Category: History

How To Wear An Aztec Sun Properly

1953 Comet
1953 Comet

Even from this side view, you can imagine what a target the sun makes on his back. It says, “Check out Mr. Snazzy.” No bully would dare shove him in a locker.

Today’s designers could never compete with Wally’s smooth graphic Spirograph shirt of yore. So they resort to comedy.

www.designtrends.com
http://www.designtrends.com

Look! It’s a cat inside an Aztec sun, shooting lasers out of its eyes, which makes it Caturday. What? Maybe you have to be stoned to get it.

Or they abandon the Aztec sun to reflect something vaguely spiritual and Native American, like this sun/moon/horn/dreamcatcher tee on a trendily-tatted twentysomething. Now we know where she stores her rubberbands.

www.aliexpress.com
http://www.aliexpress.com

Wait, those are bracelets.

Now these boxers are pretty cute. I have to hand it to them. Cartoon suns keep it light.

http://paulandpaula.bigcartel.com/
http://paulandpaula.bigcartel.com/

Just remember–boxers are temporary: tattoos are forever. Even the tattoo seems steamed about it.

http://tattoocollection.in/
http://tattoocollection.in/

 

Coffee Schmoffee

Good Housekeeping March 1925
Good Housekeeping March 1925

Well, that sounds fine and dandy, but as a person who only puts God-awful stevia into her coffee to prevent sugarbeetes, I can testify that the thought of twice-daily cocoa invites fear.

giphy.com
giphy.com
giphy.com
giphy.com

Although, somehow I can rationalize dark chocolate and Coke and ice cream…

Basking In The Sun

LIFE 11/11/46
LIFE 11/11/46

life11-11-46035

Just over a year after Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces, signifying the end of WWII, much of Germany lay devastated. Potsdam Square, the Times Square of Berlin, was ashes. One of the few places left undestroyed was the Cafe Wien, jammed with Germans of all ages, drinking what LIFE described as “weak drinks, which are all the cafe can offer.” This fashionable lady, sitting on the once-fashionable avenue of Kurfürstendamm, doesn’t seem to mind.

On The Lookout For Autumn

This Fabulous Century 1930-1940
This Fabulous Century 1930-1940

These two ladies keep their eyes peeled for cooler weather (while wearing fabulous hats and dresses) on the kind of day that warrants nickel ice cream. I know it will arrive later this month, the glorious season of fall. But I also know it won’t feel like fall until Halloween. Still, I can see it on the horizon, and what joy that brings!

Politics Is Hilarious

This Fabulous Century 1930-1940
This Fabulous Century 1930-1940

Why is FDR howling with laughter? He and son James, along with William McAdoo and advisor James Farley, are responding to the quips of Will Rogers as he introduces the new president in 1933.

thisfabcent30-40003

“Mr. Roosevelt is a plain-spoken man. Remember that speech last night about the banks? Long adjectives and nouns–he didn’t mess with ’em at all. He knows what the country wants is relief and not rhetoric. He is the first Harvard man to know enough to drop three syllables when he has something to say. Why, compared to me, he is almost illiterate.” — May 7, 1933

 

 

Seconds On Pork Sausages, Please

 

LIFE 11-11-46
LIFE 11-11-46: American Meat Institute

As I read that aloud, I can hear the man’s voice saying it. I wonder if you hear it, too? That typical 50s voice. “Why, Dick and Jane even give their dog, Spot, sausage and eggs every day, and he’s never felt better!”

Grilled Lean Bison Burger

Railroads in America by Jensen
Railroads in America by Jensen

The Kansas-Pacific Railway promoted buffalo-hunting parties back in 1870. Outside the railroad’s general offices, a taxidermist displays his work.

railroadsinambericabuffalo

Don’t worry; they’re off the endangered species list. The population is stable and you can enjoy a nice sammich, should you so desire.

Slater's 50/50 bison burger in Huntington Beach, CA
Slater’s 50/50 bison burger in Huntington Beach, CA

The OC Weekly raves:

The tangy stack features seasoned ground bison (aka the American buffalo) nestled on a bed of shredded celery and carrots. All that’s topped buffalo sauce-infused sharp cheddar cheese, grilled onions and jalapeños, and then smothered with housemade buttermilk ranch and Frank’s RedHot dressing.

Who could resist?

Khaki Wacky Catcalls

1949 Ventana
1949 Ventana

Back in the day, khaki wacky meant boy crazy. It appears that this doll has gotten hooched up on Borden’s milk and lost her inhibitions. But who could blame her? The nifty fellow on the left is so brawny and statuesque, while his bold-collared pal is sporting a buck sweater that no gal could resist.

And I’m serious about khaki wacky. It was even a series of comics.

http://comicvine.gamespot.com/
http://comicvine.gamespot.com/