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Talk: Mad Men: Rumors and Gossip

Well, I'm intrigued

I don't know how accurate the descriptions are but sounds like things get v-e-r-y interesting as we go along:
http://www.fancast.com/tv/Mad-Men/95854/episodes/season/3

Filed under: Episodes, Rumors and Gossip

Rumors, Observations and general silliness...

Have we left anything out?

1. Carrots too big.
2. Pantyhose not popular yet.
3. Betty's baby will be damaged.
4. Peggy's baby will reappear.
5. Jane has a brain tumor
6. Typewriters are wrong models.
7. The ceiling is wrong.
8. Harry's baby has too modern of a name.
9. The word "TV" was not used in 1963.
10. German helmet wrong size (actually Prussian...)
11. Hamburger too big.
12. Don's shorts are wrong
13. It's not Don's baby

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: details, episode 4, the arrangements

MAD MEN BACK FOR 3RD SEASON, IT'S TRUE!

I just read an article stating that Mad Men will return this summer for season 3. So all you Maddicts pour you a tall one of what ever you like most and let's all begin your toasts with a post!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: season 3

"Trust Me"---- the First MM Clone?

Well, I was wondering how long it would take for the copy cats to kick in! Seems starting 1-26-09 we will have a Mad Men wannabe (all about advertising, anyway) premiering on one of the "big 3" networks (as they used to be referred to) can't recall if it's ABC, CBS or NBC---except it's set in current times. Think it will be a hit?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: trust me

Jennifer Aniston wants to be on Mad Men

On a recent interview, when asked what TV show she would like to appear on, Jennifer Aniston said she would like to on Mad Men. What type of role should Mr. Weiner create for her? I would like to see her as a potential love interest for Don Draper that Don actually turns down. Would Don fail this test of his mettle?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: jennifer aniston

Fact or Rumor?

I've heard that AMC is NOT going to pick MM up for a third season, due to financial constraints. Is this true or is someone just trying to terrify us?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: season 3

Mad Men DVDs

"Available now for pre-order and will ship in July 2009.

From Matthew Weiner, the Emmy® award-winning executive producer and writer of "The Sopranos," "MAD MEN" is the ground-breaking, daring series about the glamorous and ego-driven "Golden Age" of advertising, where everyone is selling something and nothing is ever what it seems"

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: dvd, season 2

Is AMC getting a bum rap?

Please somebody fill me in! I haven't kept up with the latest news on the "negotiations" twixt Weiner et. al, and AMC...nor do I know the financial strength of a "non-premium channel" like AMC, but before I implore AMC to "meet Mr Weimer"s demands" at any cost, I would first THANK AMC for being the entity that took a chance with MadMen--when from what I've read, many others (including Weimer"s then-employer HBO) turned him down!

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: matthew weiner, season 3

Mad Men Intro Gets Simpsonized

Two of my favorites combined for the Tree House of Horror XIX when The Simpsons presented their take on the Emmy Award winning Mad Men intro.

check it out! http://twoifbysee.blogspot.com/2008/11/mad-men-intro-gets-simpsonized.html

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: the simpsons

Jon Hamm on 30 Rock this season!

From my fav entertainment news guy, Michael Ausiello of EW, I hear that our Jon Hamm is going to be on 30 Rock this season for "multiple" episodes. His character may be a love interest for Tina Fey's character. Sweet! More Jon is a great thing. :)

Here's a link to the article (copy and paste if it doesn't work.

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2008/10/jon-hamm-to-gue.html

Filed under: Cast and Crew, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: 30 rock, jon hamm

It's taken 46 years!

Clearasil is finally ready to hire an agency after dumping SC.

http://thecycle.prweekblogs.com/2008/10/29/clearasil-plans-first-major-pr-push/

On a more creepy note - I realized that Don and Betty basically just conceived me. I was born in 1963...

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: clearasil

(D'oh)n Draper in new opening sequence

I just thought this was hysterical! Enjoy!
http://videogum.com/archives/parodies/breaking-video-the-simpsons-s_031281.html

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: mad men, the simpsons

Replacing Weiner

This would be the worst thing possible.http://www.deadlinehollywooddaily.com/lionsgate-must-be-staffed-by-mad-men/

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: matthew weiner, season 3

Mad Men on "The Simpsons"

This Sunday night: check out a preview:

http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2008/10/simpsons_spoof_of_mad_men_reve.html

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: mad men, the simpsons

Money Talks

Here are a few figures to put the money in perspective for those of us not around in the 60s:
1. Don's 12.5% partnership share in SC netted him ~$500,000, which is approximately $3,622,000 in 2008 dollars, according to the inflation calculator at www.bls.gov. His salary of $45,000 per year as Creative Director would then be about $326,000 in today's money.

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: money

Is it curtains for Mad Men?

I've read a couple of different articles that mentioned AMC and Lionsgate have no contracts with Matthew Weiner or the show's actors. I don't know much about how television contracts work, but based on what I've read I have concerns that Mad Men may move to a premium station (like HBO) or even worse, last night's episode could have been Mad Men's swan song. Additionally, despite all the great press and awards Mad Men has received, ratings are still low. Does anyone have more info on this topic? I NEED my Mad Men fix!

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: season 3

What Are Your Plans For The Break???

Will you join the Mad Men book club, or the Movie Mad-ness discussions?

What other plans do you have? Exploring other Mad Men forums? Attending Mad Men parties? Madly picketing on Pico Boulevard or Avenue of the Americas?

Mad Men Book Club:
http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/talk/2008/10/mad-men-book-cl.php

Movie Mad-ness:
http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/talk/2008/10/movie-madness.php

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Mad about booze

Chhttp://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/article/mad-about-booze/707594/contenteck out this blog from the Huffington post:

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: booze

MM RENEWED FOR SEASON 3

its official MM has been picked up for a 3rd season by amc. although matt weiner is still in negoitations to return, the show and all it's main characters will be back in '09. my advice to amc- pay the man!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: season 3

Mad Men the Movie

Exactly how long is a season of shows 4-6 episodes? Is MM a summer fill-in thing?Or did Jon Hamm's acting put me to sleep for an ENTIRE "real" season? Well, I was thinking since MM has such a dedicated following like "Sex in the City" then why dont they go the movie route? I'm sure the actors would make more money, and get movie credit on their resumes, (that some may not have) People were talking about Sex in the City " the sequel" opening weekend of the movie! Most importantly, I thinking with a larger budget, and good editing, the show might make a little more sense.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: movies

Renew Mad Men

I keep hearing that Mad Men has not had the best viewer turn out. If Mad Men is not renewed I am canceling Cable. It's the only reason we keep it. The show must be renewed AMC.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: season 3

Mad Men Costume Party in Chicago Halloween NIght

There will be a big Mad Men costume party in Chicago on Halloween NIght, Friday October 31st. Here is the website address for the party. Please pass it on to your fellow Mad Men fans in or around the Chicago area. This party will be a blast, there is no admission other than it will be strictly limited to 21 and over dressed in the appropriate Mad Men era clothing. The name of the party is Ghosts of Election Past and will be staged as the party on Election NIght, 1960 that Cooper and Sterling went off to and left the kids to play at the office.

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: costume party

The Simpsons Do Mad Men

Nov. 2 the simpsons [cartoon] will re-do the mad men opening credits! MM has finally made it big time. see screen caps:
http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008/10/23/exclusive-the-simpsons-do-mad-men/

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: the simpsons

Boring?

I see a lot of posts from people who complain that this season is boring. I don't feel that way, and I'd like to hear what people are comparing it to, what do they expect? Loads of stuff happens every episode, certainly at a similar tempo to last season. I'm suspecting that it may just be that the kind of thing that is happening isn't what people want? Is it Rachel and Midge missing?
Sound off, let us know.

Thanks.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: season 2

Name some good Take Offs from Mad Men!

Example Viola and Betty: a la Gone With the Wind. Salvatore and family and his struggles. Help me think! Then we could basque in Mad Men Characters all week long!!! What do you think??

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Mad Men fashion trends

According to this, we must all wear plaid. I'm so happy to see "our" show have an impact!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nour-akkad/mad-men-fashion-report-th_b_136325.html

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: fashion

pete's father - in - law

Interesting note. Camp Dudley was mentioned - which is where my son went AND the actor who plays Pete's father in law was a counselor there the year he was there. I recognized him right away. the year I met him he had a big long running Dorito commercial on the air. I wonder if Mathew Weiner went there - alot of boys were from the Baltimore area.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: camp dudley

Mad Men Renewed

But will Matt Weiner be back?

Click here for more details.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: matthew weiner, season 3

'Mad Men' close to pickup

From The Hollywood Reporter:
'Mad Men' close to pickup
AMC wants Matthew Weiner for third season
By Kimberly Nordyke
Oct 16, 2008, 10:22 PM ET
"Mad Men" is inching closer to a third-season pickup.

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: season 3

madison ave cocktail

hey guys had this at a party last week and really enjoyed it.. madison ave cocktail-1 1/2 oz. white rum, 3/4 oz. orange liqueur, 1/2 oz. lime juice, 1 dash orange bitters, 3 mint leaves.shake w/ ice and strain into and old fashioned glass w/ ice. garnish w/ a mint sprig & a slice of lime. you might want to try it at your next mad men viewing party.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: cocktail

Pete disses CA

First of all, I have to be honest and "out" myself as a person who came from the northeast to CA for the geographical cure many, many years ago. Like Don, I came here on a trip and I just never went back. And it was such a smart piece of writing to have Pete diss CA and Californians when he returned to New York - we hear statements like that all the time. "Lousy sunshine" "Crazy people" etc.

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: california

Betty and Joan named sexiest women on TV

I came across a website, whatsontv.co.uk/blogs/tvspy/category/madmen/, which names January Jones and Christina Hendricks as 2 of the top 40 sexiest women on TV. I agree with Betty and Joan, but don't agree with some of the other women named. They were the only 2 from Mad Men though. January Jones is 30!!! She looks younger.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: betty draper, joan holloway

Characters on Broadway

In the early '60's going to a Broadway Show was a popular and still affordable night on the town. Here are some of the Mad Men characters and the Broadway Shows they would have starred in. - 1962:

Don - Something About a Soldier

Peggy - Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

MadMen Garage Sale! ;-D

I started a thread on the Jardiniere (the ugly urn/vase that Betty's mom owned and that she wants), and right away other "interesting" items that had appeared in the show started to be mentioned. Pink elephants and chip-and-dip plates.

Clearly, the writers of MadMen are having as much fun with the props as they are with the characters. They swing us back not only to Tchatchkes that actually came from the 60's, but also bizarre items that those living in the 60's would have seen or inherited from their parents. The weird clutter of life that comes back to haunt us whenever there's a garage sale.

Hence, I propose a thread talking about just those items. Welcome to the MadMan Garage Sale. What bizarre items have you seen in the episodes? What has struck you and why? What did that chip-and-dip plate symbolize? And who wants the pink elephant?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

"MAD" VIEWERS

Do you ever get the feeling that "WE" are the show? MM is so based on self-interpretation, and speculation that "WE" actually become the show. MM is just a format of dialog, close-ups, and innuendos, there are really no resolutions, or endings. The story is limited only by our OWN imagination..........

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Hobo Code

I was wondering about the hobo code and if it really exists. So I googled it and it is all perfectly authentic and still exists. Madmen is so sharp!
Someone asked why they are called madmen. This is what Madison ave. ad men jokingly call themselves.
!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: hobo code

Mad Men vs. Bewitched

This is a great article on unbound edition - all told with pictures - comparing MM to Bewitched. Way too true! Check out the comments, too.

http://www.unboundedition.com/content/view/8175/50/

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: bewitched, unbound edition

Back Then

What things did you do back in the early 1960s that were unique to that time?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: 1960s

The Advertising Age Timeline and Volkswagen

I have been reading through old issues of Advertising Age recently. There's a very good timeline of milestones which mirrors the story arc of MM in regards to Sterling Cooper's client roster and Volkswagen (THINK SMALL) in particular. I can't help but wonder about Don and Company in contrast to someone like Jerry Della Femina. Do any of you who worked in Advtsg in the 60s have a take on this? These characters continually refer to McCann Erickson and Doyle,Dane Bernbach and of course we know Duck is a McCann throw away. Without naming names wouldn't it be great to know who's who?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: volkswagen

"I Keep Thinking About Joe DiMaggio"

The ONLY comment which acknowledged the genuine grief of Joltin' Joe DiMaggio was delivered by the elevator operator. Joe truly loved Marilyn and for many years had red roses (a dozen or so I think) delivered to her grave as a sign of his unending love. Although she'd since left him and married Arthur Miller, and despite her dangerous affiliations with JFK/Giancana and Judith it was only Joe who'd truly loved Marilyn for herself. When you look at the photo of their wedding day you can see it all over Joe's face. His huge smile says it all. I think it was a poignant comment made by one who, given the nature of his race in 1962, was also 'hiding in plain sight'. But things were changing for the MMs industry as well since Roger informed Don at the illegal casino that "McCann Erickson hired a black man." Don, showing his typical wit and wisdom 'wouldno't want to be that guy'. I wonder, historically, who that first black guy wearing grey flannel was? Anyone????

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: joe dimaggio

That Locked Drawer

O.K., this is starting to really bug me. Why hasn't Betty gotten that desk drawer open? As angry as she apparently still is, and having found nothing in his closet, I would think she would be down there in that study with a hammer and screwdriver banging away at that lock - forget that lame kitchen knife business. Also, is it likely Don would leave the box of memories there for her to find? Could he possibly have forgotten it is there? Could Betty be afraid of what she might find and can't quite bring herself to really attack the drawer for fear she might find something that will force her to take the final step and end her marriage?

Filed under: Predictions, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: locked drawer

MM Women Rock!

Well, the "skirts" are really speaking up now.

Joan: Reminds Roger how hurtful it is lose someone. Will Roger get it??
Peggy: "You just couldn't keep your big mouth shut!" to Tattletale Pete.
Mona: Storms into the Donald's sanctuary and rips him a new one.
Betty: Takes the phone off the hook. Classic!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: women

HSN goes Mad Men??

I'm sitting here channel surfing, and what do I see...
Diane Gilman selling what she calls "Mad Men fashion" on HSN! Nothing looks 60's to me! Anyone else see this, or did I just get some bad coffee this morning!? This seems like a major league rip off to me! They just showed a clip from MM...yet there is no connection between MM and these fashions. Oh, now some Hollywood gal is on with Diane Gilman saying her husband has something to do with MM?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: hsn

Songs Played in Mad Men

They play so many great songs from the early 1960's in this series. Let's talk about the ones you especially like.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: music

Utz Potato Chips

The package design for Utz potato chips appears exactly the same now as it did in 1962. Does anyone know if this is accurate?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: utz

Music in MM promos

OK- so I have been thinking back of the season over the past week and the amount of stuff that has been uncovered. Then, I thought of the three main promos used for season two. The music (the lyrics really) completely foreshadowed what would happen this season. What I really liked, was that the songs in the background applied to Don and Betty.

The song, The Truth, by Handsome Boy Modeling School is taken from Betty aimed at Don. The lyrics to the song are:

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: music, promos

The Emmys

Hi fellow Maddicts! Well what a fantastic win for Mad Men!!! All of the awards were so well deserved, but, for a show to win Best Drama in it's first season! WOW!! They can only go up from here!! And I'll be right along for the ride! I would loved to have been there when the whole cast and crew were on stage together at the end! John, Robert, and Jonn all deserved the Emmys in their catagories, but, their day will come! I couldn't be prouder to call myself a MM fan (AKA Maddict)!!!!!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: emmys

More Marathons Needed

Hopefully AMC will air marathons of Seasons 1 and 2 so that people who never heard about "Mad Men" until they won the Emmy for best drama series will get to see it from the get-go. The summer is over (no more beach, lake, mountains trips?) and people will be more inclined to spend a day watching the marathons. It would be nice to add a lot more Maddicts to keep our favorite show going on infinitum (sp?).

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: marathons

UTZ are Everywhere!

Could there be some product placement with UTZ going on? I had barely heard of this brand, just a cheaper brand of potato chips that my kid's friend brought home. Then, this week, I'm in the Stop & Shop, and there are "UTZ" products everywhere! Not just chips, but pretzels, popcorn, etc. Will "Mad Men" make "UTZ" the new "Lays"? By the way, did anyone eat UTZ chips as a kid? We had Lays. Remember Bert Lahr, "You can't eat just one." He was the Cowardly Lion, but also an older Jewish comedian with a history in vaudeville.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: utz

Virgin Emmy Viewer

Anyone else tuning into the Emmy's for the first time ever, solely because Mad Men is heavily nominated? I'm so embarrassed! I LOATHE award shows.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: emmys

EMMY'S

I read an online article @ nationalpost.com that said mad man had already won 4 "lesser category" emmys last saturday. the show took place at the shrine auditorium (the same place where this sunday's awards take place), it is called the creative arts awards. does anyone know what categories they won in? also the article stated the MM is the odds on favorite to win best drama, thats the good news. the bad news is the article also stated that boston legal's james spader is the odds on favorite to win best actor in a drama. i know i am a little bias & james spader does a fine job, but jon hamm should absolutely win for best actor hands down.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: emmys, mad men

Are The T.V. Watching Draper Kids Us Back When?

Have you noticed how the kids are always watching television? Even when they break into their parents love making session (or non-lovemaking session), they are sent back to watch t.v. and eat. Is this what made us all here. Look at us, we are hooked on this t.v. show and can't wait discuss it here all week long awaiting the next episode! (This is a good thing BTW) But, one thing I have to say, can't Betty play with those kids a little bit. Some games, help in their homework. I guess it really wasn't like that in those days. If it weren't for TV forget it! I for one admit to be top "Couch Potato" Anyone else join me? Any thoughts?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

O.K. Who Are You?? And what brings you here??

Since we have another week to hack the stories, tell us your story. Often, I get on the site after a day's work here in L.A. and everyone is saying good night, hence they are on the east coast. And, I wonder were people are and who they are that I'm sharing so much with. Finally, I find out who scfan is from her being depicted on the blogs and chosen as best fan by Clayton! Now, do you dare tell us who you are and why you blog with us all on this great forum?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Fan-Made Soundtracks

Since we're posting topics to pass the time over the next 2 weeks, I thought it would be interesting to see what kind of playlists/soundtracks all you Maddicts would put together for season 2. (These can include songs that have played in the episodes as well). There are so many wonderful songs and phenomenal artists from that period, I find myself listening to more and more music from that era lately. I'd love to see what kind of list this season could inspire.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: music

Heineken Beer; Art Imitates Life

Sterling Cooper's bold sales pitch for Heineken Beer is straight out of the archives of 1960's advertising. Many beer companies such as Miller High Life wanted to expand the market to include upwardly mobile households targeting the "female hostess". In fact Miller's copy suggested to "put the finest beer on your table" after all it was considered " the champagne of bottled beer" Ads appearing at this time featured colorful photos of happy gatherings with lavish speads of food, decorative iced buckets of beer and a smiling host. You can find examples of this advertising and much more vintage ads at a site called Found in My Mom's Basement. I have just found this site and had great time looking at old ads from the past.
http://pzrservices.typepad.com/vintageadvertising/
Look under vintage beer ads for examples, on about page three.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: heineken, miller high life

The real Tilden Katz

Tilden Katz has spent ten years counseling clients on how to work with the media to position specific cases, improve their business prospects and respond during crisis situations and litigation. Coincidence? I think not!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: tilden katz

Mad Men High School Year Book Clichés

It's been suggested that while we're waiting 2 weeks for a new episode we might need new topics to chat about and pass the time. I'd like to start a little posting game in that spirit.

Let's make a list of High School Year Book Clichés (best dressed, most likely to succeed, etc.) for MM characters. Who was the prom king and queen of their world? Who was the valedictorian? Who was the star jock and the cheerleader? Give the characters their titles and come up with some new categories of clichés (most likely to be arrested for tax evasion, most likely to be a starter wife, etc.) I know the creative forces on this forum can come up with some pretty funny stuff, so let's post away!

Filed under: Characters, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: superlatives

Dog-Whistling

Anyone get the same vibes that I do, that there are many subtle statements made in this show that are audible only to those who lived in that time and place? For example...
-references to the neighborhood that the Campbells moved into being a little edgy then ( we know it's not now!)
- Betty's clothes-- have you noticed how she and Peggy seem to be the only ones not in sheath dresses -- other than Peggy's uh, not-so-upscale, family? Are they making a statement of being a couple years behind the curve?
-What are they saying about the Drapers living in Ossining? What kind of neighborhood was that really then?
I'm sure there's others... what have I missed?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Opening Graphics Falling Man

I don't know if anyone else has wondered about how the opening graphics of the man falling from the skyscraper might strike people in New York who may have actually witnessed such a tragedy on 9/11. I'm surprised this idea wasn't vetoed.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: opening credits

Draper home changes

Did they redo the living room? It looks a lot more "modern" than it did before.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: draper home

It's show time, folks!

The writers are missing an opportunity. Duck took his children to see "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," which opened in 1961. Also opening in 1961 and running for nearly four years (!) as well as winning the Tony and Pulitzer, was another long-titled show, "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." Surely many of the workers at Sterling Cooper would see this show, which includes the song, "The Secretary Is Not a Toy." (Joan would love that.) The added twist to including this show on Mad Men is that it made Robert Morse a star.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Does anyone else remember that alarm clock?

Don and Betty have an alarm clock on Betty's nightstand that I fondly remember from my childhood. It is rectangular, enclosed in a dark wooden case, with brass trim along the sides and on the base. It also has Roman numerals at each hour number. I'm trying to remember who manufactured it, because I'd love to track one down. I believe it was Seth Thomas, but am wondering whether any of my contemporaries remember this clock better than I? Thanks! David

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Shame in Advertising


....Donald Draper said advertising is based on one thing: Happiness.

I disagree. It's also heavily based on shame.

Look at MADD. Admit it, we all drove a little tipsy once or twice in the 60s, 70s, and even 80s for some.... Now, I would chew off my left arm before drinking and driving.

(No, boys and girls, Dry Manhattan definitely does NOT condone a cocktail before motoring....)

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: advertising

The Cheaters Handbook

As I've mentioned before, I find it interesting that Jimmy feels there is some code or rule book for screwing around. What are the rules? Who is the author? Who follows the rules? Is this a rule book only the men know about? A 'macho' rule book? You know, men have a good ol' boys club and I wouldn't be surprised if there were a rule book women know nothing about.

Well, we know Jimmy feels the first rule is, "You don't do another man's wife." Oh, right, it's okay if she is single. Is it okay if she is separated? What about if she lies to you, or you deliberately don't ask? Is it okay if you're the one single and the other person is married?

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: cheating

40 years from now- will there be a drama about us??

Well, we have all been tsk-tsking about the drinking, smoking, lack of fitness and poor parenting, etc. that was life in the early 60's.
I wonder what they will say about us 40 years down the line? Probably how could we have been so gullible about credit cards? Why didn't we do somethig about global warming while there was still time? Why did we stubbornly stick with the gasoline-powered car? Why did we get all those tattoos that look so awful on Granny and Grandad today?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Cup of Joe

I've been meaning to ask this, and of course I keep forgeting... I heard on episode 7 that the term "cup of Joe" was coined as a phrase referring to Joe Martinson. Does anyone know if this is true?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: cup of joe

All Mad Men all the time channel

What do ya think? All MM episodes 24 hrs., with only TV ads from the 60's on in between!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

What are your sentiments?

I try to understand why Don can't feel the same way for his wife as he does his mistresses, especially when she is so gorgeous, and she wants to get it on with him.
Then it came to me. Don views her as a mother first, and then a wife. Maybe this goes back to his own mother issues. He can't view her as a sexual being because he sees her as a mother figure.

When they went to the hotel and she had on sexy lingerie, he couldn't get it up (pardon the lingo). My sentiments are, that he doesn't know what to do with that coming from her. Why do you think he can't be sexual with her?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Bravo..you are back!

I posted after episode two that I was disappointed with the first two shows. Now I will post to say these last episodes have been great! Best of luck with the emmys. Well deserved noms for all of you!
I do have to mention that as gorgeous as Don draper is with his clothes on I really am not enjoying him naked. Sorry..
I hope the ladies get nominated next year. They are fabulous!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

"The Relax-A-Cizer"...

Whatever happened to it?

I wish there'd be some mention about how it did in sales and what type of success it had.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: relax-a-cizer

Sweetheart, Get me a cuppa coffee.

I have to laugh - although it's a rueful sort of laugh - at the way every woman on the show is addressed as "Sweetheart". Even the new kids in town, Smith and Smith, who are going to be the next big wave, call Peggy "Sweetheart". I remember repeating, in a very sweet way of course, so as not to get into trouble, "My name is.... (always the first name) Mr. .... (he was always "Mister" this or that.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Using "IMDB" for clues.

Several contributors have mentioned using the IMDB for clues as to who will and will not appear in future episodes of Mad Men. For example Jane Seigel is not listed as a character after EP-7 and some have stated that this is a sign that she will no longer be at SC. Take this with a grain of salt. For example the IMDB page for the EP-8 does not list Mark Moses/Duck Phillips as appearing in the episode. However he is in all of the previews shown on AMC for EP-8.

Filed under: Predictions, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: imdb

Don & Betty & JFK & Jackie

Don and Betty's marriage is a lot like what serious biographers portray as the Kennedy marriage. Jackie did know about JFK's philandering and may have retaliated by spending LOTS of money and refusing to be a traditional first lady. We've speculated on the Draper's future. Do you think JFK and Jackie would stayed married but led separate lives (Clintons!), or would have divorced- like Ted and Joan finally did?

Filed under: Characters, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: betty draper, don draper, jackie, jfk

"Its all in the details!"

I have been watching from the beginning and for quite awhile wondering what it is about this show that has got me riveted. I mean geez all of these characters are just downright despicable. I kept thinking it was the well written story, the great acting, the look back but I do think that it is the unbelievable attention to detail that they have mastered. I lately have been looking for the little things and how spot on they are. When Don took the family for a picnic and Don throwing the beer can away, the trash they left behind. My first thought my god what pigs but you know in thinking about it that really is what people did back then. Or the little slap on the rump someone gave Peggy, that was the norm back then. Actually many many things that the show has got so right. I guess its the look back and seeing how much has changed has gotten to me or even how much really has not changed. Truly an interesting show. And Don's wife woofing up in his car at the end....my first thought was priceless....;-)

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: details

Things I've Been Dying to Talk About

Hi,

I've been trying to get on this board for weeks now but something was wrong with the site. I just started watching this season and it's my favorite show. Here are some of my thoughts that I haven't seen written about yet.

When Betty hides the salt shaker and Don says "No salt?" and she says "You'll get used to it." To me that was a metaphor for his life with her. He wants spice and flavor and she's the opposite of that for him.

Also, when Bobbie and Don are in bed together and she says to him "now I know what you like." I think part of the reason he was so hard on her after that is that she was getting too close. He just wants her to have sex with him, he doesn't want her to get to know him, much less talk. During sex he was vulnerable. She found out things about him he has no control over, like how he moves, what sounds he makes, etc. and that made him angry.

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Puppets: Martinson's and Jim Henson

Some may recall Don made a comment about a past Martinson campaign using puppets (he noted this sneeringly). The actual campaign featured the early work of Jim Henson. See link below
http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Wilkins_and_Wontkins

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: puppets

Which one of Don's mistresses do you dislike the most??

For me, it's Rachael because they had more than just a "bootie call", it made me sick to watch them in bed. She would be like "do you have to go?" Like she don't know he has kids and a family....

They all really suck. Midge made me wanna puke and so does that cougar Bobbie....

I feel for Betty! lol

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: betty draper, bobbie barrett, don draper, midge, rachel

Attitudes about the cars

Do we remember what Betty said about her basically brand new Mercury Colony Park station wagon when she was finished riding horses? Her friend asked her if she minded getting manure in the car, and Betty said, manure...little children...what's the difference? We know that the station wagon was brand new because during a later episode, during the scene with the mechanic, Betty tells the mechanic that the car is new and she didn't want her husband to know about the repair because the wagon was new and because Don doesn't like the way she drives. Now that Don has a brand new Cadillac, he asks Betty to check the kids' hands before they get in the car. He is kind of fanatical about keeping the car clean. (That's why the scene where she vomits is so funny.) Did anyone notice the difference in attiudes each one of them has about their cars? They kind of have the opposite attitudes about their marriage...Don cheats and cheats and cheats, while Betty tries to keep it together.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Mad Emmy Fever!

For the first time in a long time, I can't wait for the Emmys! Anyone else psyched? I'll be wearing my 1960's style flowered hat and white gloves!!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: emmys

Catty females in business

I was glad to see the office conflict between Joan and Jane because it makes visible an issue that is a reality in business today as it was back in 1962 and that is catty behavior among women in business. All too often women in the office fall victim to their own inability to remain objective while conducting business. Gossip,petty jealousies, moodiness and immature rivalries often cloud the judgement of some of the most seasoned female executives. The situation of Joan vs. Jane is a perfect example of a female calling down (and firing) another female for reasons that have nothing to do with her ability to do the job.

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Looking through Irish Eyes

There must have been an Irish writer working on Episode 6. First, Chauncey, the Irish Setter.

Then when Pete and Trudy were arguing Pete said he was glad they didn' have children because the children would be hearing "the donnybrook" he and Trudy were having. To any of my Irish relatives (and the Irish people in "A Quiet Man") a donnybrrok is an expression for a good old Irish fight. I just find it interesting.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: irish

MadMen, affairs, and our real lives.

(Someone let me know that the previous post is corrupted, so this is a slightly edited repost. I hope this one works!)


I'm wondering if there are viewers who have had a tough time watching because of their real life experience(s) with infidelity. Whether it was you or your partner that strayed, how has Mad Men affected you? As the one who, in real life, was betrayed in my relationship, I know that I can't make it through a single episode without breaking down. It hurts my previously wayward partner who loves the show and while we don't watch together, he knows how much it all hurts...seeing all of these characters wounding their partners, relishing their trysts. Is Mad Men affecting anyone's relationship? Triggering anyone who's had to deal with real life affairs? How? Has it been all tears, or a platform to discuss your particular relationship difficulties, or...?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

MadMen, affairs, and our real lives.

I'm wondering if there are viewers who have had a tough time watching because of their real life experience(s) with infidelity. Whether it was you or your partner that strayed, how has MadMen affected you? As the one who, in real life, has been betrayed in my relationship, I know that I can't make it through a single episode without breaking down. It hurts my partner who loves the show and while we don't watch together, he knows how much it all hurts. Is MadMen affecting anyone's relationship? Triggering anyone who's had to deal with real life affairs? How? Has it been all tears, or a platform to discuss problems, or...?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Dr. No and the Bikini

Apparently, 2007 was the 50th anniversary of the invention of the Bikini.

In 1962, Dr. No was released. It was the first in a long line of Bond 007 movies, and featured Ursula Andress in a scandalous (for the day) bikini. From that day forward, Mr. Andress would have to contend with the nickname "Ursula Undress."

Here are some links from Dr. No:

http://www.imdb.com/media/rm2993133568/tt0055928

http://www.bikiniscience.com/chronology/1960-1965_SS/UA6310_S/UA6310_J/UA631010.JPG

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: bikini

misogyny run amok

This show makes me feel sick inside, though it is well written and intriguing to watch. I am uncomfortable with the misogyny that I see. It literally makes me tense and depressed to watch.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

American Politics in Season 1

So, I am still confused. I am not American, so the politics and election from season are still puzzling to me.
When they all had the office party, I thought that was the election race with Nixon Vs Kennedy. They were vying for Nixon right? but Kennedy one right?
then 1. why the celebration and 2. During the flashback in SE02EP05 when Peggy was in the hospital, it was after the election, and when asked by the Doctor who is president, she said Eisenhower and he said something like "good, good"...
can someone explain? Wikipedia didnt help...

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: politics

The Color Pink

This is probably going nowhere, but seeing Don wrapped in a pink towel got me to thinking (after I mused that my husband would kill me if I ever bought pink towels):

Pink Elephant
Peggy in Pink on Easter
Peggy in Pink while "hiding" Bobbie
Twin in Pink undergarments just before Roger's heart attack.
Betty in Pink at the restaurant meeting with Bobbie and Jimmy
Trudy in Pink towel after Pete's dad died.
Was pink just a dominant color back in the 60's (even appliances were pink) or does MM use it to signal an important clue in the scene? Do I need to get a life?

Filed under: Predictions, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: pink

Season 2 Wish list

We're about half way through Season 2, so I think it's time to compile a list of what we would like to see happen the rest of the season (of couse, by now, all the scripts have been written and episodes filmed, but it's still fun to dream). Here is my list:

1. The return of Helen Bishop and her son, Glenn.
2. A Halloween episode (perhaps combined with a Cuban Missle Crisis episode).
3. A Christmas episode complete with aluminum tree and color wheel.

Filed under: Predictions, Rumors and Gossip

These Women molded in a Sexist Environment are so tightly monitored by their significant other, they can't breath!

Betty,Peggy, and the REST can't express themselves or they are grounded. I felt so bad when Peggy was doing the twist and feeling so good about herself and Pete turned to ice and told her, "I don't like you like this" and walked out of her promotion party. Betty was terribly reprimanded by Don when she let the a/c salesman in the house. Supposedly for her safety but really just to control her. Now Betty is wearing a beautiful 2 piece and Don turns her glow off by telling her that it's desperate. Bull! What do these women think? Oh, yeah, he loves me that's why he says this and in their minds it's alright and they do what they say. What is this? Can anyone tell me what these women are thinking? I loved it when Peggy showed up at the Club and looked so modern. Pete's disapproval made her feel like a fish out of water, but I'm so glad she did this. Hooray for Peggy for being so brave!!!!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

You gotta see Rich Sommer and Elizabeth Moss on the first video of the contest, Its Hilarious!

Tell me what you thought about this video, hope you get a kick out of it as I did.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: contest

The Clients

Does anyone know if MM has to get approvals and/or pay royalties to the companies they mention and showcase? While they are doing homages to the ad biz back then, most of the "clients" are still in business. And, there is product placement in the show as well, i.e., the Utz potato chips on top of the Draper's fridge, for example.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Office Equipment

IBM Selectrics were in distribution in '62; however, the Royal Electric was the cadillac and should really be showcased with some nice boxes of carbon paper in constant use. Cartridge pens, not ballpoints were the popular choice. Nice touch rolling in the Xerox machine; but the room where the Gesteners mimeographs are housed, should have been featured as where the Xerox Machine would have slid right in next to. Also, Xerox had to deliver their own paper - just a thought for future use. Another missing piece of equipment - where are the green/orange ceramic community ashtrays - missing a nice touch. One final note - the elevator operator needs his door stick....no experienced operator would have ever been without one in a large corporate building in the 60's.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Peggy's pantyhose

While pantyhose were invented in 1959, they were not commonly available for retail purchase untile 1965. Since this episode presumably takes place in 1961, how could Peggy be wearing pantyhose?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Peggy, Don, and Herbal cigarettes

YAY for Peggy! I was hoping that she would show up at the club! Too bad she still seems to need Campbell's approvals of her behavior. And Campbell! He really is trying to take Don's job...as an unhappy, sex and control starved jerk. My, my,my. Now to Don: did he really think that with all the sex he has all around town that no one would talk? Why does it bother him? It seems the women are giving him great reviews. Is he afraid of other people finding out that he is really as deceitful of a man as his father? (I am referring to the flashback of Don as a child when the vagabond visited his home.) (And yes, I understand that I am writing as though these are real people rather than characters on a show :))

So, herbal cigarettes. I read on another post on here that the actors are smoking herbal cigarettes. But, those still must have some danger associated with them, right? I mean they smoke a lot! If herbal cigarettes are safe then why are they not available to the general public so that I can take up smoking again!

Filed under: Characters, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: cigarettes, don draper, peggy olson

Working Wives

I can't remember any of the executives having wives who work or have a career. But, I wasn't watching for it so might have missed hearing something. I hearing men...both blue collar and white collar, state that 'no wife of mine will work'. It was an ego thing, in many cases, as the husband feared the men at his work would think he couldn't afford to take care of is family. The executive wives probably belong to clubs, junior league, and volunteer, but do any of them get a paycheck?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Episode 6

Hi fellow Maddicts!! Tonight's episode is called "Maidenform". For my female Maddicts: Do we have to put on our bras for this episode. or take them off in protest? Any male Maddicts who need to put on your bros (with apologies to Jerry Seinfeld) get ready!
Does anyone know if Maidenform bras are still being made?

Filed under: Episodes, Rumors and Gossip

Music in Mad Men

Bach in Three Sundays, "Sukiyaki" in Flight 1 - sometimes the use of music and pop songs in MM is historically or culturally accurate...and sometimes not. Anyone here fondly remember Top 40 radio of the early 60s? Find some tuneful clips on my blog: http://cantara.vox.com/library/posts/tags/mad+men

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: music

Smoking Behaviors

Growing up in the 1950s and 60s, I remember several behaviors regarding smoking that are not depicted accurately. Here are a few observations:
1)Smoking around Children: This was usually considering bad form except for the most diehard smokers. This was partly because children were considered not to have the constitution of an adult and partly becasue it added to the cool of being an adult. This was one of the reasons why teens wanted to smoke so much.
2) Smoking While Eating: This was usually not done until after the meal was over even in public places.

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Emmy Nominations -- Season 1

I am waiting the arrival of my copy of the DVD and will soon be able to take a leisurely look at the first season. I already know how I react to the series/stories/characters, so I took time to see look at what Emmy singled out for recognition. Remember, these nominations are for work done in Season 1....
Let's see....

The series was recognized with nominations for:

Outstanding Main Title Design
Outstanding Drama-Series
Outstanding Casting
Outstanding Cinematography

The four episodes separated from Season 1 for recognition are:

"Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"
Outstanding Writing-Drama Series
Art Direction-Single Camera Series
Outstanding Costumes-Series
Outstanding Directing

"Shoot"
Outstanding Hairstyling-Single Camera Series

"The Hobo Code"
Outstanding Makeup (Non-Prosthetic)-Single Camera Series

"The Wheel"
Outstanding Writing-Drama Series

Jon Hamm was nominated for Best Actor-Drama; John Slattery was nominated as Best Supporting Actor-Drama; and Robert Morse was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor -Drama Series.

None of our ladies were nominated in any category. Was this an oversight? Will the ladies' performances in Season 2 change that statistic? Which of you favorites in Season 1 were overlooked? Next year, what will the list look like? Do you think the total Mad Men nominations will be even higher next year?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: emmys

Current social conventions that will die?

One of MM's best features is how it cariactures social conventions that were unconsciously acceptable in the 60's but are viewed as unacceptable now. We, of course, suffer from the same unconscious acceptance of practices that will be rejected in the future. Anyone dare to imagine that we know what 2040 will look like and predict current conventions that we now accept but society will have discarded by then?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Brian Krause (aka Leo in Charmed)

I'm a Brian Krause fan.....it is my understanding that Brian Krause will be guest starring in an upcoming episode of MAD MEN....someone please confirm this for me!!!!!

Filed under: Cast and Crew, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: brian krause

Did you see the TV go out of tune?

Did anyone else notice the attention to detail-when Peggy walked past her TV (about 29-31 minutes in) it went out of tune? Great job by the set designers, directors!

Filed under: Episodes, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: television, the new girl

Funniest lines

I know there's been threads on "best lines" of Mad Men, but a line in last night's show reminded me just how witty/funny this show can be:

Ken: (to the new girl) Ken Kosgrove
Paul: Paul Kinsey, creative
Harry: Harry Crane... married...

I really laughed out loud at that one! Maybe I just love Harry's character, but in a show filled with serious stuff, its fun to find the humor.

Who else has got a funny line from Mad Men?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

What about the Interiors

In Season 1 episode one there is a shot of Betty presumably coming down the steps of the old Savoy Hotel which was where the GM Building in now in NY. Where were those steps? It seemed like an elaborate set to build. At first I thought it was the Vanderbilt side of Grand Central but when I looked again the staircase had gargoyles so not GCS. Anyway the show is filmed in Los Anegeles. I thought the restaurant where the admen met a client with his "not-wife" was a nice facsimile of P.J. Clarke's. The scene at the University Club looked good also. And I loved the jacket on the waiter at Lutece. It looked authentic with the maroon collar.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

A new "doo" for Peggy!

She needs to lose the ponytail What other style would still allow her to look young and fresh while sophisticated and professional.I was thinking a sleek little page boy?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Mac and Cheese Nation

I don't think I've seen the Draper kids eat a piece of meat or a vegetable yet. It's all hot dogs, macaroni, pancakes, grilled cheese and spaghetti. No wonder Sally is "getting stout!" No wonder Bobby has ADD!!

A plurality of people on this board probably grew up eating that same exact diet. I was a "picky eater" and somehow got away with eating only one thing for years - Beanie Weenie and grape Kool-Aid.

Explains a whole lot now.

Baby boomers grew up on carbs, and I would bet the farm that's one big reason for the whole "carbs are evil" craze of the last few years.

Plenty of girls (and maybe boys too) got "stout" just like Sally, and damned if they haven't fought the battle of the bulge every single day thereafter. Our parents raised a nation of carb addicts!!

As to the adults, well, let's just say that a large percentage of them are no longer with us, or are well on their way and not too happy about it.

In defense of Betty's and Don's parenting, if you have ever tried a strict diet of cigarettes and booze (See Betty's Diet by KK - August 22, 2008 6:20pm), let me tell you, it wouldn't be long before you were snapping at your stout, precocious daughter and your ADD son!!!

How we survived as kids on that diet, let alone flourished or got through school, I will never know. These days, if we even dare to dream of a Mallomar or a Moon Pie in between our five small, metabolically-balanced meals, we have to add 15 minutes to our "spinning" time, and break out the insulin.

Seriously, live this way for even a week, and tell me you don't feel like a crazy person.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

The Look - 1962

Casting on this show is genius....

Full of character, lacking in perfect symmetry, "warts and all," these are the faces of the 1960s.

Near as I can tell, there are no "bobbed" noses, or any other surgical alterations, and these are by far the most fascinating, charismatic faces I've seen on any screen in years.

Also incredibly refreshing are Don Draper's lovers, who are routinely women, not girls. Not chippies (well, maybe Bobbie), not ingenues, not his daughter's teenaged girlfriend. These are complex, independent, womanly adults, which makes them all the more interesting.

One actor I can think of in Hollywood who has the intelligence and the look to carry off this era with ease is the lovely and talented Sela Ward. I think she would be stunning and riveting as either a rival business associate, client or Don Draper's next lover. No disrespect to Betty or the institution of marriage, but Sela is hugely magnetic and would be a formidable, and incredibly classy, sparring partner for Draper. If you want a full-blown affair of the heart for Draper, she's your gal.

All the faces I see on Mad Men are uncannily similar to those from my childhood and it's a bit of a jolt to see it recreated so spot on.

Thank you for nailing the look of that time.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Sterling Cooper's Account List

I'm trying to make a list of all of SC's clients/products we've heard of so far. Who (or what) have I forgotten?

  • Menken's
  • Lucky Strike
  • Belle Jolie
  • Clearasil
  • The Relaxasizer
  • Mohawk Airlines
  • Bethlehem Steel
  • Kodak Carousel
  • Gillette Right Guard
  • Nixon Campaign
  • Liberty Capital
  • Israeli Tourism
  • Secor Laxatives
  • Cartwright Double-sided Aluminum
  • Utz Potato Chips
  • Maytag
  • Playtex
  • American Airlines (They don't really count since SC was only courting them, but I'm adding them to the list as they were nearly final.)

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: accounts, sterling cooper

The Worst Candy in the World

Here to bring you more frivolous trivia (it was bugging me), I think the candy Draper's father always ate was Choward's Violet Mints.

http://www.chowardcompany.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=OS&Product_Code=03100&Category_Code=MV

Arguably, the worst-tasting candy ever made...... can't find reference to any other violet-flavored candy.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Bobby's Toy Robot?

......about Bobby's toy robot, again I'd have to take another look, but I think it might be the Asukasa Thunder Robot first manufactured in the early 1960s.....

check out this link.....

http://www.robotisland.com/product_info.php/products_id/498

anyone know for sure?

just curious......

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: bobby draper, robot

Holy Innocents Church

Now, I know this is a real stretch, and some of you will think I need to get a life instead of dissecting MM plots, but...
I noticed that the name of the Catholic church Peggy attends was The Holy Innocents. I know the Christen/Catholic meaning. Does anyone else think that there is another meaning? Who are the Holy Innocents on MM? Peggy? Her baby? Fr. Gill?
I told you this was "out there", I am so glad Sunday night and a new MM episode is almost here!!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: holy innocents

Lunch at The Plaza

It's time to check out the newly remodeled Plaza in Manhattan. Which group would you rather join for 1 o'clock luncheon:
Carmella and Tony (The Sopranos)
Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte (Sex and The City)
Betty and Don Draper and the Roger Sterlings (Mad Men)

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Stuck in the 60s

For some reason today every time I speak some expression from the 60s comes out. I don't think I have heard these on the show...maybe they were just from my part of the world and didn't make it to NYC.
1. Don't slam the screen door.
2. Close the door, were you raised in a barn?
3. Get in here, PDQ (pretty damn quick)
4. Be quick like a bunny.
5. That's all she wrote.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Betty's diet

I want to be on the Betty and Don diet. They never eat. Just alcohol, cigarettes and coffee, in no particular order. Seems to work though.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Old Commercials

Hello All,
Thought you might enjoy a website that allows you to listen to sound bites from old commercials. Some are newer than others, but these brought back a lot of memories for me...especially the ones listed under smokers.

http://soundboard.com/sb/classic_audio_recording.aspx

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Contest

I'm not sure who is monitoring the Mad Men contest on this site. I have voted for contestants that I feel did a good job and deserve the right to be on the show. Now I understand that some contestants are using other web sites to obtain votes. This doesn't seem right, and not fair to the people who have followed the rules to enter the contest.
Do our votes count? PLEASE, whoever is monitoring the contest look at this.
Any fellow Maddicts who voted and are upset by this please respond! Thanks!!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: contest

WHAT CAMERA AND FORMAT DID YOU USE TO UPLOAD YOUR VIDEO

I was told that my first video was not playable sent in another with higher res.and my unplayable one was put on the site after all that, kinda disappointing,how about you?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: contest

mad men characters on twitter

www.twitter.com you may not have heard of it, but, twitter is becoming the social media network of choice! i use twitter all the time. today i saw that someone has started tweeting as different characters of mad men! it's so fun! they are tweeting(posting) as the characters and what goes on in the show.
to get started on twitter, go to the site, register and follow people, put characters names in search and hit follow. it's like a little mad men world all it's own!
once you follow you can talk to whoever like this:
@don_draper who did you send the meditation book to? then he will answer back...or not don is kinda mysterious.
anyway, wanted to pass this along to anyone interested.
you can follow me too! search moto62 and hit follow!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

A Question about the "Contest". It's drawing to a close the 25th. Why are men running away with the votes?

As a full fledged Maddict, this is the only web site I have ever blogged on. You see, not only do I love this show so much, but I am also out of work. I am usually trying to keep busy as an actress even doing background work, but the studios have stopped production in anticipation of a SAG strike or not. No deal has been struck by the producers and the actors yet. (Imagine a work stoppage by actors and Mad Men not being produced for any length of time?). After the writers' strike this year, we have really had some hardships in this city and talk about being hungry, I can tell you a lot about that. Anyway, it puts me behind the Mad Men site reading and studying everything about it. One thing that comes to mind is the contest. I have contributed to three entries with the characters of Joan, Peggy and Don! While it has kept my creative juices doing these, I find that being a trained actress and singer with a creative family background and with total devotion to my craft is not getting it! While there are some fabulous entries in the contest and I have seen some great actors and have enjoyed the videos immensely, I'm wondering what it takes to get the viewers attention? Is it a gimmick? "you gotta have a gimmick" ("Gypsy"). Is it production, editing or just being a male? Most of the big votes have gone to males. Why Ty Mahane will probably win with over 1400 votes! And other males garnering huge votes.
If you dare venture into the "contest" section and see the big numbered votes and let me know what it is that it takes and help me figure this experience with you as I delved a little further into the characters of this great show with my little ol' renditions of them and let me know what it takes to get the viewers attention? Shat is it that makes or breaks the viewers attention these days, controversy (as we find on Mad Men), surprise (as we find on Mad Men), pure old fashioned entertainment (as we find on Mad Men), empathy (as we find on Mad Men), what?????

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: contest

The "Real" Don Draper -- any family?

Was the background of the "real" Don Draper ever discussed in an episode. If the US Army officially confirms Don Draper as "alive and honorably discharged", wouldn't the family of the real Don Draper expect to have contact with him after he returned from the Korean War? Was this ever explained or addressed in an episode?

Filed under: Predictions, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: don draper

Just went back to Season 1

This Season we're contending with Duck who's trying to undermine Don, who initially hired him. We have Bobbie, who's cutting down Don to the Bone. We have the new priest and now it's all about him. We have the new girl next week. We have Lois,Don's secretary who gets fired, Harry,Tarah,and on and on. Can't seem to pinpoint any direction they are going in. I'm terribly frustrated that there is no connection with the story line of Season 1. It was so nice and cozy then with the main characters we love so much. They are being slaughtered this Season. I love Mad Men all of you know quite well! But, I'm having trouble with all these storylines. I want to know what happened from Season 1 to now. It's being ignored! Try watching Season 1 and see what I mean. Please explain why all these new open story lines and the fact that our main characters are being made to look so foolish. I want to see the development from Season 1 to now. What happened in the year and a half in between! Help me figure this out!

Filed under: Episodes, Rumors and Gossip

Oh those prices!

Did anyone else notice the menu prices on the show this week -- and how absurdly low they seemed compared to today? And there was Roger, scoffing at the idea of a "ten dollar lunch". We should be so lucky today!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Don's Timeline

Does any one have any idea of the timeline of Don Draper's life? How long have he and Betty been married? Did he go to college after leaving the Army? At his physical, the doc said Don was 36. How old is Sally? I don't know what year he left the Army, but it must have been between 1950 and 1953...probably closer to the latter year.

Filed under: Characters, Rumors and Gossip

Interesting choice of "ham"

Does anyone else think that the choice of Don's father's favorite food as being ham revives the "Don is a Jew" theme we saw in Babylon, Season 1? Why, of all the foods in the world, did the writers choose ham?

Everything on screen serves a narrative purpose, and I thought this was a "tell". It tells me that Don's father was definitely not Jewish, but apparently jewishness is passed through the mother's line.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Mad Men's Best Lines

THAT WAS WITHOUT A DOUBT THE BEST LINE I HAVE EVER HEARD UTTERED BY A CHARACTER ON TV - EMMY WORTHY WRITING INDEED.

I WORKED PR FOR A HIGH PROFILE/POWERFUL SPORTS AGENT AND I WAS ALWAYS COVERING FOR HIM (BE IT PROFESSIONAL/PERSONAL) AND PART OF MY JOB WAS TO MAKE HIM LOOK GOOD - PERIOD. END OF STORY. I WAS GOOD AT IT AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I DID EVERY DAY. I MANAGED PEOPLE'S EXPECTATIONS OF HIM. IT WAS AN UNSPOKEN AGREEMENT BETWEEN US - AND WE STILL TO THIS DAY (AFTER ME LEAVING TO RAISE MY CHILDREN) HAVE A VERY STRONG FRIENDSHIP/BOND. I ALMOST FELL OFF MY COUCH WHEN I HEARD DON SAY THAT TO LOIS. I WAS MY LIFE IN A NUTSHELL. NAIL ON THE HEAD MOMENT

Anyone else want to put in their favorite lines?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: lines

Three Sundays Theme

This was another great epi but this time filled with lots of tantalizing reveals. I was grappling over the theme. Was it revolving around apologies and forgiveness? Peggy's sister stated how Peggy gets away with her bad behavior with no apologies-- like it didn't happen. Draper mentioned the importance of AA moving forward in the ads with no apologies-- like it didn't happen. And that poor little boy, Draper's son, unable to apologize to Betty out of sheer terror, but easily offers one to his loving Dad.

Filed under: Episodes, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: three sundays

Catholic miscue

I am addicted to the show and read in the NY TIMES MAGAZINE how Matthew has to have eveything accurate for the time in which is it set [as all great writers do]. I am a playwright/screenwriter myself and agree that it is so viatal to the work. Last night's episode in the confessional, Peggy's sister blessed herself by saying "In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit". Catholics did not start using "Spirit" until 1965 after the Second Vatican Council. Before that ist was always "Holy Ghost". Don't get me wrong..I love this show, it is one of the best things on television EVER and now cancel all plans on Sunday night but when something is spotted like that in my work I would love to have it pointed out. If I am wrong, please correct me. Great work as always!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

What do you want to hear?

I love this Darper line, and it seems to be becoming persistent. The first time I can remember him sayng this was when Roger asked him if he believed in "an energy", "a soul", in the hospital. Draper used it in last night's episode in the bed with Betty after their fight, and I think he used it before when he was supposed to tell her how awful Carleton had been, and how happy he seemed in his new domestic role with Francine. I just think the comment personifies Draper's reluctant participation in the ad world. He's willing to tell people what they want to hear, but he hates doing it.

I'm also reminded of Draper waiting the poetry act with the hippies in season 1, and he says something like, "People are so desperate to be told what to believe, they'll do anything." I think that was when he said that, but I'm not positive.

Draper is fundamentally a no holds-barred, Ayn Rand brutally honest man, but of course he has all of these contradictions, and the secretive life that can only be seen as a lie.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Don needs his own agency!

...and give SC the boot! Wouldn't Don be the greatest with his own company? He could sever ties with these dirtbags at SC and kick their a$$es...beating them out of one account after another. Why not?Roger is mealy-mouthed slime, Coop is losing his ever-lovin' mind, Ken is a pimp, Pete is Pete, and the list goes on. Let's pretend that Don gets out. Who will follow him? I say Sal, Ken will try, Joan for sure and Peggy. Any guesses? Who is worthy enough to join Don?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

How many times do you watch each episode?

Takes two or three times. It's not that I don't get it. I just want more!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

The ad game -- they get it right

I love it when they talk advertising! All of it is so right on: sacrificing Mohawk, the lead up to the American Airlines pitch, the strategy pow wow in the conference room, how Don gets the "unique selling proposition" right each time, the primping and preening for the client, then the no-show, Duck's blunder and Don's frustration, Roger's love of the chase (any chase); Bert's periods of clarity and confusion (the one whose name is on the door is usually the least competent). The good/bad family stufff wasn't quite as compelling tonight. I'm thinking Peggy is too clueless to be an ace copywriter. Is it realistic that she would totally deny her child and yet have enough insight and savvy to be accomplished in the business world? Doesn't ring true. Of course, she didn't know she was pregnant. either, did she? Peggy is the weak link in this show for me.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Saturday's clothes

Loved the fun wardrobe had with the Saturday meeting. Pete's made me laugh and him look like even more of a little boy. Any favorite outfits?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: clothing

WIne at the Draper House

I was born in 1962 so I can't speak from experience, but it seems to me the Drapers are drinking wine quite a lot now in a way that would not be the norm in 1962. Last season I only remember wine being shown once and Betty explained to a friend that she was tasting some for a party, which seemed plausible. Wine with spaghetti as seen tonight was also sort of plausible, but last week Betty had some out when Don came home for what was, I believe, a standard American meal. What's more the stuff all seems pretty high class stuff. My parents were academics but when they drank wine back in the 60s it was Gallo. For tonight's meal one of those old chiantis wrapped in wicker would strike me as more appropriate. A pro pros, wine Roger's brief conversation with the call girl he fancies seemed much closer to reality. He told her about wine at the fancy French restaurant that was featured last week (sorry the name is escaping me). He then asked her what kind she like and she said, Red." He then said you'll have to be more specific than that. So what to others think?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: wine

Joan as office manager

I noticed that in the meeting with American Airlines, Joan was included in the staff that was ready to receive the American Airlines group. Since she was just the office manager, would she have been in on such an important meeting? I thought it was simply her job to supervise the secretaries.

Filed under: Questions, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: joan holloway

The whole enchilada

The only thing I don't like about this show is when each episode is over. I do have to wonder how many current agency people watch this show groping for new ideas.....hehehe.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Don's Manner

At the dinner with with the Schillings and Jimmy, did anyone notice Don's manners? When Bobbie got up to go to the ladies room, both Jimmy and Mr. Schilling stood up and Don did not. It was a form of respect for the men to stand up when a woman got up to leave the table. Bobbie noticed that Don refused to stand up for her and II wonder if that was the motivation for her to blackmail Don for the apology from Jimmy? After Don asserted his power over Bobbie in the lobby, Don stood up when Bobbie returned to the table. Thoughts on Don's lapse in manners anyone?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: don draper, manners

Is Your Halloween Costume Mad Menized Yet ?

What are Your Plans ? Character? Attitude? etc.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: halloween

A thought about Glenn

I think I have the bathroom scene figured out. Glenn was doing whatever he had to do to get Betty's attention. Betty, in true fashion, was very detattached from him and he really wanted to connect with her. Glenn, like most kids, had probably figured out a long time ago that the only place you can catch mom sitting is on the toilet and had gotten in the habit of following her in there (my kids did...). He knew that she'd HAVE to interact with him then. Any attention is good attention. And it worked!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Mad Men fans

What can we call ourselves? We are beyond fans, not really groupies...any ideas?
I'll through out another crazy idea, the Green Bay Packer fans are cheese heads, complete with cheese hats...what would we wear for hats?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: fans

Let's create a Sterling Cooper ad campaign.

It's 1962...and Sterling Cooper has been asked to pitch a new soft drink account.

Coca Cola is using "Enjoy that refreshing new feeling."

Pepsi Cola is using "For those who think young."

Dr. Pepper is using "It's different...I like it."

7up is using "...Fresh, clean taste."

Create a product name and positioning tag line.

I've already got dibs on "Zen Cola" the drink that tastes like Bert's sox. The ad will show Bert with his feet on the desk, a bottle of Zent Cola cradled between both . Bert looks casually to the left behind his feet and at the viewer, with a callout quote "Who Cares?"

The tagline, in this new avant guard dawning of creativity just says, "Zen Cola. Who cares?"

So have at it all you creative whizzes!

1st prize is a Relax-i-sizer.
2nd prize is 2 Relax-i-sizers
3rd prize is 3 Relax-i-sizers
4th prize: you get to go home with Peggy or Paul

Remember: neatness and originality count.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

How Do You Prepare for Sunday's Viewing of Mad Men?

For Me the Room Has to be Dark ,No Crunchy Foods,Complete Silence ,Cigarettes,maybe a High Ball Phones are off.....How About You ?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Which Characters from Mad Men do you have at the Workplace?

Are These Co/Workers Mad Menized ?Which Characters do they Portray ? Is it the way they Walk ? Dress? Makeup? Attitudes? Be Honest !!!!!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

New York in the early 60's

I worked in publishing in NY in the early 60's and I loved NY in those days. Worked on 5th avenue near rockefeller center and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Everything was less corporate then. Can anyone else relate?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

ILLUSTRATORS DURING THE 1960'S

I POSTED A BLOG ON 7/31/08 ABOUT THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE ILLUSTRATORS IN THE AD BIZ DURING THIS TIME. I THINK MR. WEINER IS MISSING A HUGE & VERY COLORFUL PART OF THIS STORY. HE IS SAYING HE IS 95% ACCURATE IN ALL THE FASHION, FURNITURE, LANGUAGE, ETC. BUT HE IS IGNORING THE ROLE OF THE ILLUSTRATORS WHO MADE THE IDEA GUYS LOOK GOOD & MADE THE MAGAZINE BIZ A HUGE SUCESS. THEIR PICTURES WERE ON THE COVERS & INSIDES OF TV GUIDE, TIME, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, JOURNAL, REDBOOK, ETC. THEY DID ALBUM COVERS & ADS FOR OLYMPICS & US POSTAL STAMPS. BUT SOMEHOW, NO ONE KNOWS WHO THEY ARE.
I KNOW WHO THEY ARE, AS I AM THE DAUGHTER OF ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS ILLUSTRATOS OF THIS TIME. I KNEW ALL THE TOP ILLUSTRATORS & THEY WERE INCREDIBLE PERSONALITIES & TALENTS. GENIUSES, IN MY BOOK.
IT WOULD BE A SHAME IF MR. WEINER MISSED OUT ON THIS PART OF THE STORY.
I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO A PRODUCER LATELY & SHE HAS ENCOURAGED ME TO PERSUE THIS.
I THINK MR. WEINER SHOULD PAY ATTENTION TO MY BLOG.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: illustrators

GET THE SEASON ONE DVD SET!

Right now I'm watching Ep. 13 with comentary from Jon Hamm, January Jones, and Elisabeth Moss. It's adding SO much to my understanding of and love for this show. Elisabeth speaks about the plot twist about being pregnant and how glad she was that it worked.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: dvd, season 1

Monday.Morning After Mad Men.Whats your style?

So you wake up,take your shower and think about the show,what do you wear to Mad Menize yourself as your off to the office? Hairstyle? Lipstick? Dress?Suit?...Etc.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

1 winner for each character only1 walk on role,but other prizes for winners..

Now that would be nice,don't you think?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Mad Men Personality Quiz.

We get a little more into the Mad Men characters with each week. But, do we really know their personalities?

Why don't we all add a little bit to the picture. Take this simple quiz and then give the answer in the personality of one of the MM characters. Here goes!

Don Draper is traveling west on rte 66 at 45 mph. Peter Campbell is traveling east on rte 66 at 40 mph.
Where will they meet?

Answer example: Bert Cooper: "Who cares?"

So, what would Don, Roger, Joan, Fred, Harry, Peggy, etc say was the answer?

Filed under: Characters, Rumors and Gossip

Seeing Season One with new eyes

I got my package from amazon.com this week - my season one dvd set in the cigarette lighter box! I danced around the yard like it was Naven Johnson getting the new phone book. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the season one episodes knowing what I know now.

I am positively convinced that Pete and Peggy knew each other before she showed up at SC. How else did he know where she lived? Also, there are a lot of clues about Roger that I missed. Bert calls him "peanut" in one scene - clearly Bert knew Roger as a child. Don points out to Roger just how powerless he (Roger) is. Do any of us know exactly what it is Roger does other than drink, smoke, and bang Red?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: season 1

Mr. HandyMan

Can we start calling Don Drapper 'Mr. Handy Man' after episode three?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Great Advertising slogans of the 60's

We're all familiar with "It's Toasted", for Lucky Strikes, and some of the other slogans from SC and the "Lemon" Volkswagen ad from DDB, plus Don Draper's naming the Kodak Carousel.

I thought it would be interesting for people to see some of the other 'great' slogans that were going around at the time of SC.

There are tons of others, but the following are some of the most memorable of the 60's

Punchy, the Hawaiian Punch character, Atherton-Privett ad agency, 1961

Avis, "We try harder", Doyle Dane Bernbach, 1963

Pillsbury Doughboy.Leo Burnett agency, 1965

Pepsi-Cola, "The Pepsi generation", Batton, Barton, Durstine & Osborn, 1964

Continue »

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: advertising slogans

MadMen T-Shirt CLub of Los Angeles: Interests in meeting?

Okay, I am really stoked now, as I have just received my MadMen t-shirt, which sits now on top of my MadMen TV-Guide cover, and soon the CD will arrive. So, as my job precludes seeing all the Sunday shows in full, I am proposing those of us in LA who are MadMen fans to find a place to rendezvous on the Westside of L.A. for discussions on story, character, plots. Would a dinner, or weekend lunch in Westwood be a place to put on those t-shirts and put all our thoughts into Don and Betty, et. al!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Why I identify with Don Draper...

Don delineates himself from the rest of the male characters by having a clearly visible moral code that the rest do not seem to have. While he is a playboy, he does not chase random skirts. The women he falls into bed with seem to fulfill a serious need lacking in other parts of his life, while the rest of them (save Harry) will bang any secretary or actress that comes along.

Two examples of his morals at work:

1) Lat last season, when Roger is playing horsey with one twin, Don is doing his damnedest to be a decent wingman (for political reason) while at the same time completely avoiding exploiting the other twin. She clearly held no real appeal for him beyond her youth and beauty.

2) Ep 202, where he is in the elevator, and the two other guys are having an inappropriate conversation about banging a secretary, in front of a woman also in the elevator. He handle their behavior perfectly, and clearly set himself apart from the rest of the cast.

I think we will see more of the moralist in Don as the show continues...

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: don draper

Sterling Cooper is a class act agency

SC seems to be a really solid, buttoned-up/buttoned-down ad agency. But, let's fast-forward 46 years to a modern day agency. How do you think SC would compare to them today. Follow this link. Bookmark it and watch the video when you're away from the boards. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d83BsgQQMP8

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: sterling cooper

WHY ARE BACKGROUND BARELY SEEN ON THE SHOW!

If you notice you barely can distinguish background on this show. I know I was edited out completely last night and when I was there I had some really good shots of me. I walk back in as Don walks out and am so close to Don I could smell his cologne, but I'm totally edited out. You can barely see me behind the red rose in front of Betty at the table. Do you remember the man who was with Betty's friend at the hotel in episode 1? He did a splendid job of reacting, but not one word came out of his mouth. To ME, that was too awkward. The guy should have been given a line! (that's not good directing). I've seen it many times before and it DOES NOT look good. I'm not only a background actress by the way. I do principal work and keep busy just working. All the background working on this show had very impressive portfolios so you'll know. I am very happy that I appeared all last week in the photo still of the Mad Men Main Site Page left of THE DON!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

How much drinking do you do while watching Mad Men?

Iplay a little game when I watch Mad Men: every time someone takes a drink or acts drunk, I take a little sip of my own. Because I'm an alcoholic and a masochist, it puts me in the spirit of the show.

The game works out well for me tonight, because five minutes into the episode, there's already a boozing incident and I've got a jug of Long Islands in the fridge that aren't gonna drink themselves. I'll be amazed if I can still type at the end of this one.


Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

"One that helps another with gifts or money"

The dictionary's definition for benefactor. Any ideas about who helped whom? Who were the givers, who were the receivers of gifts or money?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: the benefactor

Countdown to Season 2, Episode 3, "The Benefactor"

Well, it's 9 hours and 20 minutes til showtime in Tinseltown. Will the east coasters let me know as soon as they see it what they thought and if they actually captured me walking in as Don walked out of the restaurant scene?

Filed under: Episodes, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: the benefactor

Second season sponser

Ok, maybe I'm overtired, thinking too much, or it's another subtle funny attempt by the creators of MM. Has anyone else noticed that in Season 2 Don had his "bedroom difficulty" on Valentine night, and the new Season 2 sponser is Viagra? Interesting...

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: promos, viagra

Psychology

I've recently watched two BBC documentaries by Adam Curtis that weigh heavily on my mind as I have watched the story of Mad Men unfold. The first and most relevant is "The Century of the Self", a four-part documentary that chronicles the dissemination and implementation of Sigmund Freud's theories of psycho analysis on a mass scale by his nephew Edward Bernays and daugher Anna Freud.

The other documentary is "The Power of Nightmares", which chronicles the rise of the neo-conservatives under the tutelage of Leo Strauss and the parallels to the rise of Al Qaeda under Sayyid Qutb. Both groups essentially saw the problems of society as the logical conclusion of liberal democracy and popular rule and became convinced that people's innate tendency to question their surroundings must be restrained in order to squelch unwanted behavior.

If the creators of the show have not watched these specific documentaries, then I'm certain they're familiar with the research that underpinned them. Mad Men is very deftly tackling the difficult task of helping us as a society understand just what advertising is and how it affects our thought process. The idea that we all must be and deserve to be happy ALL the time has some deep roots, and it is as dangerous as it is unrealistic. Unfortunately, we have allowed an entire industry to spring up whose sole purpose is to convince us otherwise.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Missing details

At the risk of appearing to be picky, I haven't seen the milk man, bread man, Produce man, and of course, Mr. Softy and the Ice cream man driving around the neighborhood of Mad Men.

I was a kid at the time of this show. Those folks were more a part of my life than Madison avenue, or so it seemed to me.

Excellent show

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: details

Cinematography

The first episode of the second season left me so empty and I'm sure it was meant to leave you that way. That walk of Don's towards the mailbox showed the emptiness he feels. The play of dark and light are so striking and communicate the feeling of isolation and loneliness. That wintery night sky and tree in the background reminded me of one of my mother's paintings of darkness. It was so artistically done to evoke that feeling in me. It was brilliant. I believe there are 6 Directors of Photography and about 12 assistants on the show. When I was there the use of lighting is so strategically placed with these complex looking boxes of light. No wonder each frame to me is like a painting. Some scenes look like an Edward Hopper painting, especially to adorn the character of Don Draper. Has anyone else been touched by the cinematography and can you point out some more scenes. I hope they win many emmys, and cinematography is one of them.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: cinematography

What would Sterling Cooper's billings be?

Sterling Cooper's offices are really decent looking digs, but I'm having trouble establishing what their annual billings would be. It would take some decent 'coin' to finance that kind of space along with the overhead of salaries.

And that brings up another point. To accommodate the clients required would also mean more creative department staffing. So far, we've seen only 1 and a half writers (Paul and Peggy) and 2 art directors. I do notice a lot more people at SC that we don't hear about. Any thoughts out there?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: billings

How much would they make?

What kind of money would someone in Don's position be making? Roger, and Pete?

Thanks.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: salaries

Just a hint of Twin Peaks

I have resisted asking whether anyone notices a slight hint of a Twin Peaks mood in Mad Men. I have resisted because I believe Mad Men is its own universe and I do not want to make frivolous associations. It' s just that I was a diehard Twin Peaks fan, and Mad Men seems to have just a twinge of a je ne sais quoi...a musical undertone, a heartbeat, a scarf, a raised eyebrow, a smouldering look. Is it just me?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: twin peaks

seeing the humor in the show

I am a big fan of Mad Men so far. The story lines, the fashions, and props. I also love the occasional funny twists. Has anyone noticed the following? The scene in the Draper's kitchen when their oldest daughter comes in to see Betty with the plastic dry cleaning bag on her head, and all Betty does is scold her for leaving dry cleaned clothes on her closet floor. The daughter is standing there breathing in the bag! Also, the scene where there is a major physical fight in the office, and Don and Roger are in the foreground. Roger asks Don if he would like a ride to the train station and the two get on the elevator. Great stuff!
I also enjoy the "Forrest Gump" style of mixing real history with the fictitious story lines. I was young during this time period, but I remember the time.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Mad Men convention

Aren´t it time soon? I think more fans then me would enjoy discussing the show, ask questions and meet the actors and creators.
The only one I have met so far is "Pete Campbell", who was simply amazing.
I would love to meet other fans of the show as well.
I am from Europe, but I know there must be a lot of fans over here as well who would be interested.
Comeon guys! How fun would it be?

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

The Benefactor Episode 3

Working on this show was one of the highlights of my professional acting career since 1989. Although, I was only featured background (see my picture left of Jon Hamm on this week's Main Mad Men Site) Every single person is a true artist on this show. They really inspired me so much and wish I could have a speaking role on this great show. I have been a great fan of this show watching each episode at least 5 times since episode 1 and each time it's like waching it for the first time. Season 2 for me took a little getting used to since I had gotten used to the characters of Season 1,but it's getting hot! Also, vote for me as Peggy on the contest!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Who's watching this show? Can you relate?

A little about yourself please.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Deconstruction is Distractin'

Forgive me if this sentiment has been proffered before but the ideas, writing, acting, production, and direction of Mad Men combine to form a whole so much greater than it's admirable parts that I'm blown away by the collective genius of this show.

I've been hooked since Act 1, Scene 1, literally "Second 1" of the first season and have watched rapturously since but I can't recite chapter and verse all the plot lines from memory or place all character names to their faces. For me, the masterful weavings of paradigmatic characters & dynamic interactions within a context of historical fact & dramatic fiction must be allowed to evolve "naturally" (per the inspirations of the show's creator and driving forces) for the show to continue take on a Life of its own.

It's fun sometimes to drill down into the details and compile them, cross-reference them, and analyze them. But, ultimately, this detracts from the primary enjoyment I get from the show. Recall the feelings you've had during and immediately after enjoying a fabulous meal (be it a gourmet dinner or a rustic lunch), or seeing a great sporting event (like the latest Super Bowl)... the unthinking, intense involvement during the course of the meal or action culminating with an orgiastic reaction after all was said and eaten and done is what distinguishes them from the ordinary and mundane, not the recapitulation of ingredients and individual play.

Let's not get too hung up on the details and give Weiner & Associates continued license to wheel us through the sixties and, hopefully, beyond.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

sexism in the workplace

This show reminds me so much of what my career in consulting was like when I started in the 80's. I remember a partner in our firm where I was a writer would walk down the aisle of cubicles, talk to male aftter male colleague of mine, and then skip past my desk and head back to his office. Every time!! It'd be neat to see that replicated in this show somehow (perhaps in the conference room), since Peggy gets that crap office while the other writers have those swank city views.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: sex

Stealing the typewriter

That's where it all started. People steal so many things from their jobs and always justify it like Paul did

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Sally the Bartender

Loved it - my husband remembers making drinks for his parents - nothing wrong with it. Just made my 8 year old fetch him a beer! (Seriously I am not kidding!) Please don't call ACS!

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: alcohol

Jon Hamm on Tavis Smiley - Friday

Jon Hamm is scheduled to be on Tavis Smiley's PBS show on Friday.

http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200808/20080808.html

Filed under: Cast and Crew, Rumors and Gossip
Tags: jon hamm

Don = father figure to Pete?

I'm really curious to see what people think of my thoughts on the show last night - until3am.wordpress.com
Not for any shameless promotion, I don't care how many people come to my site, just that I wrote this thing out over there.
Basically, I'm thinking that the Pete-Don and Betty-Don dynamics are easily the most interesting parts right now...

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

American Airlines

I looked up some stats on American Airlines's crash history. Between 1952 and 1962 there were 6 crashes (which is about one-third of their total to date) and the total death toll was 153 passengers. Apparently the reported accident in this episode accounted for 95 dead, which ,at that time, was American's worst incident. I question the Duck/Roger logic in considering taking on this account. I didn't check up on any other airlines....perhaps other crashes were just as frequent (?). Also, I really felt for Don at having to dump the Mohawk business....he felt like such a heel. I find it interesting that he cheated on his wife without losing much sleep...yet he is squirming after "cheating" on a client. Don is funny that way.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: american airlines

Did People of Color Exist in the 50's?

The title is meant to be a joke, well, kinda. I am very hopeful that Mad Men will address the issue of racial discrimination/prejudice during the 50's. I have very much appreciated its subtle but powerful nod to homophobia and its more engaging nod to anti-semitism and sexism. The mores, social constructs and politics of the time cannot be comprehensively covered if the series falls to acknowledge the building racial tensions and civil rights movement. I pray that the producers and writers will address both head on and with aplomb. I was pleased to see one Black actor with a line this season (the Draper's housekeeper). Hopefully more can be touched upon with this character.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Washington Post Article on Mad Men - good read

It's no surprise that members of the fashion industry are enamored of the AMC series "Mad Men." It is a beautiful homage to early '60s style. The women are perfectly turned out in shirtwaist dresses, red lipstick and professionally set hair. The men are dapper in their business suits, French cuffs and pocket squares.

The designer Michael Kors of "Project Runway" fame is such a fan of the show -- which tells the story of advertising men at the end of the Eisenhower era and the women who must deal with them -- that he hosted an advance screening of the Season 2 debut last week.

The show, which airs tonight, strives to be authentic to the times, from the carbon paper used in the secretarial pool to the foundation garments worn by the women and the hat protocol observed by the men. In the name of historical accuracy, "Mad Men" is also racist, sexist, homophobic and anti-Semitic. And just for good measure, the characters are also dismissive of youth culture, judgmental of divorcees and convinced that children are second-class citizens.

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Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: washington post

Language we used in the 60s

"After awhile, crocodile". In 1962, as a programmer on the UNIVAC 1004, I endured the leers of the BEBCO owners, one who boozed me up at a Christmas party then followed me home to 'feast on his kill'. Cept I had 2 kids and wasn't playing.
The hypocrisy of religion hasn't been brought up yet and should be: the worst pussy hounds were the strait-laced Sunday Baptists. No operating systems and punch cards, collators and sorters. We rolled up our hair at night and rolled toilet paper around it when we got it 'done' at the beauty parlor. TV had been around for long enough to be taken for granted, with the great Sid Ceasar et al being our favorites. We had Great Books Clubs after work, and my 1st boss was my leader, and became my husband.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: language

illustrators during 1960's

i have watched several episodes & love the show as it is about my own life. my father was an free lance illustrator working out of NY during that time. my childhood was a little different than most. i thought everyone's dad was an artist, as that is all i knew.
now that i am grown, i realize how special my childhood really was. i am fortunate to have these memories because my life was touched by greatness. i was lucky to know all the top illustrators of that time. they were all friends & they all partied together. i would like to know if mr. weiner is going to address the very important role of the illustrators in this business?
the illustrators were the ones that brought to life the ideas of the ad men, but the ad men got all the glory.
if mr. weiner does not include the illustrators in his story, he is missing a huge & very colorful part of it!
i know because i was there.
i have hundreds of stories about these guys, who were all crazy lunatics! they're personalities were amazing & they lived the high life. i think it's about time for the illustrators to be recognized for their genius & amazing talents. the ones who are still alive have gone on to have sucessful painting careers. they deserve the recognition, as they were the one who made the ad biz & the magazines so sucessfull.
if mr. weiner is interested in my stories, as he should be, he can contact me @ this email address.
thank you for your attention & i do hope i will hear from someone from MAD MEN. you are missing a huge part of this story that needs to be told.

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip
Tags: illustrators

More MM conversation

If you'd care to join, we'd love to have you:
http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/MadMenAMC/

Filed under: Rumors and Gossip

Charlie Rose Interview-Mad Men

Anyone see the interview and know how soon the interview will be available on the Charlie Rose site?
http://www.charlierose.com/shows