried pork chops, fried okra, a baked sweet potato with butter, Pillsbury Grands biscuits with butter and molasses, peach cobbler with French vanilla ice cream and Lipton sweet tea.

The Celtics and Bruins still lead the NBA and NHL respectively in the standings. As for the Patriots, the NFL decided that the teacher/student matchup, Belichick/McDaniels, was not good enough theater to keep the game at its Sunday Night, primetime schedule. Instead, the game will air at 4pm-ish.

Speaking of football, not only does the college bowl season begin today, but three NFL games are on the slate for tomorrow. Life is good!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: I went through physical therapy earlier this year and recently received an email from the facility. Bear with me: Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. A mix of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, it’s getting people of all ages on their feet. To help prevent pickleball injuries, our sports medicine experts at blah-blah-blah offer tips to keep you in the action. (“To help prevent pickleball injuries…”, puh-lease!)

In the movie Polar Express, why don’t the kids ever get cold? I mean, they’re in their pajamas the entire film??

They said it: “I haven’t been to bed before midnight since the sixth grade.” – Recently deceased, former football coach Mike Leach.

“Go away! Scoot!” – You’re doing it wrong. A state trooper in Alaska died Tuesday afternoon when he was fatally attacked by a muskox after trying to scare a group of them away from his dog kennel by his home.

Article I’ll skip: Why so much of our wisdom about the 3 Wise Men of the Christmas story is actually incorrect

Trivia #1 answer: In 1912, the first postage stamp featuring an airplane was issued. What was the cost? – 6 cents, 11 cents, 17 cents, 20 cents, 25 cents, 29 cents, 32 cents – It cost 20 cents
Trivia #2: Before the Rams moved west to Los Angeles in 1945, where were they based? – Cleveland, Philadelphia, Detroit, New York, Cincinnati, Baltimore – Cleveland
Trivia #3: In what league do the Orix Buffaloes play? – They play in Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball League. Masataka Yoshida, recently signed by the Red Sox, led the Buffaloes their first title in 26 years last year.

I’m gonna be real pissed if I get my shit together and the world ends.

R.I.P. Mike Leach (61) – From complications from a heart condition. He was the Mississippi State head football coach and former head coach at Washington State and Texas Tech. Said Mississippi State University president Mark Keenum, “His innovative ‘Air Raid’ offense changed the game. Mike’s keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation’s true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football.”

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

Happy National Underdog Day!

“And the three men I admire most
The father, son and the holy ghost
They caught the last train for the coast
The day the music died”

– Don Maclean