The Daily Dose/November 11, 2022
By Gaylon Kent – America’s Funniest Guy™
Leading Off
Notes from around the human experience.
Editor’s Note: today’s Leading Off item originally ran – with a few minor changes – on Veterans Day 2017 and has run regularly since.
TEN HUT!: You know, honestly, we cannot remember Veterans Day being the big deal it is today while growing up. And we come from a family of many veterans, being the son, brother, grandson, cousin, and nephew of vets.
9/11 changed that, of course, because since 9/11 – when first responders became heroes – the reverence for veterans has grown, too. We are routinely thanked for our service now, which never used to happen before 9/11, and on Veterans Day we could scam complimentary meals left and right if moved so to do.
FunFact: We generally don’t go out of our way to do that, though. On the other hand, we don’t throw a tantrum if we’re not presented with a check.
What A Surprise, Dry, Technical Matter. November 11 has been an American holiday since 1938, born out of the earlier celebrations of the armistice that ended the major fighting in World War I at 11 am on November 11, 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, it became Veterans Day in 1954.
War Is Hell: Fighting continued right up until the eleventh hour, too. Some units didn’t want to make themselves vulnerable by yielding an advantage while some didn’t want to have to haul their ammo away and others wanted the best possible position should fighting start again. In all, over 2,700 men died on November 11, including a Canadian two minutes before peace took effect and an American at 10:59.
USA! USA!: Life in the service was pretty routine for most of us. Personally, we served on an old diesel submarine, the USS Blueback, the last diesel combat submarine in the United States Navy. We’re still pretty young and if we get regular exercise and watch between-meal treats one day we might well be the last diesel boat veteran in this country.
Fly In The Ointment: Some, of course, did not serve routine tours. Some died in the service of their country and some contributed exploits we are still talking about today. Some are not entirely pleased with their service and too many are homeless and each day an average of 22 vets will kill themselves, choosing to continue their service on heaven’s parade ground.
The Bottom Line: Looking back at honorable service to your country is one of life’s great prizes and that in itself is thanks enough, though if you want to thank a vet today, feel free.
Today At The Site
Writing worth reading. Usually.
The Diary of a Nobody – Sparrow ran into a lot of people in the gym. Today’s Diary.
…and while the Smith machine was available we couldn’t find a goddamned bench that was free…I am not making that up…There are a dozen or so in the weight area and they were all being used and you don’t have to be Armold to know you can’t bench press without a bench so we did the cable chest press.
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On This Date
Extra, extra, read all about it.
In 1921 – The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery by President Warren Harding. The remains of a World War I veteran were interred and since then unknowns from other wars have joined him. The tomb is always guarded by members of the US Army’s Old Guard who do not show their rank so as not to outrank the Unknowns. Unknowns are all awarded the Medal of Honor and the tomb does not have an official name.
In 1944 – The New York Rangers end their NHL-record longest winless streak with a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. The Rangers had not won in 25 consecutive games (0-21-4) dating back to the previous season and their last win had come on January 22. The Rangers had broken the record of 19 consecutive winless games they had established in the 1943-44 season and their record was broken in the 1975-76 season by both the Washington Capitals (25) and the Kansas City Scouts (27) and his now held by the Winnipeg Jets, who went 30 consecutive games without a win in the 1980-81 season.
In 1989 – Kathy Mattea is at #1 on Billboard’s country chart – then known as the Hot Country Singles chart – for the only week with Burnin’ Old Memories. It was the tenth of eleven consecutive Top 10 country hits for Mattea and her fourth and final #1 song in a chart career that ran from 1983-2000. The song also went #4 country in Canada and was Billboard’s 33rd-biggest country song of the year.
Some Philosophy Crap
The wisdom of the ages. Whatever.
One must wait until the evening to see how splendid the day has been.
Sophocles
Answer To The Last Trivia Question
Knowledge is power.
Besides Ray Leonard, the other two fighters to defeat Marvin Hagler were Bobby Watts (majority decision) and Willie Monroe (unanimous decision), both in 1976.
Today’s Stumper
Match wits with Gaylon. It’s not that hard.
Which team holds the NHL record for the longest undefeated streak? – Answer next time!
