Scattershooting / The Fly That Wouldn't Go Away

Some here, and some there. Sounds like the things we do right here on Scattershooting, and it's time for it again on Case's Column as we do every so often. Now, just sit back, relax, and get ready to take a multi-faceted look at the world around me.

And you as well....

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This writer had to take full advantage of some serious savings because a special anniversary was celebrated today at Norma's Café. Fifty-nine years and counting for this wonderful homestyle eatery. The Dallas institution has three locations, and I decided to pop in at the Frisco location (which I frequent, anyway) and have a meal for only $1.79. That's right. Customers are offered three different Norma's entrees (chicken-fried steak, meat loaf, or chicken with dressing) with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans, each for $1.79, and all for just today only. I decided to order the CFS.

Had a good time. Except that there was one slight problem.

A recurring "visitor".

You see, the Frisco Norma's has a history of flies who spend their time..........well, flying around bugging different customers. Sadly, it's happened on more than one occasion. And it happened again today, but it was just one fly. He was in my station for a little bit, but by the time I'd gotten my meal, it flew away and became someone else's problem. Guess I have to be resigned to the idea that everyone likes Norma's....................including the flies.

Look, just go there anyway. They really do have great food.

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It's been many years since Simon & Garfunkel had their breakup. Paul and Art may have gone their separate ways, but it's a shame that there is any animosity going on between the two legendary performers. My big hope is that, one day, they can reunite and try to do one more album together. Can't say it's not doable, you know. Here's more about the breakup and its lingering effects:

Art Garfunkel: Paul Simon Has Become a 'Monster' | Billboard

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Speaking of celebrities, we lost another one today. Good ol' Dick Van Patten has lost his battle with diabetes at 86. One of TV's real good guys, Van Patten was well-loved by audiences everywhere and just seemed to be every place you can possibly be on television about three to four decades ago. You remember him best as Tom Bradford in ABC-TV's "Eight Is Enough".

Dick Van Patten, of 'Eight Is Enough,' dead at 86 | Fox News

Rest in peace, Dick. Thanks for the memories.

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You can't always believe what you see, right? A recent KFC customer unearthed a big surprise the other day and tattled on the franchise. Well, the joke was on him, intended or not, when this news arose....

KFC says DNA shows 'fried rat' was chicken | Fox News

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The Houston Astros' shortstop Carlos Correa has not disappointed since being brought up a few short weeks ago. The former number one pick from 2012 has already made a splash on the major league front, with dazzling infield plays and clutch offense. While Jose Altuve may be one of two Astros expected to make the All-Star team, you can definitely expect Correa to be chosen in the future, along with outfielder George Springer. Oh, that other Astro expected to make the All-Star squad for the American League will be starting pitcher Dallas Keuchel, who will certainly get picked by Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost.

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Guess what? I still have not received my tax refund from the Eternal........er, Internal Revenue Service as yet. And it is making me mad. Other folks on this website and across the country have also not received their returns, either. The last time I checked, this is June! It is clear that the IRS is playing politics and holding innocent Americans hostage because of an investigation involving that evil organization. Apparently, same is keeping them from doing their job, which is giving us what's rightfully ours back to us. Now how hard can that be?

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Kitchen getting a little cramped? Let's let a Rachael Ray guest give a word of advice.

An easy way to create more space in your home - AOL.com

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KOKE-FM's (Austin, 99.3, 98.5, and 1490) Saturday morning tradition just isn't the same these days. "The Country Gold Show" is a show that usually features artists and music that helped shape what country music had become years ago, even before leading to the sights and sounds of today. That's what it was supposed to be. Every week, Tom Allen would feature songs from 1924 to 1985, culminating in what he calls (and what I call) the Country Gold era.

Well, regular host Allen broke his knee in a fall back in January. He'd been on the radio just twice this year before Bob Cole and Tim Williams had to step in subsequently, but good ol' Tom had to be out of action. There's no new word yet on his rehab assignment, and the aforementioned Williams has filled in and will continue to until Allen returns. Frankly, I'm getting a little impatient. Williams is a fine deejay and is accomplished in his trade, but he is not a great host of this program. Makes me wish I could be a radio jock right now so I can be Tom Allen's heir apparent. Obviously, some things are going to have to happen for me to actually have it happen. At any rate, I couldn't stomach the idea of Williams adding artists and songs from the 1990s and 2000s to the program in recent weeks. I'm not wishing to knock those artists, but that's not Country Gold. It's not what Tom Allen (and his predecessors at another Austin radio station) had envisioned or intended for the program. There have been a few times I've actually had to tune Tim and the program out. It just hasn't been the same.

For right now, we'll just have to stomach Tim Williams for a while longer while Tom heals up. Hurry back, Tom! This fan misses you.

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How bad are liberals? They want to implement laws............but, at the same time, proceed to promote lawlessness. Makes no sense whatsoever. Think about it.

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Speaking of thinking about things, are you considering going on a cruise? Well, something new will set sail in a few short years. I preach patience if you dare try this new venture....

Virgin Cruises to launch in Miami in 2020 | Fox News

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It's been too long since I've given you news about dumb criminals. Taken from a credible source, here's an account about thievery and the craftiness thereof..............on an elevator. Going up?

Dumb Criminals - The Stupidity Has Elevated

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Buc-ee's has finally opened in Terrell, Texas. Finally!! After getting burned by one source estimating they'd open on June 15 (and then they didn't), I saw on the internet that they opened yesterday to lots of new customers. And, of course, your favorite blogger never got to go. It was too late in the day by the time I found out, and there was no way I could plow through that lousy Dallas traffic and road construction just to get to Buc-ee's. Oh, well. I'll just wait for my day off (Friday) and go when it's the best time.

Glad to see that it's here at last. Buc-ee's. Now in North Texas. Beaver Fever runs pure through our veins.

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Thanks for giving this blog your time today. Your life will always be enriched and better informed, and that's the way it should be.

And there you are.