Oh, he’s just gonna talk about political and social issues again . . . why doesn’t he ever change his tune? Well, you’d be wrong for thinking so. No, food is the reason that life is better in the 21st century than in 1960. Well, just one of many, really.

I say 1960 because before me is a copy of LIFE magazine (March 28, 1960) with Hubert Humphrey and Jack kennedy on the over. It’s fascinating to read, but two ads in the issue fascinate me particularly.

Advertisement

On page 11, a full page ad for Chef Boy-Ar-Dee Pizza looks back at one. “Beats Going Out” is emblazoned at the top of the page, and it goes on to say:

“Out of the oven it comes – bubbling with fun, 15 minutes faster than ,most mixes. And complete in one box. Complete with cheese. All set to sprinkle. (Most pizzas forget about cheese.) Peppier . . . saucier . . . happier . . . snappier! A Chef Boy-Ar_Dee pizza convinces boys there’s no place like home, as no store-bought (or frozen stiff) pizza can.”

Advertisement

In the ad we see a man and woman, smiling romantically at each other, holding the two of the most boring looking pieces of pizza I have ever seen in my life.

What the hell?

That’s it. Sauce and a very mild sprinkling of cheese. And probably that damn thin crust, as well. It’s a wonder pizza ever caught on.

Advertisement

There’s also a soup ad, but I’ve always liked soup, then and now, so I’ll leave it alone.

But on page 34 we have an ad for Hunt’s Tomato Catsup, proclaiming:

“What do steaks sizzle for? Hunt’s of course! . . . Because Hunt’s is rich and thick and spiced with imagination!”

Catsup on a steak.

God, give me strength.

******

Today’s Soundtrack

Listening to Thomas Newman’s soundtrack for the film “Little Women” helped give me the strength to overcome the image of bad pizza and catsup smeared on steak today.

Advertisement

*****

Now on You Tube: Bon Emenegger

My interview with Fayetteville’s Bob Emenegger, who discusses both UFOs and his commercial film work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar_FU1X3HzE

“On the Air with Richard S. Drake” celebrates 25 years on the air in 2016.

****

Quote of the Day

Marge: Homer, is this the way you pictured married life??

Homer: Yup, pretty much. Except we drove around in a van solving mysteries .— Homer Simpson

rsdrake@cox.net

Advertisement

50 years of fearless reporting and still going strong

Be a part of something bigger and join the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times. For 50 years, our progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock has been tackling powerful forces through our tough, determined, and feisty journalism. With over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 email subscribers, it's clear that our readers value our commitment to great journalism. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating – as little as $1 –, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Take a stand with the Arkansas Times and make a difference with your subscription or donation today.

Previous article The ‘unraveling’ of the Clinton Foundation Next article Craig Horton plays The Big Chill in Hot Springs