The First Four Days

This post is being published on Friday morning. Donald Trump has been president for all of four days. 96 hours. That’s all. Seriously. A lot has happened over that time, so I’m going to share some thoughts and opinions on the first few days of the Trump administration.

I’m not going to comment on the pardoning of nearly all of the January 6th rioters, even those found guilty of assaulting officers. This is a big win for Antifa who I heard was behind the whole thing. I’m also not going to comment on the executive order to ban birthright citizenship. The 14th amendment wasn't even one of the Bill of Rights, and the only part of the constitutional amendments that are important are the first ten.

Instead, let’s look at some other actions that may not have received adequate attention.

Trump signed an executive order requiring the United States to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America. This is clearly going to bring down the cost of groceries. And sure, media companies might need to start calling this body of water the Gulf of America, but that's like telling Pittsburghers to call Heinz Field the current name of Acrisure Stadium. My question is why stop there? Change the name of the state of New Mexico too! Pittsburgh’s Mexican War Streets should now be the American War Streets. Quarterback Michael Vick had an alias of Ron Mexico. It’s Ron America now! 

The Department of Defense is sending 1,500 troops to the southern border. Not widely publicized is that Trump is also ordering troops to the North Carolina border. Anyone who visits the rest stop/tourist trap South of the Border in South Carolina is not welcome in North Carolina, regardless of immigration and citizenship status.

Trump is ordering all federal employees to return to the office. While this impacts federal employees across the country, this is a bigger deal in places like Washington DC. Sure, it will take some people 2+ hours each day to commute (when they could use even half of that time to work from home), but the real reason behind this action is a little-known fact that Trump is a huge proponent of public transportation. Trump took the subway everyday when he lived in New York. Ridership has been down on the Washington-areas buses and trains significantly since COVID, and he wants to Make Metro Great Again!

Finally, just before inauguration, Donald and Melania Trump released the cryptocurrencies $TRUMP and $MELANIA also known as Trumpcoin and Melaniacoin. This is clearly a fundraising idea to help pay for the devastating destruction caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina and Tennessee and the wildfires in southern California. Or maybe to help offset some of the proposed tax cuts. Seems like selling cryptocurrencies is much more effective than a bake sale. I applaud the president and first lady for creating these coins to help the country as I'm sure that they wouldn't use the office of the presidency for their own financial gain. 

Photos by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images and Saul Loeb/AP

You're Welcome, Lee Greenwood

Lee Greenwood is scheduled to perform at the inauguration this Monday. Greenwood is probably tired of singing the same patriotic songs over and over and over again. I mean, he has to sing "God Bless The USA," but maybe he wants to show his versatility and vocal range and abilities. Back in 2017, we provided some ideas for songs he could perform during the inauguration activities. Apparently, he didn't listen, which is somewhat understandable. Performing at an inauguration or one of the events around the ceremony is a big deal. Maybe he didn't want to mix things up. 8 years later, Greenwood should be comfortable with his resume. Perhaps he really wants to do something big to cement his legacy. Therefore, I asked people on my social media sites for suggestions about what Greenwood should perform. Here are the results though some of these may not be suitable for work:

Sabrina Carpenter - Espresso

This is arguably the biggest song of 2024, and you know Greenwood is working late, 'cause he's a singer. 

2 Live Crew - Me So Horny

An obvious choice to honor President Trump's south Florida ties.

Shania Twain - Man! I Feel Like A Woman!

Good song to get the crowd dancing!

The Weather Girls - It's Raining Men

The Pussycat Dolls - Don't Cha featuring Busta Rhymes

Greenwood could perform vocals by both The Pussycat Dolls and Busta.

Divinyls - I Touch Myself

Nine Inch Nails - Closer

This one is a little heavier on the instrumentals. Maybe a good song to showcase his fellow musicians.

James Brown - Say It Loud - I'm Black & I'm Proud

Jimmy Buffett - Why Don't We Get Drunk

Guarantee that there are a lot of Buffet fans in the crowd.

Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion - WAP 

Disturbed - Down With The Sickness

Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out

Christina Aguilera - Candyman

In honor of Trump winning Pennsylvania, Greenwood should support a Pittsburgher.

Mtume - Juicy Fruit

And staying on the snack/candy theme.

Lee Greenwood - God Bless You Canada 

To close the show, Greenwood should perform his song to honor America's soon to be 51st state!

Sean's Ramblings New Writer

I feel like I have started at least a dozen posts in the last few years complaining about how I don't have as much time as I'd like to write. Therefore, I decided to do something about it. I quit my job and am now completely ignoring my kids. Okay, I didn't do that. Instead, after hearing so much about AI writing, I went to ChatGPT and asked this question:

Can you create a blog post about the history of Sean's Ramblings?  

Seconds later, I got this result (I added the pictures myself)

The History of Sean’s Ramblings: A Journey Through Personal Stories and Reflections

Introduction: In the vast world of personal blogs, some stand out for their unique blend of humor, insight, and genuine reflection. "Sean’s Ramblings" is one such blog that has captured the attention of its readers through its honest storytelling and eclectic range of topics. From personal anecdotes to musings on pop culture, sports, and everyday life, Sean's Ramblings has carved a niche for itself in the blogosphere.

But how did this blog come to be? Let’s take a look at the history of "Sean’s Ramblings" and trace its evolution over the years.

The Early Days: Beginnings and Inspiration The journey of Sean’s Ramblings started in the mid-2000s when Sean, a self-proclaimed lover of writing and sharing his thoughts, decided to start a personal blog. At the time, blogs were becoming increasingly popular as a means of self-expression, and Sean was eager to join the ranks of amateur writers who were using this new medium to connect with others.

What set Sean’s Ramblings apart from many early blogs was its focus on personal stories. Sean didn’t just want to write about trending topics or news items—he wanted to create a space where he could reflect on his experiences, opinions, and the little moments that make life interesting. The blog was designed to be a place for his “ramblings”—thoughts that didn’t always fit into traditional categories but felt worth sharing anyway.

A Diverse Range of Topics Over the years, "Sean’s Ramblings" has covered a wide variety of topics, from sports to movies, travel to food, and everything in between. Some posts are deeply personal, offering a glimpse into Sean’s life and his thoughts on everything from relationships to career challenges. Others are more lighthearted, like commentary on current events or pop culture trends.

One of the defining features of Sean’s Ramblings has been its versatility. The blog has evolved as Sean’s interests have evolved, allowing it to stay fresh and relevant for both longtime followers and new readers. This diversity has also helped Sean connect with a wide audience, from sports fans to fellow travel enthusiasts to movie buffs and beyond.

The Impact of Social Media As social media platforms grew in popularity, Sean’s Ramblings expanded its reach by sharing blog posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These platforms allowed Sean to engage with readers on a more personal level, responding to comments, sharing thoughts in real-time, and connecting with fellow bloggers.

In particular, Twitter became a key tool for Sean to interact with readers, and the micro-blogging format fit well with his rambling, off-the-cuff style. It wasn’t unusual for him to post quick thoughts, jokes, or links to blog posts throughout the day, further cultivating a loyal and interactive audience.

The Blog’s Identity: Humor, Reflection, and Community What makes "Sean’s Ramblings" special is its combination of humor, self-reflection, and a sense of community. Sean’s writing has always had a conversational tone, inviting readers to feel as though they’re part of an ongoing dialogue. The blog never takes itself too seriously, yet it offers genuine insights into the life of its creator, all wrapped in a tone of humor and humility.

Over time, Sean’s Ramblings has developed a loyal following—many readers have commented on how they feel like they know Sean personally through his posts. This connection, along with the relatability of his writing, has helped the blog thrive even in an age when blogging has seen a decline in favor of more visual or fast-paced content like YouTube and TikTok.

Challenges and Growth Like many personal blogs, Sean’s Ramblings hasn’t always been consistent. There have been periods where Sean posted less frequently, whether due to life changes, work commitments, or simply needing a break. But despite these challenges, the blog has continued to grow, thanks to its loyal audience and Sean’s genuine passion for writing.

Moreover, Sean has always embraced the evolving nature of the digital world. As blogging platforms changed and social media grew more complex, he adapted, experimenting with new formats, sharing more personal updates, and engaging with readers in creative ways.

The Legacy of Sean’s Ramblings Today, Sean’s Ramblings is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in the digital age. It’s a place where anyone can go to find a thoughtful post about sports, a funny take on the latest pop culture trend, or a reflective essay about life’s challenges.

Whether you’re a long-time reader or just discovering the blog, one thing is clear: Sean’s Ramblings continues to be a cherished part of the blogging world. And as long as there’s something on his mind, we can expect many more ramblings to come.

Conclusion: The history of Sean’s Ramblings is one of passion, humor, and the enduring power of personal storytelling. From its humble beginnings to its evolution into a beloved blog with a dedicated community, it’s a reminder that sometimes the best way to connect with others is through sharing your own unique perspective.

As the blog continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Sean’s Ramblings will always be a space where reflection, humor, and insight come together, creating a welcoming place for readers to laugh, think, and reflect alongside the writer.

Look, I see the appeal of AI writing. This took seconds while many of my posts take significantly longer to write. There's nothing necessarily wrong with the history of Sean's Ramblings above. It's just boring. Hopefully the random pictures help. Guess you'll just have to deal with more of my ramblings.

Baby elephant photo from the Reid Park Zoo.

My 2025 Resolutions

I'm generally not a resolutions person, but I thought I would make an exception for this year.

1. Get in Better Shape

Yeah, yeah, this is your standard resolution. At my annual physical last month, I was up a few pounds heavier than the previous year and weigh more than I have in 20 years. Need to do better in 2025.

2. Drink More

This seems to go completely against item #1 and warnings from the surgeon general. I'm a social drinker and primarily have a beer when playing trivia or at a poker night. I may also have a glass of wine or cocktail at a restaurant. Basically, I need to get out more socially in 2025 and that means more alcohol.

3. Go On The Ya Jagoff! Podcast

In honor of my blog's 20th anniversary, I want to celebrate by appearing on their podcast. I was on this podcast early in COVID, but it would be fun to join the crew in person. Hi John and Rachael!

4. Read More Books

Pre-COVID, I used to take the bus and Metro to work every day. Now, I almost always drive to the office. The good news is that I listen to podcasts more, but it's at the expense of reading. I only finished 5 books in 2024. I really should take about 15-20 minutes a day before I go to sleep to read. 

5. Donate Blood

I generally donate blood about once every two years when there is a blood drive in my community. Doing this once or twice this year should be realistic.

6. Exercise More

This goes along with #1 and is your standard resolution. I'm being really specific though. When I write exercise, this really means playing pickleball more and working more games as a soccer referee.

7. Finish the Winnipeg-North Dakota Blog Post

I wrote about eating in Winnipeg and attending a Jets-Penguins hockey game, but I still haven't shared my experiences crossing the border and exploring Winnipeg.

8. Win My Fantasy Baseball and Football Leagues

Not sure this counts as a resolution since I only have limited control over the results, but I'd like it to happen!

9. Watch a Pittsburgh Team Win a Title

Same as #8 except I have absolutely no control over this.

10. Buy a New Pair of Tennis Shoes

You got me. I wanted to have a list of 10 items and couldn't think of anything else. I mean, I could have written "volunteer more" or "spend more time with my family," but I already have get in better shape and exercise more above, and those are your standard resolutions. I really need a new pair of tennis shoes and this one seems attainable!

Sean's Ramblings at 20

I started this blog 20 years ago tomorrow without any clue about what I was doing. (Yes, you can still say this today.) My first post didn't include a title. My second post misquoted the start of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock's It Takes Two. Over the next few weeks and months, I wrote mostly short posts which would today be considered tweets or Facebook updates about a wide variety of topics though mostly about Pittsburgh sports. I was recently married and several years away from any kids. We didn't even have a cat yet!

20 years later, I have now spent over 40% of my life writing a blog. This is my 3,383rd post. From what I can find, Sean's Ramblings is the oldest, continuously-operating personal blog. There are other blogs that are subject specific (such as about individual sports teams) that are older, but many of them have had various writers during their existence. So why do I still write a blog? I'm not sure that I have a good answer. I really have no idea how many people still read this. I don't know much about SEO (search engine optimization), and I've never figured out how to build an audience. The best answer is that this is a journal for me. Yes, it's a public journal visible in theory to the entire world, but I write for me. And a little bit for my kids in case they ever want to read through this one day (even if they have no idea who Kevin Pittsnogle is though they may have heard of Flavor Flav).

I wrote fewer posts in 2024 than I have in any other year of this blog's existence. Part of the reason is that my posts are longer. You can read my random/quick thoughts and pictures on Facebook, Bluesky, Twitter, and Instagram. I consider many of my posts here to be "articles" or at least longer or more substantial than your typical tweet. So will I write more in 2025? Maybe. An average of a post a week seems reasonable, though I'd like to increase this some.

My main goal for this blog in 2025 is for me to branch out by attending events as a blogger/media member. I submitted an application to cover the Grammys virtually, and I plan on trying to participate in a few other things. (If anyone knows of events in the DC area, please let me know!) I think I bring a different perspective than many influencers that would be fun to read.

Thanks to all of you for reading this post and any of my other posts over the years. While I wrote that I write this for me, I do enjoy having an audience! Thank you!

Best and Worst of 2024

While I've written this before, I dislike best and worst posts that come out in November or early December. What happens if you see something great in late December? Does it qualify for the next year or is it just forgotten? Now that 2024 is complete, here's my annual best and worst list. Please note that the items in this post represent what I watched or saw in 2024 even if they came out before this year. For example, The Sound of Music was released about 60 years ago, but I saw it for the first time over the summer as part of a live outdoor screening/sing-a-long (which was a lot of fun). 

Best TV Show: A Man on the Inside and Primo

There's two things in common with these shows: They are comedies with a lot of heart, and Michael Schur is a producer on both. Primo, which aired on Freevee in 2023, featured a teenage boy in San Antonio raised by his single mom and five uncles. While it's a coming of age story about the teenager, the dynamics between the five uncles (as well as with their sister and nephew) made the show. I'm writing this in past tense since it's unfortunate and disappointing that the show was cancelled after one season. Still, I highly encourage you to check it out.

A Man on the Inside follows Ted Danson, a widower hired to live in a retirement community by a private detective to try to solve a case of a stolen necklace. This one seemed to hit close to home between older residents and Mary Elizabeth Ellis (maybe best known as The Waitress on It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and her husband raising three boys. Any scene with the three kids seemed to mirror many parts of my life. While there are certainly funny moments, I think the show is much more of a drama than a comedy.

Right before I published this post, I changed my mind. My favorite TV show that I watched in 2024 was Only Murders In The Building. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez are fantastic. The show has so many good lines and scenes and amazing guest stars. The "minor" characters are all awesome too. The only negative is that I haven't watched the last two episodes of season four since my free Hulu subscription ended. I need to see how the last season ended!

Worst TV Show: Yellowstone

I watched the first three seasons last year, so this only represents season 4 and season 5, and really it's just the last 6 episodes which aired in November and December 2024. The show returned after a nearly 2-year break by killing off a major character but not having that character appear on screen thanks to a contract dispute. Even though there wasn't much time to wrap things up, there was still time to show Yellowstone's creator and writer Taylor Sheridan play poker several times and have Rip tell a story about meeting Sheridan's character at a bar fight. Oh, and there's always time for 2-3 minute clips of horses stopping quickly in the dirt for the 713th time. I really hope that there's not a 6th season though I would watch a spin-off featuring Mo and Teeter.

Other TV shows I watched in 2024:

Night Court

The Bear (season 2)

Archer (final episode)

Not Dead Yet

Abbott Elementary

Quantum Leap

Atlanta

Shogun

Modern Family (I had the last few seasons from several years ago saved on my DVR)

Welcome to Wrexham (latest season)

The Big Door Prize

The Amazing Race

Fargo (season 5) 

High Potential

The Other Two (season 3)

Girls5eva

Succession (last half of last season)

Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North

Hacks (season 3)

Beast Games

Best Song: APT by Rose and Bruno Mars

While I wrote about my favorite songs of 2024 a few weeks ago, APT by Rose (from the South Korean group BlackPink) and Bruno Mars is my favorite. It's pure pop and really, really catchy. To me, the bridge makes the song. 

Don't you want me like I want you, baby

Don't you need me like I need you now

Sleep tomorrow but tonight go crazy

All you gotta do is just meet me at the

So good. Plus, if you want to be silly, you can replace the chorus with a-pa-chocolate chip. It works. (Credit to The Moose for this change.)

Worst Song: Lonely Road by MGK and Jelly Roll

Look, if you're going to use the tune from John Denver's Take Me Home, Country Roads, just do a cover. 

Lonely road, take me home

To the place that we went wrong

Where'd you go now?

It's been a ghost town

And I'm still here all alone.

No. No. No. No. No. Now, if you insert West Virginia after where'd you go now, that might redeem the song a little. That might be funny.

Best Movie: The Holdovers

I'll admit that this was the toughest pick for me. Oppenheimer and Barbie both deserved all the acclaim they received. Poor Things and Emelia Perez are both very weird (especially Poor Things), but I appreciate that the films went for a big swing. They are both so much different than anything I've seen. With all of that, The Holdovers is a safe pick. Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, and Dominic Sessa are all excellent. A feel good story and ending too.

Worst Movie: Maestro

I give credit to Bradley Cooper for acting and directing this movie about Leonard Bernstein. I just found that I didn't really care about Bernstein's personal life. 

Other Movies I Watched in 2024 not mentioned above:

Confessions of a Dangerous Mind

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (the 1971 version)

Dumb Money

Mississippi Burning

Lincoln

Ex Machina

A Star Is Born

The Sound of Music
Everything Everywhere All at Once

Top Gun: Maverick

Knives Out: Glass Onion

If

Wicked (part 1)

Best Book: Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

Vera Wong runs a tea shop with barely any customers and finds a dead body in her shop one morning. From there, she decides to solve the case. It's a really fun read. 

Other Books I Read in 2024:

Rickey by Howard Bryant

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

60 Songs That Explain The 90s by Rob Harvilla

Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto 

People Love Dead Jews by Dara Horn (only a few chapters in)

Best Pittsburgh Sports Moment:

The real answer should be anything related to Paul Skenes, but this picture (as shown below) after Pitt's men's basketball team defeated Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium in January is still awesome. Pitt really should have made the tournament, but a few pre-conference losses sealed their fate. 

Worst Pittsburgh Sports Moment:

Everything else! The Penguins didn't make the playoffs. The Steelers lost in the first round of the playoffs in snowy Buffalo and seem headed to that again next week. The Pirates are the Pirates, Pitt's football team lost 6 straight, and Pitt's women's volleyball team had an incredible year but lost in the final four. Duquesne's men's basketball team winning an NCAA tournament game was fun though.  

Best Sports Moment I Saw Live: Maryland Women's Basketball

Yes, this is definitely recent bias, but the pass starting around the 3:40 mark of this video was awesome.

Most Meaningful Blog Posts:

The high and low of 2024 came just a few weeks apart. The Moose celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in early April, and then, my mom passed away at the end of the month. I'm grateful that she was able to watch the ceremony online and congratulate him on an amazing job. 

Worst Blog Post: A Hawk Tua Post

This was a dumb idea about hawks that lived on my street and the Miami Dolphins quarterback.

Best Concert: Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

I saw these concerts about a week apart, and that's quite the twin bill. What I appreciate about both is that they have deep catalogs and play such a wide variety of their songs. I was awestruck by the Bruce concert, and as I was leaving Nats Park, I started going through his hits that they didn't play. I wasn't upset. Bruce and company could play a 7-hour concert and still not play everything!