Hearts and harps. Sweets and suites.
Who can resist Valentine’sDay? It strives to define the month of February. At least in the eyes of
retailers.
And though there are other noble reasons to commemorate February
along with Cupid – World Radio Day (13th),
Presidents’ Day (16th),
and Marijuana Awareness Month
– for the 39 and Holding Club, February 14th is also “Grandpa” Jack Benny Day!
Jack Benny was
a deadpan funnyman who segued from family night around the console radio to
family night in front of the TV, with delightful dry humor and self-deprecating
one-liners.
A Valentine baby, Mr. Benny (February
14, 1894-1974) is the sole reason the 39
and Holding Club exists. Having celebrated his 39th
birthday on-air with fans, he looked forward to it again the following year.
He leaned toward the microphone to
declare his 40th birthday … and couldn’t do it. “There’s nothing
funny about 40,” he said, and declared instead, “I’m 39 and Holding!”
