Daily Dirt: Rest in peace, Poet of Paradise

Daily Dirt for Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023

At the time of his passing, Jimmy Buffett’s fortune was estimated to be $1 billion. Looks like all of those trips to Margaritaville paid off quite handsomely. .Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 715 of The Daily Dirt.

1. He was called the Poet of Paradise, and he is gone.

Singer/songwriter Jimmy Buffett, 76, died earlier this weekend following a four-year battle with Merkel cell skin cancer. His final concert proved to be May 6. Here are excerpts from a cascade of thoughts that poured out after Buffett’s passing:

• Paul McCartney: “Right up to the last minute his eyes still twinkled with a humor that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.’ … So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend, and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you. Bubbles up, my friend.”
• NBA Miami Heat: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of long-time season ticket member and friend, Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy knew well the power that music and sports has of bringing people together. #HeatNation joins all Parrot Heads in honoring Jimmy’s incredible spirit and love of life.”
• Elton John: “Jimmy Buffett was a unique and treasured entertainer. His fans adored him, and he never let them down. This is the saddest of news, a lovely man gone way too soon.”

Here are my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs:

• Gold medal: “Margaritaville.” Most poignant observation concerning this classic? “An absorbing listen.”
• Silver medal: “Cheeseburger in Paradise.” This song has been called a “a buoyant and sincere celebration of high-calorie, high-cholesterol and high-spirited goodness.” Perfect. Just perfect. 
• Bronze medal: “Come Monday.” His first top-40 hit, a kind of breakthrough for The Pirate.

2. Part of the appeal of the college football season, which began in earnest Saturday, are the dozens of traditions spread across the nation’s campuses and stadiums. Here are my three favorites in that particular discussion:

• 1. The tomahawk chop at Florida State: In this all-too-politically correct world, the university’s board does not endorse the action, stating, “Some traditions we cannot control … It’s a term we did not choose and officially do not use.” The haunting chant that accompanies it also is magnificent.
• 2. The wave at Iowa: When the Kinnick Stadium clock hits zero at the end of the first quarter, 70,000-plus football fans turn their attention from the field to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. In unison, they wave to the pediatric patients and their families watching the game. The patients and family members view this genuine act of kindness as life-changing, inspiring … a wave of hope. I’ve been to that hospital, and this act by the Iowa fans is awesome in every sense of the word.
• 3. The dotting of the “i” at Ohio State: Each time the Ohio State band performs “Script Ohio,” a different fourth- or fifth-year sousaphone player is chosen to stand as the dot in the “i” of “Ohio.” 

3. Good buddy and faithful Daily Dirt enthusiast Stacey O’Brien said she felt I would agree with her thoughts: “I don’t understand why people say harmful things like ‘Want to go for a run?’ or ‘Try this kale’.”

Stacey is absolutely correct.

Steve Thought O’ The Day
I have no idea who invented those miniature Milky Way candy bars, but I will be forever indebted to them.