Author Archives: lmharnisch

Unknown's avatar

About lmharnisch

I am retired from the Los Angeles Times

Found on EBay – Scaccomatto Chess Set

Posted on May 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

Somewhere in the last 6,000 posts on the Daily Mirror, I ran something about this unusual 1977 chess set in which all the pieces fit together to make two cubes. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to locate the entry at the … Continue reading →

Posted in #games, art and artists | Comments Off on Found on EBay – Scaccomatto Chess Set

Matt Weinstock, May 19, 1960

Posted on May 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 19, 1960: Matt Weinstock writes about a science fair project in which a student tested the effect of wine and vodka on rats … and instant nostalgia: the Castelar ramp of the Pasadena Freeway.  Also on the jump, … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, May 19, 1960

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 19, 1960

Posted on May 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 19, 1960: Attorney Jerry Giesler seems larger than life, almost continually in the headlines defending Hollywood stars who were in in trouble with the law. Paul Coates has a story about a different sort of case – and … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 19, 1960

Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, May 19, 1941

Posted on May 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 19, 1941: Jimmie Fidler on the “Texas” set:   “Bill Holden says 'Easy life, eh? Look! Because my shirt's open in this movie I have to shave the hair off my chest. Try that when the thermometer's at 90 … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, May 19, 1941

Mt. St. Helens Erupts

Posted on May 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

    May 19, 1980: Mt. St. Helens erupts in what The Times called “the largest volcanic eruption in historic times in the contiguous United States.” The eruption killed 57 people, including 21 who were never found, The Times said. … Continue reading →

Posted in Charles Hillinger, Science | Comments Off on Mt. St. Helens Erupts

Riot by Valparaiso University Students Terrorizes Town

Posted on May 19, 2010 by lmharnisch

  Prices start at $1,750 [$39,792.93 USD 2009]. Van Ness Avenue and 5th Street, in Van Ness Avenue Square, via Google maps.   May 19, 1910: Hundreds of students at Valparaiso University rampage through the city, brawling with citizens armed … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Education | Comments Off on Riot by Valparaiso University Students Terrorizes Town

Matt Weinstock, May 18, 1960

Posted on May 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  “Now to Conduct a Little Experiment!” May 18, 1960: Matt Weinstock writes about the days when there was no extra charge for an unlisted phone number – incredible, I know. CONFIDENTIAL TO MITZIE: Truth serum is not 100% reliable … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | 1 Comment

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 18, 1960

Posted on May 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 18, 1960: The Board of Education wants to save money by eliminating the “behind the wheel” portion of drivers’ education classes.  “Those opposing the elimination of driver training predict wholesale traffic slaughter if our leaders of tomorrow don't … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates, Transportation | 1 Comment

Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, May 18, 1940

Posted on May 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 18, 1940: “Bing Crosby received word yesterday that war conditions may bar shipment of race horses he purchased in Australia,” Jimmie Fidler’s staff says.

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | 1 Comment

Dodgers Release Furillo

Posted on May 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 18, 1960: The Dodgers sent Carl Furillo, one of the Boys of Summer from Brooklyn, packing. An unhappy Furillo was given his release and the Dodgers recalled Frank Howard from the minors. Furillo, a career .299 hitter who … Continue reading →

Posted in Dodgers, Sports | 1 Comment

But He Only Had Two Beers

Posted on May 18, 2010 by lmharnisch

  The Automatic Telephone ensures privacy! June 28, 1904: The rotary phone is putting Los Angeles switchboard operators out of work! May 18, 1910: John Lyons had two beers late one night and decided to go home – only he … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, LAPD | 1 Comment

Matt Weinstock, May 7, 1960

Posted on May 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

  “Joel Ames!! That Monster!” May 17, 1960: An empty water cooler – and a nearly empty floor – shows the extent of cutbacks at one of the major motion picture studios, Matt Weinstock says. And woman who is otherwise … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, May 7, 1960

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 17, 1960

Posted on May 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 17, 1960: Paul Coates runs a humorous piece by future Times arts writer and screenwriter Burt Prelutsky, who was then a UCLA student. And yes, Prelutsky is still writing.

Posted in Columnists, Front Pages, Paul Coates | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 17, 1960

Movie Star Mystery Photo [Update]

Posted on May 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

     Los Angeles Times file photo  It’s Friday, which means it’s time to identify our “mystery” guest. As everyone knows, she’s Lucille Ball. I have to say I enjoyed going through her photos so much that I have another week’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Hollywood, Mystery Photo | 73 Comments

From the Vaults: ‘Crimes at the Dark House’ (1940)

Posted on May 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

We have commenter Fibber McGee to thank for this week's movie. Also, I have a new boyfriend, and his name is Tod Slaughter! (Both of those are real names! Oh, OK… Tod's real first name was Norman…) I read Wilkie … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, From the Vaults, Hollywood | 4 Comments

Found on EBay – Giant Turtle

Posted on May 17, 2010 by lmharnisch

  I came across an EBay listing of a postcard showing a leatherback turtle that was caught off Santa Catalina Island. According to a May 9, 1906, story, the turtle was netted by Jerry Marincovich and died trying to free … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals | Comments Off on Found on EBay – Giant Turtle

Matt Weinstock, May 16, 1960

Posted on May 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

   “BLANGG!” May 16, 1960:  Matt Weinstock says, “It is an accepted thing among literary people that most novels today deal boldly with sex and misbehavior. Which gives pertinence to an exchange between two writers discussing Caskie Stinnett's book ‘Out … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Comics, Matt Weinstock | Comments Off on Matt Weinstock, May 16, 1960

Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 16, 1960

Posted on May 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 16, 1960: The Revell model toy company decided not to release a kit version of the U-2 spy plane because “it had a few interesting features, but basically, it lacked color,” Paul Coates writes. Then Francis Gary Powers … Continue reading →

Posted in Columnists, Paul Coates | Comments Off on Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, May 16, 1960

Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, May 16, 1940

Posted on May 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

  May 16, 1940: “Peas-in-a-pod: Loretta Young and Ann Dvorak,” Jimmie Fidler says.

Posted in Columnists, Film, Hollywood | Comments Off on Jimmie Fidler in Hollywood, May 16, 1940

Mystery Photo

Posted on May 16, 2010 by lmharnisch

Isn’t this a great photo? There’s a little story that goes with it. Update: As everybody realized, this is an extremely casual Otis Chandler in one of the few pictures I’ve ever seen of him in which he’s not wearing … Continue reading →

Posted in Mystery Photo, Photography | 4 Comments