A plaque remaining from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem.

Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.

Recent entries:
“You’re legally allowed to park in a handicap spot if you get back with your ex more than twice” (3/18)
“You can legally park in a handicap spot if you get back with your ex more than 2 times” (3/18)
Entry in progress—BP2 (3/18)
“It’s hard to save money when food is always flirting with me” (3/18)
“Don’t use a big word when a singularly unloquacious and diminutive linguistic expression…” (3/18)
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Entry from October 19, 2014
“People who complain about the way the ball bounces usually dropped it”

“People who complain about the way the ball bounces usually dropped it” (that is, people who complain about something that is messed-up often caused the mess) is a popular saying. “Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it” was cited in April 1960, when it was credited to the American Printing Company. The saying was credited to Bruce Lefler in June 1960.
 
 
10 April 1960, Sunday Light (San Antonio, TX), “Bexar Facts” by Morris Willson, pg. 5-E, col. 2:
Thanx to the American Printing co. for the observation, “Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.”
 
16 April 1960, Hattiesburg (MS) American, “This Week At The YMCA” by Jack Gandy, pg. 5, col. 4:
“Y”‘s MEN’S THOUGHTS: Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
 
12 June 1960, The Daily News-Texan (Grand Prairie, TX), pg. 9, col. 2:
“Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.”—Bruce Lefler.
 
26 November 1960, Evening World-Herald (Omaha, NE), pg. 4, col. 2:
Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.—Bruce Lefler.
 
Google News Archive
5 April 1961, Beaver County (PA) Times, “Teenage Corner” by Ellie and David, pg. 30, col. 1:
Don’t complain about the way the ball bounces when you are the one who threw it!
   
2 March 1962, Greensboro (NC) Record, pg. 1 right masthead box:
Jest A Minute
Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
   
Google News Archive
1 June 1966, Miami (FL) News, pg. 10A, col. 8 ad:
DESSY BELLE SEZ: Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
(Maico Hearing Aid Service.—ed.)
 
Google News Archive
17 June 1967, Wilmington (NC) Morning Star, pg. 1, col. 1:
THOUGHT—Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
 
Google News Archive
15 August 1967, Reading (PA) Eagle, pg. 10, col. 3 ad:
SUNNY SIDE UP by Mrs. G.
(...)
Can’t complain about the way the ball bounces, when I’m the one who dropped it!
(Gelbach’s Diner.—ed.)
 
Google News Archive
5 December 1971,The Sunday Star-News (Wilmington, NC),  pg. 6-F, col. 1:
The Light Touch
By CHARLES SMITH, REALTOR
(...)
People who complain about the way the ball bounces are usually the ones who dropped it.
 
Google News Archive
1 March 1975, Pittsburgh (PA) Post-Gazette, “Sidelights on Sports” by Al Abrams, pg. 6, col. 1:
Charley Affif, fighter turned philosopher, says: “Those who complain about the way the ball bounces often are the ones who dropped it.”
 
Google Books
14,000 Quips & Quotes:
For Speakers, Writers, Editors, Preachers, and Teachers

By E. C. McKenzie
Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House
1990, ©1980
Pg. 96:
Those who complain about the way the ball bounces are often the ones who dropped it.
 
Twitter
Donald Broom
‏@donaldbroom
People who complain about the way the ball bounces usually dropped it.
10:20 AM - 30 Jun 2014

Posted by Barry Popik
New York CityWork/Businesses • Sunday, October 19, 2014 • Permalink


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