Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

JOHN TRAVOLTA DANCING

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 06:07 PM PDT


John Travolta





John and Princess Diana







RETROKIMMER'S FAVORITE ARETHA SONGS...

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 05:28 PM PDT


Miss Aretha Franklin

Chain Chain Chain





Never Loved a Man





Don't Play That Song







Added for my personal entertainment......

BEATLES CARTOONS!

Posted: 01 Jun 2011 05:02 PM PDT


We couldn't wait till Saturday mornings to watch "The Beatles Cartoon" We thought that it was really them speaking the parts... We knew the story lines were pretty lame but the songs were awesome. Here is one of my favorites. It holds up pretty well.

[New post] X-Men- Greatest Hits -part one

X-Men- Greatest Hits -part one

dailypop | June 1, 2011 at 9:52 pm | Tags: marvel comics X-Men, X-Men, x-men movies wolverine bryan singer | Categories: X-Men | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2H9

X-Men: First Class, a prequel that promises to reset the fabulous mutant franchise back to the top of the comic book movie superlative list rather than the bottom third, opens this Friday.

X-Men: First Class TV Spot
watch?v=1F2QwfvM-K8

I have been a big fan of the X-Men for ages and am very excited to see the early days of the School for Gifted Youngsters on the big screen (even if they are taking liberties). Early reviews are very positive and I may even try to make a midnight showing if I'm feeling brave or awake enough. In preparation for the big day, I decided to compose a short series of articles spotlighting the best X-Men stories (in my opinion, anyway).

Giant Size X-Men #1

Published May, 1975
By Len Wein and Dave Cockrum


In 1975, the X-Men were not the knock-out hit that they became later on. In fact, the series was on the verge of cancellation. Several attempts were made to fix whatever problems prevented the comic from selling, but nothing seemed to work, not even the excellent contributions made by Arnold Drake, Werner Roth, Roy Thomas, Neil Adams and Jim Steranko. Part of the problem lay in the fact that the X-Men were students living in a school preparing them for adulthood. This demanded that one day the X-Men would no longer be kids and would graduate, moving out into the world as adults. There were some awkward explorations of what this would be like, but in the end it was a dead end. What was needed were new ideas... and a new cast of mutants.

Len Wein had the idea of an international team of mutants, each from a different country, traveling the globe to right wrongs and fight for mutant rights. From Africa was the weather witch called Storm, from Ireland the high-flying Banshee, from Russia the farmhand Colossus, from Germany the demonic yet gentle Nightcrawler, from Canada the Wolverine, from Japan Sunfire and from the Arizona-based Apache reservation Thunderbird. Leading them was the stoic Cyclops who would desperately attempt to take a wild band of strong-willed individuals and transform them into a team.

The designs for all of the characters (except for Wolverine and Banshee) came from Dave Cockrum and bear an uncanny resemblance to his designs from Legion of Superheroes. At the time, Cockrum carried a binder of character designs around with him and many of the characters that failed to find a home at DC Comics became the erstwhile X-Men. While many of these designs changed over the years, they remain the most distinctive and iconic looks for each team member. Whenever I think of Storm, Colossus or Nightcrawler it is Cockrum's designs that spring to mind.

The story of Giant Size X-Men involves a lost expedition to an island in search of a rogue mutant signal. Cyclops led the team of Angel, Marvel Girl, Iceman, Havok, Beast and Polaris to the island yet only he returned, raving and battle-ragged... and not wearing the all-important visor needed to keep his optic blasts in check. As he recounts his experience to the Professor, explaining how the team was overwhelmed by some force that he managed to evade, his powers come back, far stronger than ever. While Scott Summers acclimates to his increased power, Professor Xavier travels the globe in search of new recruits.

The first team of X-Men were all youngsters, afraid of their unique abilities and terrified of being found out. In contrast, the new recruits are adults who seem to have no real difficulty with their identities or abilities... except for Nightcrawler. Branded a demon by the locals, circus acrobat Kurt Wagner is nearly burnt alive by a horde of angry locals. Professor X intercedes and offers Kurt a new lease on life and a place where he can belong.

Kurt's physical differences (blue fur, three fingers on each hand and foot, fangs and a tail) mark him as an outsider - even to his fellow X-Men. It's no secret that Cockrum took to Nightcrawler and counted the 'fuzzy elf' as his favorite. It was Cockrum's idea to make Kurt a fan of Errol Flynn films, for instance, and granted him a puckish sensibility.

In Russia, the gentle giant Piotr Rasputin uses his power to transmute his skin into nigh-invulnerable steel to save his sister Ilyana. On the scene to witness the event is Professor X, who offers to train Piotr in developing this talent. Unsure of what to do, Piotr feels that his ability belongs to the State, but the Professor convinces him that he could do so much good in the wide open world.

Worshiped as a Goddess in the African plains, Ororo Monroe gets taken down a notch by the Professor who forces her to accept that she is no Goddess and she needs guidance. The most adult of all the X-Men, perhaps, it is an act of supreme maturity and responsibility the leads her to follow these words. Ororo could just as easily lived out her life as an idol to the locals. Instead she decided to risk her lives for people she would never know.

Both Banshee and Sunfire were already established in the Marvel Universe, so not much time was devoted to their 'recruitment pitch,' but it is made evident that Banshee is far older than the others, perhaps in his mid-30's. Sunfire is brash and proud, angry that he must take time away from his home in Japan. One almost wonders if the Professor used his mental influence over him.

John Proudstar was aptly named and the biggest challenge for the Professor. Fostering a deep resentment of the 'white man' in general, he was content to just stay out of the affairs of the world. Only by appealing to his pride could Prof. X draw him into the team. Much feistier than Wolverine, Thunderbird challenged every member of authority and was out to prove that he was the best of the new recruits... even if it cost him his life.

Of course the most famous new member of the X-Men was Wolverine, already seen in the pages of the Incredible Hulk when the Canadian government dropped him in a mission to confront the Hulk and Wendigo. The plucky Canadian went on to be a major star in comics and elsewhere, but at first he was a bit redundant as the team already had a rebellious youth. The plan was to make him a mutated animal rather than a mutated human, granting him bizarre facial features (later used on Sabretooth by John Byrne).

The team assembled, their task was not only to rescue the classic crew but also fight their biggest challenge ever, the 'island that walked like a man, Krakoa. This had to be the most bizarre and eye-catching adventure seen in ages. In addition to the new creative team, new look and new characters, the monstrous Krakoa was undoubtedly responsible for making this book a hit.

The issue closed with the old order leaving for new pastures (and in some cases new comics) while the new recruits took over the institute. With a disdainful look over his shoulder, the Angel made his distaste for the messy lot of rebels. They'd never make it as a team, they were too stubborn in their ways. Left to guide them was Cyclops, the orphan with nowhere else to go. The school was no longer a home for students, it was refuge for lost souls and a home for orphans, much like Scott Summers. Many of the people that I met who are fans of the X-Men say that they are attracted to the series not just because it is about outcasts, but due to its depiction of a family for loners.  The new team reluctantly bonded over the course of the decade and became more than another superhero team like the Avengers or Fantastic Four, but a family.

Giant Size X-Men is a landmark in many ways, acting as the division between the old and the new. The following month a new writer took over, Chris Claremont, and the rest is history. I still own a condensed paperback version of Giant Size X-Men #1 that I purchased from a drugstore as a kid. It is somehow in remarkable condition and remains one of my favorite comics.

Recommended:

X-Men: God Loves, Man Kills

The Uncanny X-Men, Vol. 1

X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga


Wolverine and the X-Men: The Complete Series

X-Men Trilogy

Add a comment to this post


Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://subscribe.wordpress.com

[New post] Nathan Fillon on voicing the animated Green Lantern

Nathan Fillon on voicing the animated Green Lantern

dailypop | June 1, 2011 at 8:56 pm | Tags: green lantern animated | Categories: Green Lantern | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2H4

Official press release below:

Entertainment Weekly's "Geek God" returns to the animated superhero realm in All-New DC Universe Animated Original Movie Coming June 7 to Blu-Ray™, DVD

Entertainment Weekly dubbed him a "Geek God." TV Guide seems to document his every move. Firefly/Serenity fans follow him in any direction he goes.

And all the while, Nathan Fillion contines to go his own way, his boyish charm and "ruggedly handsome" exterior constantly reflecting the enchanting attitude of the proverbial kid-in-a-candy-store.

Make no mistake, Nathan Fillion is having the time of his life.

Fillion's primetime series Castle is enjoying its best ratings, cracking Nielsen's Top 10 as the popular ABC drama culminated its third season. And despite the five-plus-days-a-week grind of 14-plus hours on set, Fillion still finds time to fulfill his own guilty geek pleasures.

Thus, on the Sunday of the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend in 2010, the Edmonton-born actor could be found recording the voice of Hal Jordan for Green Lantern: Emerald Knights, an all-new DC Universe Animated Original Movie coming to Blu-Ray™, DVD, On Demand and for Download June 7, 2011.

Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, and distributed by Warner Home Video, Green Lantern: Emerald Knights weaves six legendary stories of the Green Lantern Corps' rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy. As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan mentors new recruit Arisia in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra, Kilowog, Abin Sur, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona.

Fillion has starred in several primetime television series, including Desperate Housewives, Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He has also developed a popular cult following as a pair of Joss Whedon's heroic captains: Capt. Mal Reynolds in the space-western series Firefly and follow-up film, Serenity; and Captain Hammer in Whedon's internet sensation Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. Fillion returns to the DC Universe after his successful turn as Steve Trevor in the animated film Wonder Woman, having also performed voice work on Justice League, Robot Chicken, The Venture Bros., and several Halo video games.

The ever-genuine Fillion spent some time following his initial recording session to discuss comic book justice, the perils of space travel, his love of comic books and the origin story behind his famous Green Lantern t-shirt. Read on …

QUESTION:
Among the superhero role play games of your childhood, did you ever pretend you were the Green Lantern?

NATHAN FILLION:
As a child, when you're pretending you're different super heroes, Green Lantern was the easiest because all you needed to light the fire in the imagination was the ring. Superman, you need a cape; Spiderman, you need a full face mask. That wasn't tough to come by in a winter town like where I'm from, but they're just too hot to wear in the summer. So to be Green Lantern, all you needed to do is suck a lifesaver down to the right size, and to make sure it's a lime one – slip it on your finger, and you were good.

QUESTION:
What is it about Green Lantern that most appeals to you?

NATHAN FILLION:
As a kid, what I liked about Green Lantern was that he could do anything – anything you could think of. It's like "Wow, all I need is a giant mallet, or a catapult circa 1200s," and suddenly he had it. I just thought that would be pretty cool to have anything you could kind of imagine. Imagination was always a big thing for me.

QUESTION:
You fit comfortably into animated super hero roles. Why do you think you keep getting chosen to play these comic book legends?

NATHAN FILLION:
I will say that I've been very fortunate. I can't tell you why people are willing to offer me the opportunity, but I can say how it pleases me because as a kid collecting comic books, I had a great time with the way it kind of lights the fire in the imagination.

I always thought I had an overdeveloped sense of justice. Now looking back on my comic book days, my world kind of was formed around comic book justice. I think I have a very strong sense of comic book justice. Maybe that has something to do with how you take on a role. I mean, I'm steeped in the history of these characters. I know it and I love it.

QUESTION:
Between Firefly/Serenity and Green Lantern, you seem to spend a lot of acting time in space. Did you ever have desires to be an actual astronaut?

NATHAN FILLION:
I fear space the same way I fear drowning. I would think it would be a little bit claustrophobic. Sure, you have the vastness of space, but yet you're probably going to be in some kind of little miniature (capsule) and, you know, anything could go wrong. I mean. if you're scuba diving, let's say you're 10 feet underwater – if something goes terribly, terribly wrong, you've got 10 feet to swim to the surface, and you're good. If you're in space, you're boned. That's like being in a submarine at the bottom of the ocean. Uh-oh … Oops. (he laughs) Things you don't want to hear in space or in submarines: "Oops."

QUESTION:
Castle is a runaway hit. You're a cover boy for national magazines with great regularity. There's never been greater demand for Nathan Fillion. How do you stay humble through all this adoration?

NATHAN FILLION:
I'll tell you there sure is nothing like being an actor and having something to do every day. Get up 5:00 a.m. – I've got someplace to go and I've got a place I need to be. I've got stuff I gotta do. I've got stories I need to tell. This career that I've chosen, I'm employed gainfully in it – so I'm living the dream every day. That's a good feeling. It does good things for how you feel about your choices.

There was a period of time, I'll say it was 1998 approximately, where I didn't work for nearly a year. I was really questioning my judgment. What have I done? I've made a colossal error in judgment. I'm paying my rent on credit. What am I gonna do?

It's a much, much nicer feeling to know that you're doing something -- that you're playing some music that people want to hear. So I'm gonna play these notes – you tell me if you like them and we'll keep playing if you keep liking them. That's a good feeling. It's nice to walk down the street and have someone stop and politely say "I love your show." That's always great. As opposed to doing plays, where there's immediate feedback, you don't get that so much in television. So it's really nice to hear. It doesn't get old.

QUESTION:
You're on the Castle set at least five days a week, upwards of 14 hours each day. Given all that work, what makes you take time – on a Sunday of a holiday weekend – to record the voice of an animated superhero?

NATHAN FILLION:
I take the time to (voice characters in DCU films) exactly for the reason that it's fun. I get a call saying "Hey, how would you like to come on down to record Green Lantern?" And I'm asking back, "Can we squeeze it in on a Sunday because that's pretty much my only day off?" I want to make it work because I love doing it. More than that, I love being part of this lore. These are great characters – you've got Green Lantern, you have Superman, you have Batman, you have the Flash, all these wonderful pieces of American pop culture. And now I've got a little piece. I can say, "Oh yeah, I was Green Lantern for a DVD movie." Not a lot of people can say that. "Oh, Steve Trevor? Funny you should mention him." (he laughs) It may sound silly, but it means something to me.

watch?v=O4sMMwwjfUQ

QUESTION:
You have been seen – on the cover of Entertainment Weekly, walking around Comic-Con on a Saturday, at your initial Green Lantern recording session – wearing a Green Lantern t-shirt. Did you own that shirt before being cast as Hal Jordan for Green Lantern: Emerald Knights?

NATHAN FILLION:
Debbie Zoller is the head of my makeup department on Castle. She saw that fan-made Green Lantern trailer and thought the t-shirt would be an appropriate Christmas present. And I wholeheartedly agree with her. I've been known to wear a few superhero shirts … and where better than a Green Lantern recording session to wear it today? So thank you Debbie – I told you it would come in handy someday!

Pre-order Green Lantern: Emerald Knights

Add a comment to this post


Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://subscribe.wordpress.com

Latest articles from Retro To Go

Latest articles from Retro To Go


Two Piece Playsuit from Topshop

Posted: 31 May 2011 11:44 AM PDT

Twopiece

Playsuits and shorts with vintage flair are back for another Summer season, adding something a little different to the many dress and skirt options on the high street. For the braver retrophiles amongst us, Topshop bring us this Two Piece Playsuit.

With a hint of fifties swimwear style to the piece, it's reminiscent of the 60s use of those style elements in daywear. The combination of a crop top and matching shorts is not for wallflowers, but effectively evokes the obsession with the girlish that pervaded much of mid sixties fashion. Finished in a nautical navy stripe the pieces can carry a vintage charm when worn separately too.

Get yours from Topshop for £28.

Find out more from the website

Printed Mini Dress from Debenhams

Posted: 31 May 2011 11:37 AM PDT

Printeddress

Sixties fashion in Britain is often best remembered for psychedelic styles, and while this was a trend that was relatively short lived, its influence is clear to see in modern retro pieces. This Printed Mini Dress by Red Herring is an ideal way to wear a bold print without looking like you've just come from the dressing up box.

The key is the simplistic cut of the dress, with an a-line cut, strapless top and mini hemline creating a surefire sixties silhouette. The choice of light, bright shades of orange, pinks and and off white background add a vintage-shop air to a fun and vibrant floral.

It's available now from Debenhams for £29.

Find out more from the website

Rio Roller Retro Skates

Posted: 31 May 2011 11:19 AM PDT

1491-3178-rio-roller-quot-retro-quot-roller-skates


If the current Lucozade advert is awakening nostalgia for those teen roller discos why not see if you've still got the moves with these Rio Roller Retro Skates from www.rawk.com.

The skates come in a classic seventies-style colourway with contrast stripes and yellow wheels but they're made of modern breathable mesh to keep your feet cool and dry while you skate.Suitable for indoor or outdoor use you'll be able to strut your stuff at the roller rink or in the park - leg-warmers and aerial gymnastics optional.

The skates come in UK sizes 2-9 and cost £39.95. Find out more here.

eBay watch: 1970s Bodet BT659 flip clock

Posted: 31 May 2011 09:32 AM PDT

Bodet

Not one of the classic Cifra flip clocks by Gino Valle, but this Bodet BT659 flip clock out of France is from a similar era - and looks every bit as stylish.

Unlike a lot of these types of clock that appear on eBay, this 1970s design is an independent clock rather than a 'slave' clock. In other words, it just works without needing as master unit or additional parts. That's a big plus point. Just three batteries and you are away. According to the seller, this makes it 'very, very rare' and as such, a sought-after piece.

Aside from that, the clock is 'in used but very good above-average condition' with 'only marginal signs of wear'. Of course, it's in working condition too. A few bids already in, but right now, the bidding is still at £21.

Find out more at the eBay website

To let: The Third Sunhouse 1930s modernist house in Amersham, Buckinghamshire

Posted: 31 May 2011 09:15 AM PDT

Third1

He designed one of the most famous modern house in the form of High & Over back in 1931. But a few years later, Amyas Connell teamed up with Basil Ward for another notable property in the same town - The Third Sunhouse in Amersham, Buckinghamshire.

This 1934 classic is available to let right now, should you be both flushed with cash and desperate to live in a grade II-listed gem of the Modern Movement, complete with plenty of period charm. If you work in London, all the better - it's only 40 minutes from the city by train.

Third2

For your money, you get a three-bedroomed house with garage and 'good sized' garden, not to mention plenty of original features, including a sun terrace and roof terrace with far reaching views to the Misbourne Valley, some exclusive in-built furniture, a spiral staircase and Crittall windows.

Third3

It genuinely is a breathtaking design and as such, doesn't come cheap to rent. If you want it, you'll be paying out £1,650 per month (£380 per week) for the rare privilege. More images on the agent's site if you want them.

Find out more at the Modern House website


Via WowHaus

Third4

Rory Dobner Alphabet Tiles

Posted: 31 May 2011 07:58 AM PDT

Dobner18_230311small 
Designer Rory Dobner has an impressive list of commissions including Christian Dior, Soho House and Agent Provocateur, but for those of us who can't afford to commission a whole interior makeover you can buy these Alphabet Ceramic Tiles.

The illustrations for each letter are in a Victorian style, but slightly odd and surreal. Each tile measures 6 inches squared and cost £36 each.

Visit Rory Dobner's website for details of how to buy them.

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Specialty Ox limited edition plimsolls

Posted: 31 May 2011 07:57 AM PDT

Plim1

Not our plain old Chuck Taylor plimsoll, the limited edition Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Specialty Ox plimsolls change the format just a little bit from the 1917 original.

Take your pick between royal blue, black (pictured over the page) or a hi-top, with this new version of the (almost) century-old shoe offering a tonal rubber toe box and the bold colour, whilst taking away the contrast form stripe.

Aside from that, fairly standard stuff with a canvas upper and vulcanised sole. Sold with an alternate contrast lace set and in limited numbers, you can pick up a pair for £37.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

Via His Knibs

Plim2

Build-It-Yourself Recesky Twin Lens Reflect Camera

Posted: 31 May 2011 07:30 AM PDT

Recesky 
If taking photographs with a lomography camera isn't challenging enough for you, then you might be interested in this Build-It-Yourself Recesky Twin Lens Reflect Camera.

Once put together the camera will take vintage-style soft focus photographs with the distorted colours you'd expect from lomography photographs. But first you have to built it, which looks like it could be quite a challenge judging by the number of little pieces of plastic it consists of.

The kit costs £35 from Pedlars.

Circus Antiques Mid-Century Armchair and Sofa

Posted: 31 May 2011 06:23 AM PDT

P1060013
If you're a fan of of mid-century furniture that really makes a statement then look no further than this Armchair and Sofa from Circus Antiques.

Dating from 1950, this Italian sofa and chair have all the classic angular features of the era. They've been fully restored and re-upholstered in an eye-catching blue Bute wool which would add a modern edge to a retro room.

The set is available from Circus Antiques, a wonderful treasure trove of furniture and interiors objects from the 19th and 20th centuries on Chamberlayne Road in Kensal Rise, London.

The sofa and chair cost £2200 and you can find out more on the Circus Antiques site here.

Alexander Girard plate set

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:24 AM PDT

Millerhouseplates3
This striking Alexander Girard plate set is far too good to be used for everyday.

It features motifs designed by Girard in 1956 for Georg Jensen when he was asked to produce seven table settings. Just four of the motifs are used in this set, which is produced by the Indianapolis Museum of Art, all instantly recognisable as his style - the pinwheel, patera, garland and hexagon. So stylish, in fact, that I suspect you'd want to use the set for display rather than eating off. 

The set costs £38.50.

Buy them from Culturelabel

Almedahls 1950s Belle Amie fabric

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:24 AM PDT

Belle-amie-scandinavian-fabric
Another great reissue from Almedahls, this time the 1950s Belle Amie fabric - a 1950s design by Marianne Westman. 

If the floral, white and blue pattern reminds you of something, it could be Westman's own Mon Amie tableware design designed at around the same period (and which we featured last year when they introduced it onto some new designs). A classic and pretty pattern, it's bound to add some Scandinavian style to your home. 

The fabric costs £19.95 a metre.

Buy it from Hus and Hem

Poodle Lamps by Atelier Abigail Ahern

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:24 AM PDT

poodle lamps

Universally acclaimed interior designer Abigail Ahern has added these über-kitsch Poodle Lamps to her kookie repertoire.

Standing at just under half a meter, this trés chic pair of pooches are perhaps not for the faint-hearted but would look picture-perfect in a quirky retro pad. The likes of Lucille Ball would no doubt be very envious. Available in black or pinky-taupe.

£195 from MyDeco. See the website for more details.

Floral Meadow Print Mini Suitcase from Liberty

Posted: 31 May 2011 02:00 AM PDT

Liberty bag
You may remember last summer we featured the Liberty collaboration with Parisian concept store Merci, which included a rather fancy Liberty print mini suitcase that got our tongues lolling. The good news is this pretty little case is now back on sale in Liberty in the UK, and just in time for the summer holidays.

The super-chic vintage style mini suitcase is covered in Liberty's floral meadow print with silver-toned accents and wooden side panels. The perfect size to stuff with a few tea dresses for a summer weekend getaway.

The floral meadow print mini suitcase is £60 from Liberty's website.

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...