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Seriously, aren't the writers getting bored with Don? I am. It's all the random sex. It's becoming formulaic and lazy. I think the show gets lazy with the sexism as well, veering from historical representation and illumination to just wallowing in it because the writers and producers can get away with it. And no one really questions it, I think, because the art direction on the show is so damn good. Contrast Mad Men with Deadwood, for example, on how to get crass but still remain true to the context and not to appear to exploit it.

More on the jump and a sneak peek video at next week's Mad Men ep, "The Mountain King"...

The Fashion Institute of Technology opens the door of the oubliette and whistles past the graveyard with its latest exhibit, Gothic: Dark Glamour. Divided into subdomains Night, Cabinet of Curiosities, Strange Beauty, Batcave, Mourning, Haunted Palace, and Cemetery, Gothic plumbs the inky depths of this popular subculture that embraces everything from punk, steampunk, Harajuko, and vampire cosplay.

Plus, video of the exhibit featuring an interview with FIT curator Valerie Steele and a way to upload your own gothic photos...

Photo Above, clockwise from left: Plastik Wrap day ensemble (black nylon and patent leather spring 2004, USA); Hussein Chalayan blob top and skirt (red and black wool carpet and black silk fall 2005, Geometrics collection, England); Justin Smith “Tattooed” top hat (painted pigskin, sterling silver, and black leather 2007, England)

I know this gal who's been making soaps for some time. She uses only natural ingredients and really top-quality oils. For Halloween this year, she's whipped up this neat confection...patchouli and blood orange (I +love+ blood orange!). There's even gold mica in the bars...

Dutch designer Tord Boontje is probably best known for his fanciful designs, like using lasers to precision-cut lampshades and drapes (a couple of years ago, a red candelabra he did for Target wound up going for far more on eBay than the initial $30 asking price). He's done something spooky recently, and will undoubtedly please foodies and spookophiles alike.

Ghosts take all sorts of forms. Here are some ghosts that will haunt your home delightfully...

Yes, I know. It's still September. But you really should be thinking about Halloween. The above snacks can be had with the pairing of just about any ol' cracker matched with gory goodies you can find at places like Oriental Trading (see rest of post for sources).

Even though this ep doesn't focus on her, it's a Peggy ep (I won't spoil anything), which is always more interesting. When you're watching, contrast what happens to Peggy at the end of the ep, and what Joan experienced recently when she very adroitly aided the budding TV division at Cooper Sterling.

Plus, a sneak peek at next week's Mad Men episode, "The Inheritance"...