Waldina

Today is the 60th birthday of the 44th president. He is a Nobel Prize, Grammy, and two-time Time Person of the Year winner. We really don’t know what we had until it’s gone sometimes, do we? The world is a better place because he is in it.

Today is the 120th birthday of the musician Louis Armstrong. The world dis a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

This episode is also available as a blog post: http://waldina.com/2021/08/04/happy-120th-birthday-louis-armstrong/

Today is the 117th birthday of the actress Delores del Rio. Trailblazer. Timeless beauty. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

Today is the 121st birthday of the educator John T. Scopes. He broke the law that forbid the teaching of evolution, which created a national conversation, a trial, and shift in the general understanding of science and it’s importance in public education. The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 97th birthday of the poet James Baldwin.  The world is a better place because he was in it and still feels the loss that he has left.

Today is the 116th birthday of Myrna Loy.  Her rapid-fire line delivery, unequaled beauty, and dedication to humanitarian causes all add up to make her one the most amazing actresses of her era. I think it is because she lacked a scandal and/or didn’t behave poorly that she is not as widely remembered as Davis, Hepburn, et al. Do yourselves a favor and watch one of her films soon. I suggest the Thin Man series but also, Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream Home is so great. You won’t be disappointed. The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.

"The Hit Man" - CBS Radio Mystery Theater - August 1, 1974

Plot:  A chance meeting with the wife of his next victim changes the mindset of a hired gun.

"The Only Blood" - CBS Radio Mystery Theater - July 31, 1974

Plot:  After refusing to pay blood money to the local mafia, an immigrant shoe-maker becomes the target of their ire. Angered by their misdeeds, the man hatches a plot for revenge. Meanwhile, the mob leader is torn between business and his daughter's love.

"Ghost at High Noon" - CBS Radio Mystery Theater - July 29, 1974

Plot:  While on a road trip, two women experience car trouble in the middle of the desert. A strange old man driving an outdated wagon assists them and takes them to the nearest town. The women become suspicious and disturbed when they realize that the townsfolk do not seem to hear them.

Today is the 92nd birthday of Jackie O. She set the standard for the role of the modern First Lady of the United States. She is quoted as saying: “We should all do something to right the wrongs that we see and not just complain about them.” (This was, of course, before facebook and online comments, but we can still do our best to activate it in our lives.) The world is a better place because she was in it and still feels the loss that she has left.