Stan Laurel, The Gentleman

Born June 16, 1890

When you grow up in a house run by classic comedy fans (my parents), it’s a given that you’ll be well-schooled in Laurel And Hardy films! My siblings and I never got tired of hearing Oliver’s famous line “another fine mess!” or seeing Stan wrench his features into the whiny-crybaby face.

We must’ve watched Flying Deuces, and Babes In Toyland (also known as March Of The Wooden Soldiers), I don’t know how many times! And, because we were kids, we had no concept that these films had been made 40 years before our arrival on the planet. We didn’t care that we were watching stuff from the 1930’s! We just thought it was funny!

My Dad was the true comedy historian in the family, and he loved teaching us trivia about the stars we grew up idolizing. I developed a personal affection for Stan Laurel (I always championed the underdogs) and learned over the years that he was born into a vaudeville family in England, was once an understudy to Charlie Chaplin, was voted along with Oliver Hardy the 45th Greatest Movie Star of all time by Entertainment Weekly, was the inspiration for Peter Sellers’ sublime Chance The Gardener from Being There, and was a mentor to Dick Van Dyke.

But my favorite tidbit is his well-known generosity towards his fans. It’s said that late into his years he kept his phone number listed in the book, welcomed visits from admirers and personally answered as much fan mail as he physically could. That spindly simpleton with the twinkle in his eye was truly a rouse–Laurel, the man, was a gentleman through and through.

Another gentleman I know and love is my dad. So, this past Father’s Day, I drove over to his place and we watched his Laurel And Hardy DVD Collection. I’d brought him a copy of our new book, Stan And Ollie, and we flipped through the pictures while we laughed out loud at the DVDs.

Still ready with the trivia, my dad told me Stan was once asked by a reporter if he had any bad habits. Laurel, who’d been both married and divorced five times, answered, "Yes, and I married them."

Start Your Engines!

Summer Sun & Racing Fun

Americans love cars. From the drag races of the 1950s to the full-on phenomenon of NASCAR, it’s a hobby for some and an obsession for many.

With the gas crisis, however, many of us are opting for less sporty cars these days. While it feels great to save money and help the environment, I have to admit I miss the days when Mr. Betty’s Attic and I rode around in his souped-up 1967 Shelby GT 350 Mustang. I loved that car. The smell of the exhaust. The power of all those ponies under the hood. He had to sell it years ago, but I bought him this sweet die cast to remind him he can have another one when he retires!

In college I actually drove a classic 1968 Chevy Camaro Z28 for a few years! It had been my older brother’s, but when he went into the Army, he reluctantly let me “take care of it for him.” Oh, I took care of it, alright! I was careful never to rev it too high, but let me tell you–it felt very cool to pull up parties in that baby. As payback for his Mustang, my husband bought me a die cast of my Camaro.

We’re not tearing up the local drag strip anymore or flying down the highway with the wind in our hair (unless you count the breeze from the air conditioner), but that doesn’t stop us car folks from daydreaming about the good old days.

When summertime sizzles, my husband throws on one of his camp shirts (the Surf Woody shirt is his favorite), we corral the kids in the car, and head to a retro-style burger joint in town to sip milkshakes while car collectors parade their vintage machines for all to adore. The gleam of the chrome and smooth, pristine paint jobs are truly beautiful. And historic.

But we may have created a monster–my son now wants a 1957 Ford Skyliner (he loves the retractable roof)! Good thing we have this die cast in The Attic!

It’s All About Glamour!

Carrie & Samantha Have Nothing On Our Gals!


We waited.
And waited.

And last weekend, the Sex And The City movie finally premiered, reuniting many of us with the four women we think of as our surrogate best friends. I was a huge fan of the series. I giggled and cried and relived dating disasters right along with Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha.

Why do we love watching glamorous women wreck their love lives in sky-high heels and couture? Is it the fashion? The trendy clubs? The dream of a world in which you never have to use the same bag twice?


I think it’s more about the laughter.


Because, let’s face it girls–if we didn't laugh at ourselves we’d never make it through the day. It’s the conversations, text messages and emails we share with our friends about how ridiculous we are that bonds us.


This is nothing new...


Retro icons from Loretta Young to Cher have given us humor right along with glitz and glamour. Marilyn proved pretty girls could not only be funny–they could be downright hilarious! And smart as a whip to boot!

Celebrate the diva inside you! Whether you’re strolling down Park Avenue with a venti cappuccino or driving to the supermarket for cat litter (note to self: don’t forget the cat litter)–toss your hair back and put some swing in your step!


And if you’re ever having one of those days where the job, traffic, and housework seem to erase all traces of “fabulous” from your face...these Retro Attitude Gals are guaranteed to put that sassy smile back where it belongs!

Think You Know Harrison Ford?

Its Not All Snakes And Wookies!

In honor of Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull I “dug up” some fun facts you may or may not know about the daring archaeologist’s alter-ego! As if we could love the man any more...

He Builds Things

Before the acting career took off, he was a very well-respected carpenter.

He Can Fly–Seriously!

He has his private pilot’s license and owns several aircraft and a Bell 407 helicopter.

He Rescues People In Real Life

August 5, 2000: Ford used his helicopter to rescue 20 year-old Sarah George from a mountaintop in Idaho. George was apparently so overcome with emotion and heat stroke that she threw up. ''I can't believe I barfed in Harrison Ford's helicopter,'' she later said.

July 11, 2001: When 13 year-old Wyoming Boy Scout Cody Clawson went missing, rescue teams called Ford. Again in the trusty helicopter, Ford found the boy and flew him to safety. Luckily, no cleanup was necessary this time.

He’s Related To E.T.

His ex-wife, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, wrote the script for E.T. :The Extra Terrestrial.

He’s Lucky

Tom Selleck was originally cast as Han Solo. When Selleck had to drop out, Ford eventually got the role.

He’s Green

Famous for his conservation work, he has a species of ant (Peidole harrisonfordi) and spider (Calponia Harrisonfordi) named after him, as well as a species of butterfly named after his daughter, Georgia.

He’s Philosophical

(Quote) "Peace isn't merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of justice."

Harrison Ford, we love you. Whether you’re flying the Falcon, raiding the Ark, or irritating Irina Spalko (his adversary in Crystal Skull,) you will always be near and dear to us. Because–like the icons you yourself so admire, Gregory Peck and Gary Cooper–you’re more than an actor; you’re a really good guy.

Vegas, Anyone?

What Happens In The Attic Stays In The Attic!

This past Saturday, my girlfriends and I were kicking back, enjoying some fruity cocktails at an outdoor cafe when it hit me–

“I need a girls-only getaway,” I said. “Something exciting. Something to make me feel like I’m 23 again.” They all looked at each other, smirking.

“What?”

“VEGAS!!!” they screamed.

“Oh, no no no....,” I said, “I’m not the Vegas type!”

“We’ll see about that,” Kelley smirked, “But first–maybe you should go to the movies!”

Next thing I knew, she was buying me a ticket to What Happens In Vegas.

It’s amazing how huge Cameron Diaz has become. When There’s Something About Mary came out, she proved her skill at pratfalls and slapstick despite being a goddess.

She takes her goofy gal persona to new heights in What Happens and–dare I say–conjures fleeting moments of Lucille Ball. Trust me, I wouldn’t throw that comparison around lightly.

Ashton Kutcher matches her manic pace, resulting in one raucous spitfire of a film. Perhaps someday we’ll look back at the Ultimate Comedy Greats and see their names added to the list?

I’ll tell you one thing though: until I saw that movie I never had the slightest desire to go to Vegas. Call me a fuddy-duddy and a stick-in-the-mud, but the bright lights, slot machines, and feather boas never called my name.

However, after seeing the “nightclub scene” in which (don’t worry–no spoilers) Diaz and Kutcher turn partying into an extreme sport, I really want to go now!

After I got home from the movie, I ran up to The Attic and fished out one of our Light-Up Las Vegas Signs and put it on my dresser. And if you could see me, you’d observe that I’ve switched from my standard black tote bag (in use since 2004) to a totally awesome Elvis Las Vegas Purse!

Because if you’re gonna party, party with The King!

I don’t know when I’m going. Or what–exactly–I’ll do when I get there. All I know is that this (cough cough, “23 year-old”) gal still has a few wild and crazy nights left in her!

Anybody have any tips for a Vegas newbie?

Super Heroes Walk Among Us!

Childhood Favorites On The Big Screen & Beyond


As hot balmy breezes start to blow in, everybody’s gearing up for the biggest summer movie season in history! Iron Man, Speed Racer, Indiana Jones (check out our awesome Indy Fedora), The Incredible Hulk and The Dark Knight (action figures coming soon...check back!) all await us in a darkened theater...and in the corners of our imaginations!



The males in our household are crackling with anticipation, and you know what? The women are, too! My teenage daughter is a big Batman fan (although I suspect this has something to do with Christian Bale) and she’s priming herself for The Dark Knight with her Batman: The Complete History Book. Chock full of classic illustrations, photos and trivia, it explores the fascinating evolution of The Caped Crusader from comics to campy TV show to neo noir icon!



Our 16 year-old son, the budding video game designer, is already an ace at sketching characters, but he still refers to his Superman Book and Spider-Man pop-up book for inspiration. He’s told us “everything you need to know about figure drawing you can learn from Marvel comics.” When I was his age, all I knew how to draw was Hello Kitty!



And who gave him his first comic book? His dad, of course! As I type this blog, Mr. Betty’s Attic is wearing his favorite Marvel Comics Characters T-Shirt as he rummages in the kitchen for some of last night’s lasagna.



Imagine if you could go back in time and tell the 9 year-old version of you about the super hero movies of today: Spidey stopping a train with his bare hands and Bruce Wayne’s futuristic tank-inspired Batmobile (remember the wild 60s version?)


The 9 year-old “you” would freak out!


That’s because no matter how much we “grow up” and trade in capes and masks for dishwashers and dry cleaning, there’s a 9 year-old inside all of us. Tugging at our shirt, saying “let’s play! ”

Backyard BBQ, Baby!

Gearing-Up For The Three-Day Weekend!

Every year I set out to plan the be-all end-all Memorial Day Blowout. And every year I get sidetracked and we end up eating pizza and potato chips.

But this year I found inspiration right here in The Attic! I was admiring a shiny new set of Betty’s Aluminum Tumblers (above) and it hit me–GO RETRO! The decor, music–even the food!

So slide into your clam diggers! Button up those camp shirts! We’re fixing a shindig and you’re invited!

To get people in the mood, I’m going to play the Fabulous Fifties CD Set! Over 3 hours of cardigan sweater classics like “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “Blueberry Hill,” “Rags To Riches,” and “Too Young!”

Out back, I’m going to hang these Hula Girl Party Lights. They’re designed for end-to-end connection, so I can string up to 3 sets around the patio and deck. They bring back memories of summertimes past, smothered in cocoa butter, toes in the sand, not a care in the world!

And then...there’s the food!
Wanna know my secret weapons? Read on!

Our Campbell's Recipe Card Set packs a mighty 76 quick, delicious favorites from your childhood! Baked Macaroni & Cheese! Chicken & Biscuits! And oodles of mouth-watering, cheesy, creamy delights!

Patio Daddy-O is a super-hip cookbook bursting with backyard flavor! 45 sizzling recipes you won’t believe! Roasted Banana Splits! Jazzed-Out Blackberry Thyme Mojitos! Big Daddy’s High-Style Cheese-Stuffed Burgers! And Mr. Betty’s Attic gets to show off at the grill (you know how men are around fire...)

And just when they think I can’t POSSIBLY outdo myself, I’m going to unleash the chocolate!

Tucked inside my Hershey's Recipe Card Set are 99 ooey, gooey sinfully-sweet treats! Hershey's Best Brownies! Orange Streusel Coffeecake! Strawberry Chocolate-Chip Shortcake!

Oh yeahhhh...it’s gonna be good!
Help yourself to seconds! And have a fabulous fifties weekend!