The Daily Dose/May 10, 2024
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™

Leading Off
Notes from around the human experience.

USA! USA!: The US announced this week that we are halting some weapons shipments to Israel in support of their war against Hamas. Good. We should never have started in the first place. Israel has killed over 35,000 Palestinians, and while few in the Western world are willing to say this, it is starting to look more and more like a genocide. 

FunFact: Rest assured, however, that this halt will not interfere with previously authorized US support. This means the move – while not entirely symbolic – is not going to stop Israel from continuing to name the score against Hamas. The tragedies that attend all wars and the atrocities that are specific to this one will continue. America will continue to have blood on her hands. 

Ladies And Gentlemen Of The Jury: Some of you might be wondering why stop now? We’ve been helping Israel destroy hospitals and kill women and children since this war began last October, so why has the invasion of Rafah become the line of demarcation for US involvement? 

The Bottom Line: We’ve said this before: it is possible to condemn Israel’s share of the atrocities in this war and not be anti-Semitic. America should have butted out of this war from the beginning. On a moral level, we have no business supporting those who bomb hospitals and kill non-combatants. On a philosophical – not to mention Constitutional – level, America must not fight any wars that Congress has not declared. We must butt out of the Israel/Hamas War.  

Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually. 

The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow has a subpar session in the gym. Today’s Diary. 

Why is a mystery because we’d had a fabulous rest (see Sleep Log below) and were…stoned to the gills…giving every indication of someone ready to go move some good weight.

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On This Date
Extra, extra, read all about it. 

In 1775 – The Second Continental Congress begins its first session in Philadelphia with delegates from twelve of the 13 American colonies. It was formed after the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April and followed the First Continental Congress that had met the year before. The Congress declared independence from Great Britain on July 2, 1776, and approved the Declaration of Independence two days later. It was dissolved in 1781 when the Articles of Confederation took effect.

In 1973 – The Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 6-4 to win the title in six games. It was the 18th of 24 Stanley Cup titles for the Canadiens, their 23rd as a member of the NHL, and was the sixth of seven runner-up finishes for the Blackhawks. In 1916, the Canadiens won the Cup as members of the National Hockey Association. 

In 1969 – Merle Haggard is at #1 on Billbord’s country chart – then known as the Hot Country Singles chart – for the only week with Hungry Eyes. The song moved into the top spot after four straight weeks at #2 and spent a total of nine weeks in the Top 10 and 17 weeks on the chart, which then consisted of 75 positions. Haggard wrote the song as a tribute to his mother, though he noted the song is not autobiographical. It was the sixth of 38 #1 country songs for Haggard. 

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

Life can be Lost without vision but not lost by death, Lost by not caring, willing, going on Beyond the ragged edge of fortitude To something more — something no man has ever seen.  
Stephen Vincent Benét

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

Walk Like an Egyptian was Billboard’s #1 song of 1987. It spent four weeks at #1 in 1986 and 1987.

Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.

Who was the first president of the 2nd Continental Congress? – Answer next time!

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The Daily Dose/May 9, 2024
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™

Leading Off
Notes from around the human experience.

Leading Off will return. 

Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually. 

The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow to the rescue. Today’s Diary. 

Troubleshooting 101 in the Nav taught me the very first thing you do when dealing with anything electrical is check to see if there’s power (you’d be surprised how often there isn’t) so we open the refrigerator and BOOM it’s turned off, which explains why it’s warm…

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Would you like 4Ever & Ever access to Gaylon’s crap?
Of course you would.
Click here. It’s only $24.99.

Click here for complimentary chapters of all of Gaylon’s books.
It’s easy reading on any device. 

———

On This Date
Extra, extra, read all about it. 

In 1671, Thomas Blood and others attempted to steal the crown jewels of England from Martin Tower in the Tower of London. Blood, masquerading as a parson, used intrigue and deceit to ingratiate himself with the keeper of the jewels and upon entry into the Jewel House, Blood subdued the keeper, though the group was captured before they could escape. For his efforts, Blood was pardoned by Charles I and even given land in Ireland. Blood died in 1680. 

In 1984 – The longest game in American League history ends when the Chicago White Sox defeat the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6 in 25 innings. The game that had started the night before and was tied 3-3 after nine innings. Each team scored three times in the 21st – the latest inning in which two teams have scored in a major league game – and remains the longest major league game played to a decision. A 26-inning, 1-1 tie between the Boston Braves and the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1920 is the longest game in major league history. 

In 1987 – Cutting Crew is at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the second and final consecutive week with (I Just) Died In Your Arms. It was the first chart single for the group, their first of three Top 40 hits, their first of two Top 10s, and remains their only #1 song. The song also went to #1 in Canada, Finland, and Norway, peaked at #4 in their native Great Britain, and was Bilboard’s 32nd-biggest song of the year. Band member Nick Van Ede came up with the title of the song while he was in bed with his girlfriend. 

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

There is no formula for educating a leader because he must be responsible for much of his own education…
Richard Brookhiser
George Washington on Leadership

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

The St Louis Browns and the Louisville Eclipse of the American Association played the first major league game at the site that eventually became Sportsman’s Park. On April 2, 1882, the Browns beat the Eclipse 9-7.

Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.

What was Billboard’s #1 song for 1987? – Answer next time!

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The Daily Dose/May 8, 2024
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™

Leading Off
Notes from around the human experience.

Leading Off will return. 

Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually. 

The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow swears he is not a stalker. Today’s Diary. 

Sure, we missed out on the possibility of seeing Mystery Girl (MG) for her usual Tuesday at precisely 1700 session, but she wasn’t there yesterday, so perhaps she’s on vacation…

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Would you like 4Ever & Ever access to Gaylon’s crap?
Of course you would.
Click here. It’s only $24.99.

Click here for complimentary chapters of all of Gaylon’s books.
It’s easy reading on any device. 

———

On This Date
Extra, extra, read all about it. 

In 1950 – A mummified corpse from the 5th century BC – known to History as the Tollund Man – is found buried under several feet of peat is found in central Denmark. The body was found with a noose around his neck, with scholars believing he was sacrificed and not executed. His final meal consisted of fish and a porridge made of barley, flax, and wild weed seeds and his excellent preservation is attributed to acid in the peat, a lack of oxygen, and the cold climate. 

In 1966 – Busch Stadium hosts its last major league baseball game when the San Francisco Giants defeat the St Louis Cardinals 11-5. The first major league game was played on the site in 1882 and the final stadium opened in 1909 as the home of the St Louis Browns and was known as Sportsman’s Park until the Browns moved to Baltimore in 1954. The Cardinals moved there in 1920 and the stadium hosted 7,022 regular season games. The Cardinals would move into Busch Stadium II for their May 12 game vs Atlanta and have played in Busch Stadium III since 2006.

In 1976 – John Sebastian is at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the only week with Welcome Back. The song also peaked at #93 on Billboard’s country chart and was Billboard’s 58th-biggest song of the year, spending 14 weeks on the Hot 100, including 11 weeks in the Top 40 and seven weeks in the Top 10. It was the theme from the Welcome Back Kotter TV show and was Sebastian’s only Top 40 solo hit in a career that included hitting #1 in 1966 with Summer in the City as a member of the Lovin’ Spoonful.  

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

The real struggle is with a small professional elite totally split off from the nation, pursuing wealth through wars that they invent and justify and resonate for others to die in.
Gore Vidal
The Golden Age

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

The Congressional Apportionment Amendment is the only remaining amendment of the twelve approved by Congress and sent to the states for ratification in 1792. Kentucky, in 1792, was the twelfth and last state to ratify the amendment, then leaving it one state short of ratification. 

Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.

Which teams played in the first game played at the site of Sportsman’s Park in 1882? – Answer next time!

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The Daily Dose/May 7, 2024
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™

Leading Off
Notes from around the human experience.

Leading Off will return. 

Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually. 

The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow doesn’t ask two women out. Today’s Diary. 

It’s a good thing she wasn’t there, though, because had we asked her out and had she said yes, we would be staring at the prospect of an actual date, the last thing we need because, officially, we still do not desire the commotion of a relationship…

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Would you like 4Ever & Ever access to Gaylon’s crap?
Of course you would.
Click here. It’s only $24.99.

Click here for complimentary chapters of all of Gaylon’s books.
It’s easy reading on any device. 

———

On This Date
Extra, extra, read all about it. 

In 1992 – The 27th Amendment to the Constitution takes effect when it is ratified by the Michigan legislature. The amendment concerns raises for the members of Congress and was first sent to the several states in 1789, along with eleven other amendments, ten of which eventually became the Bill of Rights. Seven states had ratified the amendment within three years, though nine were initially required for ratification and the 202-year ratification period remains a record. 

In 1969 – The Oakland Oaks win the ABA title, defeating the Indiana Pacers 135-131 in overtime to win the series four games to one. It was the first and only ABA title for the Oaks, and the first of two ABA runner-up finishes for the Pacers to go with three titles. The Oaks moved to Washington, D.C. the following season, later became the Virginia Squires, and disbanded shortly before the ABA-NBA merger. 

In 1977 – The Eagles are at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart for the sixth of eight non-consecutive weeks with Hotel California. The album went to #1 in six other countries, including Canada and Norway, peaked at #2 in Great Britain, was Billboard’s 4th-biggest album of the year, and produced three chart singles, including the #1s New Kid in Town and the title track. The album returned to the chart in 2021 (#153) and has also made six appearances on Billboard’s country album chart. It was the third of eight #1 albums for the group.

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

There is not one of them who, if he chanced to discover the difference between falsehood and truth, would not prefer his own lie to the truth which another had discovered.
Will Durant
The Story of Civilization, Vol. X: Rousseau and Revolution

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

The last American to hold the world record for the mile was Mary Decker Slaney, who held it from 1958-89. Jim Ryun was the last American man to hold the record, from 1966-67.

Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.

Of the twelve Constitutional amendments Congress sent to the several states in 1789, which is only one still not ratified? – Answer next time!

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The Daily Dose/May 6, 2024
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™

Leading Off
Notes from around the human experience.

Editor’s Note: Gaylon is the Libertarian Party’s nominee for the US House from Colorado’s 2nd District. 

GAYLON FOR CONGRESS – VOTE EARLY, VOTE OFTEN: A recent video we posted to the Gaylon For Congress website had a couple of lines we’d like to share with you. 

Leading Off: The first concerns the gridlock and dysfunction in our country, both in our government and amongst us citizens: 

America is hamstrung and dysfunctional right now, a partisan, fractured, and bickering mess unable to respond to any great change and unable to commit to any great project. We were unable to produce a competent response to COVID, and we we haven’t done anything great since Apollo.

Dry, Technical Matter: Boy, or boy, no one looking at America objectively right now can dispute this. We believe a competent COVID response would have prevented 90% of the 1.2 million US deaths, meaning roughly a million Americans died needlessly.

One Small Step/Don’t Get Us Started: Longtime readers know our feelings: Apollo was mankind’s finest hour, and we could’ve had humans on Mars in the 1980s had we wanted to. We didn’t, though, and America has been paying the price in an utter lack of national will ever since.

And In This Corner: The other line is one we’ve used from time to time on the campaign trail:

America is now halfway between the prominence we once had and the oblivion that awaits us.

Gee, Aren’t We Little Mary Sunshine Today?: This is true, too. The American Century is over. Nobody looks to America for leadership anymore, merely to see how we will interfere and muck things up. No nation has survived perpetual war, and America will not be the exception.

The Bottom Line: History’s scrap heap is littered with countries that once held great sway on our planet – the Roman Empire and the Soviet Union among others – and the US is in a strong position to join them, perhaps before this half-century is out. The biggest obstacle between us and the America we want looks us in the mirror every morning. We must overcome ourselves and it starts with you and me on November 5. 

Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually. 

The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow discusses the vital matter of paperclip placement on a stack of currency. Today’s Diary. 

Here is a Sparrow ProTip from me to you: you want the paperclip to be a fifth of the way up from the bottom – not a tenth of the way and certainly not a third of the way – to make the bills easier to count, should that become necessary…

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Would you like 4Ever & Ever access to Gaylon’s crap?
Of course you would.
Click here. It’s only $24.99.

Click here for complimentary chapters of all of Gaylon’s books.
It’s easy reading on any device. 

———

On This Date
Extra, extra, read all about it. 

In 2013 – Three women kidnapped by Ariel Castro beginning in 2002 are released in Cleveland. Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, and Gina DeJesus had been kidnapped in consecutive years and held in the top floor of Castro’s home where they were tortured, raped, and beaten. Their release came after Castro left the house and left a door open, enabling Knight to communicate with neighbors. Castro pled guilty to over 900 charges, was sentenced to life plus 1,000 years, and killed himself in jail in September. 

In 1954 – Roger Bannister of England becomes the first person to run the mile in less than four minutes, running it in 3:59.4 at a meet in Oxford, England. Bannister, who only decided to run right before the race after the wind died down, broke the world record by two seconds, and his world record lasted until June when Australia’s John Landy ran it at 3:58.0. The world record for the mile – now seldom run – is held by Morocco’s Hicham El Guerrouj who ran it in 3:43.13 in 1999. 

In 2006 – Daniel Powter is at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the fifth and final consecutive week with Bad Day. The song went to #1 in four other countries, including the Czech Republic and Scotland, and was Billboard’s #1 song of the year. Though Powter later placed songs on other Billboard charts and has had hits in other countries, this remains his only Hot 100 appearance, making him one of 17 ultimate one-hot wonders: acts whose only chart single went to #1. 

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win.
Roger Bannister

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

Secretariat was trained by Lucien Laurin.

Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.

Who was the last American to hold the world record in the mile run? – Answer next time!

Share Gaylon! Go!