Tag: history

Friday, July 4, 2025

by fasted86

What a country!

As you know, Ghandi walked barefoot most of the time, which produced an impressive set of calluses on his feet. He also ate very little, which made him rather frail and, with his odd diet, he suffered from bad breath. This made him a super calloused fragile mystic hexed by halitosis.

Trivia #1: The oldest (1785) known Independence parade is held where? – Boston Massachusetts, Bristol Rhode Island, Charleton South Carolina, Providence Rhode Island, Canton Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia
Trivia #2: Every Independence Day, who many times does the Liberty Bell ring?
Trivia #3: What US President was born on July 4?
Trivia #4: What was the total number of people who signed the Declaration of Independence? – 1, 13, 26, 34, 48, 56, 63, 77

On this date: July 4, 1634, the city of Trois-Rivières is founded in New France, later to become the Canadian province of Quebec
July 4, 1776, US Congress proclaims the Declaration of Independence and independence from Great Britain
July 4, 1789, 1st US tariff act signed by President Washington
July 4, 1803, The Louisiana Purchase is announced to the American people by President Thomas Jefferson
July 4, 1826, Past presidents Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both die on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, President John Quincy Adams calls “visible and palpable remarks of Divine Favor”
July 4, 1831, “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)”, with lyrics by Samuel Francis Smith, has 1st public performance at Park Street Church in Boston, Massachusetts
July 4, 1845, American philosopher and naturalist Henry David Thoreau moves into his shack on Walden Pond
July 4, 1884, Statue of Liberty presented to US in Paris
July 4, 1917,  Troops of the Russian Provisional Government open fire on protesters in Petrograd during the ‘July Days’ of unrest
July 4, 1934, Hungarian physicist Leo Szilard patents the chain-reaction design for the atomic bomb
July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig is first MLB player to have his number (4) retired on his “Appreciation Day” at Yankee Stadium, makes iconic “luckiest man” speech
July 4, 1959, America’s new 49-star flag honoring Alaska statehood unfurled
July 4, 1969, 140,000 attend 2-day Atlanta Pop Festival in Byron, Georgia; performers include: Janis Joplin; Blood, Sweat & Tears; Chicago; Led Zeppelin; Delaney and Bonnie; Creedence Clearwater Revival, Canned Heat; Joe Cocker; Chuck Berry; Spirit; and Johnny Winter
July 4, 1970, Casey Kasem’s “American Top 40” debuts on LA radio
July 4, 2009, The Statue of Liberty’s crown reopens to the public after 8 years, due to security reasons following the World Trade Center attacks

Go away: Sean “Diddy” Combs

Article I’ll skip: Even a small amount of processed foods linked to chronic disease, study suggests. (I can’t wait to eat a couple of grilled hotdogs this afternoon!)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Haiti’s criminal gangs have exerted “near-total control” over the capital, as escalating violence pushes the Caribbean nation “closer to the brink.” (See “Good News” below)

Stand beside her, and guide her.

The Colorado Rockies just won their 20th game of the season… on July 3rd!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Nolan Ryan and Phil Niekro both reached the 3,000-strikeout milestone on July 4.
Useless information supposed to fire my imagination, part deux: Edward Rutledge, who was 26 years old, was the youngest person to sign the Declaration of Independence.

Good news: We, Americans, live in the greatest country on earth. (If you are reading this from outside the US, move!)

Trivia #1 answer: The oldest (1785) known Independence parade is held where? – Boston Massachusetts, Bristol Rhode Island, Charleton South Carolina, Providence Rhode Island, Canton Massachusetts, Richmond Virginia – Bristol, Rhode Island
Trivia #2 answer: Every Independence Day, who many times does the Liberty Bell ring? – 13
Trivia #3 answer: What US President was born on July 4? – Calvin Coolidge, July 4, 1872
Trivia #4 answer: What was the total number of people who signed the Declaration of Independence? – 1, 13, 26, 34, 48, 56, 63, 77 – 56 people signed the Declaration of Independence

Just another tricky, just another tricky day for you… you’ll get through.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up. (About those Red Sox… I’m trying…)

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

Happy Independence Day! (Think about that… and celebrate!)

What is a four-letter word with a small laugh in the middle. It really is.

“God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home”

– Kate Smith (Bobby Orr and Espo at the end, classic!)

Tearing up…

BTW, I’ll be taking a break next Friday while on a 3-day wedding celebration extravaganza. Until the 18th…

Friday, March 14, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

Your brain at 3AM: I can see you’re trying to sleep, so I would like to offer you a selection of every memory, unresolved issue, mistake, or thing you should have said or done yesterday or in the past 40 years!

Please, pardon my recent mistakes in trivia questions. (Ya, like I give a shit.)

Trivia #1: Is it St. Patty’s Day or St. Paddy’s Day?
Trivia #2: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, what’s the highest number of leaves ever recorded on a single clover stem? – 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 63.
Trivia #3: What is the term for a young Irish woman or girl? – Lad, Lady, Catherine, Colleen, Ruby, Lass, Maeve
Trivia #4: On what instrument do you play piobaireachd music?
Trivia #5: According to folklore, what’s a leprechaun’s occupation? – Blacksmith, Shoemaker, Carpenter, Poet, Farmer, Locksmith
Trivia #6: St. Patrick was known to wear what color, Green, Blue, Gold, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Red, Sky-blue-pink

Stop complaining: New details have emerged in the shocking story of a 32-year-of a Connecticut man allegedly held captive in a single room by his father and stepmother for 20 years. While receiving medical care after the fire he lit inside his own home, the 32-year-old said he had been held captive in the home since he was 11 years old. Subsequent arrest warrants revealed the man was locked inside a room nearly 24 hours each day without heat or air conditioning. He was also provided two sandwiches and two bottles of water on a daily basis, which he rationed for soapless baths.

On this date: March 14, 1743, the 1st American town meeting is held in Boston’s Faneuil Hall
March 14, 1794, Eli Whitney patents the cotton gin machine revolutionizing the cotton industry in the southern US states
March 14, 1880, the Salvation Army of England starts work in the US at Harry Hill’s Variety Theatre in NYC
March 14, 1923, US President Warren G. Harding becomes 1st president to pay taxes.
March 14, 1972, Muddy Waters wins his first Grammy Award, for his album “They Call Me Muddy Waters”
March 14, 2018, NASA twin study finds that Scott Kelly is no longer identical to his twin brother after one year in space, 7% of his genes altered. Wowza!

Go away: Aaron Rodgers, get off my television. (Repeat offender)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The Boston Celtics took 63 (63!) three-point shots the other night, going 5-27 in the second half. Yawn.

They said it: “My ma urged me to get out of this game. When I was a kid, she pleaded with me. And I meant to, you know what I mean? But she died. Now look at me. I’m wet nurse to a last-place, dead-to-the-neck-up ball club, and I’m choking to death!” – Pop Fisher (Wilfred Brimley), manager of the New York Knights in the movie “The Natural.”

Good news: For NFL quarterback Gardner Minshew, that is. Minshew, who started nine games for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024, signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Minshew signed a two-year, $25 million contract last offseason to battle for the starting role with the Raiders. 

He may be too hurt to golf, but apparently Tiger Woods is still at it, reportedly dating the president’s former daughter-in-law, Vanessa Trump.

Again folks, it’s not complicated. Put on your directional and then use your brakes. Argh!

Tragic… NOT! The Yankees’ ace pitcher Gerrit Cole is to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: “Pi” has been calculated to over 62.8 trillion digits.

Did you catch the high school track star bashing her opponent in the head with the baton during a recent relay race? She’s been charged with assault and battery. Bitch.

Article I’ll skip: Vanna White details surprising number of days she gets off each year on ‘Wheel of Fortune.’

Article I’ll skip, part deux: 9 must-have March Madness party supplies

Trivia #1 answer: Is it St. Patty’s Day or St. Paddy’s Day? – St. Paddy. Pádraig is the Gaelic or Irish origin of the name Patrick, which is colloquially shortened to Paddy, hence the abbreviation, St. Paddy’s Day.
Trivia #2 answer: According to the Guinness Book of World Records, What’s the highest number of leaves ever recorded on a single clover stem? – 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 63. – It is 63. That’s a lot of luck!
Trivia #3: What is the term for a young Irish woman or girl? – Lad, Lady, Cathrine, Colleen, Ruby, Lass, Maeve – Colleen
Trivia #4: On what instrument do you play piobaireachd music? – The bagpipe
Trivia #5: According to folklore, what’s a leprechaun’s occupation? – Blacksmith, Shoemaker, Carpenter, Poet, Farmer, Locksmith – He’s a Shoemaker
Trivia #6: St. Patrick was known to wear what color, Green, Blue, Gold, Yellow, Orange, Purple, Red, Sky-blue-pink – Blue

If your wife is mad at you, buy a new fishing pole… She’ll still be mad at you, but you’ll have a new fishing pole.

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a three-day, St. Patrick’s Day bender. Enjoy.

“To all the days here and after, may they be filled with fond memories, happiness and laughter.”

Live, every day.

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 Pi Day!

“When Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, ’tis like the morning Spring
In the lilt of Irish laughter
You can hear the angels sing
When Irish hearts are happy
All the world seems bright and gay
What when Irish eyes are smiling
Sure, they steal your heart away”

– The Irish Tenors (When Irish Eyes Are Smiling)

Bonus track!

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, March 8, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Next time you’re feeling down remember, life is all about perspective. I have a friend who has sex 2-3 times a day, exercises twice a day, is served 3 meals a day, reads two books a week yet every day he complains about how much he hates prison.

Trivia #1: What is Mickey Mouse’s middle name?
Trivia #2: Which of the following was NOT a wife of King Henry VIII? – Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Elizabeth Blount, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Catherine Parr
Trivia #3: Who was the last 18-year-old to hit a homerun in the majors? – Ken Griffey Jr., Andrew Jones, Danny Murphy, Larry Dierker, Alex Rodriguez, Robin Yount, Mike Trout, Juan Soto
Trivia #4: Of the following which two players are not in the top 10 in all-time NBA scoring average per season? – Oscar Robertson, George Gervin, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, Kevin Durant, Allen Iverson

“Somethin’ keeps him movin’, but no one seems to know, what it is that makes him go…”

On this date: March 8, 1531, Henry VIII recognized as supreme head of Church in England by the Convocation of Canterbury.
March 8, 1817, the New York Stock Exchange was founded
March 8, 1971, Joe Frazier ends Muhammad Ali’s 31-fight winning streak at Madison Square Garden, NYC; retains the heavyweight boxing title by unanimous points decision over 15 rounds in the “Fight of the Century”

Go away: Anyone who walks up to me this weekend with a beer in their hand and starts out with; “So, what did you think of the SOTU address?”

They said it: “Hi, I’m John Morgan of Morgan and Morgan… and Morgan and Morgan and Morgan… and Morgan… and Morgan and Morgan…” (OK, I think I’ve seen that commercial enough times)

Jaylen Brown has been dealing with a sacroiliac joint strain. Hey, at least he’s getting creative!

Speaking of the NFL, did you happen to catch Jason Kelce’s retirement speech? I’m mean I get it but nearly 40 minutes! Jeez!

And speaking of golf, in a “You can’t fire me, I quit” way, LIV golf is now rejecting Overall World Golf Rankings (OWGR). A few months after OWGR rejected LIV’s application for world ranking points, LIV has done an about-face and said it doesn’t want OWGR. Question, are you still watching the PGA? I am.

Good News: ZeroEyes, an artificial intelligence (AI) weapon detection software company, has partnered with Fort Smith public schools in Arkansas to prevent potential firearm threats. The human-verified AI gun detection technology integrates AI with existing security cameras to detect firearms with a core mission as a company to prevent mass and active shootings inside schools. The system asks one question. “Is there a gun in this image or not?” The process takes three to five seconds from initial detection to the alert being in the hands of ZeroEyes end users to clients.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A news reporter in the UK has contacted the police and have them investigating author J.K. Rowlings for refusing to call the reported the proper pronoun. The reporter is a biological male claiming to be a female.

You may have heard that the New England Patriots scored terribly, 29th of 32 teams, in a team player pole. I, personally, don’t put a lot of stock in the results. However, for the categories they scored lowest in – Treatment of families, locker room, training room, weight room – those sound like areas to spend money and an excuse to raise ticket prices in 2025.

Article I’ll skip: Tom and Gisele’s kids get very different treatment at mom’s house compared to dad’s.

A shoutout to Haverhill High athletics. First, the wrestling team won their first Division 1 State Championship since 1998 and finished 3rd in New England. As for the shot putters, Haverhill boys took 1st and 4th in the D1 State Championship and sophomore Maddie Goncalves took 3rd for the girls. Maddie, a junior, also broke the school record twice during the season.

R.I.P. Chris Mortenson (72) – An award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, In 2016, he received the Pro Football Writers of America’s Dick McCann Award and was honored during the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinement ceremony in August that year.

Trivia #1 answer: What is Mickey Mouse’s middle name? – Theodore
Trivia #2 answer: Which of the following was NOT a wife of King Henry VIII? – Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Elizabeth Blount, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Catherine Parr – Elizabeth Blount was not his wife but his mistress who bore the only illegitimate child Henry VIII acknowledged as his son.
Trivia #3 answer: Who was the last 18-year-old to hit a homerun in the majors? – – Ken Griffey Jr., Andrew Jones, Danny Murphy, Larry Dierker, Alex Rodriguez, Robin Yount, Mike Trout, Juan Soto – Robin Yount (1972)
Trivia #4: Of the following which two players are not in the top 10 in all-time NBA scoring average per season? – Oscar Robertson, George Gervin, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Elgin Baylor, Kevin Durant, Allen Iverson – Kobe Bryant, Oscar Robertson

“… and Morgan and Morgan…”

It’s brought to my attention that I’ve offended some of you… Please accept my apologies, I meant to offend all of you.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Peanut Cluster Day!

“Then the lights begin to flicker and the sound is getting dim
The voice begins to falter and the crowds are getting thin
But he never seems to notice, he’s just got to find another place to play”

– Bread (The Guitar Man)

Bonus tune from Herman’s Hermits, for you, Ernie.