Some Say Disney World is the Most Magical Place on Earth ... I say Coney Island.

Circa 1950-something...

 

I'm not kidding. You may have been out there a time or two in the last 10 years or so, but what you see now is definitely not what used to be.

What used to be was one of the most entertaining spots on earth! People flocked from all over the world to experience the thrilling rides, intriguing freak shows and all too famous hot dogs.

Yes. I would give my right arm to insert myself into one of the photographs below. I think this looks like a rockin' good time. Know what I mean, jelly bean?

 

Angie Pontani. Too Cute For Words.

Rather than write a bunch of dribble about how fantastic a burlesque performer Angie really is ... how about we just watch a little footage, eh?

I will say, I think she's the cutest thing since mini-cupcakes.

Enjoy! I think this could stand to make any man a Mets fan. ;)

Diane Naegel Loses Her Battle With Breast Cancer

This evening I was looking online for video coverage from the New York Burlesque Festival this past weekend, and came to learn that Diane Naegel lost her battle with breast cancer on September 25th.

Diane was 31 years old, yet already the publisher and designer of "Zelda - The Magazine of Vintage Nouveau." She was an incredible fashionista, and vintage aficionado who moved to New York City, met the love of her life - photographer and fiance Don Spiro - and ultimately made a name for herself in the community with the creation of Zelda and the Wit's End art deco / jazz soirees about town once a month.

She was known for "Always looking like a diva, but never acting like one." Now, that's a lesson for all the ladies. ;)
Jo Weldon, with the New York School of Burlesque will be hosting
burlesque classes for breast cancer patients and survivors starting December 4th, 2011, at the Wild Project in Diane's honor.


My heart goes out to Diane's family and friends. New York lost a very special gem this past week, and this crazy modern world lost a soul who truly appreciated the beauty and class of the past in a way that so often falls on deaf ears. So incredibly sad to lose someone so young, so talented and so beautiful.