Life, 1926-12-16 · page 15 of 34
Life — December 16, 1926 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page contains three separate satirical pieces: **"Automotive Phenomena"** catalogs driver stereotypes—the reckless, cautious, and boastful types—mocking predictable driving behaviors. **"His Bump of Caution"** shows a phrenologist (pseudo-scientist claiming skull bumps indicate character) examining a man's head while a customer jokes that a gunman robbed him because he *wasn't* cautious enough—satirizing phrenology as pseudoscience. **"Modern Method"** depicts a young man flattering his girlfriend's father by praising his office organization and filing system, then asking to date his daughter. The satire mocks transparent, calculated courtship tactics. **"Lifelike"** is a brief joke about someone showing a photo of their car rather than their actual car. These pieces typify Life's humor: social observation, debunking false sciences, and gentle mockery of everyday pretense.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Life Automotive Phenomena Tue red-blooded driver who is proud of his four- wheel brakes and would die of mortification if he accidentally applied them while the car was more than six fect from a stop crossing or a pedestrian. The omnipotent driver who, when one suggests that caution would be advisable, replies: “Aw, hell; this car's insured.” The thin-skinned driver wwhose day is ruined if another car passes him. The two-fisted driver who neglects the wheel to pound home his points. The obliging driver who is always ready to stop, even in the busiest thoroughfare, to demon- strate the simplicity of his car’s shift. The skittish driver who hunts for an alley when he sees a woman at the wheel of an approaching auto. Women. G.C. Americana OARD of Education protests against nude statues in art museums. . ..Red-hot Mama slashes Sugar Daddy in love fray....America the cradle of liberty, says eminent Black Bottom Family starves while husband serves penite ence for taking a drink....Prominent movie couple married on set before battery of cameras... . Pig iron millionaire gives vast sum to charity... .Amer- ican culture O. K., says famous Bolivian flea trainer... . Price of pig iron to be trebled during next year.... Prominent movie couple gets divorce decree on set before battery of cameras....World getting better and sweeter, Says five-year-old evangelist. -- President of Board of Edu- cation disappears with blonde typist....Thugs in dazzling daylight robbery....C rowds frantic to greet Baron von Wiener - Schnitzel... . Monster still unearthed in Hall of Jus- ....Americans good- ut idiotic, says Baron von Wicner-Schnitzel. Robert Lord. REMEMBERING THE MANE dancer. tiary ser IMILE—“As satisfied as a wan who has just opened a car window.” Yegg (meeting his dentist): Now THIS 18 GONNA HURT A LITTL Levene His Bump of Caution Phrenologist: At, TMIS HIGHLY DEVELOPED BUMP SHOWS caution ! Customer: ovcu! you’RE RIGHT. THAT'S WHERE A GUN- MAN SLUGGED ME FOR LEAVING MY MONEY AT HOME. Modern Method THE young suitor entered the office of the father of the only girl in the world and glanced around ap- praisingly. Nice place you have here, Mr. Dadd,” he began. like the arrangement of your filing cases, especially “Yes, so do I, son. Sit down a minute.” “Thanks. Things seem to run smoothly her Dadd. And your desk arrangement's perfect, “Yes, I'm kind of satisfied, myself. What was on your mind—anything particular?” “Oh, about your daughter, Mr. Dadd. But we can discuss that later—I'd like to get a few pointers on office management, if you're not too busy—” Not at all. Glad to help you out, son. As for my daughter, she does as _ she pleases and I’m glad to have such a bright chap join our family.” J. ALS. Lifelike £ Y brother sent me a pic- M ture of his new car.” “Oh, what kind is it?” “Just an ordinary tin-type.” comicbooks.com