Beachcombing – Contests

Actually, Maureen, we wondered about the same thing about a decade ago and wanted to interview her for a story, but she declined. We do know that Barbara has not submitted a guess from time to time (along with some other participants), mainly because the image is new or at a very remote location.

Anyone who travels about Long Beach as part of their employment is likely to recognize the treasure and submit a correct guess.

There are other methods for winning, but we’ll keep that information as a closely guarded secret, stored away in a hermetically sealed mayonnaise jar, just like Tonight Show host Johnny Carson stated when playing the role of Carnac the Magnificent. Carson would hold a sealed envelope to his forehead and provided an answer, which turned into a very funny line when the envelope was opened and the question was read.

For example, Carnac holds the envelope to his forehead and says “A hermetically sealed mayonnaise jar.” (Audience chuckles.) Carnac then tears open the envelope and reads: “Name something you’ll never find in a college dorm refrigerator.”

(Sidekick Ed McMahon explodes with laughter. Carnac glares at him and delivers a curse.) “May a flock of seagulls use your toupee for nest lining.”

I used to credit Carnac the Magnificent for the curse “May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits.” Turns out that line is credited to W.C. Fields.

Thanks to everyone who submitted a ballot as part of our 25th annual Best of Long Beach contest. The votes have been tallied, the winners will be notified later this week and the results will be published in our April 3 edition.

We recently saw a post on social media from someone who recently moved to Long Beach from another state. He was asking others for recommendation on products and services that closely resemble the categories in our contest. This serves as a motivation for us to continue our Best of Long Beach contest despite the long hours that it takes to conduct the program.

Yes, many of the same businesses win year-after-year, but businesses come and go, meaning there’s a change of about 15 percent additions and deletions each time results are published.

Thank you to our sponsors. Your gift cards and certificates are the glue that motivates reader participation.

publisher@beachcomber.news