Friday, September 30, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

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DETROIT MICHIGAN BIKE WEEK!

Posted: 30 Sep 2011 04:44 PM PDT




Birch Run Expo Center
11600 S Beyer Rd
Birch Run, MI 48415

Friday September 30, 2011 at 5:00 PM
-to-
Sunday October 2, 2011 at 4:00 PM

Mid-Michigan Motorcycle Show
Detroit Bike Week
248-202-4662

Indoor / Outdoor Event
Ride in Bike Show
Stunt Bike Riders
Crapper Races
Burnout Pit
Live Bands ALL Weekend
Hot Body Contest
Poker Run
Bike Blessing
Cagefights



MORE INFO HERE

ARTHUR NASH: CAPONE SNAPSHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD.....

Posted: 25 Sep 2011 09:19 AM PDT



Photo of Al Capone, his son and his attorney Roland Libonati speaking to Gabby Hartnett at Wrigley Field. The exact date was September 9, 1931, which at that time was the very end of the baseball season, like it is now.

We are so excited to have Arthur Nash (above with Frank Cammarata's .38 Colt) contribute this story today! Artie is perhaps the US expert on the Mafia. Artie works with the Mob Museum in Las Vegas and owns The Mob Scene Gallery in NYC. We met via the internet last year when we did a piece on Crazy Joey Gallo. Arthur emailed me about his fab Gallery and I loved it...

Today we are running an article Artie wrote about Al Capone getting an autographed baseball which caused a huge outrage back in the day...


Observing a proud Chicagoland tradition, the National League Cubs and their cross-town rival White Sox – the latter still dogged by discredit for having rigged the Fall Classic on behalf of New York City gamblers more than a decade earlier—suited up to participate in an exhibition game before the impending finish of their nineteen thirty-one season.

As players from both ball clubs mingled, glad-handing local dignitaries and one another or penning autographs for fanatically bulb-eyed schoolboys, a cluster of photographers stood near the third base bag. Their press credentials and camera rigs at the ready, they awaited the inaugural slap of leather and crack of the bat in a time-honored competition that to the winner, at least, conveyed year-long, citywide bragging rights.

While the same reporters idled or chatted, straining to hear their own voices over the stadium's mounting dissonance—some of it, at least, fueled by the wares of Prohibition booze barons— a rookie among the flock permitted his gaze to pass casually over the buoyant faces of the main grandstand, then back and forth, sweeping down through each dugout until his eyes fixed on one face in particular that stopped him cold.

Scott Brick volunteered his time to make the recording/video and is a hugely sought-after guy in the publishing world.



My God", Frank Zak shuddered, faintly gesturing toward the first base side. "That's Al Capone over there!" Immediately, though, Zak's band of colleagues responded with skepticisms. The notorious bootlegger was the last person they'd expect to spot within the confines of Comiskey Park in the middle of the afternoon.

You're nuts, Frank!‖ said one of them, a little too sharply, perhaps, while allowing the tools of his trade, locked and loaded, to fall limply by his side for effect. Capone wouldn't be here. I mean, the cops are looking for him. He's Wanted!‖ To Zak's ear, their comments were needlessly rebuffing.



Well, if you don't believe me that's alright,‖ he replied, confident his God-given gift of eyesight hadn't failed him. ―But I'm going to find out.Zak worked his way around the newly-clipped sea of infield green until he reached the on-deck area, a few yards from his intended target, and confirmed again that it was, in point of fact, Capone — perched along the front row with his son and several watchful bodyguards sporting dark, obligatory pinstriped suits, each crowned by an off-white fedora. Zak recognized a similarly clad and especially attentive gentleman in the front row as Capone's private attorney.

The solicitor's baleful eyes remained firmly on Zak and his cumbersome gear as they made their final approach but, as an eighteen year old stringer in the heart of the Great Depression, Zak couldn't afford to be intimidated. And not after he'd been spurned by veteran newshounds who still stood dawdling around the third base line. Now it was more than mere business. Capturing Capone's portrait was a matter of professional satisfaction and come-uppance. He continued his beeline toward the luxury box.

―Al, my name is Frank," Zak addressed Capone as unassumingly as he could manage while fumbling with his camera's stubborn manifold. "I'm with the Chicago Daily Times and I'd like to get a picture of you with your son.‖ There was no immediate response, but in the millisecond it took Zak's shutter to snap closed he sensed a bristle go through Capone's lieutenants as they trained themselves on the spot where he stood.

It was then the solution came to him all at once, as if by divine intervention: When Al Capone rooted, he rooted for Wrigley Field.
I could get Hartnett over here,‖ Zak shrewdly volunteered, referring to his unassuming new friend Gabby, the Cubs' heavy-hitting catcher. ―Maybe he could autograph a ball for your son.



Capone's plumped features lit up, and he swiveled to cast a look down the handsome youngster seated beside him. ―Oh boy,‖ Capone beamed as he turned to face Zak. ―Could you fix it?

Sure I can, Zak countered, just as the bigger man leaned forward, reaching a smoothly manicured hand in his direction. Zak felt frozen in place. Wait a minute,‖ Capone said, slipping something neatly between Zak's anxious fingers which he soon enough discovered was a crisply-minted twenty dollar bill, amounting to appreciably more than the eleven bucks a week Zak was paid by the Daily Times.

Not wasting breath, Zak rushed to find the batting hero who'd been warming up near the visitor's clubhouse and, as he'd hoped, Hartnett was eager to make the gang boss's acquaintance. The slugger smiled broadly as he sauntered toward the junior Capone, known as ‗Sonny', who wore a light colored double-breasted that closely resembled his father's, his hair neatly greased and sharply parted on one side. Hartnett leaned in toward the Capone party and produced a brilliant white baseball, then a fountain pen – the prearranged signal.

Zak took note of a peanut vendor brushing precariously close to Capone as he sized up his shot, and bodyguards reaching abruptly inside their coats. It was at about this time, naturally, that the swarm of shutterbugs Zak left stranded at third began to get wise and within seconds every last one of them was jockeying for best position. Not, though, before Frank Zak had staked his rightful claim.

Zak couldn't say precisely when, but at a point in all the confusion he handed Capone a caption sheet bearing the logo of the Daily Times – and Capone handed it back with his signature. Then, pleased with himself and the fruit of his labors, Zak backed slowly away and reloaded for the melee about to begin. At the end of nine innings he'd be ready to celebrate, but now he had more work to do. Even still, by the end of seven he'd caught himself improvising on a familiar old jingle:

Take me out to the ball-game
Take me out to the crowd
Buy me some Sloe Gin and crack mark-smen
If you can't bribe those Cop-pers we'll do five-to-ten
STOP! Don't shoot, shoot, shoot! We ain't Gaaang-sters…

But Zak's elation was short-lived, and when his handiwork appeared in print next morning, shortly before its syndication in papers throughout the country, it carried with it some unexpected consequences. Through the sportswriters' grapevine, Zak learned the fiercely omnipotent Commissioner of baseball, Kenesaw Mountain Landis— the same man who'd banished eight players for life in the wake of the Black Sox scandal— blew his stack upon seeing Zak's portrait of Capone smiling and receiving favors from one of the game's premier talents.

Judging by Landis's reaction one might have believed Frank Zak was the scofflaw, not Al Capone – that he'd committed grave felonies by introducing two of the Windy City's most ink-worthy citizens, playing a game of matchmaker all too familiar in a town where handshake deals were endemic and far greater offenses were consummated before breakfast. Had Landis known the portrait was as staged as the 1919 World Series had been, things might have been worse.

But he didn't, and went on to ensure Zak's proudest accomplishment would never be replicated. It was yet another bruise on our national pastime, Landis persisted in private meetings with club owners – one they didn't need in a period when both the game and nation were struggling for economic, if not spiritual survival.

From now on we don't do that,‖ Landis commanded, laying down the law in that blissfully ignorant age before the corked bat, the treachery of pine tar, or the human grown hormone.

No ballplayer is to mingle with a spectator – and especially that kind!"

Arthur Nash
The Mob Scene Gallery NYC

Read More on The Mob on Retro: Kimmer

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Wurlitzer One More Time Jukebox

Posted: 29 Sep 2011 08:49 AM PDT

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Nothing quite sums up the 50s quite like iconic Wurlitzer. This staple of diners the world over has been given a 21st century update.

The Wurlitzer One More Time Jukebox has had a tonne of tech goodies shoved behind the classic retro façade. You can fill it up with up to 100 CDs or stick your iPod on the dock provided and listen to all your favourites through the Bose speaker system inside. It even has a digital display and title cards for up to 60 songs. 

Before you start routing around for your credit card, if you hadn't guessed already, such a creation comes with a fairly heafty price tag. This slice of 50s nostalgia will cost you an eye-watering £6,799 from John Lewis. See the website for more details.

Sonya Mary Jane Shoes from ASOS

Posted: 29 Sep 2011 07:15 AM PDT

Sonya

Our readers will be delighted that there's still a heavy vintage influence on autumn winter looks this year, with a particular slant towards the 60s and 70s.

These Sonya Mary Janes from ASOS are clearly inspired by one of the quintessential designers of the period, Mary Quant. The monochrome colour scheme, block heel and ankle strap give the shoes a real retro 60s asthetic. They're positively screaming out to be worn with a monochrome shift dress and plenty of false eyelashes.

The Sonya Mary Jane Shoes are £40 from ASOSSee the website for more details.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

RETROKIMMER'S BEST BUD ROBIN WAS IN ANN ARBOR...

Posted: 29 Sep 2011 09:47 PM PDT

My Best Bud Robin and Kimmer at Weber's in A2

My best bud for many many years came to town tonight. Robin Comer and I met at the Super Sale company back in the day and have been together ever since. Throughout many fun trips to the Caribbean, many lost boyfriends, a wedding, a baby and a divorce... Robin has been right beside me through it all.


Robin and I working in Louisville KY 1987

Robin managed the advertising and media buys for the Super Sale and I was the Show Manager. We were so young to be so responsible... it was an incredible time for us both. We had so many adventures together.

The first trip we went on was to Chicago, IL. We were so wrapped up in talking to each other I almost ran my car over a ramp onto the O'Hare Airport tarmack 45 feet below! OMG we freaked out for a minute then picked up the conversation right back where we left it to scream! LOL


Robin and Kimmer in Frankenmuth MI 1994

I moved away first after I got married. I saw Robin often but I always was so sad when she drove away. Just like I felt tonight when hugged me goodbye.


Robin with Lesley 1993

Robin is younger than me and was the little sister I always wanted. Here is Lesley with her Aunt Robin. It was Robin that was in the delivery room with me when Lesley was born in Feb 1992. It was Robin that helped me pack for the hospital at 3 am when I went into labor 2 weeks early. Robin always insisted that I would have the baby on February 23 but Lesley came on the 22nd. Funny though her birth certificate was filed with .... you got it Feb 23...


Robin (far left) at my wedding 1991

Robin was at my wedding and we were having so much fun that she and another one of my girlfriends camped out in my room on mywedding night so we could hang at the lake for an extra day.... LOL


Robin with me on my honeymoon..
Here we are in Tawas City MI on Lake Huron...

Robin left for Ft Lauderdale quite awhile ago... she kept her Ypsilanti cell phone number so I could always call her. Robin spent every Christmas here with Lesley and I and her folks. This year my parents have a place for several months in FLA so it would appear my bud and I will be together once more at Christmas time :)

How I value the many years I have been so lucky to share with my best bud Robin. XXOOK

R.E.M. DOWN FOR THE COUNT..... SCOTT BATEY

Posted: 29 Sep 2011 12:57 PM PDT




Scott Batey

Today's guest post come from my Rock Star Attorney friend Scott Batey... I have to tell you... Scott is an encyclopedia of the Law for sure but OMG what he knows about rock music is immense. Scott has a whole different take on rock than I do. I want to share his love for music with you all... Scott called today and told me that R.E.M. was folding so he wrote this story to go with today's call. Thanks Scott!! RK


R.E.M

From Scott:

For me Pretty Persuasion is the quintessential REM song:



These Days was the first saw I saw them do this live at the Fox in 1986.



Half a World Away is particularly special to me, in 1993 I spent the summer in London studying at the University of Notre Dame Law School's London campus while my girlfriend (and future wife) stayed in Michigan.

I stayed in a dorm at the London School of Economics (where Mick Jagger and JFK also studied) and would go into the pub in the basement of the dorm (yes they had a pub in the basement of the dorm which I must say was very convenient) and play this song over and over thinking about my future wife. I think I drove the bartender Clive crazy, but it helped get me through the summer. Half a World Away



I think New Adventures in HI-FI was one of R.E.M.'s masterpieces and E-bow the Letter with Patti Smith is a beautiful and haunting song:

E-Bow the Letter

The concert in Rome was truly amazing and one of the great things about the internet is we get to relive some special moments:

Concert in Rome

In 2007 REM played 5 nights at the Olympic Theatre in Dublin what they called as a rehearsal. They released a live DVD, but what I found particularly refreshing was that unlike many of the contemporary bands of their time they didn't forget their roots and actually played obscure songs that were not particularly radio friendly:

http://youtu.be/25GojFtBFI0


http://youtu.be/GyUmTK5Dmpw

http://youtu.be/l8Ii6AaZ3ZE


http://youtu.be/kj1gh4e-OCU



Which brings us to the release of their glorious album Collapse into Now which is absolutely brilliant. One particular interesting issue with this album was the appearance that Michael Stipe may have actually found faith.

Stipe who was a well known agnostic has several lyrics leading the listener (me) to conclude he has found God. I have not been able to confirm this, but in any event the CD offers the most optimistic and positive lyrics of their entire career. My two favorites are Oh My Heart and Uberlin:

Everyday is Yours to Win is the most inspiring REM song of all time with my favorite lyric "every day is new again, every day is yours to win and that's how heroes are made." As someone who believes this country desperately needs more heroes I think we should all focus more on winning our day, every day:

http://youtu.be/C3-YuGEW59c

And they can still Rock:

http://youtu.be/ayb1uoeYrgo

Finally, last week after hearing of their break-up, Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam who sings on "It Happened Today" , shares with the crowd his thoughts on the break-up and does a nice version of the song:

http://youtu.be/CPr-UXHuGvI

Thank you REM for all of the beauty you shared with world.

CHRIS "BOX" TAYLOR INTERVIEWED TODAY!

Posted: 29 Sep 2011 12:34 PM PDT


Chris Taylor (Blue Snaggle Tooth)

Good news! My good friend Chris (Box) Taylor did a bang up interview today with AVClub.Com. As I have written before... Box is the hardest working man in rock... Now Chris is a new daddy since his son Asheton was born last April 18, the day before the Stooges gig in Ann Arbor. I was happy to be at the baby celebration along with Scott Morgan, Deniz Tek, Hiawatha, Photographers Heather Harris, Anne Laurent and Videographer Amy Verdon. A Great night to photograph:


Scott Morgan Box Deniz and Anne


Hiawatha Kimmer Deniz and Box


Here is a bit of Chris Taylor's Interview!

by Patrick Dunn September 29, 2011

Chris Taylor: Blue Snaggletooth

We all know that certain songs get scratched into our souls, if only for a week or a day sometimes. For each installment of Hear It Now, we'll ask a different local musician to share his or her current mental playlist with us. Each artist will tell us three albums, songs, or artists that he or she just can't stop listening to. Today, before his band plays Ypsifest at Woodruff's Oct. 14, Blue Snaggletooth vocalist-guitarist Chris Taylor gave us four selections, because he just couldn't stop with three. Read Full Story HERE

Don't Be So Quick to Overlook the Maserati Grecale Folgore

If the GranTurismo Folgore is a guide, this Grecale Folgore could be surprisingly competitive. The EV GT was one of the year's best surp...