Curations from the Human Jungle
[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 →
[One thing I know for sure about Banksy ... he's a Silverback gorilla living in The Jungle. Oo-oo for his latest work! SB SM] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/attributed-to-banksy-a-new-statue-of-a-suited-man-blinded-by-a-flag-and-walking-off-a-ledge-appeared-in-central-london-180988662/?utm_source=smithsonian-weekender&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=editorial&lctg=93171674 Attributed to Banksy, a New Statue of a Suited Man, Blinded by a Flag and Walking Off a Ledge, Appeared in Central London The artwork was installed under the cloak... Continue Reading →
[Before Gilligan had discovered his island, actor Bob Denver's best-known role was a the beatnik Maynard G. Krebs on The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, and his best known schtick was the electric double-take he would do whenever to word "work" was uttered: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voEm3yMI8TM Silverback Bill (Hinesburg SBs) takes a much more mature and insightful... Continue Reading →