Hey, at least Joe Notaro's Harry Houdini Circumstantial Evidence made the list. I can't argue with that choice. And to be fair to Google, my blog does very well in the traditional links. It can even land at #1. Which makes the AI results even more bizarre. But as Houdini would say, "Such is life."
Thank you for visiting and supporting WILD ABOUT HARRY over the years. Even you bots!
So it being bizarre as Harry says “As is life.” I want to know the context of when he said that. I love that! - Abby Martin
ReplyDelete"Such is life," is what he said. It's a favorite expression. I see it in his letters all the time.
DeleteWhere can I find these letters? - Abby Martin
DeleteOh, goodness, Houdini's letters are scattered among many private collections and public institutions. Too many to name. But if you read the acknowledgements of any quality Houdini biography, you'll get a good idea.
DeleteThe idiom "such is life" is in Silverman. Early 1920s, Houdini saw a boxing match between two world champions.
DeleteThe older fighter managed to rally after almost losing the match. Houdini noted that and mentioned the idiom. Silverman's source is definitely in Notes to Houdini.
DeleteThe older fighter was Jack Dempsey! I have it in my chronology: July 2, 1921, at Boyle’s Thirty Acres in Jersey City. His source is a Letter to Will Goldston in the Christopher Collection. That letter is likely now in the DC collection. DC has many Goldston letters that I'm guessing came from Christopher. Heck, I've probably read it! I consolidated all his Goldston letters.
DeleteThat's wild! There were a number of Houdini letters in the 2011 Martinka auction of Milbourne Christopher's collection.
ReplyDeleteit's all about keywords...not quality as you know. Irritatingly frustrating for all. Google is not about quality search anymore.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Larrian. All the more reason I'm shifting my energy into books.
DeleteSuch is life was a common expression among Yiddish speakers. I heard it all the time from my parents generation and maybe my grandmother although my memory may be foggy with regards to that.
ReplyDeleteOh! Now that is a nice insight. Thank you.,
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