Blog

Briefly. 

Trivia: Of the following NFL teams, which two are not in the top five in all time playoff appearances? – Green Bay, Giants, Patriots, Steelers, Cowboys, 49ers, Rams 

The Chicago White Sox yesterday signed outfielder Luis Robert to a 6-year, $50 million deal. With all the big signings recently and over the years why do I mention this? Luis is the first player ever signed to such a big deal having never played in the majors. Last year between Class A, Double-A and Triple-A he hit .328 with 32 homeruns, 92 RBIs, 108 runs and 36 stolen bases. 

Predictions by researchers at Harvard University paint a grim picture on health in the U.S.: A decade from now, roughly half of U.S. adults will be obese with nearly one-quarter severely so. 

Doing your job, too well? Louise Wilkinson was refused a bottle of Harveys Bristol Cram Sherry that her grandson had arranged to be delivered to her U.K. home. The Amazon driver refused to give her the bottle because she did not have an ID. Louise is 92 years old and does not own a driver’s license or passport. 

Atlanta Falcons’ right tackle Ty Sambrailo caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Matt Ryan last Sunday. It was the longest touchdown play of by a player weighing 300 pounds or more and the 7^th such touchdown in the league this season. 

Red Lobster recently revealed its new drink, the “Drink-a-tizer”, just in time for National Hangover Day, January 1^st. The bloody mary includes a lobster claw, a shrimp and one of Red Lobster’s famous cheddar biscuits. I’m sorry, but if I’m hungover the last thing I want is anything to do with fish. 

Pass the scalpel, you’re doing it wrong. A 66-year old Romanian with pancreatic cancer was treated by surgeons with an alcohol-based disinfectant before using an electric scalpel that caused combustion. The patient ignited like a torch, suffered burns to 40 percent of her body and died a week later. 

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Eli Manning last Sunday wearing a wool hat, standing in the pouring rain and looking miserable. 

Jamison Winston threw a pick-six on the last play of the Bucs/Falcons game last Sunday solidifying his place in history as the only NFL QB with 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in a single season. Not only that, but the interception pushed the game point total over the number. Thank you Jamison!

Will the Bruins please show up in OT!

The other day I yelled into a colander and strained my voice. 

A guy I want in my foxhole, Marcus Smart. 

Winning fixes a lot of things. Just listen to coaches who are interviewed after a game, any sport. The winning coaches are so respectful while the losing coaches just want to get the hell out of there (or bitch about the refs/umps) 

R.I.P. Former Yankees’ pitcher Don Larsen (90) – Among Larsen’s accomplishments he was knocked out in the second inning of game 2 of the ’56 World Series and two years before that was 3-21 with Baltimore. Hey, he was a yankee. What did you expect me to write?

R.I.P. Don Imus (79) – His broadcasting career went from 1971-2018 while being known as the original “shock jock.” As political analyst Jeff Greenfield once remarked: “He’s out there talking the way most of us talk when we’re not in public.” In 1999, Imus and his wife Deirdre founded the Imus Ranch where each summer kids with cancer could enjoy the outdoors.

R.I.P. David Stern (77) – 30-year NBA commissioner, led the charge in transforming the league into a period of greatest. 

Trivia answer: Of the following teams, which two are not in the top five in all time playoff appearances? – Green Bay, Giants, Patriots, Steelers, Cowboys, 49ers, Rams – Cowboys (33), Green Bay (32), Giants (32), Steelers (31), Rams (29)… Patriots (26) and 49ers (26) are tied for 9^th place with two other teams. 

“There’s a starman waiting in the sky
He’d like to come and meet us
But he thinks he’d blow our minds
There’s a starman waiting in the sky
He’s told us not to blow it
‘Cause he knows it’s all worthwhile
He told me
Let the children lose it
Let the children use it
Let all the children boogie”

-David Bowie

Briefly. (not so much for the end-of-the-year addition) 

Trivia #1: What are the first names of the Griswolds’ neighbors in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation?

Trivia #2: What two players are tied for the most kick returns for touchdowns in their NFL career (8)?

Trivia #3: In what city is the Sun Bowl played? 

Quote of the week: Analyst Booger MacFarland on MNF: “… he has great balance and football awareness.” WTF is football awareness? Is that like being in a bar and having “beer awareness?” 

I didn’t know that former NFL running back Eric Bieniemy was the offensive coordinator of the Kansas City Chiefs, nor do I care. He just brings to mind one of my favorite, all-time Chris Berman nicknames – Eric “Sleeping With” Bieniemy.  

In non-news the UCONN Huskie’s women’s basketball team is ranked number one. 

Last night the Dallas Maverick’s started the fourth quarter by shooting 7-12 from the 3-point line. They didn’t attempt their first 2-point shot of the quarter until there was 4:07 remaining. 

Six NFL players weighing at least 300 lbs. have caught a touchdown this season. 

The Oakland Raiders can make the playoffs if they beat Denver on Sunday and Houston beats the Titans and Baltimore beats the Pittsburgh and the Colts beat the Jaguars. 

Oakland’s Derek Carr has never won a week 17 game. 

Mariah Carey has made over $60 million in royalties alone from her song “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” 

A new study may have found a solution to gaining weight during the holidays (that doesn’t involve depriving yourself of Christmas treats). Scientists at the University of Illinois say that consuming coffee can limit weight gain and cholesterol production, even while eating a diet high in fat and sugar. Trust me, these scientists have never had morning coffee at my house on Christmas Day! 

If you notice, 2019 backwards is 9021. If you take away the 0 and the 2 you’ll have 91. It doesn’t mean anything but thanks for reading. 

Line of the week: “The Cowboys fall to 0-2 vs. jets in 2019.” – The NFL Network’s Rich Eisen after the Cowboys’ chartered plane was deemed “not viable” and the team was stuck in Philadelphia for a few extra hours last Sunday. 

And on the 8^th day God created RedZone. 

Story I refuse to read: The top celebrity breakups of 2019. 

If you’re a relative of Dallas Cowboy head coach Jason Garrett what do you say to him on Christmas Day just a few days after another nationally televised embarrassment against the Eagles? 

Michael Thomas broke the single season receiving record with one game to go. Impressive. Everyone knows he’s getting the ball, and he does just that. 

The Buccaneers’ Jameis Winston can become the first player ever with 30 touchdown passes and 30 interceptions in one season. He is currently at 31 TDs and 28 picks.

Who can argue that the best part of Christmas morning is bacon? 

Trivia #1 answer: What are the first names of the Griswolds’ neighbors in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation? – Todd & Margo

Trivia #2 answer: What two players are tied for the most kick returns for touchdowns in their NFL career (8)? – Josh Cribbs & Leon Washington

Trivia #3 answer: In what city is the Sun Bowl played? – The Sun Bowl is played in El Paso, TX. DYK, El Paso is nicknamed ‘The Sun City’ with an average sunshine of 302 days a year? 

I wish all of you the best year eva in 2020! 

Christmas is over so let’s move on from all that holiday crap music and get back to some rock n roll! 

“Under a blood red sky
A crowd has gathered in black and white
Arms entwined, the chosen few
The newspapers says, says
Say it’s true it’s true…
And we can break through
Though torn in two
We can be one” 

– U2

Briefly. 

Trivia #1: Vexillology is the study of what?

Trivia #2: What NBA player has the most assists in a single game (30)? – Bob Cousy, Scott Skiles, John Stockton, Muggsy Bogues, Rajon Rondo, Gary Payton, Jason Kidd

Trivia #3: What is the diameter of a hockey puck? – 2, 3, 4, 5, 3.5 inches? 

Fallon Sherrock became the first female darts player to beat a man at the PDC World Championship on Tuesday at Alexandra Palace in London. 

Word for the week: Flibbertigibbet (flib-er-tee-JIB-ut) – a silly flighty person 

Last night was the first time that two NBA teams squared off before January first and both were 20 or more games above .500 – the Bucks and the Lakers.  

Baseball owners voted to make a major change beginning in the 2020 MLB season, requiring pitchers to face a minimum of three batters or complete a half-inning, a switch pushed by commissioner Rob Manfred with an eye toward quickening the pace of play and shortening the length of games by reducing the number of in-game pitching changes. 

Be careful out there. Police in Florida are warning holiday shoppers this week that scammers have been placing fake barcodes on gift cards in stores. When the card is activated, the money is added to the scammer’s card instead of the card being purchased. Police recommend making sure the barcode on the back of the card matches the number on the packaging itself and they suggested checking for stickers placed over the barcode. Hey, I’m just here to help. 

Hmmmm. Multi-millions of dollars… or smoke a joint? Good choice, Josh Gordon. 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Parents and staff at a London primary school are upset after the headmaster changed the lyrics to “Away in a Manger” – “in the name of inclusion and political correctness.” Students must say “little baby” instead of “Lord.” 

Man, if you missed the President’s Cup last weekend you missed some great theater. It was awesome! 

Speaking of golf, it’s so humbling to see a pro pull out his 9 iron from 180 yards out. 

Of the S&P 1500, Netflix has been the second best performing stock of the past decade advancing 3,909%, Dominos is third at 3,382%. The best? Patrick Industries has risen 4,622% in the past ten years. Because you want to know, Patrick make parts for RVs, manufactured housing and marine industries. 

The average temperature on the continent of Australia was 105.6 degrees on Tuesday, a record. Oh wait, on Wednesday it was 107.4 F. 

You only have a few days left to get into the Christmas spirit. I need help myself. 

If you use a public toilet and need to flush twice, do us all a favor… flush twice. 

So Drew Brees set the regular season record for touchdown passes and they stop the game and honor him. What happens if Brady passes him tomorrow and then Brees takes the lead again on Sunday? Will this celebratory thing go on back-n-forth until one of them retires? 

People often ask me, never, where is Blake Swihart? You may recall, doubtful, Blake was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor leaguer Marcus Wilson in April. He was granted free agency by the Diamondbacks after the season and signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers on Monday. The deal also included an invite to major league spring training. 

Quote for the week: “Those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw 

So much for that Boston-home-teams-not-losing thing. The longest home winning streak now is the Red Sox at one! 

Rick Porcello to the Mets. I’m going to miss him. 

Trivia #1 answer: Vexillology is the study of what? Flags

Trivia #2 answer: What NBA player has the most assists in a single game (30)? – Bob Cousy, Scott Skiles, John Stockton, Muggsy Bogues, Rajon Rondo, Gary Payton, Jason Kidd – Scott Skiles

Trivia #3 answer: What is the diameter of a hockey puck? – 2, 3, 4, 5, 3.5 inches? – 3 inches 

Merry Christmas everybody! Raise your ‘nog and give a toast to life! 

“I love you and you love me
And that’s the way it’s got to be
I loved you from the start
‘Cause Christmas ain’t the time for breaking each other’s hearts

Merry Christmas, I don’t want to fight tonight
Merry Christmas, I don’t want to fight tonight
Merry Christmas, I don’t want to fight tonight with you”

– The Ramones

Briefly. 

Trivia #1: Of the following, pick the top three Red Sox sluggers who reached double-digit homeruns with the Red Sox the fastest? – George “Boomer” Scott, Michael Chavis, Sam Horn, Lou Merloni, Tony Conigliaro, Fred Lynn, Mo Vaughn

Trivia #2: Last Sunday night, LA Rams wide receiver Robert Woods scored his first touchdown of the season after reaching the 900 yard receiving mark. What NFL receiver had the most receiving yards in one season without scoring a touchdown?

Trivia #3: What is the only infectious disease afflicting humans to be officially eradicated?

Trivia #4: Since 1944-1945, the NHL MVP has been won by a defenseman four times. Name the players, bonus if you can know the years each won it. 

12 days until Christmas but, more importantly, 9 days until the days start getting longer again! 

Great couple of nights for sports on television – Wednesday (Celtics, Bruins, President’s Cup), Thursday (same three plus NFL). Watched all four on Thursday, couldn’t pass up Doc Emrick and the Bruins on Wednesday. 

Tom Brady said it best regarding the bad calls last Sunday: “I think these things, over time, have a way of balancing each other out.” You don’t agree? I give you… The Tuck Rule 

On Tuesday night the Texas Tech men’s basketball team upset then #1 Louisville. That means that next Monday’s #1 ranking will change for the fifth time in seven weeks, which is a record. 

On average, New York yankees’ pitcher Gerrit Cole’s 9-year $324 million contract will pay him approximately $9,200 per pitch. 

Speaking of baseball, Major League Baseball and its players’ union announced Thursday that marijuana will be removed from its list of banned substances and that players will be tested for major opioids, cocaine and other drugs in a new treatment-based approach to drug use. 

Don’t get me going… Dwight “Dewey” Evans should be in the Hall of Fame, losing out last week yet another time. He led the majors in extra-base hits in the 80’s and led the AL in homeruns during that same stretch. He finished in the top 11 in MVP voting over a nine-year span and, at the time of his retirement, was one of 25 all-time with over 10,000 plate appearances and a .825 OPS. All of those 25 players are in the HOF, except Evans. 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Prankster-artist Maurizio Cattelan duct-taped a (fresh) banana to a white wall. He has sold two at $120,000 apiece and a third is going for $150,000. 

Russia has been banned from international sporting events for four years, a span that includes the 2022 winter Olympics in Beijing and the 2022 World Cup. The World Anti-Doping Agency imposed the ban on Monday after evidence emerged that Russia dopes its athletes in systematic fashion. Some argue the punishment is not strong enough in that individual Russian athletes can still compete, though they must wear neutral uniforms and won’t hear their national anthem if they win. 

Hey Patriot fans, relax!

Having said that, Lamar Jackson is pretty good.

Belgian child prodigy Laurent Simons (of Belgian and Dutch descent) has dropped out of Eindhoven University of Technology, located in the Netherlands, after school officials refused to let him graduate before the age of 10 – which his family claims he was initially assured he could do. He would have become the first person to graduate college under the age of 10. I find that ironic because I nearly missed out on graduating because I acted as if I was 10! 

Big SNOW ski resort, as part of East Rutherford, New Jersey’s American Dream mega-mall, is open all year long. The resort can make 5,500 tons of snow per day and keeps the facility at 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Lift tickets cost $34.99 for a two-hour pass, and packages including equipment rentals cost $69.99. There are hills of all sizes, from beginner to black diamond. 

What is worse, not liking The Godfather or never seeing it? 

Congratulations to family of Nick Cafardo. Nick will be honored posthumously as the 2020 recipient of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award, given out since 1962 to recognize sportswriters “for meritorious contributions to baseball writing.” 

I do my best proof reading after I hit “send.” 

R.I.P. Carroll Edwin Spinney (85) – A graduate of Acton-Boxborough High School, Spinney played both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. DYK, Big Bird was 8 feet 2 inches tall and Spinney couldn’t see out of the costume. He had to maneuver the giant from inside with hands, wires and a TV monitor strapped to his chest to guide him around studio sets.

R.I.P. Peter Frates (34) – Have to give a shout-out to a guy who has been so influential in raising hundreds of thousands of dollars towards ALS research. The funeral today will be seen nationwide.

R.I.P. John J. Ford (86) – The Plymouth, MN man was born in Buffalo but loved the Minnesota Vikings, in addition to Notre Dame, golf and a “good cigar.” He died during the Vikings’ Dec 2 MNF game against the Seahawks. His obituary read “…passed away surrounded by his family on December 2 after the Vikings allowed 17 unanswered points…”

Trivia #1 answer: Of the following, pick the top three Red Sox sluggers who reached double-digit homeruns with the Red Sox the fastest – George “Boomer” Scott, Michael Chavis, Sam Horn, Lou Merloni, Tony Conigliaro, Fred Lynn, Mo Vaughn – Answer: George “Boomer” Scott (1966), Michael Chavis (2019), Sam Horn (1987)

Trivia #2 answer: Last Sunday night, LA Rams wide receiver Robert Woods scored his first touchdown of the season after reaching the 900 yard receiving mark. What NFL receiver had the most receiving yards in one season without scoring a touchdown? – NY Jets’ Al Toon (963 yards)

Trivia #3 answer: What is the only infectious disease afflicting humans to be officially eradicated? – Smallpox

Trivia #4 answer: Since 1944-1945, the NHL MVP has been won by a defenseman four times. Name the players, bonus if you can site the years they won it. – Bobby Orr (1969-70, 1970-71, 1971-72), Chris Pronger (1999-00) 

“Sunny day

Sweeping the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet
Can you tell me how to get

How to get to Sesame Street”

Briefly. (for a change) 

Trivia #1: Who is the youngest opposing quarterback to defeat the Patriots at Gillette Stadium?

Trivia #2: Who doesn’t like Goldfish crackers? How many goldfish are considered a single serving?

Trivia #3: Tom Brady had a 13-yard run from scrimmage last Sunday. What is his career long run? 

Incredible, and why they hate us. The four major Boston sports teams have not lost (in regulation) at home in 27 consecutive games. (Bruins – 13, Celtics – 8, Patriots – 5, Red Sox – 1) The last lost was September 28 at Fenway. Last night the Bruins were trailing 3-0 in the third period and came back to tie, only to lose in OT, to keep the streak alive. 

I have CDO. It’s like OCD but all the letters are in alphabetical order, as they should be. 

On December 3, 1979 (40 years ago) 11 people were killed and another two dozen injured when a crowd of thousands lined up for first-come, first-serve tickets began to stampede outside what was previously named the Riverfront Coliseum in Cincinnati, OH. The pre-show tragedy was for a Who concert who just this week announced their return to Cincinnati for the first time since that day. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend, the remaining original members of the band, said they are still haunted by the tragedy. 

Hilo (HI) High School senior, Keanu Keolanui, kicked a 55-yard field goal on the last play of the game to send his team home winners of the HHSAA Division I State Championship. His kick hit the crossbar and bounced over. The kick tied the high school state record. 

“I’m trying to think…” – Don’t say that. If you are trying to think then you are thinking. You are not trying to think. Got it?!

A week late but… last Sunday the Cincinnati Bengals beat the Jets. Before that win Cat Teams had been 0-15 since November 4 when the black cat ran onto the field during the Cowboys/Giants game (Lions 0-5, Panthers 0-4, Bengals 0-3, Jaguars 0-3)

Quote for the week: “You can’t win a war by digging a hole. You have to attack.” Bill Belichick

Quote for the week part deux: “You make the caption.” – Al Michaels on MNF football while showing the clip of Gronk dancing with the Lakers cheerleaders. Michaels and Collinsworth were both laughing at the time. 

Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. 

I saw where Chris Sale (elbow) has been cleared to start throwing. I tell you what, Chris. It’s December. How about you rest for a little while longer and not start throwing anytime soon? 

R.I.P. John “Jack” Fenlon (78) – my Uncle Jack. Father to 7, grandfather to 16, a great guy. 

Trivia #1 answer: Who is the youngest opposing quarterback to defeat the Patriots at Gillette Stadium? – Colin Kaepernick (25 –years and 43 days old) in 2012. DYK: The Patriots are 41-0 at home since 2001 against opposing quarterbacks 25 years old or younger. (Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes is 23 years, 26 days old) Go Pats!

Trivia #2 answer: Who doesn’t like Goldfish crackers? How many goldfish are considered a single serving? – 55

Trivia #3 answer: Tom Brady had a 13-yard run from scrimmage last Sunday. What is his career long run? – 22 yards in 2006 

“The kids couldn’t hurt Jack
And they tried and tried and tried
And dropped things on his back
And lied and lied and lied and lied

But they couldn’t stop Jack, or the waters lapping
And they couldn’t prevent Jack form feeling happy” 

– The Who

Briefly. 

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday. Having said that, for those of us slobs working for the man, this is the best day off of the year. 

Trivia #1: CT Scan – What does CT stand for?

Trivia #2: What do Mason Rudolph, Matt Ryan and Derek Carr all have on common?

Trivia #3: What does the company Buffalo BottleCraft make?

Trivia #4: What NFL team has the most Thanksgiving Day wins? Which one has the most Thanksgiving Day losses? 

The New England Patriots were 0-3 last year when scoring 17 or fewer points in any game during the regular season. They are 3-0 in such games this season. 

7 foot, 5 inch Celtic Tacko Fall has been recently hanging out at the Boys & Girls Club of Boston’s Charlestown Club. Why? He’s been taking swimming lessons having never learned while growing up in Dakar, Senegal. 

According to a Yahoo Financial analysis, since 1989 Americans have shelled out a staggering $4.12 billion to incarcerate innocent men and women. 

If you can’t be a good example, be a warning. 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Washington Redskins’ quarterback Dwayne Haskins missed the final snap (kneel-down) of the Redskins’ victory last Sunday because he was taking selfies with fans. Dude?! You were 13-29 for 156 yards and an interception. It wasn’t you!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse part deux: Tesla has received 200,000 reservations, requiring $100 deposits, within 72 hours after unveiling its Cybertruck. You know, the one whose shatterproof windows were broken during the unveiling. 

I was watching last Friday when Kemba Walker went down. I swore he either had broken his neck or hurt his spine, especially seeing how tightly he was strapped down on the gurney. Glad he’s OK, lucky! 

Me: It’s not how many times you fall, it’s how many times you get back up. Cop: That’s not how field sobriety tests work. 

Call Guinness! 104-year old Florence Teeters bagged her first buck during her first-ever hunting trip. She shot and killed a small “spike” buck with unbranched antlers. Now from my brief research, this buck was likely no more than two years old. That means old Flo killed a creature roughly 102 years younger than she is. That’s gotta be some kind of record! 

The San Francisco 49ers are the first 10-1 team to enter week 13 as an underdog since the 2007 Cowboys. The Cowboys, then 10-1 went on to beat the Green Bay Packers. 

Bobsled. I was intrigued. Who was Bob and how did he get a sled named after him? Not to be as the name is derived from the action some competitors adopted of bobbing back and forth inside their sleds to increase speed.  

I don’t care how professional you are it’s gotta be brutal for Doug Flutie to have covered so many BC/Notre Dame football games, especially when Notre Dame romps as they did last Saturday. 

OK, so it wasn’t exactly a coming-out party but N’Keal Harry did have the game’s only touchdown on a pretty sick-looking catch. 

It’s the holiday season. Don’t forget to turn the bathroom scale back 15 lbs. 

Quote of the week: “That’s a bad white boy. Most skilled white dude in NFL history.” – Carolina Panthers’ defensive lineman, Gerald McCoy on teammate Christian McCaffrey. Now, that maybe very non-PC, and I’m sure more spoken about if vice-versa, but still I completely agree with him.

Quote of the week #2: “Life is better when there are fat people scoring touchdowns.” – Mike Golic Jr. on ESPN Radio

Quote of the week #3: “Banners can’t beat us tonight, the players have to beat us.” – Stephen F. Austin coach Kyle Keller before the Lumberjacks upset win on Duke’s home court on Tuesday night. 

Numbers surrounding Stephen F . Austin’s overtime win over Duke on Tuesday night. ESPN called it the biggest D1 upset in 15 years. Duke was favored by 27.5 points and at one point led by 15 points. It was Duke’s first nonconference loss at home since 2000. 

I read an article about the top causes of memory loss. Surprisingly, 11 beers was not on the list. 

Good thing I/we were born when we were. Most popular names in a recent Nameberry list: For boys – Alva, Acacius, Esaton, Cash, Ash, amongst others. For girls – Adah, Amina, Nova, Mika. 

Trivia #1 answer: CT Scan – What does CT stand for? – Computer tomography

Trivia #2 answer: What do Mason Rudolph, Matt Ryan and Derek Carr all have on common? – All of these starting quarterbacks were benched during their respective games last Sunday.

Trivia #3: What does the company Buffalo BottleCraft make? – They make bottle openers out of golf balls, baseballs and hockey pucks. Really.

Trivia #4: What NFL team has the most Thanksgiving Day wins? Which one has the most Thanksgiving Day losses? – The Detroit Lions have both going 37-38-2. 

“Singing in the sunshine, laughing in the rain
Hitting on the moonshine, rocking in the grain
Got no time to pack my bags, my foot’s outside the door
I got a date, and I can’t be late, for the high hope hailla ball.” 

– Led Zeppelin

Briefly. 

Trivia #1: Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen was named AFC Player of the Week this past week. When was the last time a Buffalo Bills quarterback was so honored?

Trivia #2: On Wednesday night the Dallas Mavericks beat-up on the defending champions Golden State Warriors 142-94. It was the 6^th time this season that the defending champion team did not have one player in the game from last year’s team. When was the last time a defending champion had 6 such games in a season before December 1^st?

Trivia #3: Name the NCAA hockey champions from the past 5 years. Bonus if you get them in order.

Trivia #4: What is Bougainville?

Happy 24th to my son Michael!

The Celtics and Bruins. Up and down but much more up than down. Both fun to watch. 

In the aforementioned Mavs/Warriors game, of the Golden State players who started the game, the best plus/minus for the game was minus 30. Minus 30 was the best! 

The University of Pennsylvania cancelled the remainder of the women’s volleyball team’s season after “offensive, vulgar and disrespectful” posters were discovered in the team’s locker room. (you want to see them, don’t you?) 

Terry Bradshaw, love him or hate him? I love the guy, when he played and now. 

Ever been so drunk you got hit by a parked car? 

Rutgers’ football. If you’re going to lose, at least get the moral victory. The Scarlet Knights didn’t beat #2 Ohio St. last Saturday, but they did cover the 53-point spread while losing 56-21. The 21 points nearly matched the 24 total points Rutgers put up in their previous six Big Ten games combined. 

My wife says I only have two faults. Not listening and something else. 

In last Sunday’s game against Philadelphia, the Patriots’ Julian Edelman had more touchdown passes than Tom Brady. 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Elon Musk shows off bulletproof truck… 

You are all invited to the N’Keal Harry breakout party this Sunday at Gillette, 4:25pm on FOX. 

You can check any time you’d like, but you can never leave. 

Sometimes the best deals are those never made. When teams like the Red Sox make horrible signings they are chastised (rightfully?) up and down. Let’s go back and give them credit for releasing Jacoby Ellsbury in 2014. The Yankees signed him to a 7-year, $513M contract. Yesterday they released him and ate more than $26M in the process. Since the beginning of 2014 his WAR ranked 67^th among MLB outfielders. By comparison, Mookie’s WAR in that span was 37.2. 

Speaking of Gronk… I’m such a hater. I’m glad he is not returning to the Pats now that he has donned a L.A. Lakers jersey. I hope his event at the Super Bowl fails miserably. 

Understatement of the year? Tiger Woods’ former mentor Mark O’Meara referred to Woods’ winning three more majors to catch Jack Nicklaus “will be very difficult.” Really? 

I do like using my chainsaw but a good leaf blower isn’t far behind. 

In other worthless news, Carmelo Anthony, we don’t care. 

R.I.P. Fred Cox (80): Former Minnesota Vikings kicker, scored a Minnesota-record 1,365 points in his career, 2^nd all-time at the time. Amazing in that the Vikings played outdoors throughout his career. Cox kicked in 18 postseason games including all four of the team’s Super Bowls, losing them all. DYK, Fred Cox was also co-inventor of the Nerf football. 

Trivia #1 answer: Buffalo Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen was named AFC Player of the Week this past week. When was the last time a Buffalo Bills quarterback was so honored? – Josh Allen in last season’s finale. Both games were against Miami.

Trivia #2 answer: On Wednesday night the Dallas Mavericks beat-up on the defending champions Golden State Warriors 142-94. It was the 6^th time this season that the defending champion team did not have one player in the game from last year’s team. When was the last time a defending champion had 6 such games before December 1^st? – It has never happened once before December 1^st

Trivia #3 answer: Name the NCAA hockey champions from the past 5 years. Bonus if you get them in order. – Minnesota Duluth (2019, 2018), Denver (2017), North Dakota (2016), Providence (2015)

Trivia #4 answer: What is Bougainville? – Depending on a vote by its Pacific people tomorrow, Bougainville is set to become the world’s newest nation by gaining independence from Papua New Guinea. 

“After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang down.
After midnight, we’re gonna chug-a-lug and shout.
We’re gonna stimulate some action
We’re gonna get some satisfaction
We’re gonna find out what it is all about
After midnight, we’re gonna let it all hang down.” 

-Eric Clapton

Briefly. (not today) 

Trivia #1: Venice, Italy is made up of how many islands – 11, 23, 68, 118, 279?

Trivia #2: In 2000, the Red Sox’ Pedro Martinez became the first AL pitcher to unanimously win the CY Young Award in consecutive years. What two NL pitchers have won it unanimously in consecutive years?

Trivia #3: What U.S. state has the biggest difference in temperature between its all-time low temperature and all-time high?

Trivia #4: What is the nickname of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff?

Trivia #5 (5?): So Mike Trout won the AL MVP, again, his third. Yes he deserved it. Of the following, which one did not win three MVPs in his career? Barry Bonds, Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmy Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt. 

Big Friday night – Go B’s, Go C’s!!!! 

Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro plans to declare a state of emergency amid major flooding caused by the second highest tide on record. St. Mark’s Basilica was flooded for the sixth time in 1,200 years. Brugnaro stated, “Now the government must listen … these are the effects of climate change… the costs will be high.” Climate change? It flooded for the sixth time in 1,200 years, not for the sixth time in 6 years! 

Speaking of climate change, on this past Tuesday and Wednesday, record low temperatures were recorded in cities from Minnesota to Alabama/Mississippi/Louisiana including and not limited to Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Illinois. Along the way snow blanketed more than 30% of the U.S… It’s freakin’ November! 

Adam Vinatieri, still kicking 50+ yard game-winners. Adam Vinatieri, still missing 40+ yard game-winners. Adam Vinatieri, still missing extra points. 

Quote for the week: “I just came from the place (New England) with the most defenses in the league, so any other defense is pretty much easy to learn.” – Dallas Cowboys’ Michael Bennett 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Disney’s new streaming service warns fans that they may encounter “outdated cultural depictions” while watching some of its older content. 

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Chris Sale’s Agent Reveals Red Sox Pitcher’s Arm “Feels Really Good” (ya, talk to me in September) 

I read that Dustin Pedroia is planning on returning. Don’t get me wrong, Pedroia is one of my all-time favorite Red Sox players, but it is time to move on. 

On the other hand, sell the house for Mookie Betts. 

And speaking of coming back, I hope Gronk doesn’t. Yes, it is likely he can help the team, possibly help a lot, but what does that really say about Gronk and team sports in general? I mean, going forward, what player wouldn’t announce his retirement and not have to go through training camp and the early season games, just to come back and play out the season and potentially the playoffs? Most can certainly afford it.

Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers. 

Not for nothing but it was just great to see that Evansville hoops, and coach Walter McCarty – former Celtic, take down Kentucky. 

The 1972 Dolphins celebrated with yet another champagne toast now that their undefeated-season record will stand for at least another year. 

Speaking of the Miami Dolphins, they have the longest winning streak (2) of any team in the AFC East. 

Have you ever had a conversation with someone and thought to yourself; “this person should be in concussion protocol” 

Interesting stat: The New Orleans Saints failed to score a touchdown for the third game this season. They had two such games from 2006-2018. 

Please NHL, ditch the shootout and let ‘em play all night. But then, I repeat myself. 

Gordon Hayward. That poor guy has no luck. 

Nobody, and I mean nobody, chews gum like Seattle Seahawks’ coach Pete Carroll. 

Trivia #1 answer: Venice, Italy is made up of how many islands – 11, 23, 68, 118, 279? – 118

Trivia #2 answer: In 2000, the Red Sox’ Pedro Martinez became the first AL pitcher to unanimously win the CY Young Award in consecutive years. What two NL pitchers have won it unanimously in consecutive years? – Sandy Koufax and Greg Maddux

Trivia #3: What U.S. state has the biggest difference in temperature between its all-time low temperature and all-time high? – Minnesota (low of -70, high of 117 – a difference of 187 degrees!)

Trivia #4: What is the nickname of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff? – The Golden Lions

Trivia #5 (5?): So Mike Trout won the AL MVP, again, his third. Yes he deserved it. Of the following, which one did not win three MVPs in his career? Barry Bonds, Yogi Berra, Roy Campanella, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmy Foxx, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Stan Musial, Albert Pujols, Alex Rodriguez, Mike Schmidt. – Willie Mays 

“Heard about Houston? Heard about Detroit?
Heard about Pittsburgh, P.A.?
You outta know not to stand by the window
Somebody see you up there
I got some groceries, some peanut butter
To last a couple of days
But I ain’t got no speakers, ain’t got no headphones
Ain’t got no records to play

This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco
This ain’t no fooling around” 

-The Talking Heads

Briefly. 

Trivia #1: The Colorado Rockies’ third baseman Nolan Arenado has won a Gold Glove in each of the first seven seasons in his career. He is now in fourth place all time for Gold Gloves won by a third baseman. Name the three players ahead of him. 

Adam Vinatieri, still kicking 50+ yard game-winners. Adam Vinatieri, still missing 40+ yard game-winners. 

I got my flu shot the other day. You should do the same. 

I get so anxious on Election Day. So many political signs on the streets. So many signs! So confusing. This past Tuesday I voted for a real estate agent for School Committee. 

Since when can’t you double team block on a kick-off in the NFL? Why not? 

So Coca-Cola is coming out with is biggest new product release in a decade. Its sparkling water, dubbed “AHA”, will come in eight flavors. I know I know, I’m thinking the same thing – what flavors will go best with vodka? 

Article I’ll skip: “Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers addresses rumors about his relationship with Brett Favre” 

Ah, now here’s a hint… Researchers working off the coast of a French island in the Indian Ocean made a grizzly discovery Wednesday after an autopsy on a tiger shark’s stomach revealed the hand of a Scottish tourist who had been reported missing days earlier. 

It has been so difficult to generate fan interest in for the Chargers, currently in L.A., that the team is reportedly considering moving to London. After last night, I can see why. 

Quote for the week: “Should you find yourself in a chronically leaking boat, energy devoted to changing vessels is likely to be more productive than energy devoted to patching leaks.” – Warren Buffet 

Useless information, supposed to fire my imagination… Last Sunday marked the first time in NFL history that three quarterbacks with the same last name all started and won for their respective teams. 

Don’t forget what Veterans Day is all about.

In not so shocking news, former Red Sox pitcher Bill “Spaceman” Lee made the ceremonial “first purchase” for the grand opening of Curaleaf Oxford, an adult-use marijuana business in Oxford, MA. 

In other Boston sporting news, right out of the Book of Red Auerbach, the Boston Bruins’ visiting locker was voted the second worst in the league. 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Anyone with parking fines at the University of Alaska Anchorage campus has the option to reduce or cover the cost of their tickets with peanut butter and jelly. (no typo there) 

I’m switching banks. My ATM keeps giving me my bills facing in different directions. 

No, I really mean it! From Florida State President John Thrasher: “I think very highly of Coach Taggart and wish him well.” Ya, after not only firing him as head football coach but doing so knowing the school would have to buy him out for $17M. This just in, alumni donations for his firing topped the $17M mark! 

Trivia #1 answer: The Colorado Rockies’ third baseman Nolan Arenado has won a Gold Glove in each of the first seven seasons in his career. He is now in fourth place all time for Gold Gloves won by a third baseman. Name the three players ahead of him. – Scott Rolen, Mike Schmidt and Brooks Robinson. DYK, Brooks Robinson won 16 Gold Gloves in his career, the most by any player at any position. 

R.I.P. Joe Krugh (86) – My father-in-law. I honestly never heard him say a bad word about anyone. Good guy. 

“Once I ran to you (I ran)

Now I’ll run from you
This tainted love you’ve given
I give you all a boy could give you
Take my tears and that’s not nearly all
Tainted love (oh)

Tainted love” 

– Soft Cell

Briefly. 

Trivia #1: There are currently 8 undefeated college football teams in the top 25 rankings. Name them.

Trivia #2: The month of November is named from the Latin novem, meaning “nine.” Why nine?

Trivia #3: Prior to this NFL season, Christian McCaffrey (CMC) needed 52 receptions to surpass what player for the most catches by a running back over their first three seasons (238)? 

Adam Vinatieri, still kicking 50+ yard game-winners. 

In a story I read: “The Getty Fire in Los Angeles, which has destroyed a dozen homes and forced many people – including some celebrities – to escape the area…” I’m sorry but the reference to “including some celebrities” is completely irrelevant. 

This just in, the Celtics are fun to watch when they have it all together. And, other than their opening night debacle vs. Philly, they are getting it together. Stay healthy boys! 

Speaking of the Celtics and staying healthy, 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall last week was entered into the league’s concussion protocol. He was in the Auerbach Center and went to wash his hands but failed to notice the low ceiling. DOH! 

A court in eastern Bangladesh sentenced the principal of an Islamic school and 15 others to death on Thursday over the killing of an 18-year old woman who was set on fire for refusing to drop sexual harassment charges against said principal. 

Congratulations to the World Series Champion Washington Nationals. Some great games throughout that series including what we all want, a game 7! (no matter what the sport, we want game 7) 

Golf Digest just put out their top 30 nicest guys on the tour list. Now come on, let’s call a spade a spade and also list the top 30 biggest pricks on the tour. Now that would be fun! BTW, Rickie Fowler is considered the nicest guy on the tour as voted by players, caddies, media members, golf executives, locker-room attendants and tournament volunteers. What a guy! 

Celibacy is not hereditary. 

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Female news anchor diagnosed with breast cancer after streaming first-ever mammogram on Facebook live. 

The Bruins are currently 9-1-2, that’s 12 games total. Check for yourself. 

Spicy things up, you’re doing it wrong. Police in Australia have arrested four men in connection with $210 million worth of methylamphetamine found hidden inside hundreds of bottles of sriracha in a cargo container imported from the United States. 

Quote of the week: “The past and the future are in the mind. I’m in the now” – Tom Brady

Quote of the week, part deux: “A few friends are better than a few thousand followers.” – Miller Lite as part of their campaign aimed at getting off social media platforms. 

Trivia #1 answer: There are currently 8 undefeated college football teams in the top 25 rankings. Name them. – LSU, Alabama, Ohio St., Clemson, Penn St., Baylor, Minnesota, SMU.

Trivia #2 answer: The month of November is named from the Latin novem, meaning “nine.” Why nine? – November was the ninth month of the ancient Roman calendar.

Trivia #3 answer: Prior to this NFL season, Christian McCaffrey (CMC) needed 52 receptions to surpass what player for the most catches by a running back over their first three seasons (238)? LaDainian Tomlinson (CMC has 39 receptions so far this season) 

“Girl, you gotta love your man
Girl, you gotta love your man
Take him by the hand
Make him understand
The world on you depends
Our life will never end
Gotta love your man, yeah” 

– The Doors