Life and Stuff

For years I have very much enjoyed Bill Simmons's monthly mailbag column in which he answers questions on everything from sports to movies, often in a sarcastic style. While I was perusing his latest mailbag, I thought it might be fun to simulate my own mailbag on the offhand chance that someone may stumble upon this and see what a knowledgeable person I am on sports, television, and radio. I'm doing this in the hope that someone will read this a be so moved to send in a question so that I can provide answers for a real mailbag column that I will write within the next few weeks. Most names in this column will be derived from people who I have met at some point in my life. Others will be made up on the sole reason that I find them funny. So without any further adieu, here now are 10 questions that I think you will find the answers to quite interesting.

1. Q: Hi, Dan, love your column, I'd like to know who gave you the first autograph you ever received? Bob- West Warwick, RI

A: I'm not really sure. The first autograph I remember getting was from a guy named Nate Minchey. who was a top pitching prospect in the Red Sox system in the early 1990s. I met him at the old Apex in Pawtucket RI and later saw him pitch in person. However, my Dad insists that my first autograph was given to me by a guy named Clark Donnatelli who played for the 1992 US Olympic hockey team and briefly played for the Bruins. I tend to disagree with him because I don't remember meeting him or getting an autograph. So I tend to think that it was Minchey and I'm sticking to it.

2. Q: Ever hear of a guy named Dave Reece? Dave- Washington's Crossing PA

A: Ah yes, the man who has the constant nightmare of Darryl Sittler scoring a million goals on him night after night.

3. Q: Yo Dan, I heard you're coming to the Philly area to visit your old man soon. I will soon be moving there myself. Anyway, my question is, I'm a big eater, and I would like to know your favorite restaurant's to dine at in the Delaware Valley? Vito- The North End

A: I don't know what kind of food you're into Vito so I going to give you my recommendations for places to eat based on the kind of food they serve. For Italian, I like "Carlucci's" in Yardley, it's a real family style place where everything is made fresh. For seafood, I love the "Big Fish," they have great shrimp there. For sushi, "Ah Ty Ya" outside of Princeton is your place, I learned how to eat with chop sticks there. Finally, for casual dining, "Bennigan's" and "Wegman's are my favorites there. I know the latter is a supermarket, but I like it for the variety. There used to be this place in the local mall I loved called "Kahunaville" which was a Polynesian themed "Dave and Buster's" in the local mall. Unfortunately, it closed a couple of years ago much to my sadness.

4. Q: What will your typical Sunday afternoon consist of in the fall? Debbie- Smithfield RI

A: A "Sam Adams" in my hand, chips on the table, and football all day long.

5. Q: You've said the last great decade for cartoon theme songs was the 1980's. What are you're top five favorites? Amanda- Newton MA

A: Gohstbusters (Close): I always tried to imitate them dancing and had a good time doing it until the Columbia Torch Lady came on the screen and scared the living crap out of me. Look this up on "You Tube" and you'll see what I mean.
4. "The New Archies": I love the song, it's such a product of the 80's. The lyrics and opening are cheesy, but it always brought a smile to my face look it up on YT if you must.
3. "It's Punky Brewster": Such a bad imitation of Cyndi Lauper, it's enjoyable.
2. "Pee Wee's Playhouse" Though not technically a cartoon, it always put be in the mood for Mr. Herman. I still know Pee Wee's vocal parts by heart to this day. I know, I live a pathetic life, don't I?
1. "Smurfs" The most easily recognizable theme in that era. To not put it at the top would be insane.

6. Q: When do I get the house you promised me years ago? Paul- New York

A: Just 130 easy payments of $1,119.32 and it's yours!

7. Q: What's your least favorite oldie of all time? Travis- Medfield MA

A: 96 Tears by ? and the Mysterians. My Dad knows why, the memories are just too painful for me to recount now.

8. Q: Why do you consider Dale Dorman to be your favorite DJ/voiceover artist of all time. Jadd- Salem NH

A: Simply put, Dale always sounds like he clearly enjoys what he is doing. Even if the guy is doing an ad for a rest home, he'll find some way to make it appealing to the consumer at the very least. He's always tight, wild, and funny, it's a shame he's on too early for me these days.

9. Q: In one word, can you describe the Bruins chances this year? Dave again.

A In a word, none.

1o Q: Will you visit Boog's Barbecue Pit in Baltimore when you visit the ballpark? Boog- Baltimore

A I will certainly try.

There you have it, 10 questions and answers that i hope my audience learned something from. Hopefully I'll be able to do a real mailbag soon. Feel free to leave any questions you want answered on the comments page. Thanks for reading.