Why “39 & Holding”? Because “40 isn’t funny …”

My good friend, John F. Harnish, recently reminded me that Jack Benny was the consummate 39-year-old. Mr. Benny was a popular radio, TV, and movie comic actor from the 1930s through most of the 1960s. He perfected a droll, penny-pinching persona who refused to age past his 39^th birthday.

Mr. Benny reportedly began his running gag to celebrate his 39^th year—again … and again—because “40 isn’t funny.” And Jack Benny was all about being funny. He demanded it—and he got it.

 

For those of us who remember his television shticks (I do, barely, of course—being just a kid myself—heehee), The Jack Benny Program was a highlight of our evening entertainment on the tiny boob tube. Mr. Benny and his cast of kookie characters and high-profile celebrities kept us laughing throughout the show.

The venerable comic was 39 years old 41 times before he passed into Comedian Heaven (in 1974, at 80 years old), and gave more character and emphasis to “Well,” than anyone I have ever heard utter the word.

Welcome to the 39 And Holding Club!

So, be honest, are you forty-plus? When asked your age have you ever answered, "39 and holding!"?

Now you can prove you're not a day over 39, with a membership in the 39 And Holding Club!

The idea for a Club 39 (39 And Holding Club's "nickname") began on my own milestone birthday (several years added to 39 ...), in 2008. I bought the domain that night. But chasing the almighty dollar in a recession claims most of my time ... not much left for fun.

So what spurred me to action now? Three auspicious occasions:

• Another milestone (in music) birthday coming up in November (2012)--think Sir Paul McCartney ...
• A dear friend's recent birthday, who when I told her of my intent for the domain--someday--said, "Well, when you do, sign me up!"
• But most of all, my incentive to act NOW and at least outline the membership, design a few web pages, and basically get the ol' ball rolling ... is my Uncle Elvin's 90th birthday, tomorrow (April 30, 2012)