Time Warp Wives ™ - Culture And Entertainment

The Two Faces of Modern Technology

2012-01-31T20:14:00.000-08:00

The past century was known as the birth of modern technology. We have come a long way since the telegraph, silent movies, and steam engines. When we thought that we have seen it all we have been struck again by an explosion of modern technology and innovation beyond our wildest dreams.

The internet has no doubt been one of the most important invention of the 21st Century. Some believe that the internet will one day replace television.

And what about the cell phones? You can call, check your emails, text message, surf the internet, and take a picture all from a cell phone. Who would have thought that this little gadget would have change the way we communicate with the world around us.

Some of us can't live without these modern conveniences. One such person is Paul Hek. This self-proclaimed tech junkie can't live without his modern gadgets. On the other hand Mark Davids believes that a lot of people are being controlled by modern technology.

What do you think?

Find out more about the two faces of modern technology:

Copyright © 2008-2012. Time Warp Wives. A Retrotimes Productions Website. All Rights Reserved. Video: The Whole Story from Youtube. Picture Source: Mark Davids Flickr's Photostream

Retro News: 19th Century Dress Unearthed by Builders

2012-01-11T13:13:00.000-08:00

Emma Lloyd, 13, wearing the Victorian dress found by a builder

While renovating a cottage in the City of Sunderland, England near the Penshaw Monument a builder unearthed a 19th Century dress that might have belonged to Lady Lambton.

You can imagine how excited Fawn Cheyne was when the builder brought into her vintage shop the box which contained the dress, along with two matching jackets, and a leather-bond photo album, which by the way shows an image of Lady Lambton wearing what seems to be the same dress.

When Fawn first saw the dress she thought that it was absolutely fabulous. She also pointed out that the dress was in immaculate condition. She added, "I just can’t believe that someone had thrown it away. The dress has so much history – it belongs in a museum. You couldn’t put a price on it.”

Since the news spread about the dress, many museums and theatre producers have shown interest in this historic dress. But Fawn has no interest in selling the dress. At this time the dress is on the window display inside her Ding Dong Vintage shop for everyone to enjoy.

Copyright © 2008-2012. Time Warp Wives. A Retrotimes Productions Website. All Rights Reserved. Research Information and Photos: The Northern Eco & the Journal Live.

Retro News: The Pan American Show & Merchandise

2011-09-26T20:53:00.000-07:00

Come fly with me.

Many folks tuned in to watch the Pan American Pilot show on Sunday. And this is my review of the show: It still can be salvaged before it's too late.

I previously had my reservations about the show. I didn't like some of descriptions I read of how the Stewardess were being portrayed. I felt that this was going to be another show that made women look cheap and indecent (like if there aren't enough shows out there already doing that).

I decided to watch the whole pilot this time and give it a second chance to see if perhaps somebody had exaggerated the plot. I admit that deep down inside I also wanted to watch the show because of the scenes, the 60's fashion, and the thrills of being a flight attendant.

So I had an open mind about the show. I watched it. It flew by. It left. And It disappeared from my radar.

Let's see if I could make myself clearer. The concept of the show was phenomenal. The story was a bit dull. The characters were somewhat real. And the commercial was great!

Do you remember that scene from the Truman Show when Truman's wife Meryl said, "Hi, honey! Look what I got free at the checkout. It's a "Chef's Pal". It's a dicer, grater, peeler, all in one. Never needs sharpening, dishwasher safe!"?

As I sat for a whole hour of the show I felt that I had watched a whole Pan American commercial. At the end of the show I truthfully thought that one of the Stewardess was going to invite us to fly with Pan Am.

Was I disappointed that the pilot episode was a big flop? No of course not. Confused yes. But not disappointed. I have my classic good shows fixes everyday. And they have had a good long run.

I do though want to give a word of advice to the producers of the Pan American show: If you want to make this show a hit you have to make it more realistic, more dramatic, less cheesy, and definitely less commercially.

Would I watch the show again? I really don't know. What I really do know though is that I would love to purchase some of those awesome looking Pan Am bags!

So I researched far and wide to see where we can all purchase one of those cute retro bags. And there it was. Out of all places the Pan Am bags are sold at Pan Am!

A note from our imaginary sponsors: "Now you and three of your friends can arrive in style by having the chance to win an original Pan Am bag! Visit Pan Am website to find out more."

Bon voyage!

Copyright © 2008-2011. Time Warp Wives. A Retrotimes Productions Website. All Rights Reserved. Research Information and Photos: Florida State Library and Pan Am.

Retro News: Pinkie Tea Etiquette & Kate's Engagement Ring

2011-04-27T16:35:00.000-07:00

What Kate might be doing later: "Finally after all this running around like a headless chicken and getting the last minute things ready for the wedding I could properly sit down here at Starbucks and have my cup of tea all to myself.
Now I need a royal foot massage."

We are just a few days away from The Royal Wedding, and the excitement is in the air! London will be packed with over 1 million visitors from all over the world to observe one of the world's most anticipated wedding of the decade. And while I await for my wedding invitation to arrive ( I think that it somehow got lost in the mail) I am brushing up on my Royal Tea Etiquette. You never know when you will be invited to a high tea or an afternoon tea party at the castle.

One of the questions that I had about the proper way of drinking tea was,"What to do with my pinkie?"

I have heard several times that the pinkie should be extended. But then I found out that is actually an improper way of holding your tea cup. The proper way to hold your tea cup is by placing your index finger into the handle of the cup up to the knuckle while placing your thumb on the top of the handle to secure the cup. The bottom of the handle should then rest on your third finger. The fourth and fifth fingers should curve back towards your wrist.

Now there is an exception to the rule. If in the course of lifting your tea cup to drink your tea your pinkie may somewhat extend naturally, that would be considered proper. As long as it doesn't look like you are purposely extending it out.

And talking about fingers. All eyes have been on Kate's Middleton's ring finger. Her engagement ring that once belonged to Princess Diana has sparked a worldwide royal ring doubles everywhere. May the real sapphire ring stand up.

The oval sapphire ring is surrounded by 14 rounds of diamonds set in 18k of white gold, cost over $40,000 when Prince Charles purchased it back in 1981. But because it was worn by William's mother, it is priceless.

The maker of the sapphire ring was Garrad & Co. This luxury jewelry and silver company was founded by George Wickes in London in 1735.

Queen Victoria appointed Garrard to the position of Crown Jewellers in 1843. This jewelry company produced numerous pieces of silverware and jewelry for the Royal Family, as well as the upkeep of the Crown Jewels. In 1911 they created the crown of Queen Mary for her coronation. And they also created the Crown of Queen Elizabeth in 1937.

But then on July 15, 2007 Buckingham Palace, announced that Garrard & Co's services as crown jeweller were no longer required. G. Collins and Sons were appointed as the new Crown Jewellers.

There is an English Proverb that says: "All good things must come to an end."

But, perhaps the future Queen will one day change things and follow Queen Victoria's footsteps and appoint the former jeweler once again and make every lady wear corsets and petticoats again.

..............................................................................................................................

Majestic Princess Ring

Do you want to own your own Princess Ring? Well, Avon created their very own Majestic Princess Ring at a great affordable price!

Quite dainty I might say!

Copyright © 2008-2011. Time Warp Wives. A Retrotimes Productions Website. All Rights Reserved. Research Information: Tea Laden Website & Wikipedia.

Ken Nordine the Voice of Word Jazz

2011-03-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

When I first heard a series of Word Jazz I was totally blown away! I wanted to know right away who was the man behind this resonant and alluring deep voice. And that was when I learned about Ken Nordine.

You might not recognize or heard of his name. But you might be familiar with his voice which has been heard in commercials and in movie trailers. Ken Nordine is especially known for his Word Jazz performance which became very popular during the poetry and jazz movement of the 60's.

The best way to describe Word jazz is that it's a combination of a narrative along with jazz music as it's background, which makes it both unique and totally fascinating!

Back in those days young people use to lounge in restaurants and listen to new music arts. And although this art has been around for quite sometime it is still new for many of us young people that love and enjoy jazz.

Last year in November 2010 Ken Nordine released his latest album Word Jazz: The Complete 1950s Recordings.

So why not kick back,

relax,

and enjoy a little Word Jazz along with your PiñaColada and Ken Nordine.

Copyright © 2008-2011. Time Warp Wives. A Retrotimes Productions Website. All Rights Reserved.

Mad Men Barbie Collection!

2011-02-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

I know that for all of you die hard fans of Mad Men out there you might be feeling a bit blue or perhaps mad that your show is in it's last season.

"You don't understand this is my favorite show!"

"I know. And I am sure that it would be a big adjustment for you. But everything will be alright. Trust me, you will survive."

"You think so?"

"Sure. Here I have a clean hankie for you."

Yes, for you ladies and gents out there that are going through a Mad Men withdrawal don't put your cocktails and your sheath dresses away just yet. Last year Barbie came up with their own Mad Men Barbie Collection, which are still being sold!

These four piece Mad Men Barbie Collection are sporting each of the characters signature looks.

So if you love the 60's look of Mad Men you are going to enjoy styling these fabulous dolls!

"Thanks, I appreciate it. I am feeling better already."

"You welcome."

"Here, thanks for lending me your handkerchief."

"Oh, that's okay you can keep it."

Which Type of Traveler are You?

2010-11-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

November is here and that means one thing. The traveling season is officially here! Yes, folks all aboard and hold on tight to the most busiest traveling time of the year!

According to this 1949 add by the Pullman Company (developer of one of the most famous sleeping cars of it's time) there seem to be a different kind of traveler in each one of us. The add had classified four types of travelers. Let's find out what each one of these entails and see which one you can best identify with.

The Lounger:

This kind of traveler loves to lean back and stretches himself or herself like a cat. The lounger likes to make their surroundings as comfortable and spacious as possible. And when they find the right spot no one can take them out their comfort zone. They are known to be great readers. They also enjoy the surrounding scenery while day dreaming a bit. The lounger are usually friendly and enjoy some small talk. But at the end they love the quiet and peaceful time to relax and enjoy the ride.

The Pacer:

This kind of traveler hates to sit still for any length of time. They are the first ones that take off their seat belts when the signal light is turned off. And almost immediately you see them get up, move around, and walk in the cabin. This traveler are seen to ask more for the flight attendant assistant than any other passenger. They are seen to constantly look at their watch or ask other for the time. The pacer enjoy meeting other passengers, listening to music, or watching a film although it's only for a brief moment. They are also known for helping others fellow passengers in whatever way they can.

The Mixer:

This traveler is the most social of them all. He or she is seen to immediately established fast friendships with their fellow travelers. They smile and greet everyone they meet. This jovial traveler would love to meet all in the cabin if they could. But most of the time they find that not many passengers are willing to hold long conversations. The mixer are known to astutely find their own kind, that is another mixer like themselves, which they talk with for most of the trip. At then end of the trip the two mixers are seen exchanging phone numbers, and well wishes with one another like old buddies.

The Snoozer:

The title says it all. This kind of traveler is ready to hit the sack as soon as he or she is able to. Yes, you may able to spot a snoozer from afar by his comfortable looking attire, his traveling pillow, and his or her messy hair. The only time that you find this passenger awake is when they are eating or having to go the the Johns. This traveler is rarely seen conversing with others unless he has to. At times the snoozer might wake up and open his eyes and look around if there was a load noise that happened to disturbed his peaceful sleep. The snoozer might end up looking a little annoyed. At the end he finds a way around the situation by turning on his headphones and with a smile on his face he goes back to sleep.

Happy Traveling!

Copyright © 2008-2010. Time Warp Wives. A Retrotimes Productions Website. All Rights Reserved. Information based on The Pullman add poster and personal traveling experiences by the author. The Pullman Company 1949 poster falls under Fair Use law.

The Parlor Room:

Which type of traveler are you? What is the best kind of traveler you prefer to travel with? And which traveler is the least you want to encounter? Tell us your best or worst traveling experience.

We would love to hear your opinion!You are welcome to leave a comment below in our Parlor Room.

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Retro News: Vanity Fair, Marilyn's Secret Diary!

2010-10-20T08:14:00.000-07:00

Vanity Fair November 2010 issue is featuring a worldwide exclusive article about Marilyn Monroe's secret diaries! Recently an extraordinary archive of Marilyn's poems, letters, notes, and even recipes has surfaced, and are now being published.

I am finding Marilyn's personal thoughts quite intriguing. As I am writing this post I keep going back to read more of her secret dairies. I am sure that soon there will be a movie about this.

You may read about Marilyn's Secret Diaries on Vanity Fair online website: http://www.vanityfair.com. Or you may pick up your own magazine which by the way is now on your newstands!

I am sure that you too will be absorbed with Marilyn's Diaries as I am!