When one finds himself living at various times, in the American Midwest or in Orange County, California, it helps to have a surreal sense of humor. Casual media tidbits help me pull through the long spells. Here are two examples. I'd appreciate knowing of others.

Q: I love Jack Nicholson movies. Has he ever been on a TV series?

A: Nicholson did TV early in his career. He was seen frequently on "Hawaiian Eye" (1962), "Wells Fargo" (1961) and other dramas of the day. He even did a couple of Andy Griffith shows. The episodes "Aunt Bee the Juror" and "Opie Finds a Baby" feature Nicholson.

...somebody in charge in 1967 thought it would be a fine idea to have Hendrix, who was just starting to happen, be the warm-up act for the Monkees, who were indeed happening. If you were 12. ...Hendrix had 20 minutes to open for them. He was booed. ...After two weeks, he was fired.