Nothing more interesting than some of those “world markets,” eh? … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,408 of The Daily Dirt.
1. Granted, some of the trips to a local Walmart can seem a bit strange.
But I seriously doubt any of us have ever encountered any of the following on a weekend shopping spree or Monday night trip to your favorite marketplace:
In Bolivia, alongside traditional crafts and food you may encounter dried llama fetuses that are believed to bring prosperity. The fetuses are often buried in and around buildings for good luck.
In South Korea, you might run into street vendors offering live octopus, whose tentacles are still wiggling when served to eat.
Some outdoor markets in Toronto are known for exotic meats like kangaroo, bison and … camel. That would be a big no thanks.
When in Mexico City, you might want to try the the dried rattlesnake. Or not.
In Guinea, forest antelope and crocodile are some of the tasty meats offered along the street stands. Just let me go to Burger King, please.
In Guatemala, you better have a liking for iguana and wild boar.
In Malaysia, bird’s nest soup is a favorite– made from “real bird’s nests”. (Is there any other kind?)
In Panama, the sea cucumber and shark plate are highly popular.
Never again will I complain when my fries are cold at McDonald’s. Never.
2. Did you know (Part 494)
That Neil Diamond originally wanted to be a laboratory biologist and attended NYU on a fencing scholarship — before finding fame as a songwriter and performer.
That Portland (Ore.), Tampa (Fla.) and New Orleans are the U.S. cities with the most strip clubs.
That the oldest player to hit an MLB home run was Julio Franco in 2006. He was 47 years, 240 days old. The previous record holder had been Jack Quinn in 1930 — he was 46 years, 357 days old.
That there is a new “Peanut Butter Swirl” from Hershey’s. White chocolate with peanut butter. A limited edition.
That Dave Winfield is often overlooked as one of — if not THE — greatest athletes of all-time. When the talk turns to Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, etc., often Lost in the discussion is 6-foot-6 Dave Winfield, who was drafted by four pro leagues in 1973: MLB, NBA, ABA and even the NFL. He ended up playing in MLB for 22 years, ultimately winding up in the Hall of Fame.
3. Appalachian Word of the Day: Aorta.
“Well, I think aorta fix that fence over there where the cows are gonna get out.”
Steve Thought O’ The Day – September baseball is the best, except for Opening Day in April. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Unless you are a Cardinals’ fan, then you basically checked out on July 4 when Miles Mikolas gave up six of the eight home runs the Cubs hit in Wrigley that day. Not that I was there, or I’m bitter, or anything. Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out, Mo. JRG
Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. The odds of Steve being any of the aforementioned countries trying any exotic cuisine are pretty slim.