First-Nameless Retired Postal Mascot Mr. Zip Turned 60 -- and Nobody Noticed

 Apparently the U.S. Postal Service's cartoon mascot, Mr. ZIP, who was pressed into service on July 1, 1963, to help promote the new-fangled idea called a ZIP Code (the ZIP stands for Zone Improvement Plan, FYI) notched the 60-year mark this summer -- and nobody seemed to notice.

Perhaps that's because nobody is familiar with Mr. ZIP --- since he was put out to pasture with semi-retirement in 1983 with full retirement following in 1986. The above image has some additional informastion about his history. My favorite part? He has no first first name. I think he deserves one. What should it be? 

My vote is for "Benjamin" -- in honor of the first Postmaster General, Benjamin Franklin, appointed in 1775.

Post Cubbins: Hat 521: How do You Like Meow? Edition

Black, 100% acrylic knit cap with white all-caps embroidery that reads: "Féline" on one line and "Meow" on the other.  Interior tag gives the country of manufacture as China and interior label (which says "made in U.S.A." - we assume that's essentially a result of putting the embroidery on the finished cap stateside) says "BLTEE Brian Lichtenberg."

This knit cap was purloined from the Bride this morning as it's a rare rainy Los Angeles Monday and the old noggin needed some insulation. And, in case you're not fluent in fashion, it's meant to be a parody reference to the Céline luxury label.

This isn't the first time we've featured one of Lichtenberg's fashion parody pieces in the Project, a white version of the cap (riffing on Balmain) appeared as Hat 260 and a parody of his parody pieces clocked in at Hat 256.


ALSO:
Hat 520: A Dot Dam
Hat 519: Don't tronc me Bro
Hat 260: We Ballin'

Q: OK, fun hat. But what is -- or was -- Project Cubbins, exactly?

A: Project Cubbins started as one man’s attempt to pay homage to Dr. Seuss and his second book, "The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins," during its 75th anniversary year in 2013. It documented the wearing of a different hat or piece of headgear every day for 500 consecutive days with no do-aheads, no banking of hats and no retroactive entries. Hat One was posted on May 27, 2013, and Hat 500 was posted on October 8, 2014.


While headgear is no longer posted on a daily basis, the occasional cap, hat or bonnet – if deemed worthy and non-duplicative – is sported here for the amusement of all.

Post Cubbins: Hat 520 - A Dot Dam Edition

Black, 100% cotton snapback cap with gold all caps embroidery on front that reads: "A. HAM" with additional gold embroidery on back that reads: "Hamilton: An American Musical." Interior tag reads: "Otto, 125-1038, One size fits most, made in China. Additional details include flat brim with contrast gray underneath and sticker on top that reads: Otto 3030 Pro SNAP, The Premium Snapback Cap."

This lid, which was waiting for me when I returned from my recent voyage to the 802 was procured by the Bride whose love for the Broadway musical "Hamilton" rivals my own. (We've had to institute a strict no-dueling policy in the house.)

The "A. Ham" is a reference to a line from the song "Your Obedient Servant" in which Hamilton (the genius Lin-Manuel Miranda) raps the closing and signature of a letter to Aaron Burr thusly: I have the honor to be Your Obedient Servant / A dot Ham. 

I could go on and on about how uh-mazing this show was (I saw it last September as part of an over-the-top birthday excursion that started in New York City and ended in Berlin) and I still weep uncontrollably every time I hear Jonathan Groff sing "You'll Be Back" on the soundtrack album) but will simply leave it at: "GO SEE IT ANYWHERE AND ANY WAY YOU CAN."

I close with a hat-tip to the Bride and a deep bow of respect to the genius of "Hamilton" and all those involved with it.

I have the honor to be
Your Obdt. St.
A dot Dam

ALSO
Hat 519: Don't tronc Me Bro
Hat 109: New Amsterdam State of Mind
Hat 52: Two Tschorns and a Tricorne

Q: OK, fun hat. But what is -- or was -- Project Cubbins, exactly?

A: Project Cubbins started as one man’s attempt to pay homage to Dr. Seuss and his second book, "The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins," during its 75th anniversary year in 2013. It documented the wearing of a different hat or piece of headgear every day for 500 consecutive days with no do-aheads, no banking of hats and no retroactive entries. Hat One was posted on May 27, 2013, and Hat 500 was posted on October 8, 2014.


While headgear is no longer posted on a daily basis, the occasional cap, hat or bonnet – if deemed worthy and non-duplicative – is sported here for the amusement of all.

Post Cubbins: Hat 519 - Don't tronc Me Bro Edition

Black, baseball-style cap with adjustable Velcro closure in the back and white embroidery on the front that reads: "Los Angeles Times." Interior tag reads: "Apollo USA, made in China."

This hat came into my possession less than two hours ago at an employee town hall meeting. Since the meeting itself was off the record all I'm at liberty to say is that many of these hats were handed out - gratis - to other attendees prior to the off-the-record portion of said meeting.

Added benefit: Now I can now keep my head buried in the Los Angeles Times even when it's not .. you know .. buried in the Los Angeles Times.


ALSO:
Hat 316: Feelin' Festival of Bookish
Hat 276: Hark the Herald-Examiner
Hat 227: The (Late) Great Outdoors

Q: OK, fun hat. But what is -- or was -- Project Cubbins, exactly?

A: Project Cubbins started as one man’s attempt to pay homage to Dr. Seuss and his second book, "The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins," during its 75th anniversary year in 2013. It documented the wearing of a different hat or piece of headgear every day for 500 consecutive days with no do-aheads, no banking of hats and no retroactive entries. Hat One was posted on May 27, 2013, and Hat 500 was posted on October 8, 2014.

While headgear is no longer posted on a daily basis, the occasional cap, hat or bonnet – if deemed worthy and non-duplicative – is sported here for the amusement of all.

Post Cubbins: Hat 518 - Rudolph the Red Nose Day Reindeer Edition

Deer-shaped cap covered in brown faux fur with a pair of light brown antlers. (It's a 10-pointer if you're wondering.) All identification and manufacturing tags have been removed. This hat came to the project by way of Davis Alexander (see PC 513: A 'Mingo for the Moms).

The hat has been after-market accessorized with a red rubber nose that mysteriously arrived on my desk sometime in the last two months. According to the accompanying tag, sales of said schnoz (which is being offered exclusively through Walgreens) support the Red Nose Day Fund, a program under the Comic Relief umbrella.

More information on that program can be found at rednosedayusa.com. As for me, I've got to get moving -- I've got some serious sleigh weight to pull.

ALSO:
PC 517: Patty O'Furniture
PC 346: Under a Buck
PC 196: Antler Claus

Q: OK, fun hat but what is -- or was -- Project Cubbins, exactly?

A: Project Cubbins started as one man’s attempt to pay homage to Dr. Seuss and his second book, "The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins," during its 75th anniversary year in 2013. It documented the wearing of a different hat or piece of headgear every day for 500 consecutive days with no do-aheads, no banking of hats and no retroactive entries. Hat One was posted on May 27, 2013, and Hat 500 was posted on October 8, 2014.

While headgear is no longer posted on a daily basis, the occasional cap, hat or bonnet – if deemed worthy and non-duplicative – is sported here for the amusement of all.

Post Cubbins: Hat 517 - Patty O'Furniture Edition

Green polyurethane foam leprechaun hat by Elope Inc., with orange polyester beard also from Elope. Both were manufactured in China.

This seasonally appropriate hat was left anonymously in my office cubicle some months ago along with a press release describing it as a "Lepre-Con 2016 Instant Leprechaun Makeover Kit." As far as I can figure, the gear - and the press release - were aimed at drumming up participation for a February 13, 2016, Las Vegas event billed as the World's Largest Leprechaun Gathering. (As opposed to say, a gathering of the world's largest leprechauns, a conclave to which I in my finery might be better suited.)

I can't resist the opportunity to share my favorite and corniest (or perhaps corned-beefiest) Irish joke:

Q: Who is the first Irishman out in the Spring?
A: Patty O'Furniture.

Groan as you will. I didn't promise it'd be highbrow. A tip o' the leprechaun lid to the good doctor for the shamrock which ended up being today's number card.

ALSO:
Hat 516: That's So Funnel
Hat 295: Shamrock Shaker
Hat 137: Luck o' the Irish

Q: OK, fun hat but what is -- or was -- Project Cubbins, exactly?

A: Project Cubbins started as one man’s attempt to pay homage to Dr. Seuss and his second book, "The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins," during its 75th anniversary year in 2013. It documented the wearing of a different hat or piece of headgear every day for 500 consecutive days with no do-aheads, no banking of hats and no retroactive entries. Hat One was posted on May 27, 2013, and Hat 500 was posted on October 8, 2014.

While headgear is no longer posted on a daily basis, the occasional cap, hat or bonnet – if deemed worthy and non-duplicative – is sported here for the amusement of all.

Post Cubbins: Hat 516 - That's So Funnel Edition

In celebration of Millinery Monday I present a silver metallic, funnel-shaped Tin Woodman hat with Velcro-closure, under-the-chin strap and metal stud detailing around the edge. Interior tag reads: "Pony Express Creations, Inc" and "Made in China" along with the no-longer-valid web address of the manufacturer.

Clearly a nod to the  headgear worn by the heart-seeking metal lumberjack from Frank L. Baum's "Oz" books, this from the cornucopia of caps left at my cubicle by Davis Alexander (see PC: 513 --"A 'Mingo for the Moms") and was part of her hat-collecting mother's deep bench of lids.

Today's hat-tip goes to Alice Blue Nadler, the assist to Davis Alexander.

Related:
PC 515: Seeing Double-Double
PC 514: Sir Laugh A Lot
PC 513: A 'Mingo for the Moms

Q: OK, fun hat but what is -- or was -- Project Cubbins, exactly?

A: Project Cubbins started as one man’s attempt to pay homage to Dr. Seuss and his second book, "The 500 Hats of Bartholemew Cubbins," during its 75th anniversary year in 2013. It documented the wearing of a different hat or piece of headgear every day for 500 consecutive days with no do-aheads, no banking of hats and no retroactive entries. Hat One was posted on May 27, 2013, and Hat 500 was posted on October 8, 2014.

While headgear is no longer posted on a daily basis, the occasional cap, hat or bonnet – if deemed worthy and non-duplicative – is sported here for the amusement of all.