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The Human Zoo/July 29, 2011
By Gaylon Kent
The Writer's Shack
Notes from around The Human Experience...
MORE NOTHING TO REPORT: Last month we discussed the financial chaos in Greece. Among our discussion points was whether the riots engulfing Greece could happen here if our fiscal problems got bad enough.
At the time we thought not. Now though, with the prospect of this nation defaulting on some its obligations and the consequences attendant with that, making its way into the crosshairs, we're not so sure.
Because if Congress can't get something done we should riot just on general principles, because Congress and the president would have earned a good riot.
Nothing too major. We don't want to go Vancouver on them or anything. But some broken street lamps would be a good start, and they would be expected to produce a couple of government limousines for us to turn over, and burn, and we'll also be expecting some statues and busts from the Capitol building to drop from high up.
And Furthermore: If this current imbroglio gets to such a point where my treasured ability To do what i want with the 24-hours we are given every day I might well lead the riot myself.
All Together Now/Get Your Official Writer's Shack Policy Right Here: The purpose of government is to protect the liberty of its citizens. Defaulting on our debts is a violation of this responsibility, especially if, as in this case, it is completely avoidable.
Honey, Get The Hip Waders Out Please: All you really need to know is that nothing is getting done except the issuing of the same rhetorical sputum we get whenever Washington is knee deep in partisan bickering. When Democratic senators say anything put out by a Republican House of Representatives is 'dead on arrivial' and when House Republicans are saying the Democrats are trying 'to pull the wool over the eyes of American citizens' hold on to your wallets, because it's your money they are going to be taxing and spending.
THIS SHOULD SOLVE ALL OUR PROBLEMS: Man again tries to bring humanity to war, as the Hague Convention of 1899 is signed on this date in 1899. The convention banned several things nobody paid any attention to.
Irony Fever, Catch It: US President Theodore Roosevelt called for a second such conference in 1904, however it was postponed until 1907 because Russian and Japan were at war. A third conference was never held because of World War I.
Higher…Stronger…Not To Mention Rested After War II: The Summer Olympics resume after a 12-year hiatus because of World War II in London on this date in 1948. In deference to England's continuing recovery from the war, no new facilities were built for the Games. A total of 59 nations, a record, sent 4,104 athletes. The US won both the most medals (38) and gold medals (84).
USA! USA! The basketball team won the gold medal at the second Olympic basketball tournament, which was played indoors for the first time. They went 5-0 in pool play, outscoring their opponents 325-167 and were seriously challenged only by Argentina, who only lost by two.
That was their only serious competition. The US easily defeated Uruguay in the quarterfinals and Mexico in the semifinals before demolishing France for the gold medal.
Great Moments In Serial Killing: David Berkowitz, later to be known as the Son of Sam killer, strikes for the first time, in New York City, on this date in 1976. Berkowitz shoots two, killing one and seriously wounding another. He would be caught in 1977 and confessed to killing six and wounding seven others.
Welcome To The Catskills: Berkowitz, currently working his way through a 365 year sentence, is currently enjoying complimentary accommodations courtesy of the State of New York a bit northwest of New York City.
May The Lord Bless You And Keep You: Berkowitz found religion some years back and God has seen fit to allow Berkowitz to come to terms with his crime, causing Berkowitz to decline his parole hearings.
Play Ball…Or Not: Steve Garvey's National League record of 1,207 consecutive games played ends on this date in 1984. Playing for San Diego, Garvey dislocates his thumb in the first game of a doubleheader and is forced to sit out the second game.
Oh Yeah: The streak had begun in September, 1975, and is still the National League record and is the fourth longest such streak in big league history, trailing Ripken, Lou Gehrig and Everett Scott.
Dry, Technical Tunnel Matter: British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and French President Francois Mitterand sign an agreement to build the Channel Tunnel on this date in 1987.
USA! USA! The Channel Tunnel would open to passengers in 1994, and came in only 80 percent over budget. American's were so awed by this the American Society of Civil Engineers named it one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
The End Of An Era: Scientists announce the discovery of a small planet, known as Eris, on this date in 2005. The discovery of Eris, along with other small planets, caused the International Astronomical Union, whoever they are, to strip Pluto of its planetary status in 2006.
Get Your Official Writer's Shack Policy Right Here: With all deference due the International Astronomical Union, whoever they are, the Writer's Shack still - rather enthusiastically - classifies Pluto as a planet, with all rights, and benefits - not to mention responsibilities - pertaining thereto.
FunFact: Eris has an elliptical orbit that at is closest point to the Sun is about as far away as Neptune, and at its farthest is about twice as far away as Pluto. It takes 577 years to orbit the Sun.
GONE FISHIN': We will be taking some time off. The column will return later next week.
Thought For The Day: You got me. What took you so long? - David Berkowitz, immediately after being arrested, August, 1977.
Answer To The Last Trivia Question: Mel Ott broke Honus Wagner's National League career RBI record.
Today's Stumper: We're going on vacation, so you take some time off, too! Enjoy the break from the Trivia vice-grip with our compliments!
Comments? Recipes? Complaints? Email the Writer's Shack here!
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