Wherein I invite you to submit your favorite crossword puzzle solutions, while I cleverly pimp a diary of mine. For me these are entries which have some minor but wonderful cultural or historic significance, but are no longer mentioned outside the realm of crossword puzzle fanatics. Is it fair that the Sunday New York Times Crossword Puzzle should wind up being the ashpan of history?
Asta was the mischievious female pet schnauzer of Nick and Nora Charles in the Dashiell Hammett novel The Thin Man. Asta also became the name of the male wire haired terrier who played Asta in the movie version of The Thin Man and also appeared in some of the greatest screwball comedies of the thirties. As you can imagine, at one time Asta was quite a famous character.
Ott as in baseball great Mel Ott is another favorite frequent crossword puzzle inhabitant. Ott was a Hall of Fame power hitting outfielder for the New York Giants. He hit over 500 home runs, but he was best known for his hitting style. He was a left handed batter and he would cock his right foot before he would swing. He died in a car crash when he was only 49 years old.
Let's hear about playwrights and composers, strippers and thieves, heavenly bodies and inland waterways, magicians and couturiers, derby winners and comicbook heroes. I need a couple of hours away from this campaign.
Sunday fare.