Life — February 9, 1928 — page 7: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page from *Life* magazine contains two distinct items: **"This Skjellerup Comet"** is a humorous historical anecdote about a 1786 comet discovery that disrupted a Danish gentleman's wedding plans. The text satirizes superstitious beliefs—people thought the comet was an ill omen, and later a woman was burned as a "witch" when the comet was mistakenly identified. The joke mocks both past superstition and the groom's self-centered response to celestial events. **The cartoon below** by Tousey shows a man in striped clothing tumbling through snow, with the caption about ruining his thumb in jail. The satire appears to mock someone's misfortune or clumsiness. **The dialogue at bottom** between Harry and Larry references "Horace" being a "drug addict" who consumes malted milk and sandwiches—light social commentary on dietary habits, likely poking fun at contemporary food trends or a recognizable figure.