# It Fell Off The Back Of A Truck! **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 25, 2013, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144 "2013-12-25T11:13:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/21 "2013-12-25T17:09:58Z")
Was it Royko or was it John R. Powers who told the story of a guy in his neighborhood who always had stuff for sale that fell off the back of a truck or whatever. The cops finally raided one of his sales and everyone discovered he actually had bought everything legitimately and had receipts. Then no one would ever do business with him again. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/22 "2013-12-25T17:28:17Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Well… seeing as Flip has passed away that would be just a _bit_ difficult… Couldn’t he at least make a cameo appearance in some Will Smith, MIB film - just for the benefit of his most trusted fans? > [@Broomstick](#): > > Also, Lincoln Park is still free admission … I’m impressed! > [@Broomstick](#): > > He only _looks_ that old. The wild Itralian. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/23 "2013-12-25T17:32:05Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > Was it Royko or was it John R. Powers who told the story of a guy in his neighborhood who always had stuff for sale that fell off the back of a truck or whatever. The cops finally raided one of his sales and everyone discovered he actually had bought everything legitimately and had receipts. Then no one would ever do business with him again. :D:D:D After his death many of Johnny Cash’s fans were dismayed to find out that the star never spent a day of his life behind bars. If they knew that beforehand … he might not have sold so well. Sad to think of it. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/24 "2013-12-25T17:41:33Z")
Untrue - Cash actually was locked up at least once for carrying drugs, but was never convicted. More like the way cops might lock someone drunk up until they sobered up. Basically, he was in a holding cell for a brief time. Cash was never convicted on drug charges and certainly never did hard time. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/25 "2013-12-25T18:18:23Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Untrue - Cash actually was locked up at least once for carrying drugs, but was never convicted. More like the way cops might lock someone drunk up until they sobered up. Basically, he was in a holding cell for a brief time. Cash was never convicted on drug charges and certainly never did hard time. Behind behind bars, I was thinking of prison … you know Folsom and the Orange Blossom Special and killing a man in Reno just to watch him die … I don’t care if I do die do die do. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/26 "2013-12-25T20:40:44Z")
Ironically, these days “prison” is less likely to have bars than “jail” - though I’m told the distinction is largely American and other nations don’t have such. Then again, I try to stay out of such facilities myself, regardless of what they’re called. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/27 "2013-12-25T21:00:28Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Ironically, these days “prison” is less likely to have bars than “jail” - though I’m told the distinction is largely American and other nations don’t have such. Then again, I try to stay out of such facilities myself, regardless of what they’re called. I don’t think our prisons have bars either … they’d get in the way of the wide screen TV, 3-piece sofa, refrigerator, stand-up freezer, walk-in closet, and individual 24-hour buffet. ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2013, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/28 "2013-12-25T22:36:56Z")
> [@Riga\_Marole](#): > > Oh, that you should mention Bo Diddly! If the secret police ever hack into my internet connection-history they’ll think I’ve lost my mind for every time that I’ve been here: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeZHB3ozglQ](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeZHB3ozglQ) It’s the link I’ve clicked more than any other. Note the bandy-leg choo-choo he churnes out … and the moves of that trio of women is something you won’t find in any dictionary! Great video clip! Thanks! Here’s a little bit of Wikipedia history I just found about that Ed Sullivan performance. The clip got me to poke around a bit. > **[Bo Diddley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Diddley)** > > Ellas Otha Bates (December 30, 1928 – June 2, 2008), known professionally as Bo Diddley, was an American guitarist and singer who played a key role in the transition from the blues to rock and roll. He influenced many artists, including Buddy Holly, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Animals, George Thorogood, Syd Barrett, and the Clash. > His use of African rhythms and a signature beat, a simple five-accent hambone rhythm, is a cornerstone of hip hop, rock, and pop music. In recognition of hi... It’s weird for me to see him dance around, and perform without his square guitars. I’ve mostly seen clips of him performing at a more advanced age, and weight. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/29 "2013-12-26T03:27:40Z")
Back in the '70s the Canon warehouse put by O’Hare got hit. Sometime after a co-worker offered me a deal on a Canon camera. I asked, “Would it be okay to send in the warranty card?” “Probably not.” Wasn’t THAT good a deal, anyway. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/30 "2013-12-26T06:01:09Z")
> [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](#): > > Great video clip! Thanks! Here’s a little bit of Wikipedia history I just found about that Ed Sullivan performance. The clip got me to poke around a bit. > [Bo Diddley - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Diddley#Success_in_the_1950s_and_1960s) > > It’s weird for me to see him dance around, and perform without his square guitars. I’ve mostly seen clips of him performing at a more advanced age, and weight. Yeah, I really love that bandy-leg thing and the way he shuffles forward on the stage in that video! Much more powerful than James Brown, Jackie Wilson, Elvis Presley or even Sam and Dave. No, I’m not going to compare him with Chuck Berry, though - that would be sacrilegious! 🆒 I’ve seen lots of these all over Africa but I never knew they were called a _ **diddley bow** _ untill I read your link! Thank you for posting it! [http://www.thedailypage.com/media/2008/12/19/394CoverOrphanBoyGuitar.jpg](http://www.thedailypage.com/media/2008/12/19/394CoverOrphanBoyGuitar.jpg) As much as I love the clip I linked, I’m a bit dismayed with a couple of things. First, those girls in the audience must be a stock visual film because I’ve seen the exact same one on some other concert with a different performer. Secondly, the screaming girls in the background is probably a paste-in audio from a Beatles or Rolling Stones concert. Those TV studio technicians just couldn’t leave a good thing alone! ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/31 "2013-12-26T06:05:02Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > Back in the '70s the Canon warehouse put by O’Hare got hit. Sometime after a co-worker offered me a deal on a Canon camera. I asked, “Would it be okay to send in the warranty card?” > > “Probably not.” > > Wasn’t THAT good a deal, anyway. I take it you didn’t buy the thing, eh? I don’t mind buying second hand (or things from uncertain origins if the price is right) but buying second hand electrical items is just asking for disappointment. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/32 "2013-12-26T06:15:50Z")
> [@Riga\_Marole](#): > > Yeah, I really love that bandy-leg thing and the way he shuffles forward on the stage in that video! … and the sultry slide moves those ladies do at about 5:00 is the stuff wet dreams are made of! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b2d939/32.png) [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C_K_Dexter_Haven)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/33 "2013-12-26T15:07:00Z")
> [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](#): > > You are soliciting for stolen goods on the SDMB. > > The Mods frown on criminal endeavors. > > I urge all my fellows Dopers to refrain from proving you with any information. MODERATOR STEPPING IN: That’s not how I read that post at all. Flea markets often have word-of-mouth such as “dropped of a truck,” it doesn’t make it true. And even if it is, the market he was asking about is long gone. While we appreciate any reports on potentially inappropriate posts, it’s better if you just hit the REPORT button (little ! in red triangle in upper right corner) rather than make a public declaration. If this HAD in fact been a solicitation for stolen goods, it would have been “disappeared” pretty quickly, so no need to urge people not to post, either. Happy Boxing Day to all. And the discussion does seem to have gone a li’l far afield? ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/34 "2013-12-26T20:17:55Z")
> [@C\_K\_Dexter\_Haven](#): > > MODERATOR STEPPING IN: > That’s not how I read that post at all. Flea markets often have word-of-mouth such as “dropped of a truck,” it doesn’t make it true. And even if it is, the market he was asking about is long gone. The whole “fell off a truck” thing is often used to sell cheap, crappy but totally legit stuff, [like stereo speakers](http://www.crimes-of-persuasion.com/Crimes/InPerson/speaker_scams.htm). ---
**Author:** ![StusBlues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2013, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/35 "2013-12-26T21:07:36Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > Untrue - Cash actually was locked up at least once for carrying drugs, but was never convicted. More like the way cops might lock someone drunk up until they sobered up. Basically, he was in a holding cell for a brief time. Cash was never convicted on drug charges and certainly never did hard time. Per [Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starkville,_Mississippi#Popular_culture): > [@](#): > > Johnny Cash was arrested for public drunkenness (though he described it as being picked up for picking flowers) in Starkville [Mississippi] and held overnight at the city jail on May 11, 1965, which was the inspiration for his song “Starkville City Jail.” ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2013, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/36 "2013-12-27T06:34:12Z")
> [@gaffa](#): > > The whole “fell off a truck” thing is often used to sell cheap, crappy but totally legit stuff, like stereo speakers. I think we need to go back to basis on this subject, if we’re to make any resolution. An item that has _ **fallen off the back of a truck** _ is fair booty. If it is lying on the ground with no indication of its owner, then it comes within the law known as _finders keepers, losers weepers_. On the other hand, if it’s an item that has **“fallen off the back of truck”** then it is clearly merchandise acquired by illegal means. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![StusBlues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2013, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/37 "2013-12-27T20:06:11Z")
FWIW, there is a good documentary about the Maxwell Street culture called _And This Is Free_. It’s streaming on Netflix, or at least it used to be. Worth checking out. ---
**Author:** ![Riga\_Marole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/riga_marole/32/7316_2.png) [@Riga\_Marole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Riga_Marole)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2013, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/38 "2013-12-27T20:22:12Z")
> [@StusBlues](#): > > FWIW, there is a good documentary about the Maxwell Street culture called _And This Is Free_. It’s streaming on Netflix, or at least it used to be. Worth checking out. It’s not on Youtube anyway. Have you see it yourself? ---
**Author:** ![crucible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/5f8ce5/32.png) [@crucible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crucible)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2013, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/39 "2013-12-27T21:24:44Z")
My wife’s Russian immigrant grandparents lived in the Maxwell Street area, on 14th, and had a little restaurant from, say, 1914-`1927. They sold solid cheap food, soup and black bread, no booze, etc., but might have had a card game going in back…Papa was always trying to get Mama to give him the hidden cash she kept putting away so he could buy into the game, but she didn’t, and, the story is, they had enough saved to buy a house on w. 42nd st near Archer in the late 20’s. That’s where I went to visit my college girlfriend in the early '60’s, and Mama was still a vigorous older lady who insisted, after she saw me, that I should have a tumbler of whiskey. I had been coached, so I refused politely the first three times and finally accepted a shot. Great lady, wonderful family. I did know a man, once, in Indiana, who not only sold goods that came out of the back of a truck, he drove the stolen car that was rigged with a flasher to stop the trucker on rte 6 for a safety stop. The driver went into the trunk of the car, the truck went to a local isolated barn where it was emptied. The next night, it would be driven out to the local truck stop and dropped in the yard. No one was ever hurt. The driver in the trunk was rescued when someone would call in an anonymous tip. They knocked off 5 or 6 trucks and sold tons of clothes and electronics before they got tracked and raided, most of the real criminals slipped away and off to somewhere safe until the shouting died down. The property owner, who didn’t know a damned thing about the use of the barn, took the biggest fall. ---
**Author:** ![StusBlues](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dc4da7/32.png) [@StusBlues](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StusBlues)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2013, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144/40 "2013-12-27T21:27:11Z")
> [@Riga\_Marole](#): > > It’s not on Youtube anyway. Have you see it yourself? Yes, off Netflix. Here is the trailer: [http://vimeo.com/33013238](http://vimeo.com/33013238) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-fell-off-the-back-of-a-truck/677144.md?page=3)