Thursday, July 28, 2011

Retro: Kimmer

Retro: Kimmer

Link to Retro: Kimmer

GUINNESS WORLD BOOK OF RECORDS INDUCTS JULIAN PAVONE!

Posted: 28 Jul 2011 09:20 PM PDT



World's Youngest Professional Drummer: Julian Pavone age 7

Today Lesley (my artist/photographer daughter) and I traveled north of Detroit to meet a very special young man.... Guinness World Record holder for being the World's Youngest (age 5) Professional Drummer....Julian Pavone

Julian will be presented with his official induction coming up soon in Los Angeles... Julian will be presented with his award and be interviewed on one of the top rated late night talk shows. Stay tuned to my blog for information when Julian will be on television.



A musician friend called me this past weekend to chat about the extremely talented you drummer. I spent 24 hours or so researching Julian and I was just blown away by his talent and the enormous amount of media attention he has received almost since his birth.... Actually his Dad told me today that Julian went pro at age 20 months! Mind boggling...



The photo shoot for Guinness World Book of Records was this afternoon. Lots of local media were on hand as well... they include...The Detroit Free Press, Detroit News, The Patch, the Macomb Daily and a film team from Guinness' headquarters flew over from England to shoot Julian.... I am told Guinness does not often do that... Oh and there was one blogger there too... Retro: Kimmer!



Julian being interviewed by the press... Just 7 years old.. Julian handles himself as a professional musician and yet stays remarkably grounded as any other 7 year old boy... A live wire and a charmer for sure... Julian worked that room like a pro... Amazing!

Is Julian going to be the next Justin Bieber or the next Keith Moon!



Julian's official letter of induction from Guinness.



There were quite a lot of cameras shooting all at once in Julian's home studio. That might have intimidated a normal adult let alone a 7 year old... Not for this musician...Julian was right at home with the media. Julian has appeared on more than 100 television and news shows and that number is still growing....



Julian behind his huge drum kit...



The Guinness World Book of Records team....





Annalisa age 5 and her big brother Julian age 7. Annalisa and Julian have performed songs and danced together too at the North American Auto Show. Annalisa is a very bright and a talented young artist just like when my daughter Lesley began her career in art at the same age.



When Les and I first arrived we met Julian's mom Lisa... What a lovely woman! Just felt like I had known her for a lifetime. Then Julian came running up to us at the door. Lesley brought Julian a very cool drawing... but oh no... we forgot to grab a drawing for his little sister!



When the photo shoot was over I saw that Lesley was sitting in front of Annalisa drawing a cartoon portrait of the darling little girl... Annalisa was so happy and her mom as well.



Shooting Julian in action... It is so difficult to shoot drummers! All blur and constant action! Especially with a very active 7 year old!



Julian has an endorsement with Vic Firth and if you would like to own a pair like the ones Julian autographed for me today click HERE and to see more videos featuring Julian click HERE




Julian autographing a set of used sticks for me... My readers know that I collect autographed drumsticks from only the very coolest drummers and now Julian is on my shelf between Johnny Bee Badanjek and Dennis Machinegun Thompson!

Julian on Oprah

MACOMB, Mich., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Julian Pavone (USA) breaks the Guinness World Record® as The Youngest Professional Drummer as of March 21, 2010 – when he was 5 years 10 months and 3 days old. Previously, the record had been held by Tiger Onitsuka (Japan), who was 9 years 289 days old.

Julian is considered a drumming prodigy. He began playing the drums while sitting on his father's lap at the age of three months. At 15 months-old, he was offered a contract to be a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers' drumline (The United Drumline, founded by William Winfield, III) making him the youngest member by 16 years! Then, at 20 months-old, Julian recorded a CD, "Go Baby!", with legendary bassist Ralphe Armstrong. Trapper Jack, from WDOK 102.1 (Cleveland), broke the story and Julian has been shocking audiences ever since. Since then, he has received worldwide media coverage with more than 11,000 newspaper and magazine articles published about him.

He is currently 7 years-old and plays a 22-piece custom drum set with 17 cymbals. He has full artist endorsements with Vic Firth, Sabian Cymbals, ddrum and Sennheiser Microphones.

Full Story HERE

I would like to thank the Pavone family and Randy Bernard for thinking of us for this story. Lesley and I had a wonderful time today and we hope to see you soon! XXOOK

PS It was really fun meeting Bernard Pavone Sr and Ron Amatangelo the charming Grand-dads!


[New post] Ghost Rider burns all over again in Spirit of Vengeance

Ghost Rider burns all over again in Spirit of Vengeance

dailypop | July 28, 2011 at 7:03 pm | Tags: ghost rider marvel comics nic cage | Categories: Horror comics | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-2UH


The dark avenging demon of the roads, Ghost Rider enjoyed a cult hit status in the 1970's. When stunt rider Johnny Blaze made a deal with the devil to save his adoptive father, he soon discovered that the demonic one is not known for his good bargains and became the prison for a rebellious soul, Zarathos. When Blaze was near an act of evil, he transformed into the Ghost Rider, a flaming skeletal being on a flame-addled bike. Combining black magic, stunt motorcycling and horror, it remains a touchstone of the comic book 'bronze age.' only to be revived in the 1990's when a new vessel for the demonic spirit of vengeance was found in Danny Ketch.

In 2007, a feature film version of Ghost Rider was released, directed by Mark Steven Johnson (Daredevil). It's a mixed bag that takes liberties with some details while remaining dedicated to the source material in other places. A disjointed film, it is actually held together by Nic Cage's larger than life mutant love-child of an Elvis impersonator and Evel Knievel. While Ghost Rider as a character is dull, the CGi effects are actually quite good, but the plot could have been stronger. Even so it's worth a viewing with a few friends, cheap beer and pricey pizza.

Shortly after the first film hit the shelves on DVD, Cage was already talking about a sequel. The theme of denying the demon, refraining from alcohol and trying to be a noble hero would be replaced with a raucous and wild Johnny Blaze guzzling Jim Beam and embracing his alter ego.

The more details that leaked out, the more it sounded like the Jason Aaron run on the monthly comic, a wild and hyper-violent series with gun-toting nuns and a war in heaven. Sadly, it seems that Cage is more influenced by the Garth Ennis mini-series that preceded Aaron's work. A thinly veiled continuation of themes borrowed from his work on Preacher, the less said about Ennis' Ghost Rider the better.

At the San Diego Comic Con, a lack of heavy hitters such as Batman and Superman meant that lesser known superhero flicks could fill in the void, such as Ghost Rider.

Via i09:

Just because Nicholas Cage is still playing damned stuntman Johnny Blaze in the new Ghost Rider movie doesn't mean that we should expect the family-friendly character from the first film. We've seen a Ghost Rider who's more demon than superhero.

Directors Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor were on hand at Comic-Con, and told us how eager they were to get their Crank-weathered hands on the much maligned Ghost Rider and move him from the superhero genre into horror.

"He's one of the most badass characters of all time," Taylor noted. "He's not really a superhero. He's more like a horror character. His superpower is that he sucks out your soul. That's horrifying."

Cage described the Ghost Rider from the first movie as something out of a Grimm's fairy tale, more something for kids. Cage actually provides the movement for the Ghost Rider in Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, something he did not do in the first film, and said he is happy to "embrace the nightmare aspect of the character."

Although the first image we got of this new Ghost Rider were the legs of his glittery black stuntman pants, Neveldine and Taylor have amped up the Rider's scary side. The Ghost Rider is now a charred skeleton, with flames constantly bursting from his body, his jacket bubbling with tar. Where the empty-eyed skull was sometimes campy in the first movie, here it is pretty nightmarish — even more so when the Rider spews fire from his mouth. There was, however, a moment of strange levity: a child character asks Johnny Blaze what happens when the Ghost Rider has to pee. Cue the Ghost Rider, his back to the camera, pissing flames.

At the Spirit of Vengeance press conference, Nick Cage further explained that "weirdness" is one of the defining traits he could bring to the Ghost Rider films. Elaborated Cage:

"The interesting story is when I was trying to think with Brian and Mark about how the Ghost Rider could move [...] I was thinking about kind of finding something really "weird" [...] I looked up in the dictionary that the word literally means "to turn." "Weird" literally means "to turn around." [...] It was like trying to design a body language from another dimension."

Idris Elba and Nic Cage at SDCC2011

Idris Elba plays Ghost Rider's sidekick Moreau, a role the directors described as "a French drunk monk, the first French black alcoholic priest in [movie] history." Elba also conquered his fear of motorcycles simply to play such a bad-ass role: "When I was 19, I fell off a motorcycle and never wanted to get on to one again...until this movie."

Neveldine and Taylor explained that they really didn't take the first movie into account — and they didn't draw from Ghost Rider's more superheroic tales — but the directors did cite the darker tone of Garth Ennis' run as an inspiration.

Via FirstShowing:

Straight from the pages of Empire comes the first three photos introducing us to the new Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, directed by Crank's Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor. Yes, Nicolas Cage is back as Johnny Blaze, but even more importantly, he's back as Ghost Rider, the badass demon from hell. If you didn't hear, the Comic-Con footage impressed all of us, but don't worry, this will kick ass. "We didn't really consider the first movie, at all, in making this. We just wanted to make a great movie, on its own terms."

Idris Elba also stars in this along with Nicolas Cage, CiarĂ¡n Hinds as the Devil, and Johnny Whitworth as the villain Blackout (not pictured). Now you know what I'm talking about regarding Ghost Rider having a flaming head almost the entire movie, not just a few scenes like in the first. "This version, we wanted to give people what we think comic book fans really want to see with Ghost Rider. It is darker and more intense. He is from a nightmare. He will scare the hell out of you," Taylor told Collider. Sony/Columbia is releasing Spirit of Vengeance in theaters February 17th, 2012 next year.

First look at the Ghost Rider from the sequel Spirits of Vengeance

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


The Warhol: D.I.Y. POP app for iPhone and iPad

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 11:49 AM PDT

Warhol

Fancy creating your own Andy Warhol artwork on the go? You can with the newly-launched The Warhol: D.I.Y. POP app for iPhone and iPad.

The work of the Andy Warhol Museum, it's a way of turning your own photos into Warhol-style imagery - or 'digital silkscreen print' as they call it. Take a photo with your camera or use one from your library, then use crop, expose and underpaint to create your image. It might take time, but you'll get there eventually.

Also throwing in some words from artists and curators at The Warhol, plus 'inside information' on Warhol and his art, the app is available to download now, priced at £1.49.

Find out more at the iTunes website

Also, we're using Instragram right now for retro imagery. If you want to follow, check out 'retrotogo'. We'll happily follow you back.

Red Leopard Print Shift Dress from Topshop

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 10:15 AM PDT

Redleopard

One of the most enduringly appealing aspects of mid-20th century womenswear was the ability to cover everything up and still ooze sex appeal. Fifties inspired looks arguably capture this mood best, with items like this Red Leopard Shift Dress from Topshop displaying that sexy sophistication.

The shift dress shape is simplistic, tailored to create a defined waist and accentuated hips. While a high neckline and knee-length skirt cover up, the use of a racy red leopard print taps into the pin-up aesthetic to create instant retro appeal.

It's available now from Topshop's Edited collection for £46.

Find out more from the website

Bell Tents from www.belltent.co.uk

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 10:06 AM PDT

4m_bell_ma
There's no question that the proliferation of summer festivals has taken the fine art of camping to a whole new audience. Most of us are used to a modern tent which can be put up in minutes but there's a lot to be said for the traditional Bell Tent too.

Bell tents require a bit more effort to put up; they have a separate ground sheet and you need to peg out the canvas to make the shape of the tent rather than just inserting the poles to form a skeleton as you do with most tents these days. One key advantage is that the canvas is cotton and therefore breathable, so you don't get that nasty sweaty feeling when you wake up on a sunny morning - and if it gets really hot you can roll up the tent walls to allow a breeze in.

Tents in varying sizes are available from www.belltent.co.uk, starting at £319 and if you're serious about camping you can buy all sorts of extras too - from stoves and mattresses to sheepskin rugs and tea-light chandeliers.

 

Rossana Peter Pan Blouse from Missguided

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 10:00 AM PDT

Peterpanblouse

With so much of the appeal of mid-sixties inspired clothing lying in its structural, often buttoned up elements, it can be difficult to find pieces suitable for more stifling weather. Happily the look can still be achieved with much more summer-friendly fabrics, as shown in this Rossana Peter Pan Collar Blouse from Missguided.

The androgynous high collar and bust-minimising loose fit are still present to create that sharp mod-inspired feel, while a loose sheer fabric creates both a lightness and a daring glimpse of flesh. The contrasting black collar has an easy retro feel, with brass-look buttons to finish.

It's available online from Missguided for £16.99.

Find out more from the website

Keith Haring Balance Game from Colette

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 09:45 AM PDT

Keith_image_147722_en There is no reason why even the most mundane child's toy can't be stylish and beautiful - as with this Keith Haring Balance Game from Parisian concept store Colette.

The Balance Game is created by Vilac, a long-established French brand, crafting quality children's toys from wood in the forests of Jura.  It's 18 pieces of brightly coloured wood in the shape of Keith Haring's distinctive figures which can be stacked on top of one another in a game which develops concentration, hand-eye co-ordination and fine motor skills - never mind a fine appreciation of modern art at the same time.

The game costs 28 euros from Colette here.

 

Stanley brogues by Grenson

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 09:23 AM PDT

Grenson

Grenson has been making shoes since the 19th century. But you might have guessed that with one look at these Grenson Stanley brogues.

A classic, but one that sits effortlessly on the shelves of any contemporary fashion range, the Stanley has premium waxed leather uppers, waxed leather laces, leather soles and the 'punched' brogue pattern on that upper. Pretty much everything you would expect from a high-end brogue.

If you fancy treating yourself to a pair, the price is £179.

Find out more at the End Clothing website

Via His Knibs

Build Your Own Favorite Band Coasters

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 08:05 AM PDT

Il_570xN_168784394 
Etsy seller Retrowhale has created some great coasters based on literal illustrations of band names.

The Build Your Own Favourite Band Coasters are sold in sets of four, giving you the option to choose which bands you want. Most of the bands are old favourites from the 60s and 70s includingThe Beatles, The Kinks, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, The Who, Pink Floyd and Velvet Underground, but there is also a more grunge-based selection should that be your thing.

They cost around £30 plus postage from the Retrowale Etsy store.

Heal’s Scandinavian Furniture Poster

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 07:46 AM PDT

927518_m 
Having mentioned Heal's original exhibition of Scandinavian furniture in the post about their Arkiv Storage Unit earlier in the week, here is a poster advertising that event.

The Scandinavian Furniture Poster is taken from an advertisement from the Fifties. It features a typical midcentury chair and table in shades of yellow and blue that are also typical of the period. It is sold framed in a wooden frame.

It costs £90 from Heal's.

eBay watch: 1969 Citroen DS with low mileage

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 07:38 AM PDT

Cit

Just 'wow'. This is the car of my dreams - and this 1969 Citroen DS is on eBay right now.

It's a stunning version of a stunning car, with this late '60s DS in 'Midnight Blue' apparently only clocking 48,000km from new, which is approximately 31,000 miles). I think you can work out that it's well under 1,000 miles per year, which might account for the original 'Black Pallas' leather interior still being very much intact.

Also worth noting is that the hydraulic system has just been refurbished, which is always a concern on a used one of these. It's left-hand drive though, which might put a few people off. Described as 'immaculate', you can see why from the many images on the site. The price for this classic is £10,999.

Find out more at the eBay website

Sugar Blue commences 1960s go-go dancing classes in London

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 07:22 AM PDT

Gogo

Forget zumba, Sugar Blue Burlesque has something far more hip to keep you fit - go-go dancing classes in London, which take place weekly in Shoreditch.

According to the ladies at Sugar Blue: 'It's the workout craze taking the world by storm,' adding that 'the wild, upbeat music is guaranteed to get your toes tapping in this energetic class, and in no time you'll be doing the Monkey, the Wahtusi, the Swim, the Hully Gully, the Mashed Potato, the Twist and many more!'

If that appeals to you, you need to wear 'loose, cool, comfortable clothing' and 'comfortable shoes you can dance in' (go-go boots are optional). Also a towel and a bottle of water is a good idea, as it might get a bit hot. It's also 'suitable for all levels of fitness'. You'll find it at STD2 Dance Studios, First Floor Studio, 346 Old Street, London EC1V 9NQ, London every Monday from 6:30pm. Price is £8 per class. They also do burlesque classes too, drop them a line about the details of those.

Sugar Blue Burlesque website.

Via Modculture

Space Invaders salt and pepper shakers

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 07:11 AM PDT

Space

For the retro gaming addict who just can't let go, we have these Space Invaders salt and pepper shakers.

Actually, the official name is 'retro arcade salt and pepper shakers', which might well be down to a rights thing. But we know what they are, little arcade aliens, adapted here for seasoning your food. It's probably what you call a 'talking point' at the table.

Talking point, seasoning, whatever you use 'em for, the price is £9.99 for a pair.

Find out more at the IWOOT website

Capiz mobile from Habitat

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 02:41 AM PDT

Capiz
Add a colourful retro touch to a room with this Capiz mobile from Habitat.

The mobile is made from hanging shells, and is similar in looks to Verner Panton's fun lamp which was designed in 1964. While that lamp relies on the neutral shade of the shell to add to its glow, this one is multi-coloured to give it more of a tropical look. No doubt the distinctive tinkling sound of the shells will also be present in the mobile. 

The mobile is currently reduced to £22.50. 

Buy it online

Splay oak chair from Heal's

Posted: 27 Jul 2011 02:39 AM PDT

Splay chair
The Splay oak chair is another 1950s-style design, courtesy of Heal's new Scandinavian design for living range

This isn't a design they've plucked from their archive but one that's simply been inspired by the period. Made from oak, with a stylish curved back and topped off with a green wool seat, the chair has the good looks to see it through many more decades to come.  

The chair costs £250. 

Buy it online

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...