Tag: sports

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)

Friday, June 21, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (I forgot my power cord up north here and aren’t very good at this on my phone)

It’s a 5-minute walk from my house to the pub. It’s a 35-minute walk from the pub to my house. The difference is staggering!

Trivia #1: The shortest player ever in the NBA (Muggsy Bogues) was how tall/short? – 4’11”, 5’3”, 5’5”, 5’8”, 5’10”

The Celtics have won the World Championship, banner #18! Don’t expect them to apologize because the playoffs were often a downer due to all the injuries up and down the conference. Not after all of the championship-or-bust pressure that had been thrust upon them. Not after going 64-18 winning the East by 14 games, finishing 80-21 and holding the high-powered Dallas Mavericks under 100 points in four of the five NBA Finals games.

Speaking of the Celtics, I’ve been wearing baseball caps backwards since I was about 13-years-old, but can’t get out of my head the image of Dallas coach Jason Kidd giving speech after speech to the Mavericks’ team with his cap on backwards. How do you look at, and respect, a coach who looks like a 13-year-old?

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Quick, efficient and with a bird’s-eye view of any scene, more police departments are embracing the use of drones to carry out law enforcement work, with some cities now even using them to respond to 911 calls.

Article I’ll skip: Taylor Swift’s favorite menu item, according to restaurant owner who saw her monthly.

Speaking of the Celtics, they last won the NBA Championship on June 17, 2008, after winning this past week on June 17, 2024 – 6/17 – the area code for Boston (617). Whoa!!!

R.I.P. Willie Howard Mays (94) – Considered one of the best all-around player in MLB history. Mays played 21 seasons with the San Francisco Giants and the Mets, batted over .300 10 times en route to a .302 career average, 3,283 hits. He was MVP in 1954 and 1965, a 24-time all-star and won 12 Gold Gloves. He led the league in homeruns four times, stolen bases four times, slugging percentage five times, total bases three time and triples three times. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.
R.I.P. Donald Sutherland (88) – Canadian actor whose career spanned more than half a century from “M.A.S.H.” through “The Hunger Games”, appearing in nearly 200 films and series. He received an Emmy in 1995, two Golden Globe awards and an honorary Oscar in 2017. His breakthrough was “The Dirty Dozen”, then the 1970 “Kelly’s Heroes (one of my all-time favorites) and then “M.A.S.H” which catapulted his career.

Trivia #1 answer: The shortest player ever in the NBA (Muggsy Bogues was how tall/short? – 4’11”, 5’3”, 5’5”, 5’8”, 5’10” – He was 5’3”

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Wagyu Day!

The three stages of life: Birth, WTF is this, Death.

“In and around the lake
Mountains come out of the sky and they stand there
One mile over we’ll be there and we’ll see you
Ten true summers we’ll be there and laughing too
Twenty-four before my love you’ll see I’ll be there with you”

– Yes (Roundabout))

Friday, June 7, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

I told my suitcases no vacation this year. Now I’m dealing with emotional baggage.

Trivia #1: Who was the 1st US President to appear on color TV? What year?
Trivia #2: When the last time a team was swept in the Stanley Cup Final?
Trivia #3: The Boston Celtics ran off eight consecutive NBA championships until which team ended their streak in 1966-67?

Nachos are just tacos that don’t have their life together.

Good night for Boston fans as the Celtics took game 1 while thrashing the Mavericks 107-89 and the Red Sox punded the White Sox 14-2.

On this date: June 7, 1942, the Battle of Midway ends: Admiral Chester Nimitz wins 1st World War II naval defeat of Japan
June 7, 1970 – British rock band The Who’s perform their rock opera “Tommy” at the Metropolitan Opera House at NYC’s Lincoln Center 
June 7, 1989 – Wayne Gretzky wins his 9th NHL Hart (MVP) Trophy in 10 years

Well, the Red Sox were 9-0 on Sundays. You’re welcome.

Are you one of the lucky ones who have invested in Nvidia, a world leader in AI computing? The stock is u over 140% this year, shares have gained more than 3,300% in the last five years and the company announced a 10-for-1 stock split today!

Go away: Hunter Biden. Really, get off of my television and get out of my news feeds.

Life ain’t nothin’ but a funny, funny riddle.

Stop complaining: More than half of U.S. workers cannot afford to rent a one-bedroom apartment while only working one full-time job.

Hey, did you hear? A SpaceX Starship launched and landed without blowing up!

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Some 14,000 student-athletes who played and learned from 1026 to now will divvy up $2.8 billion in damages from the name, image and likeness money they were denied and, going forward, schools will figure out how to divide around $20 million a year in historic revenue-sharing arrangement.

Look, I get it. The land looks beautiful after a good snowstorm, a blanket of white against a clear blue sky but, let me tell you. I like a blanket of fresh green grass, pastures, beautifully manicured golf courses too. Plus, it ain’t so cold outside!

Article I’ll skip: What Lakers could possibly expect from Dan Hurley-led team

Good news: The Celtics’ Kristaps Porzingis is back! (20 points in 21 minutes last night off the bench)

R.I.P. Larry Allen (52) – One the NFL’s the greatest offensive lineman (Dallas Cowboys) with All-Decade honors in the 1990s and 2000s and 11 Pro Bowls. His six consecutive First-Team All-Pro nods solidified him as one of the game’s nearly unstoppable forces — as did his average of 3.2 sacks allowed per season and only 13 holding penalties in 207 starts.

Trivia #1 answer: Who was the 1st US President to appear on color TV? What year? – Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1955
Trivia #2 answer: When the last time a team was swept in the Stanley Cup Final? – The Red Wings swept the Washington Capitals in 1988
Trivia #3 answer: The Boston Celtics ran off eight consecutive NBA championships until which team ended their streak in 1966-67? – The Philadelphia 76ers

Fitness is 20% exercise and 80% nutrition. You can’t outrun your fork.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Donut Day!

“Did you pay your dues?
Did you read the news
This morning when the paper landed in your yard?
Do you know their names?
Can you play their games
Without losin’ track
And coming down a bit too hard?”

– The Guess Who (Share the Land)

Friday, May 31, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

Somewhere, somebody out there is thinking of you and the tremendous impact you made on their life. It’s not me… I think you’re an idiot.

Trivia #1: What is the Walter Cup? Bonus: Who is it named after?
Trivia #2: Which of the following teams was NOT a Negro League baseball team? – Atlanta Black Crackers, Homestead Grays, Cleveland Black Barons, New York Cubans, Pittsburgh Crawfords, Indianapolis Clowns
Trivia #3: Last night’s Rolling Stones concert at Gillette Stadium was a milestone show. How many total shows have been at the venue? 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 – Bonus: Who played the first show at Gillette?

I will not sleep until I find a cure for my insomnia.

On this date: May 31, 1879, Madison Square Garden opened
May 31, 1893, Whitcomb Judson of Chicago, patents a hookless fastener (zipper)
May 31, 1968, movie star James Stewart retires from the US Air Force after 27 years of service

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: The Red Sox are 9-0 on Sundays this season with a +38 run differential.

Go away: People who think others give a shit about how they feel about the Trump conviction

Stop complaining: You haven’t a clue what the person next to you is going through. It ain’t always about you.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: More than three-fourths of American adults believe that abuses involving the use of artificial intelligence systems will affect the outcome of the presidential election.

Your Boston Celtics are favored to win the NBA Championship over the Dallas Mavericks. Giddy-up! LFG!

A couple of weeks ago, I neglected to note the DOW Jones Industrial Average hitting the 40,000 for the first time. Well, it’s back down below 38,000. DOH!

Speaking of golf, Auburn beat Florida State the other day for the NCAA Golf Championship.

Defending yourself, you’re doing it wrong. A Michigan judge was astonished when a defendant charged with driving with a suspended driver’s license dialed into a virtual court hearing while behind the wheel of a car. So he revoked the defendant’s bond and ordered him to turn himself in to the Washtenaw County Jail by 6 p.m. that day. 

Article I’ll skip: ‘Aliens’ that landed in family’s backyard used ‘cloaking device’ to hide from humans: expert

Tickets for Wednesday night’s Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) championship game between Minnesota and Boston were going for as much as $3,930 apiece! Minnesota won 3-0.

They said it: “The Celtics gave me not only my career back… they gave me my life back.” – Bill Walton

Good news: Tilton Elementary School, in Haverhill, held its annual Memorial Day Concert last week. Most of the 456 students attended and several fourth graders addressed the crowd and spoke of the history of Memorial Day and its importance to our nation while recognizing the sacrifices made by members of the military. Hey, at least some kids in our country are being taught correctly!

R.I.P. Grayson Murray (30) – Grayson was the second-youngest golfer in history to make the cut on the Korn Ferry Tour before eventually turning pro in 2015. He was a 3-time winner on the Kron Ferry Tuor and 2-tme on the PGA tour. He withdrew from the Charles Schwab Challenge during the second round last Friday citing an illness. Grayson died by suicide.
R.I.P. William Theodore “Bill” Walton III (71) – Bill was eulogized this past week as a 6-foot-11 hippie covered in tie-dye T-shirts Grateful Dead tunes. But he was so much more. He was the first and only high school player to ever make the USA Senior Men’s National Basketball Team and play in the World Championship and/or Olympics. He still holds the national all-time high school record for field goal percentage at 79 percent and is still the No. 3 all-time rebounder nationally in the history of high school basketball. He is in the National High School Sports Hall of Fame. He won the NCAA Player of the Year Award all three years he played in college (UCLA), which has led to his induction into the UCLA Hall of Fame. Walton was the starting center under John Wooden’s teams that compiled an 88-game winning streak, and brought the Bruins two undefeated championship seasons. He is a member of the NCAA’s All-Time Basketball Team. He earned Academic All-America honors all three years, and went on to become a member of the Academic All-America Hall of Fame in 1994. Walton was drafted No. 1 overall in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trailblazers, and was the Finals MVP after winning his first NBA championship in 1977. He was a Boston Celtic for his last four seasons and won his second NBA championship in 1986, the same season he also won NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. Walton is the second of only five players in NBA history to lead the league in both blocked shots and rebounding in the same season. He was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 1977 and 1978 and he is a member of the NBA’s All-Time Team as one of the league’s 50 Greatest Players Ever.

Trivia #1 answer: What is the Walter Cup? Bonus: Who is it named after? – The championship trophy for the PWHL, named after the Walter family. LA Dodgers owner Mark Walter, PWHL’s primary financial backer, launched the league by buying out the rival Premier Hockey Federation in 2023.
Trivia #2 answer: Which of the following teams was NOT a Negro League baseball team? – Atlanta Black Crackers, Homestead Grays, Cleveland Black Barons, New York Cubans, Pittsburgh Crawfords, Indianapolis Clowns – The Cleveland Black Barons (They were actually the Birmingham Black Barons, Cleveland did not have a team)
Trivia #3 answer: Last night’s Rolling Stones concert at Gillette Stadium was a milestone show. How many total shows have been at the venue? 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200 – Bonus: Who played the first show at Gillette? – It was the 100th show at Gillette and the first was also played by the Rolling Stones.

I don’t always lose stuff, but when I do, it’s because my wife moved it.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Macaroon Day!

“I’ve got ta cool myself down
Stompin’ around
Thinkin’ some words I can’t name ya
Meet ya half way
Got nothin’ to say
Still I don’t s’pose I can blame ya”

– James Gang (Walk Away)