Just a note to reassure all Bodholt's Diner members who have given up booze for Lent that, as in years past, I hereby grant special dispensation to all, effective March 16 - 18, which should cover warm-up ceremonies through medicinal Bloody Marys. This is in memory of my father, Robert E. Crowley, who assured us that Jesus understood as he drank a Bud while watching Jack McCarthy describe the parade on Channel 11.
John of course Jesus understood. Didn't he turn the water into Red Wine. Have a Happy St. Patrick's Day. I've already been to two parades and several parties. Several more to go.
I remember watching that parade on TV. I do not remember my correct age.
Sitting in the living room had a great time. The poor announcer was one of the funniest as the day went on. I do remember my family all drank along with him.
I had the pleasure of meeting Jack McCarthy once at Channel 11, up in the Daily News building. He was a very friendly and charming guy who took the time to show me around the studio. I remember he said he knew some Crowleys from the old country.
Incidentally, back in the '60s the WPIX TV studio was a very accessible place. One day I just took the elevator to the 11th floor, walked into the studio and sat off to one side while Chuck McCann taped his Sunday show, including bits where he read the Sunday comics dressed as Little Orphan Annie, Dick Tracy and the Dragon Lady (from Terry and the Pirates). It was just me and a couple kids who belonged to a cameraman watching this great performance from McCann. Something like that wouldn't happen today, I guess.
