Saturday, December 9, 2017

Sad news

Hiya friends of Vic and Sade - "Mis' Crowe" here.

A few years ago, Jimbo, the owner of this website, wrote to me to let me know that he had a heart condition, and was worried that no one would be around to take care of his websites after he was gone. We had been in communication over e-mail and blogs because of my project of transcribing every Vic and Sade episode. He asked me if he could send me his website information in the event of his passing. I said sure, thinking it would be many years before such a thing came to pass.

I'm saddened to tell fans of Jimbo's research work that he passed away on Friday, December 1. I am told it was peaceful.

I won't be able to fill Jimbo's shoes -- no one could. He seemed to have an inexhaustible energy when it came to Vic and Sade research! But I am here to "keep the lights on" and make sure all of his work won't be abandoned. Please drop me a message here if you have any suggestions, any interesting Vic and Sade finds, or anything at all. I know Jimbo's frequent updates and Vic and Sadecasts will be missed, but what a wonderful treasure trove of work he left behind!

Your friend from the small house halfway up in the next block,
Mis' Crowe

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Vic and Sadecast 089 – It’s Algebra, Uncle Fletcher!

Vic and Sadecast 089 – It’s Algebra, Uncle Fletcher!

The first robin of the spring (part II, solved?)

Paul Rhymer had fun with the "first robin of spring" idea.  So did Don Quin of Fibber McGee and Molly.

I thought it was all a big gag... but then, I got the idea to look this up in the Daily Pantgraph (now known as The Pantgraph), the Bloomington newspaper.

I'm not into spending wallets of money, so I can't access the articles there (by the way, all newspapers should be ashamed of themselves for charging to search out and retrieve old articles., don't you agree?).  Anyway, after tip-toeing through their system which is designed for me to find what I want but not actually show me anything, I found enough to convince me that spotting the first robin of the spring is indeed a big deal in Bloomington, Illinois.  I did not fidn out what the reward or benefits are/were, however, getting one's name in the paper seems to be fitting (and I did see such evidence).

So, there's that!

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

No Vic and Sadecast: Thanksgiving or the day after

The executive council of Homer Heck of Norman, Oklahoma and Charlie Urquhardt have informed me that there will be no Vic and Sadecast: Thanksgiving or the day after.  Set your watches accordingly.

There will be a Vic and Sadecast on Wednesday. November 22.

Vic and Sadecast 082 – Easy Chair

Vic and Sadecast 082 – Easy Chair

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Wednesday, November 15, 2017

Is the Vic and Sadecast an everyday thing or not?

Well hey, how are you?

You might have noticed that there was no Vic and Sadecast yesterday.  There have been 2 days since I said I would do it everyday that there was no Vic and Sadecast.  I know, I am a dirty liar.

Some days I am just tired and get no sleep.  This was the case yesterday.  Other days I may not feel "gung ho" or am ill.

Basically, the Vic and Sadecast will be daily.  Cut me some slack if it's not there 365/365.

Thanks!

Vic and Sadecast 076 – Bulletin Board Monitor

Vic and Sadecast 076 – Bulletin Board Monitor (11/15/17)

Thursday, October 26, 2017

A creation from Dave Duckert!


Vic and Sadecast 058 – Vic Wins Broad-brimmed Hat!

"Dave from Wisconsin" weighs in onhis opinion as host of the latest:  Vic and Sadecast 058 – Vic Wins Broad-brimmed Hat!

Missing script found - sort of

I fixed the missing script synopsis for: 42-12-17 Vic and the Cowboy Lodge Hat.  It works now meaning it NEVER WORKED BEFORE and I didn't know it.  A simple, dumb mistake by yours truly.

If you see something not working, the chances are it can be fixed - so please let me know, either by email, a comment, or Twitter (Jimbo_otr@Twitter).

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Dismal Seepage and Google Books and Lum and Abner

As you can see here, "Dismal Seepage" goes beyond Vic and Sade lore.

And as you can see here, it shows up in print as early as 1918, in some sort of newspaper or magazine known as the Peregrine Observer:


But that place no longer exists (that I could find) - although there is a "Dismal Swamp", Arkansas.  Could it be that Dismal Seepage came from Lum and Abner rather than Paul Rhymer?  There's no way of knowing but we know that Chester and Chet were friends of Rhymer (Lum and Abner even have a section of the main website devoted to them). 

I talked to Donnie Pitchford yesterday (he's the big muckity-muck over at the National Lum and Abner Society); he says Clarence Hartzell was all about some Dismal Seepage when he talked to him.  Neither Pitchford or his cohorts know anything about Dismal Seepage in Arkansas.  From what I gathered, they tend to think it's a Paul Rhymer thing...

So, who knows?
 

Vic and Sadecast - 1 AM Train

Vic and Sadecast 056 – One A.M. Train (10/24/17)

Sunday, October 22, 2017

A question I cannot answer

Is "Dismal Seepage" an invention of Paul Rhymer?  For some reason, I have always assumed it was not his idea.  Why did I think this?  I have no idea!

If you have input on this, please let us know.

Vic and Sadecast 054 – Fred Might Consider Joining the Lodge

Shambles Constant is your host!

Vic and Sadecast 054 – Fred Might Consider Joining the Lodge

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Is Vic and Sade "Comedy"?

The episode, "Appelrot Shoves Sade Around" brought out this noteworthy comment from "Dave from Kentucky":

Episodes like this make me wonder whether "Vic and Sade" is properly categorized as a comedy.  (This is not a criticism, by the way; it's a good episode.)  The only thing funny I can find in this episode is the name Appelrot, but such twistedly descriptive names occur even in real life, for example Bill Idelson plays the Gooks' adopted idle son -- which is not to say Rush is lazy, just that we only hear from him during his idle hours at home.  During those times he either tries to be supportive and helpful, as he does here, or he tries to be entertaining, as when he reads aloud from some absurd Third Lieutenant Stanley adventure.  When present, Vic also attempts to entertain the others with his witty remarks and stories of his absurdly-named acquaintances.  I don't think we can point to these absurd names as proof that this is a comedy, however, because in many cases we only have Vic's word for it that these are their actual names, and Vic cannot be trusted to use people's actual names, since he often refers to Rush and Sade with names that are manifestly not their own.      

So my own view is that "Vic and Sade" is not a comedy; it is slice-of-life fiction about realistic people who often entertain each other using their own comedic routines.  As to why they would go to such lengths, I would point out that while they do go to movies, this is before TV and as far as I can tell they don't have a radio.  Since they were not bombarded by entertainment every waking moment, they developed the skills to provide their own.  But they knew when to drop the comedy routines and help each other out in serious ways, as in this particular episode.


- "Dave from Kentucky" 

I truly welcome opinions from all of you.  Please understand that all Vic and Sade fans can benefit from your opinions and I am happy to document them in the appropriate place.

Two Vic and Sadecasts!

Due to my schedule, I have posted two Vic and Sadecasts today; one is for today and one is for tomorrow as I am going to be busy.

I am also going to be busy Monday as well and so, there is a good chance there will be no Vic and Sadecast on Tuesday.  There is even a chance that Wednesday will also be bypassed.  But I will be back by Thursday, for sure.

Maybe you can use this downtime and catch up on episodes you may have missed.

Sunday and Monday's shows have been done by special guests; Appelrot Shoves Sade Around was done by Shambles Constant, the Bloomington native.  He does a swell job tackling this episode and his pleasant voice is a respite from my goofy tones.

Dave Duckert (aka Dave from Wisconsin) is at the helm for Hank's $200 Wardrobe.  Dave approaches the show from a humorous and analytical way.

The best thing is, both Shambles and Dave enjoy "Vic and Sade" as much as I do.

You can catch all the Vic and Sadecasts over at the ONSUG, plus there's a lot more there.  Look around and see what catches your eye.

I'll be back soon, boys and girls!!

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

An imagined partial list of RJ Konk's magical powers

  • Perhaps the power to avoid athlete's foot in a community shower
  • Perhaps the power to tell when someone has gotten a haircut or hair trim
  • Perhaps the power to watch a sporting event and not have to go to the restroom the entire game
  • Perhaps the power to read fine typed print without the use of a semi-educated grandchild
  • Perhaps the ability to eat ketchup on a frankfurter without the ridicule from others
  • Perhaps the power to eat a whole small package of Corn Nuts without the fear of breaking a tooth
  • Perhaps the ability to grow old and not rely on the use of a "grabber"

Vic and Sadecast 040 – Shake Hands with R.J. Konk

Vic and Sadecast 040 – Shake Hands with R.J. Konk (10/4/17)

Monday, October 2, 2017

Armadillo - a short Vic and Sade fantasy play

Dave from Wisconsin (Dave Duckert) recently wrote a Vic and Sade fantasy script.  He shared it with me and I made a few suggestions.  Dave and his family (see below) then recorded it and I present it to you here!

  • Sade:  Emily Duckert
  • Rush:  Greg Duckert
  • Announcer:  Lori Duckert
  • Vic:  Dave Duckert
The play is called "Armadillo".  Thank you to Dave and the Duckert family for the fun listen!

Imagine how many tears the Brick Mush Man cried when he caught his head in the revolving door!

Vic and Sadecast 38: presented by Dave Duckert - The Brick Mush Man Got His Head Caught in a Revolving Door.

Saturday, September 30, 2017

Who are the most popular characters on Vic and Sade? (as of September 2017)

According to the statistics on my Vic and Sade Character website, it's not at all shocking to find that all five family members outpace all other characters, easily.

Uncle Fletcher has twice as many views as anyone else.  Then comes Rush, followed closely by Vic.  Russell is next and not too far from Vic, actually.  Sade brings up the rear but isn't too far behind Russell.

Among the non-Gooks, the easy winner is the Brick Mush Man.  Blue Tooth Johnson is next, closely followed by Raymond Belcher Beirman of all people!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) updated

I have updated the FAQ on the Crazy World of Vic and Sade site.
  • Some of the stuff there has been re-written as it was written poorly (and I suggest it probably still is, haha).  But I did try and make it better.
  • I linked every single name in the "fan" section to Wikipedia, except Jack Foster.  I could find no bio of him anywhere.
  • I added some info about the 2 talking characters on the show (other than Vic, Sade and Rush) who we know of before the arrival of Uncle Fletcher.
  • I added some info about the dreadful television program, but mostly advised people to not even bother with it.
I could probably add 100 other topics to the FAQ easily, but what?  Your input is desired.

Mr. Sludge Grows a Mustache podcast

 Mr. Sludge Grows a Mustache podcast

You'd be unwise to softly slumber
Where Vic and Rush have you outnumbered

Sade seems to know their game
But Vic and Rush have each other to blame

'Shambles Constant' makes a sneaky visit to the podcast.  Lasts about 20 minutes... great fun for a Saturday!


Friday, September 29, 2017

Thursday, September 28, 2017

Vic and Sadecast 034 – Sade Shows Razorscum Album

Oblong heads!

Ten Thousand Washrags

I once heard that Jean Shepherd had written some kind of fantasy story or script involving Sade and washrags.  I have never seen or heard the story.  But it did inspire me to write this four years ago - and this week, I've touched it up a bit. 

I once had a Vic and Sade fantasy site and this was there.  I hope you enjoy it.

Ten Thousand Washrags
 - by Jimbo

Announcer:  Well sir, it's late afternoon now at the small house halfway up the next block now and we see here in the living room, young Mister Rush Gook, sprawled on the floor and within arms' length of an algebra book; he's toying with the rubber end of his yellow pencil and  looking at it with wonder and a delightful puzzlement.  He immediately stops this activity when he hears the slamming of the back door and the call of his name...

SADE:  [from the kitchen, excited]  Willie?  Son?  You home?

RUSH:  [yelling to the kitchen] Yeah!  In here.

SADE:  [approaching, out of breath]   Your father's not too far behind me.  He stopped to talk to Ike Kneesuffer.

RUSH:  Prob'ly talkin' about fuels and combustion.

SADE:  Combustion?

RUSH:  Yeah.  Ya know, mixin' fuels for cars.  Crazy why they'd wanna blow themselves up like that; bet we're gonna find little bitty pieces of Mr. Kneesuffer and Gov all over Virginia Aven...

SADE:  Guess what?

RUSH:  Um.

SADE:  Guess what I got in the mail today?

RUSH:  Uhh... Big blue envelope from lodge headquarters?

SADE:  Ish.  No, and can't tell you now anyway.  I will wait until your father gets in here.  Where is he?

RUSH:  Out talkin' about combustion fuels, most probably.  Say mom, um, did you get a blonde wig?

SADE:  [beside herself] A blonde wig?  [giggles] Heavens no.

RUSH:  But,  you're excited, mom...

SADE:  Yes!

RUSH: [laughs]  If It's not a wig...

SADE:  Well, I'll tell you this much... I have a chance to receive ten thousand washrags!

RUSH: [astonished] Gosh!  Ten thousand washrags? [laughs]

SADE: And all it will cost me is ten washrags.

RUSH: Ha!  If you say so.  You and the other Thimble Club ladies gonna wear gorilla masks and  knock over Yamilton's on a ravagin' washrag spree, promiscuous...

[back door slams]

SADE: [excited] Oh there he is!

VIC:  [from in the kitchen] Hi duh hi, ho duh ho.... did a woman, thinly veiled and greatly agitated come through here, gyrating her way around my library table, asking for Mister Victor R. Gook?

RUSH:  Gov's in high spirits.   [to Vic] Hello!

VIC:  Is that daddy's little boy?  Of course I am in high spirits.  I have a fine son, a woman who loves me and...

SADE:  Guess what, Vic?

VIC:  You've been arrested and I must raise the bail by selling Margaret's Third Lieutenant Stanley book collection?  [laughs]

RUSH:  Ya better not.  I haven't yet finished, "Third Lieutenant Stanley and the Counterfeiting Counterfeiters" yet.

VIC:  Counterfeiting Counterfeiters?  Hand me that newspaper, Ralph.

RUSH:  Yep, there's a lot of counterfeiting going on in that one.  Ya see, Third Lieut...

SADE: Vic, I got a chance to receive ten thousand washrags!

VIC: [slowly/astonished] Hi-duh-hi, ho-dee-ho.  That's considerable washrags.  [normal] Is Ceilia here so dirty that you have to abscond with Yamilton's entire washrag collection?

SADE: See, I received this letter in the mail today.  It's here somewhere... Willie, go check and see if it's on top of the bureau for me.

RUSH:  Okay.

SADE:  It's a large, pale-green envelope.

RUSH:  Okay.

[pause]

SADE:  [to Rush] See it?

RUSH:  [away] Uh huh.

SADE:  [excited] Imagine, ten thousand washrags!

VIC: [Yawns]  Yeah.  You got a spot for 'em?

RUSH:  [entering] Here you go.

SADE:  Just listen to this.  Vic, put your newspaper aside.

VIC:  I'm listenin'.

SADE:  I see where you have an article there where you can see it.  Put the newspaper on the floor.

VIC: [laughs]  Gosh, kiddo...

SADE:  [to Rush]  You got studying to do?

RUSH:  Yeah but...

SADE:  [sternly]  Study.

RUSH:  Um.

SADE:  Well, listen to this first, then study.

RUSH:  Can't I just study?

SADE:  No, listen to this first.

RUSH:  Um.

SADE:  Okay, everybody ready? 

RUSH: Um.

SADE:  [sternly] Vic, put that newspaper on the floor!

VIC:  [whining] Gosh...

SADE: Getting you boys to pay attention is like pulling rice.  You're both so stubborn.  Stubborn as a fox.

VIC and RUSH:  Um.

SADE:  [Reading] Dear Friend, Wasn't it the poet Percy By... Shelley who said, I met a traveller from an antique land who said... ummm... Two vast and trunkless legs of stone Stand in the desart...

RUSH: [Quietly to Vic]  I learned that in the 7th grade.

VIC:  [Quietly to Rush]  Whoopee.

SADE: You two gonna listen?

VIC and RUSH:  Um.

SADE:  Anyway, gonna skip that poem stuff... [Reading] A friend has sent you this letter and washrag [to Vic]  See, here's the washrag...

VIC and RUSH:  Um.

SADE: [Reading] And we would like to put you in line to receive as many as ten thousand washrags.  All you need to do is send one washrag to 10 friends along with a copy of this same letter...

RUSH: Mom...

SADE: Don't interupt.

Mom.  Wait.

SADE: [upset] What's all this now?

RUSH:  Sorry mom, but Gov, isn't this like a chain letter?

VIC:  Nope.  It's not like a chain letter, it is a chain letter.

RUSH: [laughs]

SADE: Oh, come on...

VIC:  Well, you can do what you want Doctor Sleech, but this letter you have received smells a bit like mail fraud.

SADE:  [astonished]  Mail fraud?

VIC:  There's a very stiff penalty for such actions, Sadie...

RUSH:  My mom, the wire-criminal!

SADE:  [to Rush] Study!

RUSH:  Um.

SADE:  Vic, I'm not really in any trouble, am I?

VIC:  Well, no.  All you did is receive a letter.  You didn't mail off any washrags or benefit in any way...  except you did get a wash rag and you had thoughts of sending out ten crisp letters to your unsuspecting friends, I gather?

SADE:  Well, yes, until I realized that this is...

VIC:  Well, technically, that's suspicion and a conspiracy to commit mail fraud, isn't it?

SADE: I...

RUSH:  Sounds like it to me, Gov.  [laughs]

SADE:  [to Rush] Study!  [to Vic]  What should I do?

VIC:  Nothin'.

SADE:  Nothin'?

VIC:  Nothin'.  Kiddo, stuff like this prob'ly happens a hundred times just in this city alone.  Every day.  Or every other day at least. Some people, the more uninformed person, falls for it and some people, the ummm... more informed person, don't.

SADE:  So, you sayin' I'm uneducated?

VIC:  Well... ummm, no.  All I'm sayin' is...

RUSH:  Mom got duped.

VIC: You hit the nail on the head, Buttercup.

SADE:  [to Rush] You...study!  I'm going upstairs.  I had some washrags set out that I have put back.

[sound of Sade going up the stairs]

RUSH:  Gov, you ever fall for a chain letter?

VIC:  Sure.  'Twas a cigar chain letter it 'twas.  I had stogies comin' out of every pocket in my suit and shirt!  I smoked and smoked and smoked and smoked, until I couldn't smoke any-THE- more.

RUSH:  Ridiculous.

VIC:  Preposterous.

RUSH:  Absurd.

VIC:  Ludicrous.

RUSH:  Uhhh...

VIC:  Laughable, comical, asinine...

RUSH:  Stupid.

VIC:  Insipid.

RUSH:  Unwise. 

VIC:  Irrational.

RUSH: Yeah.

VIC:  [coughs]  Ten thousand washrags.  My, my. [chuckles]

RUSH:  [chuckles]

VIC:  [Laughs]

RUSH:  [Laughs]

ANNOUNCER: And this will include our short trip to that small house halfway up the next block.

Monday, September 25, 2017

A daily Vic and Sadecast?

I've decided this mucking around and avoiding the Vic and Sadecast is just plain lazy of me and it's time to get back to work.  As as matter of fact, I have enlisted some Vic and Sade fans (and you could be one of them) to help me.  I am hoping to do a Vic and Sadecast everyday until Series One is finished.  The podcast will be a lot like the other Vic and Sadecasts we've done in the past, where we play an episode and then talk about it.

It won't just be me doing this.  I have at least 2 others who are going to do shows when they wish.  And if you want to do some shows, I really wish you would volunteer to help out.  It's really a matter of how much I would love to hear your opinions more than it is "helping me out".  I really want to hear what you have to say and so does everyone else.

The shows could start as early as tomorrow but more on that later!

Please email me (my address can be found at the Crazy World of Vic and Sade website, on the left-hand side) if you would like to be involved.  There are certain folks I really wish would step up because the insight you could provide would mean a lot to the fandom.

Saturday, September 23, 2017

A few new Vic and Sade media posts

1933's Northwestern Chronicle - a review from Variety

As impossible it seems to be, I've found a review of a comedy radio series from 1933 that was written by Vic and Sade author, Paul Rhymer.  This wasn't some fly-by-night radio program, but one with a sponsor and a 52-week contract.  According to Variety magazine, Bernardine Flynn and Billy Barth had the leads.  Everything points to it being a likeable show.  And Rhymer draws praise and a prediction, perhaps, for greatness.

I can find no information about this series in any of the radio encyclopedias, but surely no one doubts the word of Variety magazine from that same era.  It's been mentioned in a couple of the other media we have (check NORTHWESTERN CHRONICLE), however, it never struck me until now that this was a radio program and certainly not one of such notoriety at the time.

Also of note, Jess Pugh was on the show.  He played the policeman (and other parts) in the 1946 Series 3 Vic and Sade.

New episode positively identified, with date

See: 42-12-23 Sade Needs Glasses

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Vacations

I may have mentioned something about this before but I'm not sure I was certain but I'm fairly certain now: each member of the cast (when healthy) worked 11 months a year and were given a whole month off - at once.  When I have declaration of this from the media, I have noted these times on the right hand side of the Crazy World blog.  It's interesting to note these as you listen to the show in order.

Time, the internet and Vic and Sade

I'm not sure how many of you know this, but I am physically disabled.  This disability has given me time to research.  The internet has given me the ability to research without leaving my house.  I really enjoy Vic and Sade and have a natural curiosity about all the holes in the show that we know nothing about.

Put those things together and you can see that I have spent a great deal of time looking into all things Vic and Sade.

I don't tell you this to brag but I have found the answers to dozens of previously unanswered questions about the show.  Most of the answers have come from newspaper and magazine articles which I have found over the years that somehow Barbara Schwartz and The Friends of Vic and Sade were unable to discover.

One of the things constantly updated is the FAQ and it's section about famous fans of the show.  I remember the list being at about 10 when I first found the show.  I haven't counted, but I must have a list of at least 50 famous people now.  I like to think that means since I started these websites and began this research that the Vic and Sade information has quintupled.  That's a pretty cool thought!

I still am in awe and appreciation of all of you who have written articles, provided audio, sent me pieces of information, added comments to the sites, have done interviews with me... every piece has counted.

Every time I think - that's it - there can't be any new information - well, that's when I find a whole new stash of things.  The next stash may never come, but it probably will.

Uncle Fletcher and waffles!

According to the book "The Mouse that Roared", Daws Butler used an Uncle Fletcher-type voice for this Aunt Jemima commercial, circa 1970s:

https://youtu.be/FapPrDGxTpw

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Fan letter #19

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #18

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #20

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Sunday, July 2, 2017

Fan letter #17

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #16

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Fan Letter #18


Fan Letter #15

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fred, the Big Lug, Doesn’t Have Lug Nuts

In the 44-09-12 episode “Changing Stembottom's Tires”, Vic complains bitterly about being invited over to the Stembottom’s to help Fred work on his car.  While Vic claims to enjoy working on cars, or “tinkering” as he calls it, he considers the work Fred has lined-up to be just manual labor.  Let’s understand why…

First some definitions.  A wheel is comprised of three parts: 1.  The tire (the rubber part that wears out),  2. The rim (the center section that holds the tire and attaches to the car) and 3. The inner tube (the inflatable bladder inside the tire – note that all new cars are tubeless and do not have this part).

Rotating one’s tires refers to the practice of changing the position of the tires to equalize wear on them and to prolong their life (this would have been really important during the war when rubber was scarce).  With older rear wheel drive cars the rear tires would wear more quickly.  On newer front wheel drive cars the front tires wear more quickly.  To maximize the life of the entire set of tires, the front and rear tires can periodically be exchanged.  Newer cars, with radial tires, require that the front and rear tires be exchanged but remain on the same side of the car.  Older cars, with bias ply tires, require that the front and rear tires be exchanged by crossing sides (e.g. front passenger side tire is exchanged with the rear driver’s side tire).   On a diagram this makes an “X” and is referred to as “cross switching”

On newer cars the tire/rim assembly (the wheels) are attached to the car using several nuts or “lug nuts”.  The entire wheel assembly (rim and tire) can be removed easily by removing the lug nuts.  But on some vintage cars, particularly those prior to 1920 or so, the rim is semi-permanently attached to the car and only the tire can be removed1.  Removing just the tire (i.e. manually de-mounting a tire from the rim) is a tedious and difficult process.

Fred’s car doesn’t have lug nuts, so the tires must be de-mounted from the rims.   The rims remain attached to the car. The tires must then then be re-mounted on the rim at the tire’s new position.  And unlike the swapping a complete wheel assembly, the tires must be deflated to de-mount them and then re-inflated once they are on the new rim. 

De-mounting/re-mounting a tire is difficult, as the diameter of the rim is slightly larger than the tire’s inner diameter.  A set of pry bar like tools are required to pry the tire off-of / onto the rim.   More often than not it results in a pinched finger!  Professional garages use a tire mounting machine which makes it much easier. 

Fred’s old car requires all four tires to be deflated, manually de-mounted, re-mounted to the new location, and then re-inflated.    To make matters worse, the tires need to “cross”, so the you cannot simply jack up one side of the car at a time.  

With today’s cars, the wheels can be rotated in less than 30 minutes.  On Fred’s car, with its permanent rims and bias play tires, the job may take several hours.  It’s no wonder that Vic howled like a panther when he heard what Fred had in store for him! 

Leave it to Paul Rhymer to make something as dull as rotating tires into an interesting and humorous episode! 
-- Dave Duckert (Dave in Wisconsin)

1.        Popular Mechanics December 1970  p 113
2.        http://www.mtfca.com/discus/messages/411944/485438.html?1413006052

Sunday, June 25, 2017

More fan mail coming

I've been sick the past few days with a virus, but I hope to be able to post more fan mail for you, shortly.

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Art work!

Artwork by Coni Dowden


Fan letter #14

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #13

 Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11


Lucille Husting 1931

Fan letter #12

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Sunday, June 18, 2017

Fan letter #11

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #10

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #9

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #8

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #7


Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11


Friday, June 16, 2017

Fan letter (Sacred Stars)

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11


Fan letter #2

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #5

Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #4




Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #3




































Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

Fan letter #1




Paul Rhymer Papers, Additions
Call Number M89-357
Fan Mail – Box 4 folders 6-11

A secret Vic and Sade website

For those who don't remember, at one time, I had a web site that devoted entirely to Uncle Fletcher.  I eventually phased it out and it no longer exists.

You also may not know about Garbled-de-Gook, a website I began a few years ago and just never finished.  If you are doing Vic and Sade research, it may or may not come in handy.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Love Letters to Vic and Sade

Thanks (again) to Dave Duckert, there is now a new Vic and Sadecast up.  This one is called, "Love Letters to Vic and Sade".  Dave recently made a trek to the Wisconsin Historical Society in Madison and was allowed to leaf through and copy several fan letters to the show.

Dave got his family and friends together and recorded the letters, along with Sarah Cole and myself.  Some of these letters will really hit home with you, either in a fun or a sad way.  This program lasts a little more than 16 minutes but it packs a wallop, emotionally.  Dave did a wonderful job choosing the letters for all to read, and as always, is a fine host.

I hope you will check out the show and leave Dave some feedback.  He deserves it!

Tuesday, June 6, 2017

A list of 6-6-17 additions

Monday, June 5, 2017

A couple of new additions and changes


New synopsis: 38-05-09 A Mildred Melodrama

Vic wants to see a Gloria Golden film?

A catalog of recent additions

Sunday, June 4, 2017

Crooper, Illinois and where that came from

If you are any kind of fan of Vic and Sade, you know that somewhere down the line, someone said
that Vic and Sade was set in Crooper, Illinois. It's been known to be set in other odd places too, but let's not get all into that now. Let's focus on Crooper.

The story goes this way: the dad-gummed (horrible) Vic and Sade television show is to blame.   The 1957 TV show had Yamilton's Department Store in Crooper.  Someone named Fred Schroeder then claimed in print that the Gooks lived in Crooper, which lies 40 miles from Peoria. Come to find out, there is no Crooper - it's Cooper. While it is close to Bloomington, it's certainly not Bloomington.

Another new episode synopsis

xx-xx-xx Sky Brothers Initiated in Sade's Precious Home

New episode and more

Four bits of new trivia added here.

A new episode is logged here.

32-07-04 Sade Wants to Communicate

More trivia added.  (Books Vic has read).

32-06-28 Audition #2

New trivia added.

Small details being added to episodes

When John Hetherington's book was released, I was able to obtain a multitude of information about many episodes we knew nothing about.

Since this was Hetherington's work, I felt it crucial to leave out numerous details along the way, so that left his book with a lot of "bite"; in other words, I didn't want to let the whole cat out of the bag.

However, this past week, I asked Hetherington if would be okay to share these left-out details with you and add them to the episodes of the Crazy World website, to which he readily consented.  So, over the next few weeks, I will be adding that stuff.

I will also let you know on this website what I added and where.  It's redundant, but necessary.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Cool surprises coming

We've been lucky enough to run into a very neat Vic and Sade surprise, which is really a bountiful gift in so many ways.

I don't want to spoil the fun now as it will take a bit of time to organize things.  Rest assured though, the fun is spread around in many different areas and we'll all get to be a part of it.

Be on the lookout.
_____________________________

Also, whoever sent me the "Garbage Wagon Pass"... you are very clever and made me laugh.  :)  Feel free to let me know who you are!

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Third Lieutenant Stanley, Firearms Aficionado

In the May 6th, 1940 Vic and Sade episode “Working Out Hank’s Indebtedness",Rush reads a passage from a Third Lieutenant Stanley book. In the book, Lady Margaret is in the direct path of a slithering cobra and Third Lieutenant Stanley acts with authority by quickly dispatching the pesky reptile with his “automatic revolver”.

That phrase caught my attention “..automatic revolver…” I’ve been participating in the Waukesha, Wisconsin Handgun League (WHL) for over 20 years, so I have more than a passing knowledge of firearms. For those that are not aware, an “automatic revolver” is quite a rare bird indeed.

First some background on firearms terminology and history. Some of the first firearms were “single shot”. You loaded them, you fired the shot, and then you re-loaded them. A very slow and tedious process. Think of a pirate gun.

Later the “revolver” came along. This was essentially a gun with 6 or more chambers. As you squeeze the trigger the cylinder rotates, aligning one of these chambers to the barrel. You can shoot six shots quickly but the trigger pull is hard. This is because when you pull the trigger you are rotating the cylinder, cocking the hammer, and then releasing the hammer. The revolver provided for quicker shooting but the hard trigger pull detracted from accuracy. Think of Dirty Harry’s (Clint Eastwood) 44 Magnum Revolver.

Enter the “semi-automatic” pistol. The semi-automatic used some of the energy from the fired round to both cock the hammer and load the next round from a magazine into the chamber. A round is fired every time the trigger is pulled. Since the energy from the shot is used to cock the hammer and load the next round, the trigger pull can be made very light, enhancing accuracy.

Lastly, the “fully-automatic” pistol was developed. In the U.S. these are highly regulated and chances are you’ve only seen them in movies. The fully-automatic pistol uses some of the energy from the fired round to load a round, cock the hammer, and to drop the hammer to fire the next round. The user simply needs to hold back the trigger, and rounds are fired continuously until the trigger is released. Think of an “Uzi” machine pistol.

Notice that there isn’t an “automatic revolver”. I suspect 99 out of 100 folks would consider this an error, a combination of firearm terms that doesn’t make sense. On the contrary, consider the Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver. Introduced in 1901, it was the first commercial example of an automatic revolver. Actually, it’s a semi-automatic revolver, but it was common to call semi-automatics as automatics in the early days, since full-automatics weren’t developed yet. The recoil from a fired round would rotate the cylinder by means of a cam. It was well received by target shooters, since the trigger pull was light, as the energy from the fired bullet cocked the hammer and rotated the cylinder. But only 4,750 were produced. It wasn’t a big success and production was ceased in 1924, although it remained in the Webley catalog until 1939 (probably to clear remaining inventory). Today, a Webley-Fosbery would fetch around $13,000 from a gun collector.

So what was Third Lieutenant Stanley doing with such an obscure British firearm? The Webley-Fosbery was never adopted by any army, which makes it even stranger that a third lieutenant would have one (although British officers sometimes supplied their own personal sidearms).

All that I can conclude is that Third Lieutenant Stanley was a firearms aficionado. He was all about accuracy and speed, and in the early 1900’s the Webley-Fosbery was the Lamborghini of guns. It was rare and temperamental, but fast and accurate. Later, semi-automatic pistols came along (e.g. the Colt M1911 semi-automatic, the service sidearm for US forces for many years) making the Webley-Fosbery obsolete.

So assuming that Third Lieutenant Stanley’s adventures occurred in the early 1900’s, this would have been the firearm of choice for a man who knew guns and often used them. Although obscure, it was quick and accurate, perfect for cannibals, counterfeiters, and snakes!

-- Dave in Wisconsin

Monday, May 1, 2017

Broken link fixed!

Oops!  There was a broken link on the recent post: Double Feature in... Wisconsin?  It's been fixed.  Go on and check that out, it's some more fascinating stuff from "Dave in Wisconsin", this time with audio.

I have never been to Boone, Iowa!

Today, I got an awesome Boone, Iowa post card from "Uncle Fletcher".  I have no idea who sent it.  But I would like to tell this person that you made me smile and I thank you!

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Vic Knows ‘Watt’ He’s Talking About

In the July 11th, 1944 episode, “Don’t Scrape off the Watts!” Sade buys Vic a new light bulb.  It’s supposedly super powerful (1 million volts).  Vic, being a gadget-guy, quickly opens the package and begins to examine it.   He cleans the contacts with his pocket knife.   There’s a lot of discussion about electricity in this episode.  Since I am an electrical engineer, it’s one of my favorites.    Let’s look at that light bulb from the perspective of an engineer.  I am reminded of the Chevy Chase quote, "It was my understanding that there would be no math.”  I know that this may be a dry subject, so I promise to keep the math to a minimum.  
 
There is a simple law that is the basis for all electrical engineering; it’s called Ohm’s Law.  You’ve heard the terms current, voltage, and resistance.  These terms are all related to each other via Ohms’s Law.  Before I describe Ohm’s Law, consider this analogy:  

You have a garden hose.  “Current” can be considered as the volume of water flowing from the hose.   “Voltage” can be equated to the water pressure.   Put your thumb over the nozzle of the hose and you have “resistance.”   Voltage, or water pressure, is generally fixed.  In the case of the hose, it is fixed by the height of your local water tower.  In the case of electricity, it’s fixed by your local utility.   As your thumb covers more of the nozzle, the resistance is increased and the volume of water coming out of the hose drops.  The same is true with electricity; the more resistance there is to the flow of the current, the less current that will be able to  flow.  

Ohm’s law describes these three concepts:   Voltage (volts) = Current (Amps)  * Resistance (Ohms)   Eqn 1

And electrical Power is simply:    Power (Watts) = Voltage (Volt)  *  Current (Amps)    Eqn 2

Changing any one the terms in these equations will result in the other terms changing as well, to keep the equations balanced.

In your home, the voltage at the outlets are fixed at 120 Volts.   What Vic is doing by cleaning the lightbulb’s contacts is reducing the resistance, since copper oxide is more resistive than copper.  If the resistance of the contacts goes down, and the voltage is fixed at 120V, then the current must increase to satisfy Ohm’s law (Eqn 1).  
 
With the current increased and the voltage fixed at 120V, the power dissipated in the bulb must be larger to satisfy Eqn 2.  More power results in a brighter light.  

Vic, per usual, knows exactly what he’s doing.  Cleaning the contacts will result in a brighter bulb.  Vic explains it better than I can, “I wanna make these contact points shine up good and bright, that way more electricity can get through an’ we’ll have a brighter light.”

Sade is completely lost on this topic and has no concept of electricity.  Sade’s lack of interest in learning about how things work (recall that she had no interest in understanding how her wash machine worked either) is disappointing to me, but I see this mindset frequently in my personal life.  Russel gets it, but his conversion from horsepower to Watts is inaccurate.  One horsepower is equal to 756 Watts, not 764 Watts.

This episode ends with a sort of sappy appreciation of Sade—maybe a little too sappy.  My mother, although not technically inclined, was always interested in learning and trying technical things.  I recall that she once attempted to work on her car and filled her radiator overflow reservoir with windshield washer fluid.  After realizing her mistake, my father convinced her that we’d have to turn the car upside-down to get it out!

-- Dave from Wisconsin
Wisconsin Professional Engineering License No. 26150-6
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