Warning... this is an adult site. If reading or viewing things about what gay men do sexually with one another bothers you - you should not read this blog. This blog is a reflection of my adventures and thoughts. Some are fun, some not so pretty. I won't name names, or kiss and tell... but I will live to tell. And baby, trust me - I am gonna spill it all over your pretty little party dress. Enjoy!
People who check in on this blog on a regular basis know that I am a huge fan of graphics. Some of the finest? From various government agencies around the world. I adore their big, broad use of color and presentation of iconic ideals, characters and images.
During WWII, a great emphasis was placed on food conservation here at home and on the warfront. Today, we'll be looking at the fight to save food by not wasting it!
I've thrown in a helpful pamphlet with lots of household hints, as well.
Not only did the government ask that you grow your own food, and can it - they also did not want you to waste it - and they got their message out, boldly, colorfully and sometimes humorously. Doing your part at home meant helping those on the frontline... yes, this was, indeed, everybody's war to win.
Food conservation is an idea...
That never goes out of style.
Activate. Do your part, today.
- uptonking from Wonderland Burlesque
Don't Waste It - The Broadcast
Don't Waste The Night - Crystal Starr feat. Mr. Robotic
So, in 1977, I'm reading this rave review in Rolling Stone magazine about the debut album of a new artist, Bruce Roberts. I can tell by what is said in the review that this is very much an album I would love. The review mentions that one of the songs (Starmaker) would be perfect for Streisand. Well, Starmaker did become a hit of sorts, but not for Streisand. No, instead she chose I Don't Break Easily (it's on her Songbird album). Anyway, I find a copy of Bruce Robert's debut album about six months later and it remains on my turntable for the next six. That is to say, I studied that damn thing like it was the bible of songwriting.
By the time his debut album came out, Bruce was an industry pro. He had released a few singles early on, on Bell Records, but they went nowhere. He was also the voice of Danny Bonoduce (of The Partridge Family) on Bonoduce's sole solo album. And, of course, before and after his two-album fling at Elektra, he was (and remains) a bona fide songwriter. He would work with Donna Summer (All Through The Night, Enough Is Enough (No More Tears), etc.). He even duets with her on the theme song for the Stallone film Daylight (Whenever There Is Love). He also wrote a bunch of hits for other artists: Laura Brannigan, The Pointer Sisters, Barbara Streisand, Gladys Knight, Rita Coolidge... it's a long list. And co-wrote with a lot of industry heavyweights, including Carole Bayer Sager.
If interested, you should check out his superb 1995 album, Intimacy. The man has a voice that is amazingly flexible with the loveliest of tones.
Okay, back to the subject of today's post...
That debut album... the album cover?
I was puzzled. I was several years from graduating from high school and had no idea what to make of that big grey triangle in the background. Yes, as I was infatuated with the album's music, so I became fascinated by its cover.
Fast forward to November of 2024 and I came upon this image... a vintage ad for socks or sock garters? I dunno. But... ping!
And so, I wonder; was this the inspiration behind Bruce Roberts album cover? Did he happen to see it and want to replicate it or was this the work of his art direction team: Tony Lane, Todd Smith and Howard Carriker?
Indeed, it was. On the album sleeve's credits it states that it is in the style of E. Cole Phillips, the illustrator of the original ad.
And so, a question that began in 1977, is finally answered in 2024.
As for that big grey triangle? Well, I eventually stumbled on what that as all about... certainly nothing ever taught at my high school.
I still have that album.
I play it at least once a year in its entirety and mourn the loss of the child who bought and studied it.
People who check in on this blog on a regular basis know that I am a huge fan of graphics. Some of the finest? From various government agencies around the world. I adore their big, broad use of color and presentation of iconic ideals, characters and images.
Remember the 'Got Milk?' campaign? Talk about your propaganda!
Love it or leave it... milk has always been a part of a good portion of the world population's diet. It's a huge industry and therefore, its welfare becomes a governmental concern. That helps explain many of these governmental campaigns, keeping the consumption of milk first and foremost in the mind of consumers, especially targeting children.
Today, we take a brief look at some of the graphics involved, images from around the world. Their use of humor and color and the quality of the artwork make one believe that milk is the answer to all that ails human kind.
