A Silly Little Inch

When Billboard magazine touted the 10th anniversary of Rhino Records (known for its kooky sense of humor) in a recent ad supplement, the copy heralded the label’s achievements in National Enquirer-style, with garish headlines and startling photos.

One headline: “Rhino Scientists Unveil One-Inch Compact Discs!” It was accompanied by a photo of a scientist displaying one (it was actually a washer).

Not everybody got the joke. Last week Rhino President Richard Foos got a wire from Yoshihisa Honda, international director of the Tokyo-based Victor Records: “I am very much interested in your one-inch CD. I would appreciated it if you could send me one sample of it. Thanks. . . . “