Blog
"Blueberry Custard," 1961, by Wayne Thiebaud, oil on canvas.
Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions
Like bubbles blown on a summer's day, our thoughts are small, inquisitive, sometimes mildly entertaining as they float on the breeze, catching a ray of sunshine and then -- pop! -- they are gone. But not today. We saved some here. For you.
Etch A Sketch The Perfect Modern Toy
Introduced in 1960, the Etch A Sketch, with its TV stylings and power of instant reinvention, was the perfect toy for a fast emerging modern world.
Collecting Summer Fun
Catch a wave of nostalgia and ride it into the sun-drenched, long-gone world of carefree summers where Frankie chased Annette, the Beach Boys sang about "California Girls" and "Jaws" kept us out of the water.
Nixon's The One . . . who gave us Ted Hake
In a simple twist of political fate, Hake became a pop-culture collectibles auction house legend in part because Richard Nixon was elected president in 1968. Sure, Hake never got to meet Elvis, but he's done pretty well for himself.
Art + Math = Charles Csuri
Warning: Trying to understand the how-to equations of pioneering computer artist Charles Csuri will make your head hurt. But for Csuri, it all adds up to something special as art and math collide.
10 Fabergé Eggs We'd Love to Find in Our Easter Basket
Easter Eggs Made By Legendary Russian Jeweler Fabergé Are World-Renowned Masterpieces.
The Complicated History of Mr. Potato Head
He was the first toy advertised on TV and has had a surprisingly impressive film career for a vegetable. But now he's the focus of how a toy potato identifies itself. For Mr. Potato Head, it's complicated.
The Phenomenal Peacock Dress of Lady Mary Curzon
Indian embroiderers and House of Worth combined forces to create the magnificent gown Lady Mary Curzon wore in 1903.
Tough Times Need Tougher Names
We are doomed. Today's little girl names are way too cute. Chloe? Luna? Riley? Yikes! To ward off chaos and societal collapse, we need a return to the strong, iron-fisted Mom names of yesteryear.
Snowball Fight From 1896 is Joyful Mayhem
Watching old-timey French people playfully pelting each other with snow is pure joie de vivre.
Dogged by New Year's Guilt
Long hounded by the idea to learn to play guitar, I've learned from our family dog that when it comes to over-ambitious New Year's resolutions, it's always best to sleep on it. Fur sure.
Elvis Presley Still a Style Icon
Although Elvis Presley has been gone for over 40 years, his fashion influence still lives on.
Fashion Friday’s Top 10 for 2020
From a 17th century costume to a Jacqueline Kennedy gown, these are the favorite fashions from 2020.
The Dazzling Costumes of White Christmas
Edith Head's dazzling costume designs White Christmas are as memorable as the iconic title song.
Santa's Lap Crisis
Social distancing from Santa Claus – now stashed safely behind Plexiglas, isolated in giant snow globes or available only for online visits – leaves a holiday tradition on standby.
A Note of Thanks
In a year marked by the coronavirus and struggle, it’s easy to focus on how much we've lost, forgetting just how much we have to be thankful for. Here's a reminder.
