DAILY DIRT: Seriously, what were the parents thinking?

Daily Dirt for Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022

At times, I’ve taken grief for naming my kids Geoff and Kaysi. I think it’s safe to say I look a saint today … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 369 of The Daily Dirt

1. Every so often we (and by “we” I mean I) like to make fun of unusual baby names.

It’s that time again.

The following are the 10 stupidest (I know of no better description) names parents have given their children. This list supersedes any previous compilation of stupid baby names because … well, these names are easily the stupidest:

Gold medal: “Little Sweetmeat.” And for one of the rare times in my adult life, I have no comment. None.

Silver medal: “Danger.” Oh for crying out loud. These parents should serve some time behind bars as a danger to society.

Bronze medal: “Mhavryck.” It’s pronounced “Maverick”. And it’s really, really stupid.

Honorable mention: Appaloosa, Spartacus, Queen Precious Jewel Earth (yes, all four of those words), Baby, Olive Garden, D’Artagnan, Harley Quinn.

2. I think the following three quotes about returning to school — which, by the way, is right around the corner — are excellent ways for kids to approach the coming months:

Gold medal: “High school is about finding who you are, because that’s more important than trying to be someone else.”– Nick Jonas, musician.

Silver medal: “As long as teachers give tests, there will always be prayer in schools.”– Unknown.

Bronze medal: “I’m not telling you it’s going to be easy — I’m telling you it’s going to be worth it.” — Art Williams, author.

3. Here’s a bit of pop music trivia I uncovered the other day and it legitimately surprised me.

Who is the only singer to place among the top 10-selling artists during the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s?

If you guessed Elton John, consider yourself correct.

Here’s a snapshot of the top-selling artists for the decade (1970s) that started it all for Sir Elton. The rankings and ensuing information are provided by rate yourmusic.com:

1. Elton John

Weeks charted: 338.

Number of hits: 26.

No. 1 songs: “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds ,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie And The Jets,” “Philadelphia Freedom, “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart, “Island Girl.”

2. Bee Gees

Weeks charted: 333

Number of hits: 23.

No. 1 songs: “Jive Talkin’,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” “You Should Be Dancin’,”Night Fever,” “Tragedy,” “Love You Inside Out,” “Too Much Heaven,” “How Do You Mend A Broken Heart.”

3. Chicago

Weeks charted: 329

Number of hits: 29.

No. 1 songs: “If You Leave Me Now.”

4. Paul McCartney

5. Carpenters

6. James Brown

7. Jackson 5

8. Elvis Presley

9. Neil Diamond

10. Stevie Wonder

Steve Thought O’ The Day — Steve’s favorite singer of the 1970s, Rod Stewart, placed No. 19. His No. 1 hits that decade included “Maggie May,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and “Tonight’s The Night”.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. Of course, a Rod the Mod reference would find its way in.