500856_Shop the Turner Classic Movie Store

Grab The Button!

AbeBooks Generic Banner 180x150
506521_2-8_ModCloth_NewArrivals 3.14

The Best of Everything

I have been under the weather for the past few days–nothing serious, just energy zapping with low-grade fever for the most part–so I took the opportunity to read The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe.  The novel, published in 1958, follows the lives of five women who work for the same publishing house.  It was . . . → Read More: The Best of Everything

Friday Find: When Pan Am Ruled The Skies

1963 Pan Am Flight Attendant

Ah! The glamor of air travel!  The stewardesses! The gourmet meals!  The relaxing in-flight lounge!

Excuse me, what did you say?  It isn’t like that anymore?  It is more like a cattle car hurtling through the sky?

The first time I ever flew was a 50 minute Pacific Southwest . . . → Read More: Friday Find: When Pan Am Ruled The Skies

Before Jillian, Debbie Whipped You Into Shape

Dear Friends,

In our Charm School lesson on Wednesday, I mentioned that Mr. Powers encourages us to exercise so that our skin will be firm and youthful.  Lindsey wondered in the comments what exercise was like during the mid-20th-century.

Boot Camp The Royal Canadian Air Force Way Created by Bill Orban in the late 1950s . . . → Read More: Before Jillian, Debbie Whipped You Into Shape

The Backbone of the United States

United States postage stamp, released on September 3rd, 1956 in honor of Labor Day. The holiday was established in 1882. Image courtesy of Karen Horton on Flickr.com

Modern Retro Wordpower: Jet Lag

Jet Lag

Image courtesy of Jordan Smith on Flickr.com.

Noun: (Merriam-Webster): a condition that is characterized by various psychological and physiological effects (as fatigue and irritability), occurs following long flight through several time zones, and probably results from disruption of circadian rhythms in the human body—called also jet fatigue

First Known Use: February 13, . . . → Read More: Modern Retro Wordpower: Jet Lag

Modern Retro Wordpower: Instant Replay

Instant Replay

Noun: (Merriam-Webster): a video recording of an action (as a play in football) that can be played back (as in slow motion) immediately after the action has been completed; also : the playing of such a recording

First Known Use: 1966;  According to Wikipedia, instant replay, invented by CBS director Tony Verna, is . . . → Read More: Modern Retro Wordpower: Instant Replay

From the Archive: Department Store Dining Rooms

This article was originally posted on April 21, 2008:

There was a time when women would shop downtown at department stores. These department stores were monuments to fashion and femininity. You could meet your friends for lunch and eat in the elegant dining rooms. It was glorious!

Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, I . . . → Read More: From the Archive: Department Store Dining Rooms

Modern Retro Wordpower: Hippie

Hippie

Noun: (Merriam-Webster) : a usually young person who rejects the mores of established society (as by dressing unconventionally or favoring communal living) and advocates a nonviolent ethic; broadly : a long-haired unconventionally dressed young person

First Known Use: Contemporary use, 1965, but it also appeared before that date in various iterations.  Hippie is a . . . → Read More: Modern Retro Wordpower: Hippie

Friday Finds

Dear Friends,

Because I’ve been taking care of some family business, I haven’t had as much time to go exploring for interesting things lately.  But, here are three items that I wanted to share with you.

Even though I’m not renovating a house, I’ve been following Retro Renovation for some time.  I get to drool . . . → Read More: Friday Finds

I Always Ride the Train to Avoid Los Angeles Traffic

Dear Friends,

I am heading out to the high desert visit my sister, mother, and niece today and am not worried about the horrible (and notorious) Los Angeles traffic.  Why?  Because I’m riding the regional commuter train from the historic Los Angeles Union Station.  I love Union Station.  It is like stepping back in time . . . → Read More: I Always Ride the Train to Avoid Los Angeles Traffic