Blog

Briefly.

VOTE!

Happy Birthday to my Mum, tomorrow!

Trivia #1: More for all you Doc Emrick fans. Last week we reported that Doc has a doctorate in Communications. From what school does he have that degree?

Trivia #2: What three quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl and played on 5 or more NFL teams?

Trivia #3: In what years are “Gen X” people born?

The Kansas Chiefs are favored on Sunday by 20 points (it may be down to 19 ½) over the New York Jets. 13 times in NFL history have teams been favored by 20 points or more. Those teams are 13-0 in those games but only 3-10 against the spread (ATS). Also, the Dallas Cowboys are currently 0-7 ATS to start the season. The NFL record is 0-8 by both the ‘91 Bengals and ‘03 Raiders.

“Urology Department… can you hold?”

OK, if you missed it, Atlanta Falcons’ running back Todd Gurley could have gone to the ground with about one minute to go just before the goal line to setup a chip shot, last second field goal to win the game. They were down 16-14. Instead, he busted through the line, stumbled and couldn’t control his momentum in crossing the goal line for a touchdown. Detroit subsequently went 75 yards after the ensuing kickoff and won the game on a last-play touchdown. Now everyone is blaming Gurley. I have two questions. First, why didn’t QB Matt Ryan simply kneel down? Second, why not blame the defense for allowing the ridiculous drive that ended the game? Watch where you point fingers. (editor’s note: Yours truly have both Gurley and T.J. Hockenson, who scored Detroit’s last-play touchdown, so I was pretty happy with the outcome!!!)

Don’t you hate hearing other’s fantasy sports stories?

Speaking of the NFL, The Buffalo Bills beat the lowly New York Jets 18-10 by kicking 6 field goals. They missed two others. That’s pathetic.

This week, the Philadelphia Eagles lead the NFC East with a 2-4-1 record.

The future’s open wide…..

In my opinion, if you need an energy drink to get you 5 hours of energy, then what you are about to do is not worth doing.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Two suspects in Florida have been arrested after being accused of stealing mail and mail-in ballots earlier this week by using an apparent homemade device capable of lifting letters out of a dropbox.

So the Dodgers won the World Series, abbreviated, that is. I have to admit I am happy for manager Dave Roberts. He holds a special place in the hearts of all true Red Sox fans.

Imagine being fired and then, 34 years later, being rehired by the same company? That’s what just happened to 76-year old manager Tony LaRussa. The three-time World Series champ (Oakland and two with St. Louis) is back with the White Sox. LaRussa is 2,728-2,365 in his career.

The Ohio State Buckeyes played, and won, their first football game of the season. They are currently ranked #3 in the country! Top ranked Clemson is 6-0. Six

Speaking of Clemson, all-world quarterback Trevor Lawrence “has the ‘rona” and will miss at least this week’s game against Boston College.

Headline of the week: Online cheating is on the rise amid remote learning. (Nooooo!)

Headline of the week part duex: Deer with head stuck in plastic pumpkin rescued by New Jersey animal control officers.

A loan at a bank can take 30 years to pay off. If you rob a bank, you’re out in 10 years. Follow me for more financial advice.

R.I.P. Travis Roy (45) – Former Boston University hockey player paralyzed after an injury in 1995 who became a philanthropist for spinal cord treatment. Roy had slid headfirst into the boards just 11 seconds into his first shift for BU. He died from complications from a procedure needed to maintain his quality of life.

Not exactly “R.I.P.” but I think Julian Edelman’s career is finished.

Trivia #1 answer: Last week we reported that Doc has a doctorate in Communications. From what school does he have that degree? – Bowling Green University

Trivia #2 answer: What three quarterbacks have won a Super Bowl and played on 5 or more NFL teams? – Jim McMahon, Trent Dilfer and Nick Foles

Trivia #3 answer: In what years are “Gen X” people born? – Between 1965 and 1980

Don’t forget to move your clocks forward this weekend. Not sure how much forward but 4 months should do!

I approve this message.

“I’ll stop the world and melt with you
You’ve seen the difference and it’s getting better all the time
There’s nothing you and I won’t do
I’ll stop the world and melt with you”

– Modern English

Briefly.

Trivia #1: The Great Central U.S. Shakeout is held here?

Trivia #2: The Pittsburgh Steelers logo is based on the Steelmark logo of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The three hypocycloids (diamond shapes) mean: steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure and widens your world. They also represent the three materials used to produce steel: orange for iron ore, blue for steel scrap and yellow for what?

Trivia #3: Mike “Doc” Emrick, 50-year NHL announcer, is referred to as “Doc” for what reason?

Longtime NHL announcer Mike “Doc” Emrick is retiring as a broadcaster, announced Monday. His resume includes calling 22 Stanley Cup Finals and winning eight sports Emmy awards for play-by-play, including seven straight from 2014-2020. In 2008 Emrick was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, which awarded him the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting. In 2011, he was the first announcer inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. (I didn’t know there was a separate “U.S.” hall???)

I lost my pizza cutter so I used my Bryan Adams’ CD. It cuts like a knife.

I mentioned last week that “launch angle” is killing baseball. A close second anyone? How about junior homerun derbys? Fun, of course, but I think it sets the wrong mindset in kids.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: San Francisco may change ‘inappropriate’ names of some city schools. At least 44 schools in San Fran could see their names changed as officials believed some were named after those with potential connections to slavery, genocide and colonization. Some of the schools listed under the proposed name changes include Abraham Lincoln High School, George Washington High School, Roosevelt Middle School and Jefferson Elementary.

Hey, you can’t change history. Teach it.

Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick recently had a turn of what I’ll call ‘bad luck.’ Despite having a “pretty good” season so far in 2020, he was demoted to backup in favor of rookie top draft pick Tua Tagovailoa. Yes, time for move forward for the Dolphins. Fitzpatrick’s reaction? “I basically got fired yesterday and my day consisted of zoom meetings with the guy who fired me and siting in a room with the guy who replaced me for four hours.” OK, Fitzy was benched and we can feel for him, but please don’t whine to us about “getting fired.” You got demoted, are 38 years old, in the back end of a two-year $11M contract and have made over $35M on top of that. Suck it up, Harvard Boy!

The Dallas Cowboys sit atop the NFC East with a 2-4 record.

Speaking of the Cowboys, even after missing last week’s game and some of the prior week’s game, Dak Prescott still leads the NFL in passing yards.

Speaking of the Patriots… for you/us Patriots’ fans, after last week’s loss to the Broncos and lack of late-game heroics, we now know for sure that Cam ain’t no Tom.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: “Hollywood celebs share their reactions to Trump-Biden debate”

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination, part duex: “Britney Spears reveals ‘5 most important’ beach day essentials”

Ziggy played guitar… and was a lefty.

The World Series is down to a 5-game series. Go Rays! (really, I don’t like the Rays at all but do really dislike the Dodgers). That’s correct, I’m not rooting for Mookie.

Hormel Foods made their first batch of Spam in 1937. With everyone out shopping and hoarding food they have announced they will be making their second batch later this week.

This past Sunday night, announcer Mike Tirico, on multiple occasions, mentioned that Kansas City Chiefs’ kicker Harrison Butker had made his last 30ish field goals inside the 40-yard line. He has also missed 4 extra points this year. Since the extra point attempt is from 33-yards out, I’d say he’s missed some kicks inside the 40, right? What’s the difference?!

Quote for the week: Discussions are always better than arguments because an argument is to find out who is right, and a discussion is to find out what is right.

Quote for the week, part deux: “I hope I can handle retirement, especially since I’ve never done it.” – Doc Emrick

Headline of the week: “Florida wildlife investigators uncover flying squirrel trafficking ring”

Trivia #1 answer: The Great Central U.S. Shakeout is held here? – Anywhere in the U.S.. The main goal of the Shakeout is to get  everyone prepared for  major earthquakes. Anyone can participate, from a single person to  a major company at an office. Where ever you are at the moment -at home, at work, at school, anywhere – you should “drop, cover and roll” as if there is an earthquake at the very moment. The event takes place on the third Thursday in October (last Thursday this year) at 10:15am. Well, I missed it…

Trivia #2 answer: The Pittsburgh Steelers logo is based on the Steelmark logo of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI). The three hypocycloids (diamond shapes) mean: steel lightens your work, brightens your leisure and widens your world. They also represent the three materials used to produce steel: orange for iron ore, blue for steel scrap and yellow for what? – Yellow for coal

Trivia #3: Mike “Doc” Emrick, 50-year NHL announcer, is referred to as “Doc” for what reason? – He has a doctorate in communications

“If the sun refused to shine,
I would still be loving you.
When mountains crumble to the sea,
There will still be you and me.

Kind woman, I give you my all.
Kind woman, nothing more.”

– Led Zeppelin

Briefly.

Trivia #1: What two states are not members in the 48-state Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact?

Trivia #2: What team did MLB HOF’er Joe Morgan debut with in 1963 as an amateur free agent? – San Francisco Giants, Houston Colt 45’s, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies

Trivia #3: In what sport, any of the major North American sports leagues, did the visiting team win all seven games of a best-of-seven postseason series?

If you’re wearing your mask inside your car, alone, with the windows up, I’m going to go ahead and assume it’s to control your urge to lick the windows.

Get your flu shot.

Dak Prescott. Not exactly a Joe Theisman replay, but close and something I didn’t watch more than once. Not to be cold but… any truth to the rumor that Dak was crying while being carted off the field because he never signed that huge, multi-year contract???

Speaking of the Cowboys… I realize they went on to win that game with Andy “Big Red” Dalton at the helm, but Andy Dalton? Cowboy fans are bummin’.

I heard an announcer say during one NFL game last Sunday, “he doesn’t want to make any mistakes here…” Tell me, who wants to make a mistake anywhere, anytime? It doesn’t matter who the announcer was because it’s been said before and will be said again. It’s just a lousy cliché.

17-year old Maci Currin of Cedar Park, TX, is 6’ 10” and now holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest legs for a woman and the longest legs on a teenager. Her left right leg measures 52.874 inches and her left leg is slightly longer at 53.155 inches.

Jimmy “G” Garoppolo. Remember him, Pats’ fans? We thought Belichick was crazy dealing him for a second round pick. The guy cannot stay on the field! He tried last weekend only to be lifted at halftime. The coaches said it was to protect him because he wasn’t fully healthy. Hmmm. I’m sure it had nothing to do with his “15” rating in the first half! Heck, my rating was nearly that high while I sat on the couch!

On Wednesday, Atlanta Braves’ pitcher Kyle Wright (or “Wrong?”) became the first starting pitcher to allow seven earned runs and pitch less than one inning in a postseason game as the Dodgers scored 11 first inning runs in route to a 15-3 win. Editor’s note: The Braves came back last night and scored 6 runs in the 6^th to go up 3-1 in the NLCS. Game 5 tonight.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: San Francisco may change ‘inappropriate’ names of some city schools. At least 44 schools in San Fran could see their names changed as officials believed some were named after those with potential connections to slavery, genocide and colonization. Some of the schools listed under the proposed name changes include Abraham Lincoln High School, George Washington High School, Roosevelt Middle School and Jefferson Elementary.

Coronavirus update #11,293, the current border closure between the U.S. and Canada is set to expire on October 21 but will likely be extended for the seventh time, says Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

I haven’t lost all my marbles yet but there is definitely a small hole in the bag somewhere.

Hunting, you’re doing it wrong. 57-year old Kurt Johnston of Pickford, Michigan, has lost his hunting privileges for life and will spend three months in jail for allegedly killing 18 wolves and 3 bald eagles, amongst other charges. Given the charges, he is also banned from hunting in the 48 members states of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (created to promote compliance with the laws, regulations, ordinances, resolutions and administrative rules that relate to the management of wildlife resources in the respective member states)

I tell you, there’s some funny people out there, specifically those creating Geico television commercials. How about the ones pertaining to the ants (aunts) in the home and the other with rats (Ratt) in the basement? Funny stuff.

The Masters is set to begin less than one month from now, Thursday, November 12.

Phoenix, Arizona just set the record for 100-degree days in a calendar year with number 144! Suddenly, quarantine doesn’t sound so bad!

“V”, as in “Vodka” – says the homeschool Mom.

Quote for the week: Discussions are always better than arguments because an argument is to find out who is right, and a discussion is to find out what is right.

The Lakers won.

Headline of the week: Tennessee mayor resigns after allegedly shoplifting at Target

R.I.P. – Joe Morgan (77) – A key member of the Cincinnati Red’s “Big Red Machine” in the mid-seventies. Morgan was a two-time NL MVP (’75 & ’76), 10-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner. Widely regarded of one of the greatest second baseman in baseball history, he went on to broadcast games for over 25 years following his playing career. He also stole 689 bases, 11^th in baseball history. For those of us who remember watching Morgan, who didn’t imitate his at-bat, elbow twitch either on the baseball or whiffleball field?

Trivia #1 answer : What two states are not members in the 48-state Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact? – Hawaii and Massachusetts (MA is in process of joining)

Trivia #2 answer: What team did MLB HOF’er Joe Morgan debut with in 1963 as an amateur free agent? – San Francisco Giants, Houston Colt 45’s, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies – The Houston Colt 45’s

Trivia #3 answer: In what sport, any of the major North American sports leagues, did the visiting team win all seven games of a best-of-seven postseason series? – The Washington Nationals last year won the World Series over the Houston Astros 4 games to 3 with every game being won by the visiting team.

“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
So, if you feel like giving me a lifetime of devotion
I second that emotion”

– Smokey Robinson & The Miracles

Briefly.

Trivia #1: The Yankees have won the most AL pennants, 40. What team is second?

Trivia #2: “Vote while you float” is the motto for who?

Tom Brady lost last night on national television. Poor Tom.

Tom Brady has won more playoff games than anyone else has played in. (all with the Patriots, I might add)

When life shuts a door, open it back up. That’s how doors work.

Joe Flacco is starting for the Jets this Sunday. Joe Flacco?? I could have sworn I recently saw him on a milk carton.

Speaking of baseball… check out the MLB upcoming schedule. Tonight is the deciding game 5 of the ALDS, Yankees/Rays. (go Rays!) The other three series have already been decided. There are no games scheduled on Saturday but then… The ALCS begins on Sunday and the NLCS on Monday. Both series play EVERY night until each ends. No breaks! Are you listening NHL and NBA!

Speaking of basketball, the Lakers lead the Heat three games to one. Go Heat!

Don’t say/think “that’s what they get for living there” regarding people who live on the gulf coast who are about to be battered yet again by another storm. People live down there for countless reasons with no other options. Just pray for them.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Tracie’s Place Karaoke Bar and Restaurant in Ontario, Canada is allowing customers to sing within a makeshift shower stall (on stage) to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In the first spoken words in the original “Rambo” movie, John J actually smiles. He introduces himself to Delmar Berry’s mother who informs Rambo that Delmar died. It is the only time in the movie that Rambo smiles. (useless information, I know…)

The Indianapolis Colts’ kicker, Rodrigo Blankenship, has single-handedly outscored the opponent in each of the Colts’ three victories.

Training, you’re doing it wrong. A 66-year old Illinois motorcyclist was killed in a crash during her second day of a motorcycle safety training course.

Have you ever reached for your drink thinking you had one sip left and then finding out there was really more than one sip? Isn’t that awesome!

Another NFL game moved from Sunday to later in the week. I really can’t see the season ending as a full season. It’s falling apart.

Do you know that Bruce Springsteen song “Glory Days?” “I had a friend was a big baseball player back in high school. He could throw that speedball by you, make you look like a fool…” – What in hell is a “speedball?” I’m thinking Springsteen was one of those kids who stepped up to the plate back in the day and yelled to the pitcher “Don’t whip it!”

Quote for the week: “To hell with the rules. If it sounds right, then it is” – Eddie Van Halen

Headline of the week: “Winner of ‘Fat Bear Week’ competition crowned by Alaska national park”

R.I.P. – Eddie Van Halen (65) – Considered by many as the best and most influential guitarists of all-time. Eddie first made a name for himself with his solo “Eruption” which was on Van Halen’s first album. Eddie became a pop culture icon with the 1983 release of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It”  – which featured Eddie’s iconic guitar solo. Eddie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007.

Trivia #1 answer: The Yankees have won the most AL pennants, 40. What team is second? – The Oakland A’s (15) – the Red Sox are third with 14.

Trivia #2 answer: “Vote while you float” is the motto for who? – Astronauts

“Happy trails to you,
Until we meet again,
Happy trails to you,
Keep smiling on til then
Who cares about the clouds when we’re together
Just sing a song an’ think about sunny weather
Happy trails to you,
Til we meet again”

– Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (Van Halen ended each concert with this song back in the day)

Briefly.

Trivia #1: Which world leader has NOT contracted Covid-19? Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, United States President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Honduras President Juan Orlando Heranadez, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattel, Bolivian interim president Jeanine Anez, Indian President M. Venkalaiah, Venezuelan interim president Nicolas Maduro

Trivia #2: What did the UN designate the first Monday in October as? World Wildlife Day, Worldwide Holiday, World Children’s Day, World Habitat Day, World Dumpster Day

Trivia #3: Before Clayton Kershaw (last night), who was the last left-hander to strike out 13 or more batters in a postseason game?

COVID-19 has finally found the NFL as Sunday’s game between Tennessee and Pittsburgh has been postponed until “later in the season.” Week #18???

Did you get your flu shot yet? Seriously, get one!

I actually got two flu shots. I went with bourbon and tequila.

The Jets lost again.

Reveal party gone wrong. 33-year old Hayley Sexton had painted the nursery pink, chosen the name Isabella and bought two Moses baskets, blankets and onesies in girl hue. She then gave birth to a baby boy. DOH!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The love child of former Belgian King Albert II on Thursday won a seven-year-long battle over her loyal rights and can now officially call herself a princess. She is now entitled to the same royal titles and privileges as her father’s three other children.

Doc Rivers was fired by the LA Clippers and then hired as head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. Sounds like a promotion to me.

Quote for the week: “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” – George Orwell

Headline of the week: “Vietnam police confiscate 345,000 used condoms that were washed and sold as new”

Nothing new in the NBA. I’m rooting against the Lakers, much like rooting against the Yankees. Hater… me.

To the person who stole my glasses. I will find you, I have contacts.

In case you missed it, the Houston Astros became the first MLB team ever to win a playoff after making the playoffs with a losing record – 29-31.  They beat the Minnesota Twins and went on to sweep them two games to none. The Twinkies have now lost an MLB record  18 playoff games in a row.

Speaking of the Oakland A’s, they won their first playoff series in 14 years. (14 years?! That’s a lot???)

During his September 24, 1960 campaign stop in Sullivan, Illinois, then vice-president Richard Nixon stopped to eat a barbeque buffalo sandwich at a related cookout. He barely finished the sandwich before getting up to make a speech. Then 14-year old Steve Jenne pounced, took the half-eaten sandwich and still has it today, 60 years later. (No one, and I mean no one, can make that shit up.)

Trivia #1 answer: Which world leader has NOT contracted Covid-19? Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, United States President Donald Trump, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Honduras President Juan Orlando Heranadez, Guatemalan President Alejandro Giammattel, Bolivian interim president Jeanine Anez, Indian President M. Venkalaiah, Venezuelan interim president Nicolas Maduro – the last one here, Venezuelan interim president Nicolas Maduro

Trivia #2 answer: What did the UN designate the first Monday in October as? World Wildlife Day, Worldwide Holiday, World Children’s Day, World Habitat Day, World Dumpster Day – World Habitat Day

Trivia #3 answer: Before Clayton Kershaw (last night), who was the last left-hander to strike out 13 or more batters in a postseason game? – Cliff Lee (13 K’s for the Rangers against the Yankees in 2010)

“Jump up, look around, find yourself some fun
No sense in sitting there hating everyone
No man’s an island and his castle isn’t home
The nest is full of nothing when the bird has flown”

– Jethro Tull

Briefly.

WordPress tracks hits to my blog and where they originate. I routinely have 2-3 hits from Baidu, an internet company in China. Hmmm.

Trivia #1: Who was the only player named at two positions to the NFL’s 75^th Anniversary Team in 1994?

Trivia #2: How many different venues have hosted an NFL game? – 79, 127, 160, 188, 209, 246

Trivia #3: B.B. King. What does “B.B.” stand for?

Trivia #4: Since 1970, which team is the only one to make the Stanley Cup Final in five consecutive years? – Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Charlestown Chiefs

LeBron, 2^nd in MVP voting, again, is bitching about it. ‘Nuf said.

Not to sound insensitive but the worst part about all of these NFL injuries is that we can kiss ‘good-bye’ to any thought of future, shortened preseasons.

The Red Sox lost their final “home” game last night to the Orioles. Thankfully, their season ends this weekend.

I have found myself on a steady diet of alcohol, vitamin D and an occasional steak tip.

Quote for the week: “Do I think I’m the best quarterback in the NFL? I believe so, without a doubt.” – Seattle’s Russell Wilson on the “Dan Patrick Show” – Sounds a little like “Hey, don’t you know about me!?”

Quote for the week, part deux: “You flatter me by giving me this award, but I can tell you here and now that I accept it for Brian Piccolo. … I love Brian Piccolo and I’d like all of you to love him, too. Tonight, when you hit your knees, please ask God to love him.” – Gail Sayers during his acceptance speech for the George S. Halas Award for courage in 1969. I have to admit I got a little misty-eyed reading/writing this.

The hypocrisy continues, now in the NFL. The NFL has hit Denver’s Vic Fangio, Seattle’s Pete Carroll and San Francisco’s Kyle Shanahan with $100,000 fines and their teams with $250,000 fines for not wearing masks last Sunday. In all, the league issued $1.05 million in fines. Now maybe I don’t know the definition of “wearing a mask” but I saw FAR more violations in various other games on Sunday.

Did you see Danny Lee’s 6-putt on the 18th at the US Open? After missing a 4-footer for par, he missed the return putt and frustration set in. He then withdrew from the tournament, citing a wrist injury. Wrist injury?! I’m sorry but that’s hysterical!

NFL quarterbacks are running wild! Cam Newton, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, to name a few. If this season’s pace continues, quarterbacks will score 48 more rushing touchdowns than they ever have in a season and they’ll finish with over 1,400 more rushing yards. I tell you, wild!

“Stop the pain”, you’re doing it wrong. A Los Angeles Chargers team doctor punctured quarterback Tyrod Taylor’s lung just before kickoff last Sunday while trying to administer a pain-killing injection to the quarterback’s cracked robs.

DYK, Tyrod Taylor is one of six NFL QB’s to register 3,000 passing yards and 500 rushing yards in consecutive seasons? I didn’t.

Don’t think “end of summer”, think “beginning of fall.”

Everything that has a beginning, has an end.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Philadelphia Eagles’ starting quarterback Carson Wentz was booed last Sunday due to his continuing poor play. As there were no fans allowed at Philly’s home field, Lincoln Financial Field, Wentz was digitally booed. (that’s gotta hurt!)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: (I do try to keep politics out of this but…) FOX Super Bet 6, a free-to-play app that typically focuses on sporting events, will allow users to win prizes by making accurate predictions about the first presidential debate on Tuesday, September 29^th in Cleveland. A $25,000 prize pool is guaranteed with 6 questions, including – Will Trump use the term “Sleeping Joe” during the debate? and will Biden say the word “malarkey” more than he mentions former President Barack Obama?

On Monday Night Countdown this past week the panelists, as they always do, make their game predictions. All of the men confidently predicted the Saints would beat the Raiders. Suzy Kolber however, commented on the karma of opening a new stadium (Allegiant Stadium) and chose the Raiders, much to the others dismay. Karma.

Say what you will, the NHL Bubble works!

In feel-good news, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ “Day On Fund”, established in 2018, is supporting Bezos’ first tuition-free preschool for underserved children. On Oct. 19 the doors open for Bezos Academy in Des Moines, WA and is the first of many free preschools that Bezos plans to open.

People often ask me, not in this lifetime, what ever happened to NFL quarterback Blake Bortles? With the injury to Denver Broncos’ quarterback Drew Lock, Bortles was signed to a one-year deal as backup to new starter Jeff “don’t call me ‘Whitey’” Driskel.

People also routinely ask me about Deion Sanders. Last week, Prime Time was named head football coach at Jackson State. During his first week on the job, Mississippi State freshman cornerback Javorrius Selmon announced he was transferring to Jackson State to play for “Coach Prime.”

Florida prosecutors said Monday that they won’t appeal a court’s decision blocking video that allegedly shows New England Patriots’ owner Robert Kraft paying for massage parlor sex. The charges have since been dropped. Let me tell you there are some days I miss my father more than others. He’d be shaking his head over this duck-n-dodge by Krafty Bob.

R.I.P. Gail Sayers (77) – Considered one of the greatest running backs in the history of the NFL, Sayers played primarily only five seasons, all with the Chicago Bears (he played sparingly in 70’ and ’71) and finished with 4,956 yards, 39 touchdowns, 30 yards per kick return and six touchdowns, 14.5 yards per punt return and two touchdowns. He averaged more than 5 yards per carry for his career and led the NFL in rushing twice, including 1969 one season after tearing his ACL and MCL in his right knee. He was a member of the 1964 All-America team at Kansas and, at age 34, was the youngest player ever inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. (OK, who’s not making time to watch Brian’s Song in the near future?)

Trivia #1 answer: Who was the only player named at two positions to the NFL’s 75^th Anniversary Team in 1994? – Gail Sayers (halfback and kick returner)

Trivia #2 answer: How many different venues have hosted an NFL game? – 79, 127, 160, 188, 209, 246 – this past Monday, Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium became the 188^th different venue to host an NFL game.

Trivia #3 answer: B.B. King. What does “B.B.” stand for? – Blues Boy – As a singer and disc jockey in Memphis, he was given the nickname “Beale Street Blues Buy”, later shortened to “Blues Boy” and finally to B.B.

Trivia #4: Since 1970, which team is the only one to make the Stanley Cup Final in five consecutive years? – Montreal Canadiens, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers, Charlestown Chiefs – The New York Islanders (won the Cup in ’80, ’81, ’82, ’83 then lost in ’84) – BTW, the Charlestown Chiefs is the minor league hockey team from the movie “Slapshot”

The NHL season could end this weekend. I’ll leave you with this:

“Hit somebody! was what the crowd roared
When Buddy the goon came over the boards
“Coach”, he’d say, “I wanna score goals”
The coach said, “Buddy, remember your role
The fast guys get paid, they shoot, they score
Protect them, Buddy, that’s what you’re here for”

– Warren Zevon

Briefly.

Stop trying to make everyone happy, you’re not tequila.

Trivia #1: Which two active NFL quarterbacks are not in the top 5, highest percentage of 400 and 300-yard passing games over his career? – Daniel Jones, Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Patrick Mahomes

Trivia #2: Phil Mickelson has never won the US Open but has been runner-up a record 6 times. How many of those tournaments were played in the state of New York?

Trivia #3: How does Moe Howard like his eggs cooked?

The answer is “launch angle.” The question is; “What is killing baseball?”

“Love that chicken from Popeye’s!” (honestly, I’ve never had it but do like the jingle)

I cannot watch tennis. I tried to watch some of the US Open, men and women. The groaning is too much, really.

In completely useless news, the NBA draft will be held on Nov. 18.

Quote for the week: “Some people feel the rain, others just get wet.” – Bob Marley

Back in July, Haverhill’s own Tom Bergeron (and Erin Andrews) was fired as co-host of Dancing with the Stars. Tyra Banks was named his replacement. Reactions on social media have been mixed.

Tough loss for the Celtics last night dropping to 0-2 vs the Heat.

Trivia #1 hint: Percentage

If praying is your thing, pray for many but especially now those being battered by rain in the south and those running from the fires out west. Sad to see.

Speaking of hockey, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars begin the NHL Finals tomorrow.

I love bacon, sometimes I eat it twice a day. It helps take my mind off the terrible chest pains I keep getting.

Are you shitting me? Tom Brady has convinced the Buccaneers that his longtime trainer and business partner, Alex Guerrero, get an office at their facility.

The Sax-a-telephone. What an invention!

The Big Ten Conference has decided to go ahead with football this season. Each team will play 8 games beginning the weekend of October 24. It will take a vote by the powers that be but the conference champ could be eligible for a semi-final FBS playoff spot.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Qantas Airline announced a seven-hour, nonstop scenic “flight to nowhere”, which will take-off and land at the same airport in Sydney on October 10. The flight promised passengers low-level scenic views over Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef, among other spots. The 134 seats, priced between $575 and $2,765, sold out in 10 minutes.

MLB teams are already qualifying for the playoffs. Man, that was quick!

Antarctica is the only continent without COVID-19. Now, as nearly 1,000 scientists and others who wintered over on the ice are seeing the sun for the first time in weeks or months, a global effort wants to make sure incoming colleagues don’t bring the virus with them.

R.I.P. (belated – Sept. 6)) Lou Brock (81) – The Hall of Famer spent the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals while stealing 118 bases in 1974 and 938 in his career, the MLB record at the time.

Trivia #1 answer: Which two active NFL quarterbacks are not in the top 5, highest percentage of 400 and 300-yard passing games over his career? – Daniel Jones, Tom Brady, Matt Ryan, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Patrick Mahomes – Tom Brady (8^th), Aaron Rodgers (7^th)

Trivia #2 answer: Phil Mickelson has never won the US Open but has been runner-up a record 6 times. How many of those tournaments were played in the state of New York? – 4 (this year’s tournament is in NY)

Trivia #3 answer: How does Moe Howard like his eggs cooked? – “Sunny side down… and DON’T turn ‘em over!”

“Who draws the crowd and plays so loud, baby, it’s the guitar man
Who’s gonna steal the show, you know, baby, it’s the guitar man
He can make you love, he can make you cry
He will bring you down and he’ll get you high
Somethin’ keeps him goin’ miles and miles a day
To find another place to play”

– Bread

Briefly.

Never forget.

What makes your soul happy, do that today.

Trivia #1: What rock n roll band is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as being the world’s loudest band, registering 117 decibels at London’s Rainbow Theatre?

Trivia #2: What NHL goalie has recorded the most shutouts in a single postseason?

Trivia #3: Which player is not in the top five in MLB career outfield assists for active players? – Hunter Pence, Nick Markakis, Jackie Bradley Jr., Alex Gordon, Jay Bruce, Matt Kemp

So here we go, the NFL. Hoping all teams get in a full season. Let’s get right to it. Who is going to have a better season, Bill Belichick or Tom Brady? I think Brady has more of a chip on his shoulder in that he chose to leave the Pats. Belichick has already proven once, 2007, that he can win without Brady. Arguably, the Bucs have a better offense, the Pats a better defense. Given that last comment my money is on  Belichick.

Article I’ll skip: Here’s what happened during the anthems at the NFL season opener

Dustin Johnson has zero bogies on the 18^th hole in his last 27 rounds!

Last night Kansas City’s rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire became the first running back to run for more than 100 yards on Opening Day for a NFL champion team.

The Red Sox Rafael Devers has 10 errors and leads the majors, all positions.

Speaking of leading the majors, Red Sox outfielder Alex Verdugo leads all of baseball with 7 outfield assists.

Trivia #1 hint: The answer is one of AC/DC, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Motorhead, KISS, Led Zeppelin, Rush, The Who, Pink Floyd

Trivia #1 hint part deux: The concert was in 1972

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: About 10% of the population of the state of Oregon have been evacuated due to the wildfires there and in surrounding areas. So far more than 100 wildfires have burned more than 4.3 million acres in 12 western states.

Last week I mentioned the Red Sox’ Bobby Dalbec homering in his first at-bat. I then mentioned his excessive number of strikeouts. Last night Dalbec homered again, his 5^th in the last 5 games, a Red Sox record for a rookie. He now has 6 in his first 10 games. But again, entering last night he has three other hits, all singles, and has struck out in a whopping 45.7 percent of his plate appearances.

My Dad was a union guy. He started all my bedtime stories with: “Once upon a time and a half…”

The Celtics vs. Toronto, game 7 tonight. That’s all you need to know, game 7!

Headline of the week: Florida man charged with impersonating an officer after allegedly pulling over off-duty Orlando cop

People often ask me (not that I recall); “Ed, what ever happened to Daniel Bard?” Daniel Bard last pitched in 2013 with the Red Sox after 5 seasons. Bard left baseball due to a severe case of the yips – the sudden inability to throw a strike. Segway to 2020, Bard is back in baseball with the Colorado Rockies. He is 2-2, with 23 K’s in 18 innings against 5 walks. A great comeback story.

Me: “What can I do to help with dinner?” My wife: “Make me a martini.” Me (after pouring the martini): “Glad I could help.”

Trivia #1 answer: What rock n roll band is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as being the world’s loudest band, registering 117 decibels at London’s Rainbow Theatre? – Deep Purple

Trivia #2 answer: What NHL goalie has recorded the most shutouts in a single postseason? – Martin Brodeur (7) in 2003 with the Devils

Trivia #3 answer: Which player is not in the top five in MLB career outfield assists for active players? – Hunter Pence, Nick Markakis, Jackie Bradley Jr., Alex Gordon, Jay Bruce, Matt Kemp – Jackie Bradley Jr. (actually, not even close)

“Nobody on the road
Nobody on the beach
I can feel it in the air
The summer’s out of reach
Empty lake, empty streets
The sun goes down alone
I’m driving by your house
Though I know you’re not home”

– Don Henley

Briefly.

Trivia #1: Top 5 snowiest cities based on 30-year average monthly totals, population greater than 50,000, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association – Buffalo NY), Syracuse (NY), Rochester (NY), Flagstaff (AZ), Duluth (MN)

Trivia #2: in 2006, the Cleveland Indians’ Kevin Kouzmanoff hit a grand slam on the first pitch he ever saw as a major leaguer. Who is the only other player to do so?

Trivia #3: On Wednesday night, the Atlanta Braves’ Adam Duvall became just the second National Leaguer to homer three times in one game at Fenway Park. Who is the other?  

Trivia #4: Roberto Clemente is the career MLB leader in what category?

Trivia #5: (why not?) Who is Scott McGuiness?

In a truly disasterous season, some good news from Sox’ camp. Rookie Bobby Dalbec homered last weekend in his first major league at bat. He is the 128^th player to make such a splash. DYK: An astonishing 25 players who hit a homerun in their first big league at bat never hit another homerun?!

Be the reason someone smiles today.

BTW, Bobby Dalbec has since had one hit, a single, walked once and struck out 10 times in 15 at bats. DOH!

As mentioned in last week’s post, some NFL teams are not allowing fans in their stadiums while others are. The Miami Dolphins announced they will allow a limited number of fans at their Opener. Fans will be required to wear a mask in their socially distant cluster; there will be more points of entry with mobile touchless entry, timed stadium entry, cashless payments at food kiosks, parking and retail and no tailgating. Gee whiz, sounds like fun… not!

Stop the madness!!! Boston bars/restaurants that have closed as a result of the pandemic – Fours, Legal Seafood, Lir, The Pour House, McGreevy’s and countless others. What a shame.

What an ending last Sunday in the second leg, of three, of the PGA Championship. First, Dustin Johnson hits a bending, 40-foot putt on 18 to force extra holes with John Rahm. On the second playoff hole, Rahm hits a ridiculous, 60-foot bending putt to win it. Tune in this afternoon and this weekend for the finale tournament at East Lake in Hotlanta.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: In Argentina, a college professor died on Wednesday after she struggled to breathe and collapsed during a virtual zoom lecture following a weeks-long battle with the coronavirus.

Rory McIlroy, who said he would leave the PGA Championship this weekend if his wife went into labor with their first child, announced that the baby was delivered on Monday, daughter Poppy Kennedy McIlroy. Poppy

Jason (Halloween) social distancing and wearing a mask since 1978.

While beating the PGA to death here… this weekend’s Championship features the games’ top 30 players based on a point system. Talk about pressure, two players were out of the mix before last weekend’s tournament and managed to play their way in – Joaquin Niemann (before ranked 31/ after ranked 18) and Mackenzie Hughes (36,28) while two others played their way out –  Adam Long (27/31), Kevin Streelman (28/32). $15M up for grabs, that’s gotta hurt!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination – The Farmer’s Almanac released its extended forecast for the 2020-2021 season, which shows this upcoming winter could be brutally cold and snowy for much of the country. Ha! “Could be” – nice disclaimer

The Bruins lost.

Stop complaining. At least you’re not living in an NHL bubble.

Hmmm. Look at that last comment. Is it ‘an’ or ‘a’? If you say National Hockey League, it’s ‘a’. But saying NHL makes it ‘an’, or does it?… Sounds like something to stew on tonight over a scotch.

I watched Top Gun the other night… again. Dammit, Goose died again!

Quote for the week: “There’s two O’s in ‘Goose’”

The Celtics lost and lead the Raptors 2-1. Tough loss, so I hear.

She better not burn my toast! A Texas man allegedly shot and killed his wife and their two teenage sons because, says he, he was tired of their “yelling.”

Thankfully, now that the Bruins lost, football is right around the corner. I’m looking forward to it!

DYK: There are more airplanes under water than there are submarines in the sky?

R.I.P. John Thompson (78) – Former men’s basketball coach at Georgetown University, he won a championship in 1984 and was a catalyst in creating the greatest conference (my opinion) in college basketball at the time, the Big East.

R.I.P. Tom ‘Tom Terrific’ Seaver (75) – The HOF pitcher won 311 games with four different teams, most with the Mets. He is forever Tom Terrific with Mets’ fans for helping take the last place Mets to a World Series title after his third season.

DYK: Seaver died from complications of Lewy Body Dementia, the second most common type of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Recently, it was determined that Robin Williams suffered from the same disease. There is a new documentary on Williams’ that is now out on Netflix that I plan to watch very soon.

Trivia #1 answer: Top 5 snowiest cities based on 30-year average monthly totals, population greater than 50,000, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association – Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester, Flagstaff (AZ), Duluth (MN) – Buffalo (114.7 inches)

Trivia #2 answer: in 2006, Cleveland’s Kevin Kouzmanoff hit a grand slam on the first pitch he ever saw as a major leaguer. Who is the only other player to do so? – The Red Sox’ Daniel Nava in 2010 (I really hope the three guys sitting next to me at that game got this answer!)

Trivia #3 answer: On Wednesday night, the Atlanta Braves’ Adam Duvall became just the second National Leaguer to homer three times in one game at Fenway Park. Who is the other?  – The Braves’ Marcell Ozuna who did it the night before…

Trivia #4 answer: Roberto Clemente is the career MLB leader in what category? – Assists by a right fielder

Trivia #5: (why not?) Who is Scott McGuiness? – Scott was Scottie Scheffler’s caddie who collapsed with an ankle injury during the TPC Boston tournament a couple of weeks ago. Classic scene showing Scheffler putting out on the 9^th hole with his caddie down on the ground in the background being tended to.

“I’ve got so much honey the bees envy me
I’ve got a sweeter song than the birds in the trees

Well, I guess you’d say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl (my girl, my girl)
Talkin’ ‘bout my girl (my girl)”

– The Temptations

Briefly.

After my multiple faux pas last week I was tempted to hang it up. I let down you, my fans. I promise, it will never happen again, until it happens again. I mean, Ed’s head, some Friday mornings? Whoa!

Trivia #1: Which player is NOT in the top 5 of career playoff games in the NHL? – Chris Chelios, Nicklas Lidstrom, Patrick Roy, Mark Messier, Claude Lemieux, Larry Robinson
Trivia #2: What does “pixel” stand for?
Trivia #3: What rock band pair was once referred to as the “Toxic Twins?” – Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth, Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page

On Wednesday night the Bruins lost to the Lightning 7-1. Not to be outdone, the Red Sox lost to the Buffalo Blue Jays 9-1. Take that!

You talk about great smells (don’t you?). Coffee, an orange, good scotch. I think you have to have basil on that list. 

The Boston Red Sox have played 32 games, more than half of this shortened season. Three pitchers, Nathan Eovaldi, Heath Embree and Martin Perez lead the team with three (3!) wins apiece. 

Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Headline: Tesla on autopilot hits police car as driver watches movie on cellphone 

Camera shots nowadays at professional sporting events are really fascinating nowadays, though I think golf takes the cake. I especially like the shot of a putt from behind the hole, low to the ground, and the red line showing a drive off the tee.

I see where NBA coaches are not wearing suits but instead dressing down. Why the suits in the past? Were they dressing for the fans??? 

Dustin Johnson won last week’s PGA tournament (The Northern Trust) finishing a whopping 30 strokes under par. DYK: He did not have a single birdie on holes 13-16!

On August 10, a rare inland storm known as a derecho tore through the state of Iowa demolishing many parts of the city of Cedar Rapids. But its that state’s farmland where the long-term impact is expected to be felt most. The 140 mile per hour winds destroyed 35%  of the state’s corn and farmers are still assessing the overall damage.

The NFL, not to interfere with individual state laws, are letting teams do what they may in regards to fans at games. As such, some teams will have a clear(?) home field advantage as other teams are not allowing fans at their stadiums. I have the question mark (?) there as there is no proof that fans actually give a team an advantage. My opinion. 

Quote for the week: “It’s a true friendship when you can bash somebody over the head and not be told, ‘You’re not my friend anymore.’ That’s a true friendship. You put up with each other’s bitching… He’s my wife. And he’ll say the same thing about me.” – Keith Richards on Mick Jagger. 

Bye-bye Tuukka.

Hats off to local kid, Nick Maccario, golf extraordinaire. Runner-up in MA Amateur (last hole), runner-up in New England Amateur (playoff), winner of another amateur tournament… shot a 56(!) at local Bradford Country Club last weekend. A 56!!! (18 holes… not 9 like me)

For you golfers; have you ever been in one of those golf carts where it is often difficult to engage the brake on the pedal? It is usually after the third or fourth failed attempt when I start to violently kick the shit out of the pedal. 

For the first time I saw a television commercial for the treatment of schizophrenia.

R.I.P. Anthony Martignetti (63) – Anthony, at the time a 12-year old Italian immigrant, found television immortality when he sprinted through Boston’s North End in an enduring (nearly 14 years!) television commercial for Prince spaghetti. “Anthony! Anthony!” DYK: In 1969, Anthony and several fellow preadolescents were approached by three men looking for Commercial Street. His friends replied rudely while Anthony, angelic and ingenuous, offered directions. The men turned out to be scouts for an advertising agency, got Anthony’s parents’ consent, and signed him up. 

Get well, Dave Hart!

Trivia #1 answer: Which player is NOT in the top 5 of career playoff games in the NHL? – Chris Chelios, Nicklas Lidstrom, Patrick Roy, Mark Messier, Claude Lemieux, Larry Robinson – Larry Robinson is #8 in career playoff games
Trivia #2 answer: What does “pixel” stand for? – Picture Element
Trivia #3 answer: What rock band pair was once referred to as the “Toxic Twins?” – Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Eddie Van Halen and David Lee Roth, Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page – Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry 

“Well, you wiggle to the left,
You wiggle to the right;
You do the Ooby Dooby with all your might;

Ooby Dooby, Ooby Dooby, Oody Dooby, Oody Dooby,
Oody Dooby, Oody Dooby, Oody Dooby,
Oody Doo wah, doo wah, doo wah, doo wah”

– Creedence Clearwater Revival 

Good night everybody!