Molly Ivins (1944-2007) was more than a political commentator or a humorist. She was a Texas original, and it showed in everything she wrote.
She loved to write about the often ridiculous goings on of the Texas Legislature. “Good thing we’ve still got politics in Texas—finest form of free entertainment ever invented” is a typical Ivins comment, from 1986.
Wikipedia: Molly Ivins
Mary Tyler “Molly” Ivins (August 30, 1944 – January 31, 2007) was an American newspaper columnist, political commentator, and best-selling author from Austin, Texas.
Biography
Ivins was born in Monterey, California, raised in Houston, Texas, and attended St. John’s School in Houston. She went on to study at Smith College, earning a BA in 1966, and at Columbia University’s journalism school, where she received a master’s degree
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Writing style
Written from a generally liberal perspective, Ivins’ style consisted of down-home homilies, peppered with colorful phrases to create the “feel” of Texas. When outraged by instances of what she considered malfeasance or stupidity on the part of public officials, she couched her argument in an air of stunned amusement. She enjoyed telling stories about the Texas Legislature, which she simply called “The Lege.” She contended that it is one of the most corrupt, most incompetent, and funniest governing bodies in the nation—a well that she tapped on a regular basis.
7 June 1986, The Nation, “Tough as bob war and other stuff” (Letter from Texas) by Molly Ivins:
Good thing we’ve still got politics in Texas—finest form of free entertainment ever invented.
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:
•“I read old books because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“I study old buildings because I would rather learn from those who built civilization than those who tore it down” (4/18)
•“Due to personal reasons, I’m still going to be fluffy this summer” (4/18)
•“Do not honk at me. My life is worthless. I will kill us both” (bumper sticker) (4/18)
•Entry in progress—BP16 (4/18)
More new entries...
Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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