
“Where the telescope ends, the microscope begins.”–Victor Hugo




What we’ve got here today is bald Brad Bourland crowning the winner of the University of Texas’s 1947 “Ugly Man Contest,” Ed Andrews. I don’t know about you, but Ed is certainly not the ugliest man to which I’ve born witness. Not by a longshot. As a result of the election, the Campus Chest received funds, which the pinned Jimmye Kimmey (that’s what the yearbook says her name is, folks) is delightfully clutching, alongside the repugnant Ed.

I can’t tell if those figures are bald skiers or yetis, but at least he’s got the confidence to pull this thing off. They really dug Christmas sweaters in days of yore.

Well, it appears that the DUDES did.
No wait, here’s a cute couple, wearing matching reindeer moose sweaters. And a guy with a pipe.

You have to keep it interesting. These two matched, but the design was basic.

Now this couple knows how to customize! Way to be festive.




We’re hosting Christmas this year, and I’m already thinking about what part of kitchen counterspace will be designated as the beverage station. There will be hot coffee, freshly-brewed from freshly-ground beans, and half & half available. No one but my husband and I will use it, as my family curiously prefers their coffee black. Iced tea will be an option, so various sweeteners will also be at the ready. It’s important to have enough cups, glasses, and teaspoons. And if you make iced tea, make sure you have fresh wedges of lemon or lime. I’m no Martha Stewart, but that’s basic. Nothing worse than patronizing a home or restaurant that offers you a beverage and lacks the standard accoutrements.

Of course, they won’t be allowed to smoke inside, like these fellows (no one in the family smokes anyway), but there will be plenty of beer and wine to help the turkey and dressing go down.

And what about hot tea? I had some this morning (and then I had coffee), but it doesn’t sound good with Christmas dinner. I won’t offer that.

But like a good waiter, we’ll keep the pitchers full, and there will be plenty of ice for Lipton and Cokes because who knows? It was 80 degrees on Friday. It may be warm on Christmas, and we’ll need cool refreshment. The goal is to make everyone as happy as these ladies.


This sums up playtime: older Jemima resigned to her role as straight man, and Tonto drunk and content as Cooter Brown.



This man has everything: a visor, sunglasses, the tie, a pipe, and even popcorn. #Winning

Varsity Carnival, Univ of Texas 1948
I see shades of a young Priscilla Presley in the pouty girl.
As far as the dandy on the left, whose name is cited as Royall King, I had a feeling that kid went places.

I don’t know what I like more in this one: the repeating V sweater, the paper girl’s white overalls, Mrs. Maddux’s sexy but amazingly outdated hairstyle, or the sassy stance she has, hands on narrow hips. I think it’s the stance.