The Battle of Los Angeles?

That’s what they called it.

It was also referred to as “The Great Los Angeles Air Raid” and it happened today in 1942.

It was less than three months after the attack on Pearl Harbor and the West Coast had a bad case of war jitters. Air raid sirens sounded that evening and a blackout was mandated. Then the anti-aircraft artillery began an hour-long barrage at a rumored enemy attack. Over 1,400 shells were fired.

But…there was no such enemy attack.

It’s mostly believed now that the reaction was triggered by weather balloons…weather balloons? Why not swamp gas?

But it had to have been terrifying to be in Los Angeles that night and it was actually dangerous. Three people died as a result of the barrage and three more died from heart attacks due to the stress of the event (seriously!).

Does anyone know where Orson Welles was that night?

Baseball birthdays today!

–          All-time all-star Honus Wagner was born today in 1874. I’m sure you have a few of his baseball cards stashed away somewhere.

–          Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo was born today in 1977. Position players are reporting to spring training over the next few days and I’m gettin’  pumped. I do believe this will be the Reds year to shine. You heard it here first!

Oh, by the way…

It’s Independence Day in Estonia

Drink 4cast 4 2day

Songwriter Michel Legrand was born today in 1932. Mr. Legrand was the mind behind the film “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” – absolutely always worth watching. Mr. Legrand also gave us the songs; “What Are You Doing for the Rest of Your Life” from “The Thomas Crowne Affair”, “The Way He Makes Me Feel” from “Yentl”, “The Summer Knows” (my personal favorite) from “The Summer of ‘42” and the maddening inspiration for today’s libation, “The Windmills of Your Mind”. Let’s have a;

Rusty Windmill Cocktail

1 oz. Drambuie

1 oz. Royal James Gin

Mix over ice.

Bombs away! (Just kidding, Los Angeles…)

Cheers!

Roger

1/24/12.

Tags: Bronson Arroyo, Drambuie, Honus Wagner, Michel Legrand, Orson Welles, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg