Curations from the Human Jungle
[One of the Silverback Davids (Arid Zone SBs) posted a video on Facebook, noting that it got weird around the 1:15 mark. "What could be interesting, funny, or weird about a song called "Solid Potato Salad?" Now I know, and I will add that "weird" is an understatement. He also posted the following interesting factoid... Continue Reading →
[My respect for Bruce Springsteen has only grown with age. He's proof that you can be both a rock 'n roller and an adult. I also appreciate how effectively he gets under the skin of the current resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. SB SM] https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/05/24/opinion/bruce-springsteen-new-tour Some fans are surprised by this version of Bruce Springsteen.... Continue Reading →
[Back when I was more of a full-time writer, I asked Dave Barry to write a blurb, or endorsement, for my book on beer. A burb has no commercial value, but is more like a professional courtesy, extended colleague-to-colleague. Dave was prompt, generous, and eloquent when he responded with a postcard with a single word,... Continue Reading →
[Everyone loves a story about the crazy genius who does remarkable things. "I Build the Tower" is a documentary film made by a college classmate. Initially, I thought this too fantastic and fanciful to be real. Now, it's on my bucket list. SB SM] https://vimeo.com/631488045/dc7d31ff23?&login=true#_=_ For more about the film and how to stream and... Continue Reading →
[There's an important lesson here-- if you're going to commit a crime, make it a small one. I consider this fellow Silverback-worthy. SB SM] Kaushik Patowary May 4, 2026 https://www.amusingplanet.com/2026/05/emerich-juettner-one-dollar.html In fiction as well as in real life, counterfeiters have always been portrayed as master forgers and artists who reproduced banknotes with astonishing precision. They were... Continue Reading →
[Reminds me of a joke. SB SM] A nun gets into a taxi. The driver glances at her in the rearview and sees a particularly attractive, young woman. After driving for a minute. "Excuse me sister, but may I confess something to you?" "Of course," she says. "It's embarrassing," he says. "No worries," she says.... Continue Reading →
[How can you not enjoy something written by Wessie du Toit? In this country these people would run for political office. SB SM] https://unherd.com/2026/03/farewell-to-englands-showmen Wessie du Toit Mar 31 2026 “A way of life, I would call it.” John Green is crouching among the colorful figures of a merry-go-round, polishing the seats and conducting his... Continue Reading →
[This is The Pass. We bought it ... er, Sandy bought it back in 2008 for $10. Mind you, this is for a Lifetime Pass to all the National Parks. "It's a rip-off" I warned her, but she just plunged ahead. he never listens to me, especially in financial matters. Since then we've been to... Continue Reading →
["Good Times, Bad Times" is the first song on the first song on side 1 of the first album by Led Zeppelin. I was a huge Who fan at the time, and I didn't want there to be any pretenders to the throne of rock 'n roll, but by the time I got through 2:46... Continue Reading →
[Was Ted Turner a Silverback? You bet your sweet ass he was. You win the America's Cup, pose for Playgirl Magazine, teach Jane Fonda the Tomahawk Chop, own a baseball team, and make a few billion in the process. He's everything Donald Trump ever wanted to be, but never was. Plus, he was charming. Personally,... Continue Reading →