Tag: news

Friday, January 10, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly. (I was up a little late watching the Fighting Irish!)

My heart goes out to anyone/everyone effected by the southern California wildfires. I’ve found myself glued to the TV following all of this. Incredibly devastating. To see the helplessness on people’s faces and hear it in their voices is gut-wrenching.

To everyone I offended last year… work on yourself so I don’t have to do it again this year.

Trivia #1: What is retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R-CPD)?
Trivia #2: What quarterback has the most wild-card round passing touchdowns all time? – Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Brett Favre

On this date: January 10, 1863, 1st underground railway opens in London.
January 10, 1916, in retaliation for President Woodrow Wilson’s recognition of Mexico’s Carranza government, members of Pancho Villa’s revolutionary army take 17 US mining engineers from a train and shoot 16 of them in cold blood.
January 10, 1949, RCA introduces the 45 RPM record.
January 10, 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Great Balls of Fire” reaches #1 on the UK pop charts.

There’s nothing like Jerry Lee singing that song but Goose does a pretty good version himself.

So here we are. Recent research shows that millions of new cases of diabetes and heart disease every year are caused by sugary drinks. Another study showed that alcohol causes several types of cancer. Driving like an idiot can cause instant death and general stupidity can cause increased harm to yourself and others. Carry on…

More football! An instant classic last night in the first CFP semi-final, the other semi-final is tonight, two NFL wildcard games Saturday, three on Sunday and one Monday night. Bring it on!

Meanwhile, the Bruins lost last night, the Celtics are six back from the Cavs, the Red Sox are getting stingier by the day and well, the Patriots…

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: See trivia question #1.

Go away: Any and all articles about NFL teams asking permission to talk to/interview coaches from other teams. Enough already. When it’s over, just tell me who is coaching what team.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: So, it really isn’t the apocalypse but there are many people describing the aftermath of the southern CA wildfires as “apocalyptic.”

Good news: Countless stories are being reported of good Samaritans/neighbors/first responders doing what people do to help one another in many different ways in respect to the wildfires. Some saving homes, some saving lives, others just doing what they can.

Bad news: Aside from the horrific CA wildfires, a Michigan couple died in two separate accidents between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Scott Levitan, 66, and Mary Lou Levitan, also 66, were both residents of Livonia. The sequence of events unfolded after Scott Levitan, who was ice-fishing with his 15-year-old grandson on Dec. 26, fell into a frozen lake while he was drilling a hole into the ice on Lake George in Addison Township. He was pulled out and taken to the hospital. The next day, Mary Lou Levitan was on her way to pick up her husband’s vehicle when she was fatally injured in a car accident. Scott Levitan was on life support at that time but did not survive.

Article I’ll skip: Aroma of meat drives some vegetarians and vegans to ‘cheat’, survey says.

So far, at least seven college football transfers have committed to Bill Belichick and his North Carolina program.

Trivia #1 answer: What is retrograde cricopharyngeal dysfunction (R-CPD)? – The inability to belch (no burp syndrome). The main muscle of the upper esophageal sphincter (the top gate of the food pipe), does not relax, which interferes with the burping process.
Trivia #2 answer: What quarterback has the most wild-card round passing touchdowns all time? – Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Josh Allen, Ben Roethlisberger, Drew Brees, Brett Favre – Ben Roethlisberger with 16

No parent ever turned the car around. It was an empty threat we all fell for!

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Save the Eagles Day! And, more importantly, Happy National Quitters Day! Go ahead, throw those resolutions right out the window. Have that burger, have another drink, extend your middle finger towards the gym as you drive by, kick that puppy… OK, a little much there, but you get it.

“You shake my nerves and you rattle my brain
Too much love drives a man insane
You broke my will, but what a thrill
Goodness gracious great balls of fire”

– Jerry Lee Lewis (Great Balls of Fire)

I need a little more today.

Friday, January 3, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly. Though it doesn’t appear that way.

My wife: The can opener is broken.
Me: You mean it’s a can’t opener?
My wife: I can’t believe I married you.

Trivia #1: On January 3, 1938, the March of Dimes was created to fight what disease? – Influenza, Polio, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Cancer, Venereal diseases
Trivia #2: Who is credited with coining the phrase “March Madness” to describe the NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball tournament? – Al McGuire, Billy Packer, Dick Vitale, Jimmy Valvano, Rich Wysocki, Shaq, Brent Musburger
Trivia #3: What does VSiN stand for?

On this date: January 3, 1890, the 1st US college-level dairy school opens at University of Wisconsin
January 3, 1918, US Employment Service opens as a unit of the Department of Labor
January 3, 1920, Boston Red Sox baseball club owner Harry Frazee announces agreement to sell slugger Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $125,000 in cash and a $350,000 loan; start of the 84 year “Curse of the Bambino”
January 3, 1967, “The Tonight Show” is shortened from 105 to 90 minutes
January 3, 1977, Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs incorporate Apple Computer, Inc
January 3, 1987, Aretha Franklin is the first female artist to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

So far, favorites are 8-0 straight up and 7-1 against the spread in the College Football Playoff, while the teams with first-round byes went 0-4.

Go Irish!

Fun fact, not! – The Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase had more receiving yards this year than every player listed as a WR on the Patriots’ roster.  Ja’Marr Chase – 1,612, Patriots WR’s – 1,543

Tom Brady is actually a pretty good analyst.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: If Drake Maye doesn’t start on Sunday due to injury, three quarterbacks drafted during Bill Belichick’s regime – Jacoby Brissett, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe – will be starting on Sunday.

Go away: Is it too early to tell winter to go away?

Relax people! More than 3,000 people have signed a petition urging the owners of a chapel-turned bar in a Maryland Marriott property to abstain from serving liquor from the former high altar. Catholics are asking the Wye Oak Tavern in the recently opened luxury boutique Visitation Hotel in Frederick, Md., to restore the dignity of the chapel. The restaurant features a bar around the former high altar, which is flanked by large stained-glass windows and statues of kneeling angels. The restaurant, which opened on Dec. 19, is located in the former chapel of the Visitation Convent and Academy, a Catholic all-girls school that was established in 1846. It shuttered its doors in June 2016 due to low enrollment and was then purchased in 2017 and opened as a hotel in 2024. 

“You are what you do, not what you say you will do.” – Carl Jung

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: This tragedy in New Orleans. It’s disturbing and similar incidents continue to happen. What is wrong with people?

I mentioned I had watched some of the 2024 Plumbing National Championship. Well, how about the Auto Tech National Championship?? It’s a thing!

Speaking on Things, Dunk Score is a thing. These poor, young basketball players of today. They are being scarred at such a young age.

Will Howard played a huge role in Ohio State’s 41-21 victory in the Rose Bowl. After the eighth-seeded Buckeyes advanced to the College Football Playoff semifinals, members of the team took the stage with roses in their mouths. However, Howard was too late to the party and was never able to join his teammates and head coach Ryan Day. Several people, including some Buckeyes, tried to inform those in charge that he was the quarterback who had just thrown for 319 yards and three touchdowns. But a man blocking the entrance stood firm in not allowing Howard on board. “They’re blocking me over there. There’s a weight limit, apparently.”

The Vrbo commercial with retired Alabama football coach, now ESPN analyst, Nick Saban is hilarious.

Good news: There are more than 500,000 children around the world live with advanced heart failure that requires transplantation. Ongoing research is to develop new therapies that can transform the lives of children with heart failure. A technology called induced pluripotent stem cells, where one can convert blood or skin cells of patients with heart failure into stem cells that then turn into heart cells … or even make engineered heart tissues that can be stitched onto the patient’s heart to help it pump. Incredible.

Bad news: A tragic accident on New Year’s Eve claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy during a ski trip at Cranmore Mountain in New Hampshire. The boy was skiing on a trail for intermediate skiers when the accident occurred. North Conway Fire and rescue team arrived on the scene and the boy had already been transported to the mountain base where he was unconscious. He did not recover.

Saquon Barkley, let the guy play. Though, even if he does, he still needs 101 yards to break the all-time record. Not exactly automatic.

Article I’ll skip: ‘Shazam!’ star says biblical disaster is looming thanks to artificial intelligence.

Weeks can feel like days, months can feel like weeks, and before we know it, another year has come to pass, so don’t wait to live—this isn’t a rehearsal.

Trivia #1 answer: On January 3, 1938, the March of Dimes was created to fight what disease? – Influenza, Polio, Tuberculosis, Pneumonia, Cancer, Venereal diseases – Polio
Trivia #2 answer: Who is credited with coining the phrase “March Madness” to describe NCAA Division 1 men’s basketball tournament? – Al McGuire, Billy Packer, Dick Vitale, Jimmy Valvano, Rich Wysocki, Shaq, Brent Musburger – It is Brent Musburger
Trivia #3 answer: What does VSiN stand for? – Vegas Sports Information Network

Guy to clerk: Excuse me, I ordered a dozen bees but you gave me thirteen.
Clerk: Ya, that extra one is a free bee.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day!

I hope you all took the time at the end of the year to reflect back on 2024. To celebrate your victories and try to forget about your regrets. To be thankful for all you have and not crave for more materialistic things. To appreciate the ones you love and not hate. To commit to being a better person in 2025. I know I didn’t.

“Looking out on the morning rain
I used to feel so uninspired
And when I knew I had to face another day
Lord, it made me feel so tired

Before the day I met you, life was so unkind
But you’re the key to my peace of mind”

– Aretha Franklin (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman

Keep Yourself Alive!

Friday, November 22, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

A elderly woman is in department store lift when the door opens and two younger, well-off looking women step in.
Younger woman to the other younger woman: “Smell this. Christian Dior! $50/oz.”
The other woman back to her: “Smell this, Chanel No. 5, $60/oz.”
The elderly woman then farts and says, “Smell that! Brussel sprouts, $2.50/lb!”

Jeez, Ed. Grow up!

Trivia #1: On November 22, 1957, Simon & Garfunkel appeared on “American Bandstand” as who? – Simon & Garfunkel, Tom & Jerry, Paul & Art, Neal & Bob, Sonny & Cher
Trivia #2: Last weekend, the University of Memphis defeated the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), 53-18, claiming the “Battle of the Bones.” The associated trophy is a bronze statue of what – a skull, a rack of ribs, a skeleton, a skeleton of a foot, a chicken wing
Trivia #3: The NFL record for consecutive wins over a single opponent is 20. Which team over which team?

Cool football last night, in the snow. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t want snow, I just want to watch it falling elsewhere.

On this date: November 22, 1910, Arthur Knight patents steel shaft golf clubs
November 22, 1927, 1st snowmobile patent granted to Carl Eliason (Sayner, Wisconsin)
November 22, 1963, US President John F. Kennedy is assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald while riding in an open-topped motorcade in Dallas, Texas
November 22, 1986, 20-year-old Mike Tyson becomes youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history when he stops titleholder Trevor Berdick in round 2 at Las Vegas Hilton to earn the WBC title
November 22, 1995, “Toy Story”, the first feature-length film created completely using computer-generated imagery, directed by John Lasseter and starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, is released

So, the site I use to get these “historic dates” lists November 22, 1903, when Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt got engaged. What is that? Now, I can see the date they got married, but engaged? Do they mention the first time they dated? The first time they… oh, never mind.

Bonus trivia: The first snowmobile patent was granted in Sayner, Wisconsin (see above). Where was the first snowmobile actually invented?

Speaking of Mike Tyson, the fight last weekend was pretty much a yawn-fest. The woman’s fight before Tyson’s was not! That fight actually made staying up worth it! Wow!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A Florida man has filed a class-action lawsuit against Netflix over the poor streaming quality that affected millions during the widely viewed boxing match between former heavy weight champion Mike Tyson and YouTube personality Jake Paul on Friday night. The class-action lawsuit filed in Florida state court is seeking damages of at least $50 million.

The Buffalo Bills did indeed end Kansas City’s undefeated season. Step one. Step two is keeping KC from winning three Super Bowls in a row.

Enjoying a deer-hunting trip, doing it wrong! At least three deer hunters in Michigan have died from heart attacks this hunting season. The act of deer hunting typically involves hiking to a tree stand or blind, waiting in the cold for hours and then dealing with a sudden surge of adrenaline when a deer is spotted. Once a hunter hits the deer, they have to track the deer, often for a long distance over rugged terrain.

If you can’t laugh, you have to leave.

Go away: Ellen DeGeneres, literally. Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi are reportedly saying cheerio to the U.S. following President-elect Trump’s victory earlier this month. The embattled comedian, known for her robust real estate portfolio, has allegedly settled in the Cotswolds in England. The DeGeneres source told the outlet that Trump’s re-election had inspired the couple’s decision to jump ship. (Finally! Someone who said they would leave the country based upon election results and actually did it!)

Viewers of the Netflix series Yellowstone are fired up with how John Dutton’s death was handled, they’re upset with how the story is developing down the final stretch and anything else you can think of has also made the list of things not making fans happy. People, relax. Frankly, I like where the series is going.

Quote of the week: “I hope you donated your body to science so they can study how much of a bitch you are.” – Summer to Beth (Yellowstone)

I haven’t heard a single fan complaining that the Bruins fired coach Jim Montgomery.

Don’t be that guy. After Thanksgiving dinner, just sit there quietly on the couch and watch football. Don’t silently fart and act like nothing happened.

Article I’ll skip: New York Giants’ quarterback Daniel Jones bids farewell to Giants in emotional statement: “100% accountable for my part”

Trivia #1 answer: On November 22, 1957, Simon & Garfunkel appeared on “American Bandstand” as who? – Simon & Garfunkel, Tom & Jerry, Paul & Art, Neal & Bob, Sonny & Cher – They appeared as Tom & Jerry
Trivia #2: Last weekend, the University of Memphis defeated the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), 53-18, claiming the “Battle of the Bones.” The associated trophy is a bronze statue of what – a skull, a rack of ribs, a skeleton, a skeleton of a foot, a chicken wing – It is a 94-pound, bronze statue of a rack of ribs
Trivia #3: The NFL record for consecutive wins over a single opponent is 20. Which team over which team? – The Miami Dolphins over the Buffalo Bills between 1970 and 1980.

Bonus trivia: The first snowmobile patent was granted in Sayner, Wisconsin (see above). Where was the first snowmobile actually invented? – Ossipee, New Hampshire

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 Cranberry Relish Day! (yuck!)

If men are from Mars and women are from Venus, I assume those other “genders” were pulled out of Uranus? (Uh oh, that might offend someone…)

You locals, stay home today and build your thirst for tomorrow as I’ll be serving on Saturday this weekend.

“Well, I’ve been afraid of changing
‘Cause I’ve built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older
And I’m getting older too”

Fleetwood Mac (Landslide)

Bonus: Toy Story (Theme song – Randy Newman)

Friday, November 15, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Maybe it’s just me, but I find it annoying when someone just keeps talking while I’m trying to interrupt.

Trivia #1: The first US law school was established at which university? – University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Northern Essex Community College
Trivia #2: Who is Kool-Aid McKinstry?
Trivia #3: Who is Jesse Bongiovi?
Trivia #4: Which NFL franchise is the oldest in professional football history? – Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Chicago Bears

On this date: November 15, 1925, 1st hockey game at Madison Square Garden, NYC: Montreal Canadiens 3, NY Americans 1
November 15, 1939, “Gone With The Wind”, drama film directed by Victor Fleming and starring Clarke Gable and Vivien Leigh, premieres in Atlanta (Best Picture 1940, inflation not adjusted highest-grossing film of all time)
November 15, 1944, American bandleader Major Glenn Miller (US Air Force) was lost over the English Channel
November 15, 1979, Chris Haney and Scott Abbott develop the board game, Trivial Pursuit

The Washington Redskins lost last night.

And I’ll be rooting for Buffalo to knock off Kansas City on Sunday, ending their undefeated season.

Go away: In-season NBA tournaments

Don’t be that guy. Don’t be turning on your Christmas lights now. Go ahead and set them up, but don’t be turning them on until after Thanksgiving. Don’t do it!

Good news: A breast cancer vaccine could be closer to reality, according to Cleveland Clinic, as its researchers have announced some encouraging results. At the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer earlier this month in Texas, researchers shared updated findings from a study of a new vaccine designed to target triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive type of cancer.

Not good news: A 1-year-old was found dead in a vehicle outside of a Florida middle school after a relative allegedly forgot to take the 15-month-old child to daycare. Deputies with the Sumter County Sherrif’s office were called to South Sumter Middle School in Webster around 4 p.m. on Nov. 1. The child was left unattended in a vehicle parked at the school and was later found deceased. Webster is about 50 miles West of Orlando. Temperatures in the city reached a high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit that day. This devastating event marks the 37th child to lose their life in a hot car nationwide this year, well above last year’s total of 29. On average, 37 children under the age of 15 die each year from heatstroke after being left in a vehicle. Nearly every state has experienced at least one death since 1998. The highest number of deaths occurred in 2018 with 54 reports.

I used to love watching Mike Tyson fight and tonight is no different. The 58-year-old takes on 27-year-old Jake Paul in Tyson’s first professional fight since 2005. I’m rooting for him, but I don’t know…

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Any information regarding the NBA in-season tournament. More proof of the uselessness of the NBA regular season. They’ll try anything to get our attention. (Jeez Ed, let it go!)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Reports that several universities across the nation canceled classes and provided safe spaces for students to recover from the presidential election prompted a wave of criticism that these schools aren’t preparing students for the “real world.” Georgetown University in Washington D.C., drew mockery on social media after news broke the college invited students to a “self-care suite” last Wednesday to recover from the stress of the 2024 presidential election. 

In case you missed it, the Notre Dame marching band played a tribute to Bon Jovi during halftime of ND’s thrashing of FSU. Jon Bon Jovi’s son, Jesse, was a walk-on at Notre Dame in 2017

Article I’ll skip: Bill Clinton reportedly opens up about fallout from Lewinsky scandal in new memoir

College GameDay, just a great show. And I do like the addition of Pat McAfee. Like him or not, the “Kicking Contest” segment is a hoot. Catch them tomorrow at the University of Georgia. (Expect a lot of signs and general moaning regarding Georgia’s slip to #12 in the CFP rankings. Poor Georgia…)

Speaking of tuning in, “Making Manson”, a docuseries about Charles Manson, premiers on Peacock on Nov. 19th.

Can anyone figure out the Bruins?

Trivia #1 answer: The first US law school was established at which university? – University of Pennsylvania, University of Virginia, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Northern Essex Community College – The University of Pennsylvania
Trivia #2 answer: Who is Kool-Aid McKinstry? – Kool-Aid is the New Orleans Saints’ 2nd round draft pick last year, a cornerback out of Alabama
Trivia #3 answer: Who is Jesse Bongiovi? – Jon Bon Jovi’s son
Trivia #4 answer: Which NFL franchise is the oldest in professional football history? – Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Chicago Bears – The Cardinals started playing professional football in 1899 in Chicago under the name of the Morgan Athletic Club.

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 Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day!

Come on downtown this afternoon. I’d love to serve you…

“But I walk these streets, a loaded six-string on my back
I play for keeps ’cause I might not make it back
I’ve been everywhere, (Oh yeah) still I’m standing tall
I’ve seen a million faces and I’ve rocked them all”

– Bon Jovi (Wanted Dead or Alive) – some pretty good guitar, here

Bonus: Glenn Miller

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, July 19, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I’m still away. This ain’t easy)

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

Pro tip: Adopt a retired drug dog to find fun friends at parties.

Trivia #1: Which of the following Red Sox players were NOT an All-star game MVP? – Mo Vaughn, Roger Clemens, Carl Yastrzemski, J.D. Drew, Jarred Duran, Mike Greenwell, Pedro Martinez
Trivia #2: On July 19, 1920, Babe Ruth hit a homerun, breaking his own single season record. He went on to hit 54 that season. What was the single season record after the 1919 season? – 29, 35, 39, 41, 46, 49
Trivia #3: In the famous “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry in 1977 between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, which player had the 36-hole lead? – Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Roger Maltbie, Hale Irwin, Peter Oosterhuis, Dane Hubbard
Trivia #4: Who is Travis Bazzana?

On this date: July 19, 1545, King Henry’s VIII flagship Mary Rose sinks at Portsmouth; 73 die.
July 19, 1692, 5 more people are hanged for witchcraft (19 in all) in Salem, Massachusetts
July 19, 1940, Adolf Hitler orders Great Britain to surrender – they decline

Ads have been promoting new feminine deodorants, even for down there. Who do they have taste testing this stuff? Who??

They said it: “Don’t just teach your children to read. Teach them to question what they read. Teach them to question everything. The value of an education is not the learning of many facts but the training of the mind to think.” – Comedian George Carlin

Incognito, you’re doing it wrong. A man was arrested on Monday just blocks from Fiserv Forum where the Republican National Convention is being held in Milwaukee. Homeland Security Investigators and Capitol Police were conducting surveillance near the RNC perimeter when they noticed a suspicious man approaching. He was wearing a ski mask and carrying a tactical bag. Inside the bag, police found the gun and a full magazine.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Major US airlines ordered ground stops this morning citing communications issues, while other carriers, media companies, banks and telecoms firms around the world also reported system outages were disrupting their operations. Microsoft has said it has resolved the cloud-services outage that was blamed for disrupting flights and banks. 

Stop complaining: You got up this morning and you’re reading this, correct?

Good news: Scientists at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota say they have identified a new type of memory loss. Limbic-predominant amnestic neurodegenerative syndrome, or LANS, affects the brain’s limbic system, which helps to regulate emotions and behavior. The syndrome is very similar to Alzheimer’s disease, but doesn’t progress as quickly and has a better prognosis. “This paper is putting our clinical expertise into a precise framework that others can use to care for their patients,” says a Mayo Clinic press release.

Article I’ll skip: UFC’s Dana White sounds alarm at what’s at stake in upcoming presidential election

R.I.P. George Robert “Bob” Newhart (94) – The actor was known for his hit sitcom, “The Bob Newhart Show,” in the ’70s. Newhart went on to have two additional shows named after him, “Newhart” and “Bob.” His groundbreaking work in stand-up and television – and his beloved deadpan delivery – have left an indelible mark on the art form of comedy and will be treasured by comedy fans for generations to come.

Trivia #1 answer: Which of the following Red Sox players were NOT an All-star game MVP? – Mo Vaughn, Roger Clemens, Carl Yastrzemski, J.D. Drew, Jarred Duran, Mike Greenwell, Pedro Martinez – Mo Vaughn and Mike Greenwell
Trivia #2 answer: On July 19, 1920, Babe Ruth hit a homerun, breaking his own single season record. He went on to hit 54 the season. What was the single season record after the 1919 season? – 29, 35, 39, 41, 46, 49 – 29 homeruns
Trivia #3 answer: In the famous “Duel in the Sun” at Turnberry in 1977 between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus, which player had the 36-hole lead? – Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Roger Maltbie, Hale Irwin, Peter Oosterhuis – Roger Maltbie
Trivia #4 answer: Who is Travis Bazzana? – Travis is the first Australian-born No. 1 pick in the MLB draft. Interesting, he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians, who were making their first-ever No. 1 selection.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Play Day! (Have at it!)

Here’s a little song I wrote called… Where In the Hell Did My Weekend Go

“Block off the streets and houses
Because there’s something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution’s here”

– Thunderclap Newman (Something In The Air)

Bonus!

Friday, May 3, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

I’m getting some “likes”, feeling some love. Thanks to you…

Anyone interested in a ride in a helicopter? We need one person to accompany us. We leave early next Sunday morning from Burlington airport and will fly over the city and the lake, then fly to and have lunch in Plattsburgh. Then we’ll do a flight back to Burlington airport. If interested, please message me. Preferably someone with a helicopter, otherwise we can’t go.

Trivia #1: Who is Jaylen Key?
Trivia #2: Brad Marchand recently passed Cam Neely with his 56th playoff goal, the most in Boston Bruins’ history. Which two of the following do not round out the top 5? – Johnny Bucyk, Phil Esposito, Rick Middleton, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron

On this date: May 3, 1938, Lefty Grove defeats Tigers 4-3 for 1st of record 20 consecutive wins at his home field Fenway Park; he doesn’t lose there until May 12 1941. Wowza!
May 3, 1967, African American students seize finance building at Northwestern University. Hmmm, sound familiar?
May 3, 1991, future NHL HOF right wing Cam Neely injures knee on cheap shot by Ulf Samuelssin Wales Conference Finals; injury limits him to only 162 games for the remainder of his NHL career, retires at 31.

There were an estimated 700,000+ in attendance at the NFL draft in Detroit. That’s quite a party, probably quite the experience, but Detroit???

Go away: Anti-Israel protesters. Seriously, cut the crap and get back to class.

So little Yaz homered at Fenway. That is pretty cool.

Speaking of the NBA, congratulations to the Celtics’ Brad Stevens, the 2023-24 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year. Now let’s go win banner #18!

Stop complaining: Multiple tornadoes were ongoing simultaneously in Tillman County, Oklahoma, when the weather got weird. At least two of the tornadoes exhibited very odd behavior: one powerful tornado looped backward and recrossed its previous path and another significant tornado spun in the “wrong” direction. Oklahoma has seen more than two dozen tornadoes this past week.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The Toronto Maple Leafs are 2-9 in their last 11 Game 7’s on the road. (come on Bruins, don’t do it again!)

Speaking of the Celtics, the Red Sox have a two-game series at the Atlanta Braves next week, then a two-game series against Atlanta in June at Fenway. Those are the only scheduled two-game series for the Red Sox this season. Why does that bother me…?

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Anti-Israel protesters targeted the American flag on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s quad — which had been flying at half-mast after four Charlotte officers were killed in the line of duty. At one point, they replaced it with a Palestinian flag.

Good news: A student who held up her own American flag at a North Carolina campus Tuesday, after an anti-Israel mob desecrated an American flag flying on campus. Until the flag was restored, two students held up another American flag – so that there was always one waving on the campus quad despite the attempts from anti-Israel agitators to remove the symbol. 

They said it: “I would love to see Tyler O’Neil in the homerun derby.” – Dave Shea, Red Sox announcer. Dave, it’s April!!!

More good news… if you’re a Sox fan: The Red Sox finished April w/ their 6th shoutout – one more than the pitching staff recorded in all of 2023. They finish the month 4 games above .500 (17-13) matching their season high. The team ERA is 2.59, the lowest in baseball and the lowest Sox mark through 30 games since 1920.

Good news part deux: Beat L.A.! Beat L.A.! Beat L.A.! Well, we didn’t beat them but at least someone else did!

Article I’ll skip: Longtime rumor about Marilyn Monroe confirmed on wiretap, book claims.

Last Sunday was Noah Kahan night at Fenway Park. Apparently, he is somebody. He even has his own bobblehead!

Good news: Disney parks will issue lifetime bans for people who lie about disabilities. Well, good! They should!

R.I.P. Michael Woelfel (75) – Oldest of the 12-sibling Woelfel clan, all-around great guy. He will be missed.

Trivia #1 answer: Who is Jaylen Key? – Alabama safety Jaylen Key was the last selection in the NFL draft (NY Jets), this year’s Mr. Irrelevant.
Trivia #2 answer: Brad Marchand recently passed Cam Neely with his 56th playoff goal, the most in Boston Bruins’ history. Which two of the following do not round out the top 5? – Johnny Bucyk, Phil Esposito, Rick Middleton, David Krejci, Patrice Bergeron – Top 5 – Marchand (56), Neely (55), Patrice Bergeron (50), Phil Esposito (46), Rick Middleton (55)

Before I got married, I’d just smash into the back of cars because I didn’t have a wife to gasp, scream and hit the imaginary brake when someone else braked 3 miles ahead.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National School Lunch Hero Day! (And I hope everyone has a great Derby Day tomorrow!)

“Saturday night I was downtown
Working for the FBI
Sittin’ in a nest of bad men
Whiskey bottles piling high”

– The Hollies (Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress))