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The first black pioneer of the NBA 75 years on

1st November 20251st November 2025 funtime65

IT seems unimaginable now that basketball that has created more Afro-American idols than any other was once a white preserve, so it is worth marking the first black pioneer of the NBA 75 years on.

Charles ‘Chuck’ Cooper may not have the global adulation.

Of a Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Steph Curry, Magic Johnson or Shaquille O’Neal.

But were you to ask any one of those black colossuses of sport for his contribution to the sport.

And their passage into it they would as one place him on the highest pedestal.

Because on this day back in 1950 the Pittsburgh native became the first Afro-American to play in the NBA.

Featuring in the Boston Celtics‘ 107-84 loss to the Fort Wayne Pistons.

That it was the Celtics that broke the colour barrier is a matter of great pride for Bostonians.

Because, of course, others were not always as welcoming to athletic achieving black Americans.

Best of Chuck

The towering 6ft 5ins Chuck though bore, as so many did in those days, the humiliation with heroic grace.

Not that Walter A Brown’s and Red Auerbach’s Celtics stopped there.

With Chuck going on to form a holy trinity of African-American basketball players.

With Earl Lloyd and Nat ‘Sweetwater’ Clifton, who would transform the parquet.

That the Celtics weren’t prepared to be dictated to by anyone who they would or wouldn’t play was clear when Brown hit out at the racists.

And said at the draft: ‘I don’t give a damn if he’s striped, plaid or polka dot. Boston takes Charles Cooper of Duquesne (College).’

The Holy Trinity

On a pedestal: With Red in Quincy Market in Boston

Even against, or perhaps because, of the maltreatment they would receive on the road they rose higher and greater.

Red’s Big Three faced discrimination in restaurants, hotels, and the very arenas in which they played.

Even when a new hotel on the exhibition circuit refused Chuck service or fans from a rival city shouted racial slurs.

The black and the green: The Celtics today

Chuck would also hold court for the Harlem Globetrotters, Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks.

And the team he faced in that historic first game 75 years ago today, Fort Wayne Pistons.

For the stattos out there, Chuck played a total of 409 games, scored 2,725 points for an average of 6.66 points per game.

He recorded 2,431 rebounds for an average of 5.9 per game, and had 733 assists for an average of 1.79 per game.

The pioneer

The most notable statistic though was that Chuck Cooper was the first, the first Afro-American to play in the NBA.

Chuck would be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame as late as 2019, some 35 years after he had died at the age of 57 of cancer.

But he has, of course, left a legacy that far outlasts his life as the first Afro-American to trod the parquet courts of the NBA.

And for us, and the great sports city of Boston, that is a real slam dunk.

We found an Aer Lingus flight from our home airport here in Edinburgh through Dublin with pre-clearance for a sample week’s return dates this month from £668.40.

America, Countries

Why Oregon is the wheel deal for accessibility travel

29th October 202529th October 2025 funtime65

So in the state where they let ’er buck they never let ’er buckle… or why Oregon is the wheel deal for accessibility travel.

Now if you’re either hell on wheels yourself or have travelled with wheelchair adventurers you’ll know.

That disabled travellers are always prepared to go the extra mile.

And often have to because too many destinations still don’t cater for even the most basic accessibility needs.

Bang for your buck

Definitely not so, though, with the Beaver state, which has become the first in the Oo Es of Eh to get Wheel the World Accessibility Verified.

The designation elevates transparency and promotes inclusivity in travel experiences.

For those with visible and non-visible disabilities.

This milestone marks the improvements in the accessibility of tourism businesses across all seven of Oregon’s tourism regions.

From hotels and outdoor adventure experiences to cultural attractions and culinary experiences.

Your accessibility guide

Oregon is now the first state to offer disabilities travel itineraries as an online resource.

Now WTW has done the heavy lifting for us here.

Assessing more than 750 hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses in 43 communities.

With more to come, and all Travel Oregon Welcome Centers.

Evaluating mobility, visual, hearing, and cognitive features.

On the lake with Kaylee

Now to bring the story to life, Travel Oregon and Wheel the World partnered with accessibility advocate Kaylee Bays.

With Kathleen being the first wheelchair user to compete on So You Think You Can Dance.

Hat’s the boy: Bandanaman goes Oregon cowboy hat

We can only imagine our old pal and Yorkshire disability advocate from joint travels in Germany, Debbie, was busy.

Kaylee shares her journey with her 140,000 followers on Instagram.

Helping to inspire a wide audience with her experiences. Kaylee explored Oregon’s accessible offerings.

Kayak Kaylee

Experiencing the dramatic landscapes of Smith Rock.

And kayaking Hosmer Lake in Central Oregon with the backdrop of the stunning mountains.

“I used to assume nature wasn’t something I could really be part of. Oregon showed me that I was wrong,” said Kaylee.

Let ’er buck, not buckle

Kaylee, who has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a degenerative condition she was diagnosed with at 21 added: ‘It opened a whole new world for me.’

With accessibility data now visible and bookable online, travellers can explore detailed listings.

So let ’er buck, not buckle, it’s time to freewheel around the great state of Oregon.

We found return flights with Aer Lingus from Dublin with pre-clearance for a sample week next month from €875.09.

America, Countries, Deals

Universal’s Fast & Furious Flying Cars

17th October 2025 funtime65

My Dear Old Mum‘s driving prowess was legendary with Dad calling her Stirling Moss, so I’d venture that she was airborne long before Universal’s Fast & Furious Flying Cars.

Time has surely whizzed by since Jimmy Fallon, no less, was audio guiding us through a crazy Fast & Furious studio tour at Universal Hollywood.

And now our Universal buddies have only up and added to the fun with Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift.

Universal Studios Hollywood has begun extended testing with its first launch of the Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift ride vehicles.

As the theme park’s first-ever, high-speed outdoor roller coaster prepares to open in 2026.

The train containing the four ride vehicles, including the Dodge Charger, will be concealed during this initial test phase.

With the remaining ride vehicles revealed at a later date.

Get the drift

Jimmy, Jimmy: Jimmy Fallon and the Universal Studio Guided Tour

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will feature 360-degree rotation of the individual ride vehicles.

As guests travel along 4,100 feet of elaborate track – the equivalent of nearly 12 football fields – built with sound reduction technology.

So for those who haven’t been in a car with my daredevil Mum, and we know you’ll have your own, it’s a seamless sensation of drifting cars.

As guests spin in motion at fast speeds while speeding along an aerial track.

Get there Fast

That winds its way over sections of the theme park, including the multi-level escalator that connects the Upper and Lower Lots.

Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift will be located on the Upper Lot of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Guests will queue up within an expansive garage-like structure before settling into one of four ride vehicles, designed to look like the iconic cars from the films.

Including Dominic Toretto’s 1970 Dodge Charger.

We found a return Aer Lingus flight from Dublin to Los Angeles (LAX) for a sample five days next month from €551.51 with Ireland’s special pre-clearance obviously.

America, Countries

Chicago the best big city in the USA

8th October 20258th October 2025 funtime65

It’s our kinda town and has been for nine years, Chicago the best big city in the USA.

But don’t just take our word for it, well do.

But listen too to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

While UK readers registered their thoughts in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice.

Bestowing Chicago as one of the friendliest cities in the world, the only U.S. city to earn this recognition.

The rail thing

Because they’re our kinda people who smile at you.

And help visitors get around the city on their L rail.

Where don’t be surprised if you end up chewing the fat with the guard.

About The Average White Band, his Scottish term of reference.

Now our chums at Choose Chicago have set out nine ways the Windy City is best.

Now know we know 99, although technically it would be 77.

Play, pray and sashay

That being the number of neighborhoods in the great city of the Midwest.

Which, of course, you need more than a week to get around although we did try.

Now as you all know now we live by the maxim go where the locals play and pray.

Which has led us to our fair share of ballparks.

And now we can say, play, pray and sashay after enjoying life in and around North Halsted.

The Three Temples

And find all three come together, the three temples of Da Pope merch at Wrigley Park. (yes, we know he’s actually a White Sox fan).

And all coming back from Pride party in the gayborhood where it all started and on the L with Cubs fans.

Of course, the only way of discovering the 9, 77 or 99 reasons why Chicago is the best big city in America is to get out there.

Because Chicago is tuggin’ my sleeve,

Fly with Aer Lingus through Dublin with pre-clearance from €406.96.

America, Countries, Food & Wine, Ireland

How to pour the perfect pint of Guinness

30th September 2025 funtime65

And you’d expect the owner of the company at least to know how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness, but alas not.

Edward Guinness’s cack-handed tilt is, of course, not the only inaccuracy in The House of Guinness, but it is the most serious.

Eddie makes a set piece of showing Fenian firebrand Ellen how to pour the stout out of a bottle in the Stephen Knight Netflix series.

Using the whole theatre of the moment in a posh Dublin hotel.

Tilting in wrong direction

To point out that patience is essential for the perfect Guinness.

And that the same ought to be applied to the fight for an Irish republic.

Only that he has the tilt all wrong and that the head is too thin.

Now, as with all matters, we always go the experts.

And in the absence of my Donegal hotelier grandpa or my four Irish publican uncles. I’ll settle on the next big thing.

The Guinness Storehouse at St James’s Gate in The Liberties, Dublin who advise.

The initial pour

Hold your glass at a 45-degree angle and aim the tap nozzle for the gold harp logo.

Pour until you reach the top of the harp, then stop.

Let it settle

Set the Guinness down and let it rest, which is called the ‘surge and settle’ phase.

The darker stout slowly sinks under the creamy, white foam.

Top off the pint

Settle your drink for about a minute beforeyou fill up the rest of the glass.

With the glass straight, fill until the foam forms a dome for the perfect Guinness head.

And all of which I learned first hand for myself in a little corner of Ireland.

They call Las Vegas and Rí Rá Irish Pub at The Shoppes at Mandalay Place.

America, Countries, Ireland, Sport

Steel yourself for Irish Gridiron spice bags

27th September 202527th September 2025 funtime65

And as American Footballers take over Dublin this weekend steel yourself for Irish Gridiron spice bags.

Taking two of the cultural culinary staples of Pittsburgh and the Irish capital.

To create the Steel Bag,

Sponsors Aer Lingus are blending the homegrown take-away treat of a Spice Bag with Pittsburgh favourites like melted cheese and meats.

Which, of course, we know is a variation on a Philly Cheesesteak, but whisper that around Steel City.

While anyone who has been brought up, or reared their kids in Ireland, will be familiar with the smells of a Spice Bag from a weekend out.

Bag it up

Your bag is a mix of deep-fried salt and chilli chips, salt and shredded chilli chicken or wings, red and green and chili peppers, fried onions and a variety of spices.

That we’ve honed in on Pittsburgh rather than opponents Minnesota Vikings is no sleight.

On those brave men of the Mid West.

But rather because the Pennsylvanians have long had stronger links with Ireland,.

Particularly the Steelers owners, the Rooney family, whose rich Irish heritage dates back to the 1840s.

With the team’s fanbase, Steeler Nation, having also travelled across the Atlantic in huge numbers to see their team play on Irish soil.

Now gridiron fans who were around Earlsfort Terrace yesterday would doubtless have done a double take.

To see Steelers legend Brett Keisel rolling up his sleeves, serving the fusion feast.

Tailgate party on

Say cheese: Cheesesteaks and Arnold Palmers

And who knows the new dish might take on and the Steeler Nation might bring it back with them to adopt at their Tailgate parties?

Now, no quarter has been given in turning Dublin and the Aviva into an American Football outpost for the weekend.

With a Steelers Fan Tailgate set up at Merrion Square, presented by Aer Lingus.

With football themed fun for all the family.

Man of Steel: Pittsburgh’s ‘secret weapon’?

And fans can learn more about all the Steelers’ Black & Gold activities taking place in Ireland on the footie team’s website and the Vikings can be found on their site too.

Six-time Super Bowl Steelers entered a four-year partnership with Aer Lingus this year.

Establishing the airline as the Official Airline of Steelers Ireland and a Founding Partner of Steelers Ireland.

Deal us in

Aer we go: Aer Lingus and Pittsburgh Steelers

And Aer Lingus offers convenient travel options for fans from the US making their way to Dublin for the game.

With the airline flying 21 direct routes from North America to Ireland in 2025.

For next year, Aer Lingus will fly two new transatlantic routes from Dublin to Cancún, Mexico, and Raleigh-Durham in the US.

We found return flights with the national airline carrier through Dublin with pre-clearance from €815.65 for sample dates in October.

America, Countries, Deals, Sport

All set for kick-off in LA

25th September 202525th September 2025 funtime65

Soccer has come a long way in the US since George Best’s razzmatazz and Diana Ross’s mishit but we’re all set for kick-off in LA.

With Team USA better placed and Americans more invested for World Cup MkII.

With the hosts coming to the party next year on June 12 where they left off in 1994, in Los Angeles.

Now, many of our countries, and our wee one Scotland hasn’t qualified for nearly 30 years, are still dreaming of getting there.

But there’s no harm in planning ahead.

And if we’re really lucky our country will get placed in the City of Angels, ranked the No. 1 US city for football fans.

But if not the neutral will get to see a feast of international football, including eight matches at the SoFi Stadium.

Just the ticket

The first phase of FIFA World Cup 26 ticket sales is now open with the Visa Presale Draw.

Which gives fans their first chance to secure seats.

You need to register at FIFA.com/tickets and create a FIFA ID.

And registered fans will receive updates on sale dates and details of the ticketing process.

Additional phases will roll out through the start of the event.

With Phase 2, the Early Ticket Draw, running from October 27–31 October.

With successful fans invited to purchase tickets from mid-November to early December.

Phase 3 is the Random Selection Draw, beginning shortly after the Final Draw on December 5.

When fans can apply for specific matches based on revealed group-stage matchups.

Closer to the tournament, any remaining tickets will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Festival for fans

So we’ve been well briefed then so back to everything around the tourney in one of our favourite cities in the Oo Es of Eh.

From the eve of Team USA’s big kick-off, June 11-July 19 there will be World Cup-related events across the city.

Highlights include an official FIFA Fan Festival, along with additional Fan Zones.

Best bar none

For those looking to watch with locals, Los Angeles offers countless football-friendly eateries and bars.

With nearly 40 LAFC-affiliated pubs, from La Chuperia in Lincoln Heights to The Sunset Room in Hacienda Heights.

Global supporters also bring their passion to LA’s pubs and neighbourhoods.

And fans from this side of the pond will feel at home at British-themed pubs including Ye Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica and The Cat and Fiddle in Hollywood.

And popular Irish pubs Tom Bergins in Mid-City and Ireland’s 32 in the Valley.

Deal us in

So they’re all set for kick-off in LA, we’re all set, so it’s just down to the players to make sure we get there.

We find the best way to get to America from Europe is through Ireland with pre-clearance.

And we found a sample Aer Lingus return flight from Edinburgh through Dublin for LAX from £1,406.19.

America, Countries, Deals, Sport

Tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island

24th September 202524th September 2025 funtime65

Now they’re the perfect pairing, a match made in heaven and the golf club is the perfect pitch for the biggest occasion, so read on as I tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island.

As thoughts turn this week to Bethpage State Park in Long Island our own roll back.

To when the US Open was held here and we were in town and one Lucas Glover took home the trophy.

My Irish-American cousin Eddie got his hands on a prize far bigger though than any golf bauble then, his beautiful new wife Sandy.

Proud Americans that they are, Eddie, Sandy, and their two future little Solheim Golfers will, of course, be cheering on the Yanks, as they should.

Long Island gateway

Long Island for me was my gateway into America as a teenager visiting the Oo Es of Eh for the first time.

And being treated like a lord by Eddie and my Irish-American rellies.

For most visitors to New York, of course, the closest they will get to Long Island is when they touch down at JFK Airport in Queens.

But the Island, as it is affectionately known, has its own attractions.

Which, if you can, you should visit on your New York trip.

The well-heeled, of course, put the Hamptons, on the far end of the Island, on the map.

Long before F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby and the Golden Age and Donald ‘Jay Trump’.

And, of course, tourists still flock to the tip.

For a peak of how the rich and famous might live and visit the iconic Montauk Lighthouse.

Which many of us will associate with the Dominic West TV blockbuster The Affair.

The Island’s Fab Four

Beach life: The Affair was shot on the Island

Long Island boasts four regions.

The North Shore is known for its opulent estates and harbourside villages.

Then there is the South Shore where racegoers gather at Belmont Park.

And partygoers converge on the UBS Arena, Jones Beach boardwalk for their kicking concerts.

The North Fork’s farmland and vineyards are the destination for foodies.

While, cycling and swimming friendly South Fork – The Hamptons and Montauk is where you can bag those celebrity sightings as some trophy fishing of your own.

Now whatever your pleasure, beaches, vineyards, museums, waterparks for the kids.

Or shopping at Americana Manhasset’s Miracle Mile.

The Island is a New York 19th hole you need to hang around for.

And on the tee

And on the golfing theme, you’ll notice too that Bethpage being a State Park means that you can play it too.

So just a few tips on how to tee up the Ryder Cup and Long Island.

And you’ll just have to get out and see it all for yourself.

Which, if you’re like me and coming from the Old World.

Then avail of pre-clearance through Ireland with Aer Lingus.

With sample fares for next month which we found from €659.36.

America, Countries, Deals, Flying

Let’s hear it for National New York Day

21st September 202521st September 2025 funtime65

And it is a thing, which celebrates America’s Fab 50, so today let’s hear it for National New York Day.

New York State, which I don’t have to tell you, is the 11th state of the union, endorsed by Alexander Hamilton.

And this being the 11th week since Delaware, the first American state, is honoured, the focus is on the Empire State today.

For many of us the Statue of Liberty, the Hudson River and NY is our gateway to America.

And a year before Lady Liberty took her rightful place, one Frederick Trump, The Donald’s dad, arrived from Bremen.

Which means that this year, October 19, marks a very significant milestone, 150 years of the Trumps in the Oo Es of Eh.

NY’s Greatest Living Son

New York’s Greatest Living Son (sorry Jimmy Kimmel) will be delighted then that he got the endorsement, of sorts, of another NY great.

And one who is carved into the stone at Mount Rushmore, Teddy Roosevelt.

When promoting the Roosevelt Presidential Park in North Dakota at the American Travel Fare in Chicago.

And doffing his Raiders hat to the 47th President when saying that, yes, he is a New York City prez.

But he, Teddy, is the only Commander in Chief from Manhattan.

The famous five

Frankly Franklin: Franklin Delano Roosevelt

In all there have been five US Presidents from New York State.

And we should always remember that New York is a state, Teddy’s rellie Franklin, Martin Van Buren and Millard Fillmore.

Which, of course, is a gateway to the other great towns of New York State.

Which in Van Buren, the 8th President’s case, and the first to be born in the post-colonial USA, that means Albany.

For Fillmore, home is the lyrically named the Finger Lakes Area (Moravia).

While Hyde Park is synonymous with FDR.

All ways then to mark National New York Day by toasting all the Presidents then.

Tuck in to NY State food

Which brings us on to which NY food and drink you should take.

And our favourite would always be Buffalo Wings while for the healthier it might be a Waldorf Salad.

And maybe a Knickerbocker ice cream to follow.

While we suggest you go all out with a cocktail, say a Long Island Iced Tea.

So let’s hear it for National New York Day.

And we found an Aer Lingus each way flight through Dublin with pre-clearance from €614.08

America, Countries, Europe, Food & Wine, Sport

Long Island Iced Teas and Ryder Cup cocktails

19th September 202519th September 2025 funtime65

And back when I turned out my Jocktails I almost blinded the Scary One… and my Long Island Iced Teas and Ryder Cup cocktails will do the same for you.

Now the beauty of cocktails is their surprise element and the Iced Tea kicks like a mule.

Because it is devilishly misnamed as an innocent soft drink when it’s an excuse to knock your socks off.

A hole lot of fun

The famously raucous New York golf fans, of course, need no extra stimulant for next week’s biennial clash with Europe.

Golf tournaments have never been, nor would we want it to be, a booze-free haven.

With visitors to our own Open Golf Championship as likely to be seen in a Guinness tent or hospitality suites (guilty?)

All good when it doesn’t spill over to antisocial behaviour from the balconies, banks and grandstands.

We will, like many of you, be shouting at the television, glass in hand.

And not putting off any player.

Over to your bartender

Part of the team: On my travels in France

If you want to channel your own Long Islander then this is how to make Robert ‘Rosebud’ Butt’s Oak Beach Inn from 1972.l

Courtesy of our own go-to BBC site.

You will need 25ml of vodka, of tequila, of gin, of triple sec, of white rum, of lime juice and of lemon juice.

Fill with ice cubes and garnish with two lemon wedges and two mint sprigs.

Now with the Ryder Cup being played out and supported by dozens of nations, we can have even more fun with it.

And adapt a cocktail for all the different nationalities of players on show or the states from which they originate.

This year’s Ryder Cup cocktails

There is even an official Ryder Cup cocktail for this year’s Bethpage shoot-out.

Following on from the Elijah Craig Roma Old Fashioned from two years ago.

Check out the Elijah Craig bourbon and fix The Mulligan.

By pouring 2 oz. Green Tea Infused Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon.

With 4 oz lemonade, a splash of soda water and garnish with a mint and lemon wheel.

Just a little something to get your party started.

My Long Island Iced Teas and Ryder Cup cocktails.

And should the Ryder Cup whet your appetite for a visit to Long Island and it should.

The. we found a random Aer Lingus return flight to JFK from €603.81 from Dublin with pre-clearance.

Just don’t let me fly!

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