Blog

Briefly.

Becky: “Hey, this candle smells like Fireball!” Betty: “Becky, us non-alcoholics call that scent cinnamon.”

Trivia #1: What professional wrestler was from the Isle of Malta? “…from the Iiiiiisle of Mallllllltaaaaaa!”
Trivia #2: DraftKings has three main offices. Where are they? – London, Los Angeles, Dubai, Boston, Paris, Malta, Lowell
Trivia #3: The USGA legalized steel shaft golf clubs in what year? – 1912, 1921, 1926, 1934, 1940, 1951
Trivia #4: What form of cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide? – Lung, prostate, breast, bladder, colon, melanoma (skin)

I got a girl named Daisy, she almost drive me crazy.

Wow, what a game last night on TNF! Baker Mayfield, signed by the Rams earlier in the week and given his playbook during his Tuesday night flight to L.A., led the Rams to a miraculous comeback win over the Raiders 17-16.

I hope some kids took note when Patrice Bergeron waited outside the locker room the other night after the game to speak with former coach Bruce Cassidy. The latter is now coach of the Las Vegas Knights and his team had just ended the Bruins’ record home winning streak. A class act, that Bergeron.

On this day: December 9, 1851, the first Young Men’s Christian Association in North America is set up in Montreal

Why do we let ourselves get caught up in players’ contracts? Trust me, the San Dingo Padres are not thinking about the year 2033 when signing Bogaerts to that ridiculous 11-year contract. The Padres are thinking about 2023 and going for it all. Paid too much? It really doesn’t matter, they got him.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Nigeria will soon be restricting ATM withdrawals to just $45 per day as part of a push to move the country toward a cashless economy.

Well, you have to give Deion Sanders credit. He turned around the football program at Jackson State very quickly and earned the head job at Colorado. If you saw Sanders on 60 Minutes a couple/few months ago, he spoke about what he was doing was for the kids and his personal progression was not his goal. Hmmm. He seemed to move on at the first chance he got.

Viktor Bout, the ‘Merchant of Death’, serving 25 years for conspiracy to kill Americans, conspiracy to deliver anti-aircraft missiles and aiding a terrorist organization. Britney Griner, carrying cannabis products through a Moscow airport. Even trade? I/We could go on all day.

“Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.” Yes, it’s “Jimmy V” week again and I’ve twice re-watched one of the greatest motivational, inspiring speeches of all-time. The V Foundation awards 100% of direct donations to cancer research and programs. The Foundation’s endowment covers administrative expenses. This places the V Foundation among the top 2% of all charities evaluated.

Well, I watched two of the three USMNT’s World Cup games and thought I might have developed an eye for national soccer. Nope. Haven’t watched a second since the U.S. was eliminated.

Just a general observation. There are two non-alcohol sections at Gillette Stadium, both are on the visitor’s side of the field. I find that mildly interesting/funny.

The Celtics still boast the best record in the NBA while the Bruins have the best points % in the NHL.

Meet the Ass family: Smart, Wise, Lazy, Kiss, Dumb, Jack and Big.

Avoiding the awkward, to say the least. Former Louisville football coach Scott Satterfield left Louisville to take the then-vacant head coaching job at Cincinnati. Louisville and Cincinnati square off in less than two weeks in the Wasabi Fenway Bowl. Satterfield has opted not to be on the Cincinnati sideline while former Super Bowl MVP Deion Branch will lead Louisville.

Article I’ll skip: 10 tips to wrapping your holiday gifts

What trooper! Casper, a Georgia sheepdog, is recovering from injuries after fighting off a pack of coyotes, killing eight of them, while protecting his flock. Casper disappeared for two days before returning to his farm with multiple injuries.

Trivia #1 answer: What professional wrestler was from the Isle of Malta? “…from the Iiiiiisle of Mallllllltaaaaaa!”– Baron Mikel Scicluna
Trivia #2 answer: DraftKings has three main offices. Where are they? – London, Los Angeles, Malta, Dubai, Boston, Paris, Lowell – Boston, London, Malta
Trivia #3 answer: The USGA legalized steel shaft golf clubs in what year? – 1912, 1921, 1926, 1934, 1940, 1951 – 1926
Trivia #4 answer: What form of cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide? – Lung, prostate, breast, bladder, colon, melanoma (skin) – Lung – An estimated 236,740 people will be diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022 in the U.S. Lung cancer kills almost 3 times as many men as prostate cancer and almost 3 times as many women as breast cancer.

Every time I try to eat healthy along comes Thanksgiving, Christmas, Summer, Friday or Tuesday and it ruins it for me.

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

Happy National Lost and Found Day!

“Gonna tell Aunt Mary ‘bout Uncle John
He claims he has the music
But he has a lot of fun
Oh baby
Yes baby
Wooh baby
Havin’ me some fun tonight, yeah”

– Little Richard

Briefly. (not really, I’ve been slacking)

Girls mature faster than guys because men don’t usually develop breasts until their mid-40’s.

Trivia #1: The first Thanksgiving parade was held in what city? – Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Richmond, Raleigh, Baltimore
Trivia #2: How many gallons does a 10-gallon hat hold?
Trivia #3: Which Celtic is one of only five NBA players to lead his team in all five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals) for a season? – Kevin McHale, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, Larry Bird, John Havlicek, Paul Pierce
Trivia #4: Regarding the prior question, which player is NOT one of the five? – Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett, Moses Malone, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Trivia #5: Which Boston Bruin has the franchise record for penalty minutes in a single season? – Terry O’Reilly, Chis Nilan, Jay Miller, Shawn Thornton, Wayne Cashman, John Wensink
Trivia #6: What is the nickname for Limestone University?
Trivia #7: Gaylord Perry played for 8 different teams during his 22-year career. Which team did he NOT play for? – Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves
Trivia #8: Who is Christine Perfect?
Eight trivia questions. A record, I believe.

Listen to the wind blow, watch the sun rise.

I mean really, is Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” not one of the greatest albums of all time?

On this day: December 2, 1988, ESPN airs its 10,000^th edition of ‘Sports Center’, making it the most televised cable program in history.

I also came across this useless tidbit: On December 2^nd, 1964, Ringo Starr had his tonsils removed. Really.

What a month November was for Boston sports fans. Celtics (13-2, .867), Bruins (12-2, .857), Patriots (2-1, .667). Having said that, the Celtics and Bruins are 24-1 at the Garden, the loss being the Celtics… in OT. Wowza!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Mac Jones is the #4 selling jersey in the NFL.

Boy, that Jeff Saturday euphoria didn’t last long, eh?

One night last weekend, the Atlanta Hawks’ center Clint Capela was ruled out of a game because of dental pain. So, this guy making millions of dollars a year couldn’t play because he had a toothache?

It’s not over when you lose, it’s over when you quit.

A deer being interviewed by a newsman: “I think we have a pretty good chance this season. The average hunter is getting older and millennials think meat comes from stores.”

What a nice tribute to John Madden on Thanksgiving Day, I thought.

The boat used as the S.S. Minnow in Gilligan’s Island was a 1964 Wheeler with a cruising speed of 12 knots, which means they couldn’t have traveled more than 41.5 miles. Now I’m starting to doubt the show was even real.

Article I’ll skip: Hollywood families fight back against parenting police attacking them on social media

Don’t look now but, after 23 drives against the Patriots, the Bills finally punted.

R.I.P. Christine McVie (79) – Keyboardist and singer for the pop rock band ‘Fleetwood Mac’. She could be thought of as the band’s first woman (joining in 1970 shortly after marrying bassist John McVie) and the band’s second woman (having willing ceded the spotlight to Stevie Nicks, who joined in 1975 and quickly became a superstar). She was a glory-agnostic musician’s musician, content to entertain the public from behind the buffer of the electric piano.
R.I.P. Gaylord Perry (84) – Two-time Cy Young Award winner, Baseball Hall-of-Famer and five-time all-star. Gaylord was an infamous greaseball artist using Vaseline to alter his pitches. He founded the baseball program at Limestone College/University in his hometown of Gaffney, South Carolina and was its coach for the first three years.

Trivia #1 answer: The first Thanksgiving parade was held in what city? – Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Richmond, Raleigh, Baltimore – Philadelphia (see above)
Trivia #2: How many gallons does a 10-gallon hat hold? – ¾ of a gallon
Trivia #3 answer: Which Celtic is one of only five NBA players to lead his team in all five major statistical categories (points, rebounds, assists, blocks, steals) for a season? – Kevin McHale, Bill Russell, Dave Cowens, Larry Bird, John Havlicek, Paul Pierce – Dave Cowens, 1977-78 (18.6 points, 14 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 0.9 blocks, 1.3 steals)
Trivia #4 answer: Regarding the prior question, which player is NOT one of the five? – Scottie Pippen, Kevin Garnett, Moses Malone, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo – Moses Malone
Trivia #5: Which Boston Bruin has the franchise record for penalty minutes in a single season? – Terry O’Reilly, Chis Nilan, Jay Miller, Shawn Thornton, Wayne Cashman, John Wensink – Jay Miller, 1987-88 (304 penalty minutes)
Trivia #6 answer: What is the nickname for Limestone University? – The Saints
Trivia #7 answer: Gaylord Perry played for 8 different teams during his 22-year career. Which team did he NOT play for? – Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves – He did not play for the Twins
Trivia #8 answer: Who is Christine Perfect? – Christine Perfect is Christine McVie’s birthname

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

You can walk around Walmart and eat grapes and nobody bothers you, but as soon as you eat a rotisserie chicken, here comes security!

Happy National Bartender Day! (Go ahead, get out and show your support!)

“If you wake up and don’t want to smile
If it takes just a little while
Open your eyes and look at the day
You’ll see things in a different way

Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow
Don’t stop, it’ll soon be here
It’ll be here better than before
Yesterday’s gone, yesterday’s gone”

– Fleetwood Mac

Briefly.

I hope you all had a great holiday. I’m on holiday myself. We’ll see you all next Friday.

I do owe you this from last week.

https://youtu.be/Sd3RYN5EZUg

Good night, everybody!

Briefly.

Am I working out, yes. If by “crunches” you mean the sound bacon makes when you eat it, then yes, I do crunches.

Trivia #1: Tonitrophia is the fear of what?
Trivia #2: What is ‘Vichyssoise?’
Trivia #3: Who is Chelsea Sodaro?
Trivia #4: What is the nickname for Bryant University?
Trivia #5: Who won the 1992 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1992)?

Get your motor runnin’

On this day: On November 18, 1902, Brooklyn toymaker Morris Michton names the teddy bear after US President Teddy Roosevelt

I can’t wait to watch ‘Christmas Vacation’ 17 times over the next few weeks.

For the 50^th straight year, the 1972 Miami Dolphins raised their glasses this past Monday night as the NFL’s last undefeated team of the season, the Philadelphia Eagles, were upset by the Washington Redskins.

Holy Cross won its 15^th consecutive regular-season game, its nine straight home game and ran its record to 10-0 this season with a 36-29 win over Bryant University last Saturday on senior day.

Very cool how both pro and college sports celebrated “Veterans Weekend” last weekend.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A California early childhood teacher admitted during a presentation that she uses an “age-appropriate” “gender unicorn” in her classroom. The “gender unicorn” discusses sexuality, gender identity, gender expression and romantic attraction. – We’re talking about toddlers, folks.

Beware… the Soccer Heads! For the next month, yes month, the World Cup is coming our way from Qatar. Every morning and afternoon starting this Sunday through December 2^nd before the “Sweet 16” begins. Bet the ‘under.’ Oh, and I predict the Netherlands to win it all.

NBA players all-time, after the first 14 games of the season, with >= 425 points, >= 100 rebounds, >= 50 assists, >= 20 blocks, >= 10 steals: Giannis Antetokounmpo (twice), Lebron James, Jason Tatum. Wow.

Article I’ll skip: NFL legend Jimmy Johnson sheds light on Jerry Jones relationship

After a disappointing summer as a Boston sports fan limping along with the Red Sox, our Celtics have the best record in the NBA and the Bruins have the most points in the NHL. It will take a Patriots win over the Jets this Sunday before the Patriots even begin to garner optimism from us fans.

On Tuesday, the earth’s population topped 8 billion, allegedly. What are you going to do, question the number and count? DYK: Most of those people work at Amazon? Really. Amazon recently announced they are laying off roughly 10,000 employees which is less than 1% of their global workforce.

Trivia #1 answer: Tonitrophia is the fear of what? – The fear of thunder storms.
Trivia #2 answer: What is ‘Vichyssoise?’ –  a thick soup made of boiled and  puréed leeks, onions, potatoes, cream, and chicken stock. It is traditionally served cold, but it can be eaten hot.
Trivia #3 answer: Who is Chelsea Sodaro? – The 33-year-old Sodaro won the first Ironman Kona Championship for the US (men’s or women’s) since 2002. The 33-year-old crossed the line in 8 hours 33 minutes 46 seconds in Hawaii, coming from fifth place after the swimming and cycling sections to win with a 2:51:45 marathon run.
Trivia #4 answer: What is the nickname for Bryant University? – The Bulldogs
Trivia #5 answer: Who won the 1992 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1992)? – Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL), Chicago Bulls (NBA), Toronto Blue Jays (MLB), Washington Redskins (NFL)

The most often called penalty on me at home? Illegal use of hands.

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

Take a good look at your surroundings.

Happy National Vichyssoise Day!

“I like to dream yes, yes, right between my sound machine
On a cloud I drift in the night
Any place it goes is right
Goes far, flies near, to the stars away from here

Well, you don’t know what we can find
Why don’t you come with me little girl
On a magic carpet ride”

– Steppenwolf

Briefly.

Thank a veteran today.

Trivia #1: Seattle Seahawks’ linebacker Mosiula Mea`alofa “Lofa” Tatupu is the son of former NFL player Mosiula Faasuka “Mosi” Tatupu. Mosi played from 1978-1990 as a running back/special teams player for the New England Patriots. What team did Mosi end his career with in 1991?
Trivia #2: In 1978, the Red Sox Jim Rice led the majors in games played (163), plate appearances (746), hits (213), at-bats (677), homeruns (46), triples (15) and RBIs (139). Who led the AL in batting average that year (.333)? Bonus: Who led the NL (.334)?
Trivia #3: Who was the last U.S. President with facial hair? – Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding, William Taft, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Benjamin Harrison
Trivia #4: Who was Jan Scruggs?

I did it again. I got confused by all the political signs around the neighborhood and mistakenly voted for a realtor.

On this day: On this day, at 11am, “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month,” the WWI armistice signed by the allies and Germany comes into effect and World War I hostilities end.

Atta boy, LeBron. Your team sucks so let’s come up with an injury – sore groin. Pussy. LeBron “Pat Magroin” James.

Speaking of non-pussies, the Bruins’ 24-year-old Charlie McAvoy returned (early) from shoulder surgery last night and scored the eventual game-winning goal while delivering a game-high five hits.

The Boston Bruins are 12-2, a perfect 8-0 at home and have had 18 different goal-scorers already this season.

Life’s been good to me, so far.

They said it: “I’m like Ricky Bobby, I don’t come here to lose.” – Georgia Senate candidate, Herschel Walker. This could have fallen under the sign of the apocalypse. A senate candidate, on the podium, quoting Ricky Bobby. I was waiting for him to thank the Baby Jesus next.

Article I’ll skip: Protester who threw eggs at King Charles III barred from carrying eggs in public as part of bail.

R.I.P. Peter McNabb (70) – NHL Hall of Famer who spent time in Buffalo, Boston, Vancouver and New Jersey. He finished his career with 363 goals and 818 points in 954 games. McNabb was later a television color analyst first for the Devils and then he spent 25 years in the same role with the Colorado Avalanche since their inception in 1995.

Trivia #1 answer: Seattle Seahawks’ linebacker Mosiula Mea`alofa “Lofa” Tatupu is the sone of former NFL plater Mosiula Faasuka “Mosi” Taupu. Mosi played from 1978-1990 as a running back/special teams player for the New England Patriots. What team did Mosi end his career with in 1991? – The Los Angeles Rams
Trivia #2: In 1978, the Red Sox Jim Rice led the majors in games played (163), plate appearances (746), hits (213), at-bats (677), homeruns (46), triples (15) and RBIs (139). Who led the AL in batting average that year (.333)? Bonus: Who led the NL (.334)? – Rod Carew led the AL (Minnesota) and Dave Parker led the NL (Pittsburgh)
Trivia #3: Who was the last U.S. President with facial hair? – Theodore Roosevelt, Warren Harding, William Taft, Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Benjamin Harrison – William Taft
Trivia #4: Who was Jan Scruggs? – The Vietnam veteran, 199^th Light Infantry Brigade, who first came up with the idea for the Vietnam Memorial Wall.

Running is great unless you compare it to not running.

I love the electronic signs on the road that tell you how fast you are going. Hey look, I know perfectly well I’m going 52 MPH in a 30MPH zone. I don’t need no stinkin’, flashing sign to tell me.

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

Happy Veterans Day!

“Maybe you’ll wanna give me kisses sweet
But only for one night and no repeat
And maybe you’ll go away and never call
And a taste of honey’s worse than none at all

Oh little girl, in that case I don’t want no part
I do believe that, that would only break my heart
Oh, but if you feel like lovin’ me
If you got the notion
I second that emotion”

– Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Briefly.

Some of you should walk a mile in my shoes because then you would be a mile away from me and that would be fantastic. Keep the shoes.

Trivia #1: The first stadium built exclusively for football was built by which college? – Harvard, Fordham, Princeton, Notre Dame, Yale, Northern Essex
Trivia #2:  See below
Trivia #3: Who was Dr. Marthenia “Tina” Dupree?

Philadelphia couldn’t pull off the sweep last night as the Eagles remained undefeated with a win over Houston but the Phillies dropped game 5 of the World Series.

On this day: On November 4, 1980, pro-baseball’s all-time homerun king, Sadaharu Oh, retires. How many career homeruns did Oh hit? – 742, 799, 825, 850, 868, 898

Go away: EVERY politician on my phone, on my television, in my mail, etc. Please God, make it stop!
Go away, part deux: Kyrie Irving

Hey Josh McDaniels, I know your paycheck is bigger, but tell us. Is the grass greener?

And the meek shall inherit the earth.

Good news: A Rhode Island man whose wife is battling cancer is trying to raise donations for medical research this Halloween by showcasing a whopping 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins outside his home. (hey, you got better news?)

According to TickPick, tickets for tomorrow’s Georgia/Tennessee game are going for $626 minimum which is the most expensive tickets on record for a college, regular season game.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), has tracked at least 60 instances of fake school shooting threats or hoaxes – sometimes referred to as “swatting” – across 30 states and Washington, D.C., since September.

Article I’ll skip: Diving into Hollywood’s dirtiest splits and their impact on star power

Beat down of the week. There was a prop bet on Wednesday night at over 19 ½, Philadelphia 76ers made three-pointers plus Philadelphia Phillies hits. The 76ers hit 19 three-pointers on the same night the Phillies were no-hit for just the second time in MLB World Series history. Ouch!

Speaking of MLB World Series no-hitters, here’s to former Red Sox catcher Christian Vasquez who had the pleasure of catching Wednesday night’s historically game. Good for him!

Get those Powerball tickets! (Didn’t I say that last week??)

And don’t forget to turn your clocks back. I’m turning mine back to June!

The Boston Bruins are 10-1, their best start ever to a regular season.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: WHO declares monkeypox still a global health emergency

R.I.P. Ray Guy (72) – The first punter ever taken in the first round (23^rd by the Raiders), Ray Guy made the Pro Bowl his first 6 seasons and 7 in all. He played 1973-86, all with the Raiders, and was a member of all three Raiders Super Bowl Championship teams. Guy was drafted by four different major league baseball teams and once held the NCAA record with a 61-yard field goal. The award given to college’s best punter is named the Ray Guy Award.

Trivia #1 answer: The first stadium built exclusively for football was built by which college? – Harvard, Fordham, Princeton, Notre Dame, Yale, Northern Essex – Harvard
Trivia #2 answer: On November 4, 1980, pro-baseball’s all-time homerun king, Sadaharu Oh, retires. How many career homeruns did Oh hit? – 742, 799, 825, 850, 868, 898 – 868
Trivia #3 answer: Who was Dr. Marthenia “Tina” Dupree? – For 12 years, Dr. Dupree worked for the second-largest chicken restaurant in the world as the Director of Community Relations and Training. She was widely known due to her work in the community. During this time and through her work with the community and the people she helped, Dr. Dupree became known as “The Chicken Lady.”

I recently saw an ad that read, “Radio for sale, $1, volume stuck on full.” I thought, “I can’t turn that down…”

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

Happy National Chicken Lady Day!

“We are the Priests, of the Temple of Syrinx
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls
We are the Priests, of the Temples of Syrinx
All the gifts of life are held within our walls”

– Rush (complete with Tom Hanks on drums. 😊 )

Briefly.

I have learned two important lessons in my life. I don’t remember the first one, but the second one is to write everything down.

Trivia #1: Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” was published in what year (by Benjamin Motte in London)? – 1694, 1726, 1798, 1815, 1845
Trivia #2: One Boston Celtic player currently wears a number not worn by any other player in the NBA. Who is it and what number does he wear?
Trivia #3: Which men’s college basketball team is NOT in the top 5 in terms of the number of alums currently playing in the NBA? – UCLA, Duke, UNC, Kansas, Kentucky, USC

On this day: On October 28, 1886, the first-ever confetti (ticker tape) parade was held in New York City celebrating the dedication of the Statue of Liberty by U.S. President Grover Cleveland.

5 days off between the end of the League Championship Series and the World Series. Jeez!

Yankees suck.

Go away: Kanye West. As Keith Richards once said; “Kanye West? Never heard of her.”

The Akers are 0-4. My heart goes out.

Get those Powerball tickets!

This year is the 50^th anniversary of the Miami Dolphins perfect season. Currently, the Philadelphia Eagles are this season’s only undefeated team at 6-0.

Article I’ll skip: Climate activist glues his head to ‘Girl with a Pearl Earring’ painting in The Hague.

Headline of the week: A 54-year-old Indonesian grandmother who went missing last Friday while collecting rubber on a plantation near her home in Jambi was eventually found in the stomach of a 22-foot python after a two-day search. 

The Patriots’ rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe’s odds to win Rookie of the Year were 59-1 at the start of last Sunday’s game vs. Da Bears. By halftime, those odds were down to 5-1 and after the game they stood at 13-2.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Tom Brady is below .500 (3-5) for the first time as a starter, 8 games into the season.

Me: When I get mad at you, you never fight back. How do you control your anger?
My wife: I clean the toilet…
Me: How does that help?
My wife: I use your toothbrush      

Brock Holt, Red Sox’ fan-favorite, has retired. Holt was a 2015 all-star and a 2018 World Series champ. As ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson said to Moonlight Graham, “Hey kid, you were good.”

Trivia #1 answer: Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels” was published in what year (by Benjamin Motte in London)? – 1694, 1726, 1798, 1815, 1845 – 1726
Trivia #2 answer: One Boston Celtic player currently wears a number not worn by any other player in the NBA. Who is it and what number does he wear? – Marcus Smart (36)
Trivia #3 answer: Which men’s college basketball team is NOT in the top 5 in terms of the number of alums currently playing in the NBA? – UCLA, Duke, UNC, Kansas, Kentucky, USC – Kansas (10 players). For the record – Kentucky (27), Duke (25), UCLA (12), USC (11), UNC (11)

Candy is expensive! Don’t knock on my door saying “Trick or Treat.” You better say “Chicken of Beef” because I’m handing out Ramen Noodles

The greatest wealth is health.

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

Happy National Chocolate Day!

“He did the mash, he did the monster mash
The monster mash, it was a graveyard smash
He did the mash, it caught on in a flash
He did the mash, he did the monster mash”

Creepy!

Briefly.

No matter how good the hand soap smells, never walk out of the bathroom sniffing your fingers.

Trivia #1: Name the Red Sox player: At one time of another, he led the AL in OBP, OPS, runs, runs created, total bases, homeruns, extra-base hits, bases on balls, and times on base. He won eight Gold Gloves.
Trivia #2: Who is Lloyd Cushonberry III?
Trivia #3: Bailey Zappe posted a +100 rating on his first two NFL QB starts. Who are the other two rookies to accomplish the same feat since 1950? – Dan Marino, Andy, Dalton, Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Jim Zorn, Eli Manning, John Elway

On this day: October 21, 1975, the Supreme Court rules teachers could spank their pupils after warning. (Had to throw this in as Haverhill, MA teachers ended their 4-day strike last night)

Draft picks, I just don’t get it. When Christian McCaffrey is healthy, and he has been this year, he is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL. Last night the Carolina Panthers sent McCaffrey to the 49ers for their 2023 second, third and fourth-round draft picks, and their fifth-round pick in 2024. I say that is a steal for the 49ers who now have two of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL with McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel.

On an annual basis, home sales in the U.S. plunged 23.8% in September.

I don’t like the Houston Astros and Alex Bregman in particular but… against the yankees? Go Houston!

Locally, this joke has been getting beat to death, but that’s for a reason. Henry Winkler is on a plane and the stewardess asked him: “Would you like some headphones?” Henry Winkler replied: “Sure!… but it’s pronounced ‘phaw-nz’”

Article I’ll skip: Choose your cheese, wine, coffee and chocolate carefully – they could give you headaches

Good News: The Celtics wore their commemorative uniforms on opening night to honor the late Bill Russel, one of numerous acts they are doing throughout the season for the former legend. They will wear those uniforms 11 times during the season to acknowledge Russel’s 11 NBA titles. Nice!

On Wednesday night, San Diego Padres catcher Austin Nola and Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola became the first ever brothers to face off against each other in the postseason. Parents A.J. and Stacie watched from the stands and showed as little emotion as they could muster. Good theater.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: A.J. and Stacie Nola sat in section 111, row 36.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: I like tuna fish and have begun to mix it with avocado mayonnaise. Avocado mayonnaise. There, I’ve admitted it.

Haverhill, MA borders Methuen, MA. On Tuesday night, Haverhill’s Noah Vonleh (Celtics) and Methuen’s Georges Niang (76ers) were on the court at the same time for an NBA regular season game. Small world (but I wouldn’t want to paint it…).

R.I.P. – Helen (64) – the oldest western lowland gorilla in the U.S. The Louisville Zoo had to make the difficult decision to euthanize Helen due to her declining health.

Trivia #1 answer: Name the Red Sox player: At one time of another, he led the AL in OBP, OPS, runs, runs created, total bases, homeruns, extra-base hits, bases on balls, and times on base. He won eight Gold Gloves. – Dwight “Dewey” Evans
Trivia #2 answer: Who is Lloyd Cushonberry III? An offensive lineman for the Denver Broncos
Trivia #3 answer: Bailey Zappe posted a +100 rating on his first two NFL QB starts. Who are the other two rookies to accomplish the same feat since 1950? – Dan Marino, Andy, Dalton, Dak Prescott, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Jim Zorn, Eli Manning, John Elway – Dan Marino and Andy Dalton

It will never be today again.

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

Happy National Reptile Awareness Day!

“Hey, girl, stop what you’re doing!
Hey, girl, you’ll drive me to ruin
I don’t know what it is that I like about you, but I like it a lot
Won’t you let me hold you, let me feel your loving touch

Communication breakdown
It’s always the same
I’m having a nervous breakdown
Drive me insane”

– Led Zeppelin – Communication Breakdown (and more on bonus Friday!)

Briefly.

Here’s to those who are seeing how long they can freeze before turning on the heat for the first time.

Trivia #1: Who was Andre Rene Roussimoff?
Trivia #2: Which of the following is not a number? One billion, trillion, quadrillion, quintrillion, sextillion, septillion, octillion, nonillion, decillion
Trivia #3: The Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron scored his 401^st goal the other night in the Bruins’ opener. Bergeron is 4^th in goals scored by a Bruin. Who is 3^rd and who is 5^th? Bonus for numbers of goals for each.
Trivia #4: Sticking with the Bruins, which player is not in the top 5, all-time, in Bruins’ penalty minutes? – Ray Bourque, Mike Milbury, Keith Crowder, Eddie Shore, Terry O’Reilly, Wayne Cashman

On this day: On October 14, 1908, upset over seating arrangements at the Baseball World Series, sports reporters form a professional group that will become the Baseball Writers Association of America.
On this day: On October 14, 1975, the Red Sox’ Carlton Fisk is interfered with by the Reds’ Ed Armbrister on a bunt in the bottom of the 10^th inning but umpire Larry Barnett makes no call. The Sox would lose Game 3 of the World Series, 6-5.

Difficult to believe but true. Tuesday night’s walk-off homerun by Houston’s Yordan Alvarez was the first ever ninth inning, postseadon, two-out homerun by a player whose team was down by multiple runs.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Alvarez’s homerun ranks first ever in MLB postseason history in “Win Probability Added” at +91.4 percent.

Yankees suck.

Have you been watching the NHL? During the first shift of power plays they show how long each player has been on the ice. Pretty cool, I think.

Leaves are falling all around, time I was on my way…

Article I’ll skip: Elon Musk jumps on new weight-loss trend; diabetic medications

The Bruins are undefeated. Just sayin’.

Angry wife’s note to husband: “Your dinner is in the recipe book on page 34 and the ingredients are at the store.”

They said it: “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: New Zealand announced Tuesday a proposal to tax greenhouse gases farm animals produce, including burping and peeing, as part of its efforts to address climate change.

Trivia #1 answer: Who was Andre Rene Roussimoff? – Former professional wrestler, Andre the Giant
Trivia #2 answer: Which of the following is not a number? Billion, trillion, quadrillion, quintrillion, sextillion, septillion, octillion, nonillion, decillion – Sorry, they are all numbers
Trivia #3 answer: The Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron scored his 401^st goal the other night in the Bruins’ opener. Bergeron is 4^th in goals scored by a Bruin. Who is 3^rd and who is 5^th? Bonus for numbers of goals for each. – Rick Middleton is 3^rd (402), Ray Bourque is 5^th (395)
Trivia #4 answer: Sticking with the Bruins, which player is not in the top 5, all-time, in Bruins’ penalty minutes? – Ray Bourque, Mike Milbury, Keith Crowder, Eddie Shore, Terry O’Reilly, Wayne Cashman – Wayne Cashman (7^th)

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

Don’t bother walking in my shoes, that would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head, that’ll will freak you right out!

Happy National Be Bald and Be Free Day!

“Mississippi Queen, if you know what I mean
Mississippi Queen, she taught me everything
Way down around Vicksburg, around Louisiana way
Lived a Cajun lady, we called her Mississippi Queen
You know she was a dancer
She moved better on wine

While the rest of them dudes was a-gettin’ their kicks
Buddy, beg your pardon, I was getting mine”

– Mountain

Briefly. (Bear with me. Vacation ends next week)

Are you interested in time travel? Meet me here last Thursday at 7pm.

Trivia #1: Who won the 1998 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1998)?

On this day: In 1916 Georgia Tech, coached by John Heisman, defeats Cumberland 222-0 in the most lopsided score in the history of college football.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Aaron Judge’s 62 homeruns traveled a total of 25, 520 feet.

DYK: Aaron Judge wears number 99 and hit his 62^nd homerun on the night the Yankees record went to 99-62. Whoa!

Article I’ll skip: ALL articles on Tom Brady and Gisele. (Unless, of course, there are accompanying pictures of Gisele)

The Red Sox season is mercilessly over.

On that note, the Bruins play real games beginning next Wednesday, the Celtics on Tuesday, the 18^th.

“You loot, we shoot.” – A sign in Punta Gorda after hurricane Ian.

I may have said this before but I predict a co-MLB MVPs with Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani.

Worst beatdown eva? Last weekend Syracuse was leading Wagner 59-0 at the half. Both teams agreed to play two 10-minute quarters for the second half, which voided all tickets on the game. DOH!

They said it: He should be revered for being the actual single-season homerun champ. That’s really who he is if he hits 62.” – Roger Maris on Aaron Judge

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: After Boston and London announced both respective marathons will feature a nonbinary division for runners who don’t identify as male or female, the Chicago Marathon will feature such a division this weekend.

Haverhill’s Noah Vonleh made his Celtics debut last Sunday in an exhibition game. His line was 13 minutes, 7 points (1-1 from 3-pt range), 9 rebounds and 5 fouls. Now that’s a full 13 minutes!

BElieve THEre is GOOD in the world. (see what I did there?)

Trivia #1 answer: Who won the 1998 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1998)? – Detroit Red Wings (NHL), Chicago Bulls (NBA), New York Yankees (MLB), Denver Broncos (NFL)

If you put ketchup on your hotdog, we can’t be friends.

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

Best-friEND, boyfriEND, girlfriEND… it all “ENDs.” You know what doesn’t END? Garlic bread!

Happy National Chocolate Covered Pretzel Day!

“Stalemate, jailbate ladies can’t refuse
You love ‘em then you leave ‘em with your sold out reviews
No more, no more
Sweet-talkin’ barroom ladies disease
Slippin’ her lips slidin’ down your knees
No more, no more, no more
Baby I’m a screamer
Bound to a wife and marriage
Baby I’m a dreamer
Found my horse and carriage”

– Aerosmith