Almanac Lists Famous Calif. Actors, Athletes, Politicians and, Er, Interns

In the local honors category, Allan Wallach of West L.A. points out that the “Famous Californians” list in the World Almanac contains former governors, U.S. senators, presidents -- and one former White House intern (see accompanying).

“Now I realize she gets her name in the papers once in a while,” Wallach said, “and she’s mentioned on Leno and Letterman, but ‘famous?’ ”

Infamous in canine circles: Pamela Bond of Santa Barbara came upon a notice for a real scaredy-cat (see accompanying).

Mystery of the Day: Newspaper archivist Richard Robinson of Beverly Hills wondered about an unusual offer in a 1937 edition of the L.A. Times (see accompanying).

Doubling as the Only in Old L.A. columnist, I found it referred to a test defensive maneuver in which 24 U.S. Army planes spread a smoke screen across downtown L.A. The exercise was also intended to promote an Army charitable event.

While Angelenos were assured that the smoke was harmless, more than 1,000 car owners complained that their paint jobs were ruined. Other citizens reported damage to their clothes, especially silk stockings.

So, a company was hired by the government to repaint the blemished cars at government expense, The Times said. I couldn’t find any mention of relief for silk stocking owners.

For better or verse: Jim Bell, 62, an environmental designer, doesn’t stand much chance of victory today in his third race for San Diego mayor, but at least he has provided some color.

Four years ago, he spoke of his vasectomy during a televised debate to show his commitment to population control. This year, running against three establishment Republicans, he’s been using verse:

The other guys are the old / I’m the new/ I have a plan/ They haven’t a clue.

Campaign oldies: Bell reminds me a bit of Eileen Anderson, L.A.’s perpetual singing candidate of a quarter-century ago, who warbled her proposals, such as a plan to disperse the smog with giant fans:

Dig a hole in the mountains / Put a tunnel through / Put some wind behind it / And blow some fresh air through / Blow away the smoggy-og-og / Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Too bad she wasn’t around to suggest it the day of the Army smoke screen.

miscelLAny: Nina Brice notes that a mondegreen -- a misunderstood song lyric -- was the inspiration for a play by Bernard Farrell (see accompanying).

“The characters,” Brice said, “have a running dispute about the words to the song ‘Strangers in the Night.’ One correctly sings ‘Strangers in the night, exchanging glances, lovers at first sight

Steve Harvey can be reached at (800) LATimes, Ext. 77083.