News of the Week: X Factors, the Envelope Artist, and the Great Taco Tuesday Legal Battle Is Over

Random Thoughts

Twitter is changing its name to X, a move that’s not stupid at all, but could face legal challenges, since many companies, including Microsoft and Meta, hold trademarks to the letter in one way or another. Maybe Musk could instead change the name to Y or the # sign, or perhaps the interrobang?

Are tennis balls yellow or green? It’s a debate that has been going on for years. People are divided on this. It’s the new “what color is the dress” or “Yanny or Laurel” controversy.

I’m not sure why, but I haven’t won the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpots despite playing both the past few weeks. I was very clear when I asked the supermarket clerk to make sure they were winners.

How can the large box of Raisin Bran and the tiny individual box both contain “two scoops of raisins?” Do they use smaller scoops?

There are now mustard-flavored Skittles. Let me repeat that: there are now mustard-flavored Skittles. Coming soon: ketchup M&Ms and relish-dipped Twizzlers.

Did you know that Robert Oppenheimer, the subject of the new Christopher Nolan drama Barbie (kidding!), wrote an article for the Post? It was called “The Mystery of Matter” and appeared in our July 5, 1958, issue.

By the way, tennis balls are yellow, the dress is blue and black, and the name is Laurel.

It’s Okay to Say “Taco Tuesday” Again

Taco John’s has ended its fight to keep the “Taco Tuesday” trademark. Now everybody can use it! Go use it! Right now! Actually, you should wait until next Tuesday, because “Taco Friday” doesn’t have the same ring to it.

For me, the big revelation in this story is that there’s a restaurant chain called Taco John’s.

The Envelope Artist

When I get medical bills in the mail, I’m lucky if they get my address right.

Uploaded to YouTube by CBS Sunday Morning

Something I Learned This Week

Speaking of getting addresses right, there are 71 streets in Atlanta named “Peachtree.”

RIP Sinead O’Connor, Kevin Mitnick, James Reston Jr., Josephine Chaplin, Carlin Glynn, Pamela Blair, Jerome Coopersmith, Brad Houser, and Richard Barancik

Sinead O’Connor had one of the biggest songs of the ’90s, a cover of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U.” She died this week at the age of 56.

Kevin Mitnick was one of the most famous hackers in history. After spending time in prison, he helped companies with their cybersecurity. He died Sunday at the age of 59.

James Reston Jr. helped David Frost with his Richard Nixon interview and was the author of 18 books. He died last week at the age of 82.

Josephine Chaplin was the daughter of Charlie Chaplin and an actress herself, appearing in such films as Escape to the Sun, The Canterbury Tales, and Limelight. She died earlier this month at the age of 74.

Carlin Glynn put her career on hold to raise her children and then came back to win a Tony for her performance in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She also appeared in movies like Sixteen Candles, The Trip to Bountiful, and Three Days of the Condor. She died earlier this month at the age of 83.

Pamela Blair starred in the original Broadway production of A Chorus Line and appeared in many TV shows and films. She died Sunday at the age of 73.

Jerome Coopersmith was a playwright and teacher who also worked in TV, writing for game shows, documentary shows, comedies, and dramas, including The Gabby Hayes Show, Americana, Johnny Jupiter, Hawaii Five-0, Combat, Armstrong Circle Theater, and Spenser: For Hire, among others. He died last week at the age of 97.

Brad Houser was the bassist and co-founder of Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians, known for the song “What I Am.” He died Monday at the age of 62.

Richard Barancik was the last of the Monuments Men (and Women), the World War II group that helped preserve art treasures stolen by the Nazis, a story told in the George Clooney movie Monuments Men. He died earlier this month at the age of 98.

This Week in History

Ford’s First Car Goes on Sale (July 23, 1903)

It was the Ford Model A. The last one came out in 1931.

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis’s First Show (July 25, 1946)

It was at the 500 Club in Atlantic City, which was destroyed by a fire in 1973.

This Week in Saturday Evening Post History: “Flat Tire at the Beach” (July 23, 1955)

 
If you look closely, you can see all of the guys, young and old, seem to have a particular interest in the person who has the flat tire.

Tacos, Tacos, Tacos!

I have not had a taco since the late 1980s. I remember exactly where I had it and who I had it with.

The Post’s Curtis Stone has a recipe for Chipotle Pork Tacos with Grilled Tomato Salsa and Lime, while Pillsbury has one for Ground Beef Tacos. Food & Wine has Fresh Chorizo and Potato Tacos and Chicken Tinga Tacos. Something sweet? Desserts on a Dime has a recipe for Cherry Cheesecake Tacos.

Whether you want to add mustard Skittles to any of these is up to you.

Next Week’s Holidays and Events

Romance Awareness Month Begins (August 1)

If there is romance around you this month, please be aware of it.

International Clown Week (August 1-7)

It was started in the 1950s and is “a tribute to the first recognized group of organized clowns.”

Is there a more terrifying phrase than “organized clowns?”