500 — It’s more than just a number

So what is it about the number 500? There is a particular “ring” to it as it  points me towards all sorts of events, persons, music and memories.

First, I think of the Indianapolis 500, one of the most famous car races in  the world. A race car enthusiast in a former parish never missed the annual event. I can’t see myself attending; I don’t even drive; the noise would be overwhelming and I suspect the tire-rubber and exhaust-filled air would bring on an asthmatic attack. I also wonder about the quality of the viewing experience. Zinggg, there goes a car at a deafening, ridiculous speed, then zinggg, another; then a long wait for the next lap. Another beer please — nah, make it two. Not for me pal, but for fans, it’s a winning ticket.

Next, I think of the Fortune 500, a club definitely beyond my fiscal and social outreach. Created by the famous business magazine, membership  is definitely exclusive. [From Wiki] They rank the world’s 500 largest companies who posted record-breaking aggregate revenues of $41 trillion in 2023. Members include Walmart,  Amazon, and Saudi Aramco.  “For the first time since 2018, the U.S. presence (139 companies) on the Fortune Global 500 surpassed that of Greater China (133 companies). The U.S. companies generated $13.8 trillion in aggregate revenues, a 6% increase from last year.”

As suggested above, no welcome for me there, but it does go to show that the rich keep getting richer and for some bizarre reason, capitalism requires constant growth and expansion in order to survive. Something really sinister and sick here.

Here’s one final connection with this very special number: A musical reference, a song, “500 Miles” (also known as “500 Miles Away from Home” or “Railroaders’ Lament”), a song made popular in the United States and Europe during the 1960s folk revival. The simple repetitive lyrics offer a lament by a traveler who is far from home, out of money and too ashamed to return.” It’s an unresolved pop version of the biblical parable of the prodigal Son. (Luke 15:11-32). I think I will hum the tune for most of today.

Well you rightly wonder, dear reader, why I am banging on about the number “500.” Well I received a note from WordPress the other day that I have now published my 500^th blog.  Wow, where did they all come from? Most are my own creations but I am most grateful to guest bloggers who created content for our online community. Some content is lifted from online media with full attribution; thankfully none have complained as yet.

I am so grateful to dog-blogger Juno for her many contributions, and to you, faithful readers. Each and every day anywhere between 50 and 150 of you read recent and older blogs. And you read throughout the entire collection.

Every performer needs an audience, and every author and blogger needs readers. Thanks for hanging in there. What a glorious retirement hobby this blog has become. And we’re not done yet.