Random Image Dump #13

More randomness for your viewing pleasure. For this lucky 13th post in the series, I’ve selected 13 black and white photos. Black and white always conveys a certain vintage appeal, while also feeling utterly timeless. Susanna Hoffs: Huge crush. I repeat: HUGE. Writer Alan Moore and artist Bill Sienkiewicz: comic book royalty. Maria always got … Continue reading Random Image Dump #13 →

Random Image Dump #12: The Sweater Girl

For this Random Image Dump, a brief history lesson might be in order. This post is all about a sexy (and maybe sexist?) 1940s–1950s fashion trend that originated in Hollywood: that’s right, it’s The Sweater Girl craze. As we round the corner into autumn next month, it seems like a good time to reflect on … Continue reading Random Image Dump #12: The Sweater Girl →

The Art of the Ad: The Computer Revolution

Computer ads from the 1960s through the early 1980s are bursting with optimism for a future made easier—and better—through technology. Now that we’ve all assimilated, plugged in 24/7, the jury is out on whether that’s “better” or not. Now we just shrug with every iOS update, allow our data to be harvested, and rot our … Continue reading The Art of the Ad: The Computer Revolution →

From the Vault: Video Killed the Rental Store

This post originally appeared at my old blog in 2016 and appears here in slightly sofferent form. Did you appreciate the video rental store while you had it? Probably not. Instead, you simply spent nearly every Friday and Saturday night wandering around inside its walls, looking for VHS treasures to rent. You'd browse intently, as … Continue reading From the Vault: Video Killed the Rental Store →

Queen Bettie: The Artist’s Muse

As I’ve mentioned previously, fine artists and comic book artists in the 1970s and 1980s were largely responsible for rediscovering Bettie Page’s modeling work, decades after she’d retreated out of view. Comic book folks really elevated Bettie to the iconic status she’s enjoyed ever since. Artists Robert Blue in Los Angeles and Olivia de Beredinis … Continue reading Queen Bettie: The Artist’s Muse →

Queen Bettie: Funny Girl

Part of Bettie Page’s unique gift as an entertainer was that she fully understood how to draw eyes her way. Bettie knew exactly how to enhance her innate sex appeal through her choice of lingerie, stilettos, and the absurdly sexy contortions she could twist her body into. Importantly, she also added a sense of humor … Continue reading Queen Bettie: Funny Girl →

The Art of the Ad: Sex, Lies, and Video Games, Part II

Last year we gazed back into the golden age of arcade and video game advertising, when ad agencies went all in on sexy (and often sexist) ad campaigns. It was a very different time. Well, there were more than enough examples to warrant a sequel post, so here it is. This time, with 100% more … Continue reading The Art of the Ad: Sex, Lies, and Video Games, Part II →