Kindle Pick of the Week: The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America

National bestseller and fan favorite! This humorous look at 50 common North American dumb birds is a perfect book for the birder and anti-birder alike.
 

For those who have a disdain for birds, or for bird lovers with a sense of humor, this snarky illustrated handbook is equal parts profane, funny, and—let's face it—true. Featuring common North American birds such as the White-Breasted Butt Nugget and the Goddamned Canada Goose (or White-Breasted Nuthatch and Canada Goose for the layperson), Matt Kracht identifies all the idiots in your backyard and details exactly why they suck with humorous yet angry ink drawings. With The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of North America, you won't need to wonder what all that racket is anymore!

ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL: This uproarious guide to all things wings includes migratory maps, tips for birding, musings on the avian population, and lessons on the ethics of birdwatching. Plus, each entry is accompanied by facts about a bird's (annoying) call, its (dumb) migratory pattern, its (downright tacky) markings, and more.

POPULAR AUTHOR: Matt Kracht is an amateur birder, writer, and illustrator who enjoys creating books that celebrate the humor inherent in life's absurdities. Based in Seattle, he enjoys gazing out the window at the beautiful waters of Puget Sound and making fun of birds. Other hilarious titles from Matt include The Field Guide to Dumb Birds of the Whole StupidWorld and OMFG, BEES!

https://www.amazon.com/Field-Guide-Birds-North-America/dp/1452174032/ref=lp_290081_1_2

Survey Says: 70% of Americans Say They Are Sports Fans

Seventy percent of Americans say they're sports fans, according to a national survey of 3,201 American residents released today by the Siena College Research Institute and St. Bonaventure University's Jandoli School of Communication.

72% say they're football fans, even if not sports fan
83% watch football to bond with family and friends
81% "because it's fun"
65% "because it is exciting"
82% say that they learn about teamwork by watching football
79% learn about strategy
72% learn about leadership
27% say football is too violent
 
America's most like and most hated team: Dallas Cowboys.

Most popular 'active' NFL player: Tom Brady (followed by Patrick Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers)

Most popular former player: Joe Montana (followed by Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Walter Payton)

"Sports in general and football specifically are central to who we are and what we do as a nation and as individuals," said Aaron Chimbel, St. Bonaventure's Jandoli School of Communication dean. "It connects communities, families and friends in ways that no other sport does, and it is important to understand why and how football is part of our social fabric."

The survey identified four categories of fanship – Avid, Involved, Casual and Non-Fan – based on people's sports fan activities.

"For Avid fans, sports is woven into their lives every day. They constantly watch, listen, check scores, and banter about sports. Involved fans love the games but don't engage daily, while casual fans likely check in on the weekends. The remaining 27% may watch a game infrequently, but sports is not front and center," said Don Levy, Siena College Research Institute Director.

Book Pick of the Week: Always a Pleasure

Sports broadcaster, Chuck Swirsky with a new book.

Chuck Swirsky is an award-winning NBA announcer who has spent the last 25 years calling games for the Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors. Swirsky began his professional broadcasting career in 1976 after graduating from Ohio University. He later served as Sports Director at two major radio stations: WGN in Chicago and WJR in Detroit. In Chicago, Swirsky called basketball play-by-play for DePaul University and the Chicago Sting soccer club, along with hosting pre- and post-game shows on the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears radio network. In addition, Swirsky did the television play-by-play for Northwestern University football and handled public address for the Sting, Bulls, and Cubs. He has been inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, The Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, and the WGN Radio Walk of Fame. On September 30, 1994, the Governor of Illinois proclaimed Chuck Swirsky Day for the state. In Detroit, Swirsky anchored pre, half, and post-game shows on the University of Michigan football network and called the play-by-play for the men’s basketball program. He also hosted pre- and post-game shows on the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings radio network. He was awarded Best Play-by-Play Sportscaster and received Best Sportscast award for the state of Michigan. Swirsky has also been a guest instructor at the University of Mississippi. Always a Pleasure is his first book.

Available here or at bookstores.

Rick's Appearance on SportsRadio 92.9 The Game With Sam and Greg 11/25/22 - Black Friday Deals

Rick joins Sam and Greg on SportsRadio 92.9 The Game

Black Friday Deals and more...

Have a listen:

1. Galaxy SmartTag: On-sale for $29.99 at Best Buy

Keep track of your luggage, bags and even golf clubs
https://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/mobile-accessories/phones/samsung-galaxy-smart-tag-1-pack-black-ei-t5300bbegus/

 
2.  Honma Golf Clubs for the Holidays
us.honmagolf.com

One of the oldest golf club manufacturers and the top club company in Japan, Honma, has deals for the holidays.



3.  andobil Car Phone Holder

https://www.amazon.com/andobil-Dashboard-Windshield-Holder-Compatible/dp/B07GGWXGRX?tag=travelandleisure-onsite-prod-20&ascsubtag=6828374%7Cn24fa71d8bcbf4567a361e883f11eb0a201%7C%7C1668531882637%7C

Perfect for your car, your golf cart, kitchen or office...
There are several features that make this phone mount stand out. The first is that it’s compatible with any phone and easy to adjust. The click of a button opens mechanical arms on both sides, and you just pinch them together to tighten. This means your phone, even if you have a bulky case or a cardholder, can fit in it.

The mount also has a mechanical arm with the ability to swivel up and down (it can orient your phone to be horizontal, vertical, or really however you like) so you can exact the perfect angle, all while staying firmly rooted in your cup holder. And the length can extend or contract depending on how close you want it to you.
 

4. The new Babolat Evo Aero

Tennis retailers and Babolat

Babolat`s SPINALPHA frame design features an aeromodular beam and a more open 16x18 string pattern for easy power and extra forgiveness. The tried and true WOOFER system increases the amount of time the ball is on the strings for improved control and additional comfort. The latest evolution of SMAC EX technology is, EVO4 FEEL, and the Evo Aero gets viscoelastic material in four key locations in the head to absorb shock. Another key feature of the EVO Aero is the racquet has a softer flex for more comfort on contact.

102 square inches

Features:
-Increased power and spin from the 16x18 string pattern
-Improved shock absorption and vibration dampening
-An easy racquet to play for a wide range of players

 

5. Big Agnes Impassable 20 Daypack - Brand New

https://www.bigagnes.com/collections/backpacks

Big Agnes’ biggest drop on the year - harnessing 20 years of product development to introduce a packs collection. The Impassable 20 is a top-loading daypack with compartmentalized storage, a lined laptop pocket, and an internal hydration sleeve - perfect for day hikes and everyday travel. Made with recycled materials, Big Agnes packs were built for long hauls without weighing you (or the environment) down.
 

***  Bonus also from Big Agnes  -  Love this
Big Agnes Trash Can Accessory
 

The first time a trash can has ever been a cool gift – an easily attachable, 7-liter durable stuff sack, designed for keep trails and campsites clean. Made with recycled and sustainable materials – a clean product that keeps things clean.

Attach to your Big Agnes pack, belt, or your own pack with hook and bungee attachments
7L Trash Can is ample sized for food wrappers, plastic bottles, dog waste, or micro trash
Tested by Big Agnes employees to hold up to 36 loosely crushed aluminum cans
Included with Big Agnes backpacking packs, and sold separately as an accessory

 

NASCAR Streetrace Coming to Chicago

For the first time ever, the sights, sounds and speed of NASCAR are coming to the streets of downtown Chicago on July 1-2, 2023. One of the most iconic cities in the world, Chicago will add another chapter to its illustrious sports history when a NASCAR Cup Series street race debuts against the backdrop of Lake Michigan and Grant Park, televised on NBC.

“Like the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, we seized an incredible opportunity to add an unprecedented element to our schedule and take center stage in the heart of another major metropolitan market,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR senior vice president of racing development and strategy. “This is the ideal setting for the first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street race. The NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen cars and the IMSA machines will race along the shores of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago, marking a truly historic moment for our sport. We are very appreciative of Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her team, along with the entire City of Chicago for working with us to make this concept a reality.”

The first-ever NASCAR Cup Series street course race will take place on Sunday, July 2, 2023, and will be preceded by an IMSA sanctioned series race, which will run on Saturday, July 1, 2023. The specific IMSA series joining the NASCAR Cup Series in Chicago will be announced at a later date. Both races will be surrounded by music and entertainment options for all ages, truly making it one of the signature sporting and entertainment events of the year.

“Chicago’s streets are as iconic as our skyline and our reputation as a world class sports city is indisputable,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “I am thrilled to welcome our partners at NASCAR to Chicago for an event that will attract thousands of people to our city. Chicago’s world class entertainment and hospitality industries, coupled with our city's history as a conduit for sports talent, make us the perfect hosts for this unique event.”

Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Columbus Drive and select surrounding thoroughfares will be transformed into a 12-turn, 2.2-mile street course, with the start/finish line and pit road located along South Columbus Drive directly in front of Buckingham Fountain. The course will pass through the famed Grant Park, as well as approach the northern edge of Soldier Field, one of the most notable and recognizable sports venues in the country – and the site of the only other Cup Series race to take place in Downtown Chicago, in 1956.

“Welcoming yet another NASCAR event to Illinois just weeks after the inaugural Enjoy Illinois 300 Cup Series race is a testament to the strength of our tourism industry from Chicago to Metro East,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Illinois, with its longstanding tradition of innovation, is a fitting host for NASCAR’s first-ever street race, and we are thrilled to welcome this new series to America’s most iconic drive next summer.”

“Chicago is one of the world’s top sports and entertainment destinations. Year after year, fans from all over the world travel to our great city for high-profile sporting events,” said Kara Bachman, Executive Director, Chicago Sports Commission. “The 2023 NASCAR Chicago Street Race weekend will continue that legacy with another monumental sports moment and we look forward to welcoming fans to NASCAR’s first-ever street race.”