Blog

October 18, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

I always carry a pebble with me to throw at people who sing Christmas songs in October. I call it my jingle bell rock.

Trivia #1: Who won the 1988 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1988)?
Trivia #2: Who is Charles Strite?

On this date: October 18, 1776, in a bar decorated with bird tail in Elmsford, New York, a customer requests a glassful of “those cock tails” from bartender Betsy Flanagan
October 18, 1867, US takes formal possession of Alaska from Russia, after paying $7.2 million in the Alaska Purchase
October 18, 1967, Walt Disney’s animated musical adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book” film is released
October 18, 1974, American R&B singer Al Green’s girlfriend, Mary Woodson, dies by suicide at his Memphis home, after assaulting him with a pot of boiling grits at 29

Go away: Jelly Roll (Jason Bradley DeFord), is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter from Antioch, Tennessee. This guy was recently in the news regarding his long criminal record. Hey, there is only one “Jelly Roll” and that’s Jelly Roll Morton. (Just ask Van Morrison)

As if things couldn’t get worse, cases of flesh-eating bacteria have seen an unusual spike following impacts from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. 70 cases have so far been reported in 2024, with 11 deaths – figures that are similar to 2022 when Hurricane Ian damaged Collier and Lee counties.

Don’t be that guy. Cover your mouth when you yawn. Thank you, from all of us.

The Utah Hockey Club. Puh-lease!

Pretty cool: A time capsule from 1924 was unveiled at the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Missouri. The 100-year-old box was laid at the cornerstone of the Liberty Memorial Tower two years before the memorial opened to the public and was found in June by officials. The Liberty Memorial was dedicated “in honor of those who served in World War One in defense of liberty and our country.”

Speaking of pretty cool (and immensely classy!), The Columbus Blue Jackets took the ice for their home opener against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. Bush’s “Machinehead” blared from the loudspeakers. Spotlights danced in the stands and blinked around the circle at center ice. The sellout crowd of 18,484 roared. But something was wrong. Someone was missing. The starting lineup did not have a left wing, leaving an empty space where Johnny Gaudreau should have been. The teams stood still — for 13 seconds officially to symbolize Gaudreau’s No. 13, for a little longer in reality. The fans rose to their feet and cheered as players from both teams tapped their sticks on the ice and the boards. An official picked up the puck and brought it to the Columbus bench. The fans chanted, “JOHN-NY HOCK-EY!”

Only in hockey…

Advertising, you’re doing it wrong. Bath and Body Works has stopped selling a candle that was emblazoned with a winter theme that many commenters online compared to a Ku Klux Klan hood.

I would love to explain it to you, but I don’t have crayons.

Trivia #1 answer: Who won the 1988 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1988)? – Edmonton Oilers (NHL), Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB), Washington Redskins (NFL)
Trivia #2 answer: Who is Charles Strite? – Charles Strite granted US patent #1,394,450 for his invention, the automatic pop-up toaster on October 18, 1921.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Do what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do.

Happy National No Beard Day! (Sorry, guys. How’s this instead – Happy National Mammography Day!)

“And it stoned me to my soul
Stoned me just like Jelly Roll
And it stoned me
And it stoned me to my soul
Stoned me just like goin’ home
And it stoned me”

Van Morrison (And It Stoned Me)

Bonus: Al Green

October 11, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

In my next life I am coming back with money and looks instead of this sparkling personality bullshit.

Trivia #1: On October 11, 1911, Ty Cobb (AL) and Frank Schulte (NL) are named inaugural MLB MVPs. What did they each receive as a prize? – Cash, a watch, a car, a trophy, a bag of rocks
Trivia #2: Who was Rogers Nelson?

Hurricane Milton. I honestly feel for anyone and everyone affected by this past/present hurricane season. God speed!

On this date: October 11, 1972, World Hockey Association officially debuts as the Alberta Oilers defeat the Ottawa Nationals, 7-4 at the Ottawa Civic Centre
October 11, 1975, “Saturday Night Live” created by Lorne Michaels premieres on NBC with George Carlin as host
October 11, 1983, Last hand-cranked telephones in the US went out of service as 440 telephone customers in Bryant Pond, Maine, were switched over to direct-dial
October 11, 1995, John Bobbitt has plastic surgery to increase his penis 3 inches (Hey, I’m just reporting history here!)

Do you live in the New England area? Did you get a glimpse of the Northern Lights last night? Wicked cool!

Speaking of class, good-bye to longtime Red Sox broadcaster Joe Castiglione. One of Colgate’s best! (Ya, I know…)

Go away: Diddy

Go away, part deux: Deshaun Watson. Cleveland Browns’ quarterback and womanizing thug, is washed up.

I’ve recently paid attention to the MLB playoffs more than most years that the Red Sox didn’t play. Not bad.

Don’t be that guy.

And just like that, the NHL season is underway.

The Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy now has as many power play goals as he did all of last year – one.

Once an up-and-coming NFL quarterback, Seattle’s Geno Smith stinks. Period.

Evacuating, you’re doing it wrong. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) St. Pete is searching for two boaters who were last seen leaving Charlotte Harbor in southwest Florida on Tuesday to avoid Hurricane Milton making landfall. Andreas Gabriel Kirchberger and Kenneth Thomas Reutzel were heading for Tarpon Springs in a vessel called the Helderberg/Queen Milania. USCG Southeast posted to X several pictures of their white-colored vessel which appeared to be a catamaran, a type of sailing yacht with two hulls. 

You only live once.

My favorite of last weekend?? Watching Alabama football get upset by Vanderbilt. It only would have been better had Nick Saban been coaching, but I’ll take it.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Phone scams have been around for a while, but recent advancements in artificial intelligence technology is making it easier for bad actors to convince people they have kidnapped their loved ones. Scammers are using AI to replicate the voices of people’s family members in fake kidnapping schemes that convince victims to send money to the scammers in exchange for their loved ones’ safety.

Speaking of the Bruins… they lost on opening night to the Florida Panthers. It was the first time the Bruins have had a losing record (0-1) since October 3, 2018!

Great Little Ceasar’s commercial with the 49ers’ George Kittle: “…everybody but you… Kittle!” Funny.

R.I.P. Luis Tiant (83) – Former Red Sox pitcher, Cuban legend. 19-year MLB pitching career, Tiant went 229-172 with a 3.30 ERA. “Three times an all-star…”, he led the AL in WAR in 1968 with a 1.60 ERA and was in the top 10 7 other seasons. Luis won all three games for the Red Sox in the 1975 World Series including a 155-pitch effort in game 4.

They said it: “At least people still remember me and remember what I did all those years. I know what I’ve had to do with my life, and I’m lucky. I’m lucky I played all those years. God gave me the opportunity to play. What more can you ask? You can’t ask for more than that.” – The late, great Luis Taint in a 2017 interview.

“Looie, Looie, Looie!”

Put Luis Tiant in the Hall!!!!

See above, incorrect. You only die once. You live every day!

Trivia #1 answer: On October 11, 1911, Ty Cobb (AL) and Frank Schulte (NL) are named inaugural MLB MVPs. What did they each receive as a prize? – Cash, a watch, a car, a trophy, a bag of rocks – They each received a car
Trivia #2: Who was Rogers Nelson? – He was the musician better known as Prince

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Do what you have to do so that you can do what you want to do.

Happy National Sausage Pizza Day!

“Take a little trip, take a little trip
Take a little trip and see
Take a little trip, take a little trip
Take a little trip with me”

War (Low Rider)

Bonus:

October 4, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

I’m losing motivation folks. This gets old sometimes. Readership is down, response is down. Friday mornings. Just sayin’…

If you want to enjoy a healthier, happier life, you need to avoid assholes, not carbs.

Trivia #1: Which of the following did former president Jimmy Carter not do? – Establish the Department of Energy, was the first president to be born in a hospital, was the first Naval Academy graduate to become president, establish the Department of Education, was the first president to reach the age of 100, was the first president to make a formal state visit to Sub-Saharan Africa
Trivia #2: What does “pixel” stand for?

On this date: October 4, 1535, the Coverdale Bible, the first complete Bible to be published in English, is printed in Antwerp with translations by William Tyndale and Miles Coverdale
October 4, 1895, 1st US Open Men’s Golf, Newport GC: Englishman Horace Rawlins wins inaugural event; beats Willie Dunn of Scotland by 2 strokes
October 4, 194, Boston Patriots’ kicker Gino Cappelletti lands 6-from-6 field goals and 3-from-3 conversions in 39-10 win v Denver Broncos at Bears Stadium, Denver (We need him now. We need something!)
October 4, 2001, Boston Bruins retire future Hockey Hall of Fame defenseman Ray Bourque’s #77 jersey in the NHL season opener at Boston Garden. (Bourque’s gesture the night the Bruins retired Phil Esposito’s #7 is one of the classiest moves I’ve ever seen. Just sayin’.)
October 4, 2015, American rock band Van Halen’s final public performance takes place at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California.

Speaking of class, good-bye to longtime Red Sox broadcaster Joe Castiglione. One of Colgate’s best!

Go away: Just go away

I hate the Mets, but… that 9th inning last night was something else as NY came back from a 2-0 deficit with two outs to come away with the 4-2 victory.

Don’t be that guy.

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97. Make that 31-104! Make that 32-109. Make that 36-117. 39-120, The 2024 White Sox officially set a new record for Major League Baseball futility Friday in their 4-1 loss to Detroit, which became their 121st loss of the season.

Helene: Gust – West Tampa, FL 107 mph, storm surge – 10.34’ Cedar Key, FL, Rainfall 32.51” Jeter Mountain, NC, 4.9M power outages across 10 states. Many people, not necessarily living in a flood zone, were killed. What a tragedy.

Fun fact: American made products don’t get stuck on cargo ships.

Good news: A New York man who was left paralyzed after a diving accident is starting to regain movement a year after receiving an artificial intelligence-powered implant in his brain. A year ago, Keith Thomas, 46, was only able to move his arms an inch. Today, after the groundbreaking procedure, he is able to extend his arm, grasp a cup and take a drink using only his thoughts and stimulation. 

Time out, you’re doing it wrong. LA Chargers’ coach Jim Harbough (the Harboughs bother me. I’m not sure why) took a timeout last weekend. That seems OK but he had just taken one. You can’t take back-to-back timeouts. DOH!

R.I.P. Kris Kristofferson (88), Dikembe Mutombo (58), Pete Rose (83) John Amos (84)

Put Pete in the Hall!!!!

Trivia #1 answer: Which of the following did former president Jimmy Carter not do? – Establish the Department of Energy, was the first president to be born in a hospital, was the first Naval Academy graduate to become president, establish the Department of Education, was the first president to reach the age of 100, was the first president to make a formal state visit to Sub-Saharan Africa – Jimmy Carter did all of the above
Trivia #2 answer: What does “pixel” stand for? – Picture Element

Someone once said, “if you get on the wrong train, be sure to get off at the first stop. The longer you stay on, the more expensive the return trip is gong to cost you.” They weren’t talking about trains…

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

It’s Friday! Remember, bad decisions make the best stories.!

Happy National Body Language Day! (It’s also National Vodka Day but I’m going to be careful with that one)

“Change, nothing stays the same
Unchained, yeah ya hit the ground running”

Van Halen (Unchained)

Bonus! “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” – Bobby McFerrin

Friday, September 27, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly, ya.

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

Studies show that people with high IQs tend to be lazy, or something like that. I didn’t read the whole article.

Good luck to everyone in Helene’s path.

Trivia #1: What MLB plyer has the most all-star starts in left field?
Trivia #2: What is a loonlet?
Trivia #3: On September 17, in what year, did the physics journal Annalen der Physik publish Albert Einstein’s paper “Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?”, introducing the equation E=mc²? – 1895, 1900, 1905, 1910, 1915

On this date: September 27, 1290, an earthquake in the Gulf of Chihli (Bohai Sea) near China, reportedly kills 100,000 people.
September 27, 1822, French scholar Jean-François Champollion announces he has deciphered Egyptian hieroglyphics using the Rosetta Stone. The Rosetta Stone is considered one of the most famous objects in the British Museum.
September 27, 2006, the Boston Red Sox honor former player Johnny Pesky by officially naming Fenway Park’s right-field foul pole “Pesky’s Pole”

NFL kickoffs stink! Period!

Go away: Helene

DYK: Since taking the reins at Berkshire in the mid-1960’s, Warren Buffet has overseen an aggregate return in his company’s Class A shares of more than 5,400,000%. Comparatively, the S&P 500 has increased in value, including dividends, by around 37,000% over the same span.

DYK, part deux: “Fridgescaping”, it’s a thing. The viral art of “decorating” the inside of a refrigerator as if it’s a room in a home. Huh?

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97. Make that 31-104! Make that 32-109. Make that 36-117. 39-120

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The market for AI-related hardware and software is expected to grow between 40% and 55% annually, reaching between $780 billion and $990 billion by 2027. Says an analyst, “We were astonished to see the rate at which, for example, the number of companies spending over $100 million in their annual IT budget alone on AI and with large enterprises, that’s doubled. Critically, it’s across the board, with smaller enterprises doubling their spend.”

Article I’ll skip: Jim Cantore switches his hurricane Helene location & people are freaking out.
Article I would have read, if it wasn’t a video: Harvard medical student shares ‘fascinating’ results after eating 720 eggs in a month. (Video, I can’t be bothered)

Trivia #1 answer: What MLB plyer has the most all-star starts in left field? – Ted Williams
Trivia #2 answer: What is a loonlet? – A loonlet is a baby loon. Duh!
Trivia #3 answer: On September 17, in what year, did the physics journal Annalen der Physik publish Albert Einstein’s paper “Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?”, introducing the equation E=mc²? – 1895, 1900, 1905, 1910, 1915 – September 27, 1905

They said it: “He’s listed as day-to-day, but then again, aren’t we all.” – The late, great Vin Scully

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Chocolate Milk Day!

“You don’t have to read my mind, to know what I have in mind
Honey you oughta know
Now you move so fine, let me lay it on the line
I wanna know what you’re doin’ after the show”

Foreigner (Hot Blooded)

Friday, September 20, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. I missed you all last week…

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

The only thing I learned in geography is that Long Island has the best ice teas.

Trivia #1: Who was the first MLB player to have 200 or more hits in 6 consecutive seasons?
Trivia #2: Who is nicknamed “C Squared?”
Trivia #3: Who was Pudge Heffelfinger?

I checked my symptoms and it turned out I just needed to go camping.

On this date: September 20, 1814, the “Star Spangled Banner” was published as a song, lyrics by Francis Scott Key, tune by John Stafford Smith.
September 20, 1873, panic sweeps NY Stock Exchange (railroad bond default/bank failure) NY shut banks for 10 days due to a bank scandal
September 20, 1954, 1st FORTRAN computer program run. (1954?!)

Shohei Ohtani made MLB history last night becoming the only player with a 50 homerun and 50 stolen base season. And talk about doing it in grand fashion! Ohtani last night had arguably the greatest single game offensive performance ever – 6-for-6, 3 homeruns, 2 doubles, 10 RBI, 4 runs scored and 2 stolen bases. Insane!

Well, we saw a very small sample of the Patriots’ Drake Maye last night. Small yes, unimpressive, yes.

Their defense was lousy too.

Go away: Tua Tagovailoa. Nothing against Tua, but he will miss 4 games after suffering a concussion last week in a game against the Bills. Tua has a history of concussions and should just hang it up. My opinion.

Interesting?? Tua suffered his concussion last week after colliding with the Bills’ Damar Hamlin. Remember him??

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97. Make that 31-104! Make that 32-109. Make that 36-117.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A convicted serial sexual offender known as the “Pillowcase Rapist” is set to be released in California next month. Christopher Hubbart, 73, was convicted in 1973, 1982 and 1990 in both Los Angeles and Santa Clara counties for a series of rapes and other sex crimes.  He got his nickname because he used pillowcases to muffle the screams of some of his victims. Hubbart admitted to raping more than 100 women throughout California between 1971 and 1983.

Article I’ll skip: Students express concerns about the direction of America ahead of 2024 election.

Some interesting NFL tidbits. After the first two weeks, there have been more field goals across the league than touchdowns! Also, no rookie quarterback has thrown a touchdown pass so far. Hmmm.

A new roller coaster named “Siren’s Curse” features a tilt at 90 degrees and is set to open in 2025 at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio. You gotta see this thing! Road trip!

Speaking of Caitlyn Clark… Her teams’ away game the other night drew the largest audience to ever watch a WNBA game. Clark finished the season with the most points by a point guard in a single season in WNBA history. She had already clinched the record for most points by a rookie and the league’s single-season assist record. As the single-season record holder and league-leader in assists this year, Clark is the youngest player to ever lead the league in assists. Clark also led the league in 3-pointers this year, and had the second most all-time in a single season with 122. On top of that, she broke the record for most All-Star votes for any player in WNBA history, and became the first rookie to ever record a triple-double. Wowza!

Good news: US to host first AI safety summit this year to boost international collaboration. Hey, it’s worth a shot.

Trivia #1 answer: Who was the first MLB player to have 200 or more hits in 6 consecutive seasons? – The Red Sox’ Wade Boggs
Trivia #2 answer: Who is nicknamed “C Squared?” – Caitlyn Clark
Trivia #3 answer: Who was Pudge Heffelfinger? – Pudge was the first paid professional football player. He was paid $500 to take the field for the Allegheny Athletic Association in an 1892 contest against the rival Pittsburgh Athletic Club. He helped popularize the game by publishing the annual “Heffelfinger’s Football Facts” from 1935 to 1950. It featured news, stats and schedules for both pro and college football. He reportedly played his last game at age 65.

More bacon.

I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Pepperoni Pizza Day!

“Don’t wannna discuss it
Think it’s time for a change
You may get disgusted
Start thinkin’ that I’m strange

In that case I’ll go underground
Get some heavy rest
Never have to worry
About what is worst or what is best”

Van Morrison (Domino)

Bonus: Good Times by Gary Clarke. Great campfire tune.

Friday, September 6, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I had my fantasy football draft last night. “I’m kinda tired”, as Forrest would say)

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

Two days ago, I accidently passed my wife a glue stick instead of a Chap Stick. She’s still not talking to me.

Trivia #1: Jeff Driskel is the third string quarterback for which NFL team?
Trivia #2: Who is Khari Blasingame?
Trivia #3: In what city was the first lighthouse in North America built? Bonus: What year? – 1668, 1700, 1716, 1742, 1772, 1802
Trivia #4: Who recorded the guitar tracks for George Harrison’s Beatles song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps?” – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Peter Ham, Duane Allman, George Harrison

On this date: September 6, 1522, Ferdinand Magellan’s Spanish expedition, now led by Juan Sebastian Elcano, returns to Seville without their captain after a three-year epic voyage, becoming the first to circumnavigate the globe.
September 6, 1899, Carnation processes its first can of evaporated milk.
September 6, 1995, Cal Ripken Jr. plays in his 2,131 straight game breaking Lou Gehrig’s record.

Go away: Nick Saban. While I think he did a pretty good job last Saturday as a college football analyst, his predictions were terrible. Plus, I don’t like him!

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97. Make that 31-104! Make that 32-109.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A Navy veteran in California has been entertaining the local community with his creative bubble performances for over 10 years. But Sandy Snakenberg, known as the “Bubble Pirate,” was donning his pirate costume and performing his usual bubble show at La Jolla Cove in San Diego last week when he was issued a ticket by park officials. The ticket alleges that Snakenberg, 63, violated San Diego’s municipal code against littering due to the fluid from his bubbles.

It’s football season! While college football is in full swing, the NFL kicked off yesterday. Not a bad game last night as KC knocked off Baltimore, by a toe!

Article I’ll skip: Taylor Swift, Brittany Mahomes sit separately at game amid Trump support controversy. (Get ready, it’s football season and Taylor is back on your television.)

I don’t always do the wrong thing, but when I do, it’s the wrongiest of all the wrongs that ever wronged.

Good news: Thermal drone footage shows the rescue of a 3-year-old who became lost after he had wandered into a 100-acre corn field alone and at night in Alto, Wisconsin. The video begins with the drone surveying the large expanse of the cornfield of 6-foot-tall corn stalks. The thermal image makes the rows of corn appear as a textured black and white image. At around 9:30 p.m., a bright white shape appears to move through the corn, breaking up the monotonous pattern they form in the frame. It’s the toddler!

R.I.P. Johnny (31) and brother, Matt (29) Gaudreau. Both professional hockey players were killed when cycling and hit by a car. Carneys Point, New Jersey, natives and were set to serve as groomsmen at their sister Katie’s wedding that was scheduled for last Friday in Philadelphia. Ouch.
R.I.P. Thomas “Tommy” Gagne (68), after a 6 ½ year battle with cancer. As his obituary reads: “Throughout his life, Tom made a significant impact, whether through his business endeavors, being a friend to all or his recent role these past 6 and a half years as an advocate for early cancer detection, reminding people to get their butts checked!” Father of three, “Grank” of 8 grandkids, loving husband and friend. Tommy impacted countless lives with his generosity, kindness, humor and love.

Trivia #1 answer: Jeff Driskel is the third string quarterback for which NFL team? – The Washington Redskins
Trivia #2 answer: Who is Khari Blasingame? – Blasingame is currently listed as the 5th string running back in the Chicago Bears’ offense. Last year Khari rushed 8 times for 26 yards and caught 3 of 6 passes for 2 yards.
Trivia #3 answer: In what city was the first lighthouse in North America built? Bonus: What year? – 1668, 1700, 1716, 1742, 1772, 1802 – It was built in Boston in 1716
Trivia #4 answer: Who recorded the guitar tracks for George Harrison’s Beatles song “While My Guitar Gently Weeps?” – Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Peter Ham, Duane Allman, George Harrison – Eric Clapton

I like red cabbage in my salads. It gives it an extra “crunch” factor.

I’ll be on the bar this afternoon and would love to serve you.

“He put two and two together…” What the heck does that mean? I mean, two and two is four, right?

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Coffee Ice Cream Day!

“Dear Mister Fantasy, play us a tune
Something to make us all happy
Do anything, take us out of this gloom
Sing a song, play guitar, make it snappy”

Traffic (Dear Mr. Fantasy)

Another long one. Just put it on, turn it up and find something to do!

Friday, August 30, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (Enjoy your long weekend. Remember, summer ain’t over until you say it is!)

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

I don’t understand why banks get upset when you can’t repay a loan. You already knew I had no money when I came to borrow it!

Trivia #1: Aaron Judge is just the 5th player in MLB history with 50+ homeruns in a season. Which two of the following are not in the group? – Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire
Trivia #2: What quarterback has the most passing yards on opening day? – Tua Tagovailoa, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Dan Marino, Mark Rypien
Trivia #3: What has 4 letters, sometimes 9 letters, but never has 5 letters?
Trivia #4: What team had the best regular season record in the NFL last season at 13-4? – Buffalo, Baltimore, San Francisco, Kansas City, Dallas, Detroit

On this date: August 30, 1862, Second Battle of Bull Run in Manassas, Virginia, ends with a Confederate victory over Union forces
August 30, 1890, President Benjamin Harrison signed the first U.S. law requiring inspection of meat products.
August 30, 1972, Slalom canoeing is introduced at the Munich Olympics with East Germany winning all 4 events. Hmmm
August 30, 1979, 1st recorded occurrence of a comet hitting the sun, releases energy equal to one million hydrogen bombs. Chew on that for a minute.
August 30, 1993, Billy Joel performs on the debut of “The David Letterman Show”

Speaking of chewing on something for a minute… The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is looking to become the first player ever hitting 50+ homeruns and stealing 50+ bases in a season. How can you not root for that! (Well, he is a Dodger I guess…)

Meanwhile, back in Boston… the Red Sox’ Jarren Duran Duran became the first player eva with >=40 doubles, >=10 triples, >=20 homeruns and >=30 stolen bases in a single season.

Oh ya, the Patriots. Jacoby Brissett will be your starting quarterback a week from Sunday against the Cincinnati Bungals. The Pats are currently 9 ½ underdogs.

Go away: Dallas Cowboys owner and GM Jerry Jones

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97. Make that 31-104!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse:

Chris Sale has now thrown more innings this year than he did in his last 4 years combined for the Red Sox. Wowza!

Don’t look now but tennis is going on…

It’s football season!

Poor guy: Last weekend, the PGA’s Thomas Detry tied for 31st place and did not qualify for this weekend’s championship. In doing so he won $142,500.

I really like baked beans.

Article I’ll skip: Late fitness guru Richard Simmons’ toxicology report released

Silly putty implies the existence of serious putty.

Trivia #1 answer: Aaron Judge is just the 5th player in MLB history with 50+ homeruns in a season. Which two of the following are not in the group? – Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr, Barry Bonds, Babe Ruth, Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire – Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr.
Trivia #2 answer: What quarterback has the most passing yards on opening day? – Tua Tagovailoa, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Dan Marino, Mark Rypien – Tom Brady (517 yards) against the Dolphins in 2011
Trivia #3 answer: What has 4 letters, sometimes 9 letters, but never has 5 letters? – Correct!
Trivia #4 answer: What team had the best regular season record in the NFL last season at 13-4? – Buffalo, Baltimore, San Francisco, Kansas City, Dallas, Detroit – Baltimore

Coke or Pepsi? I’m a Coke guy, every day!

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Beach Day!

“You had to have the last word, last night
You’re so much fun to be around
You had to have the front page, bold type
You had to be a big shot last night”

– Billy Joel (Big Shot)

Totally random bonus track!

Friday, August 23, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

Running feels great unless you compare it to… not running.

Trivia #1: Last week marked the 55th anniversary of Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix was the last person to perform on day 4 of the concert, Monday. What time of day did Hendrix go on stage? – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6p.m., 9 p.m.
Trivia #2: Who was Paavo Nurmi?
Trivia #3: On August 23, 1993, the Braves Fred McGriff & David Justice became just the 6th teammates to accomplish what feat in the same game? – hit two triples apiece, hit back-to-back homeruns twice, hit for the cycle, strikeout 5 times, choke on their chew

On this date: August 23, 1305, Scottish patriot William Wallce is executed for high treason by Edward I of England at Smithfield, London.
August 23, 1942, Walter Johnson pitches to Babe Ruth in pregame attraction that draws 69,000 for NYY-Washington MLB doubleheader at Yankee Stadium; raises $80,000 for Army-Navy relief.
August 23, 1989, known as The Baltic Way (or Baltic Chain), approximately two million people form a human chain across Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania in a peaceful pro-independence demonstration against Soviet occupation.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On August 23, 1974, John Lennon reported seeing a UFO in New York City.

Go away: Ben Affleck/J-Lo

Meanwhile, the Chicago White Sox are 31-97.

Earlier this week, the Florida Marlins turned an 8-9-4-2 double play. Look it up.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Oklahoma State football players’ helmets will feature a QR code linking to a “general team fund” for student-athletes during the 2024 season. The initiative is “believed to mark the first time that a college football team will wear QR codes in regular season games to promote players’ earning potential,” according to the school.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: Victor Miller, who had been running as an artificial intelligence-powered bot named “VIC” [Virtual Integrated Citizen] in Wyoming’s capital city, conceded his bid to make technological political history on Wednesday. Miller received 327 votes, or about 3% of the total cast, in Cheyenne’s nonpartisan mayoral primary on Tuesday night.

The NFL kicks off two weeks from yesterday. Not only that, there is a game (Packers/Eagles) scheduled on Friday, the next night! Oh, joy!

Good news: I’m still looking…

DYK: In MLB, prior to 1888, wild pitches, walks and passed balls counted as errors?

As of today, only two National League players have a batting average higher than .300. The lowest batting average ever by a player who captured the NL crown was .313 by Tony Gwynn in 1988. The lowest average by a player who won his league’s batting title was .301 by Yaz in 1968. That year was also dubbed “The Year of the Pitcher.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the birth rate in America has dropped to a historic low, decreasing by 3% since 2022. The rate has been on a steady decline since 2014, except for a brief 1% increase from 2020 to 2021. Experts say this drop-off could be caused by many factors — including a heightened focus on career goals, the cost of raising children, a priority on personal liberty and mental health, the fear of an uncertain future and growing fertility concerns. 

Pretty cool: Last week, I gave the Salem, NH little league team kudos here. This week, three 17-year-olds from Salem, NH each got a hole-in-one within weeks of each other. This week they are all trying out for the Salem High School golf team.

Back to the Olympics… Bonus trivia: A running race winner is determined by what body part crossing the finish line? – The forehead, the chest, the clavicle, the foot/toe, the knee, any part of the body

Article I’ll skip: Ben Alleck, Jennifer Lopez impending split teased long before cracks began to show.

Procaffeinating: The tendency not to do anything until you have coffee.

Trivia #1 answer: Last week marked the 55th anniversary of Woodstock. Jimi Hendrix was the last person to perform on day 4 of the concert, Monday. What time of day did Hendrix go on stage? – 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 3 p.m., 6p.m., 9 p.m. – He went on at 9 a.m.
Trivia #2 answer: Who was Paavo Nurmi? – Nicknamed “The Flying Finn”, Nurmi of Finland ran a then (1923) world record mile in 4:10.4. The record would stand until 1931.
Trivia #3 answer: On August 23, 1993, the Braves Fred McGriff & David Justice became just the 6th teammates to accomplish what feat in the same game? – hit two triples apiece, hit back-to-back homeruns twice, hit for the cycle, strikeout 5 times, choke on their chew – The two hit back-to-back homeruns twice in the same game

Bonus trivia answer: A running race winner is determined by what body part crossing the finish line? – The forehead, the chest, the clavicle, the foot/toe, the knee, any part of the body – The clavicle

They said it: “He who dares not to offend cannot be honest.” – Thomas Paine

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Sponge Cake Day!

– Paul Simon (Me And Julio Down By The School Yard)

Friday, August 16, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (kinda)

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

Wife: While going through her wardrobe (all smiles), “look at this, it still fits after 25 years!”
Husband: “It’s a scarf!”

Trivia #1: What state’s motto is: Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere (We Dare Defend Our Rights)?
Trivia #2: What part of a knight’s armor protects the hands? – Hauberk, Gauntlet, Spaulder, Glove, Greaves
Trivia #3: What two teams had the best winning percentage (.500) against a team with Tom Brady starting at quarterback? Denver & San Fran, Denver & Kansas City, LA Rams and San Fran, Buffalo & Indianapolis, Philadelphia Kansas City, New Orleans, & Denver

On this date: August 16, 1858, Britain’s Queen Victoria telegraphs US President James Buchanan for 1st time by transatlantic telegraph cable, he replies “it is a triumph more glorious, because far more useful to mankind, than was ever won by conqueror on the field of battle.”
August 16, 1906, an 8.6 earthquake destroys Valparaiso Chile, fire kills 20,000.
August 16, 1965, American Football League’s 9th franchise is officially awarded to Joe Robbie and television star Danny Thomas; Miami Dolphins start play in AFL’s Eastern Division in 1966
August 16, 1974, American punk rock band “The Ramones” concert debut at CBGB’s in New York City

Go away: LeBron James (he’s been here before)

Don’t cling to a mistake just because you spent a lot of time making it.

Monday’s 4.4 magnitude earthquake that jolted the Los Angeles area is part of a broader trend of increased seismic activity in Southern California that is likely to continue, according to the region’s leading seismologist. 2024 has had more earthquakes than any year since 1988. Since 1932, Southern California has averaged 10 to 12 earthquakes of magnitude 4.0 or greater per year.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The alphabet song has changed! The original song most of us grew up singing was set to a sing-song melody with pauses between “G,” “P,” “S,” “V” “X” and ended with “Y and Z.” The song closed with the line, “Now I know my ABCs, next time won’t you sing with me?” The newer version takes the same tune but restructures the phrasing, instead placing the pauses after “G,” “N,” “Q,” “T,” “W” and ending with “XYZ.” The closing lines are also different, now sung, “Now I never will forget, how to say the alphabet.” The reason for the change seems fairly apparent to the average listener. There is no more rushing through the mess that was “LMNOP,” which often came out sounding like nothing more than mush mouth. It also removes the “and” between Y and Z, eliminating another potential source of confusion. “Source of confusion??” Puh-lease!

Good news: Another year, another highly successful NESN Jimmy Fund Telethon. During this year’s event, pitcher Garrett Whitlock as named Jimmy Fund Captain, while NESN’s Tom Caron and former Red Sox Brock Holt were named Co-Chairmen. Brock Holt, a former Captain while with the Red Sox, has stayed involved ever since he left the organization.

The little league team from local Salem, NH was this close to pulling a huge upset over the team from Hawaii in the Little League World Series. They play again tomorrow (ESPN) in the double elimination tournament. And I’m not plugging them just because my cousin’s kid plays for them! He’s their shortstop.

So, the Red Sox make multiple deals at the trade deadline, most targeted at relief pitchers. They have been dreadful since. Case in point, Luis Garcia, since being traded, has appeared in 6 games, 6.2 innings pitched: 12.14 ERA, 1.95 WHIP, 1BB, 5K, 3HR. Dreadful. The Sox are 2.5 games out of a wildcard spot and spiraling downward, on the fast track.

Back to the Olympics… I don’t think I could walk end-to-end across a balance beam.

Olympic track & field is the best, in general, but table tennis (ping pong) is incredible to watch.

Thankfully, for me, my wife also enjoys watching women’s beach volleyball.

Sometimes, when your golf league gets rained out, it’s a drag. Other times, it’s a lot of fun!

Article I’ll skip: Country reports first case of highly infectious virus as outbreak spreads

R.I.P. This just in… Former President Jimmy Carter is still not dead.
R.I.P. Peter Marshall (98): Game show host for 16 years (more than 5,000 episodes) of “The Hollywood Squares.”
R.I.P. Juan “Chi Chi” Rodriguez (88) – World Golf Hall of Fame with 30 career victories between the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. He took as much pride in his Chi Chi Rodriguez Youth Foundation in Clearwater, Florida, that helped at-risk youth achieve academic, social and economic success. Rodriguez’s memory will live on at his Youth Foundation, which each year brings in 600 children from low-income families or broken homes to its municipal course to develop skills like responsibility and work ethic. His altruistic nature culminated in 1989 with the USGA’s highest honor, the Bob Jones Award, and later his acceptance into the World Humanitarian Sports Hall of Fame in 1994. Cool.

Remember Popeye? That guy was awesome!

Trivia #1 answer: What state’s motto is: Audemus Jura Nostra Defendere (We Dare Defend Our Rights)? – Alabama (Alabama’s state motto was inspired by the poem “In Imitation of Alcaeus” by Sir William Jones, specifically the lines “Men, who their duties know, / But know their rights, and, knowing, dare maintain.”)
Trivia #2 answer: What part of a knight’s armor protects the hands? – Hauberk, Gauntlet, Spaulder, Glove, Greaves – Gauntlet
Trivia #3: What two teams had the best winning percentage (.500) against a team with Tom Brady starting at quarterback? Denver & San Fran, Denver & Kansas City, LA Rams and San Fran, Buffalo & Indianapolis, Philadelphia Kansas City, New Orleans, & Denver – Denver & San Francisco

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Roller Coaster Day!

– The Contours (Do You Love Me)

Bonus (The Ramones)

Friday, August 9, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Fun fact: I do my best proofreading after I post.

The two unwritten Rules of Life:
1)
2)

Trivia #1: Who is Yusuf Dikec?
Trivia #2: How did the diesel engine get its name?
Trivia #3: On August 9, 1925, Babe Ruth was pinch hit for, the only time in his career, by Bobby Veach. What did Veach to in the at-bat?
Trivia #4: What does BAbip stand for in baseball terms?
Trivia #5: During a stretch where Jack Nicklaus played in The Open Championship in every year from 1963-1980. What was his worst finish? – 7th, T(ied)8th, 10th, T12, 15th, T16th, T22

On this date: August 9, 1173, construction of the Tower of Pisa begins. It takes two centuries to complete.
August 9, 1848, US Barnburners (anti-slavery) party merges with Free Soil Party nominating Martin van Buren for president.
August 9, 1905, Ty Cobb’s mother kills her husband mistaking him for a burglar. (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!)

Damn girl, are you a Prius? Because you’re giving me no sounds or indications that you’re turned on right now.

The Patriots beat the Carolina Panthers last night. My quick, unknowledgeable take on the game? The Panthers stink.

“Breaking” is an Olympic sport? I’m confused and don’t consider it a sport. Then again, many people think car racing is a sport too. Are they going to introduce the “Tango” as a sport in future Olympics? I may be joking but, really. And while we’re at it, what about body surfing???

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Over the last few years, Delta Air Lines has embraced the diversity, equity and inclusion agenda under the purview of a chief officer who believes that the phrase “ladies and gentlemen” isn’t inclusive. 

Good news: The Dodgers’ Freddie Freeman was moved to tears when he was given a standing ovation before his first at-bat after a nine-day absence due to his son, Maximus, being diagnosed with a rare neurological illness. Touching.

The Chicago White Sox finally won a game, ending their 21-game, record tying losing streak. Their manager has been fired and they stand at 28-89, in line to challenge the ’62 Mets’ modern-era record of 120 losses in a season.

Where is the fun?

Mama always told me not to look into the eyes of the sun, but mama, that’s where the fun is.

Stop complaining: Re: Debby

Speaking of the Patriots… I can only assume Bailey Zappe got so much playing time last night was to showcase him as trade bait? What else?

Speaking of Jerod Mayo, after last night, it had been 24 years, 7 months and 7 days since someone other than Bill Belichick coached the New England Patriots.

You’ve’ all heard it before, don’t drink the water! A dream vacation turned into a nearly fatal nightmare after two Oklahoma State University students were allegedly poisoned after ordering water from a poolside bar at a Cancun resort.

The Pirates’ Aroldis Chapman is 36-years-old. The other night he struck out Manny Machado on a 104.7 mph fastball, after throwing 105.1 mph fastball earlier in the at-bat.

Headline of the week: Fugitive on the run for 35 years finally captured across the country after car chase. (“On the run for35 years?” Who is this guy, Forrest Gump?!)

Speaking of the Olympics… though the US has only one more gold medal than the next country, China, they do have 30 more overall medals. Dominance!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The Red Sox have the 5th easiest remaining “strength of schedule” in the AL.

Article I’ll skip: Study finds consumption of everyday item could pose increased heart attack risk.

R.I.P. This just in… Former President Jimmy Carter is still not dead.

DYK, Billy Bean died last week. He was MLB’s Sr. Vice President for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. He was NOT Billy Beane (note the “e” at the end), former GM for the Oakland Athletics and the man behind Moneyball. Well, I didn’t know that…

Remember the good ‘ole ice cream truck? I mean, there was nothing like the 25-cent, two-ball screwball!

Trivia #1 answer: Who is Yusuf Dikec? – He is a 51-year-old Turkish, silver medal-winning pistol shooter. He wears no visor or blinders, as other shooters do, and simply has one hand in his pocket when he shoots. He is a social media sensation. Dude!
Trivia #2 answer: How did the diesel engine get its name? – It was patented by Rudolph Diesel in 1898
Trivia #3 answer: On August 9, 1925, Babe Ruth was pinch hit for, the only time in his career, by Bobby Veach. What did Veach to in the at-bat? – He flied out (boring answer, yes)
Trivia #4 answer: What does BAbip stand for in baseball terms? – Batting average for balls put in play. I’m sure some little dweeb from MIT came up with that stat.
Trivia #5 answer: During a stretch where Jack Nicklaus played in The Open Championship in every year from 1963-1980. What was his worst finish? – 7th, T(ied)8th, 10th, T12, 15th, T16th, T22 – T12th (1965)

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Rice Pudding Day!

– Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (Blinded by the Light)