Category Archives: books

A Warning About Smoking

“Industrial Independence” is a code phrase for “no unions.” Oct. 24, 1909: The Times recommends “The Tyrant in White,” promising: "There are no long rambling lectures or sermons in its pages. The characters do their own talking. They are boys … Continue reading

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A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

  William Bendix in “Kill the Umpire!” What? Not on Netflix? Oct. 22, 1949: “Pinky” gets a supportive review from Edwin Schallert. He calls the film a “fascinating, sometimes sentimental narrative with rare feeling.” It’s interesting how The Times indented … Continue reading

Posted in books, Film, Hollywood | 1 Comment

Nuestro Pueblo, Pasadena

  July 27, 1938: Joe Seewerker and Charles Owens visit Pasadena for Nuestro Pueblo. Here’s a map of Japanese-owned businesses in Pasadena before World War II.  Note: The original run of Nuestro Pueblo concluded in 1939. I’m going back and … Continue reading

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A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

  Oct. 20, 1947: “Forever Amber” is opening Oct. 29. With great music by David Raksin. March 21, 1945: Author Kathleen Winsor tells veteran Times columnist Timothy G. Turner that she’s tired of people asking whether “Forever Amber” is autobiographical.

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A Postscript on the Black Sox

 Aug. 13-14, 1969, catching up with the Black Sox.   Aug. 14, 1969, an interview with Gandil. "Chick Gandil was as tough as they come. He was 31 years old and stood 6 feet, 2 inches tall; a broad, powerful … Continue reading

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October 14, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Red Wine Man This is wine week and while I am not knocking the old fashioned (with plain water, without the fruit salad) or minimizing the fiery Martini (I’m crazy about big green olives, with pimiento) or even bourbon and … Continue reading

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A Kinder, Simpler Time Dept.: Your Movies

  Oct. 14, 1941: “The Maltese Falcon” is a surprise hit in New York. It’s interesting to see that not much was expected in the third remake of the film, which has now eclipsed the two previous incarnations. I’ll have … Continue reading

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October 8, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Hollywood Intellectual Eugene Vale, author of “The Thirteenth Apostle,” lives and works a few blocks from Sunset and Laurel Canyon Blvds., rendezvous of actors, entertainers, agents and horse players, and fountainhead of glib, superficial wisecracks about Hollywood. Yet out of … Continue reading

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Coming Attractions – Fourth Annual Archives Bazaar

  William Dotson of USC sends along a reminder of the fourth annual Archives Bazaar, which will be held Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 5  p.m. at USC’s Davidson Conference Center. Admission is free. The bazaar, presented by L.A. … Continue reading

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October 3, 1959: Matt Weinstock

Matt Weinstock writes of Steve Allen’s concerns about nuclear weapons and Edita Morris’ novel “The Flowers of Hiroshima.”

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White Sox, Reds Prepare for 1919 World Series

Sept. 30, 1919: Keith came over yesterday and said: "Hey, Lorenzo, you know that World Series page you posted is the Black Sox, right?" Actually, I didn't. So we're going to be following the 1919 World Series. Oct. 21, 1977: … Continue reading

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September 29,1959: Paul V. Coates — Confidential File

September 29, 1959: Paul Coates on Dorothy Roseborough, a woman who liked to write…

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September 28, 1959: Matt Weinstock

September 28, 1959: “They say I have nothing but yes men around me. I don’t operate that way. I know what I know, so I’m interested in what you know. If you don’t tell me what you think, if you … Continue reading

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George ‘Evil Genius’ Hodel Rides Again III

Above, Page 79, “Most Evil,” by Steve Hodel So far, the majority of votes are against dissecting the problems in “Most Evil,” which is fine with me because it would be almost as much work as debunking John Gilmore’s “Severed,” which … Continue reading

Posted in #courts, books, Homicide, LAPD | 8 Comments

September 22, 1959: Matt Weinstock

September 22, 1959: How the city library saves money in tough times. “Sometimes I think many people only think they think for themselves,” Matt Weinstock says.

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U.S. Tightens Border; DiMaggio and the Angels?

Sept. 22, 1969: The U.S. tightens inspections at the border as part of Operation Intercept. And hippies gather at Griffith Park. Akron had everything for the swinging bachelor pad — including armor. Al Capp satirized all sorts of people and … Continue reading

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George ‘Evil Genius’ Hodel Rides Again II

“Most Evil,” Page 190, photos shown to support Stevel Hodel’s contention that his father was Zodiac. I turned on the computer this morning, made a pot of coffee and cracked open Steve Hodel’s “Most Evil.” And I sighed. For anyone … Continue reading

Posted in books, LAPD | 18 Comments

September 21, 1959: Matt Weinstock

September 21, 1959:  “After many months of research and collaboration, writers Harry Essex and Irving Shulman have finished a pre-sold novel based on [Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle’s] life and the sensational scandal that marred it. The title, ‘Fatty.’ ” (This book … Continue reading

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Khrushchev — Postscript

Nikita Khrushchev's memoirs include an interesting anecdote about his stop at San Luis Obispo on the trip to San Francisco. While mingling with people at the train station, he lost a gold medal of Lenin presented by the Society for … Continue reading

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Found on EBay — Vintage Bongo Drums

  These vintage Valje bongo drums have been listed on EBay. Perfect for re-creating the mood of the Beats of Venice West. Listed as Buy It Now for $375.

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