Life, 1927-09-01 · page 10 of 40
Life — September 1, 1927 — page 10: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
The top cartoon satirizes cavalry training accidents—showing a soldier thrown from a bucking horse while mounted officers observe. The caption quotes a sergeant demanding explanation for the dismount. Below, two items: **"Pro Bono Publico"** letter proposes a municipal broadcasting station with loudspeakers for parking information and event announcements. The writer (Bill Sykes) argues public utility justifies the noise. **"The Radio Bug"** cartoon depicts a woman at a radio set surrounded by dozens of "B-eliminators" (radio static filters). The joke mocks a woman kissing her radio repeatedly—the caption quips she has "lower lips" after nine on-air kisses, suggesting radio romance obsession. Both pieces reflect 1920s-era concerns about new broadcasting technology's social impact—practical infrastructure versus romantic escapism.
📄 Transcribed text from this page (OCR, searchable)
Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
Cavalry Sergeant (to rookie who has been violently unhorsed): wey, THERE! Wo THE HELL ORDERED YOU TO DISMOUNT? Pro Bono Publico EAR EDITOR: Since prize-fights, ball games, receptions to returning heroes, pig- calling contests and Democratic con- broadcast’ when the sion permits, why not have a municipal broadcasting station, with loudspeakers located at various points in the city and a staff of ob- servers and announcers on duty at ventions are all hours, to provide the motoring public with a daily parking-informa- tion service? For example, the following an- nouncements might be broadcast: “A truck has just moved away from the curb in front of 1774 Park Avenue. This parking space three flivvers or one ten- thousand-dollar car.” “Motorists in the vicinity of Fifth Avenue and Forty-second Street aré notified that 148 inches of curb this moment become available front of the Public Library. Women drivers are cautioned to wait for a the girl te to go their separate ways. Listen in for Phil, and he will tell you wh the place is as soon as it is vacant.” Hoping this com- municatior given the pub- licity I believe it deserves, will meet with the approval of your readers, I remain, Most cordially yours, Bill Sykes. The Radio Bug O you carry B-climinators?” “No, sir, but we have roach powder and some fly swatters.” better opening.” “We will now turn the mike over to Phil, who has had his eye on a very desirable location in Brooklyn The occupant of the car at this spot 010, r) 0101 O51 0.01038>0 “THAT'S THE NINTH TIME HE'S KISSED HER IN THIS PICTURE. I'LL BET THAT GIRL HAS CAULIFLOWER Lips.”” comicbooks.com