Blog

Briefly.

A truck loaded with Vicks Vaporub overturned on the highway. Amazingly, there was no congestion for eight hours.

Thanks for being friends with me. Questionable life choice, but I appreciate it.

Trivia #1: When was the last year the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup? – 1958, 1960, 1964, 1967, 1969, 1973
Trivia #2: Justin Thomas just became only the 7^th player since 1960 to win 16 or more events on the PGA tour and win multiple majors, before the age of 32. Which of the following is NOT in that group? – Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, David Duval, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus
Trivia #3: Who was the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards? No hint, no multiple choice.

On this date: April 25, 1644, Last Ming Emperor Chongzhen hangs himself from a tree on Jing Mountain, Beijing, rather than be captured by forces of Li Zicheng
April 25, 1719, Danuel Defoe publishes “Robinson Crusoe”, regarded as the 1st English novel
April 25, 1886, Sigmund Freud opens his first neurologist practice at Rathausstrasse 7 in Vienna
April 25, 1950, Chuck Cooper becomes the 1st African American to be drafted into the NBA (for the Boston Celtics)
April 25, 1953, Francis Crick and James Watson’s discovery of the double helix structure of DNA is published in “Nature” magazine
April 25, 1964, Mark Panaro is born
April 25, 1981, Seattle Mariners manager Maury Wills is suspended for two games after ordering the Kingdome grounds crew to enlarge the batter’s boxes by one foot
April 25, 1993, NFL Draft: Washington State quarterback Drew Bledsoe is the first pick by New England Patriots

Will Campbell. I don’t know. The need was there but an offensive lineman is not a #4 overall draft pick. Just sayin’.

Speaking of which… after the pick of course they show highlights of whatever player was just drafted. In Campbell’s case, “Hey, nice block!” Please.

Go away: New lingo. Ya, I’m old school and I’m grumpy. And maybe these aren’t brand new but they bother me. Terms like “knock” (it’s a hit!), “dime” (it’s an assist!), “sweeper” (it’s a freakin’ curve ball!)

They said it: “Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is… Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.” – Pope Francis

This week’s sign of the Apocalypse: Wrestlemania 41. 41!!!!!

Good news: A Florida State University student wanted to show her appreciation for the men and women in law enforcement who kept so many people safe after a recent mass shooting on campus left two people dead and six others injured. So, she left them some cookies — along with a heartfelt “thank you” note.

Finally, it’s playoff time. Go Celtics!

Your weekends will last a lot longer if you start drinking on Thursdays.

Article I’ll skip: Top prospect Shedeur Sanders goes unselected in 1^st round of NFL draft as freefall continues. Who really cares outside of his family?

Got your Real ID yet?

Trivia #1 answer: When was the last year the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup? – 1958, 1960, 1964, 1967, 1969, 1973 – 1967 (Currently the longest drought in the NHL. Speaking of which, I don’t recall baseball fans across the country feeling bad for us Sox’ fans before 2004 with the whole “1918” thing. So, screw the Maple Leafs. I hope they never win the cup again. 😊 )
Trivia #2 answer: Justin Thomas just became only the 7^th player since 1960 to win 16 or more events on the PGA tour and win multiple majors, before the age of 32. Which of the following is NOT in that group? – Tom Watson, Arnold Palmer, Johnny Miller, David Duval, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus – David Duval
Trivia #3 answer: Who was the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 4,000 yards? No hint, no multiple choice. – Joe Namath (4,007 in 1967)

Due to the tariffs, Vietnamese women will only love American soldiers medium time. (If you know it, you know it)

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Hug a Plumber Day! (I suggest not to wait until the end of the day for this. Ewww!)
And Happy National Volunteer Week! It’s the end of the week, but you still have time. You’ve thought about it, now do it!

“Some may come and some may go
We will surely pass
When the one that left us here
Returns for us at last
We are but a moment’s sunlight
Fading in the grass”

– Ge Together (The Youngbloods)

Briefly. (you can proof read for me…)

If you lose your Khakis in Texas, it means you can’t find your pants. If you lose your Khakis in Boston, it means you can’t start your car.

Trivia #1: Legendary ESPN broadcaster and former coach, Lee Corso, who has entertained fans for 38 college football seasons, will make his final headgear pick on College GameDay on Saturday, August 30. What is Corso’s winning percentage for all of his picks (rounded up)? – 39%, 45%, 51%, 60%, 67%, 70%, 72%
Trivia #2: Of the following, list the top selling beers in America in order from #1 to #5 – Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Modelo, Corona Extra, Coors Light
Trivia #3: Who is the only Red Sox player with 12+ hits, 6+ extra-base hits and 8+ walks in his first 10 career games? – Kristian Campbell, Ted Williams, Tony Conigliaro, Fred Lynn, Jim Rice, Mookie Betts, Nomar Garciaparra
Trivia #4: Which two colleges are NOT in the top 5 of schools with 1^st round picks in the NFL draft, all-time? – Notre Dame, Georgia, Alabama, Miami (FL), Ohio State, USC, Florida

On this date: April 18, 1775, Paul Revere warns Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops are marching from Boston to Lexington
April 18, 1906, San Francisco earthquake and fire kills nearly 4,000 while destroying 75% of the city
April 18, 1935, Gene Sarazen’s double eagle on 15th, wins him his 2nd Masters
April 18, 1955, 1st “Walk”/”Don’t Walk” lighted street signals installed

Leftover from The Masters: Boy, I don’t miss LIV-defector Bubba Watson at all! Angel Cabrera, playing in his first Masters since his release from jail for domestic violence, looks to be no doubt in the mafia. Good for Rory!

Go away: Mel Kiper (It’s that time of year!)

They said it: “I have no plans beyond being a Dame.” – Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love after turning down a $4.5M NIL offer from the University of Georgia to remain at Notre Dame.

In their quest for major sports relevancy, the NBA’s “play-in” tournament is underway. Yawn. I’m not sure what exactly the tournament does outside of giving gamblers something else to pour money into.

If you’ve watched the Boston Red Sox at all this season, and actually have seen someone hit a homerun for the Sox, then you know that the HR celebration this year involves said player putting on the huge, Wally uniform head and going through the dugout to a line of high-fives. You heard it here first: The player’s range of vision looks very limited in that headgear, and that will all end when some guy trips and goes down in the dugout. It’s coming…

Good news: Ahhhh, it’s going to be 80 degrees in New England tomorrow??? I’m reaching here.

Freddie Mercury, Venus Williams and Bruno Mars walk into a bar… They didn’t planet that way.

Article I’ll skip: Any article related to the upcoming (next Thursday) NFL draft. Exhausting!

Trivia #1 answer: Legendary ESPN broadcaster and former coach, Lee Corso, who has entertained fans for 38 college football seasons, will make his final headgear pick on College GameDay on Saturday, August 30. What is Corso’s winning percentage for all of his picks (rounded up)? – 39%, 45%, 51%, 60%, 67%, 70%, 72% – Corso is 287-144-0 (67%)
Trivia #2 answer: Of the following, list the top selling beers in America in order from #1 to #5 – Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Modelo, Corona Extra, Coors Light – The top 5 are Modelo, Michelob Ultra, Bud Light, Coors Light, Corona Extra
Trivia #3 answer: Who is the only Red Sox player with 12+ hits, 6+ extra-base hits and 8+ walks in his first 10 career games? – Kristian Campbell, Ted Williams, Tony Conigliaro, Fred Lynn, Jim Rice, Mookie Betts, Nomar Garciaparra – Current rookie Kristian Campbell
Trivia #4 answer: Which two colleges are NOT in the top 5 of schools with 1^st round picks in the NFL draft, all-time? – Notre Dame, Georgia, Alabama, Miami (FL), Ohio State, USC, Florida – Alabama (63 picks), Ohio St (60), USC (55), Miami (FL) 54, Florida (49) – NOT in the top 5 – Georgia (41), Notre Dame (30)

I saw my wife, yelling at the TV: “Don’t go in there! Don’t go into that church, you moron!” She was watching our wedding video again.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Exercise Day! (I’ll see you at Happy Hour later)

“I’ve got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it’s cold outside I’ve got the month of May

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 (My Girl)

What’s that, you need a little pick-me-up instead?

Briefly.

“I” before “e” except for when your neighbor Keith receives eight counterfeit, beige sleighs from feisty caffeinated weightlifters… Weird!

Trivia #1: Which two NHL players are NOT in the top 10 for most career goals scored? – Teemu Selanne, Mike Gartner, Marcel Dionne, Steve Yzerman, Mark Messier, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille
Trivia #2: Who holds the record for consecutive birdies at The Masters? – Tiger Woods, Steve Pate, Tom Weiskopf, Gene Sarazen, Tommy Aaron, Jack Nicklaus
Trivia #3: Which state has produced the most Masters champions?

On this date: April 11, 1612, Last public burning at the stake in England – Edward Wightman for heresy in Lichfield
April 11, 1890, Ellis Island, New York, designated as an immigration station
April 11, 1900, the first modern submarine designed and built by John Philip Holland, USS Holland is acquired by the U.S. Navy (Rumors of Holland being an ancestor to David Francis go unconfirmed)
April 11, 1912, RMS Titanic leaves Queenstown, Ireland, for NY
April 11, 1936, Stanley Cup Final, Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto, ON: Detroit Red Wings beat Toronto Maple Leafs, 3-2 for a 3-1 series win; Red Wings first SC Championship
April 11, 1961, Bob Dylan makes his 1st appearance at Folk City, Greenwich Village, New York City
April 11, 1989, 1st playoff goal scored by a goalie, Ron Hextall of visiting Philadelphia Flyers shoots into Washington Capitols empty net while his team is shorthanded in 8-5 win

Go away: Torpedo bats

Speaking of going away, Bryson DeChambeau and Tyrell Hatton are both tied for 5^th after one round of the Masters. Join me and just say “no” to a LIV Masters’ champion.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The use of artificial intelligence to reimagine the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” will likely see mixed reactions from fans. While “film purists” may resist the idea of using generative AI to give classic films an entire makeover, the technology could “breathe new life” into hit movies — including “The Wizard of Oz.” Warner Bros. Discovery, Google Cloud and Magnopus have set out to do just that by creating an immersive experience for fans of the 1939 classic. The new “Wizard of Oz” experience is set to premiere at the Las Vegas Sphere on Aug. 28.

They said it: “Get it airborne, bottom line. Just get it in the air.” Tom Watson, on his mindset as an honorary starter at The Masters.

The fact that the Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s record of career goals scored (895 to 894) in the same number of games played (1,487) is mind-boggling.

The SEC pulled it off as one of its 14 entries into the men’s NCAA basketball tournament, the University of Florida, won the title.

The Boston Bruins have two games left and are officially out of the playoff hunt. Last night, tied with the Red Wings at 1-1 in the third period, they let up 3 goals in 1 minute, 33 seconds. How appropriate.

Good news: At just 13, Clara Fuller began experiencing uncontrollable seizures that baffled doctors. Initially misdiagnosed with anxiety and gallbladder issues, she even underwent unnecessary surgery before doctors finally identified the real culprit: epilepsy. But this wasn’t just any epilepsy; Clara had multifocal epilepsy, a rare and severe form that resists all medication. Everything changed this past summer when Clara became the first pediatric patient to undergo a minimally invasive procedure at the Mayo Clinic using NeuroOne’s cutting-edge brain implant technology. The device, known as the NeuroOne OneRF Ablation System, is the first of its kind FDA-cleared technology designed for both diagnosing and treating neurological disorders in one procedure.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Newly signed New England Patriots’ wide receiver, Stephon Diggs, will wear #8.

Sightseeing, you’re doing it wrong: Six people — including a pilot, two adults and three children — were killed after a tour helicopter crashed into the Hudson River in Jersey City, New Jersey, on Thursday afternoon. Sad.

Well, I missed Opening Day this year, at least in terms of attending. Nice watching on TV for a change though. Great tribute to the ’75 Sox, in particular, Louis “El Tiante” Tiant. The video tribute to Taint was to Aerosmith’s ‘Sweet Emotion’. Sweeet!

Just another shot from me towards the NBA. The “Teammate of the Year” award is voted on by all NBA players. How the hell do I know what kind of a teammate a guy is on another team?

Crow: “Excuse me, ma’am.”
Woman: “What?”
Crow: “Would you like to donate to my charity?”
Woman: “Maybe, what’s it called?”
Crow: “Caw! Caw! Caw! Caw!”… It’s four good caws.

Article I’ll skip: Jelly Roll drops nearly 200 pounds, sets sight on sky-high goal.

Trivia #1 answer: Which two NHL players are NOT in the top 10 of most career goals scored? – Teemu Selanne, Mike Gartner, Marcel Dionne, Steve Yzerman, Mark Messier, Brett Hull, Luc Robitaille – Teemu Selanne (#12) and Luc Robitaille (#13)
Trivia #2 answer: Who holds the record for consecutive birdies at The Masters? – Tiger Woods, Steve Pate, Tom Weiskopf, Gene Sarazen, Tommy Aaron, Jack Nicklaus – Steve Pate (seven straight in 1999)
Trivia #3 answer: Which state has produced the most Masters champions? – Texas

I was in psychology class the other day and we couldn’t stop laughing about how stupid Pavlov’s dogs were. Then the bell rang and we all went to lunch.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Cheese Fondue Day!
And… Happy National Submarine Day! (There’s that submarine-thing again!)

“Early one morning the sun was shining
I was laying in bed
Wondering if she’d changed at all
If her hair was still red
Her folks they said our lives together
Sure was gonna be rough
They never did like mama’s homemade dress
Papa’s bankbook wasn’t big enough
And I was standing on the side of the road
Rain falling on my shoes
Heading out for the East Coast
Lord knows I’ve paid some dues
Getting through
Tangled up in blue.”

– Bob Dylan (Tangled Up In Blue)

Bonus!

Briefly. (I woke up handsome again. This is getting ridiculous)

Her, lying in bed next to her husband, thinking to herself: “I bet he is thinking of another woman.”
Him, thinking to himself: “I wonder how long it takes for a giraffe to throw up?”

Trivia #1: Three of the following MLB teams have never had a league MVP. Which three? – Tampa Bay Devil Rays, San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals
Trivia #2: Of the top 9, total strikeouts in a 10-game span, there are only two pitchers on that list. Which two? – Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson, Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez, Nolan Ryan and Justin Verlander, Bob Feller and Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan and Pedro Martinez
Trivia #3: Who has the most Opening Day RBIs (21) in his career? – Adam Dunn, Miguel Cabrera, Vladimir Guerrero, Dave Kingman, Mo Vaughn, Ken Griffey Jr.
Trivia #4: Who has the most Opening Day strikeouts in his career (107) – Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Ric Accardi

Yes, I know it’s not the “Devil” Rays any more. Jeez, you must be a Commanders or Guardians fan.

Stop complaining: See “Not-so-good news” below.

And this; Three wildfires in western North Carolina are proving challenging for firefighters to beat because of rough terrain and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene.

On this date: March 28, 1797, Nathaniel Briggs of New Hampshire patents the washing machine. (He was destined to become a popular lady’s man!)
March 28, 1885, US Salvation Army officially organized
March 28, 1957, 1st National Curling Championship held
March 28, 1972, Elvis Presley records his final Top Ten hit, a cover of “Burning Love”, a song written by Dennis Linde, and first recorded by Arthur Alexander
March 28, 2017, World’s largest dinosaur footprint at 1.7 metres found in Kimberley, Western Australia

Opening Day in MLB was yesterday! Your Boston Red Sox are 1-0 after a thrilling 5-2 win.  They are tied for 1st place in the AL East and on pace to go 162-0.

Let’s summarize the Sox’ schedule, shall we?
– They open at home next Friday, April 4^th vs the Cardinals
– Their dreaded west coast trip is in mid-June (SEA, SF, LAA). They opened the season on that trip last year
 – Their longest homestand is 10 games in 10 days (ATL, Mets, BALT) towards the end of May. Their longest road trip is the aforementioned west coast swing
– They end with 3 home games vs Detroit
– They don’t play the Yankees until June 6^th
– They play 10 divisional games in a row (2 at home), in late August (BAL (6) and Yankees (4))

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A tranquilizer commonly referred to as a “zombie drug” is being manufactured and smuggled across the U.S. southern border. The drug xylazine, known as “tranq” in street lingo, is used as a tranquilizer by veterinarians. The drug leaves users in a “zombie-like” state as it constricts blood vessels and cuts off oxygen flow to the body, causing abscesses that rot the flesh. 

They said it: “He’s not human!” – Ian Eagle on Duke’s Tyrese Proctor last weekend. Yes, the kid got hot and hit 7-8 from 3-point range. He got hot. Relax, Ian.

Stuntman!… you’re doing it wrong: Chachi Valencia, whose stage name is The Rocketman Valencia, was performing his death-defying human cannonball act at the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio. Footage from the accident shows Valencia, a sixth-generation circus performer, sailing through the air after being launched from a 35-foot human cannon. As he falls to the landing spot, a gust of wind blows him toward the side of the net, causing him to bounce into the air and smash into the concrete ground below. 

Good news: After an expected brief mission to the International Space Station, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have returned to Earth after what turned out to be a grueling 9-month spaceflight.

Not-so-good news: Said a leading expert in spaceflight-associated health changes: “One of the most immediate challenges astronauts face when they return to Earth is mobility and balance. These issues often recover more quickly compared to others, but it takes time for astronauts to readjust to gravity. The balance, mobility, and walking difficulties astronauts experience during the first weeks back are typically resolved in a short period, but brain function and structure require longer recovery periods.”

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: March 28, 1957, 1st National Curling Championship held (Ya, maybe that ‘dinosaur footprint’ thing too)

Let the UNC/WVU men’s basketball controversary continue as, after winning their play-in game, UNC lost their first round game to Ole Miss.

Men who regularly dodge prostate cancer screening appointments are 45% more likely to die from the disease. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths. Just sayin’…

Article I’ll skip: Country singer ‘finds God’ while hunting and fishing in the great outdoors.

Trivia #1 answer: Three of the following MLB teams have never had a league MVP. Which three? – Tampa Bay Devil Rays, San Diego Padres, Florida Marlins, New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks, Kansas City Royals – The New York Mets, Arizona Diamondbacks and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Trivia #2 answer: Of the top 9, total strikeouts in a 10-game span, there are only two pitchers on that list. Which two?  – Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson, Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton, Roger Clemens and Pedro Martinez, Nolan Ryan and Justin Verlander, Bob Feller and Roger Clemens, Nolan Ryan and Pedro Martinez – Nolan Ryan did it twice and struck out 123 batters and 122) and Pedro Martinez did it 7 times – 130 (the most), 128, 123, 122, 121, 120(2x)
Trivia #3 answer: Who has the most Opening Day RBIs (21) in his career? – Adam Dunn, Miguel Cabrera, Vladimir Guerrero, Dave Kingman, Mo Vaughn, Ken Griffey Jr. – Adam Dunn
Trivia #4: Who has the most Opening Day strikeouts in his career (107) – Tom Seaver, Bob Gibson, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Roger Clemens, Ric Accardi – Randy Johnson

DYK: William H. Taft threw out the first Presidential first pitch from his box seats, not the pitcher’s mound (April 14, 1910).

My tolerance for idiots is extremely low today. I used to have some immunity built up, but obviously there is a new strain out there.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Triglycerides Day! (Ya, go ahead and celebrate that!)

“Got my mojo working, but it just won’t work on you
Got my mojo working, but it just won’t work on you
I wanna love you so bad till I don’t know what to do”

– Muddy Waters (Got My Mojo Working) – Newport!

Bonus!

Briefly.

A few weeks ago, my mother-in-law began reading “The Exorcist.” She said it was the most evil book she ever read. So evil in fact, she couldn’t finish it, took it over to the beach and threw it off a fishing pier. I went and bought another copy, ran the faucet over it and left it in the night table drawer by her bed. I’m going to hell.

Trivia #1: What school has made the most Final Four appearances? – North Carolina, Kentucky, UCLA, Michigan, Michigan St., Kansas, Northern Essex
Trivia #2: What school has the most appearances in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament without a Final Four appearance? Boston College, Xavier, Missouri, Tennessee, UAB, Creighton, BYU, Northern Essex
Trivia #3: What did brothers Theodore Golden Grigg and F. Nephi Grigg invent?

Stop complaining: Severe weather is forecast to pose threats to portions of the southern Plains and the Mississippi Valley this weekend, only one week after a deadly tornado outbreak struck the region.

On this date: March 21, 1844, the original date predicted by William Miller of Massachusetts for the return of Christ and the end of the world
March 21, 1947,  US President Harry Truman signs Executive Order 9835 requiring all federal employees to have “complete and unswerving loyalty to the United States”
March 21, 1952, 20,000 attempt to attend the 1st rock & roll concert ever when Alan Freed presents “The Moondog Coronation Ball” at old 12,000 seat Cleveland Arena; performers include: Paul Williams and the Hucklebuckers; Tiny Grimes and the Rocking Highlanders; The Dominoes; and Varetta Dillard
March 21, 1962, Yogi the bear becomes the 1st creature to be ejected at supersonic speeds by the US military testing ejection seats (I can’t make this shit up!)
March 21, 1964, Beatles’ single “She Loves You” goes #1 in the US & stays #1 for 2 weeks
March 21, 1982, “Little Johnny Jones” opens & closes at Alvin Theater NYC (Ha!)
march 21, 1991, Tatsumi Fujinami beats Ric Flair for NWA wrestling championship

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Two high school graduates who say they can’t read or write are suing their respective public school systems arguing they were not given the free public education to which they are entitled.

Traveling to London, you’re doing it wrong. London Heathrow Airport (LHR) said it is “experiencing a significant power outage” after an electrical substation that supplies the airport caught on fire. The airport will be closed all day today.

Good news: Well, for college basketball and its fans: College basketball coaching legends John Calipari (Arkansas) will face off against Rick Pitino (St. John’s) tomorrow.

Question: Would astronaut Suni Williams be such a celebrity if she had a short, butch-type haircut? Just sayin’.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: See the answer below to trivia question #3.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination, part deuz. Mangoes may be linked to lower insulin resistance, a factor involved in the prevention of diabetes. The reference to “may be” renders the statement useless.

The calculated odds of my bracket being perfect were 496,319,938,358,861 to 1, before the tournament began. That is about correct as it wasn’t nearly perfect yesterday.

American University Eagles, in Washington, D.C., has to be the greatest nickname in college in the nation.

Meanwhile, the Youngstown State Penguins, maybe the worst?

Article I’ll skip: Actress fascinated by MAHA movement, says institutions are “really failing us.”

Trivia #1 answer: What school has made the most Final Four appearances? – North Carolina, Kentucky, UCLA, Michigan, Michigan St., Kansas, Northern Essex – North Carolina (20 appearances)
Trivia #2 answer: What school has the most appearances in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament without a Final Four appearance? Boston College, Xavier, Missouri, Tennessee, UAB, Creighton, BYU, Northern Essex – BYU (31 appearances)
Trivia #3 answer: What did brothers Theodore Golden Grigg and F. Nephi Grigg invent? – The brothers, founders of Ore-Ida, invented the Tater Tots in 1953. One of the brothers was the great-grandfather of BYU men’s basketball player Richie Saunders.

Potential pick-up line if you happen to be out on the prowl this weekend: “Hey, how’s your bracket?”

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

Happy National Fragrance Day! (That don’t stink)

“You think you lost your love
Well, I saw her yesterday
It’s you she’s thinking of
And she told me what to say

She says she loves you
And you know that can’t be bad
Yes, she loves you
And you know you should be glad”

The Beatles (She Loves You)

Bonus! – Alice is ageless

My apologies as Trivia #3 should have read 1983 and not last week’s 2015. Damn “copy and paste” gets me sometimes.

Briefly.

When I was a kid, bedtime was 9pm. I couldn’t wait to be a grownup so I could go to bed anytime I wanted. Turns out that is 9pm.

Trivia #1: What does AAA and AARP stand for? (I don’t give a lot of layups)
Trivia #2: According to the Mayo Clinic, people in their 60’s, both genders, should be able to do at least how many push-ups?
Trivia #3: Who won the 2015 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2015)?

Stop complaining: I don’t want to hear it today.

On this date: March 7, 1530, English King Henry VIII’s divorce request is denied by Pope Clement the VII. (that must have sucked)
March 7, 1774, King George III charges colonists in Boston with attempting to injure British commerce, paving the way for the closing of the port to punish colonists for the Boston Tea Party
March 7, 1857, baseball decides 9 innings constitutes an official game, not 9 runs
March 7, 1911, US sends 20,000 troops to Mexican border (Hmmm)
March 7, 1975, RCA releases “Young Americans”, David Bowie’s 9th studio album, recorded in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New York City; featuring appearances by John Lennon on two tracks, it peaks in the U.S. charts at No. 9, and No. 2 in the U.K.
March 7, 1988, Howard Stern’s 1st pay-per-view special “Underpants & Negligee Party” premieres

Disturbing: Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier were arrested in Oregon on Thursday for their alleged roles in gathering and sending sensitive information to individuals in China. All three are charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. One is facing additional charges of conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to an individual not authorized to receive it.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A new fleet of self-driving taxis is ready to hit the streets this year, rolling out first in Las Vegas. The Amazon-backed vehicles are ten years in the making, and the company says they want to redefine transportation. You know, I think I’d actually try these. Not for nothing but I would guess you don’t need to leave a tip!

My wife is furious at our neighbor who sunbathes naked in her backyard. Personally, I’m on the fence.

They said it: “You have to chase the things that ignite you. You have to do the things that bring you joy. You have to surround yourself with the people who bring you back home to yourself, with the people who respect you and embrace you in ways that make you feel like you are worthy and accepted and loved.” – Bianca Sparacino, author.

Good news: It’s March! Can you sense the madness? College basketball conference championships have begun. By this time next Friday, we will be on the cusp of “Selection Weekend.” Buckle up!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: “Stewardesses” is the longest word that can be typed with just the left hand. “Lollipop” is the longest word for the right hand.

The Philadelphia Eagles and Saquon Barkley agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $41.2 million in new money. The deal includes $36 million guaranteed with $15 million more in incentives. The Eagles later announced Barkley had signed a two-year extension.

DYK: After winning the Super Bowl last month, Saquon Barkley bought each of his offensive linemen a 2-ton, Bud Lite truck. Really.

Article I’ll skip: Dolly Parton’s marriage thrived despite late husband not being ‘biggest fan’ of her music.

Gene Hackman, his wife and his dog had apparently been dead for 9 days?! He had three children, an ex-wife, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Now, I don’t know the relationship amongst them all, but how about checking on 95-year-old family members more frequently than every 9+ days?

Trivia #1 answer: What does AAA and AARP stand for? – AAA=American Automobile Association, AARP – American Association of Retired Persons
Trivia #2 answer: According to the Mayo Clinic, people in their 60’s, both genders, should be able to do at least how many push-ups? – People in their 60’s should be able to do at least 10 push-ups. (For the record, people in their 30s should be able to do at least 19 (women) and 21 (men), people in their 40s should be able to do at least 14 (women) and 16 (men), people in their 50s should be able to do at least 10 (women) and 12 (men)).  – Now don’t go and hurt yourself trying.
Trivia #3: Who won the 2015 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2015)? – New York Islanders (NHL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), Baltimore Orioles (MLB), Washington Redskins (NFL)

I told my wife I wanted to be cremated. She made an appointment for next Tuesday.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

Happy National Crown Roast of Pork Day!

“They pulled in just behind the bridge
He lays her down, he frowns
“Gee, my life’s a funny thing
Am I still too young?”
He kissed her then and there
She took his ring, took his babies
It took him minutes, took her nowhere
Heaven knows, she’d have taken anything, but…”

– David Bowie (Young Americans)

Briefly.

DYK? You can tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile by paying attention to whether the animal sees you later or in a while.

Trivia #1: In what game, in 1954, did the Milan Indians defeat the Muncie Central Bearcats, 32-30.
Trivia #2: What rock band had their first six albums all on the US billboard 200 at the same time in 1975.
Trivia #3: Who won the 2015 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2015)?
Trivia #4: What are “gate lice?”

Stop complaining: Unless you work in, or eat at, fast-food restaurants in California. Fast-food job losses in the state spiked after passage of the $20 minimum wage for some workers, according to a new study. Not only were there 10,700 jobs lost between June 2023 and June 2024 in the sector, but prices at the establishments soared by 14.5% after the new minimum wage became law.

On this date: February 28, 1646, Roger Scott tried in Massachusetts for sleeping in church
February 28, 1844, 12-inch gun aboard USS Princeton explodes, killing Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer, and other high-ranking U.S. federal officials
February 28, 1931, British politician Oswald Mosley founds the New Party (Peaky Blinder fans might recall Oswald)
February 28, 1939, The erroneous word “Dord” is discovered in the Webster’s New International Dictionary, Second Edition, prompting an investigation.
February 28, 1983, Final TV episode of “M*A*S*H”, a 2-hour special directed by series star Alan Alda titled “Goodbye, Farewell, and Amen”, airs (CBS); record 125 million watch in the US.
February 28, 1983, U2 releases their third studio album “War” featuring the protest song “Sunday Bloody Sunday”.

Go away: Karen Read (A repeat offender here)

When I was young (9-11 years old?), on rainy Saturdays, several of us would go to another’s house and watch Creature Double Feature (on channel 56). Little did we know at the time that we were having watch parties.

I have no interest in the NFL Combines. Just get me to the draft.

The Bruins are sinking. The Celtics? Meh, just get me/them to the playoffs.

I was driving down the road on Wednesday. The windows were down, the sun shining in and the Red Sox were on the radio. It was a beautiful day.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: “California sober”, or “Cali sober”, is a thing. It originates with the idea that people transition away from alcohol to a “safer” alternative using cannabis-based products, a term some people also use when they quit everything but weed. You don’t have to be from California to be “California sober.”

I hate the Yankees. Now they’ve gone and dropped their “facial hair” restriction. The new, gutless regime will ignore the longstanding rule and totally disregard a standard that the team once stood by. 

They said it: “Until someone comes along and eclipses what she’s done, then yes, she is the GOAT.” – Long-time NCAA women’s basketball coach, Geno Auriemma on Diana Taurasi, who recently announced her retirement from the WNBA. Check out this resume: Scoring (10,646 points in the regular season, nearly 3,000 clear of the runner-up, Tina Charles), Taurasi hit more three-pointers than anyone in WNBA history and is fourth all-time in assists. She won a trio of WNBA championships (in 2007, 2009, and 2014), three in the NCAA, six Euroleague titles during her 12-year overseas career in Russia and Turkey, and six Olympic golds, an all-time record for a basketball player. She was the 2009 WNBA MVP, a two-time WNBA Finals MVP, a three-time Euroleague MVP, and a three-time Russian League Player of the Year. Wowza!

A few months ago, the Tampa Bay Rays announced that they will play their 2025 home games at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the New York Yankees. The roof at Tropicana Field was decimated by hurricanes Helene and another one whose name escapes me…

Good news: The Pope is apparently getting better.

Not-so-good-news: Hurricane (April 26, 2009 – February 18, 2025) was a Special Operations canine of the United States Secret Service. He was a black Belgian Malinois recognized for his valor and bravery in 2014. He was considered the most decorated dog in American history.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On February 28, 1970, bicycles were first permitted to cross the Golden Gate Bridge.

Article I’ll skip: Girl Scouts defends cookies amid ‘toxic’ concerns in ongoing controversy over ingredients.
Article I’ll skip, part deux: Travis Kelce appears to make retirement decision after months of speculation. (I can wait…)

R.I.P. Eugene Allen “Gene” Hackman (95). I am kinda getting away from this section but Hackman was one of my personal favorites. Sad, continuing story of his, his wife’s and one of his dog’s death.

Trivia #1 answer: In what game, in 1954, did the Milan Indians defeat the Muncie Central Bearcats, 32-30. – It was the 1954 Indiana High School State Championship basketball game, which would later inspire the movie “Hoosiers.”
Trivia #2 answer: What rock band had their first six albums all on the US billboard 200 at the same time in 1975. – Led Zeppelin with Physical Graffiti (#1), Led Zeppelin IV (#83), Houses of the Holy (#92), Led Zeppelin II (#104), Led Zeppelin (#116), Led Zepplin III (#124)
Trivia #3 answer: Who won the 2015 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2015)? – Chicago Blackhawks (NHL), Golden State Warriors (NBA), Kansas City Royals (MLB), New England Patriots (NFL)
Trivia #4 answer: What are “gate lice?” – “Gate lice” refers to passengers who attempt to cut the line and board the plane earlier than their proper boarding zone. (Don’t be that guy!)

“I love you guys.” – Coach Norman Dale (Gene Hackman, Hoosiers)

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

Be careful out there. (It’s a jungle!) Like a midget at a urinal, stay on your toes!

My friend Sarah left her bottle of Pepsi at a rest stop about 60 miles south of Tampa. That’s where Sarah’s soda is.

Happy National Tooth Fairy Day! I won’t be on the bar this afternoon but will gladly meet you on the other side.

Almost 2 years to the day, March 17, 2023, I ran “Sunday Bloody Sunday” here. So here’s another from U2’s album, “War.”

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

– U2 (New Year’s Day)