Retro: Kimmer

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MARK SISTO: AUSTRALIA 1974 BRAWLS...ENEMIES...CAMARADERIE Posted: 07 Oct 2011 08:06 AM PDT Mark Sisto My friend Mark Sisto and I had a long chat this past Friday about his first trip to Australia and how he became the "Minister of Defence" for Radio Birdman. The MC5 had John Sinclair and Radio Birdman had Mark Sisto... It was such an interesting discussion that we agreed to share it with my readers....RK MARK: Oh yeah , the early days (Radio Birdman) were like gang warfare brawls....enemies... camaraderie MARK: It was 1974... Detroit has gone into a slump of the spirit. THOSE stupid cars with the huge bumpers STUPID with reduced compression most the great local bands had broken up ballrooms closed. Booze was the new drug...many went west. I went west in 1972 but i came back with the intention I'd go west, and keep going... so in 1974 I faked to the east and went to NYC then boarded a ship for Australia. KIMMER: WHAT WAS THE SHIP LIKE? HOW MUCH DID IT COST? MARK: A container ship. $850..which was alot of money then, that was close to what the airfare was from west coast. KIMMER: HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? MARK: One deck was reserved for passengers... 28 days, went thru Panama...the old sailors told us NOT to go into the Bars in Colon, so what did we do? Me and high school buddy Gary Hilleboe went to Colon, on the Gulf side of Canal Zone. We should have had our throats cut, but we were blessed with a cloak of a vibe of some kind... KIMMER: WHAT HAPPENED? MARK: We were in a bar.. The killers were there, but they must have been feeling lazy that day... a woman warned us to get out, she didn't have to tell us twice. KIMMER: HIT MEN OR FREAKS? MARK: Local cut throats... thugs with that life is real cheap look about them. KIMMER: OK BACK TO THE BOAT...LOL MARK: We had taken a case of Stroh's Beer with us and rationed our selves one beer a day which wasn't enough for 28 days. Saved one for equator crossing. KIMMER: DISCIPLINE FOR SURE... MARK: We saw Cuba go by the passenger window..yes , at sea one must maintain discipline. KIMMER: DID YOU WAVE AT FIDEL? LOL MARK: We had a beer for the occasion...wasn't much to do, they did have shuffle board. We watched sea gulls, albatrosses, as we got to the South Pacific there were Dolphin shows, acrobatics.. Did the watching the drained water experiment to see if the water went the other way... KIMMER: DID IT? MARK: I don't remember, but we did it at least 15 times on equator crossing day... KIMMER: 15 TIMES AND YOU DON'T REMEMBER? MARK: We also brought some pot with us, we got stoned for that occasion, eventually we got to New Zealand. KIMMER: WHAT ABOUT NOW DOES IT FLUSH BACKWARDS? MARK: No, toilets have a predisposition.. MARK: in Auckland (we found no Auks, but we looked). We asked what the dangerous bar was. So we went to this bar, played pool. These guys asked us if we wanted to step out the back to have a smoke. KIMMER: OH OH! MARK: so we accepted the invitation. As we approached the back door the guy let us pass first,which felt funny.. as I was walking thru the door way I had alarms of danger go off in my head. Next thing I heard was the breaking of glass. I thought the guy had broken a glass to use as a weapon so I swung around and swept his knee, he dropped, then I kicked him in the trachea...then we both ran like hell. The alley was closed in and had an echo, sounded like we were closely followed... eventually got winded, and turned around and saw no one, then I said to Hilleboe,"maybe the guy just dropped his beer?" KIMMER: LOL!!! MARK: Marijuana can be a dangerous drug..PARANOIA! TILTED PERCEPTIONS... KIMMER: INDEED... TOTALLY! MARK: Between New Zealand and Australia we got in this HUGE storm and being from West Bloomfield. MI I guess I developed the habit of seeking danger, because we didn't have any and felt we were missing something important, and didn't want to get soft. Prior to that I was from Dearborn Heights, and as a boy up until I was 9, there was plenty of rumbles , but just kid stuff, no one really got hurt, but I felt it sharpened my senses. KIMMER: WAS THE STORM LIKE A HURRICANE? MARK: Storm ,, waves got big, then real big..we smoked some more dope, as we weren't going to go thru customs with any... We went on the deck and lashed our selves to the rail to watch the show. HUGE F**k off waves, rolling like canyons, the 700' long ship was climbing slow up and down these mountains of water. Crazy, eventually we went in, Not knowing they had done their 3rd head count,making sure all souls were still accounted for. Uh there was some pissed off sailors..eventually we made it to Melbourne.. Got off the ship, went into town and partied, then came back around dawn to go through customs...still drunk and stoned... KIMMER: DID YOU HAVE FRIENDS IN OZ OR A TOTAL STRANGER IN A STRANGE LAND? MARK: I knew one family , a family friend from Detroit but they were in Sydney. Got to Sydney , this was June of 1974. Ended up in Darlinghurst. KIMMER: WHEN DID YOU MEET DENIZ TEK OF RADIO BIRDMAN FAME? MARK: 6 months later... Darlinghurst was party land, masses of young hipsters... I had met this girl , Lizzy? Libby? She said, Oh I know this guy from Detroit, you must meet him. I only lived about less than a 1/4 mile from Deniz, we both drank at Frenches the local hang out, but we never crossed paths. I was just about to take off from Sydney, but hung around for a few days, to meet this other guy from Detroit. We both knew this girl Lizzy.. she introduced us. So , I meet Deniz at his pad... he wore beads and a bracelet, , I felt like I knew him. as he walked down the stairs I noticed he did this simple act (walking down this narrow staircase) with a great deal of attention and focus.. I found this interesting... "This guy must know something". We both found many things in common. Many years later, I told him about this...Funny, he knew why, there was a loose board in the stairs, and he had slipped on it, and fell, almost breaking his head , so he wasn't doing some Zen exercise, it was just self preservation from having a scare from a fall. MARK: We were both "ethnic" from upper middle class Wasp-Jewish neighborhoods, Deniz Turk, Me Spanish. We were both way into the Detroit Music scene, WABX, Zap Comics, the whole 9 yards... had much to share in stories and attitudes. So ,I went along to a Radio Birdman gig , this was first week of January 1975... now you know the REST of the story KIMMER. KIMMER: WHAT WAS IT LIKE? MARK: Crowd was somewhat sparse, in those days , they often didn't know what to do, a bit confused, the didn't know if it was cool of not... KIMMER: WHAT DID "MINISTER OF DEFENCE" MEAN? MARK: The MC5 had one, so what the f**k, I needed a Title.. I was like MC, spare Roadie and , security occasional back up singer..yeah, all that...

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[New post] Quick review: Justice League of America #1

New post on The Daily P.O.P. Quick review: Justice League of America #1 by dailypop Justice League of America #1 By Geoff Johns and Jim Lee The biggest team book of all time, Justice League of America has had its ups and downs over the years. At one point it focused on the heavy hitters of the DC Universe, much like Marvel's Avengers. This meant that for the price of one comic, readers could enjoy seeing Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Aquaman and some green bald guy from Mars all in one book! Later issues introduced supplemental 'second stringer' heroes to the mix such as Green Arrow, Hawkman, the Atom, Elongated Man and more. The series began to be more about the team dynamic that the heroes themselves to the point when every recognizable character except for Aquaman left the series and it changed direction completely in the 'Detroit years' (a period that sounds like and felt like a post-divorce period). Since that time, the JLA has had several experimental periods followed by a back to basics approach so regularly that it is now formulaic. The 80's JLA by Kieth Giffen and JM DeMatteis (with Kevin Maguire on art chores) remains a high point and the 90's Grant Morrison/Howard Porter run is also very enjoyable. The latest run of the Justice League of America has been a bit of a downturn and popularity of the series has waned as editorial interference restricted the use of almost any character anyone would want to see. During Blackest Night, I read a random issue and was hard pressed to name a single member of the team. With the new 52, DC has the chance for a 'return to greatness' through the tried and true 'back to basics' approach. This will be a traditional JLA with the heroes everyone wants to see... with Cyborg strangely standing in for Martian Manhunter who is busy in the pages of Stormwatch. Being a big Super Friends fan, maybe Johns is shooting for the 'Galactic Guardians' period wen Cyborg was the 'new kid' on the team. If so, that's a great idea and provides readers with a through-line. The one major twist on this reboot is that, like Justice League in 1985, it is a do-over from the ground up. Starting with day one, Justice League of America #1 sees Batman and Green Lantern meet for the first time and closes with the pair being introduced to the man of steel in Metropolis. In each case, the heroes fight. Justice League of America #1 feels like the Marvel Comics approach to a team book filtered through the DC Comics lens. On the trail of a Parademon, Batman is also chased by the police. A menace to society at large, Batman is in very real danger from a police chopper firing bullets at him as he nears his prey. When Green Lantern saves his skin with his trusty power ring, Batman asks him to tone it down rather than thanking him. This pretty much sets the tone for the entire issue. Green Lantern vainly thinks that he is the most powerful superhero around and is shocked to find that Batman is just a man in a silly costume. Batman knows that he can out-think anyone, challenging and easily berates Green Lantern at every turn. It's a macho contest to the highest degree and as many have said, it wouldn't be that surprising if they just 'whipped them out and got it over with.' For some inexplicable reason, the heroes travel to Metropolis to confront Superman. Apparently, Supes is the only alien around and if the Parademon is from another world, the two MUST be connected. Neither Batman nor Green Lantern earn any genius points in this issue. Seeking to once again prove how macho he is, Green Lantern shoulders past Batman to fight Superman and gets his ass handed to him. Next issue? More fighting. Preview of Justice League of America #2 As an introduction to the new DC Universe, Justice League of America #1 is a rather sorry comic book. All style and little substance, the comic feels flimsy and vapid. Thanks to Jim Lee, it looks outstanding and rubs the collective belly the comic book general consensus looking for flashy dynamic images of DC's best. An interlude focused on Vic Stone is somewhat confusing and serves no real purpose unless the reader knows that he will become Cyborg shortly. Despite my negative snarky criticism, I can't write off Justice League of America #1 completely. For what it is, the comic book equivalent of a Summer Blockbuster movie, it functions fine. I do hope that future issues flesh out the plot and characters more, and that the new attitudes of the various heroes make the series interesting. For now, it's like a laser light show. It looks very pretty, but it's over quickly and costs a bit too much (one of only two DC books over the $3 mark). Judging from what I have read so far, a dual release of Action Comics and Animal Man would have been a better choice as launch titles as they both show the full capabilities of DC Comics when they get their acts together. Action Comics embraces the opportunity to re-envision established characters and Animal Man #1 could easily be one of the best monthly comics I have read all year. dailypop | October 10, 2011 at 8:25 am | Tags: Batman, dc new 52, Green Lantern, Justice League of America | Categories: Justice League of America | URL: http://wp.me/p4kUt-3aI Comment    See all comments Unsubscribe or change your email settings at Manage Subscriptions. Trouble clicking? Copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://dailypop.wordpress.com/2011/10/10/quick-review-justice-league-of-america-1/

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Latest articles from Retro To Go

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• For sale: 1960s architect-designed bungalow in Longniddry, East Lothian, Scotland
• View Quest retro-style DAB radio and iPod dock
• eBay watch: Extra large Bodet BT630 flip wall clock
• Art Deco Postcards by Patricia Bayer
• Pac-Man Ghost salt and pepper pots
• 1970s Hans Wegner CH110 Desk reissued by Carl Hansen
• 1920s Bellevue AJ2 floor lamp by Arne Jacobsen

For sale: 1960s architect-designed bungalow in Longniddry, East Lothian, Scotland Posted: 09 Oct 2011 10:36 AM PDT An interesting property that offers up a glimpse of a bygone era both in design and interior. This 1960s architect-designed bungalow in Longniddry, East Lothian, Scotland. It's an unusual L-shaped property, we're guessing from the 1960s, although the agent doesn't confirm this. The midcentury look and the interior certainly give weight to it, not least the wood floors and ceilings, the extensive glazing and the built-in units. It really does scream the era. In terms of specifics, the bungalow offers up a hall, dining room, living room and study all with floor to ceiling windows to one aspect, along with a fitted kitchen, master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and two further double bedrooms, bathroom and separate WC. The design also takes full advantage of the large secluded, south-facing gardens, with the outside space also featuring a 'sunny' patio area and an attached single garage. It's apparently been recently rewired and had a new central heating system installed, but from the images, you can perhaps tell that more work needs doing, even if you want to keep the majority of that retro interior. Offers above £265,000 are invited, should you want this step back in time. Find out more at the ESPC website Via WowHaus

View Quest retro-style DAB radio and iPod dock Posted: 09 Oct 2011 06:25 AM PDT I guess you could say this is a Roberts Radio for the modern era, with the View Quest retro-style DAB radio and iPod dock having the look, but offering modern-day functionality. By that, we mean the leather casing and handle for that vintage touch, with the inner workings offering a place to dock your iPod and iPhone, as well as DAB or FM radio, a back lit LCD screen, presets, 2x 10 watt speakers and a battery life of 15 hours out and about. If you want one, £86.95 is the price. Find out more at the John Lewis website

eBay watch: Extra large Bodet BT630 flip wall clock Posted: 09 Oct 2011 05:42 AM PDT If you want a clock with real impact, this extra large Bodet BT630 flip wall clock could be the ideal purchase. A vintage item, probably from the 1970s, this is a classic flip clock, but one that's sized at 34 x 25cm, which is certainly going to dominate a wall.  You will need to do a small amount of work to get it to work though - it was originally a 'slave' clock, so you'll need to pick up a 'slave clock impulser', which are available on eBay separately. The clock has been tested as working by the seller though. In terms of condition, it has 'only marginal signs of wear' and is described as being in 'near new condition'. So well worth checking out if you like the look. Currently, the price is just £1. Find out more at the eBay website

Art Deco Postcards by Patricia Bayer Posted: 09 Oct 2011 05:06 AM PDT Available to buy from tomorrow is Art Deco Postcards by Patricia Bayer, which is a focus on and a reproduction of original postcards from the 1920s to the 1940s. Published by Thames & Hudson, Art Deco Postcards brings together around 250 postcards from the 1920s to 1940s from nightclubs, hotels and restaurants to skyscrapers, apartment buildings and airports. Not just that, a 'pop-out-and-keep facsimile section' includes detachable reproductions of some of the most important cards, some black and white and some displaying their retro tints. These can displayed or sent, should you fancy sending something with a vintage twist. Covering 288 pages in total, you can pick it up for £12.71. Find out more at the Amazon website

Pac-Man Ghost salt and pepper pots Posted: 09 Oct 2011 04:01 AM PDT Another must-have for the vintage gamer, these Pac-Man Ghost salt and pepper pots. Officially licensed by Namco, the ghost condiments do exactly as you expect - season our food. Well, what else did you expect? Of course, they double up as cool ornaments when food isn't required and create a talking point whenever you have folk round for food. Want them? Firebox is the place, selling the pair for £7.99. Find out more at the Firebox website

1970s Hans Wegner CH110 Desk reissued by Carl Hansen Posted: 09 Oct 2011 03:55 AM PDT It's not the cheapest desk on the market, but the Hans Wegner CH110 Desk is one of the most stylish. It's also just been reissued by Carl Hansen. It's a '70s take on modernism, with this Scandinavian design dating back to 1970, not a million miles from the designs Merrow Associates was making around that time too. Craftsmanship and quality materials mean this is a desk to last, with stainless steel for the legs and a choice of finishes in oak and walnut for the large surface areas. Two slimline drawers for your essentials too. As we hinted at earlier, this doesn't come cheap at £7,002, but it is possibly the only desk you'll ever need to buy. Find out more at the Lollipop Shoppe website

1920s Bellevue AJ2 floor lamp by Arne Jacobsen Posted: 09 Oct 2011 03:54 AM PDT Amazing to think that this light is over 80 years old, as the Bellevue AJ2 floor lamp by Arne Jacobsen looks as fresh as anything on the market today. That's a mark of good design. 1929 was the date of manufacture for this floor lamp, the first piece of lighting designed by Jacobsen, which was inspired by the Bauhaus movement. It keeps to the simplistic principles of that movement, with just a 45-degree cut in the shade being the stand out detailing. That simplicity obvious being the secret of longevity. The frame is made of steel, the shade in lacquered aluminium, with a colour choice of black or white. Both are available online for 599 Euros. Find out more at the Finnish Design Shop website

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