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“The key to growth is the introduction of higher dimensions of consciousness into our awareness.”  -Lao Tzu, Chinese Philosopher

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—MY TWO CENTS WORTH—

A dozen or more newsletters occupy my email inbox every day. Here are a few random pieces of information that I plundered from them.

• The average person speaks around 16,000 words in a day, with females (16,215 words) speaking slightly more than males (15,699).

• The varieties of apples grown across the globe: 7,500

• The longest field goal in NFL history, not counting the preseason, is 66 yards, set by Justin Tucker of the Baltimore Ravens on September 26, 2021. Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little's 70-yard field goal is the unofficial longest field goal in NFL history because it was kicked in the preseason. 

• Prepared to shell out hundreds if you’re a diehard NFL fan. It would cost over $750 for streaming subscriptions to catch all of the biggest games. 

• Nearly 70% of people believe the American Dream—or the idea that hard work pays off—no longer holds true or never did, the highest level in nearly 15 years.

• American Eagle stock rose 20+% in after-hours trading, after the retailer branded its recent Sydney Sweeney ad campaign as its “best” ever 

• Darth Vader's lightsaber just sold at auction for more than $3.6 million. 

• Most popular Dog Names in 2025: Luna, Daisy, Bella, Lucy, and Charlie. 

  —DISPATCHES FROM THE OLD WEST— 

(1) Cyrus Skinner, who spent his youth in and out of prison, joined an outlaw gang that plundered the goldfields of Montana. He was once described as a hardened, merciless, and brutal fiend. "HANGED AT HELL GATE."

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(2) James Fleming Parker, who lived his entire life as a criminal, triggered the anger of an entire community when he killed a popular county attorney. The court put him behind bars, but that sent him to San Quentin as punishment; however, it did little to change his ways.  “TRAP DOOR JUSTICE.” 

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—DISPATCHES FROM HERE & THERE—  

(3) Nine towering fiberglass statues are positioned across the USA to attract the attention of motorists. These 20-foot-high fiberglass figures are known as the Muffler Men.

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(4) UFOs continue to capture attention, triggering our imagination of what might be. Here are 11 mysterious encounters throughout the years that defy logic. 

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(5) A freeze-dried chicken foot, a Medieval suit of armor, and a $39,000 ring—just some of the things found in unclaimed luggage. A peek inside the contents of lost suitcases sometimes tells a fascinating story.  

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(6) It seemed like the perfect crime. On the last day of August 1798, someone staged the first and largest bank robbery in 18th-century America. An innocent man went to prison. But then, a bizarre twist. The real crook began depositing money in an account at the very bank he had robbed.

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(7) In 1951, Cleveland, Ohio, DJ Alan Freed launched his radio show “Moondog’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Party.” Freed coined the term "Rock ’n’ Roll" as a rebranding of R&B records to appeal to a white audience.  R&B was primarily performed by Black artists. Rock ’n’ Roll emerged from a mix of blues, country, gospel, and jazz. Here—in 60 seconds—is the history of rock ’n’ roll.

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(8) Later this month, Fall—or Autumn—will arrive, bringing cooler temps and shorter days. Leaves will change colors and fall from the trees as the Earth tilts away from the sun. Here’s a site that’s all about Fall and even includes a map to help you plan trips to catch peak Fall colors. 

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 “You're betraying your whole life if you don't say what you think - and you don't say it honestly and bluntly.” —Charles Krauthammer

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