The game: Bills at Patriots
The beer: True North Sweater Weather Maple Smoked Porter
The result: Win, 29–25
The method: Live via Paramount+
The record: 2–5
The headline: “I’ve made mistakes that I’m sure I’ll make again.” – Mudhoney, “Good Enough”

The commentary: A win against a superior division rival is a wonderful thing. What does it change? Not much—this is a largely untalented team assembled by a revered figurehead who still thinks Tom Brady and Lawrence Taylor didn’t compensate for past deficiencies. The long-term success of this team remains dependent on an offensive mind detached from the man’s coaching tree—I’ve made mistakes, and “Fire Belichick” might be a little strong this week, but “move past Belichick”? Good enough.

At least he’s letting the youngsters play—DeMario Douglas, Anfernee Jennings, etc. No real plans for Malik “Dope” Cunningham, I suppose, but I don’t trust Belichick to know what to do with him anyway. Besides, Mac Jones looked great against the Bills. Genuinely great—more comfort in the pocket, more zip on throws and, what do you know, a come-from-behind victory! That was the most I’d enjoyed a Pats game since, I don’t know, Jones blew out the Browns his rookie year. “I’ll watch, root for wins, expect wins, expect playoffs, but I’m not stupid.” Can they keep it up? Onward in triumph!

Mudhoney, sans wind machine, played the “Brighton” Music Hall (in Allston) Thursday and goddamn but I still love them after thirty-four years. Kicking off with “When Tomorrow Hits”? Adding an inaudible saxophone player? Tastefully electing not to play “Please Mr. Gunman” while Republicans shrugged their shoulders in the aftermath of another AR-15 catastrophe? MARK ARM 2028.

I’m a year-plus late introducing reader(s) to the newest member of the family. (I wanted first to eulogize dear Rosie and that, too, was late. RIP sweetie.) In the grand tradition of nicknames overpowering proper ones—hello, DeMario Pop Douglas!—comes Jasmine Jazzy, a nickname with a nickname of its own: Jazzo. Any resemblance to another treasured sweetest-cat-ever candidate is unintentional and wholly welcome. Isn’t she beautiful? May no toe go unlicked. ❤️

Up next: According to Fred Kirsch, “twelve and five is still in play.” Happy Halloween!