Welcome to today’s edition of The Daily Dirt, where we dive into Vol. 698 with three thoughts that are sure to keep you hooked!
- Timeless TV Couples of the ’70s The 1970s were a golden era for sitcoms, each one bringing laughter into our living rooms with unforgettable husband-and-wife duos who defined the shows. Looking back, these couples didn’t just entertain—they became cultural icons. Here are my picks for the top couples who truly deserve a place on the podium, plus a few honorable mentions.
Gold Medal: Archie and Edith Bunker (Carroll O’Connor and Jean Stapleton) in All in the Family. This was an easy choice. Archie’s gruff exterior paired with Edith’s sweet, unassuming nature created a dynamic that was both hilarious and heartwarming. One of Archie’s most memorable lines: “God can do anything! He can turn your jawbone into an ass.” A classic that perfectly encapsulates his unique worldview.
Silver Medal: Bob and Emily Hartley (Bob Newhart and Suzanne Pleshette) in The Bob Newhart Show. Their humor was subtle, sharp, and endlessly entertaining. Bob’s dry wit and stammering delivery were iconic. A memorable quote from Bob: “Stammering is different than stuttering. Stutterers have trouble with the letters, while stammerers trip over entire parts of a sentence. We stammerers generally think of ourselves as very bright.” Understated yet powerful.
Bronze Medal: George and Louise Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford) in The Jeffersons. George’s fiery personality and Louise’s grounded wisdom made them a perfect pair. George Jefferson could light up any conversation with his boldness. One of his classic lines: “Why don’t you take off your belt? I love the sound your belly makes when it hits the floor.” Unapologetically funny and always memorable.
Very Honorable Mention: Jessica and Chester Tate (Robert Mandan and Katherine Helmond) in Soap. Their comedic timing was a key reason this show garnered 17 Emmy nominations. Katherine Helmond, in particular, was a standout with her impeccable comedic delivery.
Honorable Mention: Howard and Marion Cunningham (Tom Bosley and Marion Ross) in Happy Days. They were the perfect, supportive parents, not just to Richie and Joanie, but also to the entire gang, including Fonzie, Potsie, and Chachi.
- Illinois Rock and Roll Museum Hall of Fame 2023 Music aficionados, mark your calendars! The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum in Joliet is set to host its third annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 17. This year’s lineup is nothing short of legendary, featuring iconic names like:
- Earth, Wind & Fire: With a genre-defying sound that spans jazz, R&B, funk, disco, and more, they’ve sold over 90 million albums worldwide.
- The Cryan’ Shames: The garage rock band that put Hinsdale on the musical map.
- The Shadows of Knight: Known for their blend of the Rolling Stones, Yardbirds, and Animals’ influences, this Chicago-based group rocked the ’60s.
- Nat King Cole: With a voice smoother than silk, Nat King Cole gave us timeless classics like “Mona Lisa” and “Unforgettable.”
- Miles Davis: A titan in the world of jazz, his influence on 20th-century music is immeasurable.
Inductees are selected by votes cast by the museum’s charter members, making this a true celebration of Illinois’ rich musical heritage.
- This Week’s Best of “Found on Facebook” Here are some gems that caught my eye this week:
- “Hamburger Helper only works if the hamburger is ready to accept it needs help.”
- “Don’t tell me about your childhood problems. I was forced to watch Lawrence Welk as a kid.”
- “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up some place else.” — Yogi Berra
- “You think you know stress? When I was growing up and you missed a TV show, you just missed it. Forever.”
- “Cougar in area: Please stay on trails, travel in small groups and do not allow men under 30 to travel alone.”
Steve’s Thought O’ The Day— If Nat King Cole were still alive today, he’d still be at the top. His talent was truly timeless, and even though he passed away in 1965 at just 45, his legacy continues to shine bright.
