BOSTON—A study published Monday by a group of linguists, historians, and semioticians has proved the concept of “the good old days” can be traced back to the weekend of June 19, 1948. “After extensive interviews, analysis of personal correspondence, and repeated viewings of that week’s Ed Sullivan Show, we have pinpointed the precise time period this phrase signifies,” said researcher Patrick Washington, explaining that during the 48-hour period, no hard work went unrewarded and normal folks could count on hope for the future. “During this brief window, a man was a man, a woman was a woman, and people had the decency to stop you on the street and say hello. At least until Sunday at 11:53 p.m.” The study also confirmed that throughout these two “good old days” singer Peggy Lee was on the radio and the weather was just perfect.

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