–The entertainment business lost another giant with the passing of Alex Trebek last Sunday at the age of 80 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born in Sudbury, Ontario, where he aspired to a career in journalism until he decided hosting a game show would be more enjoyable. His first gig was in 1966, when he hosted “Reach for the Top,” and later on he served as the host of “Jackpot.” But his big opportunity occurred in 1984, when Merv Griffin picked him as the host of a new version of “Jeopardy,” and as they say, the rest is history. Trebek set the “Guiness Book of World Records” record for most game shows hosted by a single person with more than 8,000 episodes to his credit. Let’s do this the right way: Clue–He is the undisputed king of game show hosts. Answer–Who is Alex Trebek?
–With their thrilling 24-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys last Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers set a franchise record by beginning the season with a record of 8-0. They will host the 2-5-1 Cincinnati Bengals this afternoon at 4:25 p.m. You can catch all the action on FOX, and at this writing Big Ben is scheduled to play.
–Congratulations to the Wheeling Park High School Girls Soccer team, which finished its season by winning the West Virginia AAA state championship with a 1-0 victory over Parkersburg South last Saturday. The game winner came in the 13th minute of the first half, when senior Graceylyn Hanna buried a free kick. Hanna also was named state player of the year, and her mother and coach of the Lady Patriots, Carrie Hanna, was honored as coach of the year. And Graceylyn’s sister, Lily, a freshman starter, earned a spot on the all-state team.
–The Center for Disease Control and Prevention last Tuesday issued a statement saying that wearing a mask protects both the wearer and others from COVID-19. It also said, “…adopting universal masking policies can help avert future lockdowns.” It urged EVERYONE to engage in physical distancing and frequent hand washing. Sounds pretty simple, but it’s a real mystery why so many people don’t do it.
–Speaking of wearing a mask, how do you feel when you see people not wearing one come into a store where you are shopping? My emotions run the gamut from irritation to anger to furious to full-blown outrage. But I don’t know what to do. Should I approach them and politely ask them why they aren’t wearing a mask? If I’m in a grocery store, my first inclination is to attack them with a bag of frozen peas or some other handy weapon. I know that’s not the thing to do, however, but I just can’t understand why people won’t do their part to help wipe out this damn virus. Of course I know there are people with breathing problems that prevent them from wearing a mask, and that’s fine, but for all the others I just can’t see any excuse.
–Well, I’m certain just about everyone by now knows how Trump, who lost the election to president-elect Joe Biden by MERELY MORE THAN 5 MILLION VOTES, is behaving like a prepubescent little boy who lost his sand bucket and shovel. I picture him throwing a temper tantrum in the oval office by lying on the floor and kicking and screaming. By withholding the daily briefings to which president-elect Biden is entitled, Trump is putting the country at risk. And instead of tending to his presidential duties, the almost former president is carrying on a feud with Fox News. His behavior after the election has been an outrageous embarrassment to the United States, but perhaps the worst part of the whole thing is that it’s not at all surprising. What a sad situation. Let’s hope he finds his bucket and shovel soon!
–COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the college football world for this weekend, forcing the postponement or cancellation of eight games so far. The list includes five teams in the top 25, and the total of games postponed or canceled so far this season now stands at 57. I’m an avid football fan, but I firmly believe the entire season should have been canceled. Yes, I know the players want to compete, but will it have been worth it if even one player has lasting side effects or worse yet dies? I THINK NOT! –Ponder this: How do you get off a non-stop flight?” –George Carlin
