Category Archives: 1959

November 30, 1959: Matt Weinstock

The Education Race Ever since the Russians launched their first Sputnik there has been a furor in American education. It has been charged that students graduate from high school without a knowledge of fundamentals necessary in today’s society. It has … Continue reading

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November 30, 1959: Paul Coates – Confidential File

Nothing, but Nothing Is Sacred Any More It’s every reporter’s dream to lay aside his battered old felt hat, shred his press card into confetti, turn his World War II surplus trench coat over to the Salvation Army, take his … Continue reading

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Nov. 28, 1959

  Mash Notes and Comment     "Dear Paul,     "You might remember me.  I'm Memphis Weed's singer friend from Hollywood.     "Memphis wrote to you once about me and the songs I recorded.  You printed his letter and then you … Continue reading

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November 27, 1959: Hollywood’s Forgotten Genius

Jay Robinson sits in his Bel-Air mansion on Stone Canyon Road. November 27, 1959: Hollywood’s forgotten man sat on the bare floor of his empty mansion. Jay Robinson was alone with the posters of his past. Not long ago filmland … Continue reading

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Paul V. Coates – Confidential File, Nov. 21, 1959

    Mash Notes and Comment     "Mr. Paul Coates, dear friend:     "About 2 1/2 months ago you called me at 12 a.m. and asked me if I could tell you who was President in 1875.     "I didn't … Continue reading

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November 20, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

Drama in Housewife’s Life Is Fraught With I’ve come to the labored conclusion that housewives lead more interesting lives than career girls. This, I’ve done without benefit of polls or surveys.  In fact, I’ve even ignored those subtle inferences in … Continue reading

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November 19, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

Saga of a Guy Who Flipped From Poky “I walk alone,” the voice on the phone told me, more as an apology than as a boast.  “With me, it’s habit.  I guess I never learned any other way.” The voice … Continue reading

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November 18, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

As Senators Write to Indignant Taxpayers While we’re all gathered here together, in this smoke-filled room, I’d like to say a few words in behalf of politicians. They are our friends.  Behind that stodgy facade that they put up, they’ve … Continue reading

Posted in 1959, Columnists, Downtown, Film, Front Pages, Hollywood, Homicide, LAPD, Parks and Recreation, Paul Coates | Comments Off on November 18, 1959: Paul V. Coates – Confidential File

November 11, 1959: Matt Weinstock

A Dog’s Life Several weeks ago Glen Shahan’s miniature schnauzer, Henry, developed a cough.  When it persisted, the veterinarian recommended that Henry’s tonsils come out.  This was done but poor Henry continued to wheeze, and the other day Glenn, ABC … Continue reading

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Errol Flynn Dies!

  Olivia de Havilland and Errol Flynn in “The Adventures of Robin Hood.” Oct. 15, 1959: Errol Flynn collapses and dies in a Vancouver apartment where he had stopped for a drink. Mrs. George Caldough, who was accompanying the star … Continue reading

Posted in 1959, Film, Hollywood, Obituaries | 2 Comments

August 15, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Note from August 2009: Devon McReynolds, the Daily Mirror’s UCLA intern, is off to Paris. Until our next intern starts in September, the Daily Mirror won’t be able to transcribe Paul Coates or Matt Weinstock. Rather than discontinue the columns, … Continue reading

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August 15, 1959: Paul V. Coates — Confidential File

Note from August 2009: Devon McReynolds, the Daily Mirror’s UCLA intern, is off to Paris. Until our next intern starts in September, the Daily Mirror won’t be able to transcribe Paul Coates or Matt Weinstock. Rather than discontinue the columns, … Continue reading

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August 14, 1959: Paul V. Coates — Confidential File

Note from August 2009: Devon McReynolds, the Daily Mirror’s UCLA intern, is off to Paris. Until our next intern starts in September, the Daily Mirror won’t be able to transcribe Paul Coates or Matt Weinstock. Rather than discontinue the columns, … Continue reading

Posted in 1959, Columnists, Paul Coates | 2 Comments

August 11, 1959: Paul V. Coates — Confidential File

Wait a minute, the Beats reject things like beauty contests. What’s with this? Confidential File A Gorgeous George Campaign for Nikita? Now don’t get me wrong, comrade. I’m for peace at any reasonable cost. And I definitely am in favor … Continue reading

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August 10, 1959: Matt Weinstock

The penalty for firing an antique broomhandle Mauser with shoulder stock: You get shot and lose one of your loafers. Space Mail Let us try to understand a weird incident that took place a few days ago at International Airport. … Continue reading

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Paul V. Coates — Confidential File, August 10, 1959

Confidential File Blank Contract Pops Up Again I try. Believe me, I try. At every opportunity, I warn you all of the countless pitfalls of life in these treacherous times of high-pressure merchandising. Repeatedly, I’ve written you little lectures on … Continue reading

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Chavez Ravine Revisited

Photograph by George R. Fry Jr. / Los Angeles Times May 8, 1959: Councilman Edward R. Roybal meets with the Arechiga family at Curtis Street and Malvina Avenue, where they camped out in their fight against being evicted from Chavez … Continue reading

Posted in 1959, City Hall, Dodgers, Downtown, Freeways, Politics | 6 Comments

Barbie Turns 50!

Note: In honor of Barbie's 50th birthday, here's Elaine Woo's obituary on Ruth Handler, the doll's creator, from 2002. Ruth Handler, Inventor of Barbie Doll, Dies at 85 Sunday April 28, 2002 By ELAINE WOO, TIMES STAFF WRITER Ruth Handler, … Continue reading

Posted in 1959, Fashion | 2 Comments

January 7, 1959: Matt Weinstock

News From Detroit A group of grimly playful fellows at SC who call themselves Asthmatics Anonymous advise that at a raw-lunged meeting in the basement which serves as headquarters they have regrouped as Asthmatics Militant. First move was to change … Continue reading

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January 7, 1959: Paul Coates — Confidential File

CONFIDENTIAL FILE Current Skull Doily Scene, With Larceny I don’t know what you do for kicks, but my friend Tiger Small snatches toupees. Not just anybody’s toupees, understand. The Tiger’s selective. He’s been working the Catskill-Manhattan-Miami circuit for years, dealing … Continue reading

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