Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

NEW VIDEO FOR DICK WAGNER

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 07:01 PM PDT


Legendary guitarist Dick Wagner

I just love Dick Wagner! What a magnificent guitarists of all time! I had some free time today and decided to make another video of his music... Just l9ove this video and hope you do too... Iconic Frost tune Rock n Roll Music... I love it and love Dick too...

THE GALLERY OF THE ARTS DETROIT ROCK AND FASHION

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 06:41 PM PDT


Kimmer and Chizzy

Hey gang this is a new virtual art gallery which features a lot of my close friends! Just met John Gnotek and this is his baby so please check this site out!!

John sent this email to me:

Hi Kim. Very nice meeting you last night. I wish I would have gotten there sooner to get to know you and your daughter more. She certainly is a budding talent too. Very kind words on your website too. Thanks.

The virtual art exhibit I'm putting together right now is still but a work-in-progress, but if you care to check it out:

http://www.TheGalleryOfTheArts.com/DetroitRockNFashion/

The exhibit is called Detroit Rock N' Fashion with artists from The Gallery of the Arts (www.TheGalleryOfTheArts.com) who are involved in Detroit rock or fashion. So far: Johnny Bee, Gwen Joy, Elise Mesner, Chizzy Mike Chisholm, Nina Friday, Wendy Mastal. Clicking on any of their art launches a pop up window with details and a Buy Now button.

The objective is to pitch virtual art exhibit to galleries in Europe to highlight Detroit from a more positive, yet real perspective and introduce these artists to a European audience—an audience who is big into American rock, especially iconic American rock. And little is more iconic in rock than Detroit. Plus this presents both seasoned and upcoming personalities.

This virtual art exhibit can be presented projected on a wall, on a flat screen HD TV, interactively on a computer terminal or featured on a gallery website.

I look forward to seeing you around.

Again, I'm intending to first pitch this to European galleries, in which they can either project on a wall, on a large flat screen TV, on a computer, or on their website.

Thanks,
John

DETROIT: DEAD MAN'S HAND FREE DOWNLOAD!

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 04:33 PM PDT



This is one kick ass cd! Ron Cooke (bass) gave me a copy and his 2wife Pam gave me a bunch of background info on it. This lineup never played live anywhere.... What a shame as they were a killer high performance team of musicians!

The whole recording took about 3 days to complete.. Spur of the moment whim with no rehearsal over a 15 day period. Unbelievable!!!

For 7 days you can have my favorite song off this cd "Stoned" written by my friend Ron Cooke

It's about Ron's rebellion... America and Europe is so used to pigeon holed music... that is what the music industry is like today...



Ron Cooke (vocals bass harnonica)
Tommy Ingham lead singer
Johnny Bee Badanjek drums
Mike Katon guitar
Steve Dansby guitar
Chris Codish Keyboards
Chris Benji Keyboards
Johnny Arizona drums
JB Burkhart


JOHNNY BEE BADANJEK: AN ARTIST AND HIS MOTHER

Posted: 27 Apr 2011 03:27 PM PDT



The Artist and his Mother
Acrylic on Canvas
32" x 40"


Johnny Bee Badanjek and my friend Dee Gilbert

Bee's Art Gallery. Here you can view Bee's paintings, many of which are available to purchase. Bee's artwork can be found throughout the country in various galleries. If you are interested in one of his pieces of art, please feel free to email him HERE.

View more of Bee's art HERE

Johnny Bee Badanjek at River's Edge Gallery in Wyandotte

"Art chose me at a very early age. As a descendant from a very passionate lineage my people were known for their expressiveness. My first inclination to artistic form was musical in nature. To me, melody and rhythm are akin to breathing and consuming oxygen. As I progressed in my career as a musician, I never saw myself as a side man in a top rock band ever. I am proud to say that I always carried myself and my craft as an artist. Coming from Detroit, Michigan and being exposed to the multi-cultural musical taboo that was commonplace to this town, I was witnessed to some of the greatest musical artistry and brilliance the likes this world has not yet recovered from. "Johnny "Bee" Badanjek"

Sticks N' Skins is AVAILABLE NOW !! Jules Follett, author of the book, Steve Badalament of Innovation Drum Company and Johnny Bee Badanjek.

[New post] The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence reaches an end

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence reaches an end

dailypop | April 27, 2011 at 9:27 pm | Tags: alien life, aliens, extra terrestrial life, science | Categories: Sci-Fi | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2y9

Back in my childhood, it seemed to me that science fiction had a close association with actual science. Even the Fourth Doctor played by Tom Baker fell to his death from an array dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial life. It seemed that as a culture we were becoming closer to a reality that mirrored our dreams.

These days, those dreams are getting dismantled one by one, including the demise of SETI itself.

Via i09:

With SETI shut down, is the search for extraterrestrial life over?

With SETI shut down, is the search for extraterrestrial life over?This week, the SETI Institute announced that it would have to shut down its large radio telescope facility, called the Allen Telescope Array, near the California mountain town Hat Creek. For over a decade, SETI has used the 42 radio dishes in its array to scan the skies for possible communications from extraterrestrial intelligence.

2011 was expected to be a banner year for the group, because recent space probe missions have revealed the locations of over 1000 possible Earthlike planets - and with them, regions of space where the array could scan for signs of the civilizations we hope to find on planets like our own.

Over the years, SETI has been funded by NASA, the National Science Foundation, and donations from philanthropists like Paul Allen. This year, the NSF cut its funding to SETI to ten percent of what it had been. According to the San Jose Mercury News:

What's lacking now is funding to support the day-to-day costs of running the dishes. This is the responsibility of UC Berkeley's Radio Astronomy Laboratory, but one of the university's major funders, the National Science Foundation, supplied only one-tenth its previous support. Meanwhile, the state of California has also cut funding. About $5 million is needed over the next two years.

SETI astronomer Seth Shostack told the paper:

This is about exploration, and we want to keep the thing operational. It's no good to have it sit idle. We have the radio antennae up, but we can't run them without operating funds.

SETI hopes to make up for the lost funds by doing work for the Air Force, tracking dangerous space debris near Earth.

Though there are a few other telescopes that occasionally scan the skies for extraterrestrial communication, SETI was the only experiment devoted to this activity full time. If donors don't step forward to keep the array operational, we could miss out on a chance to make contact with civilizations elsewhere in the galaxy. Or we might miss the early warnings of an imminent invasion. Either way, the loss of SETI's Allen Telescope Array is a terrible tragedy.

All is not yet lost. You can learn more about the SETI Institute, and donate to SETIhere.

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[New post] Doctor Who -San Diego Comic Con Dreaming

Doctor Who -San Diego Comic Con Dreaming

The San Diego Comic Con is just a short time away and that means lots of announcements for future films and TV programs as well as exclusive toys! As a Doctor Who fan, I have been enjoying the Character Options line of action figures released throughout the year and look forward to discovering what their special release will be just for this event.

In the past we have had the Sixth Doctor Regeneration figure, the Real Time Sixth Doctor variant, the Fifth Doctor and the Master and from the new series a shirtsleeves version of the Eleventh Doctor packed with an exclusive colored Dalek. The San Diego Comic Con is the ideal opportunity for fans to wave their freak flags high, spending loads of dough on plastic collectibles or even dressing up as their favorite characters.

Get ready, because it's almost time

As the pop culture/retro market has blossomed, so has the market for high end items designed to meet the needs of fandom obsessed with purchasing that special something that represents their love for the favorite program. It's not known what Character Options has up their sleeves this year, but I have a few dreams guesses that I'd like to share:

The Destroyer -We are in dire need of monsters from the Seventh Doctor's era and along with the Ancient One, the Destroyer from 1989's Battlefield is one of the most impressive creations of the classic program. A massive inter-dimensional demon capable of ripping universes apart, his appearance brought plenty of spectacle to the 26th series opener.

The Destroyer (Battlefield- 1989)

The Yeti -Already confirmed as being in the works, perhaps the Abominable Snowmen from the 60's will make a surprise appearance in sunny San Diego along with a new Second Doctor variant? A fan favorite from the 60's of Doctor Who, the Yeti are counted amongst the most popular of the classic monsters.

Character Options Yeti Prototype

The Emperor Dalek- From arguably the best Dalek story, the massive Dalek model housed into a static structure has been on the want list of fans since the new line of classic figures debuted. Is it finally time?

The Brigadier and ?-After Nicholas Courtney's sadly recent demise, perhaps it is the perfect time to pay home to the Brig with a special two set consisting of the leader of U.N.I.T. and a classic monster, maybe Bok from the Daemons or an Auton?

Nicholas Courtney

Modern Sea Devils/Silurians -We have gotten excellent figures based on the Sea Devils from their first appearance, but what about their return engagement in 1984? Possibly packaged with an armored Silurian, this would make for an amazing set!

Silurians and Sea Devils (Warriors of the Deep- 1984)

The new Eight Doctor-We have all seen the image of Paul McGann in his newly designed costume complete with steampunk sonic screwdriver, but it has yet to grace any publicity material or CD covers. Maybe they have been waiting for the right moment to reveal the new look in style?

The Doctor (Paul McGann) in his new costume

What do you think? Do you have a most wanted character or monster that you'd like to see released by Character Options at the San Diego Comic Con? I want to hear from readers.

View Poll

You never know, maybe the folks from CO are reading!

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Plum Flower Dress from Fred Flare

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 10:25 AM PDT

Plumflowerdress

The warmer weather can often mean that fitted fashion is the last thing you'll want to wear during the day. The stylish and practical solution is all in the fabric choice, however, as shown in this Plum Flower Dress by Fred Flare.

Taking a structured shape inspired by fifties daywear, the use of a light fabric and slightly loosened fit means this won't be as restrictive as many retro reproduction pieces. The plum floral fabric is a nod to the Hawaiin tropical influence found in American fashion at the time, too.

Get yours now from Fred Flare for $74.

Find out more from the website

Wide Brim Beach Hat from River Island

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 10:14 AM PDT

Widebrimhat

If you're already planning your Summer holidays after the welcome Easter break, picking out the perfect wardrobe is a must. The seventies revival provides some ideal sunshine fare, with items like this Wide Brim Beach Hat from River Island.

The woven paper material means it's light and breathable enough for any weather, while the wide, flopping brim keeps the sun's rays off. The shape has an instantly seventies feel, evoking a decadent poolside style with simplistic monochrome stripes.

It's available now from River Island for £19.99.

Find out more from the website

eBay watch: 1970s Richter electric clock

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 08:50 AM PDT

Richter

Interesting piece of late 60s or more likely, early 70s design out of (West) Germany in the form of this Richter electric clock.

Love the subtle space age looks, not least with the circular body and contrasting stand, with the stainless steel face looking a little more traditional, but still offering up a good amount of style.

According to the seller, it's in 'almost immaculate' condition, with a 'very good quality' movement, right down to the sweeping hand for an animated passing of time.

Right now, it's at £24.95.

Find out more at the eBay website

Ercol plank table from The Conran Shop

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 08:35 AM PDT

Plank table
We've highlighted The Conran Shop's Well Considered range before, intended to be a more affordable line of products. This 1950s designed plank table is now available as part of the range. 

This table was actually designed back in 1956 by Lucian R. Ercolani and is still manufactured by Ercol. It's a very simple design with that plank-like elm top and splayed beech legs which fits six people. Available in three colours: take your pick from the natural look or a more striking black or red. 

It's priced at - while not budget, a more affordable than your average Conran Shop item - £595.

Order it online

1950s-style Eloise bedlinen from House of Fraser

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 08:21 AM PDT

Eloise
This Eloise bedlinen, available from House of Fraser, is a contemporary design but looks like it has come straight from the 1950s.

The design, made by Sheridan, is a colourful design, covered with abstract shapes. It's definitely got the look of some of the artist's textiles of the Fifties, especially the work of someone like Marian Mahler. There's a pattern on the reverse too, all printed onto 100% cotton.

More interesting than your average bedlinen, prices start at £19 for a pillowcase.

Buy it online

Kavalkad Saucepan

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 07:02 AM PDT

Kavalkad-saucepan-white__0114923_PE267910_S4 
New in at Ikea is the Kavalkad Saucepan, a modern non-stick pan with a midcentury look.

The lightweight pan is made from aluminium which allows heat to spread quickly and makes it easy to regulate, but what really attracted us to this was the outside design. The pan has been given a bright blue finish and decorated with a graphic floral design that is reminiscent of classic Scandinavian designers of the past such as Cathrineholm. It being an Ikea product, it is cheap too – just £4.99. Hopefully a full set of pots and pans will follow shortly.

Find out if your nearest Ikea has it in stock through the Ikea website.

Vintage Notting Hill Gate Enamel Signs

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 06:47 AM PDT

Nhg 
Long before that Richard Curtis film, Notting Hill was cool and credible, not least because of the carnival. It was also the setting for Absolute Beginners and the films Performance and The Knack …and How to Get It.

With these cultural touchstones in mind, you might be interested in the collection of Vintage Notting Hill Gate Enamel Signs. There are three types available; large (75cm square priced £750), small (64cm, £65) or long (150cm by 21cm for £575). These are genuine vintage items so you can expect a few straps and scratches, but these should add to the character of the signs.

Buy them online at Pedlars.

Cross Stitch Collection by Big Tomato Company

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 04:58 AM PDT

HSHteapotlarge-LS

Traditional English creamware has been in our homes for a few hundred years now and Big Tomato Company have once again brought ceramics bang up to date whilst sticking firming to the craft's historic roots.

Made in England's ceramics region of Stoke-on-Trent, the Cross Stitch collection gives a nod to the homespun arts & crafts of yesteryear. The cross stitch motif, taken from an antique sampler, adorns an array of creamware, from tiny jugs and plates to mugs and teapots, making them equally suitable for display or everyday use.

The range starts from £9.95 and is available from the Big Tomato Company website.

Vintage-style Wooden Rounders Set

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 04:02 AM PDT

  22607

The English summer is synonymous with all sorts of genteel sporting pursuits and this Wooden Rounders Set will allow you to indulge in one of the finest.

If you can muster 12 people you won't pass a more enjoyable afternoon than harking back to your schooldays for a round of this traditional English game, somewhat akin to baseball.

The set contains all you need - the wooden bat, soft ball, four posts to mark out your pitch and instructions in case you're new to the game or need to remind yourself of the rules. It comes in a rather nice gift box and you also get a handy cotton bag for keeping all the bits together.

It costs £19.99 from dotcomgiftshop here.

 

The Fleur red, white & blue wrap dress by Heyday Vintage Style

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 03:46 AM PDT

Screen shot 2011-04-26 at 10.56.53

With only a few days to go until the wedding, their may be a temptation to purchase some sort of patriotic garb. But just before you reach for that questionable commemorative t-shirt out of sheer panic, take a look at this Fleur red, white & blue wrap dress by Heyday Vintage Style.

Perfect for summer picnics as well as Royal nuptials, the 40s inspired frock is made of 100% cotton and finishes at the knee with flattering a-line skirt for an authentic vintage look. The ideal way to showcase your patriotic tendencies without sacrificing any of your style.  

The Fleur wrap dress is £80 from Heyday Vintage StyleSee the website for more details.

2011: Living in the Future book by Geoffrey Hoyle reissued - 2011 as seen from the 1970s

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 03:37 AM PDT

Hoyle1

Not sure how we missed this reissue at the back end of 2010, the reissue of the 2011: Living in the Future book by Geoffrey Hoyle that is, courtesy of Green Tiger Press.

Originally published back in 1972 and primarily aimed at children, it was as mix of text and illustrations (courtesy of Alasdair Anderson) that attempted to predicted what life would be like in 2011, a modern-day utopia of three-day working weeks, breakfast factories, 'vision phones' and traffic-free commutes. Some have obviously not happened, but one or two of the predictions have. Those phones for example.

If you want to re-live your childhood or you want a child's eye view of the future promised to us all those years ago, you can grab the 64-page hardback reissue now online, priced at £7.50. An inside shot over the page.

Find out more about the book at the Amazon website

Hoyle2

Via Grain Edit

Tatty Devine Royal Wedding Cameo Pendant

Posted: 26 Apr 2011 02:58 AM PDT

Tatty

The avalanche of royal wedding themed products has surely reached it's zenith with only a few days to go until the event. Tatty Devine's Wedding Cameo Pendant is a standout piece for marking the event with a rare subtlety.

Pale toffee silhouettes of the happy couple stand in relief on a peach background mounted on matt gold perspex; a great modern take on a traditional Victorian fashion.

The beauty of the pendant is that it's not instantly recognisable as a wedding souvenir - only the date inscribed on the back reveals the identity of the two figures and the occasion it commemorates.

The pendant costs £33 from Tatty Devine 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...