Life, 1910-03-10 · page 10 of 36
Life — March 10, 1910 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The cartoon depicts a man in a bowler hat standing beside railroad tracks, looking optimistic despite an apparent train wreck or disaster in the background. The caption reads: "WELL, ANYWAY, I ALMOST CAUGHT IT." This is a joke about forced optimism in the face of failure. The man has missed his train (evident from the wreckage), yet he's finding a silver lining by claiming he "almost" caught it. The satire targets a particular American character type: someone who maintains cheerful self-deception rather than confronting actual misfortune. The humor lies in the absurdity of celebrating a near-miss when the consequences (the wrecked train) are visible behind him, suggesting his optimism is misplaced or delusional.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Popular Birthdays LULUAN EVANS BLAUVELT Born March 16, 1873 This lady has had many honors. She has been féted at home and abroad. At Rome she received the decor- ation of the Order of St. Cecelia, being the only woman who has ever been thus hon- ored. Although she has never appeared in grand opera in this country, her concert deserved work has been a joy to thousand her Marguerite is even no memory. Madam, our respects. never grow faint In London wonderful May your voice “Life's” Telegram Contest © many thousands of answers have been received in this contest, which closes with the date of this issue of Lire, that the clerical labor and the reading of the manuscripts will necessarily take some time. But Lire begs to assure its readers that the announcement of the prize winner will be made at the earliest possible date. We hope to make the an- nouncement in the great Fashion Num- ber, dated April 7. In the meantime we publish herewith a selection from the first week's install- ment of answers received: Oscax L. Otomax, Erie, Pa Married famous’ Salome dancer. ne at station Wednesday. Meet Haxotp, Simon H. Gotrocks . 3442 Fifth Avenue, New York 's divorce not legal. Your first wif A. Hamet. She will bring su Juvce Joux Stove, Cincinnati, O In jail; wire bail; took four coppers; rah for Yale! Percy, Arrive for vacation to-night with party of ninety-nine men. Jack. Republicans and us out, Your daugh- ter governor, Curses and congratula- tions. L.G.s Mr. Roosevelt has unexpectedly sailed for home. Jon Unvencrest. Four babies arrived this morning. Come and select one. CHARLES. Boxpsexstocks. 711 aath St, New Vork, N.Y Can't marry your daughter.” My wife won't let me. Count Drnroxesxy. Mr. T. WN Tosca The Optimist: weit, axywav, ¢ almost cavout 17. The Easiest Way HE was a charmingly pretty and en- gaging American girl. He was an equally handsome and dull American man. Each of them was in easy cir- cumstances, so that it was not a question of money. “T can't se should prefer a foreigner. toriously bad.’ he smiled lightly They are interesting," she replied, “because they have devoted themselves to their outward manners. They know how to make love and do it in the most fascinating way “You know the “That isn't so important as how they do it. Besides, they are different; and just that difference is what draws one toward them.”” “ How about myself? "* he said, “why you They are no- “Oh, I know all about you! I know how and when you were born and the circumstances. I know all the common- Place details of your life—how you went to school, then to college, rowed on the crew, went into business, made a. suc- cess, and are now anxious to make me a perfectly commonplace, uninteresting and successful husband. I wouldn't marry you for the world.”” He laughed rather proudly. “ sked you to,” he replied As for myself, I am now on the track delightful little Bohemian actress— one whose father used to turn a hand organ, so I am told, but who has all of the mysterious qualities in a woman that you demand in a man." “Ab, indeed! And where did you hear of her?” “Why, that charming little count that J understand you are thinking of marryin gave me a letter of introduction to her. comicbooks.com