Tag: sports

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)

Friday, May 10, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

I did it! Yet another personal record for consecutive days alive!

You come from dust. You will return to dust. That’s why I don’t dust. It could be someone I know.

Trivia #1: Who was the only U.S. president to be an only child?
Trivia #2: UCLA has the most men’s NCAA championships in what two sports?
Trivia #3: Hank Aaron hit 755 career homeruns. How many inside-the-park homeruns did he have? – 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8
Trivia #4: What is the nickname of Sacred Heart University?
Trivia #5: Which of the following is NOT an xfinity channel? – Destination Europe, FanDuel TV, Jewish Broadcasting Service, Freeform, ZeeTV, SundanceTV

On this date: May 10, 1877, U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes has the first White House telephone installed.
May 10, 1924, J. Edgar Hoover appointed first head of the FBI
May 10, 1970, Bobby Orr scores famous OT-winning goal as the Bruins beat St. Louis, 4-3 for the 4-0 series sweep.

Wow! Listening to sports talk radio, friends and family, the local optimism regarding the Celtics and Bruins has taken a swift 180. What have you done for me lately?

Go away: Stormy Daniels (Unless you’re naked, then by all means, stay)

So, Iowa’s Caitlyn Clark’s GPA is 3.64. Not too shabby.

Resisting arrest, you’re doing it wrong: A Florida man was arrested earlier this week after biting a chunk out of a deputy’s head at an EDM music festival on Sunday.

The sunscreen I use says that it is vegan. I’m not going to eat it! What the hell does that mean?

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: This is the first time in history that all four Boston and Dallas teams reached the elite eight (Bruins/Celtics, Stars/Mavericks)

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: I recently sent a group email and one of the recipient’s was a guy who works for a local bank. He had an automatic reply set and the response email read: Jones, Joe (he/him/his) – name was changed to protect the innocent

So, of the protesters who are actually students, are we going to pay off their loans too?

Get this, 22-year-old Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is on pace for an unfathomable 42 homers and 94 stolen bases this season. He finished April with 8 homeruns and 18 stolen bases, becoming the first player on record to hit both those marks in any calendar month.

Fans of sriracha sauce may find themselves scrambling — again — to get a hold of the spicy condiment. Huy Fong Foods, a leading sriracha maker in California, is warning that a shortage is on the horizon, and it’s placing the blame on jalapeño chili peppers. The company told wholesale buyers that it has to halt production because the peppers aren’t red enough.

They said it: “For all you punks, idiots and jackasses on other networks, who want to be media and who want all the players to like y’all, do your damn job. The Lakers suck and the Suns suck because of the players.” – Charles Barkley

Article I’ll skip: Family’s claim of alien sighting “can’t be denied” after noticing previously missed detail

Good news: In great news for the climate, the rate of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest halved in 2023. This is the lowest rate of deforestation in 5 years for the world’s largest rainforest.

You remove your hat for the national anthem, good for you. Now do me a favor and remove it when you enter a funeral home. Really?

Trivia #1 answer: Who was the only U.S. president to be an only child? – No U.S. president has been an only child
Trivia #2 answer: UCLA has the most men’s NCAA championships in what two sports? – Basketball (11) and volleyball (21)
Trivia #3 answer: Hank Aaron hit 755 career homeruns. How many inside-the-park homeruns did he have? – 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 – He had one inside-the-park homerun on May 10, 1967
Trivia #4 answer: What is the nickname of Sacred Heart University? – The Pioneers
Trivia #5 answer: Which of the following is NOT an xfinity channel? – Destination Europe, FanDuel TV, Jewish Broadcasting Service, Freeform, ZeeTV, SundanceTV – Destination Europe is not a channel (although Destination America is)

I have a black eye in karate.

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Lipid Day! (really)

“I’ve seen your picture
Your name in lights above it
This is your big debut
It’s like a dream come true
So you won’t you smile for the camera
I know you’re gonna love it, Peg.”

– Steely Dan (Peg)

Friday, May 3, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

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

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

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

Friday, April 26, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly.

My wife and I started role playing in the bedroom. Her go-to is “sexy librarian” where I have to sit quietly in the corner while she reads a book.

Trivia #1: Who is Chase Garbers?
Trivia #2: Last Friday, the Red Sox had 3 different players <= 24 years-old hit a homerun in the same game since 1987: Ellis Burks, Mike Greenwell and who?
Trivia #3: On April 26, 1912, the first homerun was hit at Fenway Park. Who hit it? – Casey Hageman, Tris Speaker, Hugh Bradley, Duffy Lewis, Ray Collins
Trivia #4: What is the dirtiest river in the U.S.? – Mississippi, Ohio, Calcasieu, Tennessee, Cuyahoga, Red River

On this date: April 26, 1983, Stanford quarterback John Elway is the first pick in the NFL draft by the Baltimore Colts  
April 26, 1994, physicists announce first evidence of the top quark subatomic particle.

Speaking of the NFL draft last night, the biggest winner appears to be Bill Belichick. Why? Bill was not hired during the offseason by the Atlanta Falcons who pulled a big head-scratcher by selecting Washington quarterback Michael Penix with the 8th overall pick. Not only had they signed quarterback Kirk Cousins a few months earlier to a $180M contract, but Penix has torn his right ACL twice, once in 2018 and once in 2020 with Indiana, and he had a clavicle fracture in 2019 and an A/C joint separation in 2021. What?!

Miami’s 1st round selection, Demeioun “Chop” Robinson, got his nickname as a child. He was 14 lbs at birth and his mother called him “Porkchop.” He didn’t like that so he cut it down to “Chop.”

Go away: Gisele. Oh, poor Gisele. Everyone wants to take her picture. Poor Gisele.

This just in, the PGA’s Scottie Scheffler is pretty good. After winning yet again last week, Scheffler now has 35 top 10 finishes in his last 51 PGA tournaments.

April 2024 is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.

There is no shame in taking the senior discount. If you have to be older, use it to your advantage.

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On April 26, 1994, physicists announce first evidence of the top quark subatomic particle.

Playoff NBA still can’t hang with playoff NHL.

Speaking of the Celtics, here’s a fun fact. The Celtics had more 30-point leads during the regular season than they had 10-point deficits. (They trailed by 10+ points Wednesday night. DOH!)

We need home court/ice advantage this, we need home court/ice advantage that. In the last 16 playoff games at the Garden, the Celtics are 4-7 and the Bruins are 1-4.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Researchers are warning that facial recognition technologies are “more threatening than previously thought” and pose “serious challenges to privacy” after a study found that artificial intelligence can be successful in predicting a person’s political orientation based on images of expressionless faces. 

Heckling, you’re doing it right! Finn Turlington, who turned 18 in February, was heckled on the basketball court at his school. In an effort to taunt him, an opposing team passed around nude modeling photos of Turlington’s supermodel mother, Christy. (Hmmm, when’s the next game??)

Former Detroit Lions’ wide receiver Calvin “Megatron” Johnson got a bigger ovation at the draft last night than former Detroit running back Barry Sanders. If kids only knew…

Drake Maye. Meh

And Roger Godell was booed mercilessly every time he stepped to the podium. Ya, I grinned each time.

Shoot me. Bill Belichick has been tabbed to be a “a regular recurring part of” the “ManningCast,” where Peyton and Eli Manning dissect “Monday Night Football” in real time. I’d love to watch/listen to Belichick but those two make my skin crawl.

The United Football League (UFL) – 5 things to watch for in week 4. Oh, so I guess the season started??

Good news: By the time you read next Friday’s blog, Mel Kiper will have disappeared from our lives as he does every year after the NFL draft.

Many regions across the United States experienced “record-breaking high temperatures” in 2023 due to extreme heat, according to the CDC. Emergency room visits due to heat-related illness peaked in several regions in the U.S. and remained elevated for a prolonged duration compared to visits between 2018 and 2022.

Protesting, you’re doing it wrong. The man who set himself on fire outside the New York City courthouse where former President Trump’s hush money trial was being held has been pronounced dead. Maxwell Azzarello, 37, of St. Augustine, Florida, died Friday night from his severe burns after lighting himself on fire earlier in the day inside Collect Pond Park near the Manhattan Criminal Courthouse.

Article I’ll skip: Zac Brown Band founding member on technology that scares him to death.

Trivia #1 answer: Who is Chase Garbers? – Garbers is the starting quarterback for the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas
Trivia #2 answer: Last Friday, the Red Sox had 3 different players <= 24 years-old hit a homerun in the same game since 1987: Ellis Burks, Mike Greenwell and who? – Sam Horn
Trivia #3 answer: On April 26, 1912, the first homerun was hit at Fenway Park. Who hit it? – Casey Hageman, Tris Speaker, Hugh Bradley, Duffy Lewis, Ray Collins – Hugh Bradley
Trivia #4 answer: What is the dirtiest river in the U.S.? – Mississippi, Ohio, Calcasieu, Tennessee, Cuyahoga, Red River – The Ohio River (a lifeline for six states, the river battles a relentless foe: industrial pollution.)

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Help a Horse Day!

90% of a relationship is figuring out where to eat.

“Keep on smilin’ through the rain, laughin’ at the pain
Rollin’ with the changes til the sun comes out again
Keep on smilin’ through the rain, laughin’ at the pain
Rollin’ with the changes, singin’ this refrain”

– Wet Willie (Keep on Smilin’)

If you’re too busy to watch this nearly 12 minute video, turn it up, listen and go about your business. Otherwise, enjoy and keep on smilin’.

Friday, April 19, 2024

by fasted86

Briefly. (Why do I bother…)

Wife: “I was talking to you and you yawned six times. Am I boring you?”
Husband: “Those weren’t yawns. Those were six unsuccessful attempts to speak.”

Trivia #1: Al Leiter made his major league debut in 1987 with the New York Yankees and ended his career with them also. What other team did Al throw a no-hitter for in 1993?
Trivia #2: The Atlanta Braves Greg Maddux’s personal record for fewest pitches thrown in a complete game victory was: 77, 79, 82, 83, 87, 89, 93, 95, 100

On this date: April 19, 607, Comet 1P/607 H1 (Halley) approaches within 0.0898 AUs of Earth
April 19, 1963, Johnny Cash releases single “Ring of Fire”
April 19, 1965, at a cost of $20,000, the outer Astrodome ceiling is painted because of sun’s glare, this causes the grass to die.
April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh sets a truck bomb at Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Oklahoma City, killing 168, including 19 children and injuring 500.

Bacon makes everything better.

Go away: Anything/Anyone to do with Robert Kraft and Bill Belichick. That ship has sailed as far as I’m concerned.

What a gem of a game the Red Sox’ Tanner Houck threw Wednesday night beating the Cleveland Indians 3-0. The game lasted one hour and 49 minutes, the shortest game since 2010, as Houck threw only 94 pitches while walking none.

Speaking of golf, as a public service, watch for those guys who take on their hat and run their fingers (using their right hand!) threw their hair before shaking hands with you after the round. Gross! John Rahm, and many others, are notorious for such act. I suggest quickly shifting to the fist-pump.

Stop complaining: Late last Sunday through Thursday, one year’s worth of rain fell in Dubai where at least 20 people were killed in flood waters.

April 2024 is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month.

Of the many things we learned watching the Masters last weekend, LIV golfer Cameron Smith didn’t get any better looking during the past year.

Tweet of the week: Israel has intercepted 99% of Irans’ missiles and drones. Antonio Brown: “Iran is starting quarterback Kenny Pickett.”

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination: On April 19, 607, Comet 1P/607 H1 (Halley) approaches within 0.0898 AUs of Earth

Useless information supposed to fire my imagination, part deux: NFL draft updates. Enough already! The draft begins next Thursday, let’s just get it done!

Wanna get away? How about whoever owned the car that had its alarm blaring during the Masters last weekend?

The Celtics begin their playoff run on Sunday versus… The Bruins take on the Toronto Maple Leafs (of the Original 6) in the first round beginning tomorrow night.

More useless information, supposed to spark my imagination: The Toronto Maple Leafs are part of the original 6.

This week’s sign of the apocalypse: Utah’s Nebo school district is pushing back on allegations from students about “furries” – people who identify as animals – in their middle school, with some rumors of animal-like “licking” and “biting.”

They said it: “I’ve had a speech problem coming on for the last year. There is nothing wrong with me physically and they can’t figure it out.” – Former Boston Bruins broadcaster Jack Edwards

Trivia #1 hint: It was the franchise’s first no-hitter.

On Wednesday, Jack Leiter made his major league debut with the Texas Rangers. He made Al & Mark Leiter the first MLB brothers to each have a son who made it to the show. Mark’s son Mark Jr. pitches for the Cubbies. (For the record, Jack got lit up for 3 2/3 innings, 8 hits, 7 earned runs, 3 walks and 3 strikeouts.)

Good news: NFL draft rumors will end in one week

Article I’ll skip: Blake Shelton says he would return to “The Voice” on one condition. (Spare me, Blake)

R.I.P. Dorrel Norman Elvert “Whitey” Herzog (92) – MLB manager for 18 seasons, compiling a record of 1,281-1,125 while leading the St. Louis Cardinals to pennant-winning seasons in 1982, 1985 & 1987, and a World Series title in 1982. He also managed the Kansas City Royals to division titles in 1976-1978, had his number (24) retired by the Cardinals and was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
R.I.P. Forrest Richard “Dickey” Betts (80) – Betts, whose country-inflected songwriting and blazing, lyrical guitar work opposite Duane Allman in the Allman Brothers Band helped define the Southern rock genre of the ‘60s and ‘70s. (One of my favorite guitarists/bands, just sayin’)

Congratulations to Jack Edwards who has announced his retirement after a 19-year career as the Boston Bruins broadcaster. “My dream job,” said Edwards. (Are any of you working your “dream job???”)

Speaking of the Celtics, stayed tuned as play-by-play announcer Mike Gorman calls his final playoff series call with the Celtics. A “class act” like no other!

Trivia #1 answer: Al Leiter made his major league debut in 1987 with the New York Yankees and ended his career with them also. What other team did Al throw a no-hitter for in 1993? – The Florida Marlins
Trivia #2: The Atlanta Braves Greg Maddux’s personal record for fewest pitches thrown in a complete game victory was: 79, 82, 83, 87, 89, 93, 95, 100 – 77

Wife to therapist: “I told him if anything happened to me, he should date other women.”
Husband: “So I did.”
Wife: “I meant if I died, Peter. I was stuck in traffic!”

Don’t give up, don’t ever give up.

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

Happy National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day!

“You’re my blue sky, you’re my sunny day
Lord, you know it makes me high when you turn your love my way,
Turn your love my way, yeah”

– The Allman Brothers Band (Blue Sky)

Bonus tune!