Life — August 5, 1920 — page 9: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "Ballade of Worldly Wisdom" & "Ruling Habit" The top illustration depicts an underwater scene with mermaids and fantastical creatures, accompanying a humorous poem mocking various vices and follies. The verse warns against drinking dubious homemade "chemick potages," avoiding "beer," and trusting in "specious lies." References to Prohibition-era concerns appear evident (mentions of "rye" and illegal brewing). The refrain "I know a Place Where You Can Get It!" satirizes widespread knowledge of prohibition violations. The bottom cartoon, titled "Ruling Habit," shows two well-dressed men and a cow. A farmer boasts "AIN'T THAT A FINE COW?" while the city man responds by asking "HOW MANY MILES WILL SHE DO ON A GALLON OF MILK?" This mocks urban ignorance of rural agriculture, satirizing the disconnect between city and country dwellers regarding farm productivity.