Tag: sports

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, December 27, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Waitress: “I see your glass is empty, sir. Would you like another?”
Me: “Why would I want another empty glass?”

Trivia #1: How large is the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball in diameter? – 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, 14 feet, 15 feet
Trivia #2: What two years did the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball not drop, and why?
Trivia #3: Which conference has never sent a team to the College Football Playoff?  – Mountain West, American, Sun Belt, Big 12, Merrimack Valley
Trivia #4: Which New Year’s Six bowl has Georgia never played in? – Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Bowling Bowl

On this date: December 27, 1831, the HMS Beagle, with Charles Darwin on board, departs England for a survey of South America, a voyage Darwin later said “determined my whole career.”
December 27, 1945, the World Bank was created with the signing of an agreement by 28 nations.
December 27, 1979, Sire Records releases “Pretenders”, the debut album of The Pretenders, in the US.
December 27, 2000, Pittsburgh Penguins center and part-owner Mario Lemieux scores a goal and 2 assists in his return to the NHL after more than 3 years out with injury problems and lingering cancer issues.

Were you able to delete your browser history before Santa got a hold of your phone?

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: WalletHub released its 2024 list of the most festive and affordable cities in the United States after conducting research across all 50 states in key dimensions: traditions & fun, observance, generosity, shopping, and costs. They determined that Atlanta,GA is the best place to celebrate Christmas. What?!

Go away: 2024 – actually, it wasn’t the worst year ever but I do hope 2025 is better.

Education, you’re doing it right. 40 Notre Dame football players had finals the night before their College Football Playoff game last week.

“A great man is hard on himself; a small man is hard on others.” – Lao Tzu

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Social media users, primarily young women, are fawning over Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Briain Thompson. Mangione is charged with first-degree murder in furtherance of an act of terrorism, stalking and a slew of other state and federal charges in both New York and Pennsylvania, for allegedly gunning down Thompson, a married father of two from Minnesota. Since the attack and Mangione’s arrest, social media has erupted with positive posts about the murder suspect. A TikTok video of an artist sketching Mangione’s face over Alexander Hamilton’s face on a $10 bill to the sound of news anchors talking about the words “deny,” “defend” and “depose” — the same words found on shell casings at the crime scene — has more than a million views and 234,000 likes.

Going for it, you’re doing it wrong. The college bowl season is always crazy, but on the day after Christmas, college football fans saw something they had never seen before. Thursday’s GameAbove Sports Bowl between Pittsburgh and Toledo took nearly five hours to finish as the contest saw six overtimes, the most ever in a bowl game, en route to Toledo’s 48-46 victory. Editor’s note: Pitt had a chance to win at the end of the 2nd OT but chose to kick a field goal when they had the ball on the 2-yard line  on 4th down. Serves ‘em right.

Good news: I’m heading into 2025 on a pretty good streak of consecutive days alive. Here’s to 2025!

Bad news: Will Robinson, an Oklahoma high school basketball coach and his family, were reportedly driving in their SUV on Tuesday morning when the vehicle left the roadway, got caught in a drainage ditch in Sherman, TX and was carried away by strong currents. All six family members were trapped inside. Robinson did not survive, while four other family members were rescued. The family’s 8-year-old daughter has not been found. Terrible.

Article I’ll skip: Super Bowl champ, Martin Gramatica, shares heartbreaking details from childhood

Trivia #1 answer: How large is the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball in diameter? – 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, 14 feet, 15 feet – 12 feet
Trivia #2 answer: What two years did the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball not drop, and why? – 1942 and 1943, due to wartime lighting restrictions in WWII
Trivia #3 answer: Which conference has never sent a team to the College Football Playoff?  – Mountain West, American, Sun Belt, Big 12, Merrimack Valley – The Sun Belt conference
Trivia #4 answer: Which New Year’s Six bowl has Georgia never played in? – Peach Bowl, Rose Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Orange Bowl, Bowling Bowl – The Fiesta Bowl

Before we work further on artificial intelligence, why don’t we try to do something about natural stupidity?

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Fruitcake Day!

“The middle of the road is trying to find me
I’m standing in the middle of life with my plans behind me
Well I got a smile for everyone I meet
As long as you don’t try dragging my bay
Or dropping the bomb on my street”

– The Pretenders (Middle of the Road)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, everybody!

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne?”

Friday, December 13, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

I overheard a child at the park the other day tell his sad friend; “It’s OK to be sad. Sad stands for ‘Secretly a Dinosaur’.” Then he let out a big roar. Let me tell you, that kid is going places!

Trivia #1: On December 13, 1956, the Dodgers attempted to trade Jackie Robinson to the Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. Why did the trade not go through?
Trivia #2: Who won the Heisman Trophy on this date in 2003? – Eric Crouch, Carson Palmer, Jason White, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush
Trivia #3: Who is Brian Thompson?
Trivia #4: What is Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins’ first name? – Timothy, Tamaurice, Tyrone, Teebone, Teether, Tyler, Taylor, Tee, Who-gives-a-shit

On this date: December 13, 1769, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire receives its charter
December 13, 1928, the clip-on tie was designed
December 13, 1993, Dow Jones Industrial Average hits a record of 3764.43 (closed yesterday at 44,200)

Remember when teachers used to say; “You won’t have a calculator everywhere you go.” Well, we showed them!

Last night’s Thursday Night Football game featured the overall, number one draft pick in 2009, Matthew Stafford, versus 2022’s last overall draft pick “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy. Yup, Stafford won.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: December 13, 1928, the clip-on tie was designed

Go away: Jay-Z

Go away, part deux: Los Angeles Lakers’ head coach J.J. Redick said Thursday that LeBron James is away from the team due to “personal reasons.” Turning 40 later this month, it seems that Father Time may just be sneaking up on the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. In fact, Redick admitted that James has felt “gassed” and the team feels they are mismanaging his minutes in his 22nd season. Redick also said James has asked to be taken out of a couple of games for some breaks. (Hey, if you can’t hang… don’t!)

They said it: “Understanding the question is half an answer.” – Socrates

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Amazon.com Inc. will begin testing a rapid delivery service in India this month, marking the company’s determination to compete with top players in the country’s fledgling quick-commerce business. They will be piloting a 15-minute delivery service in Bangalore. The product catalog on offer will vary from groceries to household items, depending on the neighborhood being served. (15 minutes!)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse, part deux: Jersey residents frustrated with a lack of answers regarding dozens of potential drone sightings in the skies above their homes are threatening to take action on their own if the government doesn’t start providing answers. “A good shotgun will fix that problem,” one commenter replied.

I believe yesterday was the first day since Thanksgiving that I have not had any form of turkey to eat – sandwich, soup, pick-it-out-of-the-tupperware container…

Good Bad news: Cincinnati Bengals’ quarterback Joe Burrow home was burglarized while he was in Dallas facing the Cowboys on Monday. The NFL recently sent out a memo regarding the incidents. He is the latest NFL star to be the victim of a home burglary, joining Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. At least one other NFL player had his home burglarized. (That really sucks)

NFW: Bill Belichick could be headed to parts unknown to him. The legendary coach has interviewed for the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina. (No way this happens) – Hmmm. That was last week. I watched Belichick’s press conference yesterday. I was already a big fan and that hasn’t changed. I’ll be shocked if UNC (University of National Champions or… now… Chapel Bill) is not in the playoffs.

Article I’ll skip: ‘Golden Bachelor’ dating new woman since cancer led to divorce.

Trivia #1 answer: On December 13, 1956, the Dodgers attempted to trade Jackie Robinson to the Giants for pitcher Dick Littlefield and $35,000. Why did the trade not go through? – The trade didn’t go though because Jackie Robinson chose to retire rather than be traded.
Trivia #2 answer: Who won the Heisman Trophy on this date in 2003? – Eric Crouch, Carson Palmer, Jason White, Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush – Jason White (Oklahoma QB)
Trivia #3 answer: Who is Brian Thompson? – The UnitedHealthcare CEO who was gunned down by the gutless thug, Luigi Mangione. Countless articles I’ve read don’t even mentioned the poor bastard’s name but instead “UnitedHealthcare’s CEO.” I say… a public stoning in Central Park is a pretty good sentence.
Trivia #4 answer: What is Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins’ first name? – Timothy, Tamaurice, Tyrone, Teebone, Teether, Tyler, Taylor, Tee, Who-gives-a-shit – It is Tamaurice

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Violin Day.

“I worked like a slave for years,
Sweat so hard just to end my fears.
Not to end my life a poor man,
But by now, I know I should have run.”

The Moody Blues (Ride My See-Saw)

Vastly different version.

Friday, December 6, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

I got a new stick deodorant. The instructions said: Remove cap and push up bottom. I can barely walk but when I fart, the room smells lovely.

Jeez Ed, grow up!

Trivia #1: What US President gave the first presidential address on radio. – Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt
Trivia #2: Seven major “Negro Leagues” (baseball) competed between 1920-1948. Which was of the following was NOT one of those leagues: Negro American League, Negro National League I, Negro National League II, American Negro League, East-West League, North-South League, Eastern Colored League, Negro Southern League.

Fun fact: The average prison meal is more nutritious than the average school lunch.

On this date: December 6, 1735, first recorded appendectomy performed by Claudius Amyand at St George’s Hospital in London
December 6, 1957, 1st US attempt to launch a satellite fails – Vanguard rocket blows up
December 6, 1964, “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer” 1st aired on TV
December 6, 1969, 300,000 attend free concert featuring The Rolling Stones in Altamont, California; the event is marred by violence and four deaths
December 6, 2017, “Supermassive” most distant black hole discovery announced by astronomers in journal “Nature”, 13 billion light-years away, 800x bigger than the Sun (who’s going to question that!?)

Do you get the Omaha Steaks offers? $89.99 for steaks, chicken breasts, jumbo franks, scalloped potatoes, caramel apple tartlets and now they throw in 8 steak burgers. I tell you what, Omaha Steaks, take a little off the price and keep the freakin’ caramel apple tartlets. Yuke!

The Bruins have scored 20 goals in the past 5 games!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The Celtics won another regular season game.

Go away: Weekly CFP rankings. Actually, these are kinda fun You know, listening to people bitch about how their team got screwed one way or another. It’s what helps make talk radio.

I bitch about the snow/cold now and again but I’ll admit, I can’t wait to use my snowblower in 12+ inches of snow and then walk around the block with a beer and watch everyone else do the same. It’s even better if someone doesn’t have a snowblower!

They said it: “I’d rather leave a couple of years too early than a couple of years too late.” – Pat Sajak

I prefer 4-5 practice beers before my actual first beer.

Good news: Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston threw for 497 yards on Monday night, a MNF record, though the Browns lost the game.

Bad news: Winston also through 171 yards worth of interceptions yards (2 pick-6’s) which, combined with his passing yards, set an NFL record of 668 combined yards. Yikes!

NFW: Bill Belichick could be headed to parts unknown to him. The legendary coach has interviewed for the head coaching job at the University of North Carolina. (No way this happens)

The later the Thanksgiving NFL game, the less I remember of it…

Cleansing, you’re doing it wrong. Marcela Alcazar Rodriguez, a Mexican actress, is dead after voluntarily participating in a spiritual cleansing ritual during which she reportedly consumed poisonous Amazonian frog venom.

Article I’ll skip: People are learning degrading practices from the porn industry.

In case you forgot, it’s Christmas movie season on AMC!

Local Dave McGillivray, race director of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon and longtime endurance athlete, completed the Ironman World Championship triathlon in Hawaii back in October. Keep in mind that McGillivray, who’s 60 and hadn’t competed in the event in 25 years, is a member of the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame, completed eight Ironman Triathlons in Hawaii in the 1980s, finishing 14th overall in 1980. McGillivray was diagnosed with severe coronary heart disease a year ago.

Trivia #1 answer: What US President gave the first presidential address on radio. – Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, Herbert Hoover, Franklin D. Roosevelt – Calvin Coolidge, on December 6, 1923
Trivia #2: Seven major “Negro Leagues” (baseball) competed between 1920-1948. Which was of the following was NOT one of those leagues: Negro American League, Negro National League I, Negro National League II, American Negro League, East-West League, North-South League, Eastern Colored League, Negro Southern League. – Tough one. There was no North-South League

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 Bartender Day! (Speaking of which, maybe I’ll see you on Sunday afternoon?)
Also, Happy Microwave Oven Day!

“Pleased to meet you
Hope you guess my name
But what’s puzzling you
Is the nature of my game”

The Rolling Stones (Sympathy For The Devil)

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

Friday, November 8, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Never fight… until you have to. When it is time to fight, you fight like you’re the third monkey on the ramp to Noah’s Ark… and brother, it’s starting to rain!

Trivia #1: Besides vodka, what liquor is included in a Harvey Wallbanger?
Trivia #2: What does “chooglin’” mean?
Trivia #3: Who won the 2011 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2011)?

On this date: November 8, 1731, in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin opened the 1st library in the north American colonies, the Library Company of Philadelphia.
November 8, 1895, German physicist Wilhelm Rontgen produces and detects electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range today known as X-rays or Röntgen rays.
November 8, 1956, Biblical drama film “The Ten Commandments”, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, starring Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner premieres at the Criterion Theater in NYC
November 8, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signs anti-trust immunity to AFL-NFL merger

Go away: Pollsters

Don’t be that guy. Don’t burn in your backyard during a “red flag” warning. Idiot!

Ohhh, Dak Prescott is hurt and the Cowboys stink. (They stunk before he got hurt). That must be cool for their fans. Did I mention they are winless at home? My heart goes out.

If you bet that fewer than 34 points would be scored in just the 4th quarter of last night’s Bengals/Ravens game, you lost!

Good news: Bill and Becky Chilcutt spent the last two decades traveling to every state capitol in the country — and had one left on their list when Bill Chilcutt’s terminal cancer halted the planned trip. Employees at the Chick-fil-A Market in Springwoods Village, TX, contacted the Alaska State Capitol — the last stop on the Chilcutts’ bucket list — to see if there was a way for the Chilcutts to visit the capitol without physically being there. An employee photographed the Chilcutts’ wedding photo around the building in Juneau, Alaska — even signing their names on the visitors’ log. Alaska State Capitol employees sent the Chilcutts the photos, a scrapbook and gifts while the Chick-fil-A team presented them with a custom drawing of the pair in front of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier. 

Not good news: A total of 7 people remain unaccounted for in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene as the death toll from the storm reached 102 as of Thursday.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Baltimore Ravens’ placekicker, Justin Tucker, had missed only 6 of 504 extra points in his career. (He missed one last night)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: In the days following Trump’s victory, hordes of Washington Commanders fans have taken to social media and called on Donald Trump to help push the organization to change its name back to “Redskins,” previously used from 1937 until its name was changed in 2020. (Whether I’m a fan of the move or not… oh boy!)

Article I’ll skip: Retailers announce “inflation-free” Thanksgiving dinner deals

Big OT win for the Bruins last night.

Trivia #1 answer: Besides vodka, what liquor is included in a Harvey Wallbanger? – Galliano
Trivia #2: What does “chooglin’” mean? – “Chooglin'” is a term that describes a type of music and a way of life, A debauched form of white-boy boogie that’s open to all, but is especially common among the working class. 
Trivia #3: Who won the 2011 championships in the NHL, NBA, MLB and the NFL (Super Bowl played in 2011)? – Boston Bruins (NHL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), St. Louis Cardinals (MLB), Green Bay Packers (NFL)

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.

Everyone is good at something.

Happy National Harvey Wallbanger Day!

“Maybe you don’t understand it
But if you’re a natural man
You got to ball and have a good time
And that’s what I call choogling
Here comes Mary looking for Harry
She going to choogle tonight
Here comes Louie, works in the sewer
He going to choogle tonight”

Creedence Clearwater Revival (Keep On Chooglin’)

Friday, November 1, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Sign seen in library: Please note: The post-apocalyptical fiction section has been moved to Current Affairs.

Trivia #1: Who was the first US President to live in the White House?
Trivia #2: How many zeroes in one decillion?
Trivia #3: Last Sunday, the Ravens’ Derrick Henry had his 20th career game with 100-plus rushing yards and multiple rushing touchdowns. Only three others have accomplished that feat in NFL history, pick from the following. – Walter Payton, Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith, Eric Dickerson, LaDainian Tomlinson

On this date: November 1, 1179, Phillip II crowned King of France at age 14 in Reims, with his father Louis VII in ill health. (I’m trying to picture myself king of anything at age 14!)
November 1, 1604, William Shakespeare’s tragedy “Othello” is first presented
November 1, 1755, Lisbon earthquake kills more than 50,000 in Portugal (50,000!!!)
November 1, 1950, Puerto Rican nationalists Griselio Torresola and Oscar Collazo attempt to assassinate US President Harry Truman at Blair House in Washington D.C.; attack thwarted by White House Police, including Officer Leslie Coffelt who was killed in the line of duty.

Don’t be that guy. Take your hat off in the funeral parlor. Jeez!

What a great autumn up here, weather-wise, in the northeast. If this is global warming, bring it on!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The Dodgers’ Will Smith just won his 5th World Series title in 5 consecutive years. Ya, he batted .143 during the series and has a career postseason batting average of .200. Impressive, not! Lucky, yes.

Speaking of the yankees… they bounce back in game 4 and actually show some life. Then, they jump to a 5-0 lead in game 5 before crapping in their own hats. They actually took the lead again before giving it back and bowing out. Yankees suck!

And so do the Jets! (While I’m at it…) I mean, is Aaron Rodgers easy to dislike or what?

And speaking of crapping themselves, the Yankees’ Aaron Judge, who finished the regular season with a .322 batting average, 58 homeruns and 144 RBIs and will most likely be named the AL MVP, batted .184 in the series and has a career, postseason batting average of .205.

I watched a little more than the first half of last night’s Jets/Texans game. There is a lot of bad football being played in the NFL right now. Unfortunately for me, the Patriots are certainly contributors.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: “Election Stress Disorder” is a real thing and it’s making most Americans anxious. About one-third (32%) of adults said the political climate has caused a strain between themselves and family members, while 30% have limited their time spent with family members who don’t share the same values. Half of U.S. adults admitted that tensions around social and political topics make them want to connect less with others, and 28% claimed they have “nothing in common” with people who have different political opinions.

Article I’ll skip: Are SEC women the most attractive in America? The answer is complicated.

What’s up with the Boston Bruins?

Sightseeing and appreciating the wonders of the world, you’re doing it wrong. A woman and her two young children are dead after they intentionally went over a safety rail and leaped into Niagara Falls.

Well, by this time next week, the United States will have a new president. God help us all.

Say what?! A Russian Court fined Menlo Park, California-based Google $2 decillion, which continues to grow each day over penalties for non-payment, for blocking content on YouTube.

Hey, Celtics’ fans. Don’t forget to set your clocks an Auerbach.

Trivia #1 answer: Who was the first US President to live in the White House? – John Adams, he moved into the White on November 1st, 1800.
Trivia #2: How many zeroes in one decillion? – There are 33 zeroes in a decillion
Trivia #3: Last Sunday, the Ravens’ Derrick Henry had his 20th career game with 100-plus rushing yards and multiple rushing touchdowns. Only three others have accomplished that feat in NFL history, pick from the following. – Walter Payton, Jim Brown, Emmitt Smith, Eric Dickerson, LaDainian Tomlinson – Jim Brown (25 times), LaDainian Tomlinson (25) and Emmitt Smith (20)

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 Calzone Day! (I’ll eat to that!)

“Don’t you know by now
No one gives you anything
Don’t you wonder how you keep on moving
One more day
Your way
Ooooooooh, your way”

Steve Winwood (While You See A Chance)

Friday, October 25, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (In relative terms)

Ask me about my attention deficit disorder or my dog or pie. I have a bike, do you like ham? I like your shoes. Hi. What’s your name?

Trivia #1: Last Sunday, the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley ran for 176 yards against the Giants, the second most rushing yards versus a former team in NFL history. Who has the most? (Good luck with this one!)
Trivia #2: Last Sunday, Detroit’s Jared Goff posted his third straight game with a 140-plus passer rating. It was the longest such streak tied with three other quarterbacks. Which three? – Roger Staubach, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Kurt Warner, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre
Trivia #3: It’s Halloween season! Which of the following movies is NOT in the top 5 of the all-time, best-selling horror films? Bonus: Rank them in order – Jaws, The Sixth Sense, The Exorcist, Ghostbusters, It, Scary Movie

On this date: October 24, 1780, John Hancock was elected the first Governor of Massachusetts in a landslide with over 90% of the vote
October 24, 1947, Donald Bradman scores 156 for South Australia v India, 152 mins, 22 fours (I haven’t the slightest idea what that means)
October 24, 1955, Tappan sells 1st microwave oven
October 24, 1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience play their first UK gig as a private showcase at The Scotch of St. James in London

The Celtics raised banner #18 to the rafters and proceeded to thrash the Knicks on Opening Night. Apparently, I missed it, but as soon as the banner was being raised, TNT went to commercial. DOH!

And you gotta love the Celtics faithful chanting; “Yankees suck, Yankees suck!”

And they do suck! Yes, they’re a pretty good team, they just suck!

Don’t be that guy. Don’t be like the referee in last night’s Vikings/Rams game who didn’t call the blatant facemask penalty on the last play of the game. Gross.

So, Gladiator II is coming out and it doesn’t star Russell Crowe. Now other sequels have come with new stars, James Bond and Batman, for example, but I really need to see this one first. Gladiator, the original, great flick.

When Ken Griffey Jr. shared a field with Ken Griffey Sr. on the Seattle Mariners in 1990, becoming the first father and son to play on the same team, it was historic. When Ken Jr. and Sr. hit back-to-back homeruns on Sept. 14, it became that much more memorable. They both attended the Lakers’ season opener on Tuesday, and got to see LeBron James and his son, Bronny, take the court together. They became the first father and son to play in an NBA game together, much less on the same team. 

For the record, I’ll take the Griffeys over the James’ any day, and twice on Sunday.

Article I’ll skip: Kim Kardashian reacts to recommendation Menendez brothers be resentenced.

Stat of the week: Luke Adams, of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, had a Midwest League-leading OBP of .443 (42 points higher than the next player) while batting just .227 in 101 games. He drew 78 walks and was hit 40 times!

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: LeBron and his son took the court together.
Useless information supposed to fire my imagination, part deux: The Bears’ Caleb Williams is the first player in NFL history with at least three passing touchdowns and 50 rushing yards in an international game.

Speaking of the Yankees, I can’t root for the Dodgers but can certainly root against the Yankees. I’ll give you a minute to chew on that one.

It really should be an entertaining World Series. Bet the ‘over!’

Last weekend I bought an 8-pack of Bud Lite (for a friend, no Bud Lite here). But I digress. What the heck is an 8-pack?

Sign of the times: The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) may raise yearly membership fees by 240%, from $25 to $85. The vote comes as membership in the Girl Scouts has declined in recent years, due in part to the pandemic and other factors. The organization ended the 2023 fiscal year with a $4.4 million deficit and it is expected to increase to $5.6 million at the end of the 2024 fiscal year. 

R.I.P. Fernando Valenzuela (63) – the cultural hero and baseball legend launched a movement for baseball fans around the globe. In 1981, he captivated Los Angeles — and fans around the world — by winning each of his first eight starts of the season for the Dodgers. The stretch included seven complete games and five shutouts. He struck out 68 and allowed four earned runs in 72 innings for a 0.50 ERA during the magical run. The performance gave birth to Fernandomania, a phenomenon that still resonates with baseball fans.
R.I.P. “399” (28) – The grizzly bear known as “399” (her research number) was struck and killed by a vehicle while out with her cub in Grand Teton National Park. The grizzly bear 399 was one of the most famous grizzly bears. People from around the world have followed grizzly bear 399 for several decades. At the age of 28, she was the oldest known reproducing female grizzly bear in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Do clouds look down at us and say; “Hey, that one’s shaped like an idiot!”?

Trivia #1 answer: Last Sunday, the Eagles’ Saquon Barkley ran for 176 yards against the Giants, the second most rushing yards versus a former team in NFL history. Who has the most? – In 2009, the Bengals’ Cedric Benson ran for 189 yards vs. the Bears, his former team.
Trivia #2 answer: Last Sunday, Detroit’s Jared Goff posted his third straight game with a 140-plus passer rating. It was the longest such streak tied with three other quarterbacks. Which three? – Roger Staubach, Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, Kurt Warner, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre – The other three are Aaron Rodgers (2011), Kurt Warner (1999) and Roger Staubach (1971)
Trivia #3 answer: It’s Halloween season! Which of the following movies is NOT in the top 5 of the all-time, best-selling horror films? – Jaws, The Sixth Sense, The Exorcist, Ghostbusters, It, Scary Movie. Bonus: Rank them in order. – It (1), The Sixth Sense (2), Jaws (3), Ghostbusters (4), The Exorcist (5)

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 Frankenstein Day!

“Stone free, to do what I please
Stone free, to ride the breeze
Stone free, I can’t stay
I got to, got to, got to get away right now
Yeah, alright”

Jimi Hendrix (Stone Free)

Halloween bonus!

October 18, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Utah Hockey Club. Puh-lease!

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

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

Only in hockey…

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

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

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

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

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

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

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

Van Morrison (And It Stoned Me)

Bonus: Al Green

October 11, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go away: Diddy

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

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

Don’t be that guy.

And just like that, the NHL season is underway.

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

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

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

You only live once.

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Looie, Looie, Looie!”

Put Luis Tiant in the Hall!!!!

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

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

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

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

Happy National Sausage Pizza Day!

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

War (Low Rider)

Bonus: