The Escape Artist

-

Harry Houdini died on November 1, 1926.

I found it pretty amazing that it was so long ago, and as usual, I saw something and wanted to learn a little more about the guy.

He died from an appendicitis...

...and a bit of stupidity.

He was supposed to be at the hospital, but he was too stubborn to go so he went to his show while running a temperature of about 104.

That wasn't the stupid part.

 Despite the fact that he also was suffering from a broken ankle at the time he played a little game with a guy in his dressing room before the show.

He let the guy punch him in the stomach a number of times because he was trying to prove that he could take the guy's best punch.

Then he told the guy that it hurt only because he wasn't able to stand and distribute his weight properly.

He was 52-years old at the time of his death...

...same age as me.

I'm not letting anyone punch me in the stomach.

'Cause it'll hurt!

 Yet, by all accounts, Houdini was an amazing escape artist. His best acts are well-chronicled and he was very protective of his act. He'd sue people who tried to question him, or copy him.

He was ornery.

 But think of it...

...we all know him.

"Who do I look like, Houdini?"

 As kids we all knew parts of the story, right?

He's been dead for 90 years!

That's pretty cool.

He was amazing, right?

But what a way to go out!

Punch me!




Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more