Paul V. Coates -- Confidential File, May 9,1959

Confidential File Mash Notes and Comments "Mr. Coates: "Some years ago I recall reading one of your columns that was written in a nudist camp somewhere in the L.A. or Southern California area. "Would you mind telling us where it's located? "We are traveling through this area and would like to absorb some sunshine if they'll accept us. "The whole family is agreeable to the idea, except my little boy. "He's a very shy child, and he says that no matter what happens, he won't take off his clothes in front of a bunch of people. "But I guess we can talk him into it." (signed) Mrs. R. C., Los Angeles. -Just tell him children should be seen and not heard. (Press Release) "A company has come up with a product for utility poles that will cut down on squirrel deaths and end power failures, line shorts and fires," reports Electrical Wholesaling, McGraw-Hill publication. "Squirrels, with their affinity for power line poles and transformers, are often welded to the spot when they nuzzle up against wires carrying 7,200 volts. "Now an insulating cover can be fused to the metal of the transformer with just enough juice coming through to give the squirrel a discouraging tickle." (signed) Publicity Department, McGraw - Hill Publications, New York City, N.Y. - What's discouraging about a tickle? :: "Dear Mr. Coates: "Your Hollywood Blvd. readers of your daily column may be interested in a newcomer in the juke-box music world named Kirk Atello, because they see him around Las Palmas and Hollywood Blvd., lounging in his '39 Cadillac roadster at all hours. "This newcomer to the juke-box singing now has a record delivering his voice and it is a record of two songs he has sincerely put on that record. "The songs are 'A-ma-a' and 'Flirtatious Fool.' "He is aged 28, and has been living in Hollywood some four rugged years. His 'beat' type attire and his continual study of horse racing charts establish him as an interesting character. "The guy is OK, Paul. He even bought me a cup of coffee while I sat and listened to his records. "The fact is, Kirk Atello put the 20 cents in the juke box to play his records just so I could listen. "The music tempo was too fast. The orchestration background was too loud. Kirk Atello sings all right, but he can improve. "He must project his personal feeling and personal thinking more into the way he sings. "He has got to indicate an attitude of more force, or make one feel that he sings for ONE CERTAIN ONE and is all alive with earnestness equal to a signature to a letter." (signed) Memphis Harry Lee Ward, newsboy, P.O. Box 1963, Hollywood. -Memphis, the guy bought you a cup of coffee. The least you could do is give him a good review.