Kitsch-Slapped

Dogs, Cats, Mr. Right, And Other Companion Animals

When making a list of qualities you are looking for in a mate, don't overlook some of the basic fundamentals of companionship you've enjoyed in relationships with pets. Forget about those jokes (and the sometimes realities) of people looking like their pets. Forget about Dominatrixes (and Cosmo articles) which tell you to treat your mate like a dog -- and to train your mate before he or she trains you. Forget all that stuff and think about what you can learn about dating and relationships from your pets. After all, pets are companion animals -- and that companionship thing is ...

Of Brown Marie, Yellow Marie, And Pickaninny (Or, Of Racism In The Toy Wife)

I don't think I can let Black History Month go by without mentioning 1938's The Toy Wife. Primarily the movie is the story of Frou Frou (played by Luise Rainer), a woman found to be so guilty of a frivolous nature, so childlike in her approach to life, that she must suffer the wrath of The Motion Picture Production Code (aka the Hays Code or Hollywood Code). But I think any woman or thinking man who watched the film will see that others are not only guilty of perpetuating her frivolous nature, but of exploiting it as well -- especially ...

We Had Joy, We Had Fun, We had Seasons In The Sun…

I've been listening a lot to the cable music stations -- most recently to the 70's station. Tonight, Seasons in the Sun by Terry Jacks came on and I found myself singing along as I had in my childhood: We had joy, we had fun, we had seasons in the sun 'Til the cops came along and shot us in our buns. At this point hubby (10 years my junior, remember, and so perhaps not even born at the time I was singing along to the AM radio), turns around and calls me an affectionate slur for a mental handicap. "Come on," I ...

Cheap Thrills Thursday: Of Storks In My Collection & Contraception

A few months ago, a gentleman contacted me about one of the items in my "vintage stork" collection. The antique postcard, postmarked 1908, depicts a couple shoo-ing away a baby-delivering stork; the gentleman was James M. Edmonson, Ph.D., Chief Curator of the Dittrick Medical History Center and Museum at the Case Western Reserve University; and he was asking if I could get him a larger high resolution scan of the postcard for inclusion in a new gallery the museum was working on. Could I? Would I? Um, this is exactly the sort of stuff that floats my boat! Not ...

He’s Got Wingmen; She’s Got Cock-Blockers

Also in the October issue of Psychology Today, a piece about cooperation in courtship by Matthew Hutson titled I've Got Wings. The piece, complete with diagrams for play like a football coach would use, may have been so titled to play upon the old wingman dealio; but that's only half the story as the brief article, covering research by MIT's Josh Ackerman and ASU's Douglas Kenrick, exposes that women and men use their same-sex friends differently: When a woman is flirting with a desirable guy, her girlfriends will tend to leave her alone, but when she's interacting with an undesirable, ...

Cheap Thrills Thursday: Throwing Out Body Issues

They say you can tell a lot about a culture by their garbage -- "they" being anthropologists, social scientists, & historians (their amateur varieties too), folks who monitor consumerism, as well environmentalists & "green" eco types. And dumpster-diving garbage pickers like me & my family. Yes, I dumpster dive and "rescue" things found curb-side -- and I'm not embarrassed to admit that we teach our children how to appropriately do the same. Especially during our city's annual cleanup week; that time of year when folks are assisted in their spring cleaning (and post-flood clean-up) efforts by being allowed to rid ...

Just Who Destroys Books & Libraries?

After reading So Many Books: Reading & Publishing in an Age of Abundance, I was delighted to serendipitously discover a copy of A Universal History of the Destruction of Books: From Ancient Sumer to Modern-day Iraq, by Fernando Baez (translated by Alfred MacAdam), staring me in the face from the "new arrivals" display at the public library. I've always wondered just who would destroy books and libraries -- and why. Here was my chance. The book's Introduction sums it up best: It's common error to attribute the destruction of books to ignorant men unaware of their hatred. After twelve years of study, ...

Why We Vilify Single Moms

When I was in college I was a single parent. Finding myself struggling personally with the demands of continuing education and single parenting (a special needs child too yet) was challenging enough; but this was at the time that Tommy Thompson was governor & he made bashing single moms & welfare a public sport. (Yeah, some of us fought back; like the Welfare Warriors.) It was incomprehensible how those of us left with children were not only held accountable while biological dads walked away Scott-free, but were to blame for all of society's ills. Even those who raised children alone ...

Some Lessons In The Soiling Of Old Glory

At Collectors' Quest I just reviewed Louis P. Masur's The Soiling of Old Glory: The Story of a Photograph That Shocked America -- a book I can't recommend highly enough. While the book is based on a very famous photograph, the Pulitzer Prize–winning photograph by Stanley Forman, taken on April 5, 1976 at a Boston rally against forced school busing, I'd never heard of or seen the photo before. I don't know why. I was 12 years old at that time and I remember vividly Watergate, Viet Nam, etc.; so I obviously absorbed news. And I've always been interested in, sensitive to, ...

Police Woman: The Long Octopus Arms Twarting Female Police Detectives

Most of us tend to think of Angie Dickinson when we think of police women -- and it's not just because she was Sgt. Suzanne "Pepper" Anderson on Police Woman in 1974. Most of us tend to think of the 60's & 70's when those women's libbers pushed and sued for the opportunity to be equals (including police officers) and Angie baby was in full mod swing then, so naturally we "see" her as the face (and bod) of the mod we've-come-a-long-way-baby policewoman. And the plethora of Police Woman dolls & toys -- like this ridiculous "Sabotage Under The Sea" set ...

When Does It Become Too Hot To Operate A Model Railroad? (Or, Taking A Ride On A Model Train To Meet The Emperor of Death Valley)

When does it become too hot to operate a model railroad? When the thermometer reaches 160 degrees. So said T.R. Goodwin, superintendent of Death Valley National Monument -- and model railroad enthusiast -- in that oh-so priceless March 1951 issue of Profitable Hobbies Magazine. (Click to read the large scan.) But the story doesn't end there. Well, it probably does for most people; but I'm one of those obsessives, remember? I find one (admittedly amusing) article, and I have to find out more. (Here's where I recommend you have a beverage & settle in to read. This 1950's article about a man and ...

Don We Now Our Gay Apparel

Of Goldie Hawn & Babydoll Dresses

When I saw this 1960’s mod-meets-Edwardian little black velvet mini dress, which...

In Case It’s Raining Men…

Hallelujah, Weather Girls, here’s a red retro bolero with umbrellas! Read More →

Glove Boxing: Taking Off The Gloves Regarding Gloves

The popularity of gloves is said to have begun in the 16th century when Catherine...

Corsets Bound To Stay Suffrage

If you’ve been following along with my corset history workshop, you’ve...

Corsets Are Too Sexy?

While I do not suggest that women should whittle away our waists as we while away...

What If Everything You Knew About The Corset Was Wrong?

It’s fashionable these days for folks to denounce the historical use of corsets...

After Stocking Panic, Women Made-Up

I’ve researched and written a lot about vintage nylon stockings over the years...

Excuse Me, May I Show A Movie On Your Antique Purse?

On Saturday I got my first real antique purses — and, as usual, I’m obsessing...

Cheap Thrills Thursday: 1907 Englishwoman’s Snark On Fashionistas

The piece, a little beauty titled “Woman’s Dress and Women’s Homes,”...

Whatjamacallit Wednesday: Sewing Hat For A Rainy Day

I’m a dork. I know it, and now you’ll know it too. When I spotted the...

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Screen Test

Too Many Babies, Not Enough Babies, WTF

The ladies of The View were not immune to the irony of having a show about infertility...

The View From Here

Last week I became an official View Brand Ambassador, part of the Mom Central campaign...

Of Brown Marie, Yellow Marie, And Pickaninny (Or, Of Racism In The Toy Wife)

I don’t think I can let Black History Month go by without mentioning 1938’s...

Oh, Those Von Dewitz Characters

Because I become obsessed with research, especially when so little is readily available… In...

We Had Joy, We Had Fun, We had Seasons In The Sun…

I’ve been listening a lot to the cable music stations — most recently...

Excuse Me, May I Show A Movie On Your Antique Purse?

On Saturday I got my first real antique purses — and, as usual, I’m obsessing...

Let’s Talk Disney Princesses

About 15 years ago, I sent a letter to Disney (on behalf of my Disney stock-owning...

Whatjamacallit Wednesday: Soap Opera Challenge, Y&R Edition

Hubby grabbed this 1987 Soap Opera Challenge game for me at a rummage sale this summer...

Of Monday Movie Memes & Media Use

This week’s Monday Movie Meme is Deep Impact: Movies That Have Changed Your...

Cowgirl Bandits My A**

A quick tip of my hat to Eliza at Bust Magazine’s blog for pointing out what...

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Relationship Underarm Stick

Dogs, Cats, Mr. Right, And Other Companion Animals

When making a list of qualities you are looking for in a mate, don’t overlook some of the basic fundamentals of companionship you’ve enjoyed in relationships with pets. Forget about those jokes (and the sometimes realities) of people looking like their pets. Forget about Dominatrixes (and Cosmo articles) which tell you to treat your mate... [Read more of this review]

If You’re Lonely & Wistful This Valentine’s Day…

If the holiday of romance has you looking backwards, remembering a love you once had, a first love, instead of celebrating a romance of today or eagerly looking for the romance of the future, I ask you to limit your indulgent trip down memory lane to just this one day… Anything longer, anything more than a fond remembrance over a carton of ice... [Read more of this review]

13 Things Not To Say On The First Date

Funny and wise tips found on Twitter: marceldavis #nottosayonfirstdate I love you RyanDenyse #nottosayonfirstdate my ex cheated on me and gave me a STD SecretSiren I’m sorry if I seem nervous. I don’t usually date outside the family #nottosayonfirstdate rauldg DAMN YOUR MOM IS HOT #nottosayonfirstdate Koolmojay #nottosayonfirstdate “Can... [Read more of this review]

Cosmo Aims To Sweep Her Off Her Feet With Bad Sex Advice

At Motherhood Metamorphosis, Deanna writes, “You Know Sex Ed Is Really Bad When… Cosmo can’t even get it right. In their instructions for Sex Position of the Day: Sensual Shower, their diagram for how to achieve erotic thrills literally misses the mark — the genitals don’t even line up.” And then she proves the point,... [Read more of this review]

Does Makeup Keep You From Getting Laid? (Or, When He Professes He Likes The ‘Natural’ Look)

Don’t you just hate it when your man turns to you and says, “I like you better without make-up,” or makes some comment about how he “prefers the natural look” — and you remember how you looked when you met, all dolled-up. You (and I) know that he was drawn to you for how you looked that night… His lust was written... [Read more of this review]

Make-Up Works: Exaggerated Beauty Gets Noticed

Also in the December issue of Psychology Today, Mina Shaghaghi reports on the findings of a series of studies by Richard Russell of Gettysburg College which explains the “allure of dramatic eye makeup and va-va-voom red lips on women has biological roots.” It seems that what glamor girls do (whether they know it or not) is increase the contrast... [Read more of this review]

Two Tickets To Erotica Novella-Land, Maxim Style

In a real shocker, Maxim publishes obvious sex information with girl-on-girl photos. (Just ‘cuz hubby got shafted with a Maxim replacement subscription when Stuff folded, does he have to keep re-subscribing? Maxim ain’t no Stuff; Stuff was Stuff. ‘Nuff said?) Anyway, the article is all about how people have more sex (including kinkier... [Read more of this review]

Can He Last Three Minutes?

In the November issue of O (and that stands for Oprah, not Orgasm or Overstock.com), Read More →

College Co-Ed Dating Humor, 1950

“The relationship of a boy and a girl is like the hands on a clock…” The above was said by a student on NBC’s Halls of Ivy, a show which, according to Quick magazine (March 27, 1950), “twits life in a co-educational college.” I’m not sure what the heck ‘twits’ means… I don’t think it... [Read more of this review]

Of But-Tirades & Tirades About Arsehole Jon Gosselin

While fellow Twolia bloggers are debating Kate Gosselin (here — which I agree with — and here), I thought I’d point out what you can learn from Jon Gosselin’s latest stunt. In front of cameras and people charged $20 a pop, non-Jewish Jon appeared with Rabbi Shmuley Boteach at New York City’s West Side Jewish Center on Sunday... [Read more of this review]

Why Asking That Trite Astrology Question May Not Be So Dumb

In the December issue of Psychology Today (fast becoming my favorite magazine), Matthew Hutson shares unusual and revealing information about birth months and personality, saying, “Astrology may be bullocks, but your month of birth still guides your fate.” No one is sure why birth dates affect mental traits, but environmental effects during... [Read more of this review]

Jon Replaces His 8 Plus?

Rumor has it that Jon (of Jon and Kate + may be doing a “reality show” dating the Octomom. I heard it on some TV show or other, but Christine Navratil’s talking about it too. What I don’t get is how they could even hope to apply the word “reality” to such a show. Everyone knows Jon’s not interested in settling... [Read more of this review]

The First Lady On What To Look For In Your Number One

This November, history will be be made when — for the first time in Glamour’s 70-year history — a First Lady will appear on the cover of the magazine. Michelle Obama not only will be on the cover, but she’ll be honored with a Special Recognition award for her commitment to mentoring young women. Included in the feature, some... [Read more of this review]

Moby Vs. The Funding Terminator

Continuing to salute men who care enough to do something, I bring you the happy news that Moby has announced that he will donate 100% of the proceeds of his three California tour dates to help the state’s domestic violence shelters which have been struggling ever since Governor Schwarzenegger eliminated all State funding for shelter services back... [Read more of this review]

Poetic Injustice Rape Poster

This piece of poetry was created by the Guerrilla Girls: If you’re raped, you might as well “relax and enjoy it.” because no one will believe you. The Guerrilla Girls say, “This poster was inspired by William Kennedy Smith and all the other guys who get away with it.” Read More →

Boo-Hoo, Poor Wife-Beater Complains

I was going to write a rabid response to this bozo who wrote into “Since You Asked” at Salon, whining that it’s unfair that he should have to worry about his current girlfriend’s response to discovering that he — on more than one occasion — abused his former wife: On half a dozen occasions, during the first few years... [Read more of this review]

One Thing We All Can Do To Address Violence & Abuse In Relationships

People often ask me, the tireless big mouth on the subject of toxic relationships, what’s one thing anyone and everyone should do to prevent such bad relationships. My response is to tell them to educate children. Children need to be taught that they have rights to their own bodies, that they have a right to be and feel safe, and that when either... [Read more of this review]

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