Contract Trickery

What started out as simply another look at the fun midcentury cartoon stylings of Joe Carpenter, aka "The Master of Circular Drink Tray Art" (CLICK HERE if you missed it earlier this month), has now equally turned into an educationally Googled lesson into the wild world of psychological gaming manipulation and strategic card shark maneuvers. Yep, I never knew diddly squat about playing cards (except for Go Fish and War!), but now I know everything I could ever hope to know about false-carding, sandbagging, "Hold Ups", ducking, etc. I still don't drink alcohol, but I feel like I'm ready for Vegas anyway, baby! Annnd of course, don't forget to enjoy the funny Joe Carpenter art below while serving up all of this dirty handed deception 'n card party dranks!

The Deadly Quest!

We've encountered a number of scantily-clad, jungle jittery tales over at THOIA this month, so how about one more right here at AEET, via the January 1948 issue of Exciting Comics #59. And just how exciting is this anyway, you're probably askin' yourself? Well, if you can tear yourself away from that amazing Alex Schomberg cover art, you'll find your adventure has only just begun-- because here comes nine, pulse-poundin' pages of F'n Frank Frazetta jungle goddess goodness to boot, --woo hoo!! Fraz merely proves what we already know, that he can definitely do it all: mean men, awesome animal attacks, and one of the deadliest dames to ever sock some deservin' sap right across a funny book page panel! And if you think it all ends there, think again, because we also have a couple classic shots of actress Ann Savage dressed as a jungle savage and wieldin' a spear like nobody's business-- from the equally exciting 1944 Columbia Pictures comedy, Ever Since Venus! I believe we've covered all categories of beautiful blondes, brunettes, and rockin' red heads! But is it possible to top all of this with one more post before juicy June screeches to a halt? Stick around and find out...

The Fire-King Creech Mug

Anchor Hocking Glass Company was founded way back in 1905, and to this day has continued non-stop in producing millions of glassware item masterpieces. (CLICK HERE for more about it.) But for this post, we are going to take a quick look at one exceptionally unique design that was introduced as part of their iconic, midcentury Fire-King line of highly durable, borosilicate tableware. So, slowly scroll down, and gaze upon the fantastic, Kimberly Diamond Green Fade. Or as some of us like to call it, "The Fire-King Creech Mug." Clearly designed shortly after "Killer Kimberly" herself hunted down a gill man creature from the blackest of all lagoons, and then slayed it. She probably filleted it. And then she proceeded to make dynamic drinking glasses out of that gorgeous, glossy green hide! It sure beats the ever livin' Hell out of super trendy Jadeite, too! All joking aside, if you say the words: "Fire-King Creech Mug" over and over a few times fast, you will know exactly why this magnificent monster mug means business!

Look! Summer Sun Look

We officially entered sweet Summer a few days ago, so now who among you believes they can find a better example of midcentury light bulb packaging than this? Come on, --try me! All sides colorful, and covered in beautiful, beachy keen, painted artwork. Swimsuits, sandcastles, sail boats, scuba shoes, and men handling their big 'ol balls. Lovely lettering too. Heck, even the sun lamp bulb itself is a wondrous, work of perfect design. Okay, maybe the caution side of the box could've used another bathing beauty, --but it's important to pay attention to those wise words sometimes, I guess. Another amazin' example of vintage lamp art can also be found in the ever astonishin' AEET Archive right HERE! Go now, get astounded, --TODAY!

Around-the-Neck Mirror

Two very fine, vintage examples of the 'ol "Around-the-Neck" hands-free mirror, complete with original MCM, and psychedelic era packaging variations. For applying make-up, or shaving for men, adjusts to all angles, via plain and / or magnifyin' your magnificent mugs (see also: viewing whatever body part needs a closer inspection!) Just wrap the metal meat hook around your nimble neck, and dim the lights. Speak the proper incantation, thus allowing the seductively sinister Sorceress of the Mirror to appear. Now, slit your throat as an eternal love offering to all that is attractively evil. Folds up nicely to fit back inside the box. 

Meat the Family "Chef"

Yes, you read that right, it's time to meet the family "chef!" And without uttering a single word, our happy hottie homemaker is here, (via Hunter Packing Co.'s 1951 complimentary cooking booklet), to show you how to: 1.) find a tempt-tasty recipe... 2.) buy the perfect cut of meat... 3.) store the meat until it's time to prepare... 4.) strategize a game plan with the help of seasonings... 5.) give that meat the business! 6.) present said heavenly dish... and finally 7.) make HIM cut that damn thing up! Seriously now, does the "chef" have to do everything??!! 

A Shame.

I promised you another tray (see our previous post HERE), and this time we're going waaaay way back to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair for a souvenir tin tip tray featuring a sneaky peeky little upskirt action gag. Yes, the Victorians were most certainly not above saucy cracks such as this, of course! And I'm just thrilled that it all comes across much more creepy than was likely intended!