Tag: sports

Friday, November 7, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

I got an email explaining how to read maps backwards. It was spam.

Trivia #1: The New England Patriots’ Drake Maye last week had his eighth straight game with 200-plus passing yards and a passer rating of 100-plus, tying Tom Brady (2007) and Peyton Manning (2004) for the second most all-time. What quarterback has had the most such consecutive games (12)?
Trivia #2: Who won the 1990 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1990)
Trivia #3: What chemical element is symbolized on the periodic table as “Sn” (atomic number 50)?
Trivia #4: What does “HTTP” stand for?
Trivia #5: Who is Cam Little?

On this date: November 7, 680, Third Council of Constantinople (6th ecumenical council) opens
November 7, 1786, Oldest performing musical organization in the United States is founded in Stoughton, Massachusetts, as the Stoughton Musical Society
November 7, 1800, It becomes illegal for women in Paris to wear trousers without a Police permit (annulled 2013)
November 7, 1874, First cartoon depicting an elephant as the Republican Party symbol is published by Thomas Nast
November 7, 1913, Great Lakes Storm the “White Hurricane” begins with 90 mph winds and 35 foot waves, (lasts till 10 Nov), will sink 19 ships and strand 19 more, killing over 250 people
November 7, 1942, Franklin Roosevelt becomes the first US president to broadcast in a foreign language (French)
November 7, 1976, “Gone With The Wind”, 1939 Oscar-winning film epic starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable, makes broadcast television debut on NBC; aired in two parts over consecutive nights; earns a then record 65% share of TV viewers
November 7, 2019, Queen Elizabeth II confirms she is no longer buying clothes made with real fur

Now, let’s get back to maybe the greatest World Series of all-time? Games 6 and 7 alone were incredible, not to mention the 18-inning game 3.

I watched more of the World Series than I typically do and it was admittedly because of Shohei Ohtani. It turned out, he was not much of a factor in the final two games and it didn’t matter. I could go on and on about the plethora of records set in the series, but I did say “briefly.”

Go away: Ex-LSU head football coach Brain Kelly. “Go away” is what LSU said to him. In the meantime, Kelly pockets roughly $50M in his buyout package. Sweeeeet!

Article I’ll skip: Tom Brady’s jaw-dropping revelation about family’s dog leaves fans stunned

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Last night, the Denver Broncos had 220 of total offense. That is despicable. Still, they won the game 10-7.

I was watching the Ohio St/Penn St football game last Saturday and they kept putting up the stats for Ohio St quarterback Julian Sayin. You’d see something like “J. Sayin 20-23, 316 yards.” Now, if you didn’t know his first name, Sayin’s name could be misconstrued. Just sayin’.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Tesla shareholders voted on Thursday to approve CEO Elon Musk’s $1 trillion pay package, which is the largest executive compensation plan on record.

I don’t get out much. Having said that… Man, clothes are expensive!

“I gotta pee!” – You’re doing it wrong: An Arizona Superior Court judge has resigned after allegedly being caught urinating in public just steps from the courthouse where she served. Prescott police responded around 1:30 a.m. on Oct. 4 after witnesses reported a woman relieving herself near Montezuma and Gurley Street, on the same block as the Courthouse Plaza where she worked. Bodycam video appears to show Yavapai County Superior Court Judge Pro Tempore Kristyne Schaaf-Olson pulling up her pants before quickly sitting on a bench.

I once had a hen that could count her own eggs. It was a mathemachicken.

Trivia #1 answer: The New England Patriots’ Drake Maye last week had his eighth straight game with 200-plus passing yards and a passer rating of 100-plus, tying Tom Brady (2007) and Peyton Manning (2004) for the second most all-time. What quarterback has had the most such consecutive games (12)? – Aaron Rodgers
Trivia #2 answer: Who won the 1990 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 1990) – Edmonton Oilers (NHL), Detroit Pistons (NBA), Cincinnati Reds (MLB), San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
Trivia #3 answer: What chemical element is symbolized on the periodic table as “Sn” (atomic number 50)? – Tin
Trivia #4 answer: What does “HTTP” stand for? – Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Trivia #5 answer: Who is Cam Little? – He is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ second-year kicker who kicked the longest field goal (68 yards) in NFL history. The previous record was 66 yards.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Fountain Pen Day! And, of course, Happy Veterans Day next Tuesday. Thank a Vet!

Not everyone gets a chance to grow old, so appreciate every single day of your life.

I asked my friend Sam to sing a song about an iPhone. And then… Sam sung.

“If you need a little lovin’, call on me, oh yeah
If you want some kissin’, call me baby
All you gotta do oh, I’ll be right here at home
All you gotta do is pick up your telephone and dial now”

Blues Brothers Band (634-5789)

Friday, October 3, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

My wife called to tell me she saw a fox on the way to work. I asked her how she knew it was going to work. She hung up on me.

Trivia #1: Who was the Seattle Mariners last 20-game winner?
Trivia #2: Which of the following teams did NOT win the World Series after making the playoffs as a wild card team? – 1997 Florida Marlins, 2002 Anaheim Angels, 2004 Boston Red Sox, 2010 San Francisco Giants, 2011 San Francisco Giants, 2019 Washing ton Nationals
Trivia #3: Who was the 21st President of the United States? – Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland

On this date: October 3, 2333 B.C., the state of Gojoseon (modern-day Korea) is founded by Dangun Wanggeom during the reign of Chinese Emperor Yao
October 3, 1778, Captain James Cook anchors at Alaska
October 3, 1849, American author Edgar Allan Poe is found delirious in a gutter in Baltimore, Maryland under mysterious circumstances; it is the last time he is seen in public before his death
October 3, 1863, US President Abraham Lincoln designates the last Thursday in November as Thanksgiving Day
October 3, 1913, US federal income tax at 1% is signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson
October 3, 1961, TV sitcom “Mr. Ed” premieres on CBS
October 3, 1972, Future Baseball Hall of Fame left-handed pitcher Steve Carlton wins his 27th game as Philadelphia beats the Cubs 11-1 at Wrigley Field, accounting for almost half of the Phillies’ 59 season wins
October 3, 1984, US government shuts down due to lack of agreement over passage of bills. (The song remains the same)
October 3, 2004, New England Patriots win their 18th consecutive NFL game, beating the Buffalo Bills 31-17 at Ralph Wilson Stadium

Well, the U.S.A. made a valiant Ryder Cup comeback, only to fall short. Commendable, but really…

Go away: Too many Ryder Cup fans who were waaay out of line with respect to their behavior. There’s no place for that in professional sports. It is embarrassing to America.

Yes, they beat the Red Sox in the Wild Card series but, the Yankees still suck and always will.

I have to admit, the NFL kickoff rules are growing on me. It certainly beats the hell out of the plethora of touchbacks before the new rules.

Speaking of the NFL… the NBA tips off on October 21.

Speaking of the NBA, the NHL drops the puck for real on October 7.

Sometimes, you just have to roll with the changes.

Article I’ll skip: The 15 weirdest things you can buy on Amazon.

If you have not heard someone say something stupid today, you must still be in bed.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Maxwell House is changing its name for the first time in its 133-year history. The coffee brand owned by Kraft Heinz, will temporarily be renamed “Maxwell Apartment,” a move it said it made “to meet the needs of today’s consumer.”

The Red Sox kill me, once again. They really blew their chances during game 2 and then ran into a buzzsaw last night. Well, their defense didn’t help either. Oh well, a young team with a bright future. (Ya Ed, keep saying that…)

Don’t be that guy. Cover your mouth when you yawn, no matter where you are. We don’t want to see inside your mouth. We’re not all dentists.

Good news: Sports fans will be able to take their viewing habits to the next level starting Thursday as a FOX One and ESPN bundled streaming package was announced. Two of the biggest names in sports will offer the service for fans at $39.99 per month and give them access to top-tier content and games across dozens of professional sports leagues.

Good news, part deux: A new treatment strategy tested by UCLA researchers could offer new hope for men whose prostate cancer has returned after initial treatment. This approach could also help delay the need for hormone therapy, which can have burdensome side effects. The findings, which were presented at the annual American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) meeting this week, showed that combining a targeted radioactive drug with standard radiation therapy more than doubled the amount of time patients remained free of disease progression.

Former Dallas Cowboys running back Sherman Williams was at the helm of an Alabama high school football team that lost 100-0 last week. The former NFL player received backlash on social media for the defeat. He allegedly decided not to have referees keep the clock running to end the game more quickly. On Wednesday, he responded to the fury in a post: “Down 73-0 at half I looked each one of my 39 boys in the eyes and ask if they wanted to continue. 100% said YES! So that’s what we did. I LOVE MY BOYS, gave it their all.”

Trivia #1 answer: Who was the Seattle Mariners last 20-game winner? – Jamie Moyer (21 in 2003)
Trivia #2: Which of the following teams did NOT win the World Series after making the playoffs as a wild card team? – 1997 Florida Marlins, 2002 Anaheim Angels, 2004 Boston Red Sox, 2010 San Francisco Giants, 2011 San Francisco Giants, 2019 Washing ton Nationals – The 2010 San Francisco Giants
Trivia #3: Who was the 21st President of the United States? – Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester A. Arthur, Grover Cleveland – Chester A. Arthur was the 21st

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Body Language Day!

Do you want to be the singer or do you want to be the song?

“I knew it had to happen
Felt the tables turnin’
Got me through my darkest hour
I heard the thunder clappin’
Felt the desert burnin’
Until you poured on me
Like a sweet sunshower”

REO Speedwagon (Roll With the Changes)

Friday, September 5, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

I’m a wooden spoon, lead paint, no seat belt, no car seat, no bike helmet, bed of pickup riding, garden hose drinking survivor!

Trivia #1: Who was the Red Sox last 20-game winner?
Trivia #2: Who is the only NFL player to win league MVP in his second season, after winning Offensive Player of the Year in his rookie season?
Trivia #3: Saquon Barkley could become just the third player in NFL history to go back-to-back as Offensive Player of the Year, joining what two other running backs? Hint: Those two others three-peated the honor.
Trivia #4: The Chicago Bears are the only NFL team that has not had a quarterback throw for 4,000 or more yards in a season. Which team has never had a quarterback throw 30 or more touchdown passes?
Trivia #5: What city was the first capital of the United States?

On this date: September 5, 1198, Philips of Zwabia, Prince of Hohenstaufen, crowned King of Germany and King of the Romans
September 5, 1774, Twelve of the thirteen American colonies adopt a trade embargo against Great Britain at the First Continental Congress in Carpenters’ Hall, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 5, 1934, American pilot Wilev Post discovers the jet stream while flying at high altitude near Chicago, Illinois
September 5, 1958, “The Huckleberry Hound Show” by Hanna-Barbera featuring Yogi Bear premieres on US TV
September 5, 1966, Jerry Lewis’s first Muscular Dystrophy Labor Day telethon raises $1 million
September 5, 1983, Jerry Lewis’s 18th Muscular Dystrophy telethon raises $30,691,627
September 5, 2017, Hurricane Irma becomes one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Basin region with winds of 185 mph (280 km/h)

Estimates have the total damage and economic loss from Hurricane Katrina at $320 billion, adjusted for inflation today. After the levees around New Orleans suffered more than 50 failures, it’s estimated that 80 percent of the city was underwater, as well as large areas of neighboring parishes. Katrina’s storm surge was worst on the coast of Mississippi, where a 27-foot storm surge was found to have penetrated 6 miles inland on land and 12 miles inland along rivers. As a result, 90 percent of structures within half a mile of the coast near landfall were completely destroyed.

Let me get this straight. The NFL opened last night. There is a game tonight from Sao Paulo, 13 games on Sunday and one on Monday night? Bring it on!

Opening night on a Thursday is cool, but it’s got nothing on Opening Day Sunday.

“They are one person
They are two alone
They are three together
They are for each other”

Go away: Jerry Jones

You can’t say “Poor Bill Belichick.” He knew exactly what he was getting into. He’s a little old for a multi-year team building plan.

I hate it when I see an old person and then realize we went to school together.

Article I’ll skip: Family feud erupts after woman discovers what she ate from relative’s kitchen

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A federal jury ordered Google to pay $425.7 million for invading users’ privacy by collecting data over an eight-year period on millions of people who had turned off a tracking feature in their Google account. The verdict on Wednesday in San Francisco comes after a trial in a class-action case applying to roughly 98 million users in the U.S. between July 1, 2016, and Sept. 23, 2024. The jury found that the company had been spying on users in violation of California privacy laws. 

10 Fun Facts:
1. You can’t see your ears without a mirror
2. You can’t count your hair
3. You can’t breathe through your nose with your tongue out.
4. You just tried #3
6. When you did try #3, you realized that it’s possible, only you look like a dog
7. You are smiling right now, because you were fooled
8. You skipped #5
9. You just checked to see if there #5
10. It’s OK to “like” me

The Bruins had their first captain’s practice.

Good news: The first artificial intelligence (AI) stethoscope has gone beyond listening to a heartbeat. Researchers at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust discovered that an AI stethoscope can detect heart failure at an early stage. The TRICORDER study results found that the AI-enabled stethoscope can help doctors identify three heart conditions in just 15 seconds.

“The two most important days of your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain

Trivia #1 answer: Who was the Red Sox last 20-game winner? – Rick Porcello (22 wins in 2016)
Trivia #2 answer: Who is the only NFL player to win league MVP in his second season, after winning Offensive Player of the Year in his rookie season? – Earl Campbell
Trivia #3 answer: Saquon Barkley could become just the third player in NFL history to go back-to-back as Offensive Player of the Year, joining what two other running backs? Hint: Those two others three-peated the honor. – Marshall Faulk (1999-2001) and Earl Campbell (1978-1980).
Trivia #4answer: The Chicago Bears are the only NFL team that has not had a quarterback throw for 4,000 or more yards in a season. Which team has never had a quarterback throw 30 or more touchdown passes? –  The Chicago Bears
Trivia #5answer: What city was the first capital of the United States? – Philadelphia (1774)

Sometimes, it’s better to be alone. Especially when you have food.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Chianti Day!

“I don’t mind
Other guys dancing with my girl
That’s fine
I know them all pretty well

But I know sometimes I must get out in the light
Better leave her behind
With the kids they’re alright
The kids are alright”

The Who (The Kids Are Alright!) – Sometimes, I just need a Who-fix.

Friday, April 4, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly. (Not exactly)

I ordered a book off the internet called ‘How To Scam People’ – It’s been three months now and it still hasn’t arrived.

Trivia #1: On April 4, 1841, what US Vice President became President after the death of President William Henry Harrison?
Trivia #2: Nolan Ryan was the only pitcher to face the last three single season homerun leaders, Roger Maris, Mark MaGwire and Barry Bonds. (This was prior to Aaron Judge’s 62 in 2022.) Of those other three, how many homeruns did they combine to hit against Ryan in their careers? – 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9

DYK: The people of Massachusetts voted in 1928 to allow sports on Sundays between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. ET. However, it was still illegal to play a professional game on Sundays within 1000 feet of a church, which Fenway was. The Red Sox played the first Boston Sunday game ever on April 28, 1929 … at Braves Field, home of the then-other professional Boston baseball team. Eventually, the church rule was lifted, so the Red Sox got to play a Sunday game at Fenway for the first time on July 3, 1932. Hey, I’m here to educate.

Stop complaining: A deadly Tornado outbreak has killed at least eightpeopleand spawned more than 30 reports of twisters across the lower and mid-Mississippi Valley on Wednesday. At least six people have died in Tennessee due to the severe weather. The storms also injured multiple others and destroyed several homes from Arkansas, Missouri and Tennessee through Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana.

On this date: April 4, 1818, Congress decides on the US flag: 13 red & white stripes & 20 stars
April 4, 1917, US Senate agrees (82-6) to participate in WWI
April 4, 1922, WAAB (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) becomes 1st US radio station with “W” calls
April 4, 1968, US civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated by James Earl Ray at the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee. Riots break out in over 100 cities in the United States.
April 4, 1974, Hank Aaron ties Babe Ruth’s home-run record by hitting his 714th in Cincinnati, facing Jack Billingham
April 4, 1987, Dow Jones Industrial Average up 69.89 points, ending at record 2,390.34 points (Conversely, it went down 1,679.39 points just yesterday!)

Is there a trend of players stepping up on their own bobblehead nights? The other night, Shohei Ohtani homered on his bobblehead night for the second straight year. José Ramírez, last year, went 3-for-5 with three RBIs on his bobblehead day, and in 2022 he homered twice. In 2023 he had a reversible bucket hat day and was 1-for-4 with a double. Add it all up and in the past three years on José Ramírez-themed days, José Ramírez is 6-for-13 with eight RBIs and three homers. Mike Trout homered twice on his bobblehead day in 2019, and Mookie Betts homered twice in his first one with the Dodgers in 2021. On Yankees’ players Star Wars-themed bobblehead nights: Anthony Rizzo homered twice after his Mandalorian giveaway in 2023 and Aaron Judge went deep on his Jedi bobblehead day in 2018. The Giants’ Patrick Bailey splash-homered into McCovey Cove on his bobblehead day and Texas’ Nathaniel Lowe two-HR performance on the night of his Gold Glove Award giveaway.

OK, so the Red Sox aren’t going to go 162-0, but please, relax folks.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: A public high school in Fairfax County, Virginia, decorated its history hallway with a polarizing alphabetic display for Women’s History Month, beginning with “A is for Abortion.” “The ABCs to ME” display “is a student-led history project that is part of an elective Women’s History class.”

Can the SEC pull it off? The conference sent 14 teams to the men’s NCAA basketball tournament with 7 of those teams making the Sweet 16 and two of them making the Final Four (Auburn and Florida). Will the conference be able to boast the champion???

They said it: “Lete’s go, Sports Bar!” – The Buffalo Wild Wings buffalo

Good news: Maybe it’s for the best that the Padres’ Kyle Hart didn’t earn his first big league win until this past Monday night. No, technically Hart was not making his Major League debut. The 32-year-old left-hander had made four appearances for the Red Sox in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We couldn’t even be there [for Kyle’s debut],” Kyle’s father Roger said, “because there was nobody in the stands. This was our first chance to see him pitch at the Major League Baseball level. That was a good feeling to be able to be here for that — just to be a part of it.” In his first start as a Padre, Kyle Hart worked five solid innings against the Indians. He allowed two runs on five hits while striking out four, as San Diego improved to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history.

Along those lines, “Yellowjackets” star Christina Ricci placed her home in Silver Lake, CA on the market for just over $4 million. Her decision to sell the home comes just eight months after she first purchased it in July 2024, as she is now looking for a bigger property that would allow her family members, who lost their homes in the Palisades Fire earlier this year, to move in with her. Nice! (Note: Apparently, “Yellowjackets” is some television show, series, whatever…)

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Your Boston Red Sox scored 8 runs yesterday. It was the first time they had scored 5 or more runs since the season began, their longest such drought to open the season since 2009.

Article I’ll skip: Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s adult daughters still take baths together. (I said I’ll skip the article. I didn’t say I wouldn’t look at pictures.)

Trivia #1 answer: On April 4, 1841, what US Vice President became President after the death of President William Henry Harrison? – John Tyler
Trivia #2 answer: Nolan Ryan was the only pitcher to face the last three single season homerun leaders, Roger Maris, Mark MaGwire and Barry Bonds. (This was prior to Aaron Judge’s 62 in 2022.) Of those other three, how many homeruns did they combine to hit against Ryan in their careers? – 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 – They hit zero homeruns while combining to go 5-28.

Math is hard. 15+15 is thirty and 16+16 is thirty too!

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Chicken Cordon Bleu Day!

And Happy Opening Day, at Fenway Park. If you’re heading in, or watching on NESN, pregame ceremonies for the April 4 home opener will welcome members of the 1975 team to mark the 50th anniversary of their AL Championship win, and remember Red Sox Hall of Famer Luis Tiant, who passed away October 8, 2024, at the age of 83. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 1:30 p.m. to enjoy the ceremonies preceding the 2:10 p.m. game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Before the game, the two teams will be introduced along the base lines, with the colors presented by the 1st Battalion and 181st Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts National Guard, the 66th Air Base Group out of Hanscom Air Force Base, and members of the 1st Coast Guard District. The National Anthem will be performed by the Boston Arts Academy “Treble Allstars,” and punctuated by a fly-over by two F-35’s flown by the 134th Fighter Squadron, Green Mountain Boys of the Vermont Air National Guard and one KC-46 from the New Hampshire Air National Guard’s 157th Air Refueling Wing.

“Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride”

– U2 (Pride (In the Name of Love))

Bonus – Luther!

Repeat Double-bonus! Happy Opening Day (Fenway)

Friday, February 21, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly. (Up late watching hokey last night)

I just had my annual physical. The doctor said, “Don’t eat anything fatty.” I said, “Like bacon and burgers?” He said, “No fatty, don’t eat anything!”

Trivia #1: On February 21, 1887, which US state became the first to make Labor Day a holiday? – California, Oregon, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia
Trivia #2: In terms of MLB MVP awards by team, which of the following teams is not in the top five, number of players who have won the MVP award? – Giants, Yankees, Red Sox, A’s, Dodgers, Cardinals
Trivia #3: Which NHL team was the only one without a representative playing in the   Nations Face-Off?

Stop complaining: The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has been tracking a measles outbreak in the South Plains region of the state. The agency first confirmed the outbreak on Feb. 5, and it has since been growing. A Tuesday update stated that 58 cases have been identified within the last three weeks as symptoms occurred. Only four are confirmed vaccinated. The rise in cases comes more than two decades after health agencies reported that the disease was “eliminated” in 2000. Said one doctor, “There is a 90% chance you will get it if you are unvaccinated and step into a room where someone with measles was two hours before.”

On this date: February 21, 1804, The world’s first steam locomotive, built by Richard Trevithick, runs for the first time along the tramway of the Penydarren Ironworks in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales
February 21, 1842, 1st known sewing machine patented in US by John Greenough of Washington, D.C.
February 21, 1965, Civil rights activist and Muslim minister Malcolm X is shot dead by Nation of Islam followers at Audubon Ballroom in New York City
February 21, 1980, American speed skater Eric Heiden wins 1,500m in Olympic record 1:55.44; 4th of record 5 gold medal sweep of events at Lake Placid

Go away: Boy, do I have a list…

The Red Sox play today…

Why is ‘AAA’ called Triple A, but AARP is A-A-R-P and not Double A-R-P? And why is ‘AA’ called ‘AA’ and not Double A? F*ckin-A, this stuff actually makes me think!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: In 2008, American Airlines became the first major U.S. carrier to charge for checked bags, introducing a $15 fee as part of a cost-cutting measure. Since then, other airlines have adopted similar fees, with prices steadily increasing over the years. Now, a new debate has emerged about whether airlines should charge passengers based on their weight to help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Well, the NBA is at the break and the Celtics stand in 2nd place in the East, 5.5 games back behind Cleveland. They are 39-16, but an alarming 17-10 at home. They continue to be a work-in-progress.

Meanwhile, the Bruins are in 6th place in the 1atlantic division, 11 points behind the leading Panthers. They have work to do.

Good news: Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis analyzed how long 282 Alzheimer’s patients were able to continue living independently after taking two specific treatments: lecanemab (Leqembi) and donanemab (Kisunla). Both FDA-approved medications are designed to remove amyloid beta plaques from the brains of people with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, potentially slowing the rate of cognitive decline. On average, a patient with mild symptoms could expect to live independently for another 29 months without treatment, 39 months with lecanemab and 37 months with donanemab.

Not-so-good-news: Adenocarcinoma — which starts in the cells lining the air sacs in the lungs — is the most common type of lung cancer among people who have never smoked, comprising up to 50% of diagnoses in that group. Air pollution was cited as a key driver of this type of lung cancer, with the highest levels reported in East Asia, particularly China. Worldwide, adenocarcinoma made up more than 45% of lung cancer cases in males and nearly 60% of female cases.

Article I’ll skip: The coffee connoisseur’s guide to the top coffee pots for every type of coffee drinker. – Puh-lease!

4 Nations Face-Off. What a great idea for a mid-February world competition. Some great games, including last night’s OT win for Canada over the USA.

(Speaking of the 4 Nations Face-Off) They said it: “They should not be booing the Americans during that anthem. They have nothing to do with the political things that are going on. I do feel bad for those guys in that moment. I don’t think it’s right.” Canadien Bard Marchand in response to the Canadien fans during the opening game of Canada vs. USA. (There sounded as though there may have been boos early on during last night’s Canadian national anthem at the Garden but, if there were any, they were silenced quickly during a stellar rendition.

“Somewhere, Don Cherry is smiling.” Former Montreal Canadien and NHL color commentor, PJ Suban, after the three fights within the first 9 seconds of the first Canada/USA game.

My favorite actor nowadays is the buffalo from the Buffalo Wild Wings commercials.

Electric-truck maker Nikola Corp. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday after the company failed to overcome market and macroeconomic challenges. I truly believe we will all be driving electronic vehicles… very soon after we convert to metric system.

Slippery slope: A mother is speaking out after she says her 12-year-old daughter was denied a place on the heart transplant list at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital because of her vaccination status. “The doctors at Cincinnati Children’s were talking with us and told us that one of the requirements [for being] put on the list is to have the COVID vaccination and the flu vaccination,” Deal said. “That is against everything we believe in.” The family said they asked for a religious exemption, but the hospital declined – citing its transplant policy.

Truth does not mind being questioned. A lie does not like being challenged.

Trivia #1 answer: On February 21, 1887, which US state became the first to make Labor Day a holiday? – California, Oregon, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Georgia – Oregon was the first
Trivia #2 answer: In terms of MLB MVP awards by team, which of the following teams is not in the top five, number of players who have won the MVP award? – Giants, Yankees, Red Sox, A’s, Dodgers, Cardinals – Yankees (24), Cardinals (21), Dodgers (15), Giants (14), A’s (13), and the Red Sox are #6 with 12.
Trivia #3: Which NHL team was the only one without a representative playing in the   Nations Face-Off? – The Metropolitan Division-leading Washington Capitals, second in the NHL in points.

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 Sticky Bun Day!

“Every day I work so hard bringing home my hard earned pay
Try to love you, baby, but you push me away
Don’t know where you’re going, only know just where you’ve been
Sweet little baby, I want you again”

– Led Zeppelin (Dazed and Confused)

Friday, February 14, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

In a tremendous stroke of luck, Dr. Remley has the opportunity to perform surgery on the contractor who renovated his kitchen. Says the doctor, “OK, Roger. That’s all the time I’ve got for now, I’ll try to get back to you in a week or two to finish the job.

Trivia #1: For you Patriots’ fans… Mosi Tatupu played for the Patriots from 1978-1990. What team did he play 5 games for in 1991?
Trivia #2: Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net the other night to move closer to Wayne Gretzky’s career record for goals. In terms of career empty net goals, what two players are NOT in the top 5 all-time? – Wayne Gretzky, Brad Marchand, Jarome Iginla, Mario Lemieux, Alex Ovechkin, Marian Hossa, Sidney Crosby
Trivia #3: Who is Nicholas Daniel “Nick” Miller?
Trivia #4: Woodpeckers can peck at a rate of how many pecks per second? – 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 100

Stop complaining: As if the southern California wildfires weren’t enough, a major storm packing a plume of moisture that has evolved into quick-moving atmospheric river will slide southward along the California coast. The firehose effect will direct a period of torrential rain along the shoreline, the Coast Ranges and the lower west-facing elevations of the Sierra Nevada. Making matters much worse will be the burn scars of the recent wildfires that swept through South California. There is little to hold back the water and mudflows as the onset of storms demonstrated in late January. Some of the runoff can be toxic in some locations as it washes ash and other debris into streams and then reaches the beaches.

Please Lord, just get me through February. (We’re half way, baby!)

That’s right! Pitchers and catchers have reported. Though I don’t believe in daylight savings, we do turn the clocks ahead in a mere three weeks. What I’m saying is, we’re getting there!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Jets tell Aaron Rodgers they’re “moving on” from the QB next season

On this date: February 14, 1849, In New York City, James Knox Polk becomes first serving US President to have his photograph taken (by Matthew Brady).
February 14, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray apply separately for telephone patents, the Supreme Court eventually rules Bell the rightful inventor
February 14, 1924, Thomas J. Watson Sr. renames the Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) as International Business Machines (IBM)
February 14, 1931,  The original “Dracula” film starring Blea Lugosi as the titular vampire, is released
February 14, 1962, US 1st lady Jacqueline Kennedy conducts White House tour on TV
February 15, 1989, The first of 24 satellites of the Global Positioning System are placed into orbit.
February 14, 2005, Online video sharing site YouTube is launched in the United States by Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, and Jawed Karim; headquartered in San Bruno, California

Congrats to the, then 9th ranked, BU Terriers in defeating the, then #1 ranked, BC Eagles 4-1 in the Beanpot final on Monday.

Speaking of hockey… the Minnesota Wild. What a weak nickname.

Go away: The Kansas City Chiefs. You can stop with the “Mahomes may become the new GOAT” talk. The “Travis Kelce is better than Tony Gonzales and Gronk” talk. And the “Andy Reid is a better coach than Belichick” talk.

Go away, part deux: Pennies – According to the U.S. Mint, each penny cost 3.69 cents to produce in fiscal year 2024, costing taxpayers $119 million. This marked the 19th consecutive year in which production exceeded its face value. 

Good news, x2: Hall of Famer Randy Moss made an emotional return to ESPN’s coverage of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, two months after he took a leave from his job to get treatment for cancer. He was greeted with a video that included messages from Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, Justin Jefferson, Kevin Garnett and several other big names welcoming him back to ESPN’s set. Moss was moved to tears by the video before getting on with his job of analyzing the Super Bowl. Also, on Saturday night, Dick Vitale made his long-awaited return to the ESPN airwaves. The crowd gathered behind him made sure to let him know how much he was missed. After battling through several different forms of cancer and going nearly two full years without calling a game, Vitale received warm welcomes and loud ovations from inside Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum. The 45-year ESPN veteran, who has become one of the faces of college basketball over the course of his distinguished broadcasting career, was understandably emotional when addressing the audience for the first time.

Article I’ll skip: Make delicious pizza with the help of these 12 tools and accessories. – Hey look, I make my own pizza and it’s pretty damn good, if I don’t say so myself. I don’t need new “tools and accessories” to try to improve it.
Article I’ll skip, part deux (I had to do it): ‘Karate Kid’ star shares secret behind his successful marriage to wife of 38 years. (Really?)

Red Bull gives you wiiiiings…

Trivia #1 answer: For you Patriots’ fans… Mosi Tatupu played for the Patriots from 1978-1990. What team did he play 5 games for in 1991? – The LA Rams
Trivia #2: Alex Ovechkin scored his 878th career goal into an empty net the other night to move closer to Wayne Gretzky’s career record for goals. In terms of career empty net goals, what two players are NOT in the top 5 all-time? – Wayne Gretzky, Brad Marchand, Jarome Iginla, Mario Lemieux, Alex Ovechkin, Marian Hossa, Sidney Crosby – Mario Lemieux is #7, Jarome Iginla is #8
Trivia #3 answer: Who is Nicholas Daniel “Nick” Miller? – Nick is professionally known as Illenium, is an American musician, DJ, music producer and songwriter. Tickets for Illenium at MGM Music Hall at Fenway are on sale now! (I gotta get out more often…)
Trivia #4 answer: Trivia #4: Woodpeckers can peck at a rate of how many pecks per second? – 2, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25, 100 – 20 times per second

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 Ferris Wheel Day!
And, of course, Happy Valentine’s Day, for you love birds out there!

“When you invent the ship, you also invent the shipwreck.” – Paul Virilio, philosopher

“Well I’m not the kind to live in the past
The years run too short and the days too fast
The things you lean on are the things that don’t last
Well it’s just now and then my line gets cast into these
Time passages
There’s something back here that you left behind
Oh time passages
Buy me a ticket on the last train home tonight”

– Al Stewart (Time Passages)

Friday, February 7, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly. (Not today. Super Bowl version)

A guy came home from the pub four hours late the other night. “Where the hell have you been?” screamed his wife. He said, “I’ve been playing poker with the lads.” “Playing poker with the lads?” she repeated. “Well, you can pack your bags and go!” “So can you,” he said. “This isn’t our house anymore!!”

Trivia #1: Thanks to Dolphins running back Larry Csonka’s close brush with injury, Super Bowl VIII was the final game where? – Goal posts were stationed in front of the end zone, Face masks were optional, Grabbing a player by his face mask was legal, Chin straps were optional, Beers in the locker room at halftime was legal 
Trivia #2: Super Bowl XII was not just the first Super Bowl played in a dome, this was also the first Super Bowl where there were co-MVPs. Those players were? – Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett, Roger Staubach and Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Randy White and Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, Randy White and Harvey Martin, Ric Accardi and Alvin Taylor
Trivia #3: Following Washington’s 38-9 loss to the Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII, the NFC won how many consecutive Super Bowls? – 7, 11, 13, 15, XXIII
Trivia #4: In their 46-10 victory over the Patriots, Chicago’s “46” defense set a still-standing Super Bowl record for fewest rushing yards allowed. How many yards did they allow? – 0, 2, 7, 9, 11, 23
Trivia #5: Five players have multiple Super Bowl MVP trophies. Which of these quarterbacks is not a member of that exclusive club? – Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana
Trivia #6 (6, really?!) – The combined 16 points scored between the Patriots and Rams made Super Bowl LIII the lowest scoring Super Bowl.  How many plays were run in the red zone during this defensive slugfest? – 0, 1, 2, 3, 74 

Stop complaining: 29 people have died in the Southern California wildfires. Insured losses exceed $20 billion and economic losses could top $50 billion.

Please Lord, just get me through February.

Having said that, I get it. I could have bigger problems but, these 2-4 inch “snowstorms” every other day that require shoveling or, at least, clearing off the car(s), are a pain-in-the-ass.

On this date: February 7, 1817, Baltimore becomes the 1st American city lit by gas street lamps with the first turned on at Market and Lemon Streets (currently Baltimore and Holliday Streets)
February 7, 1845, The Portland Vase, thought to date back to the 1st century BC, is shattered into more than 80 pieces by a drunken visitor to the British Museum – DOH!
February 7, 1882, Last bare knuckle champion John L. Sullivan KOs Paddy Ryan in Miss. Last bare knuckle champ? Don’t tell that to Harry “The Hitman” Gigliotti!
February 7, 1974, American left-wing guerilla group Symbionese Liberation Army claim responsibility for the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, daughter of American publishing heir Randolph Hearst
February 7, 1974, Mel Brooks’ western spoof film “Blazing Saddles”, starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder premieres at the Pickwick Drive-In in Burbank, California; patrons watched from horseback rather than cars
February 7, 1985, “New York, New York” becomes the official anthem of New York City

Speaking of snow, you what drives me crazy? When the Amazon guy/gal comes trudging up the sidewalk and stairs with a package, before I get a chance to shovel the snow. Drives me crazy!

“Don’t” Go away: Football. We’ll see you August…

Really? 7-year-old Elienisse Zoe Díaz Rodriguez died on Tuesday after an accident during a race at the Orlando Speed World Dragway on Sunday. Rodriguez was racing her Junior Dragster racecar when she lost control of it, striking a 34-year-old safety guide employee before crashing into a concrete wall. 7-years-old!!! In a country that only allows flag football, not tackle, at that age? Give me a break.

I just can’t root for a Kansas City threepeat. (Is that one word?)

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: My Super Bowl prediction – Philadelphia 27, KC 20

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Super Bowl commercials this year top out at $8M for a 30-second spot. So, you tell me these advertising people convince their superiors that those 30-seconds will generate at least $8M in sales/revenue? That’s a sales pitch in and of itself!

It’s fairly well documented that I don’t get out much. This year’s Super Bowl performers? Kendrick Lamar, Jon Baptiste and Lauren Daigle? No clue. (OK, I may have at least heard the name Jon Baptiste before, or is that John the Baptist???)

Good news: It’s there, I’m sure…

Last week I noted that I had shit numbers for Super Bowl squares. Check that. There are no shit numbers anymore due to the frequency of two-point conversions and missed extra points. I’m good, and good luck to all of you!

I paid $3 for a loaf of Scali bread (Fantini, of course) the other day. Not $2.99, not $3.05, but $3. I handed the girl 3 singles, no change. What a beautiful world!

Article I’ll skip: Flight passenger ‘framed’ as a set squatter sparks reactions online

Trivia #1 answer: Thanks to Dolphins running back Larry Csonka’s close brush with injury, Super Bowl VIII was the final game where? – Goal posts were stationed in front of the end zone, Face masks were optional, Grabbing a player by his face mask was legal, Chin straps were optional, Beers in the locker room at halftime was legal – It was the last time goal posts were stationed in the front of the end zone
Trivia #2 answer: Super Bowl XII was not just the first Super Bowl played in a dome, this was also the first Super Bowl where there were co-MVPs. Those players were? – Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett, Roger Staubach and Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Randy White and Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson, Randy White and Harvey Martin, Ric Accardi and Alvin Taylor – The two were Randy White and Harvey Martin
Trivia #3 answer: Following Washington’s 38-9 loss to the Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII, the NFC won how many consecutive Super Bowls? – 7, 11, 13, 15, XXIII – The NFC went on to win 13 Super Bowls in a row
Trivia #4 answer: In their 46-10 victory over the Patriots, Chicago’s “46” defense set a still-standing Super Bowl record for fewest rushing yards allowed. How many yards did they allow? – 0, 2, 7, 9, 11, 23 – They allowed only 7 rushing yards
Trivia #5 answer: Five players have multiple Super Bowl MVP trophies. Which of these quarterbacks is not a member of that exclusive club? – Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana – Peyton Manning only has one
Trivia #6 answer: The combined 16 points scored between the Patriots and Rams made Super Bowl LIII the lowest scoring Super Bowl.  How many plays were run in the red zone during this defensive slugfest? – 0, 1, 2, 3, 74 – Only 1 play was run in the red zone!

Bank error in your favor, collect $75 from every player.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Fettuccine Alfredo Day!

“The previous play is under review…”

Now, for some music. Look, I get it. The Super Bowl is not Monday Night Football, but this should at least get you in the mood. Enjoy the game! And, believe it or not, I’ll be serving downtown during the game so, come on down! (Oh, I’m serving today also)

And one more, as mentioned above, the best! February 7, 1985, “New York, New York” becomes the official anthem of New York City.

Friday, January 31, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

Guys, I need your help. I’m in the middle of an argument with my wife and she just told me that I’m right. What the hell do I do next?

Trivia #1: The first Winter Olympics were in what year? – 1912, 1916, 1920, 1924, 1928, 1932
Trivia #2: What team won at least one playoff game for 5 consecutive years without reaching the Super Bowl?
Trivia #3: What was/is the going rate for a 30-second commercial in this year’s Super Bowl? – $1M, $3M, $5M, $6M, $8M, $9M, $11M, $12M
Trivia #3:  Which renowned jeweler is responsible for creating the Lombardi Trophy? Tiffany & Co., BVLGARI, Cartier, CHANEL
Trivia #4:  Who had the longest national anthem performance during Super Bowl XLVII at 2 minutes and 35 seconds? – Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson

Stop complaining: What a tragic plane/helicopter accident yesterday. You just never know…

On this date: January 31, 1865, Congress passes, by vote of 121-24, the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution, abolishing slavery in the United States – except as punishment for a crime 
January 31, 1905, 1st automobile to exceed 100 mph (161 kph), British daredevil Arthur Macdonald drove a Napier six-cylinder racing car named ‘Samson’ on sands of Daytona Beach, Florida, notching a top speed of 104 mph
January 31, 1928, Scotch tape 1st marketed by 3-M Company
January 31, 1944, Operation-Overlord (D-Day) postponed until June
January 31, 1970, Grateful Dead members and entourage busted, down on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana on LSD charges
January 31, 1990, 1st ever all-sports daily “National” begins publishing
January 31, 2022, Online word puzzle Wordle bought for “low seven figure sum” by The New York Times

Full disclosure, I play 3 different “Wordles” (one with 6 letters) every day.

Go away: The Buffalo Bills (Buffaloed again by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs)

A prediction, for the sake of argument (from last week). The Buffalo Bills vs. The Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX – Oops

Speaking of the Super Bowl, are ready for another 9 days of hype?

I just can’t root for a Kansas City threepeat. (Is that one word?)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: You can now purchase a Hyundai on Amazon.

Spirit Airlines issued a new dress code for its flight passengers after several news-making instances regarding customers being removed from flights due to their attire. Now, customers on Spirit Airlines are subject to being removed from flights if they are “barefoot or inadequately clothed (i.e., see-through clothing; not adequately covered; exposed breasts, buttocks, or other private parts), or whose clothing or article, including body art, is lewd, obscene or offensive in nature.” Personally, I get it and I totally agree.

Good news: An Alabama woman, who is the only living recipient of a pig organ transplant, passed a major milestone on Saturday when she became the longest living person with a functioning pig organ. Towana Looney, 53, remains healthy and full of energy, reaching the record 61-day mark with her pig kidney on Saturday.

Good news, par deux: The stars came together to raise funds for those who were affected by the fires in Los Angeles. Musicians all gathered in Los Angeles for the FireAid benefit concert, which was held at the Intuit Dome and Kia Forum. The goal of the benefit was to rebuild the communities affected by the fires which burned through Los Angeles in January. Performers included Stevie Nicks, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry, Billie Eilish and Rod Stewart, as well as many others.

It can be a beautiful world.

I have shit numbers in most all of my Super Bowl square pools. I mean, I have to hit at least one!

You have to trust experience. As leaders in cardiovascular care for over 40 years, it was announced that Tufts Medical Center’s Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation Program completed a record 70 adult heart transplants in 2024—among the most in the country and more than any other program in New England.

 Article I’ll skip: ‘God-intended foods’ are key to a healthier America, expert says

R.I.P. Brendan McNamara (60), Coach ‘O’ (85), Butch Petrou (81) – Some true legends right there!

Trivia #1 answer: The first Winter Olympics were in what year? – 1912, 1916, 1920, 1924, 1928, 1932 – It was in 1924
Trivia #2: What team won at least one playoff game for 5 consecutive years without reaching the Super Bowl? – The Buffalo Bills
Trivia #3: What was/is the going rate for a 30-second commercial in this year’s Super Bowl? – $1M, $3M, $5M, $6M, $8M, $9M, $11M, $12M – 8, 30-second spots went for $8M per
Trivia #3:  Which renowned jeweler is responsible for creating the Lombardi Trophy? Tiffany & Co., BVLGARI, Cartier, CHANEL – Tiffany & Co.
Trivia #4:  Who had the longest national anthem performance during Super Bowl XLVII at 2 minutes and 35 seconds? – Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson – Alicia Keys

Tomorrow is February, and then March! it’s coming!

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Fun at Work Day! And, Happy National Backward Day! Or is that Drawkcab???

“Kill two birds with one stone.” Who kills birds and why do they do that?

“Busted, down on Bourbon Street
Set up, like a bowlin’ pin
Knocked down, it gets to wearin’ thin
They just won’t let you be, oh no”

– The Grateful Dead (Truckin’)

See what I did there…

Friday, January 24, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

Some people just need a high-five… in the face… with a chair.

Trivia #1: On January 24, 1935, the first canned beer was sold by which brewing company? – Anheuser-Busch, Pabst, Krueger, Northampton Brewery, Schlitz
Trivia #2: Since 2000, 7 NFL teams have played 4 road games in a row, obviously including a playoff game or two. Of those fourth road game, what is the teams’ overall W/L record? (For example, 7-0?) Bonus: What is their record against the spread?
Trivia #3: Which TWO of the following players never had 10 or more receptions in an NFL conference championship game? – Randy Moss, Michael Irvin, Plaxico Burress, Travis Kelce, Davante Adams, Pierre Garcon, Julio Jones, Brent Celek, Julian Edelman

Stop complaining: Unless you live in southern California. Gusty Santa Ana winds fanned the flames of a new, rapidly growing wildfire near Santa Clarita, California, on Wednesday, as smoke once again filled the sky over Southern California. The Hughes Fire was first reported at 10:53 a.m. PST Wednesday, and in just two hours, it erupted to over 5,000 acres, according to CAL FIRE.

On this date: January 24, 1848, James Marshall finds gold in Sutter’s Mill in Coloma, California
January 24, 1899, Rubber heel for boots or shoes is patented by American Humphrey O’Sullivan
January 24, 1900, Newcastle Badminton Club, world’s oldest, forms in England
January 24, 1922, Eskimo Pie patented by Christian Kent Nelson of Iowa (not an Eskimo)
January 24, 1958, After warming to 100,000,000 degrees, 2 light atoms are bashed together to create a heavier atom, resulting in 1st man-made nuclear fusion
January 24, 1984, Apple Computer Inc. unveils its revolutionary Macintosh personal computer in a Super Bowl TV ad  

Why are hallways in psychiatric hospitals called “Hallways?” Shouldn’t they be called “Psycho Paths?”

Go away: Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler

A prediction, for the sake of argument (from last week). The Buffalo Bills vs. The Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX

According to reports, pertaining to this Sunday’s Chiefs/Bills’ game, the Buffalo Bills have already been called for two penalties.

In case you missed it, there was a blizzard warning issued in New Orleans this past Tuesday, followed by 8” of snow!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: For the first time on record, the majority of all trading in US stocks is now consistently occurring outside the country’s exchanges. This off-exchange activity — which happens internally at major firms or in alternative platforms known as dark pools — is on course to account for a record 51.8% of traded volume in January. Barring an unexpected dip, it will be the fifth monthly record in a row, and the third month running that hidden trades make up more than half of all volume. The shift toward off-exchange trading is the culmination of a years-long trend, which if it continues could eventually have implications for how the market functions.

Bobby Wagner was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame the other day. It was his final year of eligibility after receiving just 10.2% of the vote in his first year of eligibility, the second lowest ever for someone who eventually got in. Why??? I mean, he allowed an opponent batting average of .184, the lowest of any pitcher to throw at least 900 innings. He is one of eight pitchers in the 400-save club. He also struck out 33.2% of batters he faced which is the highest strikeout rate in MLB history for pitchers to throw at least 900 innings. I mean, come on!

Good news: U.S. robotics company, Tombot, has introduced Jennie, an innovative AI-powered robotic pet designed to provide comfort and companionship to those facing cognitive health challenges. This groundbreaking creation is set to transform the lives of millions struggling with dementia, mild cognitive impairment and various mental health issues.

 Article I’ll skip: Harris reportedly in close contact with Hillary Clinton as speculation swirls

It’s difficult to say whether the Bruins or Celtics have been playing more inconsistently as of late.

Trivia #1 answer: On January 24, 1935, the first canned beer was sold by which brewing company? – Anheuser-Busch, Pabst, Krueger, Northampton Brewery, Schlitz – The Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company in Newark, NJ
Trivia #2 answer: Since 2000, 7 NFL teams have played 4 road games in a row, obviously including a playoff game or two. Of those fourth road games, what is the teams’ overall W/L record? (For example, 7-0 overall in that fourth game?) Bonus: What is their record against the spread? – The W/L record is 0-7, ATS is 1-5-1.
Trivia #3 answer: Which TWO of the following players never had 10 or more receptions in an NFL conference championship game? – Randy Moss, Michael Irvin, Plaxico Burress, Travis Kelce, Davante Adams, Pierre Garcon, Julio Jones, Brent Celek, Julian Edelman – Randy Moss and Davante Adams

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Compliment Day! (And National Beer Can Appreciation Day!)

It would be my honor and privilege to serve you downtown on Championship Sunday. Come on down, have a cold one and watch the games!

“Oh, Mama, I’m in fear for my life from the long arm of the law
Law man has put an end to my running and I’m so far from my home
Oh, Mama I can hear you a-cryin’, you’re so scared and all alone
Hangman is comin’ down from the gallows and I don’t have very long”

– Renegade (Styx)

Quite the video!

Friday, January 17, 2025

by fasted86

Briefly.

I don’t mind being old, I just thought it would take longer.

Trivia #1: On January 11, 2014, what player became the became the 1st player, in NFL history, to rush for > 150 yards with 4 or more rushing TD’s in a playoff game?
Trivia #2: What player is NOT in the top five all-time in NFL divisional round rushing touchdowns? – Tom Brady, LeGarrette Blount, Franco Harris, Marcus Allen, John Riggins, Terrell Davis
Trivia #3: On January 17, 1997, the NBA suspended Dennis Rodman indefinitely for what? Kicking a cameraman, shoving a referee, punching a referee, punching another player, spitting on a fan, kicking a basketball

On this date: January 17, 1773, Captain James Cook becomes the first to cross Antarctic Circle (66° 33′ S)
January 17, 1917, US paid Denmark $25 million for Virgin Islands
January 17, 1954, Jacques Cousteau’s 1st network telecast airs on “Omnibus” (CBS)
January 17, 1995 7.2 earthquake destroyed Kobe, Japan and kills 5,372

The Vikings’ QB Sam Darnold had a great regular season but he still sucks.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Last 4 Wild Card games: TD’s – 18; Punts – 9; PF – 143; PA – 72. The Buffalo Bills are King’s of the Wild Card round.

Cheap Trick’s singer Robin Zander sang the national anthem before the Buccaneers/Redskins game last weekend. No flare, no frills and he may not have the best voice in the world, but he just sang the song as is and did a great job, I thought.

Go away: Deion Sanders (again)

A prediction, for the sake of argument. The Buffalo Bills vs. The Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX

The Geico commercial with the guy yelling at the Alabama football players as they walk by coming off the bus; “High Tide!” instead of “Roll Tide!”. That’s funny.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse:

Good news: Cancer death rates dropped 34% between 1991 and 2022. That equates to approximately 4.5 million deaths avoided due to early detection, reductions in smoking, and improvements in treatment.

Bad news: Homeowners insurance across the country is still rising, and 2025 isn’t expected to be any better for homeowners. Premiums may climb by as much as 15%, on average, with states like California seeing even higher hikes due to more frequent natural disasters plaguing the area. Insurers are passing their significant losses off to homeowners. In the first half of 2024, insurer losses hit $62 billion. Losses are expected to be even greater this year, which means higher premiums for homeowners as insurers attempt to recover.

I put on the Australian Open the other day and quickly realized why I have such trouble watching tennis: It’s the yelling and grunting.

Relax Celtics’ fans. Again, the regular does not matter. Don’t fret that the reigning champs are 7-7 in their last 14 games, the most recent being a 13-point loss to Toronto who happened to be 13 ½ point underdogs. Relax.

Article I’ll skip: Ellen DeGeneres returns to US after fleeing the country, looks thrilled to be back

I pretty much got away from this but R.I.P.: Robert George “Bob” Uecker (90) – Actor, comedian, professional baseball player, sportscaster. In 731 career at-bats, his lifetime WAR was -1.0. Base stealing? He was 0-3 in his career. A very quotable man… and philanthropist.

DYK: In the movie, Major League, Bob Uecker was told he could do whatever he wanted with the character, broadcaster Harry Doyle. Uecker ad-libbed everything. “Juuuust a bit outside!”

Trivia #1 answer: On January 11, 2014, what player became the became the 1st player, in NFL history, to rush for > 150 yards with 4 or more rushing TD’s in a playoff game? – The Patriots’ LeGarrette Blount (166 yards, 4 TD) vs the Colts
Trivia #2 answer: What player is NOT in the top five all-time in NFL divisional round touchdowns? – Tom Brady, LeGarrette Blount, Franco Harris, Marcus Allen, John Riggins, Terrell Davis – Terrell Davis is #6 on the list
Trivia #3 answer: On January 17, 1997, the NBA suspended Dennis Rodman indefinitely for what? Kicking a cameraman, shoving a referee, punching a referee, punching another player, spitting on a fan, kicking a basketball – He kicked a cameraman

I feel bad for parents nowadays. They have to explain the birds and the bees, the bees and the bees, the birds and the birds, the birds that used to be bees, the bees that used to be birds, plus the bees that look like birds but still have a stinger!

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Bootlegger’s Day!

It would be my honor and privilege to serve you downtown this afternoon. Come on down!

“I’ll shine up the old brown shoes
Put on a brand new shirt
I’ll get home early from work
If you say that you love me”

– Cheap Trick (I Want You to Want Me)

                        Not great, I know. Try this.

That is all…