Category Archives: books

Voices — Christine Collins, December 29, 1923

Posted on December 15, 2008 by lmharnisch

The Christine Collins letters The woman whose tragedy inspired the Clint Eastwood movie "Changeling" tells her story in her own words. From the California State Archives, thanks to researcher Chris Garmire. Los Angeles, Calif. Dec. 29th, 1923 Mr. A.H. Wright … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, books, Changeling, Film, Hollywood | 3 Comments

A. Victor Segno — “How to Live 100 Years”

Posted on December 14, 2008 by lmharnisch

“Women are rarely bald, a condition largely due to wearing thin airy hats. Indians who have never worn a hat never suffer from baldness.” –A. Victor Segno, “How to Live 100 Years,” Los Angeles, 1903

Posted in books, health | 4 Comments

Found on EBay — forgotten bestseller

Posted on December 12, 2008 by lmharnisch

Tom Chamales’ "Never So Few," which The Times’ Robert Kirsch called, "Easily one of the best novels to come out of World War II," has been listed on EBay. Bidding starts at $9.95.

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Voices — Bettie Page, 1923 – 2008

Posted on December 11, 2008 by lmharnisch

    A Golden Age for a Pinup Bettie Page — Nurse Bettie, Jungle Bettie — soldiered in the sexual revolution. At 82, she finds her image earns a respectable living. March 11, 2006 By Louis Sahagun, Times Staff Writer … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, books, Obituaries | 2 Comments

Nuestro Pueblo — 1st and Broadway

Posted on December 9, 2008 by lmharnisch
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A. Victor Segno — “How to Live 100 Years”

Posted on December 7, 2008 by lmharnisch

“You who desire to live 100 years and retain the characteristics of youth must not allow your head to become bald…. Refuse to make yourself a slave to a hat. A hat should be worn only when absolutely necessary, and … Continue reading →

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Found on EBay — Black Mask magazine

Posted on December 6, 2008 by lmharnisch

The English edition of the March 1936 issue of Black Mask has turned up on EBay. This issue features Raymond Chandler’s "The Man Who Liked Dogs." It’s listed as Buy It Now for $299. On the other hand, the e-text … Continue reading →

Posted in art and artists, books, Downtown, Hollywood, LAPD | 1 Comment

Retro holiday gift suggestion

Posted on December 6, 2008 by lmharnisch

It’s Christmas morning. Your loved one reaches under the tree for that carefully wrapped package. But what’s this? Could it be? Yes, it’s Col. Sanders’ FBI file! Just what they’ve always wanted! And it can be yours courtesy of the … Continue reading →

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Found on EBay — Batchelder book

Posted on December 5, 2008 by lmharnisch

"The Principles of Design" by Ernest A. Batchelder of Pasadena is listed on EBay with a Buy It Now price of $95. Which you could do. Or you could buy it via bookfinder.com for $11.50. On the other hand, Google … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, art and artists, books, Real Estate | 1 Comment

Voices — Forrest J. Ackerman, 1916 – 2008

Posted on December 5, 2008 by lmharnisch

Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times THE TRUE BELIEVER: “I felt that the primary authors of science fiction were opening my eyes … to a better and more fascinating world,” says Forrest J Ackerman of the genre he has championed. … Continue reading →

Posted in books, Film, Hollywood, Science | 26 Comments

Retro holiday gift suggestion

Posted on December 4, 2008 by lmharnisch

The Parker T-Ball Jotter, 1957 Newspapers, magazines and websites are full of holiday gift suggestions. But frankly, in this economy, I can’t in good conscience recommend spending lots of money. (True, I may post pricey items from EBay, but I … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, art and artists, books, Fashion | Comments Off on Retro holiday gift suggestion

Remakes of science fiction classics

Posted on December 4, 2008 by lmharnisch

Check out what my blog colleague Geoff Boucher has to say on Hero Complex: Hollywood, Back to the Future: Top filmmakers have already dipped into the sci-fi vault for 21st century remakes of “The War of the Worlds,” “The Planet … Continue reading →

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Found on EBay — Black Mask magazine

Posted on December 2, 2008 by lmharnisch

A copy of the May 1943 issue of Black Mask magazine has turned up on EBay. Bidding has started at $50, about average for an issue of this vintage. Note that UCLA Special Collections has a nearly complete collection of … Continue reading →

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A. Victor Segno — “How to Live 100 Years”

Posted on November 30, 2008 by lmharnisch

“It is best to have two sets of underwear and alternate them, wearing them one day at a time, allowing the other set to air for 24 hours. If possible hang them in the sunshine for it will purify them … Continue reading →

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History — San Luis Obispo

Posted on November 29, 2008 by lmharnisch

San Luis Obispo County Tribune Here’s a nice discovery: David Middlecamp at the San Luis Obispo County Tribune has been putting together a history blog, Photos From the Vault. Here’s a cropped version of a 1959 photo showing a gas … Continue reading →

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Found on EBay — One Magazine

Posted on November 28, 2008 by lmharnisch

Here’s a February 1955 issue of One Magazine, published in Los Angeles, listed on EBay for $9.99. One Magazine began in 1953 and was declared obscene by the Postal Service, resulting in a landmark 1st Amendment ruling.

Posted in #gays and lesbians, art and artists, books | 1 Comment

A. Victor Segno — “How to Live 100 Years”

Posted on November 23, 2008 by lmharnisch

“Undergarments worn during the day should never be worn at night. Remove your undergarments and hang them where they will become thoroughly aired before morning. Do not allow them to remain in the room you sleep in for you must … Continue reading →

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Writer arrested for threatening wife with butcher knife, November 21 1958

Posted on November 21, 2008 by lmharnisch

          "Suddenly it seemed the whole panorama of his life was a race and he was running last…. There was something in him that had to come out. He had to find a way to get … Continue reading →

Posted in #courts, books, Film, Front Pages, Hollywood, LAPD | 1 Comment

A. Victor Segno — “How to Live 100 Years”

Posted on November 16, 2008 by lmharnisch

"The proper selection of underwear is of great importance. Some people advocate the use of woolen the year round while others think only cotton should be worn. In my experience I have found that there are objections to both." –A. … Continue reading →

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Vintage Children’s books — Bullock’s Wilshire, 1929

Posted on November 15, 2008 by lmharnisch

J. Paget-Fredericks’ "Miss Pert’s Christmas Tree," 1929. Here’s someone’s Christmas present from Bullock’s Wilshire, listed on EBay. Bidding starts at $19.99. A companion book sold by Bullock’s Wilshire, Paget-Fredericks’ "Green Pipes," is also listed for $17.99.

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