The Daily Dose/Monday, April 25, 2022
The Daily Dose/April 25, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes From Around Our Human Experience
Leading Off remains in time out as we work on a project.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow finishes his latest read. Today’s Diary.
…and while Sparrow the Layman didn’t understand all of it, he understood enuff to make it an insightful read and it was comforting to read that while you can never say never, it is likely that Earth, the moon and the rest of the Solar System should remain stable thru our lifetimes; unless we live a trillion years, then maybe not.
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———
On This Date
History’s long march.
In 1960 – The USS Triton (SSRN-586) completes History’s first submerged circumnavigation of the globe near the point where it started, near Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks in the Atlantic Ocean about a third of the way between South America and Africa. The voyage had begun on Feb 24 and Triton sailed 26,723 nautical miles at an average speed of 18 knots and crossed the equator four times. Triton was commanded by Capt. Edward Beach, Jr.
In 1876 – The Chicago Cubs, then known as the White Stockings, play their first game, a 4-0 win over the Louisville Grays, a game that was also the first shutout in National League history. The Cubs finished the season with a 52-14 record, winning their first of 17 National League pennants, and have also won three World Series titles, the most recent in 2016. As of today, the Cubs have an all-time record of 11,096 wins, 10,530 losses, and 161 ties. The Cubs remain the only charter National League team still playing in their original city.
In 1953 – Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton is at #1 on Billboard’s Best Sellers soul chart – a predecessor to today’s soul chart – for the second of eight consecutive weeks with Hound Dog. The song was also in its first of five consecutive weeks at #1 on Billboard’s soul Juke Box chart and remains her only chart appearance. Thornton was one of several witnesses when singer Johnny Ace accidentally shot and killed himself between sets of a show in Houston in 1954 and in 1956 Elvis Presley’s version of Hound Dog went to #1 on Billboard pop, soul, and country charts.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
…all excellent things are as difficult as they are rare.
Baruch Spinoza
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
The current main building of the Library of Congress, the Thomas Jefferson Building, opened in 1897.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
When was the Chicago Cubs’ last tie game? – Answer next time!
The Daily Dose/Sunday, April 24, 2022
The Daily Dose/April 24, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
The Sunday Bottom 5
A ranking of some things.
1. Russia/Ukraine War – World still bravely standing by as Russian genocide of Ukranians continues, though pledges of further arms support might help matters…SB5 pollsters still furiously trying to turn bar tabs into war crimes indictments, though they are hampered by complete lack of legal training.
2. NASA – Once-proud American space agency – still the only organization to put humans on moon – sends future launching rocket for return trip back to shop for repairs…Exactly why we are going back to moon isn’t clear and SB5 pollsters “strongly suspect” NASA should skip moon and try to put humans on Mars, which we could have done in 1980s had we wanted to don’t get them started.
3. Donald Trump – The 3-hole staple…Instead of being banished in shame – not to mention tried – for leading the January 6 insurrection, instead of being reviled for the blood on his hands for ignorant, inept coronavirus response, instead of being dismissed for believing the moon is part Mars, ignorant blatherskite continues to be embraced by GOP, heralded as the pacesetter for the 2024 GOP nomination.
4. MLB – Once proud sport slowly regaining popularity at nbcsports.com, up from sixth spot on More tab behind Dog Show to spot on far right of main menu, between USFL and Olympics, about where sport, as currently played, deserves…Hey guys, how about bunting or hitting to the opposite field to negate defensive shifts and getting the game somewhat back to normal.
5. Washington Nationals – Whining baseball team gets shorts in knot after evil Giants have nerve to attempt stolen base in 9th inning of 6-1 game…Hey guys, were you going to roll over in bottom of 9th inning???…Of course you weren’t…A 6-1 lead is nothing in today’s game, especially with Giants’ bullpen…SB5 pollsters “pretty sure” Nationals should just stop whining and play the game.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
Enjoy today’s Diary entry with Sparrow’s compliments. It’s Read Free Sunday (RFS), after all.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow starts speaking in tongues. Today’s Diary.
…but then today – mirabile dictu – ol’ Sparrow was able to use the line, in its original phrasing, on Tammy he is not making that up.
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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
History’s long march.
In 1800 – The Library of Congress is established when President John Adams approves the spending of $5,000 for “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress”. The original collection consisted of 740 books and three maps and most of the library’s volumes were burned by the British in the War of 1812, with Congress then purchasing the 6,487-volume personal library of Thomas Jefferson for $23,950. Today the Library of Congress is the second-largest library in the world, its 170 million volumes trailing only the British Library. A dollar in the early 19th century was worth about $2,500 in today’s money.
In 1901 – The American League plays its first game as a major league, with the Chicago White Sox defeating the Cleveland Blues 8-2 at the Chicago Cricket Club. The American League had formed the year before, having competed as the Western League since 1885 and today has 15 teams playing in three divisions. In addition to Chicago and Cleveland, the Detroit Tigers and Boston Red Sox are charter American League members still in their original cities.
In 1961 – Del Shanon is at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first of four consecutive weeks with Runaway. The song went to #1 in five other countries including Chile and Great Britain, peaked at #3 on Billboard’s soul chart, and was Billboard’s fifth-biggest song of the year. It was the first chart single for Shannon, his first of nine Top 40 hits and remains his only #1 song. In 1975 a version by Charlie Kulis peaked at #46 on the Hot 100 and in 1986 a version by Luis Cardenas peaked at #86.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
Citizens no longer listened to good advice, for the belly has no ears.
Cato
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
The major league record for fewest hits in a game by both teams is one, by the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs on September 9, 1965. The only hit was a seventh-inning double the Dodgers’ Lou Johnson and Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
When did the Thomas Jefferson Building – the main Library of Congress facility – open? – Answer next time!
The Diary of a Nobody/April 23
Yay for Read Free Sunday (RFS) at The Diary.
It’s Sparrow, an average man passing an average life…
Saturday, April 23
Amy was outside smoking with a guest whose name turned out to be Sabrina when yours truly reported for duty…Some (brief tho too long) conversation revealed Sabrina was a distressed passenger, tho the exact circumstances were not entirely clear…Amy noted she was going to give Sabrina a lift downtown to hotel as I’d clocked in.
The Daily Dose/Saturday, April 23, 2022
The Daily Dose/April 23, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around our human experience.
Leading Off continues in time out.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow ranks his favorite ways of shaving his head. Today’s Diary.
Here are the current Dome Shaving Method Rankings (DSMR):
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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
History’s long march.
In 1967 – The Soviet Union launches Soyuz 1, carrying cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov on his second mission into space. The voyage was plagued with problems from the start and Komarov even lost contact with Earth for three orbits. The following day Komarov reentered Earth’s atmosphere on the 19th orbit and died when the spacecraft’s parachutes didn’t open and crashed to Earth, mankind’s first in-flight space fatality.
In 1952 – The Cleveland Indians and the St Louis Browns tie the major league record for fewest hits in a game in a 1-0 Browns victory. The teams combined for two hits, tying the mark done several times previously. Starting pitchers Bob Cain for the Browns and Bob Feller of the Indians both pitched complete-game one-hitters, with the only run scored by the Browns, an unearned run in the bottom of the first.
In 1983 – The Oak Ridge Boys are at #1 on Billboard’s country chart – then known as the Hot Country Singles chart – for the only week with American Made. It was the seventh of 17 #1 country hits for the group and the song also peaked at #72 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The group was founded in the 1940s in Tennessee as the Oak Ridge Quartet and the current lineup joined the group in 1973. The song was later turned into a jingle for Miller beer.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
The mind gathers its grain in all fields, storing it against a time of need…
Louis L’Amour
The Walking Drum
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
The two countries that no longer exist participated in the 1906 Olympics, now known as the 1906 Intercalated Games and no longer considered part of the official Olympic program: Bohemia, now part of the Czech Republic, and the Ottoman Empire, mostly Turkey, but also with territory elsewhere in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
What is the major league record for the fewest hits in a game by both teams? – Answer next time!
The Daily Dose/Friday, April 22, 2022
The Daily Dose/April 22, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around our human experience.
Leading Off continues in time out.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow assembles the new lawnmower, but declines to mow the lawn. Today’s Diary.
…the company I bought the mower and fertilizer from said it’s good for the lawn to be pretty long for the first mowing, advice consistent with my desire not to mow the lawn today.
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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
History’s long march.
In 1992 – A series of gas explosions rip through Guadalajara, Mexico killing at least 206 people and destroying over five miles of streets. The explosions occurred in underground sewer lines near downtown and four days before the explosions, residents started complaining of gas smells coming from the sewer with some reporting gasoline coming out of their water faucets. The explosions began at 10:05 AM and the event resulted in the conviction of four employees of Mexico’s national oil company, Pemex, on charges of negligence and Pemex later paid survivors 40 million pesos.
In 1906 – The 1906 Olympic Games – now known as the 1906 Intercalated Games – begin in Athens. Twenty nations sent 848 men and six women to compete, with France winning the most overall medals (40) and gold medals (15). Though no longer considered part of the official Olympic program, the 1906 Games were the first to have separate opening and closing ceremonies and were the first of the 20th century not stretched out over several months or part of another international exposition.
In 2006 – Daniel Powter is at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the third of five consecutive weeks with Bad Day. The song also went to #1 in the Czech Republic, Ireland, and Scotland, peaked at #2 in Great Britain, and was Billboard’s #1 song of the year. Though a follow-up single hit Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart, Bad Day remains his only Hot 100 appearance, making Powter the ninth of 16 ultimate one-hit-wonders, acts whose only Hot 100 hit goes to #1.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
You may be sure that it was not for any merit that others do not possess: not for power or wisdom at any rate. But you have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.
Gandalf the Grey
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
Alice Cooper’s biggest hit on the Hot 100 was School’s Out, which spent two weeks at #7 in 1972. Poison spent one week at #7 in 1989.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
How many countries no longer in existence competed at the 1906 Intercalated Games? – Answer next time!
The Daily Dose/Thursday, April 21, 2022
The Daily Dose/April 21, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around our human experience.
Leading Off remains in time out.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow starts hitting the sauce. Today’s Diary.
In booze news, yours truly enjoyed a snort of cognac upon return to The Shire…
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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
History’s long march.
In 1509 – Henry VIII becomes king of England upon the death of his father, Henry VII, who had reigned since 1485. Henry VIII reigned for 36 years. He had six wives and his attempt to get his first marriage annulled led to the English Reformation and the Church of England’s split from the papacy and the development of the theory of the divine right of kings. He was succeeded by his son Edward VI and later two daughters – Mary I, and Elizabeth I – would serve as monarchs.
In 1898 – Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Bill Duggleby becomes the first player to hit a grand slam home run in his first major league at-bat in a 13-4 win over the New York Giants. Duggleby was the second player to hit a home run in their first major league at-bat and would finish his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1907 with six home runs, 51 runs batted in, and a 93-102 career record. Duggleby’s feat was duplicated in 2005 by Jeremy Hermida of the Florida Marlins.
In 1973 – Alice Cooper is at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart for the only week with Billion Dollar Babies. It was the fifth chart album for Cooper (then a group, Cooper would begin charting as a solo act in 1975) and remains their/his only #1. The album also went to #1 in Great Britain and produced four chart singles, including No More Mr Nice Guy, which peaked at #25 on the Hot 100. The album also featured guest appearances by Donovan and Marc Bolan of the group T Rex.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
His thoughts are as children born to him, which he may not carelessly let die.
Herbert Spencer
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
The NBA record for most rebounds in a playoff game is 41, by Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals on April 5, 1967.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
What was Alice Cooper’s biggest hit on the Hot 100? – Answer next time!