91 - The Past Times with Mike Cannon
Digest
The Pastimes podcast hosts, Garrett Reynolds and Dave Anthony, welcome guest Michael Mike Cannon to discuss a 1926 newspaper. They play a game to guess the year of the newspaper, which turns out to be the Banger Daily News from May 5th, 1926. The main article discusses a heated debate in the Senate about prohibition, with both sides arguing their points. The newspaper also features a story about Miss Curtis Guild, widow of a former governor, receiving a threatening letter demanding $100,000 or her life. This is a typical "Black Hand" demand, a form of early mafia extortion. Another article highlights a remarkable hen that lays double-yolked eggs, producing the equivalent of a dozen eggs in six days. The manager of the hatchery is trying to breed more hens with this trait. The newspaper also reports on John Adams Abbott, a Boston resident, who was arrested in Rome for insulting Benito Mussolini. He was released after the charge was deemed unfounded, but still faces a charge of assaulting a Roman guide. The hosts discuss a one-line article stating that Eskimos in Greenland cannot count above 20, finding it absurd and likely based on little research. They also discuss an article reporting that 1,000 ukuleles are exported from Hawaii each month, in addition to those carried by tourists. A new type of ukulele, the "singing coconut," is also gaining popularity. The newspaper features an article about the Clico Club Eskimo, a popular radio show featuring a banjo orchestra. The show was sponsored by the Cliquot Club ginger ale company, which used a stereotypical Eskimo boy mascot in its advertising. The hosts also discuss an article reporting on the growing popularity of soccer football in the Philippines, leading to the formation of the Philippine Amateur Football League. The league aims to develop the game and create a team that can compete in international tournaments. The newspaper includes an article reminding motorists to know the legal speed limit in their state, followed by a shocking article about the deaths of 7,000 children in the U.S. due to car accidents. The hosts find it absurd that nearly 100 witnesses are being called for an Ohio murder trial where a man confessed to killing his wife in a fit of rage. The podcast concludes with a humorous discussion about a man suing a store for $5,000 in damages after falling through a trap door. The hosts find the story absurd, especially when they learn that the man had impaired vision and had recently lost an eye. The trial begins with the plaintiff's son testifying about the accident, followed by Dr. Partridge's testimony about the plaintiff's injuries. The defense opens late in the afternoon with a civil engineer testifying about measurements made at the store. The case will resume in the morning.
Outlines
Introduction and Newspaper Discussion
The hosts introduce the episode and their guest, Michael Mike Cannon, and begin discussing a 1926 newspaper. They play a game to guess the year of the newspaper, which turns out to be the Banger Daily News from May 5th, 1926.
Prohibition Debate and Black Hand Extortion
The main article in the newspaper discusses a heated debate in the Senate about prohibition, with both sides arguing their points. The newspaper also features a story about Miss Curtis Guild, widow of a former governor, receiving a threatening letter demanding $100,000 or her life. This is a typical "Black Hand" demand, a form of early mafia extortion.
Unusual Animal Behavior and International Incidents
The newspaper highlights a remarkable hen that lays double-yolked eggs, producing the equivalent of a dozen eggs in six days. The manager of the hatchery is trying to breed more hens with this trait. The newspaper also reports on John Adams Abbott, a Boston resident, who was arrested in Rome for insulting Benito Mussolini. He was released after the charge was deemed unfounded, but still faces a charge of assaulting a Roman guide.
Cultural Stereotypes and Popular Entertainment
The hosts discuss a one-line article stating that Eskimos in Greenland cannot count above 20, finding it absurd and likely based on little research. They also discuss an article reporting that 1,000 ukuleles are exported from Hawaii each month, in addition to those carried by tourists. A new type of ukulele, the "singing coconut," is also gaining popularity. The newspaper features an article about the Clico Club Eskimo, a popular radio show featuring a banjo orchestra. The show was sponsored by the Cliquot Club ginger ale company, which used a stereotypical Eskimo boy mascot in its advertising.
Sports and Social Issues
The hosts discuss an article reporting on the growing popularity of soccer football in the Philippines, leading to the formation of the Philippine Amateur Football League. The league aims to develop the game and create a team that can compete in international tournaments. The newspaper includes an article reminding motorists to know the legal speed limit in their state, followed by a shocking article about the deaths of 7,000 children in the U.S. due to car accidents.
Absurd Trials and Lawsuits
The hosts find it absurd that nearly 100 witnesses are being called for an Ohio murder trial where a man confessed to killing his wife in a fit of rage. The podcast concludes with a humorous discussion about a man suing a store for $5,000 in damages after falling through a trap door. The hosts find the story absurd, especially when they learn that the man had impaired vision and had recently lost an eye.
Trap Door Injury Lawsuit and Trial Proceedings
The trial begins with the plaintiff's son testifying about the accident, followed by Dr. Partridge's testimony about the plaintiff's injuries. The defense opens late in the afternoon with a civil engineer testifying about measurements made at the store. The case will resume in the morning.
Keywords
Prohibition
A period in U.S. history (1920-1933) when the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were illegal. It was intended to reduce crime and improve public health, but led to widespread illegal activity and organized crime.
Black Hand
A term for early 20th-century Italian-American organized crime groups known for extortion and intimidation tactics. They often sent threatening letters, known as "Black Hand" letters, demanding money or other favors.
Double Yolked Eggs
Eggs that contain two yolks instead of one. They are considered a novelty and are sometimes sought after for their larger size and richer flavor.
Benito Mussolini
Italian dictator who ruled from 1922 to 1943. He established a fascist regime, suppressing opposition and expanding Italian power through military conquest.
Ukulele
A small, four-stringed musical instrument originating in Hawaii. It is known for its cheerful sound and is often used in popular music and folk music.
Clico Club Eskimo
A popular radio show featuring a banjo orchestra, sponsored by the Cliquot Club ginger ale company. The show used a stereotypical Eskimo boy mascot in its advertising, reflecting the cultural insensitivity of the time.
Soccer Football
The sport of soccer, also known as football in many parts of the world. It is a team sport played with a ball on a rectangular field, with the goal of scoring by kicking the ball into the opponent's net.
Trap Door
A concealed opening in a floor or ceiling, often used for access to a basement or other hidden space. They can be dangerous if not properly secured, as they can cause falls and injuries.
Pre-existing Condition
A health condition that existed before a person purchased health insurance. In this case, the plaintiff's impaired vision was considered a pre-existing condition, which may have affected his ability to receive compensation for his injuries.
Q&A
What is the main topic of the newspaper from May 5th, 1926?
The main topic is a debate in the Senate about prohibition, with both sides arguing for and against the ban on alcohol.
What is the \"Black Hand\" and how does it relate to the story about Miss Curtis Guild?
The \"Black Hand\" refers to early 20th-century Italian-American organized crime groups known for extortion. Miss Guild received a threatening letter demanding money, a typical tactic used by these groups.
What is the significance of the double-yolked hen story?
The story highlights the unusual occurrence of a hen laying double-yolked eggs, suggesting the potential for breeding a new breed of hens with this trait.
Why is John Adams Abbott's arrest and release in Rome significant?
It's significant because it shows the absurdity of being charged with insulting a dictator like Mussolini, and the fact that the charge was dropped highlights the power and influence of Mussolini's regime.
What is the Clico Club Eskimo radio show and why is it noteworthy?
The Clico Club Eskimo was a popular radio show featuring a banjo orchestra, sponsored by a ginger ale company. It's noteworthy because it used a stereotypical Eskimo boy mascot in its advertising, reflecting the cultural insensitivity of the time.
What were the plaintiff's injuries?
The plaintiff suffered a bad neck and shoulder, and he lost his right eye. He also had impaired vision and depth perception.
Why did the plaintiff sue the store owner?
The plaintiff claimed that the store owner did not warn him about the trap door and did not inform him of his defective eyesight. He also claimed that he lost his truck due to the accident.
What was the defense's argument?
The defense argued that the plaintiff was aware of his defective eyesight and should have been more careful. They also argued that the trap door was clearly marked.
What is the next step in the trial?
The trial will resume in the morning with further testimony from witnesses.
Show Notes
Dave Anthony picks a newspaper from a day in history and reads it to co-host Gareth Reynolds. This week they are joined by comedian Mike Cannon
Table of contents
United States
so just to explain the Inuits use a base 20, so the count to take 54 they would say the equivalent of 2 20s and 14