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By Alan, on May 10th, 2013
How would you like to get your hands on a brand new Commodore 64 in the classic 1982 style for only £48, or $72? This may sound crazy but an enterprising fan of retro tech is trying to make this possible. Daniel Biehl has an original Commodore 64, but is fully aware that it is not going to last forever, thus he wants to build one that is compatible with all the C64 software that is still out there, works with its peripherals, but is not an emulator.
He has called this ‘Project Bread Bin’ as this was the nickname given to the original Commodore 64 casing, as well as the Vic-20 which preceded it. Biehl is the first to admit that the Bread Bin cannot be simply a C64 replica, that is a trademark nightmare he has no wish to enter into, the new machine cannot use the C64 name either, for the very same reason.
The casing is set to be based round an integrated keyboard, as with the original, but it will also be able to be connected to modern televisions, as well as the internet and also use Micro SD cards for extra storage. Some are understandably asking why, when we have moved so far on from the C64, which the Bread Bin can not look like anyway, doesn’t he just pitch a new but generic PC in 8-bit style?
After all, Daniel had already revealed that if his crowd sourcing campaign exceeds expectations, he is planning to make clones of an Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari 800, BBC Model B and a Spectrum as well. We also have to wonder that, at what point, will one of these old computers with the odd modern convenience stop having anything in common with the machine it is effectively mimicking.
By Alan, on May 8th, 2013
Such is the growing demand for hiring retro camper vans that a vehicle hire firm from North Wales has doubled its fleet of VW’s. The Jolly Good Van Hire company, which has its headquarters in Wrexham as well as a branch in Deeside, added two classic VW California vans to their fleet in 2012, but are now unable to meet the demand for then.
Mark Hughes is the director of the company which is based on the Pandy Business Park, has said that when they first introduced the two unique camper vans into their fleet last year they had no inkling of how popular they would prove to be with many people wanting to hire them to take the proverbial trip down memory lane.
He went onto say that they had decided this year to add another two so they had four California vans available to those who wanted to hire them, ensuring that less people were disappointed at not being able to get hold of one for their holidays.
Mr Hughes added that the company was delighted with how many bookings they already have for June and July and he blamed the poor weather over Easter as a major reason why people hadn’t been able to get away for a break during this time. He also finds it very interesting that when they speak to prospective customers ringing up about the vans they often say that they are looking to explore the UK and enjoy the beauty that was on the doorstep.
As far as the freedom to explore in concerned, there is no better mode of transport than a camper van, and those with a penchant for reliving the past, being in a classic VW camper is the key to unlocking great memories from the past, as well as creating new ones.
By Alan, on May 2nd, 2013
Kirsten Dunst is known for her retro sense of style and she did not disappoint last week when she headed out on the streets of LA wearing a retro and very vintage dress the way that it was meant to be worn. For her day out on the town she choose to wear a pair of oversized retro leopard print sunglasses and a shift dress that appeared to be straight out of the 1950s.
The actress turned 31 this past week, but she did not look a day over 25 in her retro outfit that she nicely paired with a makeup free face. Her clear complexion that was completely left to speak for itself is one reason why she looked so great. Dunst clearly understand that it is best to pair simple with simple when going for a retro look.
The shift dress was navy blue with tiny white pinwheels on it. It was a complete button up dressed paired exactly for the time period that feel to about knee length on Dunst making it a dress that every suburban housewife would have loved back in the day.
Of course, Dunst took it up a few notches by adding her youthful frame to the retro dress. The dress also had double breasted pockets and additional pockets at arm length making it a bit like a dressed up version of a retro nurse gown.
Dunst choose to accent the look with a small handbag and a pair of simple black sandals that had thick straps across her toes and ankles and a slight wedge heel on the back. She also keeps her skin perfectly white instead of opting for the fake tan that most celebrities do today making her look even more retro chic.
By Alan, on April 29th, 2013
There are quite a few games that most people have forgotten about, but if you got the chance to play them then you would probably be all over them. These are the great retro games that have been largely forgotten and are now so old that they have once again become iconic. The following is a brief review of some of the best retro games out there on the market that have earned enough retro points to deserve a second play if you can get your hands on a station and the game.
First up on the list is Psychonauts which is a Double Fine Productions game that was designed by LucasArts developer Tim Schafer. As you might guess, the third platform game is quite fun as players get the chance to play Raz, a character that can read other people’s minds and desperately wants to be a Psychonaut. The plot is twisty and intriguing, and although it was not a commercial success was certainly a cult success.
The next game on the list is Tekken; which was the ultimate 3D fighting game. Most often played at the video arcade, the King of Iron Fist Tournament is one that every young boy spent quarter after quarter trying to win. It is also the first game to introduce combination moves that led to much more sophisticated attacks.
Of course, when you are talking about iconic video games it is hard to forget the ever popular SimCity in which players design a city that continues to evolve and have new demands forced upon it. Heavily distributed the classic game is still a favourite among many hardcore gamers. The fact that it has been re-released in several versions for several different platforms has also helped keep the game alive.
By Alan, on April 11th, 2013
Retro and vintage are the two big buzz words at the minute as people seem to be tiring of constant technological developments and are hankering for all things that represent old, but simpler, times. There are many outlets for lovers of all things retro, and if you live in Newcastle Attica is the place to go.
In a crumbling attic high up above the bus station at the Haymarket, Attica first opened their doors to the public back in 1983. Describing themselves as poor but happy, they survived crumbling walls, collapsing ceilings, leaking roofs, the odd burglary and even a fire or two and stuck to their goal of providing beautiful things from times gone by to their customers, and describe that whole period as a huge learning curve.
In 1990 they moved to new, and supposedly haunted premises, next to the Old George pub in the Newcastle Courtyard. There they remain to this day, and whether you are looking for clothing, furniture, lamps, prints, clocks, glassware and practically anything else you could want from the 50′s, 60′s or 70′s then this is the place to come first.
Biba, Mary Quant, Ossie Clark, Marcel Duchamp, Donovan, The Ronettes, Yoko Ono, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Dusty Springfield, the Fab Four, Tony Hart, the Magic Roundabout, their list of inspirations just goes on and on, and as there will be at least one of these that is your own personal inspiration, then you know you are in good hands.
By Alan, on April 9th, 2013
Retro weddings are increasing in popularity, but many who want a wedding of this kind have been put off by thinking it will be difficult to pull together. Not so when you following these tips for the essential items that will give you the retro wedding of your dreams.
The wedding dress is the most effective way of visually declaring your wedding. A retro wedding gown should be ankle or calf length with full skirt, a sweetheart neckline and a sash or slim belt around the waist. Go for lace, the ultimate retro fabric, and if you hanker after the 50′s look, plenty of underskirts will give you the effect you want in a dress with a halter neck.
Accessories wise, dainty white gloved with tiny pearl buttons, simple court shoes in pastel colours, white tights are all key retro items. If your wedding is in a colder month then a faux fur wrap or bolero with long sleeves will look great. If you want a veil, look to Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face, in fact, this entire wedding could be the template for your retro wedding.
When it comes to the food and drink you can have an awful lot of fun. Glass bottles of Cream Soda, 7Up and Coca-Cola can be served to keep the theme going. Have striped tablecloths and set up a candy station with those big jars of coloured sweets we all remember from our childhood for guests to help themselves to ala pick n mix. The perfect retro starter is the prawn cocktail, perhaps a chicken Kiev for the main and ice cream sundae, with milkshakes for the kids, for dessert.
When it comes to your hair and make-up, big and bold are a must. Choose the era you are going with and you can easily find plenty of pictures online. Take a photo of how you want your hair to your hairdresser for a trial run to make sure you have the kind of hair that will successfully go up into a beehive, or whatever style that represents the era you are going for.
For your flowers, big and bold is not the order of the day, and for a wedding with a 50′s retro vibe small and delicate bouquets are what you need. The perfect shape is somewhat mushroom like, so bind the stalks with fabric or ribbon to create a tight handle and arrange the flower heads so they are almost dome like.
By Alan, on April 6th, 2013
If anyone wanted a quick run through of the items that were available at Bishop’s Stortford vintage fair, the answer is that a whole lot of brooches, bags, and even Barbie dolls were present, among many other retro things.
As expected, there were dozens of stalls full to the brim with vintage treasures, which of course, caused the steady stream of shoppers to go a little crazy on the 9th March. A great example of a successful store was that of vintage aficionados Caroline Dill and Vanessa Eringa, who had a stall at the event, and one that was constantly busy too.
Different homewares , clothes and accessories from different decades of the past were also sold at the vintage fair, not to mention furniture, memorabilia and various retro items. To keep the atmosphere fin and lively, there was a DJ that provided nostalgic tunes, a record stall to shop in, and a place that also sold vintage teas and gave vintage-inspired makeovers.
When interviewed, Vanessa had more to say about the vintage business. The whole fair was actually a partnership between herself and Caroline Dill. The pair met some years ago as traders who both sold vintage clothes at the popular Brick Lane Market. Since their days in London, the two have become very good friends.
With their friendship and partnership seal, both Caroline and Vanessa continued selling vintage stuff at different vintage fairs all over the country. Their common love for all things vintage lead them to spend a lot of time looking through charity shops, car boot sales and other second hand sources.
During their travels, the duo noticed that while vintage fairs were very much common in London and other larger cities, it was not the same for smaller towns such as Bishop’s Stortford. This led them to thinking about opening a fair catering specifically to vintage in the area, and you can say the rest is history.
By Alan, on April 1st, 2013
Early this March 2013, Murray Walker OBE, considered by many as one of the country’s greatest treasures and a legend in the world of motoring, was nice enough to grant his admirers an interview while at Race Retro. Younger readers might not be aware that Walker is credited for coming up the name “Ventora” for Vauxhall back in 1968.
In discussing his most famous achievement, Walker was happily inclined to share the story behind the name. Initially, Vauxhall Motors, a subsidiary of the American firm General Motors, had wanted to name the model Ventura. However, management from Pontiac moved to block this as it had already claimed the name for one of its other models.
This could have been a major setback for many advertisers, but Walker readily came up with a simple alternative: Ventora. The name would quickly become a legend as at the time of its release no other vehicle was able to come close, not even other models from Vauxhall Motors, to its performance.
The name change came “easy” to Walker, although this he only admitted in quite a modest tone. He also recalled how excited he had been with the marketing campaign that followed, particularly with using the phrase “lazy fireball” to describe the vehicle in its brochures.
When asked which Vauxhall Models car had made him feel a success, Walker shared how his wife had fallen in love with their Vauxhall Viscount. More specifically, his wife liked how the car offered lots of space, wood and leather trimming, and electric and wireless windows.
But when asked about his personal preferences, Walker admitted to preferring his Pirelli Cinturatos in those days. Of course, he also switched to using the Ventora once the model was officially made available in the market. And in those days, he wasn’t alone as the car had been one of the most popular models in that decade.
By Alan, on March 23rd, 2013
Last Friday, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and Junk Food Clothing introduced their new line of toys and merchandise based on the 1960s Batman series. The event was held in Meltdown Comics in Hollywood in focus of the toy line that took two years of development. Following the event, DC also announced a new series in comics, which is aptly termed as Batman ‘66.
The newly-launched Batman toy line is the first merchandise from DC and Warner since the rights to the television series was owned by 20th Century Fox Television. Warner pursued the company’s rights for the 1960′s Batman in order to push through with their newest effort.
The toy line will target the adult audiences as the original fans of the television series have already matured. Most of those who attended the event were fans of the original TV show and have expressed their anticipation towards the release of the merchandise line as Batman was a huge part of their childhood years.
However, Warner is also looking forward to a huge following from their younger clientele. Batman’s audiences have a wide age demographics. The character is already an established figure in pop culture and has broad appeal towards the public. In addition, Warner expects that it will also draw a good market from the artsy crowds because of the toy line’s retro theme.
The toy line includes Batman action figures in surfboard and swimming trunk, while Mattel also participated in the creation of the line with their Ken and Barbie figures wearing Batman and Catwoman costumes.
The event was attended by a largely hip and artsy crowd as well as celebrity guests, and the location was styled in vintage-themed nightclub cum Batcave. A life-size Batmobile was parked outside of Meltdown while drinks and foods were served by statuesque models in Catwoman costumes. Adam West, who is known for his Batman portrayal in the 1960’s show, also attended the event.
By Alan, on March 19th, 2013
The childhood favourite Twinkie has recently resurfaced as the company sold its $410 million share to Metropolous and Company and Apollo Global Management. Both companies belong to the private sector. Daren Metropolous promises that the new Twinkies will be repackaged with a retro-look, as his company is also responsible for the repackaging and re-marketing of Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer.
While Twinkies is now available for public consumption once again, the union of bakers will not be hired to work for the new owner. Metropolous will not take the same direction as Hostess did. Indeed, this is not a great new for everyone.
The bakers union suffered an annual salary drop of $10,000 during Hostess ownership. In 2011, the company’s CEO tripled his wage. When Hostess announced bankruptcy, the company even requested the court to award a bonus of $1.75 to the current executive committee.
On one side, the bakers’ union was also tagged as greedy when the workers asked for unreasonable job demands. In addition, the continuous dispute in labour has led 20,000 workers to lose their jobs, however, analysts argue that Hostess already showed symptoms of being in the losing end during its final run.
Because of the termination of the bakers who were a part of the union, it is expected that Twinkies will be operated by those who were not unionised. According to a statistical study of the Bureau of Labour Statistics, majority of the workers are aiming to become a part of a union. However, laws on US labour and policies geared towards the administration are robbing off workers with their rights and benefits.
Although Twinkies is now back in business, it will not be the same for the workers who have fought for their work privileges. Thousands of demised bakers and workers will still be unemployed while the management works on shuffling their assets within them.
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