Tag: sports

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:

Friday, September 20, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. I missed you all last week…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their defense was lousy too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More bacon.

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

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Pepperoni Pizza Day!

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

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

Van Morrison (Domino)

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

Friday, August 2, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (Early tee time)

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

It amazes me how much exercise and extra fries sound alike.

Trivia #1: Where is Leiden University’s main campus? – United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Austria, United Kingdom, Lawrence
Trivia #2: Who is Stefani Joanne Andelina Germanotta?
Trivia #3: What percentage of kickoffs in the NFL were returned last season? – 9.9%, 11.3%, 18.6%, 21.8%, 3.6%, 28.5%, 33%

On this date: August 2, 1581, Leiden University names Rudolph Snellius as math professor
August 2, 1776, formal signing of the US Declaration of Independence by 56 people (date most accepted by modern historians)
August 2, 1865, Louis Carroll publishes the children’s novel “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland”
August 2, 2012, American swimmer Michael Phelps wins an unprecedented third consecutive gold medal in the 200m individual medley at the London Olympics

I starting a dating site for chickens. It’s not my day job but it does make hens meet.

They said it: “This will be a symbol of hope for all refugees in the world, and will make the world better aware of the magnitude of this crisis. It is also a signal to the international community that refugees are our fellow human beings and are an enrichment to society.” – IOC         President Thomas Bach on the Refugee Olympic Team

Good news: Many, many “firsts” in the Paris Olympic Games in terms of medals won. Pretty cool.

Good news, part deux: The US leads in Olympic medals won, so far.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Algerian boxer Imane Khelif advanced to the women’s 66kg quarterfinals after Khelif’s opponent forfeited just 46 seconds into the match. Khelif fought Italian boxer Angela Carini, who said she decided to take the loss after getting punched harder than she had ever been punched in her career. Khelif is under fire for having previously been deemed to have XY chromosomes; the Algerian fighter was banned from last year’s IBA World Championships for failing to meet gender requirements.

Sailing, you’re doing it wrong: A lack of wind caused the men’s skiff final race to be abandoned on Thursday at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Stop complaining: It’s hotter than a hooker’s doorknob on nickel night. Go ahead and complain!

“I’m just twenty-two and I don’t mind dying”

The Red Sox made some moves… useless moves.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: August 2, 1581 – Leiden University names Rudolph Snellius as math professor

The NFL preseason began last night. Yikes!

Article I’ll skip: Richard Simmons’ family sets the record straight in scathing statement aimed at Pauly Shore

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

Trivia #1 answer: Where is Leiden University’s main campus? – United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Netherlands, France, Austria, United Kingdom – Netherlands
Trivia #2 answer: Who is Stefani Joanne Andelina Germanotta? – Lady Gaga
Trivia #3 answer: What percentage of kickoffs in the NFL were returned last season? – 9.9%, 11.3%, 18.6%, 21.8%, 3.6%, 28.5%, 33% – 21.8% of kickoffs were returned

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Ice Cream Sandwich Day!

The Black Eyed Peas can sing us a tune but the chick peas can only hummus   one.

“Never thought about tomorrow
Seemed like a long time to come
How could I be so blind, baby
Not to see you were the one”

– J. Geils Band (Must Of Got Lost)

Be patient, the music starts eventually…

Friday, July 26, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I’m back!)

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

Don’t be sad because “sad” backwards is “das” and das not good.

Trivia #1: Of Joe Castiglione’s broadcast partners over his career, which one did he work with the longest? – Ken Coleman, Johnny Pesky, Bob Starr, Jerry Trupiano, Dave O’Brien, Tim Neverett, Will Flemming, Sean McDonough
Trivia #2: Before Joe DiMaggio’s record 56-game hitting streak in the big leagues, he had record hitting streak in the Pacific Coast League. How long was that streak? – 45 games, 49, 53, 56, 59, 61
Trivia #3: What is the GPGP?

On this date: July 26, 1524, James V was declared fit to govern by the Scottish Parliament at age 12
July 26, 1776, the US Continental Congress creates United States Post Office (U.S.P.O.) in Philadelphia under Benjamin Franklin
July 26, 1947, US President Truman signs National Security Act, establishing Department of Defense, National Security Council and Joint Chiefs of Staff

Did you happen to catch Big Papi rubbing Adrian Beltre’s head during Beltre’s HOF induction? Hilarious!

They said it: “It is foolish to be convinced without evidence, but it is equally foolish to refuse to be convinced by real evidence.” – Upton Sinclair

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: The XQ-67A, a sleek unmanned aircraft, soared into the sky for the first time, giving us a glimpse into the future of aerial combat and reconnaissance. The XQ-67A is what’s known as a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle. This aircraft is packed with cutting-edge technology that allows it to fly without a human pilot on board. Instead, it can be controlled remotely or even fly on its own, making decisions based on its programming and the data it collects.

The sky is falling, the world is flat and the United States is converting to the metric system someday.

Really, WTF is a kilometer?

Another WTF: Yoga goats. Please, people…

Shohei Ohtani hit a 473 ft homerun. That’s wicked far.

Speaking of baseball, if you bet the under (27 runs) in Wednesday night’s Red Sox/Rockies game… you lost!

Stop complaining: With so many people battling and being diagnosed with cancer of some other disease, if it ain’t you, shut up.

BetMGM has already taken as many bets for the first half of the 2024 season as we did for all of 2023.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: Salt Lake City to host 2034 Winter Olympics. (I don’t care who hosts as long as I’m around to see them!)

Congratulations to Red Sox broadcaster Joe Castiglione as the 2024 recipient of MLB’s Ford C. Frick Award as an outstanding broadcaster. What class act he is!

Pickleball is booming in popularity and more courts are popping up in cities and towns across Massachusetts. Some homeowners say they’re frustrated with the noise, and want something done. At least 26 communities across Massachusetts are dealing with the incessant racket. It is estimated you can hear a ball hit someone’s racket 80,000 times a day.

I need to throw a shout-out to National Grid for notifying me of the power outage at my house 14 minutes after I called it in. Thanks, guys.

Good news: The beloved game show host Alex Trebek will live on forever after being honored by the United States Postal Service (USPS) with his very own “Forever Stamp.” – “Good” news? I don’t know, cool guy, cool gesture.

Article I’ll skip: Fauci dismisses concerns over former President Trump’s gunshot wound.

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

Trivia #1 answer: Of Joe Castiglione’s broadcast partners over his career, which one did he work with the longest? – Ken Coleman, Johnny Pesky, Bob Starr, Jerry Trupiano, Dave O’Brien, Tim Neverett, Will Flemming, Sean McDonough – Jerry Trupiano (15 years)
Trivia #2: Before Joe DiMaggio’s record 56-game hitting streak in the big leagues, he had record hitting streak in the Pacific Coast League. How long was that streak? – 45 games, 49, 53, 56, 59, 61 – 61 games (breaking the previous record of 49 games by Jack Ness)
Trivia #3 answer: What is the GPGP? – The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) is the largest accumulation of ocean plastic in the world and is located between Hawaii and California. Scientists of The Ocean Cleanup have conducted the most extensive analysis ever of this area.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National All or Nothing Day! (Have at it!)

My step counter reads zero. Bullshit! I’ve at least gone from the couch to the refrigerator three times.

“Every day when I get home from work
I feel so frustrated
The boss is a jerk
And I get my sticks and go out to the shed
And I pound on that drum like it was the boss’s head”

– Todd Rundgren (Bang the Drum All Day) – For all you working folk

I’m back! (In Black)

Friday, July 19, 2024

by fasted86

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Play Day! (Have at it!)

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

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

– Thunderclap Newman (Something In The Air)

Bonus!

Friday, July 12, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I’m away. This ain’t easy)

If you feel useless today, remember, some people work as lifeguards at Olympic swimming events.

Trivia #1: Approximately how many earths could fit inside the sun? – 150,000, 300,000, 770,000, 1,000,000, 1,300,000, 1,500,000, 2,000,000
Trivia #2: What third two basemen are tied for the most All-star game starts? How many?

On this date: July 12, 1441, King Alfonzo V of Aragon becomes king of Naples
July 12, 1804, Former United States Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton dies after being shot in a pistol duel the previous day by Vice President Aaron Burr
July 12, 1940, Frederick McKinley Jones receives a patent for an air conditioning unit for trucks, helping to change long-haul carriage of food and blood
July 12, 1979, “Disco Demolition Night” at Comiskey Park: Fans go wild destroying disco records and cause the White Sox to forfeit second game of a doubleheader to the Detroit Tigers

Go away: Karen Read

There is an ice cream stand just down the street from me with an ATM. Gimme the extra scoop!

They said it: “You are the trailer park, I am the tornado.” – Beth Dunn from Yellowstone

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: 33 people were shot across the nation in July 4th shootings

Stop complaining: Ya, Beryl again…

Cincinnati rookie Rece Hinds became the first player in MLB to have at least 5 extra base hits in his first two games in the big leagues. I’m not a big fan of “StatCast” stuff but… he is also the first player of the StatCast era to hit each of his first two career homeruns at least 445 feet.

Speaking of StatCast, the relatively new baseball term “knock” irritates the shit out of me. It’s a hit, OK!!!

A walk in the park, you’re doing it wrong. A 27-year-old man was found in Riverfront State Park in Lawrence, MA with a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Good news: Well, for me. Our Boston Red Sox are now 10 games over .500 after sweeping the Oakland A’s, in this season of astonishment.

Speaking of the Celtics, you have to love what they are doing in keeping their championship team together. Really.

Article I’ll skip: Man accused of decapitating elderly parents, dog at mobile home park

Don’t look now but the S&P index topped 5,600 this past week. Yes, your portfolios are up.

I know, I know, but hear me out. In his first 390 career at-bats, Mookie Betts – 10 HR, 43 RBI, 14 SB. In his first 390 at-bats, Red Sox rookie Ceddanne Rafaela – 13 HR, 55 RBI, 14SB

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On July 12, 1441, King Alfonzo V of Aragon became king of Naples.

Trivia #1 answer: Approximately how many earths could fit inside the sun? – 150,000, 300,000, 770,000, 1,000,000, 1,300,000, 1,500,000, 2,000,000 – 1.3 million (useless info also)
Trivia #2 answer: What third two basemen are tied for the most All-star game starts? How many? – You probably got one. Brooks Robinson and Wade Boggs each had 11.

You can’t replace time.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National French Fry Day!

Unless you can rock a mustache, you can’t. Take a good look at yourself.

“I see a woman in the night
With a baby in her hand
Under an old street light
Near a garbage can
Now she puts the kid away,
And she’s gone to get a hit
She hates her life,
And what she’s done with it
There’s one more kid
That will never go to school
Never get to fall in love,
Never get to be cool.”

– Neil Young (Rockin’ In The Free World))

Friday, July 5, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

A King and a Queen walk into a bar and both order drinks. The bartender says, “I can’t serve you, you’re not 21.”

Trivia #1: For you Bostonians, why is the ‘Hatch Shell’ called the ‘Hatch Shell’?
Trivia #2: Who was the first MLB player to have is uniform number retired by his team? Bonus: What was his number?
Trivia #3: What was Lou Gehrig’s full name?
Trivia #4: The Red Sox’ Jared Duran just became the first American League player in history to record all of the following before the All-star break: 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 homeruns and 20 stolen bases. Who is the only National League player to accomplish the same feat? – Stan Musial, Jose Reyes, Ron Acuna Jr., Chipper Jones, Ricky Henderson, Tim Raines
Trivia #5: What do Bernie Madoff and Bobby Bonilla have in common?

On this date: July 5, 1865, US Secret Service begins operating under the Treasury Department
July 5, 1891, hail kills 16 horses in Rapid City, South Dakota
July 5, 1950, US forces enter combat in the Korean War for the first time, in the battle of Osan
July 5, 1994, Amazon.com founded in Bellevue, Washington by Jeff Bezos

I don’t know about you, but to me the Fourth of July just wasn’t the same without Joey Chestnut. Since he was barred from the Coney Island competition, Chestnut took his talents to Fort Bliss, Texas, for his Fourth of July Feast and competed against Army soldiers. In just five minutes, Chestnut ate 57 hot dogs and buns, outdoing four competitors combined, who tallied 49 hot dogs and buns in total.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: More bad news is on the horizon for Florida homeowners. On top of insurers pulling out of the state altogether, Florida’s state-created Citizen’s Property Insurance just voted to raise rate by 14% across the state.

Stop complaining: Unless you’re in Beryl’s path

Good news: We live in the greatest country in the world. I hope you celebrated that yesterday.

My wife bought me toe nail clippers. Romantic, I know. The package read “for men.” Huh? Riddle me this. Do women not clip their toenails or… are their toenails such that they need differently designed clippers? Stuff like this keeps me up at night.

Article I’ll skip: ‘Yellowstone’ star Lainey Wilson says being an American “means everything to me.” (I mean, good for her, but I ain’t reading)

Every problem is an opportunity in disguise.

Trivia #1 answer: Why is the Hatch Shell called the Hatch Shell? – The Charles River Esplanade went through a vast expansion beginning in 1928, which widened and lengthened the park land. It was during this expansion that the first lagoon was built, as well as the Music Oval, where a temporary concert shell was placed. The summer of 1929 was the first year Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops performed on the Esplanade. In 1941, the construction of the new music shell took place with a $300,000 trust, donated by benefactor Maria Hatch, to build a memorial for her late brother, Edward.
Trivia #2 answer: Who was the first MLB player to have his uniform number retired by his team? What was his number? – Lou Gehrig (#4)
Trivia #3 answer: What was Lou Gehrig’s full name? – Heinrich Ludwig Gehrig Jr. (If you got this correct, I’ll buy you a drink)
Trivia #4 answer: The Red Sox’ Jared Duran just became the first American League player in history to record all of the following before the All-star break: 100 hits, 10 triples, 10 homeruns and 20 stolen bases. Who is the only National League player to accomplish the same feat? – Stan Musial, Jose Reyes, Ron Acuna Jr., Chipper Jones, Ricky Henderson, Tim Raines – Jose Reyes in 2008.
Trivia #5: What do Bernie Madoff and Bobby Bonilla have in common? – In 2000, the Mets agreed to buy out the remaining $5.9 million on Bobby Bonilla’s contract. However, instead of paying Bonilla the $5.9 million at the time, the Mets agreed to make annual payments of nearly $1.2 million for 25 years starting July 1, 2011, including a negotiated 8% interest. At the time, Mets ownership was invested in a Bernie Madoff account that promised double-digit returns, and the Mets were poised to make a significant profit if the Madoff account delivered — but that did not work out. Happy Bobby Bonilla Day (July 1).

Don’t let the old man in.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Workaholics Day! (You know who you are)

Oh beautiful, for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain.

“Boy you sure took me for one big ride
And even now I sit and wonder why
That’s when I think of you
I stop myself from crying
I just can’t waste my time
I must keep trying
I’ve got to stop believing in all your lies
‘Cause there’s too much to do before I die”

– Joe Cocker (Fellin’ Alright)

July 4th (Ok, 5th) Bonus

Friday, June 28, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Remember: When you bury a body, cover it with endangered plants so it’s illegal to dig it up. Follow me for more gardening tips.

Trivia #1: Who is Zaccharie Risacher?
Trivia #2: Who is the shortest MLB player to hit 3 homeruns in a game? Hint: He only hit 41 homeruns in his career.

On this date: June 28, 1846 – The saxophone is patented by Antoine-Joseph “Adolfe” Sax
June 28, 1919 – The Treaty of Versailles is signed in France, ending World War I and establishing the League of Nations
June 28, 1957 – Reds’ fans stuff ballot box, electing 8 Reds as All-Star starters. Commissioner Ford Frick overrules and names Stan Musial, Willie Mays and Hank Aaron to the team as starters.

The Stanley Cup Final Game 7 outdrew any NBA Finals or World Series game in the past five years.

Local congratulations to the Haverhill High School Athletic Department and its student-athletes. 1 Team State Championship, 1 Regional Championship, 9 Individual State Champions, 8 MVC (Conference) Team Championships, 14 Individual MVC Champions, 4 MVC Coaches of the Year, 6 MVC Players of the Year, 105 All-Conference Selections. Go Hillies!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: An artificial intelligence generated version of Al Michaels’ voice will be used for Olympic recaps. The AI-powered voice of Michaels will narrate Olympic video highlights for the company’s streaming platform.

Good news: As a country, through lots of hard work from clinicians, patients and organizations like the American Heart Association, mortality from heart disease has been reduced by more than 50% in recent years.

Bad news: Heart disease has been the world’s No. 1 killer for over a century and a report this month from the American Heart Association (AHA) predicts that at least six in 10 U.S. adults could experience cardiovascular disease within the next 30 years. The last decade has seen a surge of cardiovascular risk factors, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, each of which raises the risks of developing heart disease and stroke. As a result, total cardiovascular disease is predicted to rise from 11.3% to 15.0% between 2020 and 2050.

Last week, the music industry trade publication ‘Hits’ reported that Sony had emerged triumphant in a battle with other recording giants to claim ownership of Queen’s catalog for $1.2B.

Back to Willie Mays, mentioned last week. Here’s some numbers:
100 Homeruns / 100 Stolen Bases: 48 players in MLB history
150 HR / 150 SB: 15
200 HR / 200 SB: 8
250 HR / 250 SB: 2
300 HR / 300 SB: Only Willie Mays
400 HR / 300 SB: Only Willie Mays
500 HR / 300 SB: Only Willie Mays
600 HR / 300 SB: Only Willie Mays

Article I’ll skip: Reddit user seeks advice after sister insists on bringing her ‘demon’ dog

Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender yelled “last call!”

Trivia #1 answer: Who is Zaccharie Risacher? – Risacher, from France, was the No. 1 overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in this past week’s NBA draft
Trivia #2: Who is the shortest MLB player to hit 3 homeruns in a game? Hint: He only hit 41 homeruns in his career. – Freddie Patek, at 5’5”, hit three homeruns at Fenway Park on June 20, 1980.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Paul Bunyan Day!

Not all who wander are lost.

“Buddy you’re an old man poor man
Pleadin’ with your eyes gonna make you some peace some day
You got mud on your face
Big disgrace
Somebody better put you back into your place”

– Queen (We Will Rock You)