Fever

- MLB Draft ‘26

- NFL Draft ‘27

-YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Drake’s Teenage Fever because it’s next up in his discographic order.

The song samples J. Lo’s 1999 hit If You Had My Love.

Back to the ball…

Here are 5 College Baseball players that should be on the Yankees’ radar in the 2026 MLB Draft this upcoming Sunday…

Zion Rose, OF, Louisville

Zion Rose is from Chicago, Illinois. His high school days began at Brother Rice before he spent his senior year at IMG Academy. At IMG, Rose led them to their first-ever 25-0 season. As a true freshman at Louisville in ‘24, Rose was essentially the Cardinals’ full-time DH. He batted .380 with 9 doubles, 5 triples, and 5 HRs while becoming a 1st Team Freshman All-American. That offseason, he played on the USA Collegiate National Team. As a sophomore in ‘25, Zion Rose saw more action in LF, batting .310 with 16 doubles, 3 triples, and 13 RBI. He made the national team once again while earning 1st Team All-ACC honors. This spring, Rose dealt with an ankle injury to begin the year, but by season’s end he was on pace for career-highs. In 36 games, Rose hit .417 with 13 doubles, a triple, 6 homers, and 47 RBI. He possesses elite bat-to-ball skills, which should make him a high-average hitter professionally. While not known for his defense, Rose swiped 65 bases throughout his three seasons at Louisville. Good outfield option in the later half of the 1st Round.

Cole Carlon, LHP, Arizona State

Cole Carlon is from Tempe, Arizona. As a senior at Corona Del Sol High School, Carlon was dominant, posting a 1.95 ERA with an 8-2 record and 90 Ks over 61 innings. As a freshman at Arizona State, Carlon struggled out of the gate in the Sun Devils’ bullpen, throwing a 7.52 ERA in 26 appearances. He overcame his rough start, posting a 3.33 ERA in ‘25. Additionally, Carlon struck out 86 batters over 29 games and 54 innings, becoming an All-American relief pitcher. This past season, the 6’5” southpaw moved into the ASU starting rotation and was again successful as a strikeout artist. In 16 starts, Cole Carlon threw 83.2 innings with 133 Ks and a 3.87 ERA. He was particularly money in situations where he needed to bear down, stranding 82% of his baserunners and finishing with 20-inning ending strikeouts when there was a runner in scoring position. Cole Carlon has a high-90s fastball with a cutter and a curve. He could be a harder-throwing Jordan Montgomery if he can cut down on his walks.

Daniel Jackson, C, Georgia

Daniel Jackson is from Sandy Springs, Georgia. He attended North Springs High School, where he was a standout catcher. His first collegiate stop was at Wofford College. In his lone season with the Terriers, Jackson hit .357 with 12 homers while throwing out 33% of base-stealers. In ‘25, he transferred to his home state to play for the Bulldogs. As a sophomore at Georgia, Jackson hit .240 with 14 homers while playing a bit of C, RF/LF, and 1B. This past season for the Bulldogs, Jackson took over the full-time starting role and received the Buster Posey Collegiate Catcher of the Year while earning consensus 1st Team All-American honors. Daniel Jackson led the nation in total bases (212) and runs scored *88) while finishing 2nd in hits (100), home runs (32), and RBI (87). MLB scouts believe his swing is much like Tyler O’Neill’s and think his athletic ability should turn him into an elite defensive catcher.

Carson Tinney, C, Texas

Carson Tinney is from Castle Pines, Colorado. He went to Valor Christian High School, where in three seasons he batted over .400 while leading his school to a state title his senior year. His first college stop was at Notre Dame in ‘24. As a member of the Fightin’ Irish, Tinney shared starting duties behind the plate while struggling with some injuries. In 15 starts, the true freshman hit .268 with 3 HRs and 9 RBI. He stuck with the Irish in ‘25, which paid dividends as he regained health and his production ensued. Tinney batted nearly .350 with an absurd .498 OBP, plus 17 HRs and 53 RBI. This past season, he transferred to Texas. While his batting average dipped to .326, Tinney hit a career-high 22 home runs. Although he has an above-average arm, Tinney is considered a slugging catcher with many MLB scouts hoping he can become a bigger version of Hunter Goodman.

Chris Rembert, 2B, Auburn

Chris Rembert is from Pensacola, Florida. He went to Pensacola Catholic High School, where he batted over .440 and set a program record with 21 career home runs. As a true freshman at Auburn in ‘25, Rembert was a 1st Team Freshman All-American, batting .344 with 14 doubles and 10 homers while splitting time between 2B/RF. This earned a spot on the Team USA college team. This past season as a sophomore, Rembert once again showed strong bat-to-ball skills, nearly matching his batting average (.343). Although his power regressed somewhat (4 home runs), Rembert’s compact, short swing is considered one of the top bat speeds in college. With the ability to play 2B and the outfield, Rembert has some versatility that made Howie Kendrick a 15-year MLB vet.

Darian Mensah, QB, Miami

Darian Mensah is from San Luis Obispo, California. He attended Saint Joseph High School, where he was named the Mountain League Player of the Year his senior season. After redshirting behind Michael Pratt in ‘23, Mensah’s collegiate career began at Tulane in ‘24. In his one season as a starter for the Green Wave, Mensah threw for 2,723 yards and 22 TDs with just 6 INTs. He caught the eye of Duke, which offered him a scholarship when he entered the transfer portal. With the Blue Devils in ‘25, Mensah led the ACC in passing yards (3,973) and TDs (34) while again only throwing 6 INTs. Although he does have some pocket mobility, Darian Mensah is much more of a pocket passer than a dual-threat option. This upcoming season, Mensah will play for the Miami Hurricanes, filling the role that led to Cam Ward being drafted #1 in ‘25 and Carson Beck being drafted in the 3rd Round in ‘26. With another good season of production, Darian Mensah will get his name called somewhere in between those two previous Miami QBs.

Danny Scudero, WR, Colorado

Danny Scudero Jr. is from San Jose, California. He attended Archbishop Mitty High School, where in his senior year he was named the San Jose male high school athlete of the year for his 1,900 yards and 19 TDs. A 3-star recruit, Scudero’s collegiate career began at Sacramento State. As a sophomore in ‘24, he caught 54 passes for 680 yards and 5 TDs. This was enough production for him to make the jump to his hometown college, where both his parents graduated. At San Jose State in ‘25, Scudero had a monster season, earning 2nd Team AP All-American honors. The 5’9” slot WR caught 88 passes, led the nation with 1,297 receiving yards, and scored 10 TDs. This past offseason, Scudero transferred once more to Colorado, deciding to play for Coach Prime and the Buffaloes. Despite the great production with the Spartans in ‘25, Scudero likely won’t see the 156 targets again if he doesn’t fix his drops (11) problem. That said, he’s an electric slot WR that should bring some juice to Colorado’s offense.

Donnie Smith, Edge, Troy

Donnie Smith is from Greenville, Mississippi. He attended St. Joseph HS, helping them win a state title his senior year, where he racked up 46 tackles, 12 TFLs, and 7 sacks. Smith’s collegiate career began in JUCO at East Central Community College. After a 4-sack freshman campaign, Smith broke out in his sophomore season at East Central CC, finishing with 95 tackles, 21 TFLs, and 9.5 sacks. Rated the top JUCO linebacker in ‘24, Smith decided to play for Troy University. As a junior at his new school in ‘25, Donnie Smith made an immediate impact. He was named 1st Team All-Sun Belt after leading the conference in sacks with 11 on the season. Smith’s sacks were no fluke either, as he also generated 4 QB Hits and 24 QB Hurries. Despite likely generating plenty of interest had he hit the transfer portal, Donnie Smith is returning to Troy for another season in ‘26. He will look to replicate his another double-digit sack season.

John Nestor, CB, Minnesota

John Nestor is from Chicago, Illinois. His father, John as well, played college football in the defensive secondary at Miami (Ohio). John Nestor went to Marist High School, where he played DB and WR. During his senior year at Marist, Nestor had 52 tackles, 5 interceptions, 10 pass breakups, and 3 forced fumbles on defense, while chipping in with 416 all-purpose yards & 3 scores on offense. His college stop was at Iowa, where much of his playing time was on special teams. Nestor was twice awarded the Hawkeyes’ Team Hustle Award on the special teams unit, totaling 16 tackles and recovering a muffed punt. He transferred to Minnesota in '25, earning a starting role at CB and becoming a ball magnet on defense. John Nestor tied for the most interceptions in the Big Ten last season, picking off 6 passes and breaking up another 5. That said, he’s also not afraid to defend the run, finishing with 6 TFLs and 50 tackles. Given that he’ll now be fully on opponents’ radar as a ballhawk, it’ll be interesting to see whether teams shy away from Nestor’s side of the field.

Jacarrius Peak, OT, South Carolina

Jacarrius Peak is from Valdosta, Georgia. He played football and basketball while throwing shot and discus in the spring at Valdosta High School. His collegiate career began at NC State, where he redshirted his entire ‘22 season. As an RS freshman in ‘23, Peak was named the team’s Alpha Rising Award for Most Improved Player and Jim Ritcher Award for most valuable offensive lineman as he started the final six games of the season at Right Tackle. In ‘24, Peak returned to make 12 starts at RT before earning his first shot as the blindside tackle in the Wolfpack’s bowl game. This past season, Peak took over the Left Tackle spot at NC State, where he was named an Honorable Mention to the All-ACC team. Peak had over 50 pancake blocks and was graded as one of the top pass-blocking tackles in the nation. In over 1,200 pass-blocking snaps, Jacarrius Peak has only allowed 7 sacks and 5 QB Hits. During the transfer portal, Peak transferred to South Carolina but, unfortunately, suffered a lower-body injury playing pickup hoops, which forced him to miss spring practice. Nonetheless, he is expected to take over the starting LT spot once he recovers.

YouTube Rabbithole

Team USA Gets Flo Back

American Kids

- History of America’s Pastime

- Yanks Week 15 Notes

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is American Kids by Kenny Chesney.

Nice catchy country chorus!

On to a bit about baseball….

America’s Pastime

Besides being Frank Sinatra’s hometown, the other cool claim to fame about Hoboken is being the home of baseball. On June 19th, 1846, the NY Knickerbockers got their arses handed to them by the New York Nine by the score of 23-1. The game of baseball was nothing like today, with pitch clocks or pitch limits, but it had four bases arranged in a diamond shape, and a pitcher threw the ball underhand to the batter. This was back when men were men, with no gloves for the fielders, and players could be put out either by catching a fly ball or by pegging runners.

The man behind the first documented game of baseball was also the man behind the plate umpiring. That would be Alexander Joy Cartwright Jr., who decided to set the bases 90 feet apart and establish all the 9s in America’s Pastime. The Father of Modern Baseball was born in New York City in 1820. His father was a sea merchant captain, while his mother gave birth to and raised his 6 siblings. At 16 years old in 1836, Alex Jr. worked as a clerk for a Wall Street broker. As a teenager, when he wasn’t learning stocks and bonds, Cartwright was also a volunteer firefighter. He would play “bat-and-ball” games with fellow volunteers on the streets of Manhattan. Eventually, volunteer firefighters of Knickerbocker Engine Company No. 12 decided they should make a ball club from their stickball playing days.

As Manhattan’s landscape started to expand and industrialize, the Knickerbockers needed more land for their ball playing. So, they ventured across the Hudson River by ferry to Hoboken, New Jersey. Elysian Fields had plenty of room for fellas to play this game called “baseball” using the “Cartwright rules.” Alexander J. Cartwright Jr. didn’t just take his new game west of The City into Hoboken, he went a bit further than that. In 1849, the New Yorker was a 49er who headed to the Pacific for the gold rush. He brought America’s future Pastime along with him. His mission to grow didn’t just stay within the continental United States either. Cartwright Jr. ended up out in Hawaii before it was even an American state. He founded the Makiki Baseball Field in 1852 on the island of Oahu. Cartwright Jr. died out in Hawaii, but his legacy of baseball would stay there for good as they renamed the Baseball Diamond after him in 1938. That same year, the Baseball Hall of Fame gave the father of modern Baseball a plaque in Cooperstown.

(Source: Society for American Baseball Research)

Game 83

- Facing a four-game sweep by the last-place Boston Red Sox on NBC’s Sunday Night Baseball, the Yankees lineup gets no-hit by Sonny Gray into the one out in the Top of the 8th. Not much action goes on before the Yankees’ first hit, except for random spots of Bob Costas in Fenway’s centerfield gallery attempting to connect how 9/11 is somehow similar to the horrific recent Venezuelan earthquakes and how Boston’s blue laws used to prevent the Sox from playing Sunday games up until something like 1933. In the meantime, Carlos Rodon labored through five innings of 2-run ball, giving way to 2-innings of scoreless work from Paul Blackburn and David Bednar each. Jazz Chisholm Jr. gets himself thrown out of the game in the 6th inning. The Yankees tied things up at 2-2 in the Top of the 9th thanks to a Little League-level bad chuck of the throw from Wilyer Abreu. New York went up 4-2 in extra innings, only for Fernando Cruz to have absolutely nothing in the 10th. Yanks get swept up in Boston.

Game 84

- Hosting the Detroit Tigers in the Bronx, Ryan Weathers can’t get out of the 2nd inning. The Southpaw gave up 5 runs in 1.2 innings, but was only on the hook for 2 earned runs as he was victimized by poor fielding. Austin Wells allowed a pass ball in the 1st, while Jose Caballero threw one afoul from 3B in the 2nd. Jazz Chisholm Jr. gets his bell rung and has to leave the game in the 4th, colliding with Jasson Dominguez on a pop-up to short RF. Down 5-0, the Yankees’ lineup showed absolutely no signs of life except for a pair of Spencer Jones doubles. Amed Rosario would line a 3-run home run in the 8th, but the score was 7-3 by then. Yanks lose 7-3.

Game 85

- You know things are bad when Cam Schlittler gives up 4 home runs by the 3rd inning. The first of the Detroit home runs should’ve been robbed by Spencer Jones, but it bounced off his glove and into the Yanks’ bullpen. The young Yankees’ ace can’t make it out of the 5th inning as the Tigers’ offense gave Tarik Skubal an abundance of run support. Skubal allowed just 2 runs in 6 innings of work as Ben Rice’s 1st-inning solo shot was the highlight of the night for the Bronx Bombers. Yanks get embarrassed 9-2 to lose six in a row.

Game 86

- Hoping to avoid another sweep, the Yankees send Will Warren out there on the mound in the Bronx for a Wednesday afternoon game. Warren gives up a solo home run in the 3rd and a sac fly in the 6th, but otherwise pitched well with 7 strikeouts in 5.1 innings. The New York Yankees’ offense once again fails to produce many scoring opportunities for most of the afternoon. After presumably spending most of his morning in the loo with food poisoning, Spencer Jones pinch-hits for Austin Wells and tries his best to get a rally going with a single. He gets stranded at 3rd with less than two outs as Ben Rice strikes out and Jasson Dominguez lines out. Yanks finally put some runs up in the 9th when Amed Rosario drills a solo home run and Jazz Chisholm steals two bags to tie things up at 2-2. This time, Fernando Cruz gets the job done in the 10th only for Oswaldo Cabrera to fail to get the game-winning run home from 3rd with one out in the bottom half, and Camillo Doval to give up 4 runs in the 11th. Yanks lose 6-2, extending their losing streak to seven straight.

Game 87

- After an off day, the Yankees send Spencer Jones and Oswaldo Cabrera down to Triple-A while placing Carlos Rodon on the IL with an elbow injury, as Trent Grisham and Ryan McMahon are back from their own injuries. Grisham makes an immediate impact with a leadoff home run after Gerrit Cole gave up a solo shot to Roger Clemens’ son in the Top of the 1st. A rain delay occurs in the bottom of the 3rd, but when play resumes, Ben Rice hits his 24th home run of the season to give the Yankees a 3-1 lead. Aaron Boone wants to take out Gerrit Cole after the 4th inning, but the older Yankees’ ace sternly tells Boonie to kick rocks in the dugout. Cole goes 5 innings, earning the win as the Yankees tack on two more runs in the 7th, and get scoreless outings from Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn, Fernando Cruz, and David Bednar out of the pen. Yanks snap their 7-game losing streak by defeating the Twins 5-2.

Game 88

- On the USA’s 250th birthday, Brendan Beck makes his first career MLB start and immediately gets lit up. Beck allows three home runs and five total runs by the 2nd inning. Jasson Dominguez hit a solo shot in the 4th, Max Schuemann hit a two-run shot in the 5th, and Cody Bellinger snapped a slump by ripping an RBI double. After gaining momentum, Aaron Boone empties the bench in the 6th by pinch-hitting Amed Rosario and Paul Goldschmidt with the bases loaded. The plan doesn’t work. Minnesota blows open the doors in the 8th inning when Camillo Doval gives up four runs, thanks in part to Jazz bobbling a routine grounder. Yanks get blown out on the 4th of July, 11-4 Twins win.

Next

- No moves will fix this team. The organization is inept. Nothing’ll change.

YouTube Rabbithole

The Sandlot - 4th of July Scene

American Pie

- Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

The 4th of July means today’s tune is Don McLean’s American Pie.

New Rochelle’s own Don McLean wrote and released this American folk rock classic at 26 years old in 1971. American Pie peaked at #1 on the US Billboard charts for 4 weeks. It even did numbers outside of the States, peaking at #7 in Ireland, #2 in the UK, and #1 in Australia & New Zealand. If you clicked on this one, I’m sure you already know most of the words to the song, but here is a bit on the cultural references…

On February 3rd, 1959, 3 American rock & roll musicians - Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson - tragically died in a plane crash while touring during their “Winter Dance Party” across the Midwest of America. Buddy Holly was only 22 years old at the time and already a star. He was hoping to skip out on the long, cold bus ride. Waylon Jennings, who was a part of Buddy Holly’s band “The Crickets”, swapped out his seat with “The Big Bopper” because Richardson had the flu. Valens “won” the seat on the plane in a coin flip. What’s even sadder to read about was that Buddy Holly’s widowed bride, María Elena Holly, suffered a miscarriage the next day. Only 13 years old at the time and a massive fan of all three musicians, Don McLean was deeply affected.

Bye-bye, Miss American Pie is synonymous with loss of innocence and a changing of the guard. A whole generation of Americans went through a lot in the 1960s. Just to name a few, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. For McLean, the death of Buddy Holly, which occurred just before these events, marked the beginning of the loss of innocence. Being American-made, Chevy fits not only the song title but the theme. The 1957 Chevy is one of the most recognizable cars ever made. The “levee” refers to a bar in New Rochelle that Don McLean would go to during his days at Iona Prep. However, according to Talk of the Sound, “The people all agreed there was never a bar called The Levee. And the people who said the Beechmont used to be called The Levee are just wrong.” It is still a bar called Beechmont Tavern. They have Guinness, a good college bar, confirmed. (Source: Pint&Pen&Paper Week 115 (Vol II))

A 1950s band, the Monotones, had a song called “The Book Of Love,” while Don Cornell released “The Bible Tells Me So.” Both of these came out right before Buddy Holly’s death. Before Rock ‘n’ Roll, there was a ton of popular music that high schoolers would slow dance to in gyms. “Kicking off shoes” was very popular in the 1950s as kids would attend “sockhops”, which sound like jean jams from my day. The pink carnation refers to another 1957 song called White Sport Coat (and a Pink Carnation), so McLean would drive to these dances in a white sports coat with a pink carnation flower in his pocket. McLean is still nostalgic for the rhythm and blues because it brings him back to his younger self.

Don McLean began writing American Pie in 1969, 10 years after the plane crash. Buddy Holly in his song, “Early in the Morning,” had lyrics, “Well, you know a rollin’ stone. Don’t gather no moss,” so here McLean flips Holly’s words. The internet consensus is that “the jester” is Bob Dylan, who wore a coat similar to James Dean’s in his 1963 album, The Freewheelin’. McLean may have held a bit of resentment towards Bob Dylan because of Dylan’s success. Dylan was tagged as the voice of McLean’s generation, which pissed McLean off. The King here is Elvis Presley. Elvis was at the peak of his powers in the late 1950s, but then began to decline as Bob Dylan’s music rose up the charts. The courtroom and the lack of a verdict are a bit mysterious. It could be about the National Guard shooting Kent State students at a Vietnam War protest, or it could be about how America never got the answers to who shot JFK. John Lennon reading up on the Communist Manifesto probably did happen, and the quartet - The Beatles - did play music in Candlestick Park in 1965, as McLean was still not considered a star in the music industry, so out in the dark.

Helter Skelter was not only a Beatles song, but McLean acknowledged that he used this to Charles Manson’s murders that took place in the Summer of 1969. The Rolling Stones came out with “Gimme Shelter” that same year. “Eight Miles High” is a song by The Byrds about a plane journey. McLean ad-libs the falling fast, then goes back to the Buddy Holly crash. The forward pass line is how football teams started throwing the ball more from the 1950s to the 1960s. Bob Dylan, the jester, was involved in a motorcycle accident in the 1960s and had to wear a cast. The sergeants here, I’m guessing, had to do with the Vietnam War, and the kids getting up to dance could mean protesting it, or simply be about Woodstock.

Everybody being in “one place” likely has to do with Woodstock. Woodstock took place from August 15-18, 1969. The moon landing took place on July 20, 1969. The Summer of 1969 was nuts. Every verse of McLean’s references events from when Buddy Holly passed to when McLean was writing the song, so with all that went down, it once again represents that his generation can’t start again since they grew up. Jack be nimble is a nursery rhyme that alludes to the fact that 1950s American kids were no longer innocent…They’d seen through some stuff. The rest of the lines have to do with the Hells Angels, the biker gang, being hired by The Rolling Stones (who had a song “Jumping Jack Flash”) as security at Candlestick Park. The concert ended horrifically when an 18-year-old was killed by a Hells Angels member. Mick Jagger could be the Devil here…He did write “Sympathy for the Devil.”

McLean said of this bridge, “I got the bad news at the front of the song, so now I’m asking her for some happy news at the end of the song. She doesn’t give me good news.” Janis Joplin is who most people think McLean is talking about here. She, unfortunately, passed away a year before this song while overdosing on heroin. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost here could be yet another callback to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and “The Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson, or MLK, JFK, and RFK.

Don McLean once said, “That song didn’t just happen. It grew out of my experiences. American Pie was part of my process of self-awakening, a mystical trip into my past. People ask me if I left the lyrics open to ambiguity. Of course, I did. I wanted to make a whole series of complex statements. The lyrics had to do with the state of society at the time. In a sense, American Pie was a very despairing song. In another, though, it was very hopeful. Pete Seeger told me he saw it as a song in which people were saying something. They’d been fooled, they’d been hurt, and it wasn’t going to happen again. That’s a good way to look at it—a hopeful way.”

While most of the theme of American Pie casts a cynical view of America on her 250th birthday, why not look at it in the hopeful way McLean mentions… A guy from New Rochelle wrote a brilliant song about visiting his local bar. He told it how he saw it, which has resonated for a long time. He knew if he had his chance, he could make those people dance, and we sure have. I learned a lot from researching a song that I’ve known all the words to from the time I was 5, so might as well run this back again next year.

Back in 1916, a Polish immigrant named Nathan Handwerker started selling hot dogs from his stand on Coney Island. He began the business thanks to a $300 loan from friends and his wife’s secret hot dog recipe. Legend has it that on July 4, 1916, 4 immigrants gathered around Nathan Handwerker’s hot dog stand and made history by competing to see how many hot dogs they could eat to measure their patriotism. After years of unofficial urban legends, Coney Island hosted the first recorded Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest in 1972.

Joey Chestnut, a Great American Hero, once again returns to Coney Island to reclaim his throne. The 17-time Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest champion was victorious last July 4th after being suspended from competing in 2024’s event because of his sponsorship conflict with Impossible Foods. Since his first victory in 2007, Joey Chestnut has averaged 67 hot dogs eaten per competition. That’s just over a whopping 1,200 hot dogs in 18 years. His only loss during his reign came in 2015, when he lost to Matthew Stonie by the close score of 62-60. Chestnut’s career-high for hot dogs eaten in 10 minutes during the competition was 76 in 2021.

After showing no signs of slowing down in 2025, my scouting report is that Joey Chestnut once again comes out on top. Only a year ago, Chestnut took on long-time rival Takeru Kobayashi for a Netflix special called Unfinished Beef. The Japanese “Godfather of competitive eating” put up a personal career-best of 66 hot dogs, but was no match for Chestnut, who downed a remarkable 83 hot dogs. Don’t be the guy at the water cooler in the office on Monday who bet against Joey Chestnut winning on America’s 250th!

The women’s competition of the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest will begin at 10:45 AM on ESPN8 “The Ocho.” You can catch Joey Chestnut as he goes for his 18th title belt at noon.

Happy Birthday America, here’s to an even better 250 more!

YouTube Rabbithole

Don McLean - American Pie (Live 1972)

Kids in America

- World Cup Weekend

- TD’s Top 13 Movies of the Summer

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Kim Wilde’s Kids in America. This song was released in 1981, peaking at #25 in the USA while hitting #2 in Ireland and the UK.

Kim Wilde was 20 years old at the time of this tune and funny enough she’s from the UK.

Her father, Marty Wilde, and brother, Ricky, were the writers of this song. Wilde said…

“My dad’s head went into a fantasy, this idea of everything being better in America. Of course for his generation, that was very true. Everyone was going to drive-in movies, drinking milkshakes, and having hamburgers in America. We weren’t doing things like that in the UK. I think a lot of that got caught up in the lyrics – all the kids in America are having a better, more interesting, more dangerous time than we were here.”

Her father was jealous of American kids in his day who were listening to Elvis Presley.

This is going to sound very niche for people around my age, but this song reminds me of the Jimmy Neutron movie. It feels like a scene where people might go, oh yeah, I remember that. That’s what this song reminds me of, being a kid around ‘01.

If you don’t remember the scene, that’s okay, carry on.

When Kim Wilde recorded this song, she was still living under her parent’s roof and her brother’s bedroom shared a wall with hers. “He’d got himself a Wasp keyboard –­ the little yellow and black thing – and I was really annoyed by all the noises coming out of his room. It had a sort of pulsing beat which ended up being the intro to Kids In America. That was particularly annoying coming through into my room while I was trying to listen to Joni Mitchell.”

Apparently, this song was also in the movie Clueless.

Very catchy.

The classic La La La La-La La-La filler always works.

You can tell the Wilde family didn’t have an American history background, as Manifest Destiny didn’t end in East California. Why stop at East California when you can go sea to shining sea?

Now these kids in America from the ‘80s are all grown up, some with grown-up kids and some with grandkids.

Great tune, on to a bit about this World Cup weekend, and then the best movies of the summer…

World Cup Weekend

Team USA will take on Belgium in the Round of 16 on Monday in Seattle, Washington, at the home of the Seahawks. Belgium began the World Cup in Group G, having barely topped the table, thanks to a 5-1 blowout victory over New Zealand after two ties. Their Round of 32 match against Senegal was an absurd comeback, in which they scored twice in the final 5 minutes of regulation before winning on a 120th-minute penalty kick. These two nations have played each other seven times before. The United States defeated Belgium in the inaugural 1930 World Cup, but has since lost six straight. Their most recent matchup came in the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil, where Chris Windolowski missed a point-blank wide open net in stoppage time, and the Belgians would win the match 2-1 in extra time.

Who to Mark?

Belgium has the most world-class stars the US will have faced thus far in the tournament. They haven’t totally gelled at times in the World Cup because they're sorta in an era of transition. Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku are Belgium’s biggest names, but are on the other side of 30. In their win over Senegal, De Bruyne was subbed off at the 33rd minute, and while Lukaku did score their first goal, the striker plays like a statue at this point. The guy the United States may want to game-plan around is Youri Tielemans. Their team captain scored the game-tying header in the 89th minute and then stepped up for the PK to beat Senegal. Tielemans isn’t much of a goalscorer, but is a workhorse defensive midfielder. Make his life difficult on Monday, kick him in the shins, step on his foot when the ref or VR isn’t watching, and they’ve got a shot.

Team USA

After a nice win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the biggest news surrounding the Americans is that Flo Balogun is suspended from Monday’s matchup. The prolific American striker picked up a controversial red card against Bosnia thanks to a slow-motion replay that made his attempted tackle much worse than it did in real-time. A massive underlying positive for the Americans is that they not only were able to stave off the Bosnians while playing a man down for over half an hour, but they even outscored them on Malik Tillman’s brilliant free kick. How the United States will replace its leading goalscorer is still a bit of a mystery, but Mauricio Pochettino does have options. The most straightforward move would be to plug their backup striker Ricardo Pepi into Balogun’s spot.

At 18, Pepi was named the MLS Young Player of the Year in 2021 after scoring 13 goals that season, before moving across the pond to play for clubs in the German and Dutch leagues. An alternative that could be in play is playing Christian Pulisic in a “false 9” role where he plays more of a center-forward midfield. Given that the US may want to overload the midfield to keep up with Belgian possession, the false 9 move could make some sense, but it didn’t work much in their friendly against Portugal. Either way, if Pulisic is playing center forward or on the flank, I think he’ll have to be much more involved than he was against Bosnia.

Today’s Matches

- Today is the last of the Round of 32 games. The Aussies vs Egypt match is a toss-up, with neither nation having ever won a knockout-stage game. Lionel Messi will face the Cinderella story of the World Cup in Cape Verde. The small island nation with a population of 525k became the smallest country to ever reach the tournament’s knockout stage. Messi, who already holds the all-time record in World Cup goals scored (19), is looking to extend another goal-scoring record, entering today having scored a goal in 7 consecutive World Cup matches. The last Round of 32 matchup features Colombia vs Ghana, with Colombia considered the heavy favorite.

Saturday’s Matches

- The start of the Round of 16 begins with Canada facing Morocco on Saturday, followed by France vs Paraguay in the evening before fireworks. I don’t think the Canadians have a chance in hell on the 4th of July, given they’ve played a cupcake schedule to get here. Just goes to show they should’ve taken up arms in 1776. Paraguay prevented another French-German conflict, but I can’t see a team that lost 4-1 to the USA just a couple of weeks ago beating both European powers.

Sunday’s Matches

- Not often does Brazil take a backseat to a prime-time matchup, but in the case of England vs Mexico, that’ll be the game you can’t miss. Mexico City will host England for the first time since the 1986 World Cup quarter-final, where Argentina’s Diego Maradona scored his infamous “Hand of God” goal to defeat the Brits. The English are coming off an electric win in the Round of 32 with Harry Kane's 2nd half heroics. Mexico and England have only played each other once in the World Cup, in 1966, the same year England would go on to win their lone World Cup title. Brazil will take on Norway in the match before England-Mexico. Hopefully Erling Haaland can make things interesting, but it’s Brazil’s to lose.

Monday’s Matches

- In the lead-up to the USA-Belgium match, Portugal will take on Spain in a battle for the Iberian Peninsula. The neighboring counties have had a long-standing football rivalry known as the Iberian Derby. Since 1934, Portugal and Spain have faced off in six previous World Cup matches, with the Spaniards winning 4 matches and drawing the other 2. The last time these two nations met in the World Cup was in 2018, when Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in the group stage, but the teams tied 3-3.

Kicking off with 2 mid-2000s comedies. Both films are about late teenagers on their summer vacation. American Pie takes place at a Lake House around Lake Michigan while Eurotrip goes abroad.

Fellas, I felt like I had to throw the women a bone with The Notebook. I’m not quite sure what Rachel McAdams saw in Ryan Gosling after he was an absolute liability at corner in the Titans’ secondary and couldn’t tackle a lick. Speaking of throwing bones, the dogs needed some representation, and My Dog Skip feels like it took place around the summer. Both McAdams and Diane Lane were superb in their roles.

Everybody assumes Macaulay Culkin went through a lot as a child actor because of his iconic roles in Home Alone 1 & 2, but I disagree. Imagine being 11 years old and asked to take on the role of My Girl. To this day, there are grown-ass men from the 90s petrified of getting stung by little bees because of this film. Jaws is just such a classic and is needed to help give this list some credibility. To this day, there are grown-ass men from the 70s petrified of getting in the ocean because of this film.

The Goonies is the ultimate 80s kids’ adventure, while Ferris Bueller’s Day Off is the ultimate senioritis adventure film. Neither of these takes place in the summer, but the vibes for both are very summer-like.

Stand By Me is Stephen King’s classic coming-of-age film about a writer recounting a childhood journey with friends. You guys want to see a dead body? Makes a ton of sense why King writes so much horror. Dazed and Confused doesn’t get talked about enough. Set in 1976, we get to watch what the last day of school in Austin, Texas, was like. There are so many scenes and one-liners, I forgot about the Air Raid one. If you haven’t seen it, it’d be a lot cooler if you did.

Aliens were the move here. I was conflicted between Men in Black and Independence Day, but being that it’s July 4th weekend, it became a no-brainer. ET, enough said.

The most obvious summer movie of all time. What’s cooler than partying at the Moontower in the 70s? Well, it’d be playing America’s Pastime at the Sandlot in the summer of 1962.

This was the original Week to Week Notes with a header. That Note featured KD wanting out of Brooklyn, Jalen Brunson signing with the New York Knicks, a whatever happened to Gary Cooper reference, USC joining the Big Ten, and the Aaron Judge Watch as he hit his 28th homer in ‘22 to walk off against the Houston Astros.

4 years later, pretty cool.

YouTube Rabbithole

Kim Wilde - Kids in America

Mr. Brightside #22

- Yanks & Jets Banter

- Critiquing the Critics: The Patriots

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Thursday’s Banter tune is Mr. Brightside by The Killers, specifically Jacques Lu Cont’s Thin White Duke Remix without the lyrics.

More importantly, if you ever find something funny on the internet, have a story to share, or some insight on your favorite team, you can always send over a text, direct message on social media, or email WeekToWeekNotes@gmail.com. Thanks!

NY Yankees & Jets Banter

The large, italicized font is my Uncle Robby and Cousin Drew.

The small font is me.

6/25 ‘26

2nd favorite player in the W.

Robby: lol WNBA is a mess.

Deliberately self-sabotaging their most marketable player they have is certainly a choice.

Robby: Dumb

Drew: I liked sauce, but I’m glad we don’t have to deal with him anymore. He’s not a very bright guy.

Agreed, Colts PR problem now having to defend their highest paid employee for defending someone facing 8 felony charges with no bond.

Drew: Yeah… like maybe just don’t say anything at this point dude.

Robby: Yikes. Glad we kept Garret and turned this dude into picks. Matt Turner is the starting goalie for the USA tonight.

Drew: LFG

Pretty awesome, “LA stadium” looks sick too

6/26 ‘26

Mets’ wishlist of candidates:

- Jorge Posada

- Brett Gardner

- Mariano Rivera

- Andy Pettitte

Robby: lol this guy fell fast.

Drew: Those guys aren’t dumb enough to touch that mess.

Drew: Can’t make it up

Robby: So bad - clown franchise

Being a Mets fan is a humiliation ritual at this point.

Drew: Yes. They are right there with the Jets if not worse.

Robby: Worse by far. And that says a lot.

Robby: Hope this is true - but hard to say he’s exceeded expectations this year until he has a catch in a real game?

Drew: He is a big X factor for this team long-term, tho. If he can actually be a #2 next to Garrett…. Imagine the situation for a young QB to walk into

Robby: Would be amazing.

In the last few years, they’ve been growing arms out of labs.

Robby: Yup. We need to get something out of it. Win a World Series before the strike.

6/28 ‘26

Drew: I’m at a random bar in Brooklyn

Paul Scholes was a class midfielder

Drew: Yes

Robby: That’s awesome!

Drew: If you asked AI “show me what an English Striker should look like”…. It would just be a picture of Harry Kane.

His grandmother is Irish and his grandparents met/lived in Letterfrack, same village my dad’s from in Galway.

Drew: That’s pretty cool. Maybe it’s the Irish blood in him that makes him so good.

Definitely the Paddy part.

6/29 ‘26

Robby: Terrible

Either the Red Sox really know how to scout the Yankees by this time of year or they just always seem lifeless this time of year.

Robby: Or both

Drew: I’m not sure I’ve seen the Yankees get a hit yet this weekend.

Robby: When is Judge coming back?

Drew: I don’t think they know. Not soon enough.

Robby: They need to make some real trades or else they are getting bounced in round 1.

Great job by Jazz for getting ejected. What they really need.

Robby: And I wish they put Volpe at 2b and Caballero at SS

Maybe he can do more self-inflicted lollipop nonsense, hit a home run, and then go 1 for 17 the rest of the week.

Robby: I’m done with him.

Drew: Yup. He will not be back next year

Robby: F Sonny Gray and his bs no-hitter. Yanks embarrassing themselves - but Boston sucks. Cute weekend for them but they stink and Yanks will win the division running away (Tampa Bay - no)

Robby: That throw lol

Drew: What the hell was that!

Ben Rice or Paul Goldschmidt going to have to play 3B or outfield? Or they’ll lose DH

Robby: What did they do?

Broadcast probably too busy talking over each other to know what they did.

Robby: Yea they suck

Drew: I’ve been on mute. Just keep seeing Bob costas pop up in the outfield seats randomly. Weird

Robby: Yanks win this game and all the other 3 wins for Sox go out the window lol. Does he look like this^?

Drew: So disgusting.

Robby: Boston sucks

Drew: Terrible loss. Bullpen needs a lot of work

Robby: Terrible series. If yanks want to win they need to make some changes. A lot more legit excuses this year, but no matter what - it’s the same thing every year.

Drew: Yes. But… if we nip it in the bud here we’re ok. Can’t let this snowball.

6/29 ‘26

Drew: I think LeBron is legit gonna go to the Warriors

Robby: Fitting end to his sad career. Kidding.

Drew: Lol. I think this will make your head explode

Robby: When KD asks to join him, yes.

Robby: Not untrue

Definitely not wrong. Still believe he can come through in October tho and not Cash’s worst contract.

Robby: Yanks are hard to watch again. Happens every year

Drew: Brutal. I have the soccer game on. Not worth it tonight.

Robby: Guy from my team at work went to Boston to watch the Germany / Paraguay game. Told him to get to his hotel room quickly - a lot of unhappy German dudes in Boston tonight.

Drew: Oh yeah. Big time.

I was looking forward to Germany France next round. Definitely a lot of disappointed Germans in Boston haha

6/30 ‘26

Robby: Kinda lol

He’s not wrong, lot of offsides is buzzkill but needed. It’d be like allowing catcher’s interference in baseball, goaltending in basketball, or holding in football.

Robby: I don’t really get holding it football either - looks like it happens every play.

True football is most subjective know it when you see it, but if they allowed blatant holding every play then every team would do it. Maybe not the best comparison.

Robby: Allowing catchers interference once per at bad would be wild.

From 1900 to 1913, that was pretty much allowed, but I’m sure Honus Wagner would take your hand off if you tried stealing a strike

Robby: lol. Baseball is very cool. I think the stuff about LeBron is BS click bate so they have a story to talk about and speculate. He knows exactly where he’s going and they probably do too, but they just won’t say it for a while.

Robby: It’s not what you want…Tigers hitting missiles off Cam in 1st. Not good. Also not what you want.

Drew: Bad

7/1 ‘26

Robby: History!!

Kind of amazing they didn’t do that during the Lyle Overbay, Jayson Nix, and Eduardo Nunez 2013 season

Robby: Wow. This guy helped - but I feel like they’ll be able to replace him.

Great Knick. Was awesome at what he was good at and knew his game/role. They probably need two big guys, but I think the GM has plan.

Drew: Crazy goal. He basically said “I’m scoring this” as soon as he got that ball

Robby: “Majestic” !!

Mexico-England in Mexico City on Sunday night going to be nuts.

Robby: Yikes

Sounds mean, but time to DFA Oswaldo. Sends a message to the clubhouse.

Drew: My Gotham sports app is just not working. What happened

Doval blew it…But Oswaldo had runner on 3rd one out in the 10th. Struck out badly.

Robby: Doval is terrible. One of these guys that looks like he should know how to pitch but can’t terrible and they should stop rolling them out there.

Drew: It’s not even interesting to get mad about it anymore. It’s literally the same thing every season, beat for beat, same quotes from Boone.

Yup, they’ll get the Twins in town this weekend, they’ll probably sweep them, start talking about how they’ve turned it around and then score 2 runs in 4 games down in Tampa Bay.

Robby: Judge says guys aren’t focused? Throw them off the team. They have to be reminded to play hard and that they want to win a World Series? That’s ridiculous.

Drew: Yes and then we’ll figure it out and play well end of summer into September, then choke in playoffs as usual. Maybe we make the World Series if we get lucky and only play AL Central teams in playoffs. That’s pretty much it.

Robby: We pinch hit our rookie who’s crapping his pants in the locker room because our catcher is hitting .100 with 10 rbi.

Wells had half as many home runs and RBI in the WBC as he has this entire season. They should trade him for the top catcher in the DR Pro League.

Robby: Let’s go !!!!

Wow

Drew: Let’s goooooo

What a free

Robby: Amazing

10 minutes extra time is outlandish

Drew: Insane..Our goalie kinda sucks. He seems very stressed out..We should put Mike Kline’s nephew back in!

Robby: Grandma and grandpa should get us tickets for the game in Seattle.

Robby: Let’s go!!

Drew: USA

Late one for Shane!

This week’s Critiquing the Critics is on The Patriot, obviously because of America’s 250th this weekend. With a $110 million budget, the American Revolutionary War movie made $215 million at the box office in 2000.

Here’s what the critics had to say…

Do have to give this some props. The only other real option this week would’ve been the Ken Burns doc.

J. Hoberman does not speak for the village!

Of course, not an ordinary war movie. Birth of the US of A, baby! ‘Murica!

Well, we watched this Social Studies in the 6th grade. Pre-teen, built different.

Roger Ebert approved! Of course, there are a few historical inaccuracies, but who cares, it’s a Hollywood movie.

YouTube Rabbithole

The Patriot (Movie Trailer)

MMMBop

- Griff’s Place (@griffs_place)

- Grant City Tavern (@grantcitytavern132)

- Trackside Bar & Grill (@tracksidebarandgrill)

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Hanson’s MMMBop because it was playing at one of the many fine drinking establishments in Staten Island this past April.

MMMBop became a worldwide phenomenon in 1997, peaking at #1 on the US, Irish, UK, Aussie, Austrian, Belgian, Canadian, Danish, German, Italian, New Zealand, Scottish, Swedish, and Swiss charts.

On to the pints…

#GuinnessChallengeSeason

Commonly Asked Questions

What’s the deal with “hashtag Guinness Challenge Season?”

I don’t know; it was invented after a Jets loss and quite a few pints on New Year’s Day of ‘23. The “Season” was supposed to last from New Year’s to Saint Patrick’s Day, but the bit has stuck for 183 weeks now.

What is a Guinness Challenge?

When you split the G of a proper pint of Guinness in one sip, it’s fun. You should try it next time. See the picture above for reference.

Is there a difference between Guinness at different places?

Why yes, of course, great question. Guinness varies more than any other beer. It comes in all shapes and sizes like bottles, cans, and drafts (draughts, as the Euros say it). A proper pour of Guinness is a work of art. Guinness kegs must be run quite a bit, and their lines must be cleaned extensively. As a self-proclaimed Guinness connoisseur, my 0.0 to 10.0 scale is extraordinarily nuanced, but for reference, the only perfect 10.0 will be at the Guinness Factory.

Griff’s Place (@griffs_place) 4/11 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 6.7

Guinness Challenge: I Failed. ❌

Song On In The Background: MMMBop by Hanson

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Back in the great state of Staten Island on this fine spring Saturday. At the bar, there is talk of Tom Hanks and some of his movies. Forrest Gump, The Green Mile, Big, and Saving Private Ryan are mentioned. The patrons left out Toy Story and Cast Away. All-time actor. Round 3 of The Masters is on TV. This bar is across the street from a massive open-field park that must be a part of a sports complex.

Located across the street from Miller Field by New Dorp Beach, Griff’s Place is a neighborhood sports bar with plenty of TVs for games, a jukebox, pool table, and dartboard. On their menus are big burgers, even bigger steaks, and a ton of ice-cold beers. Cool sports bar to catch a bit of the 3rd Round of the Masters and talk Tom Hanks!

According to the National Parks Service, Miller Field was once home to one of the most prominent American families of the 19th century. In 1836, Cornelius Vanderbilt purchased farmland in New Dorp and owned most of the over three acres of land that became Miller Field. Vanderbilt’s heir sold the property to the US federal government in 1919. By 1921, Miller Field became the home of the Air Coast Defense Station with a concrete seaplane ramp, two grass runways, two landplane hangers, two seaplane hangers, and troop + family housing. The grass airfield became a National Park in 1972, which turned the former military field into a recreational area with basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer pitches, and picnic areas. The field was named after Captain James Ely Miller. Born in NYC in 1883, Miller came from a prominent banking family. He attended Yale University and was a member of the Skull & Bones society before joining the Knickerbocker Trust Company and becoming the VP of the Columbia Trust Company. He volunteered to fight in WWI, learning to fly in 1915 as a pilot and instructor. In 1917, Miller was tasked with creating, building, and organizing an American flying school overseas in just 60 days. By the time the Armistice was signed on November 11, 1918, Issoudun was the largest flying school in the world. However, by then, Captain Miller was killed in action, becoming the first American Aviator to die in combat during World War I. He was posthumously awarded the first Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) ever presented to a recipient from WWI.

Grant City Tavern (@grantcitytavern132) 4/11 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 4.9 (One Shot Pour)

Guinness Challenge: N/A (Yuengling Logo)

Song On In The Background: You Make My Dreams Come True by Daryl Hall & John Oates

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: The Islanders’ season is on the line against the Ottawa Senators on TV. They’re down 1-zip in the 3rd Period, not looking good for Out East. Staten Island dads have some of the wildest bar conversations in New York City. No filter, nobody gives a s***, and it can be about anything. Very low-key neighborhood bar with a massive American flag painted on the ceiling. Unfortunately, the pint was poured in one shot, and the bartender is wearing a green Guinness shirt. Tough look, you hate to see it.

Grant City Tavern is a nearly hidden-away neighborhood sports bar located just steps away from Staten Island’s Grant City train station stop. Damn shame about the Islanders, I thought they had a late-season Stanley Cup playoff push in ‘em. The American flag painted on the ceiling of Grant City Tavern is glorious!

Trackside Bar & Grill (@tracksidebarandgrill) 4/11 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 6.8

Guinness Challenge: I Failed. ❌

Song On In The Background: It’s Been Awhile by Staind

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Shane Lowry just hit a hole in one to pull into 2nd place at Augusta. Trackside Bar & Grill is right across the street from the Staten Island Railroad, which I gotta figure out for the ride back to the ferry later. Each corner of the room has its own section of Yankees and Mets memorabilia. Neutral bar. Thicc amount of schtick to this pint, almost a bit of some excess foam head.

Trackside Bar & Grill has a whole lineup of music and events scheduled for this upcoming 4th of July weekend. They also typically host Bingo every Monday night, Bogo Burgers on Tuesdays, and Baby Back Rib Night on Thursdays. Their Happy Hour runs Monday to Friday from 2 to 7 PM, featuring $4.50 Bud + Coors’ drafts, $5 domestic bottles, and $6 pints of Guinness, Blue Moon, or Sam Adams. Nice bar with a party room available!

YouTube Rabbithole

Hanson - MMMBop

Let It Be

- Luana’s Tavern (@luanastavern)

- Minibar (@minibarbrooklyn)

- Abilene Bar (@abilenebarbk)

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is The Beatles’ Let It Be because it was playing in the background at one of the many fine drinking establishments in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, this past April.

Although often interpreted as a biblical reference, Paul McCartney wrote this song about his mother, Mary, who passed away when he was just 14 years old. Let It Be would be credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, but John Lennon wasn’t much of a fan of the song because of the Christian overtones.

(Source: SongFacts)

Let It Be was The Beatles’ final album together. This fitting song was released in March of 1970 as a single. McCartney would leave The Beatles by April 10, 1970. However, months before then, Lennon had already privately informed the band he was done.

(Source: The Beatles)

This was a surprise to me, but Let It Be was actually first released by Aretha Franklin in January of 1970. McCartney had sent a demo of the song to Atlantic Records, which was Franklin’s label.

What else can you say other than a great tune! Probably one of the most famous songs ever?

On to the pints…

#GuinnessChallengeSeason

Commonly Asked Questions

What’s the deal with “hashtag Guinness Challenge Season?”

I don’t know; it was invented after a Jets loss and quite a few pints on New Year’s Day of ‘23. The “Season” was supposed to last from New Year’s to Saint Patrick’s Day, but the bit has stuck for 183 weeks now.

What is a Guinness Challenge?

When you split the G of a proper pint of Guinness in one sip, it’s fun. You should try it next time. See the picture above for reference.

Is there a difference between Guinness at different places?

Why yes, of course, great question. Guinness varies more than any other beer. It comes in all shapes and sizes like bottles, cans, and drafts (draughts, as the Euros say it). A proper pour of Guinness is a work of art. Guinness kegs must be run quite a bit, and their lines must be cleaned extensively. As a self-proclaimed Guinness connoisseur, my 0.0 to 10.0 scale is extraordinarily nuanced, but for reference, the only perfect 10.0 will be at the Guinness Factory.

Luana’s Tavern (@luanastavern) 4/8 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 7.8

Guinness Challenge: I Failed. ❌

Song On In The Background: Tumbling Dice by The Rolling Stones

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: No idea where I am in Brooklyn, I think this is Red Hook. Nice neighborhood. Yanks got the A’s in about 20 minutes, so I’ll be following along on the Gotham Sports App. Freezing April day, it’s like 35°F out there. Luana’s is one of those spots where you can see into the kitchen working through a slotted window from the dining area. Pretty cool, I’m sure there’s a phrase for that style. They also have a nice patio on the side that surely gets put to good use in the summer.

Turns out I was in the heart of Carroll Gardens, which is right next to Red Hook, BK. The owners of the bar are Enrique Miron and Alana Kaloshi Miron. They met at the tavern’s exact location when the bar was called PJ Hanleys about 15 years ago. Inspired by their love story, they decided to name their restaurant after their eldest daughter. Luana’s Tavern was named an NYC Hidden Dining Gem by the Daily News for its high-quality burger and fries. They also serve a proper pint of Guinness!

Minibar (@minibarbrooklyn) 4/8 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 7.1

Guinness Challenge: I Failed. ❌

Song On In The Background: Let It Be by The Beatles

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Mets bar, they have a rather large logo of theirs in the corner next to a choking sign. Kinda funny, but I won’t ask to put the Yankees game on out of respect. The Masters is tomorrow, never been more excited for a golf tournament. Mini room with a bar. They’ve got Risk and Allies vs. Axis board games behind the bar. Above the bar near the ceiling, the Minibar has signed game-winning softballs. The bar’s owner said they won the Red Hook slow pitch softball championship, pretty cool!

Located on Court Street, Minibar is an intimate neighborhood haunt for beer, wine, and creative cocktails. Established in 2004, they have a weekday Happy Hour that runs until 8 PM, which includes $5 Well Drinks + Bottled Beers, $7 Drafts, and $9 Classic Cocktails + House Wines. For the World Cup, Minibar is offering buckets of six bottled beers for $26. They sponsored the 2025 Red Hook softball champs. Nice neighborhood spot!

Abilene Bar (@abilenebarbk) 4/8 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 5.8

Guinness Challenge: N/A (No Logo)

Song On In The Background: Star Witness by Neko Case

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Going to struggle with how to pronounce the name, but I like the uniqueness. On the TVs are old episodes of Charlie Brown and The Peanuts. Not a holiday episode, but they are on a road trip in a blue car. Willie Randolph bobblehead in the corner of the bar. There are two millennials next to me talking about how they used to post on MySpace. “A lot of blurry photos and bad filters. Nobody knew what they were doing.”

Located by the F train’s Carroll Street station, Abilene Bar is known as “the blue place on the corner.” The corner spot has long been a bar, going back practically a century, when it was a beer garden in the 1930s. Can’t confirm, but I believe the bar is named after Abilene, Texas, which was known as “The Friendly Frontier” and “The Key City” during the Old Wild West. That Texas city got its nickname because it was established as a shipping point for the Texas & Pacific Railway in the 1880s and eventually became an interstate highway stop in the 1930s. Abilene’s in Brooklyn has been decorated for the World Cup with mini flags draped all over its ceiling. They host Trivial Dispute on Mondays at 8 PM and Bingo on Tuesday nights at 8 PM. Nice Carroll Gardens neighborhood spot as well!

YouTube Rabbithole

The Beatles - Let It Be

Nothings into Somethings

- MLB Draft ‘26

- NFL Draft ‘27

-YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Drake’s Nothings into Somethings because we’re sticking to his discographic order bit.

That said, Happy Anniversary to my grandparents! Their wedding song was Dean Martin’s Everybody Loves Somebody on this day in 1968. So, that’s the real song of the day, a much better tune!

On to some sports…

Here are the Top 5 MLB Draft prospects out of college baseball for the MLB ‘26 Draft coming up next Sunday…

Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA

Roch Chowlowsky is from Chandler, Arizona. His father, Dan Cholowsky of Yonkers, New York, was a 1st Round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1991 MLB Draft, who played 8 seasons in professional baseball before becoming a scout. Roch Chowlowsky was the 2023 Gatorade Arizona Baseball Player of the Year out of Hamilton High School after winning back-to-back state championships. In his first season at UCLA in ‘24, Chowlowsky was the only Bruin to play in every game, slashing a .308/.399/.500 with 8 home runs while being named a Freshman All-American. The past two seasons, Chowlowsky has been deemed the top prospect of this draft class. Over 122 games in his sophomore and junior years, Chowlowsky was twice named Big Ten Player of the Year. He hit over .333, got on base at a 39% clip, while hitting 44 home runs + 134 RBI during this stretch. On top of that, he plays a clean shortstop, having won the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2025. Strong possibility he goes #1 in the MLB Draft next Sunday.

Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech

Vahn Lackey is from Suwanee, Georgia. Despite captaining Collins Hill High School with all-state, all-region, and all-county recognition, Lackey was a bit overlooked as a recruit, not receiving a single D1 offer until his senior season. As a true freshman with the Yellow Jackets, he got off to a slow start in the batter’s box, hitting just .214 with four home runs in 36 games. That said, he flashed plenty of potential behind the dish, throwing out 6 base-stealers. During his sophomore season in ‘25, Lackey took a huge step forward as a hitter with his batting average nearly jumping by .150 points (.347). He led the Yellow Jackets in hits (77) while hitting 14 doubles, a triple, six home runs, and 42 RBIs. On the base path, the catcher stole 18 bags in 21 attempts, while simultaneously catching 14 opponents on defense. This past season was Vahn Lackey’s best yet. Not only did the bat nearly .400, but his power increased from 6 home runs to 20, and he drove in a whopping 78 runs in 61 games. With an excellent arm behind the plate and a late-blooming elite bat, Vahn Lackey has emerged as the best catching prospect of this draft class. He’ll look to join Jason Varitek, Matt Wieters, Joey Bart, and Kevin Parada as backstops to go in the 1st Round out of Georgia Tech.

Jackson Flora, SP, UC Santa Barbara

Jackson Flora is from Pleasanton, California. After playing some infield and pitching at Foothill High School, Flora became a full-time pitcher at UC Santa Barbara. As a freshman, he primarily came out of the bullpen, throwing 47 innings in 23 appearances with a 3.83 ERA and 5 saves. Flora entered Santa Barbara’s starting rotation as a sophomore and was named All-Big West First Team after going 6-3 with a 3.60 ERA. His strikeouts also jumped to 86 in 75 innings. This past spring was Flora’s most dominant yet, as he was awarded the College Baseball Hall of Fame National Pitcher of the Year. The star right-hander went 12-0 with a 1.06 ERA while striking out 133 batters in 102 innings. Standing 6’5”, his fastball can reach triple digits, and he has two variations of sliders, one sweeper in the high 70s, while the other is “gyro-like” in the high-80s. Jackson Flora is considered the consensus top pitcher of this MLB Draft class.

Drew Burress, OF, Georgia Tech

Drew Burress is from Hudson County, Georgia. Playing for Hudson County High, Burress led them to back-to-back state championships while being named the state’s Player of the Year. His collegiate career at Georgia Tech began with a bang as he hit 9 home runs in his first 8 games his freshman year in ‘24. Burress became the 3rd Yellow Jacket to ever win Freshman of the Year, joining Mark Teixeira and Derek Dietrich. The 3-time All-American outfielder hit 60 career home runs with a .357 batting average. While he doesn’t have elite base-stealing speed, he has plenty of range to play center. At 5’9”, Drew Burress generates a ton of power from his compact swing. His batting stance is pretty sick, too.

Justin Lebron, SS, Alabama

Justin Lebron was born in The Bronx, New York, but grew up in Miramar, Florida. He attended Archbishop Edward McCarthy High School, where he was an overlooked recruit despite leading his team to a state championship with a .412 batting average in his senior season. From Day 1 at ‘Bama, he earned a starting role at SS, hitting .338 with 12 dingers while earning both 1st Team All-SEC and Freshman All-American recognition. In his sophomore season in ‘25, Lebron was once again named All-SEC Defense while hitting a career-high 18 home runs. This past spring, Justin Lebron’s batting average took a dip to .277, but he added an extra element of base stealing by swiping 42 bags in 61 games. A 5-tool player who entered college with a chip on his shoulder, Justin Lebron should be another electric SS and 1st Round pick.

Jordan Seaton, OT, LSU

Jordan Seaton is from Washington, DC. He spent his high school days at St. John’s College High School before finishing at IMG Academy, where he was named the unanimous #1 offensive tackle of 2024. Seaton’s decision to play for Colorado made headlines as he chose to play for Coach Prime instead of a bevy of other offers. As a freshman in ‘24, Seaton was named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year, starting all 13 games at Left Tackle for the Buffaloes while only allowing 3 sacks and 6 QB hits all year. (Quite remarkable considering how long Shedeur Sanders held onto the ball.) During his sophomore season at Colorado in ‘25, Seaton made his first 9 starts before missing the final three games of the season due to a leg injury. Despite not playing the full season, the blind side tackle was named 2nd Team All-Big 12 as he gave up just two sacks and no other QB hits. This past winter, Seaton transferred from LSU and left on not-so-great terms with Coach Prime, criticizing their practice intensity, which he felt was more focused on celebrity visits. At 6’5” and 330 lbs., Seaton has prototypical NFL size to play tackle. The former 5-star recruit will take over LSU’s blindside tackle job under the helm of Lane Kiffin and could regain his momentum as a top tackle prospect if he can continue to play well in the SEC.

Zabien Brown, CB, Alabama

Zabien Brown is from Santa Ana, California. He attended Mater Dei High School, where he was widely recognized as a 5-star CB recruit. As a freshman at ‘Bama in ‘24, Brown was immediately plugged into the starting lineup. Garnering Freshman All-SEC recognition, Brown finished with 18 tackles, 2 TFLs, 3 INTs, 2 pass deflections, and scored a touchdown after recovering a fumble. During his sophomore season, Zabien Brown built on his first season by becoming an improved run defender. He finished ‘26 with 39 tackles and took both his interceptions back to the crib, including a 99-yard pick-six in The Third Saturday in October rivalry game. Although he’s proven to be a dynamic playmaker when he ends up with the ball, Brown still has more room to grow consistently in pass coverage if the high-pedigree recruit is going to be a 1st Round pick in ‘27.

Justin Evans, C, Nebraska

Justin Evans is from East Orange, New Jersey. He attended Irvington High School, where he played on both sides of the line of scrimmage. As a senior at Irvington HS, Evans anchored the offensive line to a state championship in ‘21. The following season, he redshirted at Nebraska while being honored with their co-Offensive Scout of the Year for his efforts in practice. During his first chance of playing time in ‘23, Evans made five starts at LG, only allowing 1 sack. During his redshirt sophomore season in ‘24, Evans made all 13 starts for the Cornhuskers at LG, allowing just two sacks and eight QB Hurries all year. As a junior in ‘25, Justin Evans shifted over to the team’s starting center and helped pave the way for Emmett Johnson to win the Big Ten Running Back of the Year. Evans didn’t allow a single sack in ‘25 and was only on the hook for 1 QB Hit. Given his ability to play both center and guard, Justin Evans will be a sought-after interior lineman in the ‘27 NFL Draft if he can continue to further his development in ‘26.

Jackson Bennee, S, Utah

Jackson Bennee is from Holladay, Utah. He comes from a family of athletes. His older brothers, Noah and Nik, both played football at Utah, while his other brother, Justin Bennee, was a nationally-ranked snowboarder. Jackson Bennee played four sports in high school, including football, volleyball, basketball, and rugby, but wasn’t heavily recruited. He decided to walk on to the Utes. As a freshman at Utah, Bennee primarily played on special teams, contributing 6 tackles along with a blocked punt. During his sophomore season in ‘25, Bennee earned a starting role at safety and was nominated for the Burlsworth Trophy. He finished his breakout season with 64 tackles, 4 TFLs, 4 INTs, and 5 pass deflections. Two of his four interceptions last season were caught in the end zone, while another one was returned for six. With the ability to play deep, in the slot, or inside the box, Jackson Bennee is a very versatile safety who has quickly become an NFL prospect in short order.

Peter Clarke, TE, Temple

Peter Clarke is from London, England. During his high school years across the pond, he participated in the NFL Academy, where he learned American football. Clarke was recruited by Kansas, UTSA, and Temple, choosing to play for the latter. In his first two seasons stateside, Clarke essentially redshirted, but saw some action in the red zone, catching 3 TDs in the 5 passes he caught for 34 yards. As a junior in ‘25, Clarke had his breakout season, earning 2nd Team All-American Conference honors after catching 30 passes for 483 receiving yards and 6 scores. In addition to his pass-catching ability, Peter Clarke is considered a complete TE, finishing ‘25 with an 81.4 PFF Run Block Grade. At 6’6” and 265 lbs., Clarke has all the potential to build an NFL TE if he can build upon his breakout season. He could possibly be just the 5th ever English-born player to be drafted in the NFL.

YouTube Rabbithole

Dean Martin - Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime (1965)

Winston

- Yanks Week 14 Notes

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Crimson Crowbar’s Winston because we’re sticking with the MLB ‘06 The Show theme this baseball season.

Honestly, I don’t remember this song a lick, but it says it was on the soundtrack.

On to the ball…

Game 75

- On a Saturday afternoon in the Bronx, the Yankees go up 1-nil in the 1st inning thanks to a Paul Goldschmidt solo home run out of the 3-hole. Will Warren can’t hold the lead for too long, as Cincinnati gets to him in the 3rd with some shaky outfield defense from Jose Caballero and Jasson Dominguez not helping the cause. By the 5th inning, the Yanks go down 6-1 in a game in which Max Shuemann records the 3 outs on the mound in the 9th. The Yanks get blown out 10-2.

Game 76

- On Father’s Day, Elmer Rodriguez is back in Pinstripes, getting the start after being called up to give Gerrit Cole and the starting rotation another day of rest. The rookie right-hander gets himself into and out of early trouble in the first. Ben Rice gives the Yankees a 1-nil lead in the 3rd by striking his 22nd home run of the season. Rodriguez would give the lead right back in the next half-inning, starting with a leadoff walk that would culminate in a Cincinnati 3-run shot. Despite Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Jasson Dominguez each stealing a pair of bases, the Yankees’ offense couldn’t muster another run. The highlight of the sloppy game was Jazz misplaying a routine ground ball, which Caballero then overthrew to the backstop, giving the Reds a Little League triple. Yanks lose 5-1.

Game 77

- The Yanks travel to Detroit to take on the Tigers in a 3-game set. With Gerrit Cole on the hill, New York scores first in the 2nd inning on an Ali Sanchez RBI double. After giving up a lead-off double in the 2nd, Cole strikes out the side. Unfortunately, in the 3rd inning with Jose Caballero in the outfield, the starting SS takes too direct a route on a line drive, which turns into a triple. The Tigers capitalize, scoring 3 runs in the 3rd. In the 4th inning, Jazz Chisholm causes a 15-minute delay when he starts playing with the 2nd Base camera in the sand. In the 5th inning, Jazz comes out onto the field with a lollipop. He then strikes out in his next at-bat. Amed Rosario hits a 2-run shot in the 7th to cut the deficit to 5-3, but the Yanks fall short to lose their 3rd straight.

Game 78

- With Carlos Rodon on the mound, Detroit scores two runs in the 2nd inning on a wild pitch and a base hit. After causing a stir with the lollipop in the field, Jazz Chisholm Jr. scored the Yanks’ first run of the 4th, and hit a clutch 2-run home run to give the Yanks a lead in the 6th. Rodon would exit in the 6th, allowing 3 runs to score in 5.1 innings, but would earn the victory as the bullpen effort of Fernando Cruz, Brent Headrick, and David Bednar combined for 11 outs without yielding another Tiger run. Yanks win 4-3.

Game 79

- Facing the back-to-back American League CY Young winner, Paul Goldschmidt hits his 4th leadoff home run of the season. The veteran 1st Baseman then blasts his 2nd home run off Skubal in the 3rd, which lands over 425 ft. Yanks get 6 innings of 2-run ball out of Ryan Weathers, who earns the win thanks to a 6th inning 2-run shot by Jasson Dominguez. The Yankees get outhit in Detroit, but leave with a series win thanks to the 3 home runs off Skubal.

Game 80

- In a Thursday matchup in Fenway Park to begin a 4-game set, the Yankees score first in the 1st inning when Goldschmidt leads off with a double and scores on a Dominguez base knock. Yanks take a 2-nil lead in the 4th when Caballero goes over the Green Monster. Cam Schlittler, who was scoreless through 4 innings, gets no help from his defense. Austin Wells lets a pop-up drop in front of home plate in the 2nd and Amed Rosario allows a ground ball to go through his legs in the 5th. Boston takes advantage of the poor fielding as Schlittler is on the hook for 4 runs, none of them earned. The offense gets runners on in the 7th and 9th, but only puts together one run as they fall to the Red Sox 6-3.

Game 81

- Boston’s Wilson Contreras gives Sox a 1-nil lead in the 1st. He later takes Will Warren over the Green Monster in the 3rd to make things 4-0. All the while, the Red Sox have some meatball lefty pitcher with a mustache throwing a perfect game through 5 innings. The benches cleared in the 5th inning when Contreras took exception to Warren throwing inside while his hands were hanging over the plate. Nothing happens, just a lot of looking around, even though all the bullpen guys come running onto the field. Spencer Jones breaks up the perfect game with a bloop single in the 6th. Yanks don’t score a run until the 8th, but by then the game was already over as Boston wins 6-1.

Game 82

- Gerrit Cole immediately gives the Red Sox an early lead when Yoshida hits a leadoff home run on his 2nd pitch of the ballgame. Sox go up 2-nil in the 2nd on a solo shot by Seigler, then 4-nil in the 3rd on a 2-run double by Contreras. The Yankees’ offense doesn’t get its first hit until Max Shuemann hits his 1st home run of the season to dead center, but it’s a solo shot - the only run they’d score all Saturday. Bloody England would score more goals than the Yankees scored runs, as they drop 3 straight for the 2nd time in a week.

Next

- The Yankees need to play cleaner baseball if they want to avoid an embarrassing sweep at the hands of the last-place Red Sox. Aaron Judge’s sheer power can typically overcome a ton of their bad fundamentals, but they don’t have the luxury of making too many mistakes at the moment. They don’t really have any quick fixes until the trade deadline, just have to hope Cody Bellinger and Ben Rice can get out of their mini-slumps over the next week or so, while the starting pitching gets back on track too.

Around the Majors

- Taylor Ward of the Baltimore O’s is in the midst of an all-time boring historic season at the plate. The Orioles’ leadoff hitter has shown absurd discipline by only swinging at a league-best 14.6% of pitches thrown out of the strike zone. Ward is also only swinging at 51.5% of pitches inside the strike zone, so his swing percentage is at a league-low 33.5%. A year removed from hitting 36 home runs with the Angels, Ward has sacrificed his power ability to get on base. Although he only has 5 home runs with Baltimore this season, Ward has walked the 3rd most in the MLB.

- Royals’ southpaw pitcher Daniel Lynch IV should be put on trial for attempted manslaughter after drilling his third baseman, directly in the cojones from just a couple of yards away. The victim, Nick Loftin, was forced to leave the game. Just an all-time cup check, brutal.

- The Rangers may be the team to emerge from the AL West, as the Mariners have failed to build upon their division lead. Texas is currently on a 3-game winning streak, with some good hidden metrics, including the best record in the AL in 1-run games (14-10), and the most wins (20-16) against teams with winning percentages above .500 in the American League. Leading their efforts are their starting pitchers Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. The pair of veteran righties have had a good month of June, combining to go 6-2, tossing 60.2 innings with 70 strikeouts and a 3.59 ERA in 10 starts.

- This week, Derek Hill made one of the nicest home run robberies in baseball this season. Juan Soto was on track to hit his 18th home run of the season until the Phillies’ CF went up and over the Citi Field fence. It would’ve been a Web Gem if ESPN still had any sense to show baseball highlights in the summer on Baseball Tonight, but instead we’ll just get year-round NFL and NBA coverage because that’s who they’ve partnered with for billions.

- Chicago’s Pete Crow-Armstrong doesn’t want the month of June to end. The Cubs’ star CF has hit a scorching hot .375 this month with 10 homers, 5 doubles, and 2 triples. PCA has firmly made his case for a 2nd straight All-Star appearance and currently leads the MLB in WAR (5.0).

- Dalton Rushing got into a bit with Shohei Ohtani this week when he objected to the star pitcher using a challenge. The umpire overruled the catcher and accepted Ohtani’s request, which was correct as the pitch was overturned to a strike. Rushing would later get an earful from the pitcher in a later mound visit. Even his Dodger teammates can’t stand the 25-year-old catcher’s antics, which makes him a great postseason villain to root against.

YouTube Rabbithole

Roy Keane & Gary Neville on Scotland’s World Cup Exit

Walk of Life

- Local NBA Draft

- Local NHL Draft

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Dire Straits’ Walk of Life because, I don’t know, yesterday was Run-Around by Blue Travelers.

Great upbeat start to the song that everybody knows once you hear it. Big time ‘80s energy!

On to the ball…

A bit about each of the NBA Draft selections of the local hoops teams….

Mikel Brown Jr. (Pick #6)

With their first pick on Tuesday night, the Nets decided to take Mikel Brown Jr. out of Louisville. In his lone season with the Cardinals, Brown averaged 18.2 points, 4.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. He’s an explosive athlete and ambidextrous driver with plenty of ability to win off the dribble using both hands. His biggest fear is the back injury he dealt with last season, which forced him to miss over a third of the year, including the NCAA Tournament. The other gripe that Nets fans may have is taking Brown over Darius Acuff from Arkansas, but this wasn’t an outlandish move by any stretch.

Joshua Jefferson (Pick #28)

Before the draft, the Nets acquired former Knicks PF Julius Randle’s contract from the T’Wolves, along with the #28 draft pick. They chose to use their new draft choice on Joshua Jefferson. An overlooked recruit, Jefferson began his collegiate career at St. Mary’s for two seasons before graduating from Iowa State. As a senior with the Cyclones, Jefferson had an All-American season with 16.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. In my opinion, he has the best passing ability of any big man in this draft class. Iowa State ran much of its offense through Jefferson, having him make the right play as a pseudo-point forward in the post. While he won’t be an All-Star in the pros, his all-around game could very well make him a very solid NBA role player. Pairing him next to Danny Wolf won’t strike fear in opponents, but it provides the Nets versatility with two big men who can facilitate an offense thanks to their ball-handling and passing ability.

Tyler Bilodeau (43rd Pick)

On Night 2 of the NBA Draft, the Nets traded with the Phoenix Suns to acquire the 43rd pick, which they used on Tyler Bilodeau. The 6’9” power forward is lethal from beyond the arc. Over the past two seasons with UCLA, Bilodeau averaged 15.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting 44% from 3-point range. Bilodeau is purely on the court for his spot-up-catch-and-shoot ability. Being that Brooklyn shot an NBA-worst 29.9% from beyond the arc last season, Bilodeau should improve the Nets in that category.

Jack Kayil (39th Pick)

The Knicks made like 37 trades between the two draft nights, but finally targeted in on Jack Kayil with the 39th overall pick on Night 2. The 20-year-old German guard had committed to play for Gonzaga this upcoming season, but will now be taking his talents to New York City (or at least Westchester County Center in White Plains). Kayil spent last season with Alba Berlin in the Basketball Bundesliga, where he was named the Best Young Player of the German League, averaging 12.2 points, 3.6 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game while leading his team to the championship. I haven’t spent much time watching the Bundesliga, but from the YouTube clips of his best highlights, he looks pretty good. Jack Kayil will likely spend much of the next year on the Knicks’ G-League team if he signs a Two-Way contract.

Tyler Nickel

In their slew of trades during the draft, the Knicks wound up with the 47th pick, which they used to select Tyler Nickel. The 6’7” forward played for three schools in four seasons. After not getting much playing time at UNC his freshman season, Nickel transferred to Virginia Tech, where he had an expanded role, before finishing off at Vanderbilt. Over the past three seasons, Nickel has averaged 11 points per game on 40% shooting from beyond the arc. While the sole reason he’ll ever be on an NBA court will be his shooting touch, he does offer some scrappiness with a side of irrational confidence. Tyler Nickel will likely sign a two-way contract so that he can develop in the G-League, while gaining some limited opportunity at the NBA this upcoming season.

A bit about each of the NHL Draft 1st Round selections of the local hockey teams….

Alberts Šmits (Pick #5)

With the 5th pick in the NHL Draft, the Rangers took Alberts Šmits out of Latvia. He just became the highest-drafted Latvian ever in NHL history. The 6’4” 18-year-old defenseman competed for Latvia in the 2026 Winter Olympics this past February. In four Olympic hockey games, Šmits had his hand on two goals with assists. For his size, Šmits is considered a world-class skater with exceptional speed. Outside of international play, Alberts Šmits played for Munchen in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, where he was considered the top prospect of the German league. Šmits will likely spend most of next season on the Rangers’ AHL team, but is considered only a year away from a possible NHL debut.

Pavel Dorofeyev (Trade)

The Rangers owned a second 1st Round pick at 26, which they traded for Pavel Dorofeyev. The 25-year-old wing Russian had spent the past five seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. Over the past two seasons, Dorofeyev hasn’t missed a regular-season game, combining to score 72 goals with 44 assists. During Las Vegas’s recent runner-up run at the Stanley Cup Finals, Dorofeyev led the NHL playoffs in pucks on net with 58 shots on goal, with 12 of them finding the back of the net. The Golden Knights decided to part ways with their ascending talent because they couldn’t afford to keep him. Immediately after trading for Dorofeyev, the Rangers inked him to a 7-year deal, making him the highest-paid skater on the team.

Alexander Command (Pick #12)

Midway through the 1st Round, the Devils selected the Swedish 18-year-old Alexander Command. This past spring, the left-handed center played for Sweden’s gold medal-winning U18 World Championships team, where he scored three goals, assisted on four more, and took 21 shots in the seven-game tournament. The consensus European scouting report on “Commander” is that he is a big high-motor guy. While he only has limited experience in the Swedish Hockey League, Command excelled in Sweden’s J20 Nationell (top-tier league for under-20-year-olds), scoring 17 goals with 27 assists in 30 games. If all projects are right, Alexander Command would likely slot into New Jersey’s 3rd string level of command at the center, behind Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier.

Malte Gustafsson (Pick #13)

Right after the Devils’ selection, the Islanders chose 18-year-old defenseman Malte Gustafsson. Considered a top-tier defender in this draft class, Gustafsson played a major role in Sweden’s gold medal-winning U18 Men’s World Championship this past spring. Gustafsson had competed on their international teams throughout his youth and made his Swedish Hockey League debut last season at 17 years old. Most scouting reports consider him a bit limited offensively, but he could be a great pairing next to Matthew Schaefer on the Islanders’ starting backline.

YouTube Rabbithole

Dire Straits - Walk of Life

Run-Around

- World Cup

- Travelers Championship

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune on this Some Footy Friday is the Blues Traveler’s Run-Around because it’s the Travelers Championship in golf.

I think I’d put Hook above this song, but that’s a song about how their lyrics essentially mean nothing, and Run-Around actually peaked on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, landing at #8 in March of 1995.

On to the ball…

World Cup Weekend

This weekend is the last of group stage play in the 2026 World Cup. Although much of the Round of 32 is set, there are still plenty of scenarios that need to play out to finalize who’ll advance and whom they’ll play at the start of the knockout rounds.

- Confirmed nations advancing: Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Morocco, USA, Australia, Germany, Ivory Coast, Ecuador, Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, France, Norway, Argentina, and Colombia.

- Confirmed nation eliminated: Czech Republic, Qatar, Haiti, Turkey, Curaçao, Tunisia, Jordan, and Panama.

- Groups H, G, & L are still well up for grabs with nobody clinching 1st place within their first two group stage matches. That affects teams such as Egypt, Iran, Belgium, New Zealand, Spain, Uruguay, Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, England, Ghana, and Croatia.

- Among the 3rd-place teams on the bubble, Scotland has their fate hanging in the balance the most. With one win, two losses, and a goal difference of -3, the Scots are rooting for multiple scenarios to go their way. They need Algeria to lose to Austria by more than two goals, or for Croatia to lose to Ghana by more than 3 goals, while simultaneously hoping Cabo Verde, Belgium, the Congo, and Senegal also lose their respective matches.

Round of 32

Team USA will take on Bosnia & Herzegovina in the Round of 32 next week at Levi’s Stadium in the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite last night’s loss to Turkey, the United States had already won its group by defeating Paraguay and Australia. Bosnia & Herzegovina clinched their spot in the Round of 32 by finishing 3rd in Group B, where they tied Canada, lost soundly to Switzerland, and beat Qatar 3-1 this past Wednesday.

Who to mark?

Bosnia’s top talent is their striker Edin Džeko. Their 40-year-old captain is known as the “Bosnian Diamond” as he holds the nation’s record with 73 career international goals in 149 appearances. He may have scored his latest goal with help from some shaky Qatari defense, but he is considered one of their focal points on attack. Džeko had spent much of his career with top clubs such as Manchester City, Roma, and Inter Milan. As an independent nation, Bosnia has never played in the knockout round of a World Cup. When they were part of Yugoslavia, they had a bit more success, finishing 4th place twice and reaching the quarterfinals on four other occasions.

Team USA

With an impressive showing in the group stage, Team USA is considered a fairly heavy favorite in the Round of 32. In three head-to-head matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States has two wins and a draw, but these were friendlies. The US has a brutal track record in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Dating back to 1934, we’ve only won one match (2002), drawn another (which we lost on penalties), and have five losses. That said, this is the most talented American team we’ve ever had to date, so there’s a chance.

Cromwell, CT | TPC River Highlands | $20,000,000 Purse | NBC/ESPN

TPC River Highlands was first known as Middletown Golf Club in 1928 and later as Edgewood Country Club. The course hosted its first Connecticut PGA TOUR event in 1952. Since then, the event has donated nearly $60 million to local charities in the surrounding community. Keegan Bradley is the defending champion of the Travelers Championship. TPC River Highlands is notorious for its tough finishing stretch from holes 15-18. The 15th, 16th, and 17th holes all play around their signature four-acre lake.

Post Round 1 Leaderboard

Eric Cole

One year after having withdrawn from the Travelers Championship due to illness, Eric Cole is atop the leaderboard at TPC River Highlands. Cole suffers from Addison’s Disease, where his adrenal glands do not produce enough of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone, which caused him to miss out on playing in the final round on Sunday last year despite being in contention in 14th place. After his 7 under par round yesterday, Cole stated, “Spent the night in the hospital (last year) and was not in shape to come out and play, which was disappointing, because I was playing pretty well and I love this tournament and I wanted to be a part of Sunday. I'm not sure (today) if it's redemption, but I'm happy to be here and feeling good.” Eric Cole is seeking his first career PGA Tour victory.

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler got off to a great start on Thursday, nailing 4 birdies within his first 9 holes. The #1-ranked golfer in the world loves playing TPC River Highlands. Since 2022, Scheffler has finished in 13th, 4th, 1st, and 6th at this tournament. With his 4th place finish at the US Open last weekend, Scheffler is back on top of the FedEx Cup points race, but hasn’t found himself in the winner’s circle since his first PGA Tour event of 2026 at The American Express.

Kristoffer Reitan

Kristoffer Reitan got to share a unique experience with Norwegian fans yesterday after he capped off his round of 64. With Norway playing France up in Boston later today, his fellow countrymen made their way down to Connecticut to Viking Row cheer him on. Currently a rookie with the PGA, Reitan picked up his first career tour victory at the Truist Championship this past May.

Wyndham Clark

Fresh off winning the US Open, Wyndham Clark shot two under par on Thursday. Clark has plenty of experience at TPC River Highlands, having played in the Travelers Championship eight times previously with one Top 10 finish in ‘24. His win at Shinnecock boosted him well up the World Rankings, jumping from 34th to 8th.

Jordan Spieth

Jordan Spieth won the Travelers Championship during the tail-end of his reign of dominance in 2017. He finished Thursday one over par with three bogeys and two birds. Spieth has not won a PGA Tour event since 2022 at the RBC Heritage, but continues to flash potential at times, such as his approach shot on the 6th hole that he stuck for an easy tap-in. Due to the Travelers Championship having a relatively small field of 72 players, there are no cuts to the tournament, so Spieth is safe to play through the weekend.

YouTube Rabbithole

Blues Traveler - Run-Around

Mr. Brightside #21

- Yanks & Jets Banter

- Critiquing the Critics: Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Thursday’s Banter tune is Mr. Brightside by The Killers, specifically Jacques Lu Cont’s Thin White Duke Remix without the lyrics.

More importantly, if you ever find something funny on the internet, have a story to share, or some insight on your favorite team, you can always send over a text, direct message on social media, or email WeekToWeekNotes@gmail.com. Thanks!

NY Yankees & Jets Banter

The large, italicized font is my Uncle Robby and Cousin Drew.

The small font is me.

6/18 ‘26

Robby: Jumping on the bandwagon a little here, but I think with the run they had and how much fun we all had watching, they deserve a spot?  

Drew: 100% we’re on the bandwagon now.

Absolutely earned a spot. Still surreal that they actually won. Coolest thing to happen in NY sports in a long time.

Robby: Awesome

Need their magic to rub off on the Yankees.

Robby: Yes (and Jets)

That may be asking for too much haha

6/19 ‘26

Robby: Not for a rental.

Deadline should be interesting.

Robby: Dude is a monster. We have multiple aces.

Matched his 12 K game against Boston and a happy birthday!

Robby: Thx dude

Drew: Insane how good he is

6/22 ‘26

Robby: At least she didn’t punch him in the face. Never ends with this team.

Who knows

Drew: What a mess

The Yankees have to stop playing their starting SS in the outfield

Drew: Yes ^ Cabby is not very good out there.

Robby: Meanwhile Volpe 2 hits every day. The YES name that Yankee was just Phil Coke. I completely forgot he existed. Not a bad pitcher.

Drew: Nope. He was solid

Curtis Granderson full trade…

Yankees got: Grandyman

Tigers got: Phil Coke, Austin Jackson (top Yankee CF prospect at the time), Daniel Schlereth, and Max Scherzer.

D-Backs got: Edwin Jackson and Ian Kennedy.

Robby: They need a more serious player.

Drew: Really dumb. Like what is he doing?

Robby: He’s batting .226

Can’t see them dishing him out a long-term deal.

Robby: I would trade him and get the guy who hits .340.

(Luis Arraez on the Padres)

6/24 ‘26

Robby: These guys are hilarious

I don’t think they’ve stopped partying in 10 days, well deserved

Robby: I would definitely do this

That would be a lot, and losing Lagrange would stink, but they need to go all in.

Robby: I don’t know if he’s awesome - just get on base and play good shortstop, and we’ll be good.

Yes, but should also learn 2B.

Robby: That’s funny. They should try getting out of MetLife after another brutal Jets loss.

Drew: Literal hell on earth

Surprised the Mets haven’t tried to make this their OMG Grimace thing yet.

This week’s Critiquing the Critics is Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. The 2006 NASCAR comedy turns 20 years old this upcoming August, so I figured it’d be worth a revisit. With a budget of $72.5 million, Talladega Nights more than doubled its profits at the box office by raking in $163.4 million.

Here are some fun IMDb facts about the movie…

NASCAR stands for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC. The American auto racing company was founded in 1948 by a guy named Bill France Sr. The son of an Irish immigrant, France started skipping school at age 11 in the early 1920s so he could take his family’s Model T Ford around a track before his father got home from work. He and his family moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, in the middle of the Great Depression in 1935. While doing odd jobs to make ends meet, France also raced on the side at the Daytona Beach Road Course. He became involved with the Daytona Beach Elks Club, where he began promoting the races to draw larger crowds until the start of WWII. Back in those days, promoters were very dodgy, and it was quite common for promoters to leave the race before paying out the drivers. Thus, Bill France formed NASCAR to enforce uniform rules, provide insurance coverage, and guarantee purses. In 1969, France was responsible for building the Talladega Speedway.

The Ricky Bobby catchphrase, “If you ain’t first, you’re last,” can be attributed to a Vince Lombardi quote. The NFL coach that the Super Bowl trophy is named after once said, “There is only one place in my game, and that's first place. There is no second place. Either you're first, or you're last." Ricky Bobby didn’t come up with Shake ‘n Bake either with Kraft Foods coming up with the phrase for their pre-seasoned breadcrumb product in 1965.

Wonder Bread, Old Spice, and Perrier were not charged for their product placement in the movie, but promoted the movie through back-end deals. Other product placements shown throughout the film were Powerade, Coca-Cola, Domino's, Nextel, Nascar, Valvoline, Budweiser, Lowe's, Ford, Sprint, Applebee's, Good Year, and Fig Newton. Very 2006.

Sacha Baron Cohen would take the world by storm just a few months after his portrayal of the French race car driver when he made Borat in November 2006. John C. Reilly already had some experience in NASCAR movies, as he was a part of Tom Cruise’s pit crew in Days of Thunder in 1990.

Leslie Bibb and Amy Adams are great in this movie. The "Dear Baby Jesus" dinner scene is my 2nd-favorite part of the film. So good.

Not the most quotable of Will Ferrell movies, but a close collection.

I always said Bruce Bennett was an absolute bore at parties.

The only time you can watch this movie is the summer, indeed.

Kinda like the scene where Ricky Bobby gets his arm broken by the Frenchman.

A Top 5 Will Ferrell movie, for sure.

YouTube Rabbithole

Ricky Bobby Stabs Himself in the Leg - Hospital Scene

Clarity

- Reichenbach Hall (@reichenbachhall)

- The Ginger Man (@thegingerman.nyc)

- Sonny’s NYC (@sonnysnyc)

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Zedd’s Clarity ft. Foxes because the song was playing at one of these many fine drinking establishments in Midtown, Manhattan, this past April.

My mother actually DM’d me saying, “OMG I forgot the name of that song!” I had no idea she was a Zedd-head. Now I wonder if she’s ever been to a rave?

Anton Zaslavski is the Russian-German DJ who records under the stage name of Zedd. Clarity was released in November of 2012. That same fall, Zedd also co-produced the beat for Beauty and a Beat by Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj. Both were Top 10 hits on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Zedd explained to Digital Spy, “I really like working with unique and unknown artists as they usually bring something fresh to a song. For 'Clarity', I was looking for a certain type of singer as it's a very difficult song to sing. She nails it."

Foxes (Louisa Rose Allen) is an English pop singer who was relatively unknown before Clarity. She admitted to Billboard Magazine, “If someone had said to me, ‘Sing this dance song,’ I probably would have said no. But I heard the song, and it was really emotional, and I felt like it was not too far from what I was about... I remember first listening to it and thinking, ‘I’d be so stupid to not do this.’”

Clarity took home the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. The other nominees for that year were This Is What It Feels Like by Armin van Buuren and Sweet Nothing by Calvin Harris.

Not for nothing, close call between this and Sweet Nothing for me. That said, maybe just give Foxes all the awards.

There’s a ton of EDM songs from the late 2000s and early 2010s that haven’t aged great, but I think Clarity has.

Nice EDM track, on to the pints…

#GuinnessChallengeSeason

Commonly Asked Questions

What’s the deal with “hashtag Guinness Challenge Season?”

I don’t know; it was invented after a Jets loss and quite a few pints on New Year’s Day of ‘23. The “Season” was supposed to last from New Year’s to Saint Patrick’s Day, but the bit has stuck for 182 weeks now.

What is a Guinness Challenge?

When you split the G of a proper pint of Guinness in one sip, it’s fun. You should try it next time. See the picture above for reference.

Is there a difference between Guinness at different places?

Why yes, of course, great question. Guinness varies more than any other beer. It comes in all shapes and sizes like bottles, cans, and drafts (draughts, as the Euros say it). A proper pour of Guinness is a work of art. Guinness kegs must be run quite a bit, and their lines must be cleaned extensively. As a self-proclaimed Guinness connoisseur, my 0.0 to 10.0 scale is extraordinarily nuanced, but for reference, the only perfect 10.0 will be at the Guinness Factory.

Reichenbach Hall (@reichenbachhall) 4/7 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: Black Beer Substitute

Guinness Challenge: N/A (No Logo)

Song On In The Background: Clarity by Zedd ft. Foxes

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: No stouts to choose from, but the closest thing the German Beer Hall has is the Paulaner Salvator, which the bartender tells me means black beer in German. Went with their half liter, which came in a tall glass. The place is playing Nordic European EDM in the background. The bartenders all dress up in traditional German attire. Class. Plenty of wooden bench table seating. This black beer is 7.9% alcohol, so if anything bad happens, I’m blaming the extra hooch.

Established in 2013, the popular German beer hall in Midtown Manhattan was opened by twin brothers Willy and Keith Reichenbach. They celebrate their heritage and family legacy with plenty of family photos lined up on the walls. When they aren’t playing Euro EDM, there is a good chance they’ve got live polka melodies. While they are best known for their Oktoberfest season, the Reichenbach Hall has been drawing quite a crowd for World Cup matches as well. Cool German beer hall!

The Ginger Man (@thegingerman.nyc) 4/7 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: Eric Chocolate Milk Stout Substitute

Guinness Challenge: N/A (Skinniest Pint Glass)

Song On In The Background: Eventually by Tame Impala

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: This feels a bit derogatory to name a bar “Ginger Man.” I didn’t even get a free pint for showing my red hair and pale freckled ass face. They also ran out of Guinness, so I went with their Eric Chocolate Milk Stout. This is the skinniest glass I’ve ever seen in my life. That alone more than made up for it. Nice spot.

The Ginger Man reopened this past January, but had previously been a staple in Midtown Manhattan for 30 years. Their new Saturday and Sunday weekend brunch runs from 11 AM to 3 PM. During the work week, they’ve got a Happy Hour that runs until 8 PM. Nice dimly-lit Midtown Manhattan spot!

Sonny’s NYC (@sonnysnyc) 4/7 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 8.3

Guinness Challenge: Count It! ✅

Song On In The Background: People Watching by Sam Fender

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: New Midtown Manhattan Pub alert! The place just opened up this past March, just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day week. They have a sweet Split the G poster on the wall. Culture shift. The bar is named after the owner’s grandfather, Sonny. Very cool! The interior is a cross between rustic and white-tile, with barrels of Jameson used as tables on their street patio. Their menu is full of Irish pub grub and snacks. Great new spot!

Sonny’s Pub is located on 41st Street between 5th and Madison Ave. The bar is named after Sonny Newell, a master farrier from Corrandulla, County Galway. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays, they have an All-Day Happy Hour which includes $8 selected beers, $10 Spritz, $10 Selected Wines, and $12 Selected Cocktails. The sports bar drew a great crowd for the Knicks this spring and surely is a great spot for World Cup matches. Awesome new Irish pub in Midtown Manhattan with a proper pint!

YouTube Rabbithole

Zedd - Clarity ft. Foxes

Santeria

- Danger Danger (@dangerdangerbar)

- 101 Wilson (@101wilsonbar)

- Turbo Pizza (@turbopizzabar)

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Sublime’s Santeria because it was playing at one of the many fine drinking establishments in Bushwick, Brooklyn, last April.

This is one of those songs from the ‘90s I know the chorus to, but I have never known what the hell the tune is actually about.

Santeria translates to “the way of the saints” in English. It is an Afro-Cuban philosophy that blends traditional Yoruba spirituality from West Africa (present-day Nigeria) with Roman Catholicism. The practice was first developed in Cuba by enslaved people in the 19th century, combining drums and chants that lulled people into a trance-like state, allowing them to experience a cleansing of inner peace through a different dimension. That said, the narrator of the song doesn’t have any black magic and is spent.

Heina, or “Jaina” as other sites’ lyrics have it, is Mexican Spanish for lover/girlfriend. The Sancho reference comes from Sancho Panza in the 1605 novel Don Quixote, which in Hispanic pop culture is often slang for the other guy. I guess the best way to put it in American pop culture terms would be like how everyone associates Fredo from The Godfather as a traitor, but instead Sancho is kinda more known as sidepiece.

Truthfully, I would’ve never guessed this was a scorned love song. Sounds way too chill.

Sublime’s self-titled album was released nearly 30 years ago in July of 1996. Just two months prior to the album’s release, Sublime’s lead singer and the writer of this song, Bradley Nowell, had passed away from a drug overdose. The band broke up following Nowell’s death.

The remaining members of Sublime, Eric Wilson on bass and Bud Gaugh on drums, wouldn’t continue without their lead singer…

…until 2023, when they replaced him with Jakob Nowell, Bradley’s son.

Damn, I must’ve just been oblivious and naive. These lyrics are pretty straightforward when you read them. Whatever, still a chill song.

Classic ‘90s radio tune, on to the pints…

#GuinnessChallengeSeason

Commonly Asked Questions

What’s the deal with “hashtag Guinness Challenge Season?”

I don’t know; it was invented after a Jets loss and quite a few pints on New Year’s Day of ‘23. The “Season” was supposed to last from New Year’s to Saint Patrick’s Day, but the bit has stuck for 182 weeks now.

What is a Guinness Challenge?

When you split the G of a proper pint of Guinness in one sip, it’s fun. You should try it next time. See the picture above for reference.

Is there a difference between Guinness at different places?

Why yes, of course, great question. Guinness varies more than any other beer. It comes in all shapes and sizes like bottles, cans, and drafts (draughts, as the Euros say it). A proper pour of Guinness is a work of art. Guinness kegs must be run quite a bit, and their lines must be cleaned extensively. As a self-proclaimed Guinness connoisseur, my 0.0 to 10.0 scale is extraordinarily nuanced, but for reference, the only perfect 10.0 will be at the Guinness Factory.

Danger Danger (@dangerdangerbar) 4/1 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 5.0 (Standard Can + Bonus Point)

Guinness Challenge: Count It! ✅

Song On In The Background: Zero by Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: The Yankees just beat Seattle in their rubber match with the Mariners. David Bednar always makes things interesting but is a dog. When you enter Danger Danger, the handle on the door is a Gold Right Hand, so it’s almost like you’re shaking hands to get inside. Quite an experience, never shook a gold right hand before. The bar's logo is a bird, perhaps a parrot. This is a rare instance where the bar serves Guinness from a can, but has the Guinness pint glass, so you can still split the G. That’ll earn them a +1.0 bonus point combined with the industry standard 4.0 standard can rating.

Located on Knickerbocker Avenue next to Maria Hernandez Park in Bushwick, Danger Danger isn’t just a bar, but a live music venue and an art gallery with a renowned kitchen called Lori Jayne. Their kitchen specializes in Steak Frites, burgers, sandwiches, and chicken nuggets. Cool spot, sometimes at night they even have a fog machine.

101 Wilson (@101wilsonbar) 4/1 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: Left Hand Nitro Substitute

Guinness Challenge: N/A (No Logo)

Song On In The Background: Santeria by Sublime

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: No Guinness, but they have Left Hand Brewing Company’s Milk Nitro Stout as a substitute. This is a sister bar to Turbo Pizza, which Jason, the bartender, confirms has Guinness. Will have to try their pizza with a pint. Well deserved, since I’ve been on a salad-for-lunch kick of late. Trader Joe’s has some elite salad mixes. One of the patrons is playing dice with Jason the bartender with $600 on the line. No idea what they’re playing, but that’s a nice pot.

101 Wilson Avenue is quite literally the address of 101 Wilson. The local watering hole has graffiti-filled walls and uses spare kegs or tables. They just celebrated their 9th anniversary earlier in June. Left Hand Brewing Company, based in Longmont, Colorado, shared the post, so a special thank you to them!

Turbo Pizza (@turbopizzabar) 4/1 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 5.0 (Standard Can + Bonus Point)

Guinness Challenge: I Failed. ❌

Song On In The Background: Feel Me Flow by Naughty by Nature

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Another spot that serves canned Guinness, but with the logo glass, so a bonus pint included. This is what progress looks like. Eventually, every bar this side of the Hudson River will have draft Guinness. I went with the six-slice medium option from their menu because all I ate today was a salad. The Turbo Pizza red logo in the window is very cool. Their interior has Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling. On TV is the movie that created the Sandra Bullock covering her eyes meme. Cool pizza spot and bar with excellent Detroit-style pizza!

Located on Dekalb Ave, Turbo Pizza in Bushwick specializes in their Detroit-style pies. Their thicc, airy square pizza comes in small (2 slices), medium (6 slices), and large (8 slices) portions. For the record, I brought half the medium pie home, and it was just as delicious cold the next day. They also offer wings, other draft beer options, wines, and specialty cocktails. For the World Cup, Turbo Pizza is showing every match, and would be an excellent spot for game-day food & drink!

YouTube Rabbithole

Sublime - Santeria (Music Video)

Sacrifices

- ‘26 NBA Mock Draft

-YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Drake’s Sacrifices because it’s next up on his catalog.

Might as well add a huge thank you to College Basketball/NBA analyst and knower of ball, Kevin Duffy, for putting together his own 2026 NBA Mock Draft. Guy sacrificed some hours of sleep to put together some great draft analysis.

On to the ball…

Here are dueling NBA Mock Drafts for tomorrow night’s 1st Round of the NBA Draft, which will be held at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center at 8 PM ET…

KD: AJ Dybansta has clear superstar potential and he would slot well into the Wizards’ accelerated rebuild as they look to become a contender sooner rather than later. Cameron Boozer may have the most NBA-ready game in the draft, and the history of his father playing for the Jazz and choosing them in free agency will weigh heavily on their decision. I think they will opt to go with the big man over the sky-high upside of Peterson based on possible future retention of his talents. Darryn Peterson at 3 could become a steal, as he has the talent to go #1. He would be the ideal replacement for Ja Morant and would give the Grizzlies a legit three-level scorer. Darius Acuff may well end up in the upper tier of Calipari guards and the Bulls hit big the last time they selected one with Derrick Rose. He would step in as the top point guard that the Bulls lack teaming up with intriguing talents in Giddey, Buzelis and possibly Essengue at forward who was selected early last year. Caleb Wilson has elite two-way upside and would help the Clippers frontcourt solidly. Learning from Kawhi would be great for his development.

TD: All signs point to AJ Dybantsa going #1 to the United States’ capital. At this point, it’d be a bit of a surprise if he wasn’t the Wizards’ first 1.1 choice since John Wall. Carlos Boozer spent six seasons in Utah and was a 2-time All-Star as a member of the Jazz, so I’ll take that angle with them taking his son #2. With the #3 pick, I got Memphis going with Caleb Wilson over Darryn Peterson because of Wilson’s attitude. Wilson fills the big-man void the Grizzlies lost by trading away Jaren Jackson Jr. Chicago ending up with Darryn Peterson would be an awesome scenario. The Bulls haven’t been relevant since Thibs was coaching Derrick Rose and Peterson with a Chi-Town chip on his shoulder would be fun. I’m not so sure Keaton Wagler is a Top 5 talent, but the Clippers are more likely to go with a wing player rather than draft a point guard to compete with Daris Garland.

KD: Keaton Wagler could light it up from 3 and is a crafty scorer with a lot of room for growth. He would fit well with the Nets rebuild. Aday Mara has insane measurables and brings along a solid offense game and great defense. He would form a strong frontcourt with Maxine Raynaud, as the league continues to prioritize versatile big men; he could be their anchor defensively. Mikel Brown Jr could form a nice backcourt with Alexander Walker if his back injury woes are behind him. He brings the ability to facilitate and score while bringing good size to become a good defender. Brayden Burries is a tough nose guard who brings a winning mentality to the Mavs. He could play the 1 or 2 and would give Mavs another playmaker and a good guard defender helping out reigning rookie of the year Cooper Flagg. Nate Ament has high upside at the forward spot and could be an integral part of their future soon enough, especially if they trade Giannis.

TD: Darius Acuff plays no defense, but could potentially at least make the Nets somewhat watchable in a peak-Stephon Marbury kind of way. The Kings taking Kingston Flemings sounds good phonetically and fills Sacramento’s need for a long-term PG post D’Aaron Fox. Atlanta turned into a pretty solid team down the stretch of the 2nd half last season, but had to ask CJ McCollum to be their top bucket-getting closer. Labaron Philon Jr. is a similar ISO-scoring guard who could learn behind McCollum before becoming Atlanta’s long-term closer. Mikel Brown Jr. Two years ago at Duke, Cooper Flagg set the ACC single-game scoring record for a freshman with 42 points. Last season, Mikel Brown Jr. broke Flagg’s record by scoring 45 for Louisville. Mavs could use a young playmaking point guard paired with Flagg, since who knows if Kyrie Irving will ever be back. Milwaukee is probably going to ruin this whole NBA Mock Draft by trading away Giannis for a boatload of picks, but at #10 I think they take Brayden Burries. The freshman guard led Arizona in scoring while shooting at an efficient 40% clip from 3 and a 50% rate from the floor.

KD: Kingston Flemings is a bit undersized but brings elite quickness and mid-range scoring to the Warriors. He could be the heir apparent to Steph and if he takes some shooting tips from the greatest shooter of all time he could very well be a steal here. Yaxel Landeborg continued to get better at the college level leading his team to the national championship his senior year while showing toughness playing through injury. The Thunder could use another wing on their quest for another ring, and he has an NBA-ready game with the ability to shoot, rebound, and switch defensively. Ebuka Okorie lit up the ACC leading the league in scoring as a freshman and the Heat could use some scoring at the guard position. Cameron Carr is a tremendous shooter and capable defender with room for growth in that department as he posted the fastest agility score at the combine while having over a 7 ft wingspan. He would fit well with the fast-paced Hornets. Hannes Steinbach is a great rebounder who has a nice shooting touch for a big man . He could also facilitate well for a center and continued to add muscle as the year progressed, showcasing his ability to become a true center that the Bulls need.

TD: The Warriors make it back-to-back Wildcats’ taken when they take a chance on Koa Peat. The freshman forward doesn’t have much of a perimeter offensive game, but could be a monster on the offensive glass, and could be a nice screen-set-n-roll option with Steph Curry. OKC has a bevy of talent, but could really use a big man to counter Wemby. Aday Mara at 7’3” will still look up to Wemby, but could be a better long-term option for the Thunder than Isaiah Hartenstein. Miami always seems to take productive collegiate players over potential. Yaxel Lendeborg won’t get to bully NBA players like he did last year at Michigan, but could be a solid role player for Heat Culture. Joshua Jefferson feels like a fit with the style of play the Hornets have going on. The big man from Iowa State has the potential to have the offense run through him, which could lead to open 3-pointers from Kon Knueppel, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller. The Bulls leaving the 1st Round with Peterson and Tarris Reed Jr. would bring plenty of excitement to Chicago. Reed was one of the best players in the NCAA Tournament and should continue to be a double-double machine in the pros.

KD: Karim Lopez will likely be the best player to ever come out of Mexico and he would slot well into the future plans of the Grizzlies. Playing the power forward position, he has a well-rounded skill set and he could switch on guards or big men defensively; forming a strong frontcourt with Edey. Morez Johnson has the frame and ability to switch 1-5. The Thunder should continue to add wings as they relied too heavily on their guards in the playoffs with Jalen Williams out. Giving the Thunder an elite defender and a potential upgrade from Dort who is a free agent should help them in their title hopes. Christian Anderson is a legit shooter who thrives off ball and playing alongside LaMelo and Kon should free him up and allow him to get good looks. He could also help run the 2nd team as an elite pick-and-roll playmaker. Jayden Quaintance is a fantastic defender who is quite possibly the best of the class in that regard. However he has a lengthy injury history with a limited offensive game. I think the Raptors would take a chance on him as they look to continue adding quality defensive depth alongside last year’s first rounder Collin Murray-Boyles. Sergio de Larrea brings good size and shooting to the Spurs who have a long history of developing international players. He will likely be a draft-and-stash, but when he comes over, he would be a suitable Fox replacement and would form a quality lefty backcourt with Harper.

TD: With Memphis practically begging teams to trade for Ja Morant, they land his long-term replacement who won’t get in the same trouble off the court. Ebuka Okorie may not have the same wow factor as Ja’s first couple of seasons, but isn’t as far off as you may expect from a West Coast Ivy League guard. OKC always seems to land high-upside players with their plethora of picks. Nate Ament was a bit inconsistent at Tennessee, but if everything goes right, could eventually be a starting forward on a championship team. The Hornets taking two highly productive college forwards would pack a punch for their frontcourt. Toppin is recovering from an ACL injury, but was a back-to-back All-American for a reason. The Toronto Raptors love playing positionless basketball. Dailyn Swain fits that mold, plus the lefty forward is also almost a combination of Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett. Feels very bizarre that the Spurs would need to draft an interior presence to pair with Wemby, but since the 8-foot Frenchman thinks he’s small forward, they might as well draft a German big man to replace Luke Kornet’s minutes.

KD: Allen Graves is an intriguing point forward who would fit well the Pistons as a connective piece on a contender. He can pass and shoot well for a forward as a former point guard and can be solid defensively. Chris Cenac Jr has a strong frame and is a great athlete with the ability to stretch the floor. He would give the 76ers a quality back up to Embiid and if he could become more disciplined defensively he could be a steal here for them. The Hawks could use a shifty guard in Labaron Philon Jr. who has improved his 3 pt shot while having a smooth floater game. He has the potential to run the show alongside Alexander Walker as they may move on from the limited offensive play from Dyson Daniels. Koa Peat could be the replacement for Mitchell Robinson in New York as they look to retool the team in their quest to go back-to-back. He has legit size and is switchable defensively. He needs to work on his shot, but he moves well without the ball and is a real post presence. Henri Veesaar to the Lakers would give Luka exactly what he was looking for as he is a capable lob threat and could really shoot it for a big man.

TD: Allen Graves could be the Pistons’ long-term option to replace Tobias Harris as a slowish-tweener that isn’t a master at anything, but solid at everything. Philly already has their backcourt set with Maxey and Edgecombe. Richie Saunders has the ability to play both with or without the ball and could feed well from their young guards. Atlanta adds a big man in Chris Cenac that had a somewhat disappointing freshman season, but still has plenty of potential as a stretch big. With Mitchell Robinson about to test free agency, Zuby Ejiofor could be the Knicks’ replacement. Ejiofor won’t have quite the same elite rebounding ability as Robinson, but already plays with plenty of New York tenacity. The Lakers always seem to swing for the fences in the draft. Morez Johnson Jr. may only be a one-hopper off the wall, but could be a nice fit with Luka Doncic long-term as a guy who doesn’t need the ball to be effective.

KD: Meleek Thomas is a great shooter who can create his own shot. He would give the Nuggets another weapon on the perimeter and moves well off the ball, which should lead to easy buckets from the great passing of Jokic. Bennett Stirtz has great playmaking, decision-making, and shooting ability, while being a great culture fit in Boston. Isaiah Evans is an elite shooter who would fit well alongside Anthony Edwards as an off-ball shooter and secondary scorer. Jack Kayil is a high-upside combo guard who has a great feel for the game with defensive intangibles. The Cavs need someone who could make the right reads and keep everyone in rhythm, who could also play some defense after their disaster of a trade for James Harden. Baba Miller has a very high upside, especially if his shot can improve. He could handle the ball well for his size and can switch defensively across all positions. He would fit well with the Mavs alongside Flagg and Kyrie, as he won’t be tasked with shooting from deep. However, with his ability to slash and run the floor, he should get plenty of easy looks, and his defensive presence should take some pressure off of Cooper.

TD: Not sure Denver really needs a point guard, but the idea of pairing the passing IQ’s of Nikola Jokic with Braden Smith is too good to pass up. After trading for an ineffective Nikola Vucevic, the Celtics could really use a big man. Jayden Quaintance hasn’t been able to stay healthy, but has plenty of upside that Boston may covet if he can stay on the floor. With Donte DiVincenzo out next season and Mike Conley not getting any younger, Christian Anderson would be a late 1st Round steal for Minnesota that could lessen Anthony Edwards’ workload. Bennett Stirtz to Cleveland could make sense as a guard off the bench that could spell James Harden for the time being. The Iowa guard can play both on and off the ball, which could work well with Donovan Mitchell. Dillon Mitchell’s inability to shoot is a major hindrance, but I think he’d be a role player to have next to Cooper Flagg.

Official ‘26 NBA Mock Draft

YouTube Rabbithole

Nike Ad (Again)

Cat’s in the Cradle

- Father’s Day History

- 126th US Open

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Harry Chapin’s Cat’s in the Cradle.

Harry and Sandra Chapin co-wrote Cat’s in the Cradle. Sandra Chapin explained to SongFacts…

“Harry and I would exchange writing of all kinds. We were always working on each other’s writing. Some of my writing at a certain period was 20-page papers for a doctoral program at Columbia. So it wasn’t always that poetic. But we both looked at each other’s stuff. One time, he came home and said, ‘What have you been doing?’ I showed him ‘Cat’s In The Cradle,’ and he said, ‘Well, that’s interesting.’ Sometimes he’d pick up something and put music to it. At first, it didn’t really grab him at all. Then, after Josh was born, it did. He picked it up and he wrote music to it.”

Sandra Chapin furthered, “Harry introduced the song at all his concerts and said, ‘This is a song my wife wrote to zap me because I wasn’t home when our son Josh was born.’ I was always kind of amused by that because of the fact that we learn life’s lessons too late. We don’t learn lessons before the fact. We don’t have a child born and then have all this wisdom.”

The iconic hook references different nursery rhymes. Upon its release in December 1974, Cat’s in the Cradle landed #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Sadly, Harry Chapin tragically passed away in a car accident in 1981. Sandra Chapin has kept the musician’s legacy alive as the senior chairperson of the Harry Chapin Foundation.

No words. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there! Great song.

Moving on…

The origins of Father’s Day in the United States didn’t take off in the early 20th century as they did for Mother’s Day. As one florist of the time put it, “fathers haven’t the same sentimental appeal that mothers have.” In fact, the first Father’s Day celebration was a one-time commemoration of the worst coal mining accident in U.S. history. The tragedy took place in Fairmont, West Virginia, on July 5, 1908, after 361 men died in December of 1907. One of the daughters of the coal miner who passed, Grace Golden Clayton, proposed a service for all the fathers, but it was only a one-time thing. Then, Sonora Smart Dodd came along…

Sonora Smart Dodd is credited with being the Mother of Father’s Day. SSD was from Spokane, Washington, and was inspired by Anna Jarvis’ concept of Mother’s Day. Her father, William Jackson Smart, was a widower who raised her and her five brothers on his own. After attending a Mother’s Day church service in 1909, Dodd convinced the Spokane Ministerial Association and the YMCA to celebrate dads. On June 19, 1910, Washington celebrated the nation’s first statewide Father’s Day. While the holiday wouldn’t become popular as quickly as Mother’s Day, Sonora Smart Dodd didn’t lose her marbles and try to sabotage Father’s Day as Anna Jarvis did with Mother’s Day.

In 1913, a bill for Father’s Day was voted on by Congress, but it didn’t pass. President Calvin Coolidge tried to make Father’s Day cool in 1921 when he signed a resolution in favor of the holiday as a way “to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children and to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations.” The dads couldn’t care less, so it wasn’t until 45 years later that the topic again came up, this time with President Lyndon B Johnson. LBJ signed an executive order designating the third Sunday in June as the official holiday. Finally, in 1972, under President Richard Nixon, Congress officially made Father’s Day a national holiday. Sonora Smart Dodd would pass away 6 years later at the age of 96, but she got to see her holiday for the dads come to fruition.

126th US Open

Round 3 Recap

Wyndham Clark

Wyndham Clark has run away with the US Open since the 1st Round. Only three golfers in PGA history have previously shot under par for a whole tournament in the five previous US Opens held at Shinnecock Hills. Clark is en route to setting the record at 7 under par. That said, golf fans on Twitter are a bit upset about how Wyndham Clark conducted himself on the 17th hole when he was taking a drop shot. Before dropping his ball, Clark was seen on HD moving the grass to get a better lie. As a golf purist rooting for the course, this is absolutely despicable behavior. Should’ve been given a two-stroke penalty. In terms of the lack of crowd that stuck around to the end of Clark’s Saturday round, he said, “It was kind of unfortunate that we’re finishing in the dark and people weren’t really out there because there were some obviously key, big moments, and it did kind of get a little flat, so yeah, unfortunately…Hopefully tomorrow there’s a bunch of fans and stuff, but for me, it’s still really important, and I still felt the moment. It’s just maybe unfortunate that there weren’t all the people there.”

Scottie Scheffler

Many people are asking for Scottie Scheffler to save the 126th US Open by putting together a stellar final round on Sunday. Scheffler will be paired up with Wyndham Clark as the last group out in the 4th Round. Although the six-stroke lead is quite a big gap, Scheffler does have experience coming from behind against Clark, having defeated him in the 2024 Players Championship when he entered that Sunday 5 shots back. Not only is Scottie Scheffler celebrating Father’s Day today, but it’s also #1 ranked golfer in the world’s 30th birthday.

Sam Stevens

For a few moments on Saturday, Sam Stevens sat solo in second place, but three straight bogeys to start his back 9 ruined the alliteration. Facing the same uphill battle as Scottie Scheffler, at the very least Stevens will be seeking his first Top 10 finish at a golf major, which would do wonders in getting him qualified for more in the near future.

Sahith Theegala

Sahith Theegala had one of the cleanest scorecards on Saturday as he shot an event 70. The 28-year-old had just one bogey before finishing his Round 3 with a birdie on 18. With another solid round on Sunday, Theegala should be in position to claim his 2nd Top 10 finish at a golf major, and first since the 2023 Masters.

Tom Kim

Tom Kim enters Sunday as the 4th golfer tied for 2nd place at one under par. The 24-year-old South Korean already has a Top 10 finish at the 2023 US Open. Kim will be paired up with Sahith Theegala in the second-to-last pairing of the tournament.

YouTube Rabbithole

Harry Chapin - Cat’s in the Cradle (1975 Grammys)

Going Through Changes

- US Open

- Yanks Week 13 Notes

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Army of Me’s Going Through Changes because it was in the soundtrack for MLB ‘06 The Show.

Not too many changes here, just a quick switch-up with the weekly Yankees’ notes this Saturday since tomorrow’s Father’s Day with the final round of the US Open.

Haven’t heard this song in ages, on to the ball….

126th US Open

Round 2 Recap

Wyndham Clark

Wyndham Clark has maintained the lead through 36 holes. He’s making it look easy too, so reporters have decided to dig up some dirt on him. Last year at the US Open at Oakmont, Clark suffered a fit of rage and badly damaged two lockers at the Oakmont clubhouse. After his Friday round, he explained, “I’ve gotten a lot of grief since last year. Rightfully so. The thing that’s unfortunate is that’s not who I am and I’m hoping I can win back some fans that I had or gain some new fans because it was a terrible incident.” I, for one, don’t know if I can forgive him. No place in sports for professional athletes to destroy lockers. Just think about the handful of children that watched Clark at the US Open last year, read a report about a busted-up locker, and then became dismayed to the point they decided they’ll no longer ever pick up a golf club. Sad!

Matt Fitzpatrick

Matt Fitzpatrick overtook Scottie Scheffler in FedExCup points for 2026. The Englishman has been the most consistent golfer on tour this season, having won three tournaments, placed 2nd twice, and added another Top 10 finish. Fitzpatrick won the US Open in 2022 and has experience at Shinnecock Hills, finishing in 12th when it hosted the 2018 US Open.

Xander Schauffele

Xander Schauffele has once again put himself in prime position for a top spot in the US Open. Since first competing in the 2017 US Open, Schauffele’s track record at this major has been stellar with seven Top 10 finishes. Even in the two US Opens where he didn’t place inside the Top 10, Schauffele has never finished worse than 14th.

Sam Stevens

Sam Stevens is a 3rd-generation pro golfer. His grandfather, Johnny Stevens, played on the PGA Tour in the 1960s and competed in the 1969 US Open, while his father, Charlie Stevens, made a handful of starts on the Korn Ferry Tour. Stevens has more than made up for his double-bogey start to the tournament with 9 birdies over his last 35 holes. Entering the weekend tied for 2nd, Stevens is seeking his first career major.

Scottie Scheffler

Through two rounds, Scottie Scheffler has had a fairly quiet start to his US Open. His biggest shot of the day came on the 15th hole, when he drained a 40-footer for birdie. He’ll tee off on moving day at 2 PM EST paired up with Brian Harman.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy, who began his Friday on the 10th hole, had a roller coaster of a round from the jump. He bogeyed his first three holes, gained some momentum back with two straight birdies on 13 & 14, but then gave it right back with a double bogey on 15. He was able to compose himself with a clean scorecard and two birdies the rest of the way. Off the tee, McIlroy is averaging 337 yards per drive, and on the green, he’s taken just 59 putts, both of which rank inside the Top 10 in the field, but his short game will have to be better this weekend if he wants to contend.

Keith Mitchell

Keith Mitchell may have turned in two scorecards of 70 shots through Friday, but his rounds have been anything but even. For starters, his first round on Thursday began 6 over par through 9 holes, but he managed to make up for it on his back 9 with 4 birds and an eagle. On Friday, possibly his best shot of the day came on a 55-foot putt that was sunk for bogey. If Mitchell can manage to be a bit more consistent off the tee, his putting game could keep him in there come Sunday.

Ryder Cowan

Ryder Cowan is one of the five amateurs from the 20 who started that have made the cut at the US Open. Not only does Cowan lead the amateur pack, but at even par entering the weekend, the 21-year-old Oklahoma University student-athlete is currently with the #1 and #2 ranked golfers in the world.

MLB All-Star Game Vote

Here is my fair-and-balanced MLB All-Star Game voting. Baseball fans have until noon Thursday to enter their ballots on MLB.com/all-star/ballot.

Game 70

- The Sunday afternoon after the New York Knicks became NBA Champions, the Bronx Bombers are in a rubber match up in Toronto. Yanks strike first in the 2nd inning when Max Shuemann doubles, Anthony Volpe drives him in with a single, and Ali Sanchez scores Volpe on a double. Sanchez becomes the first Yankee catcher to record an RBI since May 26th. Will Warren labors through 4 innings, throwing 98 pitches, but leaves the game tied at 2-2. In the Top of the 9th, still tied, Ben Rice blasts a 2-run home run bomb followed by a Jose Caballero 3-run shot to take an 8-3 lead. Yanks hold on to win.

Game 71

- After a Monday off day, Yanks host the Chi-Sox in the Bronx with Gerrit Cole on the mound. The lineup blows open the game thanks to home runs by Spencer Jones, Ben Rice, and Paul Goldschmidt while tacking on more runs off the bat of Cody Bellinger. With 12 runs of support, Cole cruises through six innings with 6 Ks as the Yanks win 12-2.

Game 72

- NBA Champions, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, throw out the first pitch of the game. The pair of ‘Nova Knicks then later join the YES booth with Paul O'Neill giving them a massive congratulations. On the field, Cody Bellinger socks a 2-run home run in the 1st inning. Anthony Volpe drills a triple that scores Jose Caballero in the 2nd inning and then later scores on an Ali Sanchez single. Carlos Rodon gives up a 3-run home run in the 3rd to make things a bit tighter, but the lineup has Rodon’s back by providing 5 runs in the 5th as Caballero dunked in a 2-run blooper to RF and Goldschmidt hit a 3-run homer to LF. Yanks win 10-5.

Game 73

- On the Knicks parade day in Manhattan, the Yankees look to sweep Chicago. In some unfortunate timing, right as Meredith Marakovits explains that Ryan Weathers is “sick and tired of putting the team in the hole” when he pitches, the southpaw gives up a solo home run. Ryan McMahon hits yet another home run to Left Field, his solo shot landing over 430 ft into the opponent’s bullpen. Weathers would actually throw a gem of a game, going 6.1 innings of 1-run ball, but the Yankees bullpen fails to keep the White Sox off the scoreboard. Fernando Cruz allows a lead-off double in the 8th, followed by Tim Hill hitting the first two batters he faces, and Camilo Doval giving up a grand slam. Yanks lose 5-1.

Game 74

- Right after Team USA beats the Aussies 2-nil in footy, Cam Schlittler dominates the Cincinnati Reds offense to the tune of a career-high 13 strikeouts in six innings. The young Yankees’ ace doesn’t allow a run or a walk as he picks up the victory thanks early home runs by Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Ben Rice. At 25 years old, Schlittler becomes the youngest Yankees in franchise history to strike out 13 batters without recording a walk. His 1.71 ERA for the season is also the lowest by a Yankee in his first 16 starts since Whitey Ford in 1964 (1.47 ERA). Yanks win 5-0.

Next

- Yanks will host two more games against the Reds before a two-series road trip between Detroit and Boston. Wednesday night against the Tigers is shaping up to be one helluva pitchers’ dual with Cam Schlittler slated to start against Tarik Skubal.

YouTube Rabbithole

Army of Me - Going Through Changes (Scranton, PA ‘08)

Green Onions

- World Cup USA Match #2 Preview

- US Open

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Today’s tune is Booker T. & The M.G.s’ Green Onions.

There are no lyrics, but I bet you’ll know it as the song from The Sandlot.

Booker T. & the M.G.’s made this song in October of 1962, with the band getting together earlier in the year. Each of the musicians was based in Memphis, with Booker T. Jones on organ, Steve Cropper on guitar, Al Jackson, Jr., on drums, and Lewie Steinberg on bass (who would be replaced by Donald “Duck” Dunn in 1964.

Booker T. was only 17 at the time of recording. The band went with MG’s as a part of their nickname because of the popularity of the British MG sports cars. However, once the British MG’s disapproved of the name, the Memphis band quickly changed their tune, claiming it to be short for “Memphis Group.”

Green Onions peaked at #3 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song wasn’t just in The Sandlot, it also has appeared in plenty of other movies like American Graffiti and shows like The Sopranos.

(Source: SongFacts)

Classic tune, on to the ball…

FIFA World Cup

Out in Seattle at Lumen Field, the United States will face off against Australia in their group stage matchup. Following their 2-0 win over Turkey last weekend, the Aussies are currently ranked #22 in the world according to FIFA. Australia has qualified in six straight World Cups and has reached the Round of 16 twice since 2006.

Who to mark?

One of the goal scorers in their opening match with Turkey was Nestory Irankunda. The 20-year-old wing became the youngest Socceroo (Aussies’ soccer nickname) to score a goal in a World Cup match. While the Aussies may be our enemies on the pitch this afternoon, Americans share one major quality with them in that they too call this sport “soccer” instead of football. The land down under refers to football or footy with Australian Rules Football, as Americans refer to the NFL.

Team USA

For Team USA, the main storyline entering the afternoon is the status of Christian Pulisic. USA’s #10 is questionable with a calf injury that he sustained in their impressive victory over Paraguay. According to US manager Mauricio Pochettino, Pulisic is “evolving. He’s much better from last Friday. We'll see. I think at the moment, if we see he's not available for tomorrow, he will be available for the next game.” If Pulisic can’t go, Pochettino’s options to start will include Giovanni Reyna and Timothy Weah. Both guys saw action in the 2nd half against Paraguay with Reyna scoring the 4th goal to cap off the night.

126th US Open

Southampton, NY | Shinnecock Hills Golf Club | $22.5 Million Purse | NBC

The US Open was established in 1895 and was played on a 9-hole course at the Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island. A 21-year-old English chap named Horace Rawlins won the first tournament, taking home $150 in cash and a $50 gold medal as a trophy. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club has loads of history as well, with its Native American name stemming from “people of the stony shore.” The course was established in 1891, with its clubhouse built in 1892. The original 12-hole golf course was designed by Willie Davis (no relation), but was expanded to 18 holes by 1895. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club has now hosted six US Opens: 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018, and now 2026.

Round 1 Leaderboard

Wyndham Clark

The 2023 US Open winner, Wyndham Clark, is off to an early lead after Round 1 in Shinnecock. Besides his bogey at the 2nd hole, Clark had a clean scorecard the rest of the day, including 5 birds and an eagle. Clark’s later tee time made him a beneficiary of a nice afternoon with freshly watered greens and very little wind. Due to the fact that Clark was only able to get 16 holes in on Thursday, he’ll tee off at 6:30 AM to finish his 1st round before continuing to play the 2nd Round with a 7:41 AM tee time.

Ryder Cowan

Ryder Cowan has the potential to be a big storyline entering the weekend. A senior at the University of Oklahoma, the Sooner qualified for the US Open by winning the Golf's Longest Day at BallenIsles CC in Florida, where he competed in a 36-hole marathon and won the bid on a playoff. Cowan had 3 birdies in his first 8 holes of the day, which at one point made him the outright leader. The last time an amateur golfer won the US Open was in 1933, when Johnny Goodman finished first at the North Shore Country Club in the suburbs of Chicago. Francis Ouimet became the first amateur golfer to win the US Open in 1913, which inspired the movie The Greatest Game Ever Played starring Shia LaBeouf.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy was involved in one of the funnier moments of the tournament thus far. From the fescue, McIlroy found the cart path and then some into the crowd. One fan (woman in white hat) was seen trying to pick up McIlroy’s ball, leading to a collective “NOOOO!!” groan from the spectators. The USGA reviewed the video and concluded, “Right after McIlroy’s second shot on the 4th hole came to rest, it appeared on the broadcast that a fan was about to pick it up when the camera moved away. However, based on the testimony of fans and a review of the available video, his ball was not lifted. The fan stopped just before picking it up and McIlroy played the ball as it lay." Thank goodness they got to the bottom of that.

Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau striped one 427 yards off the tee after his ball got a favorable cart path bounce. It was the longest drive of the day. After missing the cut at The Masters and PGA Championship earlier this year, the 2-time US Open winner has positioned himself to at least play into the weekend.

Scottie Scheffler

With a win at Shinnecock, Scottie Scheffler would become just the 7th men’s golfer to complete the career Grand Slam. Since 2021, Scheffler has finished in the Top 7 in 4 of the last 5 US Opens. The #1 ranked golfer in the world will have some work cut out for him on Friday as he hovers around the projected cut line. Of the 156 golfers competing in the tournament, only 60 play through the weekend. Scheffler hasn’t missed a cut in 76 tournaments, making him by far the longest active consecutive cuts streak leader.

Patrick Reed

Patrick Reed is this week’s “one of us of the week.” He tried to hit one out of the fescue and found the fescue on the other side of the fairway. I could do that.

YouTube Rabbithole

Green Onions - Booker T. and MG’s (Live 1967)

Mr. Brightside #20

- Yanks & Jets Banter

- Critiquing the Critics: When the Garden was Eden

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

Thursday’s Banter tune is Mr. Brightside by The Killers, specifically Jacques Lu Cont’s Thin White Duke Remix without the lyrics.

More importantly, if you ever find something funny on the internet, have a story to share, or some insight on your favorite team, you can always send over a text, direct message on social media, or email WeekToWeekNotes@gmail.com. Thanks!

NY Yankees & Jets Banter

The large, italicized font is my Uncle Robby and Cousin Drew.

The small font is me.

6/11 ‘26

Robby: Wow

Drew: That was awesome.

I’m still processing how they won Game 4 last night. Not saying I knew they were coming back, but with this team, a part of me always feels like they’ll make a game out of it in the 4th Quarter and then who knows. Sports are awesome.

Robby: Was gonna say the same thing. I feel bad for people that don’t enjoy sports - not their fault, but they are really missing out on something. I’ve always liked the Knicks and always rooted for them, but not like Yanks/Jets. Yet Ryan and I are jumping up and down, hugging, and screaming when the top went in. Great stuff.

Missed Josh Hart, who’s decent at everything but excellent at what’s important in hustle.

Robby: LeBron is overrated and the Alvarado thing is funny (and exactly how I would describe him).

Haha right now at this second there are probably 25 guys in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens playing pickup ball that play/look just like Alvarado.

Robby: He probably saved the game btw - at least was huge part turning it around.

Drew: This is a perfect summary of maybe the most likeable NBA team ever…And you’re right. The entire game I was so mad they were losing like this but kept thinking “there’s still a lot of time left…”

Robby: Yes

Drew: And it was like “if they could just get it to 20 halfway through the 3rd….”If they could just get it to 15 by the 4th….”….Then all of a sudden they’re down by 5 with 4.5 minutes left and it’s like holy s***…. They’re gonna win this game!!!

Robby: I honestly thought u went to sleep and missed it.

Drew: No. I realized things started going well when I stopped texting. So I ignored all messages

Robby: He’s gonna do this to the wrong team one day and they are gonna snap his leg in half.

That’s not even like cool, tough physicality. Guy looks like a child. What a clown.

Robby: Saved the game.

Robby: I’m not sure what this is all about - but I really don’t want this guy back

Pretty odd for this to come up considering there haven’t been many rumors linked to the Yankees.

Drew: Very bizarre story and there is ZERO chance Cashman brings that clown back.

6/12 ‘26

Drew: Honestly… based on who we’ve been running out there…. It’s really not all that hard to believe

Escarra experiment should’ve been over last August

Drew: Idk man… he’s a top 10 catcher in the league!

Robby: Volpe is elite

Robby: Bring up Jasson

6/13 ‘26

Drew: Goldy is a beast

He crushed that one.

Robby: Knicks can’t shoot in the 1st Quarter, but at least they are not down by 20.

Bench needs to provide a spark.

Robby: Something

Mind you their match just started at 9 pm haha

Robby: Holy fucking shit, the Knicks just won the championship

Drew: Let’s goooo

Unbelievable, great team

Robby: Brunson is a NY legend

For sure, he’s way up there

Robby: What a fucking team to watch. Unbelievable, they never gave up. They played together, great team. 9 Consecutive road wins in the playoffs is insane

I think they’re going to be good for a while now too. This core is awesome and unselfish, plus kids/young people watching this will want to be Knicks.

Robby: Yes, and once you win, you don’t not want to win. Jalen Brunson can’t talk because he’s crying. This is unbelievable to watch. Dude is a winner.

Drew: Incredible

Robby: Emma is in NY right now !!!

Drew: Let’s goooo

Knicks fan Emma activated

Robby: lol Leon Rose pretty much saved this franchise

Brunson is already on Paul Pierce / Kevin Garnett level, and it’s breaking my brain that he’s probably even better.

Robby: Yup

6/14 ‘26

Drew: Insane stat

Robby: Amazing

Robby: This is awesome

Drew: Awesome and amazing song choice

Robby: Wemby is not a good dude. Need a better face of the NBA. Glad he lost.

Jalen Brunson and the Knicks saved the NBA.

Robby: Blast by Ben Rice. 19 HR - dude can hit.

Drew: Benny bombs!

Drew: Where ever you are around the world you’ll find an Irish pub!

Shame that Italy isn’t in the World Cup, but I’m sure their bars are drawing plenty of crowds.

Drew: This place randomly was full of Germans. They were very happy after a 7-1 beat down of Curaçao.

6/15 ‘16

Robby: This is true and cool.

Robby: This is good

Drew: Love the Tippman extension.

Robby: They should suspend him for game 1 of next year. Will have no impact on the season but an easy way for the league to try to show they don’t favor him.

It’s kind of great for the NBA that he is a villain. I really don’t like that guy.

Robby: Bad dude

Robby: lol

6/16 ‘26

Robby: I bet if Rex stayed fat he’d still be the HC.

Agreed, he should have never lost weight.

Robby: Honestly tho - this is cool and this guy loves the Jets.

Hopefully he’s around the team more. Assume so since Seth Ryan is passing coach.

Robby: That sucks

Hopefully nothing

6/17 ‘26

Robby: I know it it’s only OTA’s, but he ripped that ball. I think he’s gonna have an I don’t give an F attitude and play really well this year.

Might as well, doesn’t have much to lose. If he plays well, he can land one more big contract. Even if he turns it over but they move the ball, Jets will want to bring him back as backup/mentor

Robby: Yup

Robby: Time to move on

I actually like that he’s not clogging up the DH spot and would prefer he not come back until the final stretch. Just get him right for September and use that month with expanded rosters to practice pinch-hitting.

Drew: Agreed. He can still be part of the team but we can’t be built around him at DH anymore

Robby: I had to read that twice. It’s funny.

Finnegans!!

This week’s Critiquing the Critics is the 30 for 30 When the Garden was Eden. The 2014 sports documentary chronicles the 1970s Knicks. Directed by Michael Rapaport, probably the most obnoxious person in Show Biz, the rest of the hour-long feature is cool. No Rotten Tomatoes critics to judge this week, just a solid sports doc.

YouTube Rabbithole

Willis Reeds’ Game 7 Entrance

We Come Running

- The Keep (@thekeepnyc)

- Vacations (@vacationsbk)

- Three Diamond Door (@thethreediamonddoor)

- YouTube Rabbithole

Alright @YouTheReader,

First, I just want to wish my dearest mother a Happy Birthday!

Today’s tune is Youngblood Hawke’s We Come Running because it was being played at one of these many fine drinking establishments in Bushwick, Brooklyn, this spring. Hopefully she enjoys the song.

Youngblood Hawke are an American indie pop band from Los Angeles, California. This song was their first single on their debut album.

We Come Running is best known for being featured on the FIFA ‘13 soundtrack. The song was also used in a Coca-Cola commercial around the same time.

The catchy chorus contains vocals from the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir. Gives the song a splash of youthful cheerfulness. No idea where they’re running, but it sounds like it’s toward an opportunity of some sort.

Nice American summer World Cup tune! FIFA always had some great soundtracks.

On to the pints…

#GuinnessChallengeSeason

Commonly Asked Questions

What’s the deal with “hashtag Guinness Challenge Season?”

I don’t know; it was invented after a Jets loss and quite a few pints on New Year’s Day of ‘23. The “Season” was supposed to last from New Year’s to Saint Patrick’s Day, but the bit has stuck for 181 weeks now.

What is a Guinness Challenge?

When you split the G of a proper pint of Guinness in one sip, it’s fun. You should try it next time. See the picture above for reference.

Is there a difference between Guinness at different places?

Why yes, of course, great question. Guinness varies more than any other beer. It comes in all shapes and sizes like bottles, cans, and drafts (draughts, as the Euros say it). A proper pour of Guinness is a work of art. Guinness kegs must be run quite a bit, and their lines must be cleaned extensively. As a self-proclaimed Guinness connoisseur, my 0.0 to 10.0 scale is extraordinarily nuanced, but for reference, the only perfect 10.0 will be at the Guinness Factory.

The Keep (@thekeepnyc) 3/31 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 7.1

Guinness Challenge: Count It! ✅

Song On In The Background: We Come Running by Youngblood Hawke

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Smells just like a Catholic Church after they do the Holy Spirit smoke. Their entrance’s stained-glass windows are what you’d see at a church too. The Keep does psychic readings and burlesque shows late at night. Inside, the place has some really cool decor and incredible statues like the Virgin Mary holding Baby Jesus. I always thought “The Keep” was like an Au Pair, but maybe there’s a religious element to it? The cast stone head sculpture of the lion behind the bar is sweet.

The Keep is technically located in Ridgewood, Queens, but is just a block away from Bushwick. The rustic lounge filled with loads of antiques offers live music on most nights of the week. Apparently, the phrase “The Keep” has nothing to do with au pairs or another nickname for maids. During Medieval Times, a “keep” was a type of fortified tower built within castles by the European nobility. It would be the highest point of a castle, where the nobles would run to as a last resort in case of a siege or attack. The Keep in Ridgewood has a very cool Medieval feel with its vintage decor. Unique spot with a good pint of Guinness!

Vacations (@vacationsbk) 3/31 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 8.0

Guinness Challenge: I Failed. ❌

Song On In The Background: Dreaming by Small Pools

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Walked in on a Bravo TV show viewing party. I have absolutely no idea what’s going on, what show it is, or what the drama is about, but the women are locked tf into this. No shade, I look the same way watching sports. Just wow, there’s really a whole other world out there. Vacations is really a great name for a bar. They have themselves a popular rooftop. Their first floor has a cool wrap-around bar as well as couches perfect for TV viewing. Gotta remind myself to look up what was being played on Bravo at 8 PM on March 31st.

The Bravo show airing at 8 pm that night was “Summer House,” which really makes no sense to me since by then it was the middle of spring and there’s no way people who sign up for reality TV could go 6 months without leaking what happens on a show. As for Vacations, I loved the bar. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for a rooftop spot this summer. Their Happy Hour runs from 5 to 7 PM Tuesday to Friday, with $2 off all drinks, half-price wings, and a $14 Burger, Beer, & Shot special. Awesome spot with a proper pint of Guinness!

Three Diamond Door (@thethreediamonddoor) 4/1 ‘26

Service & Staff: A

Guinness: 7.4

Guinness Challenge: Count It! ✅

Song On In The Background: On The Loose by Split System

Notes if you can’t read my sloppy scribble: Yanks in the 9th inning up 5-2 over the Seattle Mariners. Three Diamond Door has a nice back patio. Today is the second straight day of 70s, but it was just 35°F this past Saturday. There are three diamonds on their front red door I walked through, confirmed. At the corner of the bar, a group of guys has a laptop open, watching the Artemis II Launch.

Located on Knickerbocker Avenue in Bushwick, The Three Diamond Door bar has a Happy Hour until 6 PM every day. For over a decade, The Three Diamond Door has been a neighborhood bar in Bushwick. They regularly host poetry nights and have a nice back patio for summer nights. Check out the red door with three diamonds. Cool spot to watch the Artemis Launch!

YouTube Rabbithole

Youngblood Hawke - We Come Running