One of the common paradoxes examined in old postcards is the conflict between people who go fishing in hopes of getting a bite, and then being shocked when they get one. Dogs and mosquitoes are the usual sources of discontent, but the world of aquatic life offers creatures who get logical revenge on theContinue reading “Safe To Go Back in the Water?”
Tag Archives: humor
Over Exposure
No, I think it’s time to move on. We have by no means exhausted the subject of wardrobe malfunctions on bygone postcards, but there are other, more delicate, subjects we can address in this special space. (You have no idea how many new outhouse postcards have come into inventory.) We have done enoughContinue reading “Over Exposure”
Out On a Tear
There was never any real plan to do a dissertation on the history of wardrobe malfunctions in art, even just in postcard art. However, the possibilities of revealing accidents are limitless, and it is a fear common to most of us, regardless of class or gender. As a mighty philosopher once stated, “Everybody’s gotContinue reading “Out On a Tear”
Keep Your Skirt Down; You’re a Big Girl Now
In our last thrilling episode, we were considering the Windy Day school of Wardrobe Malfunction postcards. These small cardboard jokes were aimed primarily at a bit more leg exposure than was allowed the average woman going about her daily chores. But if the breezes did not cooperate, an artist could resort to more slapstickContinue reading “Keep Your Skirt Down; You’re a Big Girl Now”
Now You See It, Now You….
I was going to write a quick and breezy column about the wonderful world of wardrobe malfunctions in bygone postcards. Dropped pants, bathing suits torn in quite the wrong places…it was going to be a high class, high tone study of the humor of previous generations. But there was a theme that wasContinue reading “Now You See It, Now You….”
FICTION FRIDAY: Three Other Little Pigs
Once upon a time there were three little pigs. The first little pig liked broccoli, so she built a restaurant that served elegant broccoli dishes. The second little pig loved eggs, so she built herself a bistro that served light fluffy egg dishes. The third little pig had no imagination, so she built herselfContinue reading “FICTION FRIDAY: Three Other Little Pigs”
Having It Both Ways
A few months gone, we discussed in this space the concept of the trade card, a Victorian sales device issued by stores who realized that if people started collecting these, they would come to the store to see if a new one was ready. Getting someone into the store was half the battle, afterContinue reading “Having It Both Ways”
Naughtiness
Last week, we considered a postcard showing a well-dressed young lady showing that she’d thought of you by holding up a finger with a string around it. Being of a basically guttertrending mind, I questioned the choice of finger for this, but had to admit the US Postal Service, historically very conservative about whatContinue reading “Naughtiness”
Calling Up the Past
One of the saddest bits of joke archaeology is running across fossils: jokes which were once alive and kicking, quivering with excitement at the laugh that would be forthcoming when the audience heard it for the eighty-third time. Sometimes they do not realize they have been told for the last time, and wait inContinue reading “Calling Up the Past”
watch Your Phraseology
There are numerous roadblocks to my intended series: “Is This Still Funny?” wherein I would look over the work of the stand-up comics of my boy days and figure out whether their work stands up. One is that a certain amount of comedy carries an expiration date. Jokes about Warren G. Harding, for example,Continue reading “watch Your Phraseology”
Blogsy Babbles 