Daily Dirt for July 12, 2021

As we move through the dog days of summer, I hope you enjoy these three thoughts in Vol. 4:

1. The TV shows I miss most from the following decades:

A. 1960s: “Gunsmoke,” which was billed as an “adult western.” I’m currently trying to rewatch all of the 600-plus episodes. There will never be another Matt Dillon.

B. 1970s: “All in the Family,” a show that was well ahead of its time and arguably the most important weekly TV presence ever.

C. 1980s: “Knots Landing,” and there is not even a close second. Life on the cul-de-sac was awesome, especially when Donna Mills was onscreen.

D. 1990s: “Seinfeld,” a program that redefined network television comedy. How could a show “about nothing” be so funny? I really have no idea, but it certainly was.

2. I graduated from high school in 1972. I’m not implying an old geezer, but these were some of the prices back then:

First-class stamp: 10 cents.

Gallon of gas: 36 cents.

Dozen eggs: 52 cents.

Bread: 24 cents.

New car: $3,100.

3. The first car that truly infatuated me growing up was the Ford Mustang, which debuted in 1964.

You could buy one of the “pony cars” that year for $2,368. Now, if you want a vintage 1964 Mustang, it would cost you $18,000 on average. For a 2021 Mustang, the price ranges from $27,155 to $72,900, according to www.cjponyparts.com.