If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey — and really, who isn’t — you’ve no doubt seen this a few times:
“Funding for Masterpiece is provided by the Masterpiece Trust, created to ensure the series future, with support from Donald and Darlene Shiley and the following…”
“The following” change episode to episode, but the Shileys remain at the top of the list. You’ll even see their names as supporters of Masterpiece Mystery.
Which got me thinking — who are Donald and Darlene Shiley? Should I know their names already? And can I personally thank them for ‘ensuring the future’ and very existence of Downton Abbey?
Sadly, Donald died in August of last year, but not before he made tremendous contributions as a doctor and philanthropist. Shiley collaborated with Swedish cardiologist Dr. Viking Bjork to develop the Bjork-Shiley heart valve, which is credited with saving hundreds of thousands of lives.
He also contributed millions to research centers in San Diego which bear his name. The Shiley Eye Center at UC San Diego. The Shiley Center for Science and Technology at the University of San Diego. The Donald P. Shiley Cardiovascular Research Center at San Diego State University.
He and his wife Darlene have given millions to Alzheimers research, the Scripps Clinic, The Old Globe Theater and KPBS. (She worked as a TV public service director and promotions manager before their marriage.)
So now, each time I sit down to enjoy another addictive episode of Downton Abbey, I’ll smile knowing an even greater love story made the whole darn thing possible.
Military mirth
HAPPY VETERAN’S DAY!
I discovered yesterday that a friend of mine in the neighborhood was a former MARINE. Since my oldest brother is a retired ARMY Lt. Colonel, I’ve heard a few good-natured jokes over the years about MARINES…so I asked my friend if the humor runs both ways.
The man turned into a stand-up comic.
So in honor of the day, I thought I would share a few jokes about all branches of the military. (I’m sure none of them would want to be left out.)
ARMY
Doesn’t ARMY stand for Ain’t Really Men Yet?
MARINES
An Airman in a bar leans over to the guy next to him and says, “Wanna hear a MARINE joke?” The guy replies, “I am a MARINE. The huge guy sitting next to me is a MARINE. The big fella next to him is also a MARINE. Now, you still wanna tell that joke?” The Airman says, “Nah. I don’t want to have to explain it three times.”
NAVY
Having passed the enlistment physical, Jon was asked by the doctor, “Why do you want to join the NAVY, son?”
“My father said it’d be a good idea, Sir.”
“Oh? And what does your father do?”
“He’s in the ARMY, Sir.”
AIR FORCE
Q: How do you know if there is a fighter pilot at your party?
A: He’ll tell you.
Q: What’s the difference between God and fighter pilots?
A: God doesn’t think he’s a fighter pilot.
Q: What’s the difference between a fighter pilot and a jet engine?
A: A jet engine stops whining when the plane shuts down.
Good stuff.
Have you heard one from your family or friends? Add it in the comments section.
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Posted in Comedy, Commentary, Entertainment, Holiday, Humor, Life
Tagged Air Force, air force jokes, Army, army jokes, Army Lt. Colonel, branches of military, comedy, commentary, doctor, enlistment physical, entertainment, fighter pilot, God, Holiday, Humor, jet engine, jokes, life, Marines, marines jokes, military, military service, Navy, navy jokes, plane, soldiers, Veteran's Day