Recently I fired up the very silly martial arts action-comedy The Last Dragon (1985) in the background while I was doing some work. While it played, I was reminded of the first time I saw this cult classic, when a friend screened the movie on VHS at his birthday party sometime in either late 1985 … Continue reading Remembering Vanity
Tag: pinups
Random Image Dump #10
For the tenth edition of this series, I’ve gathered together a cornucopia of vintage photographs and art to celebrate. This post is positively sizzling hot and worthy of being the tenth in a series that allows me to look at pretty pictures and (mostly) take a break from writing! In that spirit, and without further … Continue reading Random Image Dump #10
Random Image Dump #9: Bella Donna Edition
It’s time for another not-so-random Random Image Dump, and I guess my Italian heritage is shining through today. Not only that, but June 2 was Festa della Reppublica, the annual commemoration of post-fascism, universal suffrage Italy, since 1946. Appropriately then, this outing is all about celebrating something else uniquely Italian: famous Italian bella donnas. Here’s … Continue reading Random Image Dump #9: Bella Donna Edition
Calendar Girl: Julie London for June
With June’s track from Calendar Girl, “Memphis in June,” our monthly crush Julie London sings of shady verandas under Sunday blue skies, cousin Amanda’s rhubarb pie, and sweet oleander blowing perfume through the air. Using those sultry pipes, London paints a picturesque view of a lazy, beautiful early summer day and night in Memphis. Looking … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for June
Queen Bettie’s 100th Birthday
Well, Bettie fans, the day is finally here. If Bettie Page (1923–2008) was still with us, she’d be celebrating her 100th birthday today, April 22. Over the last eight or nine months, during the lead up to Bettie’s centennial milestone, I’ve been blogging regularly about various aspects of Bettie’s iconic life and work while sharing … Continue reading Queen Bettie’s 100th Birthday
Elvira, Mistress of the Cake
Even though it’s my birthday soon, I’ll gladly share this gift with all of my friends: Yep, that’s Elvira, Mistress of the Dark herself, looking really excited to celebrate my latest trip around the sun. I’m just so honored she’s popping out of my cake! What a surprise! I can only imagine how many similar … Continue reading Elvira, Mistress of the Cake
Queen Bettie: Bangin’
[Photographer Jerry Tibbs was] the one who got me wearing bangs. For years I had my hair parted down the middle in a ponytail, tucked down around the sides. But he said to me, "Bettie, you've got a very high forehead. I think you'd look good if you cut some bangs to cover it." Well, … Continue reading Queen Bettie: Bangin’






