It’s Friday in America, and Hulk Hogan showed up last night at the Republican National Convention.
If you haven’t seen his appearance, it’s everything you think it could be and so much more. I didn’t watch it live (trust me, there are far better things to do) but I’ve seen plenty of clips this morning.
What in the actual nonsense is going on?
Anyways, on to other topics. As I said, it’s Friday, and my dog is sleeping next to my desk in his favorite sunspot, warming up after a moderately chilly morning jaunt. I say moderately chilly since it’s below 70 in Kentucky for the first morning in a couple of weeks (thank the gods).
Right now, I long for the day when I can walk outside, feel that first bite in the morning air, and say, “It smells like marching band…”
I’m still waiting for those 76 trombones to catch the morning sun and have no desire to hear just how loud 110 cornets would be (although this is probably pretty close to the awesome it might be)
Fall will be here soon enough and, along with it, far more bearable temperatures and breathable air. At least, if we don’t all melt from the effects of another record-breaking hot year.
Quote of the Day
Because there’s a large portion of the population who needs to use their brain…
“You have a mind? —Yes. Well, why not use it? Isn’t that all you want—for it to do its job?” (Marcus Aurelius, Meditations)
Musical Interlude
I’m a shameless Oasis fan, and I’m also a shameless Noel Gallagher fan. (Liam is, by far, the more evil brother. I mean, they’re both evil. I’ve just accepted Noel’s evil to enjoy his music.)
Here’s a live performance from 2023 of Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds.
Long Read of the Day
Madeline Dore has some great thoughts on finding things that make time pass unnoticed. This essentially comes down to doing things you love and getting into a flow.
Of course, my thoughts turn to, “How do we make schools a place where kids can find the things they love and help them experience enough of them to decide what they want to keep pursuing?”
Video of the Day
Folks, Papa Elf left us yesterday. Bob Newhart was one of the funniest “straight men” in comic history. Growing up in the 80s, I watched his magic on “Newhart” and reruns of “The Bob Newhart Show.” He was hilarious.
Here’s a short documentary from Judd Apatow on the lifelong friendship of Newhart and Don Rickles (another one of the funniest comedians ever).
Final Thoughts
If you didn’t know, last week, the NY Times published their list of the 100 best books of the 21st century so far (yes, even though we’re not technically 25 years in yet), and there have been any number of hot takes on the validity of the list. Here’s Ted Gioia’s take on the top 10.
But, never fear, true believers. The Times published the reader’s list of the top 100 books yesterday.
Maybe that list is more your speed. If not, try this one from Lit Hub.
Or, just make your own. You do you, booboo.
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