The Daily Dose/April 16, 2024
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™

Leading Off
Notes from around the human experience.

CAPSULE MOVIE REVIEW: The Wizard of Oz: Let there be no suspense here: 85 years after its release, The Wizard of Oz is not only still fun to watch but, by any measure, remains a world-class film.

Back To The Future: This is only the second or third time we’ve seen The Wizard straight through, without commercial interruption. Like others of a certain, we watched it every year around Easter on CBS, back in the Stone Ages before on demand viewing. Also, this was the first time with the awesome, 21st-century power of being able to stop it and move back and forth at need. 

Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead: We first utilized this function to watch two or three times the number where the Munchkins celebrate the Wicked Witch of the North’s death with a celebratory song and procession. The fact it still makes us smile says something, though we’re not sure what.  

And Toto, Too: And this was also our first time watching it since acquiring a cat in 2011 and watching Toto being taken from Dorothy by evil Miss Gulch – who still needs a man – was newly heart-rending. 

Here Scarecrow, You Want To Play Ball: Any movie that lives down the ages is brilliantly cast, of course, but Margaret Hamilton, in particular, belongs on any short list of perfectly cast characters. She used to scare the hell out of us as kids and while we’re too old to be scared now, she did her work supremely well. 

But We Digress: We’re hardly Mr Cinema, but offhand others on this list are Daniel Day-Lewis for Lincoln and Mo’Nique, who played the welfare mom in Precious. 

Eye In The Sky: Video surveillance makes its debut in this film, with the Wicked Witch of the West’s crystal ball monitoring Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion’s progress to Emerald City 

Good Work If You Can Get It: My ideal job would be in Emerald City: I would wake up at noon, report to work at one, have lunch for an hour, and then knock off at two. 

There’s No Place Like Home: Also, we noticed this for the first time: why in thee hell did the Tin Man help release the ropes that let the balloon with the Wizard in it loose? 

Get Today’s Daily Dose Rating Scale Right Here: 1 – The very best; 2 – Very good; 3 – Good; 4 – Average; 5 – A steaming pile.

Final Rating: 1: This is as still as good as the medium can produce, deserving of its place on every short list of the best movies ever. If you haven’t seen it for a while, do yourself a favor and go see it again. 

Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually. 

The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow talks with Gabby. Today’s Diary. 

Boy, we came really close to entering the Gabby Chat Vortex (GCV) tonite…Actually, I strongly suspect we did. 

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

In 2007 – A mass shooting on the campus of Virginia Tech University in Blacksburg, Virginia, kills 32 people. There were two shootings by Seung-Hui Cho, one at a dormitory and another at a classroom building, where Cho killed himself as police closed in. Seventeen others were injured in the shooting, while six others were injured after jumping out of windows to avoid being shot. At the time, it was the largest mass shooting in US history and remains the country’s largest school shooting. 

In 1910 – Matthews Arena, then known as Boston Arena and the oldest indoor hockey rink on the planet still in use, opens with an ice show in Boston. The first hockey game was played on December 14, with Harvard defeating MIT 4-2, and over the years has housed all Boston-area major college hockey teams, plus the Boston Bruins and Celtics, as well as the New England Whalers (WHA). Northeastern University now owns the building and it houses their hockey and basketball teams. 

In 1966 – Wilson Pickett is at #1 on Billboard’s soul chart – then known as the Top Selling R&B Singles chart – for the sixth of seven consecutive weeks with 634-5789 (Soulsville, USA). It was the fourth of 17 Top 10 soul hits for Pickett and his second of five #1s and the song also peaked at #13 on the Hot 100 and at #36 in Great Britain. The song featured background vocals by Patti LaBelle and Issac Hayes playing keyboards. 

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

If you do not wrangle, you will not be blamed
Lao Tzu
Tao Te Ching

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

Gold, silver, and bronze medals were first awarded at the 1904 St Louis Olympics.  

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

What is now the largest mass-shooting in US history? Answer next time!

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The Daily Dose/April 15, 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 is asked for advice. Today’s Diary. 

Well, word had obviously reached wherever the hell he lives that ol’ Sparrow has expanded his entire range of professional services to include legal advice…

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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 1989 – Protests, led by Chinese students, begin in Tienneman Square in Beijing. The protests would last until June 4, when the Chinese government invaded the square and killed hundreds of protesters. The incident led to the Chinese government suppressing other protests around the country and remains one of the most censored topics in China. 

In 1896 – The first modern Olympic Games close in Athens. 241 athletes, all male, from 14 countries competed in 43 events in nine sports, with winners receiving silver medals and runners-up receiving copper medals. Had the current medal system been in place, the US would’ve won the most gold medals (11) while the Greeks would have won the most overall medals (47). 

In 2023 – Morgan Wallen is at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the second of 16 non-consecutive weeks with Last Night. The song also went to #1 in Australia and Canada, peaked at #28 in Great Britain, was in its ninth of 25 non-consecutive weeks at #1 on Billboard’s country chart, and was their #1 pop and country song of the year, the only song to top both year-end charts in Billboard chart history. It was the fifth of seven Top 10 hits for Wallen and remains his only #1 song. 

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

To listen well is as powerful a means of communication and influence as to talk well.
John Marshall
Chief Justice of the United States, 1801-1835

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

The two Americans, in addition to John Young, to fly to the moon are Jim Lovell and Gene Cernan. Lovell, part of Apollos 8 and 13, is the only one of the three to not walk on the moon.  

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

When were gold, silver, and bronze medals first issued at the Olympics? Answer next time!

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The Daily Dose/April 14, 2024
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™

The Sunday Bottom 5
A ranking of some things.

1. Donald Trump – Fresh off civil smackdown, Trump’s criminal journey begins this week with jury selection for first of his four (4) criminal trials gets underway…Despite 91 indictments, two impeachments, plus believing moon is part of Mars and that Colorado borders Mexico and needs a border wall, Trump will be GOP nominee for president for third consecutive election.  

2. NAIA – Small college athletics governing body says no to biological males blossoming into womanhood from competing in women’s sports…As they should…Biological girls are entitled to complete only against biological girls…Though mindful there aren’t all that many transgender athletes there, Sunday Bottom 5 pollsters “strongly suspect” giving trans athletes their own division would help. 

3. Mass Shootings – 3-hole staple in danger of losing coveted regular spot as slow 2024 continues as only six (6) mass shootings – defined as incident with four (4) or more victims – produce a mere four (4) deaths, though 28 injures a solid total…Americans continue to tolerate being only nation on planet where mass shootings regularly occur. 

4. War! War! War! – Mankind’s calling card since time immemorial now sees Iran and Israel crossing swords…America must butt out of this, giving both nations the dignity of conducting their affairs without the benefit of US interference. 

5. Arizona – Noted US state brings citizens kicking and screaming into 19th century by upholding 1864 law prohibiting most abortions…Sunday Bottom 5 pollsters still decline to take moral position on issue – that is your lookout and not theirs – but do note this is something else the government must stay out of…Morality laws have never worked and they never will. 

Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually. 

Indeed, it is Read Free Sunday at The Diary. Enjoy. 

The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow has the latest whiteboard intrigue from the gym. Today’s Diary. 

Some doofus named Chad put some crap up about everyone having a great day…F*ck that noise: if “rack your weights” doesn’t pass muster, you can sure as hell bet “everybody have a great day” doesn’t, either, and we immediately erased it… 

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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 1981 – The American space shuttle program completes its first orbital flight when Columbia lands on a dry lake bed at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The crew was commander John Young and pilot Robert Crippen, and Columbia orbited Earth 36 times during her 54-hour flight. It was the first of four space flights for Crippen and the fifth of six flights for Young, two of which went to the moon, including walking on the moon with Apollo 16. 

In 1962 – Elgin Baylor of the Los Angeles Lakers establishes a new NBA playoff record for most points in a game in a 126-121 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Baylor had 62 points, breaking the record of 56 points established by Wilt Chamberlain three weeks earlier, and the record is now 63 points, by Michael Jordan in 1986. The win gave the Lakers a 3 games to 2 lead, and the Celtics won the series in seven games. 

In 1979 – The Doobie Brothers are at #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 for the only week with What a Fool Believes. It was the eleventh of 16 Top 40 hits for the group, their fourth of six Top 10 songs, and was their second and final #1. The song also went to #1 in Canada, peaked at #31 in Great Britain, and was Billboard’s 19th-biggest song of the year. It was written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins and two years later a version by Aretha Franklin peaked at #17 on Billboard’s soul chart.  

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

If we would only give, just once, the same amount of reflection to what we want to get out of life that we give to the question of what to do with two weeks vacation, we would be startled at our false standards and the aimless procession of our busy days.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

Alexander Hamilton was the portrait on the 1862 $2 bill. 

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

John Young is one of three people to have flown to the moon twice. Who are the other two? Answer next time!

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The Daily Dose/April 13, 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 has crushing news. Today’s Diary. 

The big news comes from the gym, where ol’ Sparrow’s treasured “Rack Your Weights – Thank You” message on the whiteboard in the 24-hour lobby was erased!!!…

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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 1976 – The United States Treasury reintroduces the $2 bill. The obverse side has a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, while the reverse side depicts the presentation of the Declaration of Independence to the Second Continental Congress. $2 bills were first introduced during the Civil War, and production slowed during the 1950s and was discontinued in 1966. 

In 1987 – The San Diego Padres establish a major league for most home runs at the start of a game in a 13-6 loss to the San Francisco Giants. The Padres led off the game with home runs from Marvell Wynne, Tony Gwynn, and John Kruk to break the record of two leadoff home runs done many times previously and the feat has been matched three times since. Steve Garvey broke the streak with a fly out to the warning track in center field and the home runs came off of Roger Mason. 

Editor’ Note: the following entry first ran in 2022.

In 1985 – USA For Africa is at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first of four consecutive weeks with We Are the World. The song went to #1 in many other countries, including Norway and Great Britain, peaked at #1 on Billboard’s soul chart, at #76 on Billboard’s country chart, and was Billboard’s 20th-biggest song of the year. A rather dull argument can be had debating whether or not the group is entitled to ultimate one-hit-wonder status as an act whose only chart single goes to #1. Yes, their only chart single went to #1; no, because this was their only recording and everyone involved had chart careers of their own.  

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

…I cannot be born again, not even as king of the gods – always something to be feared, for that sort of grandeur has clouded more than one crystal.
Gore Vidal
Creation

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

Call Me by Blondie was Billboard’s #1 song for 1980, spending six weeks at #1. 

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

Whose portrait was on the first $2 bill? – Answer next time!

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The Daily Dose/April 12, 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 is obliged to deal with a cranky coffee pot. Today’s Diary. 

We went to make our second cup and shortly after pressing the button it starts spewing steam and making noises inconsistent with coffee preparation…

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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 1861 – The American Civil War begins when members of the South Carolina militia bombard Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. The United States had been unable to resupply the fort, and Union troops commanded by Major Robert Anderson surrendered the following day. South Carolina had seceded from the Union in December, six other states soon followed suit, and the Union would win the Civil War in 1865. 

In 1958 – The St Louis Hawks win the NBA title, defeating the Boston Celtics 110-109 in Game 6 in St Louis. It remains the only NBA title for the Hawks – who moved to Atlanta in 1968 – and was the first of five runner-up finishes for the Celtics, to go along with 17 titles. It was the second of an NBA record ten consecutive Finals appearances for the Celtics, who would start a streak of eight straight titles the following season. 

In 1980 – Pink Floyd is at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for the fourth and final consecutive week with Another Brick in the Wall (Part II). The song went to #1 in 13 other countries – including Israel, Norway, and Great Britain – peaked at #57 on Billboard’s dance chart, and was their 2nd-biggest song of the year. It was the second and final Top 40 and Top 10 hit for the group and remains their only #1 song. The song was on the album The Wall, which was in its 13th of 15 consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart. 

Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.

At last I had the authority to give direction over the whole scene. I felt as if I were walking with Destiny, and that all my past life had been but preparation for this hour and this trial.
Winston Churchill

Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.

Yusaf Yule succeeded Idi Amin as president of Uganda in April 1979 and was deposed in June. 

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

What was Billboard’s #1 song for 1980? – Answer next time!

Share Gaylon! Go!