Just a reminder that our comic, the Legion of Molly Doves, comes out Nov 27th to a comic book store near you!

Graphic novel to debut at Comic Con of 2014!!!

I haven't been posting as I've been focused on getting our comic book, The Legion of Molly Doves, ready for Comic Con, where it debuts July 17th. :)

Here's a sneak peek of the comic book cover. Again, a bit of Sherlock Holmes, a bit of Charlie's Angles, and a bit of The Time Machine, is what best describes this comic.

If you happen to make it to Comic Con, our booth is #5533. Hope to see you there!

The Three Stooges: Hollywood Filming Locations
 

Off topic, but crazy cool stuff just seems to happen to you when you live in Los Angeles. I randomly met Jim Pauley today, author of The Three Stooges: Hollywood Filming Locations, while at Just Tires in Hollywood, getting my oil changed and new tires. He was in town from Philadelphia for the Turner Classic Movies festival, and a tire on his rental car had exploded, so there he was. 

He didn't have to go far with his book pitch before I had him grabbing a copy out of his rental car. After flipping through a few pages, I bought it right then and there on the spot.  You should really check out his book, it's AMAZING! Besides, he was a super awesome guy, and I feel like I could have talked to him about old school hollywood forever. Pity my car was ready too soon. I did manage in a quick pitch about my book, Before the Strand, and he seemed genuinely impressed. Hoping that's the general response!

Here's his book, and I highly recommend it if you're a Three Stooges fan!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Three-Stooges-Hollywood-Locations/dp/1595800700

Before The Strand

Yet another unrelated post. Well, somewhat. That is, the subject matter is Victorian, but it's not necessarily about history. No wait, that's not right either! Oh dash it all! Well, I may as well 'cut to the chase' as they say.

For several years, I've been working on a novel called Before the Strand. It's a Sherlock Holmes story, but not your standard fair of pastiche where Sherlock Holmes and Watson solve yet another mystery. Instead, the story is centered around Jonathan, the 14 year old son of Sherlock Holmes, who sets out to unravel his mysterious past, and to learn why his existence was omitted and erased from Sherlockian history. There are many dark secrets and shadows that exist for the famous flat on Baker Street, and Jonathan is determined to discover what they are. 

My lovely agent is currently shopping the story around, so hopefully, there will be more news soon, but I felt the time was right, to finally announce it. The few I've coerced into reading it, have really enjoyed it thus far, so....hoping others will to! The game is afoot!

Well, this isn't exactly a Victorian historical blog post, as it more concerns fiction and steampunk and time travel, but what the heck. Shameless self-promotion.

Here is a comic book I'm involved with called 'The Legion of Molly Doves' that will be available at the San Diego Comic Convention this coming July, 2013, at booth #5533, and will also available for purchase online.  Think Charlie's Angels, meets The Time Machine, meets Steampunk, meets Sherlock Holmes.

More info will be posted as it's available on the publisher's blog,....

http://blissontap.blogspot.com/

We also have a facebook page...

https://www.facebook.com/TheLegionOfMollyDoves

oh, and a twitter page, but more updates soon!

 https://twitter.com/MollyDoves



Thanks!

So much for a weekly blog. Hah! Admirable attempt I must say, but yet again, a proven, bitter failure in terms of me being able to maintain something as a consistent distraction. I honest to goodness have the best of intentions, but that annoyance of all annoyances called 'life,' tends to intervene at the most inconvenient and intrusive times. Alas.... However, as they say, once more into the breach!

Jumping back in, here's a little advertisement for Pears' Soap from 1896.  Lovely illustration isn't?


 
I knew nothing about Pears soap previously, but upon researching it, discovered that the English soap has been around since 1789, and is still being manufactured! Granted, the soap's formula was altered in 1971, but the original composition of the soap certainly had a good run of it!













It was also the product that the already famous (or infamous, as her affairs with royalty, and her acting career had already placed her in the public eye, much like a Kardashian of today) Miss Lilly Lantry endorsed during the Victorian era, and she then became the first woman to earn income by advertising a product. And truthfully, if you think about, she was one of the first celebrity endorsements. 

 Interestingly enough, she claimed she was given the nickname of 'Lillie' because of her lilly-white complexion, so who better to sell a soap product they allegedly use, than a pale, ethereal beauty, with long neck, sharp lips, and slate blue eyes to suck female consumers in who wanted to be like her? Things haven't changed much in 150 years have they?

Our Night at the Academy Awards

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This is a slight deviation from my normal posts, as it doesn’t involve anything Victorian or Edwardian (except perhaps a few vintage-y–ish dresses) but I thought it might be fun and interesting enough to share.

My fiancé and I had the honor of attending the 85^th Annual Academy Awards last night. Granted, this wasn’t my first time, but it’s always fun to dress up, and look the part of a celebrity, and walk on the red carpet, for just one night.

For those who aren't familiar with how the Oscar's red carpet works, and have only seen it through coverage on the tv screen, let me tell you a little bit about the behind the scenes of the Academy’s iconic red carpet. 

First, there are actually three lines, or rows, to the red carpet, each roped off by red velvet leads. The far left row, is the one reserved for A-list actors, directors, writers, and various other ‘well known’ celebrities (or the occasional Academy governor). Those who passed by me, and walked down this particular lane, were Jennifer Lawrence, Steven Spielberg, Hugh Jackman, Reese Witherspoon, Queen Latifah, Steve Guttenberg, Tom Hooper, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and several others.

The thin middle row, is meant for those who wish to get to their seats pronto, can’t be bothered with being held up by the press line, and would rather bypass all the cameras and interviewers of the red carpet, to retreat to the sanctuary of the Dolby theater, where there is no press except in the Green Room.  Those who utilized this line yesterday evening that I observed, were Chris Pine (Star Trek, People Like Us) Kristen Stewart (Twilight) on crutches, Sandra Bullock, and Jennifer Garner.

The far right row, is left for those who are still important, but may not be as well known, or know at all in the public eye. This includes academy members & their guests from the production side of film-making & animation folks, (like us).

Once we were up the steps of the Dobly theater and into the main foyer, that’s when things got exciting.  The highlights of our night were as follows…

We met Peter Lord, the director of Pirates from Ardmann Animation, and he was a riot. I adored him. Such a great sense of humor and personality, we really enjoyed speaking with him.  My fiancé had the chance to speak with Mark Walberg, and tell him how much he enjoyed ‘Ted’ and really thought he was hilarious.

What I had been most excited about, was getting to speak with Tim Burton, and Helena Bonham Carter, whom I both love, and I was also able to discuss with Helena how much I really admire her, and that loved her dress that evening. It was very ‘Victorian/Steampunk in nature, perfectly ‘her’.

We also had the chance to congratulate Brenda Chapman on her dual win with Mark Andrews on winning the best Animated Feature category for directing Pixar’s Brave. I had to tell her how much I loved her blue corseted gown, which was absolutely stunning in person.

After that, we saw John and Nancy Lasseter and were able to tell them as well how happy we were that Brave, won, and also that the animated short Paper Man took the Oscar. I also talked to Nancy about their winery, which, she said, is her greatest passion. Well, who can blame her? Who doesn’t love wine?

The real treat was meeting Tommy Lee Jones, and telling him what a wonderful job I thought he did in Lincoln, and that I truly thought he would win the Oscar, as he was my personal pick and favorite.  He and his wife were incredibly gracious and sweet, and thanked me for my kind words. They were both a joy to chat with. 

The Oscars, or Academy Awards, are really a very special event, and it is truly an honor to be able to attend such a prestigious affair, and meet or speak with such incredible, talented, and gifted people.  Every year, I know how fortunate I am to be able to sit and stand amongst the giants of this industry, and it reminds me of all the reasons why I love this business.

A short comparison of the corset now and then.

In modern times, the act of a woman buying a corset is usually viewed as, her purchasing something sexy, and provocative, and fun, but it is not seen as having any real type of practical or functional use, as an article of clothing.


By Contrast, in the Victorian era, a corset was as much a necessity as a pair of socks, or underwear, and wasn't viewed as anything but a sign of being civilized, and adhering to the strict and repressive dress codes of the time. Women who did not wear corsets, were seen as loose or 'uncultured creatures'. No female would dare leave the household without one. The looks and frown and comments they would receive would be beyond endurance if so. Admittedly, they did try to glamourize the most expensive, best fitting, and most popular corsets for women of a certain stature, but it was never about how alluring it would make one look. Rather, ads would typically cater to a certain class, based on what you could afford, and what social standing you might have.

However, some companies did try to appeal to all levels of class, and not just market to the poor, or middle, or upper tiers.




For example in the advertisement to the left, it says, 'Adapted to the requirements of all classes' meaning they cater to women of all levels of income and standing. I love this ad, as I just think the illustration is so graceful and beautiful.

Here's a closer look at the ad, as the artistry is wonderful. Nothing like hand drawn ads! I think that film posters for movies that were made way back in the day, that were illustrated, were MUCH more appealing than posters of today, with all the photoshopping, and slick look that the all have now.....but that's just me, and just me, going off on tangent.

And here's a small, early Valentine's Day post.

Again from the Ladies Home Journal from February 1901, they had a write in column for questions, where a woman would give female readers advice, much like an Ann Landers of today.  I found this one appropriate, given that it's almost Valentine's Day. Here are Margaret E Sangster's thoughts on women doing the courting on Feb 14th....

"It is a woman's privilege to be courted. Therefore the man sends the valentine, not the girl. Thoughtless and silly girls sometimes overlook this fact that they are to be sought and never do the seeking, and an older observer sees with pain that they employ little arts to attract the other sex; that, save the mark, they behave, here and there, as if everything they could do, should be done to gain the approving notice of the opposite sex This creates a false position and is always cheapening to a girl, not only in the eyes of others, but also in time, when the awakening comes, it is degrading to her self-respect."

So hear that ladies? Make the men do all the work this Valentine's Day, it's your right to be 'courted' and sough after. ;) And men?  Apparently, it's your responsibility to provide all the 'valentine's' to us, to make us happy on Valentine's Day, so snap to it!

 I came upon this little red book, at a Vintage Clothing Expo of all places, and found it rather fascinating.



 It's an entire year's collection, from 1898, of testimonials and case studies from across the country, that attest to the benefits and miraculous effects of the elixir, 'Pepto Mangan'.








 Each page, which has the day and date in bold across the top, utilizes only a small portion of the page for type, and then carries on to the next page, even if the case study continues on for several days, which I found odd and wasteful. Even back then they were killing trees! Thugs.





I actually have several of these books, from a few different years, but from the book of 1899, (with cases and praise from 1898) here is one case I found particularly delightful, in quoting how magnificent this wonder cure-all is.

Dr. Z. E. Kimble, Liberty, PA:

June 6, 1898

Your sample bottle of 'Pepto- Mangan' was received. I have taken in all, while recovering from Pneumonia, seven bottles of your  'Pepto-Mangan' during the past seven weeks and have gained 14 pounds, 3 pounds more than my ordinary weight before I was taken sick. Gude's seems to be especially adapted to my condition. 


I can't really see how gaining 14 pounds would be a desirous side effect to anyone, and I would think, most anyone would recover from Pneumonia after a whole seven weeks of being sick, medicine or not. Either that, or you'd have been dead well before that.

If in reading such accolades for a syrup sounded odd to you, you weren't the only one, so after reading several pages of these case studies or songs of praise in the book, I decided to investigate.

Upon further examination of what this ' wonder cure all' was, I found studies that had been done years later, with legitimate, professional medication, that was meant for the flu, etc. alongside 'Pepto Mangan' and the 'Pepto' proved to have no real effect, and was deemed useless, a fraud, a quack cheap shot elixir that was more alcohol than anything else, as most of those charlatan type medicines were back in the day. Some up to 44%!

So even though people may have been duped by purchasing bottles of this stuff.....
 

At least, it had no disastrous side effects, despite being worthless.

If you think about it, even high quality medicines of today come with warnings that sometimes make you cringe, and wonder if it's really worth it.

For example.... 'may cause skin irritation, blindness, hallucinations, Tourette's Syndrome, sleep apnea, schizophrenia, blood clots, death, and an addiction to Honey Boo Boo.'

Frankly, I'd take death over the last one. 

So for those poor folks of the Victorian era, rather than investing in 'Pepto -Mangan', they could have just taken a few shots of whiskey to get the same effect, but then again, the bottle probably didn't look as cool.

Yes, yes I said a post a week, but one measly little entry just looked so sad and lonely, well, dash it all I had to add another. As I was brushing my teeth, I remembered this delightful ad I came across. Just when you think how far we've come in 130 years, some things that may seem innovative, really aren't that original!

An Electric Toothbrush from 1880 for 50 cents! And the captioning is brilliant.

"Great Annoyance has been caused to all people using Tooth Brushes by the bristles coming out in the mouth. The Pall Mall Electric Association of London now take pleasure in introducing to the American public, a tooth brush which they guarantee free from this troublesome defect, common to all other Tooth Brushes. The bristles are inserted in the handle by a patented process, which renders it simply impossible for them to come out in use.'






  I love the disclaimer that the bristles won't come out 'in use' whether they fall out on the sink, or slip out during the night 'after' use, that, they are not responsible for.


"In addition to this, the handle, of the Brush, is made of a newly inverted material permanently charged with an electro-magnetic current, which acts, without any shock, immediately upon the nerves and tissues of the teeth and gums. The act of brushing causes this current to flow into the nerve cells and roots of the teeth, and, like water poured upon a plant, it invigorates and vitalizes every part, arresting decay, building up and restoring the natural whiteness of enamel, and quickly imparting pearly teeth and healthful, rosy gums to all using it."

Sounds to me like a fabulous brush! Where can I get one? A brush that can ace teeth whitening kits, mouthwash, floss, and the dentist's office all in one? Seems to be a pretty good bargain for 50 cents. It may have given your hair that static, crimped, standing on end look, where it looks like you've been electrocuted by a french fry, but hey, you'd have great teeth! So who cares!?





 

January 29th, 2013

A blog, really? A blog? Why on earth would I have a blog one might suppose? Do you really have anything of value to say? To contribute? I say, 'Yes, quite'. Through the research I've done for writing, for costumes, and for designing worlds and settings, I thought it might be fun to share what I'm learned about the good 'ol Victorian/Edwardian times, with those who might be equally as interested. The frequency of posts might vary from many to none, depending on my mood, and what I find unique enough to post. But I'd like to share some little historical facts that I don't believe many people know.

For example, according to the Ladies Home Journal, (published in both the US and Great Britain) in the Feb issue from 1901, a two story Frank Lloyd Wright House, as seen in the floor plan below, could be built for $6970.00

Masonry, Cement and Plaster.........$2800.00
Carpentry.......................................$3100.00
Plumbling.........................................$400.00
Painting and Glass........................... $325.00
Heating -combination (hot water).....$345.00
TOTAL                                         $6970.00








Considering how most Frank Lloyd Wright homes go for something in the millions now, it's interesting to see what the 'modest city man' of 1901 could 'reasonably afford', compared to 2013. The original price to have it built, not just purchased as a completed house, might by you a plank from the floorboards of one now-a-days.






Oh, and Ladies Home Journal went for ten cents back then, and was published by the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, (who also published the Saturday Evening Post) where it lived until it was sold in 1968.