Ensign Redshirt: Five PM

As the senior half of the Dynamic Duo once said, “Some days, you just can’t get rid of a bomb.” I’m having one of those days now. We found the location of a nuclear device a few minutes ago, but I can’t get any takers to dispose of it. I think the digital counter ticking down the seconds to obliteration is probably a factor. Maybe I’ll try Craig’s List.

Speaking of bombs, one particular shell has been on my mind. I think the previous conversation about synchronized swimming had the same effect as someone humming “The Girl from Ipanema” once and having it stick in your head for the rest of the day. I’m having that with Esther Williams right now. I can’t shake the image of her smiling up at a camera surrounded by bathing beauties.

Esther was a national AAU champ in the 100-meter freestyle, but her good looks and relationship with a producer got her on screen, and from there into the hearts of millions. Her high-water mark was the 1952 film, Million Dollar Mermaid, about the life of another famous swimmer. She broker her neck on a tower dive during filming of the climactic musical number, giving her headaches for the rest of her life. According to her autobiography, she also ruptured eardrums and nearly drowned a few times, too.

She was a player on the Hollywood romance circuit, too. Her co-star of MDM, Victor Mature, comforted her during a rough spot in her first marriage. I assume that made the spot even rougher. Esther had a thing with Jeff Chandler but didn’t like the cross-dressing. Eventually, she landed Fernando Lamas on her third try at the altar.

Oooh. I got a hit on eBay. Top bidder is someone named Syed Ali. Just a few more hours before the auction is over, and then I have to worry about shipping and handling.

Transmission ended!