Life, 1914-05-14 · page 12 of 44
Life — May 14, 1914 — page 12: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
**"Something Wrong"** critiques the Pennsylvania Railroad's pricing logic: they raised dining-car meal prices from $1 to $1.25, claiming they can't profit otherwise—yet they're abolishing alcohol sales (which were apparently profitable). The article sarcastically suggests this penalizes sober passengers, forcing them to subsidize lost alcohol revenues. It questions whether this financial strategy is sound. **"Young Levinsky"** appears to be a humorous domestic exchange about vinegar consumption and health. **"Dancing the Tangle"** (illustration, right) shows a figure in motion—likely satirizing a contemporary dance craze. **"Eating the Oyster"** provides naturalist observations about oyster consumption and handling difficult bivalves, particularly the aggressive Lynnhaven variety. The page mixes satire, humor, and practical advice typical of Life magazine's format.
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868 Something Wrong HE Pennsylvania Railroad has increased the price of meals in its dining-cars from one dollar to one dollar and a quarter, the reason given being that it is not possible to give dollar meals unless at a loss. This change is prac- tically coincidegt with the new rule of the company not to sell alcohol. There is profit in the sale of alcohol. It looks to us as if sober people are obliged to pay more for their necessary nourishment when traveling because the profits from alcohol are abolished. That does not seem quite right. Let us extend the principle and see how it works on a larger scale. Big money, we repeat, is made from the sale of alcohol in this country. When the sale of alcohol is curtailed the price of other things is raised in order to make up the dif- ference. Is this according to the best and highest finance? If the Pennsylvania Railroad is really trying to uplift the country, it should say to every passenger: “Sign the pledge and get meals for a dollar. If you refuse, the price will be one twenty-five.” This would not put a premium on indulgence. OUNG LEVINSKY: More vinegar, mother. Mrs. L.: You mustn’t take so much vinegar, Mosey. Dot vas bad for your constitution. Me. Levinsky: Let him haf all he vants, Leah. If you stunt his growth he can ride on der subway all his life at half price. DANCING THE TANGLE Eating the Oyster AS a general thing the disposal of an oyster on the half-shell pre- sents few difficulties. The small and unassuming Blue Point is particularly noted for its non-combativeness. Ex- cept when it is hysterical, the Blue Point may be attacked freely from the front without fear of retaliation. Some of the large bivalves, however, are not so easy to handle, and flank attacks often have to be resorted to Perhaps the most ferocious are the giant Lynnhavens. Where a Lynn- haven appears at all rebellious, we have found it best to sneak up behind and throw one’s arms about its waist, which is very disconcerting to the Lynnhaven. Having gained this point of vantage, the skilful strategist is able to effect an absolute quietus with one gulp. Satan: IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE E. 0. J. comichooks.gom