[Hallicrafters] Happy Halli-Ween To All

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

FYI: October 31st is the official Magician's holiday because of Harry Houdini
dying on this date in 1926 in a Detroit, Michigan hospital of a ruptured
appendix. Contrary to legend, myth and movies, he had a bad appendix and was
sucker punched by a cub reporter in Toronto, Canada. His appendix ruptured,
infection set in and there were no antibiotics to treat it. The man was
fifty-two and in absolutely incredible physical condition. He lived for two
weeks, which is a tribute to his sheer power of will. Most people would have
been dead in a few days. 	
	
Because of his incredible physical condition, he let people punch him in the
stomach and abdomen as part of his stage show. His muscle structure was so
solid, they could not hurt him. But being sucker punched as he was in his hotel
room in Canada was enough to burst the already infected appendix. 	
	
I know what this is like, because this professional Magician/Illusionist had his
appendix rupture on March 14, 1987. It started on Friday the thirteenth! I
nearly died, even with IV antibiotics for two weeks. The doctors on weekend duty
at the hospital were convinced a man of forty could not have appendicitis, it
had to be a kidney stone trying to pass. Wrong! They did not give it up even
when the kidney dye test showed absolutely no kidney stones whatsoever.
Naturally my doctor left on vacation the morning I was admitted to the hospital!
I wonder if this blight affects Magicians more so than the general populous?
Hmmm.    	
	
So wish me a Happy Magician's Day, or whatever it is called - 	
	

	
Duane W8DBF