Dispatches: Old West & Beyond 07.22.25
____________________________________
“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” —Anais Nin
____________________________________
MY TWO CENTS WORTH
As the late Johnny Carson might have said, “May a 9th-century Ethiopian goat-herder named Kaldi brew your morning coffee.”
And he did.
Coffee is a significant part of morning routines. Who invented this stuff? A quick minute or two of research revealed that coffee wasn’t invented. It was discovered.
According to legend, our new friend Kaldi observed that his goats displayed increased energy after consuming the berries of a certain plant. I’m not surprised by this. Over the years, I’ve observed baby goats (also known as kids) in action, and they are jam-packed with energy and rarely come to a complete stop.
But here’s the real history of coffee. I drink mine black. No sugar. No cream. Researchers say drinking black coffee provides some health benefits.
=====================================================
DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST
(1) In the late afternoon of July 21, 1865, two gamblers faced off in the town square of Springfield, Missouri. One missed. The other didn't. “Duel to the Death.”
=====================================================
(2) Despite his reputation as a gambler, Doc Holliday pursued other interests. He was fluent in Latin, played the piano, and dressed to the nines. Holliday also handled a knife and pistol as well as anyone. “Nothing to Lose.”
=====================================================
DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE
(3) Despite what you’ve seen on TV, the chalk outline of a body at a crime scene is a myth. You can blame TV for perpetuating other myths about crime and law enforcement.
=====================================================
(4) A cooking site once asked three chefs to name the best chocolate ice cream. All three happened to choose the same $12 pint.
=====================================================
(5) Your devices, such as computers, smartphones, gaming consoles, and tablets, can run out of memory. But can your brain exhaust its memory?
=======================================================
(6) Even though it’s uncommon, I was surprised to learn that a plastic water bottle in your car can actually start a fire under very specific circumstances. Bottom-line advice: Never leave a plastic water bottle in a hot car.
=====================================================
(7) A new restaurant called Woohoo opens in Dubai in September. The kitchen will be under the direction of Chef Aiman, who can’t taste, smell, or physically interact with the food preparation process. Here’s a glimpse into what may serve as a prototype for the future of dining.
=====================================================
(8) All of us start each new day with a gift. It’s called life. But I have another gift for you today. Watch this nine-minute video and learn simple, meaningful moments that make up the “Secret to a Beautiful Life.”
___________________________________
“When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen.” —Ernest Hemingway
____________________________________