Shooting star: Getting to know Annie Oakley
“When a man hits a target they call him a marksman. When I hit target, they call it a trick. Never did like that much.” -Annie Oakley She entertained kings and queens. Could shoot the end off a cigarette while it was in someone’s mouth. Made philanthropy a priority. Annie Oakley was one of the […]
4 feet 7 inches of everything you’ve ever wanted to know about sex: Meet Dr. Ruth
She’s like your favorite, tiny grandma, but instead of cookie recipes, you get her tips for better orgasms. We’re talking about Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer , the famous—and beloved—psychosexual therapist who’s been widely featured on radio, TV, Broadway , and board games . Read on to find out why Playboy listed her at #13 on […]
Original bad girls? Getting to know Jezebel, Salome, and Lilith
Temptation. Seduction. Coercion. Demons. Dancing. Grisly deaths. There was never a dull moment for Jezebel , Salome , or Lilith . Some call them bad girls of the Bible. Others see them as historical icons that deserve reexamination. Whether you’ve read their stories as gospel or fiction, we think these women are fierce and fascinating. […]
Madame de Pompadour: Getting to know King Louis XV’s favorite mistress
Back when European kings and queens married not for love but for bloodlines and political power, it was acceptable for them to choose lovers from people in their court. France’s King Louis XV had many courtesans , but only one was his favorite: Madame de Pompadour . Was it the sex? Her hair? Read on […]
Punks, Pirates, and Plaid: Getting to know Vivienne Westwood
There are many lusty ladies of fashion, but only Vivienne Westwood had a shop in London called SEX. Sure she’s a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire now, but she has also been called the Mother of Punk . Here’s why we’re intrigued by Dame Westwood. Dirty thirty. Vivienne—who was born in […]
Warrior. Ruler. Holy Snake Lord. Getting to know Lady K’abel
Deep in the rain forest of northern Guatemala, in the ancient Mayan city of El Perú-Waka, sits the newly discovered burial site of Lady K’abel, a 7th century warrior queen. The royal family, a.k.a. the imperial house of the Snake King, made her the military governor of their kingdom. She outranked her husband, the king. […]
School of rock: Getting to know Stevie Nicks
Long blonde hair. Floating black chiffon and platforms. A haunting, velvety voice. Award winning and record-breaking singer, songwriter, and musician. Witch. (Actually that’s a long-held misperception. She isn’t.) Stevie Nicks is many things. And epic rock goddess is one of them. That cool name. Her real first name is Stephanie, but she couldn’t say it […]
Exotic dancer. Mistress. Mom. Double agent. Meet Mata Hari
Mata Hari’s unique and dramatic life feels straight out of Hollywood, but she makes Bond girls seem uptight and boring. So, how does one go from posh schools in the Netherlands to dancing in a jeweled bra on the stages of Paris to death by firing squad? It’s a crazy story. Hello, Margaretha Geertruida Zelle. […]
Buenos Aires Beauty: Getting to know Eva Perón
Like most beautiful, powerful women who’ve fought for change or dared to lead, Argentina’s Eva Perón was controversial . But love her or not, there’s no denying she had one hell of a story. No wonder her mystique has been immortalized on Broadway and in Hollywood . Rough start. Eva’s father had another family and […]
Talented. Seductive. Courageous. Getting to know Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker was gorgeous . And famous for her sexy dance moves . But did you know she was also a spy for the French Resistance during the Nazi occupation of France? Beauty and a badass? Yep. She was that and so much more. Street artist. Before she performed on the stage, as a child […]
