The Daily Dose/Friday, July 29, 2022
The Daily Dose/July 29, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around our human experience.
Leading Off will return.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow cooks a steak. Today’s Diary.
The steak turned out wonderfully, tho based on the amount of smoke in the kitchen, that wasn’t always a given…
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———
On This Date
Extra, extra, read all about it.
In 615 – Pakal, 12, ascends the throne of Palenque, a Mayan state in what is now northern Chiapas state in Mexico. Pakal reigned for 68 years, still the sixth-longest verified monarchial reign ever and the longest ever in the Americas. Palenque flourished until the 8th century and was taken over by the jungle, though it was later excavated and restored. Pakal’s tomb was opened in 1952, his skeleton still in his coffin.
In 1989 – Javier Sotomayor of Cuba establishes a new world record in the high jump at the Central American and Caribbean Track and Field Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Sotomayor jumped 8 feet, 0 inches to break the record of 7 feet, 11.5 inches he had established in Spain in 1988 and the mark stood until he jumped 8 feet, one-quarter inch in Spain in 1993, a record which still stands. This was the first time the high jump world record had been broken on American soil since 1977, when Vladimir Yashchenko broke the record in Richmond, Virginia.
In 1995 – TLC is at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the fourth of seven consecutive weeks with Waterfalls. The song also went to #1 in Switzerland and New Zealand, at #4 in Great Britain and on Billboard’s soul chart, and was Billboard’s second biggest song of the year. It was the seventh of twelve Top 40 hits for the group, their sixth of nine Top 10 hits, and was their second of four #1 songs. The song was nominated for two Grammy Awards, for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
That is always best which gives me to myself.
Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Harvard Divinity School address
7/15/1838
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
Between 1983 and 1989, the only one of Earl Thomas Conley’s 17 country hits that did not go to #1 was Too Many Times with Anita Pointer, which peaked at #2.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
Who was the last American to hold the high jump world record? – Answer next time!
The Daily Dose/Thursday, July 28, 2022
The Daily Dose/July 28, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around our human experience.
CAPSULE RESTAURANT REVIEW FOLLOW-UP: The Creekview Grill, Hayden, Colorado: Regular readers of this crap may – perhaps fondly – recall our triumphant review of our small town’s latest restaurant a couple of weeks ago. Recall we had breakfast and it we gave it solid marks: our omelet had more than a dusting of cheese and the sausage was good, the only drawback was the butter was frozen solid and tore off the top of the toast.
Dry, Technical Matter: We went back a few days later for lunch, which was good, but not as good as breakfast and, hoping for clarification on the matter, we recently went for dinner.
A Warm, Personal Remembrance: We were determined to have their chicken fried chicken, something we’ve long liked but seldom have nowadays. However, the special was a chicken chimichanga and that trumped chicken fried chicken because you could put road kill in a chimichanga and we’d like it. Simply because we could, we started matters off with a chorizo quesadilla, something else we’ve had a long love affair with.
FunFact: There really isn’t a creek to view from the restaurant. If you cross Main Street and go up a bit past the bank there is, but that’s really it.
Fly In The Ointment: Our beer was not sufficiently cold. They know this, and presumably are working on this vital matter and we accepted the offered glass of ice in good spirits as their liquor license was just issued and there are the usual flaws that attend any opening. It is, of course, tragic that it affects the serving of brewskis, but you take the good with the bad in this life.
A Break In The Action: Here is The Daily Dose rating system: 1 – The Very Best; 2 – Very Good; 3 – Good; 4 – Average; 5 – A Steaming Pile
Final Ranking: 2: Recall our original ranking was a 3, but dinner was wonderful, a bit better than breakfast, so we are upgrading our rating. It’s provisional, though, on them getting their beer service squared away.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow returns to the small town’s new restaurant. Today’s Diary.
We went in hell-bent on having chicken fried chicken but the special was a chicken chimichanga, with rice and beans, and whoa Nelly, you could ball bearings in a chimichanga and we’d like it, so we rolled with that.
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Click here to get in on the laughs.
4Ever & Ever ($8.99) and monthly ($2.99) plans available.
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 1914 – What would eventually become World War I begins when Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia. The crisis had begun on June 28 when a Bosnian Serb had assassinated the heir apparent to the Austro-Hungarian throne. The action spurred assorted alliances and miscalculations and Europe was at war by the first week in August. The US entered the war in April 1917 and the war ended in November 1918.
In 1989 – Dale Murphy of the Atlanta Braves ties the major league record for most runs batted in (RBIs) in an inning in a 10-1 win over the San Francisco Giants. Murphy had two three-run home runs in the sixth inning to tie the mark that had first been done by Fred Merkle of the New York Giants in 1911 and done many times since. The record is now eight RBIs, done by Fernando Tatis of the St Louis Cardinals, who had two grand slam home runs in the third inning of a 1999 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In 1984 – Earl Thomas Conley is at #1 on Billboard’s country chart – then known as the Hot Country Singles chart – for the only week with Angel in Disguise. It was the sixth of 18 #1 country songs for Conley, and the song also went #1 country in Canada. The song was also the fourth #1 from the album Don’t Make It Easy for Me, making it the first album to produce four #1 songs on a Billboard singles chart. The record is now five, done by Michael Jackson and Katy Perry.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
All the misfortunes of men derive from one single thing, which is their inability to be at ease in a room.
Blaise Pascal
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
Uruguay was the only country at the 1924 Summer Olympics to win one gold medal and no others, winning in soccer.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
Between 1983 and 1989, Earl Thomas Conley had 16 of 17 singles go to #1 on Billboard’s country chart. What was his only non-#1 song during that time? – Answer next time!
The Daily Dose/Wednesday, July 27, 2022
The Daily Dose/July 27, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around our human experience.
ELECTION 2024: YOU MAKE THE CALL: The 2022 midterms aren’t even here yet, but let’s take a look at the 2024 presidential election. Our biggest fear is it will be round two of Biden vs Trump because neither has shown any particular competence at running the federal government.
Dry, Technical Matter: President Biden simply is uninspiring and we strongly suspect History will place him in the Jimmy Carter File, a decent man who means well but was simply unable to inspire the country or give us any reason to be happy to be an American.
And In This Corner: Trump remains a liar, a sexual predator, and an ignoramus, someone who believes the Revolution was won by the Continental Army securing British airports. And that the moon is part of Mars. And that Colorado borders Mexico. Why ignorance of this magnitude gets the time of day from Americans will always remain a mystery.
Stop Us If You’ve Heard This Before: Our media is responsible for the Trump Era. When he announced his candidacy in 2015, a real media – one paced by Cronkite, Woodward and Bernstein, and others – would’ve had Trump, nothing more than a billionaire blatherskite bully, out of the race in five minutes. As it was, though, Trump meant ratings and clicks and he was ushered straight into the primaries, the general election and, of course, the White House.
Back On Message: Perhaps someone will talk some sense into Biden, if he isn’t already thinking of calling it a day himself. It’s not possible to talk sense into Trump, but maybe the GOP will come to their senses and nominate someone else. Or maybe he’ll be in jail and incapable of running.
The Bottom Line: The days when anything could get done in this country are long gone. The American experience is now circling the wagons and accepting whatever major party you belong to chooses to spoon-feed you, with each side trying to force their way of life on us. This is not the American way, but us voters are not demanding the American way right now; we’re content with a status quo in charge of an America that is far closer to the oblivion that awaits it than the respect and prosperity it once had.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – At the hotel, Sparrow works a missing person case. Today’s Diary.
I am not making that up…The only thing missing was police involvement because ol’ Sparrow ended up solving the case.
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Click here to get in on the laughs.
4Ever & Ever ($8.99) and monthly ($2.99) plans available.
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 1940 – Billboard magazine publishes its first popular music chart, the National Best Selling Retail Records chart, with Tommy Dorsey and His Orchestra with Frank Sinatra and the Pied Pipers at #1 for the first of twelve consecutive weeks with I’ll Never Smile Again. Prior to this, the magazine had listed popular songs in assorted formats, beginning in 1936. Billboard published its first soul chart in 1942 and their first country chart in 1944 and its assorted pop charts were consolidated into the Hot 100 in 1958. American charted music began in 1935 with the first charts released by the Your Hit Parade radio show.
In 1924 – The eighth Summer Olympics conclude in Paris. The Paris Summer Games had 3,089 athletes (including 135 women) from 44 nations take part, with the US winning the most gold (44) and overall medals (99). The last surviving competitor from these Games was Yugoslavian swimmer Ivo Pavelic, who died in 2011 at 103. A winter sports festival hosted in Chamonix in January and February was later designated the first Winter Olympics and Paris had previously hosted Summer Games in 1900 and will host them again in 2024.
In 1985 – Paul Young is at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the only week with Everytime You Go Away. The song also went to #1 in Canada, peaked at #4 in Young’s native Great Britain, and was Billboard’s 11th-biggest song of the year. It was the fifth of nine chart singles for Young, his first of two Top 10 hits and remains his only #1 song. The song was written by Daryl Hall.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
…how coolly, in disregard of all one’s feeling, does the hard, cold, uninteresting course of daily realities move on…the cold mechanical habit of living remaining, after all vital interest in it has fled.
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
The first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was General of the Army Omar Bradley, who served from 1949-53.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
One country won one gold medal and no other medals at the 1924 Summer Olympics. What was the country and what was the sport? – Answer next time!
The Daily Dose/July 26, 2022
The Daily Dose/July 26, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around our human experience.
LEADING OFF: DRY, TECHNICAL MATTER: While researching past On This Date items – so we don’t repeat them – we came across an item concerning the 2016 stabbings of 19 people at a Japanese home for the disabled. The killer, Satoshi Uematsu, entered the facility early in the morning and started stabbing people as they slept. He also tied up employees and fled before the police arrived, though he later turned himself in. He was found mentally competent to stand trial and was tried, convicted, and sentenced to death.
More Dry, Technical Matter: We try to keep up with what our fellow humans are up to, and couldn’t recall Uematsu’s name in the headlines and got curious as to his current status because in Japan you are not given an execution date. You’re convicted and sentenced to die, but they don’t tell you when; you literally do not know when your last day is going to be which, under those circumstances, has to be torturous.
We Are Not Making That Up: On the morning of your death you are given an hour’s notice. You’re asked to prepare a will, told to pray to whomever you think will do you the most good, and then taken to die. Relatives, and the media, are notified afterward.
Please Pass The Dry, Technical Matter: We strongly suspected Uematsu had not been executed yet, and that turned out to be the case. He is still on death row and this past spring he requested a retrial, a request that is being considered, however, it’s not known if his execution is on hold pending a decision.
The Bottom Line: Japan’s death penalty system might have more to answer for than our own. At least we give you a date. You’re warehoused for death until that date – it’s own form of torture – but at least you know. In Japan, you literally wake up every morning on death row not knowing if this is your last day or not. If no one knocks on your cell door and says “come on” you’re free to go through the same torture again tomorrow. We’re not pro-crime here but boy, us humans can do better than that.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow has a busy day at the VS), including a visit from Doc. Today’s Diary.
He noted again how he wanted to have me back out to help out at the ranch again, but we strongly suspect he was just being kind because recall the last time he had me out, for irrigating duty, yours truly was only slightly better than completely useless.
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Click here to get in on the laughs.
4Ever & Ever ($8.99) and monthly ($2.99) plans available.
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 1947 – President Harry Truman signs the National Security Act of 1947, a sweeping measure that reorganized US military and intelligence operations. The act created the Defense Department, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the CIA, the National Security Council, and the Air Force and protected the Marine Corps, which Truman wanted to disband, as a separate service in the Navy Department. The bill had originated with Truman, who had sent it to Congress in February.
In 1928 – Gene Tunney defends his world heavyweight boxing title, defeating Tom Heeney of New Zealand with an 11th-round TKO at Yankee Stadium. It was the second and final title defense for Tunney, who later retired. Tunney had won the title from Jack Dempsey in 1926 and defended it against him in 1927, in the famous “Long Count” fight. Tunney had served in the Marine Corps in World War I and in World War II served as an officer in the Navy, heading their physical fitness program. Tunney retired with a record of 82-1-4 with one no contest.
In 1970 – The Carpenters are at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the first of four consecutive weeks with (They Long To Be) Close To You. It was the second chart single for the duo, their first of twelve Top 10 hits, and their first of three #1s. The song also went to #1 in Canada and Australia, peaked at #6 in Great Britain, and was Billboard’s second-biggest song of the year. The song was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
Air Supply’s biggest hit in their native Australia was Love and Other Bruises, which peaked at #6 in 1976.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
Who was the first chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff? – Answer next time!
The Daily Dose/Monday, July 25, 2022
The Daily Dose/July 25, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around our human experience.
Leading Off will return.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – A the hotel, Sparrow and Q discuss Southern cooking. Today’s Diary.
He said they sure used a lot of butter on their food down South, citing mashed potatoes that were mostly butter and yours truly said yeah, a lot of food down South was mainly a butter delivery system, citing personal experience with grits…
———
Click here to get in on the laughs.
4Ever & Ever ($8.99) and monthly ($2.99) plans available.
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 1547 – Henry II is crowned King of France, after ascending the throne following the death of his father, Francis I, in March. Henry’s reign was noted for prosecuting Protestants and declaring war on Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, which ended with mixed results. Henry also introduced the concept of the patent, requiring the disclosure of an invention in exchange for exclusive rights to profit off it. Henry reigned until 1559, when he died at age 40 due to injuries suffered in a jousting tournament.
In 1982 – Janet Anderson wins the US Women’s Open, shooting a final round 68, defeating four other golfers by six strokes at the Del Paso Country Club in Sacramento. It was the first and only LPGA tour victory for Anderson in a professional career that spanned from 1978-97. Research into the number of women whose only LPGA win was a major was inconclusive, though Anderson is one of 13 women to make their first tour win a major. Now 66, she is the head professional at the Aguila Golf Course in Phoenix.
In 1985 – Air Supply is at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the only week with The One That You Love. It was the fourth of eleven Top 40 hits for the group, their fourth of eight Top 10 hits, and remains their only #1 song. The song spent 19 weeks on the chart, including eight weeks in the Top 10, and moved into the top spot after three consecutive weeks at #3. The song peaked at #10 in their native Australia and was Billboard’s 28th-biggest song of the year.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
…you are deluded by men who are either deceived themselves or wish to deceive you.
Andrew Jackson
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
Hoyt Wilhelm made his major league debut on April 18, 1952, pitching a third of an inning for the New York Giants in a 7-6, 12-inning loss to the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
What was Air Supply’s biggest hit in their native Australia? – Answer next time!