578. Mexico, 21 Aug. 1940

Jim got #577!

In memoriam. I wanted to use Christmas in July but I couldn't find a decent picture, so we're moving on to August. After this we'll pick back up with movies. But I can't skip this!

577. France, 2 June 1940

Jim got #576!

These troops are part of a big, big evacuation from northern France.

576. Europe, Apr. 1940

Jim got #575!

Not too many movies cover the first half of 1940, but there was still a lot going on. This man was responsible for a new word in the English language. Who is he?

575. U.S., Mar. 1940

Nora got #574!

One champ. Two champs. Old champ. New champ. This one has a little belt. This one is a little Celt. Say! Neither of them has a welt!

574. New York, 1940

Jim got #573; he's 6 for 6! Will Jim continue to shut out the competition?

Here's a hard-boiled insurance agent on the trail of a robber. Boy, won't he be surprised!

573. U.S., Mar. 1940

Jim got #572! He's now 5 for 5!

This man emerged from a sabbatical with a new wife and a new song in his heart.

572. Tibet, Feb. 1940

Jim got #571; he's 4 for 4!

Now here's a country I don't recall us visiting before.

571. At the Movies, Jan. 1940

Jim got #570!

Classic film! (Sorry this is up late; I click "Publish" and the wheel just spins and spins...)

Welcome to

Born this year: John Hurt, Peter Fonda, Raul Julia, Chuck Norris, James Caan, Al Pacino, Patrick Stewart, Raquel Welch, Sam Waterston, and Bruce Lee!

570. The Atlantic, 1939

Jim got #569!

It's time now to say goodbye to the 1930s. It's been a raucous decade of jazz, gangsters, economic depression--and now another war in Europe. We've come out the other side leaner, stronger, and hopefully just a little wiser. The 1940s promises to be an interesting decade! See you on the other side.

569. Malaysia, 1939

This government agent sometimes employs a big game hunter to help out with the tough cases. (TV) No? Here's a second picture; maybe it will help.

Sept. 1, 1939

Jim got #568!

HITLER INVADES POLAND. Germany struck fast and struck hard, sending five armies into the country without warning or demands. The major cities of Katowice, Krakow, Tczew and Tunel have been bombed. The governments of Great Britain and France are in emergency meetings. This is it, folks. Europe is going to war.

568. Germany, Summer of 1939

Thanks to Roy Mahlberg for #567!

This scene is far removed from the tensions building across Europe--or is it?

567. New York, 1939

Thanks Roy Mahlberg for answering #566!

Come on, Coach, don't you think 35 is a little old for a rookie?

566. Italy, 1939

Jim got #565!

Not all Italians are blackshirts of the revolution. (Foreign Film)

565. 1939

Nora got #564!

Looks like we'll hit 1940 on Monday. Who's this?

564. 1939

Nora got #563!

Over our journey, we meet a few Rip van Winkles. The first was #9, waaay back in 11,236 BCE. Right now I can think of five more coming up. Here's the second. He'll sleep for 53 years.

563. Chicago, 1939

DesiLinguist & Jim got #562!

Chaos erupts at a local radio station!

562. England, 1939

Nora & Jim got #561!

The headmaster of this boys school is about to retire.

561. Germany, 13 May 1939

Nora got #560!

Perhaps the most shameful tale in the buildup to WWII: Reaching across the Atlantic for sanctuary, the passengers of this vessel will be greeted with indifference and turned away.

560. U.S., 1939

Nora got #559!

Here's a fun story.

559. U.S., 2 May 1939

Jim & Mom got #558!

Here's the man currently making headlines!

558. U.S., 2 May 1939

Jim got #557! He's on a streak!

Speaking of streaks, a run of 2,130 consecutive games ended today when the Yankees played at Detroit, minus one player.

557. 1939

Jim got #556!

Just for a change of pace on this Easter Sunday evening, here's a painting from 1939. Artist and title?

556. U.S., 1939

Jim got #555!

Here's another familiar face from 1939!

555. U.S., 1939

Jim got #554!

Seven years of work finally paid off for these young men! They are...?

554. March, 1939

Nora got #553!

Who's this?

553. Florida, 1939

Nora got #552!

This little boy has musical talent.

552. New Orleans, 1939

Nora & Jim got #551!

New Orleans won't be known as The Big Easy for another 30-odd years.

551. Germany, 1939

Jim got #550!

Altough the Hitler Youth has been around since 1926, compulsory membership has caused their numbers to swell recently. This Hitler Youth, though, would rather jitterbug than goosestep!

Welcome to

550. Europe, 1938

Jim got #549!

With this couple, we now say goodbye to 1938. He's a reporter. She's an Anna Nichole wannabe whose new husband may or may not be a Nazi. The reporter has been following them around Europe, but I think he's after more than the story!

549. U.S., 1938

DesiLingust & Jim got #548!

Meet the Parents with a '30s twist!

548. Scotland, Dec. 1938

Jim got #547!

LOST DOG. Large sable & white collie. White collar & white blaze on nose. Contact the Duke of Rudling.

547. U.S., Oct. 1938

Nora & Jim got #546!

Most famous fictional radio broadcast ever.

546. Los Angeles, 1938

DesiLinguist got #545!

One hotel in particular is currently hosting a myriad of misfits, including a gaggle of munchkins (and no, I'm not being politically incorrect).

545. U.S., June 1938

Jim got #544!

Today we commemorate a story that will inspire a genre. 10¢ well spent, especially if you had kept it!