The Era -- Day By Day

[Harp]

Cubs had a five-man rotation last season. Darvish led; coupla southpaws. Contreras safe at home plate.
Riz, Baez, Bryant. A triple dipple play set. Not no mores.

 

[LizzieMaine]

German troops rolled over the French border into Spain today in numbers officially described as "small." The exact number of troops involved was not disclosed, but it is known that they included a motorized transport column. The troops have entered Spain at the invitation of Generalissimo Francisco Franco's foreign minister, Ramon Serrano Suner, known to be a close personal friend of both Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. The Franco Government stated that the troops were invited in to aid with reconstruction work in the the hurricane and fire-swept Santander territory.

High school students in Sag Harbor, L. I. are getting a taste of life under the Nazi jackboot today, with dictatorial discipline enforced by the school administration and faculty for even the slightest infraction of a long list of regulations. Three girls were yanked out of their classes and forced to scrub the sidewalk outside the Pierson High School building on their hands and knees, as gloating "Storm Troopers" clad in school band uniforms prodded them on, as a consequence of their defiance of new rules concerning dress and appearance for girls. Other violators were paraded thru the hallways with large orange cards around their necks displaying their infractions. One girl who expressed her contempt for the entire exercise was yanked into a makeshift "concentration camp" in the school gymnasium where she was confined for the remainder of the day. Another student overheard expressing "liberal political views" was sent to join her there.

Meanwhile, in Elmont, L. I. a nine-year-old boy faces school discipline for refusing to salute the American flag during a compulsory patriotic pageant at Covert Avenue Elementary School. Kenneth Melmann, who attends the school along with his ten-year-old sister Doris is the son of Harold and Edna Melmann of 438 Louis Avenue in Elmont, told teachers he is a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses sect, and as such considers the saluting of any flag to be an act of idolatry. "We respect the flag as a symbol of freedom and justice," stated Mrs. Melmann today, "but we believe that we would be condemned to death for violating the commandment of God." Neither Melmann child has participated in required patriotic exercises since the family joined the sect in 1939, and the principal of the school, Miss Helen Hanway, had taken steps to require Kenneth's presence and to compel his salute at the assembly today. Miss Hanway states that other than their stand on flag saluting, neither Melmann child presents any disciplinary problem, and both have achieved excellent marks. The matter of disciplinary action against the boy will be taken up at a meeting of the Elmont school board on March 13th.

A family found starving in an unheated Boerum Hill apartment is recovering from exposure and malnutrition at Kings County Hospital after a representative of the Brooklyn Visiting Nurse Association discovered the father and three children surviving on sips from a half-empty bottle of milk. The mother, it is reported, was removed from the apartment several days earlier suffering from pneumonia. Neighbors told police that the 39-year-old father had been on home relief for some time and has been unable to work due to illness. An attempt will be made to find relatives who might be able to aid the family.

Four U. S. Army sergeants at Fort Dix, New Jersey have removed their stripes and asked to be reduced to the rank of private in protest of new Army regulations requiring them to act as "father, mother, and big brother" to the members of their squads. The new rules, put into effect to aid selectees in their adjustment to military life, have been widely ridiculed by career Army men, and the sergeants, serving in Company K of the 174th Infantry Regiment put their feelings in writing in a letter to their commanding officer, Captain Kelsey Jewett, who had promulgated the new rules under the orders of regimental Colonel Joseph W. Becker. The sergeants complained that they were forced to spend so much time "babying the men" that they were unable to get on with their work of training them for service. Among additional requirements laid out in the order, it is stated that it is the responsibility of sergeants to ensure that their men were "bathed and shaved and fed" at the proper time, and that their clothing and personal equipment were kept in order. Despite the "father, mother, big brother" policy now in effect at Fort Dix, a total of 11 soldiers from the camp are presently reported A. W. O. L.

Longtime Brooklyn Senator Edward J. Coughlin is in critical condition today after a piece of a shattered glass door slashed his jugular vein, following a fall down a flight of stairs early this morning at the Prospect Heights Democratic Club. Senator Coughlin was leaving the hall after delivering a speech in support of his proposed bill to ban "criminal syndicalism" in the State of New York, and tumbled down a long staircase before crashing thru the glass door. He underwent emergency surgery this morning at Kings County Hospital to close the wound to his neck, but the Senator lost a significant amount of blood in the incident.

Gargantua the Ape is a proud groom today, with the 600-pound circus gorilla who entertained millions at the World's Fair due to meet his bride this morning. Mrs. Gargantua is Toto, a 450-pound, 9-year-old gorilla born in Cuba, and arrives today at Gargantua's winter home in Sarasota, Florida in an air-conditioned custom railroad car, complete with an extensive wardrobe of sweaters and blankets and her pet kitten, Principia. The mating is expected to take place at 4 this afternoon, gorillas willing.

(Fun picture, even if you do have to go into The City to see it.)

(Make your Washington's Birthday plans now. Toomey's is a diner. And yet Sunday dinner costs 75 cents, just like you pay at the Hotel Pierrepont. They must be doing something right, because 80 years later, Toomey's is still there.)

The Eagle Editorialist repudiates talk now going around that National Defense requires a federal ban on strikes, and he endorses remarks by William S. Knudsen, director of the Office of Industrial Production to the effect that such a ban would make present labor issues infinitely worse.

(And it says much to the seriousness with which she takes her work that the reporter resists the temptation to call her "The Dancing Dean." Oh, and I'd totally wear those shoes.)

("Nonsense. Why not stay home in our tastefully-furnished Craftsman-influenced bungalow with exposed ceiling beams, as seen in this month's issue of Better Homes and Gardens?")

(You'd look younger if you'd put your lower plate in.)

With the multiplicity of outfield talent roaming La Tropical Stadium in Havana this week, no one ventures to predict what the Dodger outfield will be on opening day -- but one man who is determined to be a part of it is Pete Reiser. Young Harold Patrick, for those are his given names, worked most of the half-season he spent with Brooklyn in 1940 floating between third base, shortstop, and right field depending on who was injured at the moment, but in 1941, Pistol Pete wants to play center field -- even though that position was well and ably held for most of the 1940 campaign by Dixie Walker. While Dixie can swing the bat, his glovework last year was average at best, and with Paul Waner the likely choice to start the season in right field, center seems the likeliest spot for the fast-moving youngster. And with Joe Medwick a certainty to start the season in left, Reiser's ascendancy spells a big question mark for both Walker and Joe Vosmik, who may find themselves more expendable than they care to be. The situation for Walker is especially difficult, considering that he led all Dodger regulars last year with a cool .308, and Durocher is likely to want his bat in there somewhere.

The question of Detroit Tiger star Hank Greenberg's draft status remains unclear, with word from Detroit that the 1940 American League Most Valuable Player has applied for deferment as a "necessary man." The chairman of Greenberg's local draft board denies the report in today's edition of the Detroit Free Press, and emphasizes that all such information is strictly confidential. If the report is not true, it is expected that Greenberg will be taken into the Army before June 1st.

(Well, it's a start -- now go find a cape.)

(Jeez, Jo -- you've had a whole year to work on new material, and that's the best you've got?)

(And a salute to Dale Connor for remembering that Sue wears glasses.)

(Um, in all the long history of mystery and adventure fiction has anybody ever found anything good "at the old mill?")

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News...

An all-male jury? That bothers me. And it also bothers me that somehow George Clark has seen my kitchen.

Ah, dear Peggy. She'll do a bit of radio along with stage and movies, and will enjoy it because nobody cares if you stand around the studio and eat candy while you're not on mic. And it must do her good, because she'll live to be 96.

Yeah, I know, guys and their leather jackets. But personally, I do think having a label in it that says HE-MAN is trying too hard.

"She'd never manipulate ME," thinks the young one. "Not BURMA! Not like she manipulates -- um -- every single other person she ever comes in contact with..."

Best health insurance program in 1941: being friends with Daddy Warbucks.

We've seen Krome get his, now I want to see Doc get impaled by a giant icicle. Is that so wrong?

Either Bim is a sweet, gentle soul who dearly loves his family in spite of it all, or he's the dumbest one man who ever lived.

Don't get too comfortable, kid.

And how many days will go by before Lillums leads Harold back to this very same shop? Son, you are so cooked.

Mush internalizes another sad truth about the world in which he lives.

 

[Fading Fast]

...
("Nonsense. Why not stay home in our tastefully-furnished Craftsman-influenced bungalow with exposed ceiling beams, as seen in this month's issue of Better Homes and Gardens?")...

Good catch, Lizzie. Also, it really is crazy how almost every man is bald in Lichty's world.

... (Jeez, Jo -- you've had a whole year to work on new material, and that's the best you've got?)...

You have to love the briefcase handcuffed to the user - it's been a heck of a device for screenwriters for decades.

...
(Um, in all the long history of mystery and adventure fiction has anybody ever found anything good "at the old mill?")

True, conversely, in romance stories, all good things happen "at the old mill," as that's where "they" fell in love playing as kids and now will have their wedding.

... An all-male jury? That bothers me. And it also bothers me that somehow George Clark has seen my kitchen.....

Just noting, this would be the third day in about a week that we've seen a woman prefer a horse (real or mechanical) to a man.

It's funny to see a young Gloria Vanderbilt as, if you are of my generation (born in '64), you first came to know her when her "designer" jeans took off in (I think it was) the late '70s. Also, in the picture, she looks more like a kid from the '70s than the '40s. Had someone just showed me that picture, I'd have guessed it was from the '70s.

... ] Ah, dear Peggy. She'll do a bit of radio along with stage and movies, and will enjoy it because nobody cares if you stand around the studio and eat candy while you're not on mic. And it must do her good, because she'll live to be 96.....

Good for her. Terrible copy though as her comments sound insanely false. Why hire a personality to endorse your product and, then, make it clear to everyone that a (hack) copywriter wrote her stilted comments. I do love a chocolate cherry cordial though.

A...[ Best health insurance program in 1941: being friends with Daddy Warbucks.....

"Best health insurance program in 1941 [and 2021]: being friends with Daddy Warbucks." Note editor's add.

... We've seen Krome get his, now I want to see Doc get impaled by a giant icicle. Is that so wrong?...

Nope.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Downwind eating a cardboard pie is one of the best things I've seen in a long time. Serves him right.

 

[Harp]

Lana, poor dear sweetness. Terry seems to have skipped a date with a firing squad.
Thanks to bottle rocket Burma.

 

[MissNathalieVintage]

Hello everyone been super busy these past couple of weeks. I am posting the rest of Jan 1941 headlines for the Chicago Daily Tribune and a couple of articles I found news worthy from each newspaper. When I have more time I will post Feb 1941 headlines.

Its so sad to read Smilin' Jack will be ending soon, can not wait to see what it gets replaced with next.

 

[MissNathalieVintage]

View attachment 311994

I happened to see a Ricketts restaurant in Chicago and on the awning it says EST. 1963 and it got me thinking about the original Ricketts. I double checked again and now I know why I was confused by the restaurant being EST. in 1963. The name is similarly spelled the newer Ricktt(e)s has an E, S, added to its name. I wanted to go in and order some food sadly they are temporarily closed.

 

[Fading Fast]

As Lizzie notes (oddly before the actually post itself), Downwind eating the cardboard pie is a good one.

I also like the way he's kinda falling apart - gaining weight, hair all askew - from the contest (which is such an obnoxious idea).

To bad about Rickettes being closed - it's always fun when you can experience one of those small connects to the past.

 

[MissNathalieVintage]

 

[MissNathalieVintage]

 

[MissNathalieVintage]

 

[ChiTownScion]

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I happened to see a Ricketts restaurant in Chicago and on the awning it says EST. 1963 and it got me thinking about the original Ricketts. I double checked again and now I know why I was confused by the restaurant being EST. in 1963. The name is similarly spelled the newer Ricktt(e)s has an E, S, added to its name. I wanted to go in and order some food sadly they are temporarily closed.

Love the mention of Paul H. Douglas. Quite an extraordinary man. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Maine, he did his undergrad work at Bowdoin College, then went on to earn his doctorate in economics (Columbia). Served on the faculties of the Universities of Illinois, Washington, and Chicago. Then somehow, he ended up as a Chicago alderman.

In 1942, although a Quaker, he enlisted at age fifty as a private in the Marine Corps. He obtained a commission, and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was awarded, among other things, a Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

Went on to serve as a US Senator for Illinois for eighteen years. A remarkable man.

 

[Fading Fast]

Very neat vintage ad:

 

[Harp]

Love the mention of Paul H. Douglas. Quite an extraordinary man. Born in Massachusetts and raised in Maine, he did his undergrad work at Bowdoin College, then went on to earn his doctorate in economics (Columbia). Served on the faculties of the Universities of Illinois, Washington, and Chicago. Then somehow, he ended up as a Chicago alderman..

His economics background and New Deal support emphasized a fiscally conservative yet flexible approach.

 

[LizzieMaine]

And he went by Paul H. Douglas to avoid confusion with a prominent radio announcer named Paul Douglas, who was a CBS staff man known for sports work, and later became a popular character actor in films. For a long time I thought they were the same man, and was amazed at how he managed to get around.

Such confusion was not uncommon during the Era -- it would have been like having a political figure named "Graham McNamee" or "Harry Von Zell."

 

[Fading Fast]

And he went by Paul H. Douglas to avoid confusion with a prominent radio announcer named Paul Douglas, who was a CBS staff man known for sports work, and later became a popular character actor in films. For a long time I thought they were the same man, and was amazed at how he managed to get around.

Such confusion was not uncommon during the Era -- it would have been like having a political figure named "Graham McNamee" or "Harry Von Zell."

Oops, I just deleted a post noting the actor Paul Douglas as I see he is the same one you mentioned that started as a sports announcer. What you are saying about how confusion like that happened back then is pretty much true up until the Internet.

Even into the early '90s, you could have conversations like that - or about what rock band played what song - with friends for hours as, unless someone had the right book nearby (and for bands and stuff like that, that was rare), there was no Internet to get the answer. I remember long debates over whether a song was by "Bad Company" or "38 Special -" two bands that, to this day, I still confuse. But of course, a few seconds on the web and confusion gone.

Heck, even arguing about song lyrics could absorb many hours in a bar. Now, someone takes out his/her phone and we have the answer in a second - game over.

Edit add: Another pre-web confusing one: Yvonne de Carlo (Lily Munster) and Yvonne Craig (Batgirl)

 

[LizzieMaine]

An armed British merchant ship sailing out of Montreal which the German High Command claims was flying the United States flag and was painted in American colors "to conceal its nationality" was reported today to have been sunk in the Indian Ocean. The 7,178 ton vessel named the Canadian Cruiser, registered with Lloyds as belonging to the Canadian Tramp Shipping Company, Ltd., and German authorities, in reporting the sinking of the ship by Nazi naval forces, warned that its display of the U. S. flag should be viewed as "a matter of the greatest concern" by Washington. The statement indicated that, if in the future vessels displaying United States colors are suspected to be, in fact, British, "a most unfortunate incident may occur."

The Amen Office is taking immediate steps to purge municipal employees suspected of complicity in the paving and sewage contract scandals from the city payroll, to prevent them from retiring before indictment, thus qualifying for city pensions. Assistant Attorney General John H. Amen announced the moves yesterday, after he learned that John H. Vogt, a $6000 a year engineer with the Brooklyn Bureau of Highways and Sewers, had filed retirement papers after having been named in an Amen Grand Jury presentment filed before Supreme Court Justice John McCrate. Mr. Amen has instituted formal removal proceedings against Vogt, as well as against Thomas J. Donahue, a $2500 per year inspector of sewer construction also named in the presentment. Donahue has not yet filed for retirement but is eligible to do so. Mr. Amen took action immediately upon being advised of Vogt's application for retirement by Borough President John Cashmore.

The bell rang for the last time today to summon the volunteer firemen of Old Brooklyn, as the 50th Annual Vamps' Parade marked the end of a proud old tradition. A little over a hundred men strode proudly, if a bit slowly, thru the streets of the borough this morning, all of them over the age of 70, and all of them representing the communities of Flatbush, Flatlands, New Utrecht, New Lots, and Gravesend, where local volunteer companies protected citizens from fire before coming under the control of the city fire department when Brooklyn became a part of New York City in 1898. Only veterans over the age of 90 were allowed to ride in automobiles, and there were only a few of those present for the march. Seceretary Frank G. Walther of the Brooklyn Volunteer Firemen's Association commented that death is steadily thinning the ranks of the vamps by the rate of 20 to 25 members a year, and under the circumstances, and given the difficulty in raising funding for the parade, it was thought best to go out with dignity by calling an end to the tradition now.

("My gran'pa was a vamp!" says Joe with pride. "He useta say my gran'ma was, too. But I din' t'ink t'ey took women." Ever so slightly, Sally's eyes widen.)

Senator Arthur Kapper (R-Kansas) today condemned the Lease-Lend Bill for aid to Great Britain a "fantastic, bombastic nightmare to give President Roosevelt complete war-making powers and control of our domestic economy." Senator Capper's prepared speech was delivered as the Senate entered its sixth day of deliberation over H. R. 1776, with the Senator calling on the Senate to withhold its approval of the measure until and unless it is made clear exactly what the Administration's present goals are on the matter of war and peace for the nation.

(Cosmetic counter and hosiery department reporting for duty.)

(Wouldn't a "floating floor" make you seasick? I had trouble enough roller skating on concrete, and have the scars on my knees to prove it.)

(I'd like to think as soon as this photograph was taken, the assembled would-be bluebloods immediately broke into a spirited and hilarious rhumba, but I fear that this was, in fact, not the case.)

A study commissioned by the National Association of Manufacturers contends that a "substantial number" of social science textbooks commonly used in American high schools contain "criticism of the American form of government and system of private enterprise." Cited for particular criticism is the book "Our Changing Government," written by Samuel Steinberg, chairman of the social sciences department at Samuel J. Tilden High School in Flatbush, and Lucien Lamm, chairman of the social studies department at the Bronx High School of Science. The N. A. M. study committee was headed by Dr. Ralph West Robely, assistant professor of banking at Columbia University Teachers College, who concluded that "you don't get a leftist point of view" in the Steinberg-Lamm book, but a "critical attitude that is destructive in its influence," and went on to condemn textbooks that "stress the one third of the population that is underfed, instead of the two-thirds that is well-fed."

A 45-year-old Boerum Hill man is being held on $500 bail after appearing in Brooklyn-Queens Night Court last night on a charge of petty larceny stemming from the theft of two hams. Charles Blankenborn of 153 Wyckoff Avenue was apprehended with a ham under each arm after taking them from an icebox in the basement of the Ort & Company packing plant. Blankenborn admitted to Magistrate Jeannine G. Brill that he took the hams in order to celebrate Washington's Birthday, but was advised that he was a bit early in his celebration.

(Athletes have to be very careful about this since the "Lou Gehrig Incident" in 1937. Mr. Gehrig was signed to an endorsement deal with "Huskies," a brand of whole-wheat breakfast flake promoted by General Foods, and appeared on their "Believe It or Not!" radio program to testify as to the benefits of that product. After being interviewed by Robert L. Ripley about his career, the two exchanged a few minutes of chatter about the importance of a good breakfast, and Mr. Ripley moved to conclude the spot by asking The Iron Horse what he liked for breakfast. "Wheaties!" declared Lou. Commercial chaos ensued.)

The Eagle Editorialist approves a lawsuit threatened against the city by a blind man from Flushing who claims he is being unfairly denied the use of public transporation because of an ordinance banning his Seeing Eye dog from the subway. The City Council is said to be preparing an exemption from that ordinance that would permit such dogs on public transportation, and the EE says that's a change that's long overdue.

(I know Miss Howard from her work with "Amos 'n' Andy" several years ago, where she appeared as an inquisitive five-year-old orphan girl with a very high, very innocent voice. I cannot even begin to imagine what sort of an act Miss Howard has for us in "Funzafire," but whatever it is, I fear that I will find it disturbing.)

The Dodgers are fluent, of course, in the proud dialect of Brooklynese, but when it comes to the lingo they talk down in Cuba, the going is still a bit rough. A young hanger-on around the camp by the name of Alvero, who shows up every day in a bright red sweatshirt, tattered baseball pants, drugstore spiked shoes, and battered catchers' gear, is proving to be not just of help in warming up pitchers but also in serving as an interpreter for those members of the Flock who have little knowledge of the Spanish tongue. Durocher says he's tempted to sign the young man and bring him back to Brooklyn as a batting-practice catcher, especially if he can get him for less money than Mickey Owen or Babe Phelps -- neither of whom are in camp at the moment.

(At least an autograph won't bounce like the check did.)

Baseball executives are united in their belief that no special favors shall be sought for ballplayers with the Selective Service system. Speaking on behalf of his fellow owners, Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics stated today that "under no circumstances would we ask for a deferment. If we lose a man, we lose him, that's all."

(Given how the A's have done in recent years, I'd venture to say that Mr. Mack has very little to lose anyway.)

(Aw, I love a good screwball romcom.)

("And if not your face, certainly your cheap cologne.")

(Behold -- a man who is an even bigger chump than Harold Teen.)

("Th' Fat Guy???" I'VE GOT A NAME YOU KNOW!")

 

[LizzieMaine]

And in the Daily News...

(I'd like to know exactly where these stories about Mr. Greenberg are coming from -- and why. And not only are the Pasternacks confused, I am too.)

West 52nd was known as "Swing Street," for its multiplicity of hot-jazz oriented nightclubs during the Era, and none was hotter than Leon & Eddie's. (I have a souvenir coin that they used to hand out to patrons -- a half-dollar-sized copper token with profiles of Leon and Eddie themselves thumbing their noses at each other on it.) It is sad to see such an august jazz institution throwing itself headlong into the South American music craze, but time rhumbas on...

A lot of people agree with A. D., and in due time Mr. Willard will acknowledge their criticism and Mush will disappear. There's a new world coming.

OK, Burma, time to start packing.

Mr. Gould's art style is such that many of his characters have rather generic faces -- but these two are so specifically drawn that I can't help but think that he's settling some scores.

Won't somebody give this poor man a shave?

Just don't blow all your money on soda shops, OK?

You know, if these are the Joneses you're trying to keep up with, why even bother?

Well now, that certainly didn't take long!

Being smarter than Moon really isn't that much of a consolation.

 

[Fading Fast]

...The Amen Office is taking immediate steps to purge municipal employees suspected of complicity in the paving and sewage contract scandals from the city payroll, to prevent them from retiring before indictment, thus qualifying for city pensions. Assistant Attorney General John H. Amen announced the moves yesterday, after he learned that John H. Vogt, a $6000 a year engineer with the Brooklyn Bureau of Highways and Sewers, had filed retirement papers after having been named in an Amen Grand Jury presentment filed before Supreme Court Justice John McCrate. Mr. Amen has instituted formal removal proceedings against Vogt, as well as against Thomas J. Donahue, a $2500 per year inspector of sewer construction also named in the presentment. Donahue has not yet filed for retirement but is eligible to do so. Mr. Amen took action immediately upon being advised of Vogt's application for retirement by Borough President John Cashmore....

Versions of this story still go on today. Every few years or so, a "scandal" will break where we'll learn that X number of retired city union workers are collecting their pensions (and benefits) - usually 70% or more of their last-year's salary (and these men and women will be in their 50s or 60s, the scandals usually involve mainly men, just sayin') - despite having been convicted of some job-related fraud / bribe / etc. (or agreed to retire in return for avoiding serious prosecution) as they found a way - or the union contract was explicitly written to protect them (it can be that brazen sometimes) - to keep their pensions and benefits. The uproar comes and goes until the next time.

...("My gran'pa was a vamp!" says Joe with pride. "He useta say my gran'ma was, too. But I din' t'ink t'ey took women." Ever so slightly, Sally's eyes widen.)...

Good one Lizzie.

... (Wouldn't a "floating floor" make you seasick? I had trouble enough roller skating on concrete, and have the scars on my knees to prove it.)...

Seems like the Boys From Marketing messed this one up. The size and (if true) soundproofing of the floor are its selling points; calling it "floating" just confuses the story. Sometimes, they just can't help themselves and have to overreach - have to justify those fees.

... View attachment 312152
(Athletes have to be very careful about this since the "Lou Gehrig Incident" in 1937. Mr. Gehrig was signed to an endorsement deal with "Huskies," a brand of whole-wheat breakfast flake promoted by General Foods, and appeared on their "Believe It or Not!" radio program to testify as to the benefits of that product. After being interviewed by Robert L. Ripley about his career, the two exchanged a few minutes of chatter about the importance of a good breakfast, and Mr. Ripley moved to conclude the spot by asking The Iron Horse what he liked for breakfast. "Wheaties!" declared Lou. Commercial chaos ensued.)...

You learn something new everyday as I'm disappointed in this as Lou Gehrig seemed like a man of integrity who wouldn't endorse something he didn't use and like. Babe Ruth; sure, but Gehrig; seems out of character.

... View attachment 312153
(I know Miss Howard from her work with "Amos 'n' Andy" several years ago, where she appeared as an inquisitive five-year-old orphan girl with a very high, very innocent voice. I cannot even begin to imagine what sort of an act Miss Howard has for us in "Funzafire," but whatever it is, I fear that I will find it disturbing.)...

Hey, Jean Arthur, what do you think of the name "Funzafire?"

.. (Aw, I love a good screwball romcom.)...

It's a variation on the popular "witch casts a spell to get the human to love her" story, which leads to the "does he love me for real" dilemma that I expect we'll see in the next few days in "Sparky Watts."

... ("And if not your face, certainly your cheap cologne.")...

I love Peggy's pauses as she tries to explain her dad to Harford. "...it..well, he likes to feel..." Just perfect.

... ("Th' Fat Guy???" I'VE GOT A NAME YOU KNOW!")

Sadly, when he said "Fat Guy," I immediately wanted to jump to the defense of Freddie Fitzsimmons.

... (I'd like to know exactly where these stories about Mr. Greenberg are coming from -- and why. And not only are the Pasternacks confused, I am too.)....

In my now fourth decade in finance, I've seen people with much more experience get stuck in the same loop that confused the Pasternacks. And every time, it requires the same solution as starting from scratch is the only way out. Versions of this problem - sometimes as simple, sometimes with much more complexity - come up all the time.

... OK, Burma, time to start packing.....

Ooooh yes, run Burma, run; Kiel does not strike me as a man whose ego can stand to be duped by a woman.

And how much is Kiel's friend trolling him here.

... Won't somebody give this poor man a shave?...

And you have now just read the plot for hundreds, literally hundreds, of feel-good, ideology-driven TV shows from the '60s till today as Hollywood loves telling the story of the bad man who reforms but isn't believe at first. From "The Big Valley" in the '60s to "God Friended Me" in '20, Hollywood has milked this one for, at least, six-plus decades.

... You know, if these are the Joneses you're trying to keep up with, why even bother?...

Exactly, why try to impress anyone, but especially people you don't even like? Once you let all that go (as best you can, I'm still a work in progress), life gets so much better.

Also, "hod carrier," belongs in our terms-that-are-disappearing thread.