Monday, April 13, 2009
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Vintage Downbeats # 3
This issue of Down Beat from April 8, 1953, features Stan Kenton. I’m not sure who the singer replacing June Christy is, but my first guess is Chris Connor (?)
Can anyone set the record straight?
Sylvana Mangano-Icon Of Italian Cinema
The above clip is from the film “Anna”, starring Sylvana Mangano. The song “El Negra Zumbon” was a million selling hit record on the MGM label (1953). It ’s unfortunate that the tune is hacked up, but still, an iconic scene of Italian Cinema. I grew up hearing this song in my house since early childhood and still have yet to see the complete film. Sylvana Mangano was originally a dancer and at 16 won the Miss Rome Beauty pageant. Soon thereafter she was romantically linked with Marcello Mastroianni, which led her to a film career that spanned several decades. I was delighted to find her film Mambo (co-starring Shelly Winters) uploaded to YouTube (split into 14 parts).
Order Mambo DVD From Amazon
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Roberto Chojniak Mosaic
A decade ago, artist Roberto Chojniak created Mosaic Store, a studio dedicated to the art of mosaics. Roberto designs, fabricates, and installs custom residential and commercial mosaics nationwide for projects ranging in scale and scope. Trained in Architecture and Fine Arts, Roberto keeps the process both practical and creative as he collaborates with designers, architects, landscapers, engineers and the clients themselves. Depending on the project, Roberto often works with a team of highly qualified artisan assistants, although he is always one hundred percent hands-on throughout the entire process. His mosaic murals have been described as "paintings made with tiny little tiles." No matter what the project - from kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces to swimming pools, fountains and spas, or from retail spaces and restaurants to public art projects - Mosaic Store delivers unique, custom mosaic pieces.
John Fante Centennial 4-08-1909
John Fante is a literary hero to many, including myself; a man who never quite got the recognition he rightfully deserved until the end of his life, when Charles Bukowski championed his talents, resulting in the reprinting of his work (Ask The Dust being his most famous novel).
Showgirls Of The Golden Age # 4
Show girls (L-R) Dawn McInerney, Thana Barclay and Joy Skylar in costume wearing ornate hats at Latin Quarter, NYC. (photo by Gjon Mili, 1947)
Vintage Space Toys # 4
1950's USA Baranger CO's RARE Honeymoon Motion Rocket- As seen in Kitahra's Book Yesterdays Toys. This is one of perhaps 6 or 7 Surviving rare Baranger Motion Display Rockets . Moon Rotates as rocket pitches & Yaws up & down. Honeymoon couple turn towards each other & pilots turns head to look at the couple. Amazing Electric Powered action. Probably the 1st or 2nd most coveted of all the baranger displays. Buck Rogers inspired rocket design with beautiful Art Deco period touches.
From Ozzie’s Robots Toys & Collectibles
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Vogue Picture Disc # 4
Every Two weeks I am posting a different Vogue picture record from the 1940’s. The illustrations are sweet, and an interesting time capsule.
For the full story behind these records, check out the Association Of Vogue Picture Record Collectors.
1955 Lincoln Futura
Another view of the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car. It was later sold to George Barris who converted it into the Batmobile. I wrote a blog entry about this last December titled The Original Batmobile, but just found this other great image.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Rare Ska # 3
Yes, this label is beaten up, but a very rare find. The tune, ‘Red Is Danger” is wicked, performed by Johnny Moore & The Skatalites (produced by Justin Yap). It was finally reissued some years back on a Top Deck label compilation.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
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