Odds and Ends, Bits and Pieces, Flotsam & Jetsam
Some things I’ve smiled about recently … some that happened to me, some that I found. Enjoy …
Jack's Latest Articles
DID YOU KNOW …? You are now reading the 500th “Did You Know…?” Column!
In October of 2016, I began this column. The story of how it came to be has been relayed here numerous times; I won’t go into it again. That was 500 weeks ago. This week, you are reading the 500th column in this series. It’s a milestone I never once thought would happen. I had actually assumed you’d all get tired of this stuff and stop reading it; far from it, you’ve asked for more. Now, 500 columns in, I’m ready to get the next 500 underway. I have to thank all the editors who run this silly stuff I write, sharing it with all of you; and I thank you, the readers, who spend a part of your day with this nonsense, and make me feel good about doing it. Five. Hundred. Columns. Let’s keep it going, shall we? Read on!
Ah, the Good Old Days … Back When It Made Sense
The world can be a frightening place. (As if you needed me to tell you that.) But twice a day at least, I get to escape from it for a few minutes, back to a time when things made more sense. I’m referring to the times I get into my car and come to work or go home, and I spend that time listening to Old-Time Radio classic programs.
DID YOU KNOW …? Was a popular French fashion designer actually a Nazi spy?
Be sure you’re here next week. Next week’s column is going to be one of the most special I’ve ever produced, because it celebrates something I never thought would happen. No, I won’t share any hints beyond those, but whatever you do, don’t miss next week’s installment of “Did You Know ...?” because it’s going to be a very special one, one that took over nine years to create. Be here. Same Bat-time, same Bat-channel.
2026 Graduation Edition
Featuring the graduates of Harris County High School and Waverly Hall Christian Academy
I Find the Strangest Things in Odd Places
As many of you know, my weekend side gig is being a tour guide at the Pine Mountain Wild Animal Safari. It’s a fun job, gets me out into the fresh air and sunshine, and adds a little bit to my bank account. And … I get tips.
DID YOU KNOW …? Did a popular music group lose all the money they made from their best-selling album?
Everybody’s going ga-ga about AI (artificial intelligence) and what it can and can’t do. So, on a whim, I went online and asked an AI generator to write a two-paragraph introduction for this week’s column. Here it is: “Think you know your world, your history, and the odd bits of trivia in between? Welcome to our weekly trivia column, where we dig into the delightful, the surprising, and the downright peculiar facts that make our world endlessly fascinating. Whether you’re a seasoned quiz fanatic or someone who simply enjoys a good ‘Huh—I never knew that,’ you’ll find plenty here to spark curiosity and maybe even win you a future bet or two. “Each week, we’ll serve up a mix of brain-teasers, behind-the-scenes stories, and unexpected nuggets pulled from science, culture, politics, and everyday life. Some answers may astonish you, others may make you laugh, but all are guaranteed to give you a fresh appreciation for the extraordinary hiding in the ordinary. Ready to test your knowledge? Let’s dive in.” Sheesh, that’s not bad. I might just find myself out of a job. Let’s get into this week’s silly stuff, okay? I thought you’d agree.
Cox Didn’t Mind Speaking Out When Needed
I remember a lot of things about former Atlanta Braves Manager Bobby Cox and so will the history books. Some of the records he set can be looked upon as great accomplishments, but there is one record that most people might think is not so wonderful but it truly is.
Andy’s Astronomy: Planets of “Battlestar Galactica”
Last week this column noted the first “alien” planet featured in the original Battlestar Galactica 1978 television series, and this week the five remaining plants are featured.
Chuck Norris and Ted Turner
In very short order we lost both Chuck Norris and Ted Turner; both stood tall among other men.