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The Old Newspaper Game
At the age of 94, Goldianne “Goldie” Thompson must certainly be the oldest member of the NAPA. But she doesn’t use her advanced age as an excuse to sit back in her rocking chair and let the world go by.
As recently as 1970, Goldie sat down and wrote her autobiography; a fascinating account of life in the southwest as lived in simpler, and – I suspect – happier times.
Goldie’s background includes lots of newspapering and a stint as proofreader at the U.S. Government Printing Office in Washington. It was her newspaper experience which caused her to react to my article “The Local Establishment” in the last issue of this journal.
“Your ‘Local Establishment’ was revealing because our newspaper correspondents – most of them – have to be stoned before they can write the trash they put out. They brag about being drunk before they can write. I was in the newspaper business for 81 years.”
I have been employed in the newspaper industry only a little over two years, so I must bow to Goldie’s seniority. But I know this: I’m going to keep a weather eye out for Lee Hawes and the rest of those newsroom cats the next time I sneak out to my locker for a little nip.
“An intellectual may be defined as a man who speaks with general authority about a subject on which he has no particular competence.” – Irving Kristol
Phoolishness Phrom Phred
During July I received a postcard depicting the office of The Tombstone Epitaph which was signed by people called Vic & Rowena and Harold & David who wanted to know why I didn’t come to San Diego. I don’t know who they are or what was supposed to be happening in San Diego. Can anyone enlighten me?
Based on his publishing record over the past several years, Jake Warner must be one of the speediest printers around. I hear he’s so fast he double parks at the massage parlor.
Once upon a time there was an ajay by the name of J. Ed Oldman – or something like that – who used to publish quite regularly. Anyone knowing his whereabouts please notify editor.
Alf Is Back
The biggest news to hit the National in many a moon is the word that Alf Babcock plans to publish a giant issue of Alf’s Cat to commemorate his 40th anniversary in NAPA.
Pushing the “40” theme to the hilt, Alf plans a 40 page issue and has requested manuscripts from 40 ajays. I was honored to be included in the group Alf contacted for copy.
Before Alf could change his mind, I rushed 500 plus words to Cranford. Quick as a wink Alf’s reply came back to Tampa… in the form of a proof sheet of my little essay.
Alf is nothing if not frank. He informed me, “I liked your testimonial very much but it was too long. I’m trimming it to fit on two pages.”
Think you have troubles Alf? I don’t know how I’m going to fit all this on one page!
Inflicted on the unsuspecting people of NAPA by Fred Liddle, Tampa, Fla. 33606