Life, 1924-12-18 · page 29 of 37
Life — December 18, 1924 — page 29: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This satirical article mock-seriously investigates methods for *losing* money at horse racing—inverting typical gambling advice. The humor lies in presenting extensive "research" on betting strategies that actually *win*, then dismissively rejecting them as unsuitable for the goal of losing money. The piece ridicules common betting methods: women choosing horses by name/appearance (which surprisingly wins often), buying tips from "dopesters," and heeding comic strip advice. It claims the most reliable loss-producing method is careful analysis of horses' records and pedigrees—implying that systematic study ironically defeats the gambler's purpose. The satire critiques both gambling culture and the era's proliferation of dubious "expert" tipsters and systems. By framing losing as the actual goal, Life highlights how futile and self-defeating betting truly is. This reflects Progressive-era skepticism toward get-rich-quick schemes and gambling's false promises of success.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
How to Lose on the Races Tuts has been the most difficult ques- n we have ever had to answer. It s taken the work of 1,000 highly rained expert research men two years ‘ time, working day and night, and a rtune in money to discover a system sreby a man or a woman can lose on races. Nor are we sure yet that method acquired at such pains and xpense is foolproof. There were many methods we had to scard in arriving at our decision. The st and the least practical was the one llowed chiefly by women—that of cking a horse because he has a nice me or such a lovely tail. It may oc- r to many that this should be an ex- lent losing formula, but investigation ved conclusively that it was the rest method, having the highest per- of winning bets. Next came the method of subscribing information sold by dopesters and Despite the fact that the tipsters, cssential purpose of this method is in The dread Pyorrhea | | begins with bleeding gums UST as the strength of a building is entupon its founda- tions, so are healthy teeth dependent up- on healthy gums. Permit the gums to become inflamed of tender and you weak- enthe foundationof the teeth. This condition is called Pyorthea. ing of teeth is a direct result And recednggums spongy recede base base decay. They act, too, as $0 many door- ways for disease germs to enter the sysiem— infecting the jowss or tonsils—or causing other ailments. Pyorrhea ur out palitels also. Its ferstsymptomistender em, Se you should k to your gums! Use Forhan’s, whch sistently. It also scientifically cleans the teeth—heeps them whiteand clean. Brush your teeth Pedi and shrinkage set in, FORHAN CO, 900 6th Ave., N.Y. 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But the method we have selected after all the elimination and sifting is this: Let the layman gather together all the material about all the horses, their pedigrees, their time in practice gallops, their racing records, etc. Let him sift and sort and figure until his blood pres- sure is beyond medical aid. Then let him at last emerge triumphant with the name of a horse, scientifically evolved. This method, our investigation shows, fails only once in 100,000 times to achieve the purpose of the bettor, namely, losing the bet. Dz B. Hymn Before Inaction “Tentative Roll of New Cabinet Completed.” We are tentative to-night on the old camp ground, many are dead and gone, Match Play Conen (in sporty foursome): By Golleh, that was a pretty chip shot Meyer made! GoupsTeIn chip, Cohen. us the hole. (his partner): Not so I t'ink it’s goink to cost FOR SALE or TO RENT SOUTHERN PINES, S. C. “Loblolly"—2-Story Stucco House with brick ornamentatio Lawn in front with Pines. 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