Mommy Dearest Monkeys Around

It's one thing to end your illustrious film career with a bang; it's quite another to end it with a bomb. Apparently Joan Crawford chose the latter with this 1970 gem called "Trog." It's about a subterranean ape creature leftover from prehistoric times who wrecks havoc on the world. All I have to say after seeing this trailer is "wow." Or, perhaps, "Wow...the strength of 20 demons? That's impressive." You have to wonder if anyone pointed out to the genius behind this filmmaking that mammals did not exist at the same time as dinosaurs. Let's just end this by saying this is not the stuff Academy Award dreams are made of, but it's great for some laughs.

Continue Reading... Label: 1970s

Macy's Maxi-Fad and Summer of Love

Macy's is going retro by promoting several clothing items and events around a "Summer of Love" theme, which includes a tie-in with the revived Broadway musical "Hair." Here's some snippets from their press release, which includes information about events taking place in NYC:

May 26, 2009 at 5pm in Impulse on 2
Art Under Glass featuring works by Robert Altman will include an art installation in the world-famous Macy's 34th Street windows. 175 of Altman's most iconic works will be displayed in conjunction with fashions that depict scenes from the Summer of Love. Following the Art Under Glass exhibit, customers will have the unique opportunity to meet Mr. Altman at a book signing with the purchase his latest book entitled The Sixties.

May 27, 2009 at 5pm in Juniors on 4
Macy's and Levi's celebrate the return of Hair to Broadway just in time to usher in the dawn of a new age in America. Join the cast of Hair as they perform scenes from the exciting hit show and enter for the chance to lead the on-stage dance party with the cast at the Hirschfeld Theatre. Other festivities include body painting, hair braiding, 60s inspired treats and temporary tattoos. With a $100 purchase, customers will receive 2 tickets to the show!

May 29, 2009 at 6pm in Shoes on 5
Join Macy's as they throw a Peace and Love party hosted by Carlos by Carlos Santana shoes. Shop till' you drop while being serenaded by customers participating in our karaoke contest! Karaoke participants have the chance to win incredible prizes including round trip airfare to Las Vegas to see Santana at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, one of 6 original Fillmore Posters from Carlos' personal collection and limited edition exclusive Peace necklace with any Carlos by Carlos Santana shoe purchase.

For more information on these events, please visit www.macys.com/events.

The Robert Altman photography exhibit takes place now through June 8th as part of the annual Art Under Glass exhibition. The "Summer of Love" retrospective will be on display in the world-famous Macy's Herald Square windows on Broadway and 34th Street. and features photos of Aretha Franklin, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Elton John, Dennis Hopper, George Harrison, Janis Joplin, Pete Townsend, and Tina Turner, to name a few.

Among the clothing that Macy's has been featuring lately is the Aquarius-inspired maxi dress, which has made a return for this summer season. Long, cool, and flowing, the maxi dress was hugely popular by 1970. Here's a beautiful empire-waist style by One World, available at Macy's for $78. Purchase it and see all of Macy's Summer of Love-inspired selections by visiting their home page, http://www.macys.com and clicking on the Summer of Love section that comes up in the Flash graphic.

Can you dig it?

Continue Reading... Label: Vintage dresses

Forrest Gump vs. Fonzie

Seeing "Angels & Demons" this past weekend made me nostalgic for some retro Tom Hanks, particularly after a columnist on Slate complained that he wasn't funny anymore. So I dug up this "Happy Days" clip on YouTube that I'd never seen before. In it, Hanks plays a karate crazy dude seeking revenge on the Fonz 17 years after he pushed him off the swing on a playground. After all, his "momma didn't raise no stoop niggle." Who will win the showdown? I won't spoil it, so see for yourself.

Continue Reading... Label: 1980s

Judy (Or You) In Disguise With Glasses

Sunglasses have been slowly getting bigger during the past couple of years, and these 60s inspired shades are no exception. Available at the retro fashion site Plasticland, they come in seven sunny colors and offer 100% UV protection, for only $11. Find out more and order here.

And while we're at it, I might as well post a YouTube video featuring the 60s hit "Judy in Disguise With Glasses" by John Fred and his Playboy Band - a song that just makes you feel summertime good.

Continue Reading... Label: Retro things to buy

Throw Back Some Pepsi Throwback

(Source: Pepsi-Cola North America Beverages)

Pepsi's been on a retro revival this year. First there was the commercial showing past generations enjoying the soft drink through the decades from its invention, then the Bob Dylan/Will I Am mishmash of Dylan's song "Forever Young." Now they've introduced Pepsi Throwback - a retro version of the cola made with sugar, which I've read gives it a slightly less sweeter taste than the present-day high fructose corn syrup version. There's also a version of Mountain Dew Throwback available, although the only commercial I've seen is this cute one for the Pepsi line, featuring rainbows and disco galore. It's only available for a limited time, so get it while the groovy fizzing is good.

Continue Reading... Label: 1960s

Spam Gives You Seven Reasons to Become a Vegetarian

No need to say more after finding this 1975 Spam ad online...

And very happy belated Mother's Day to all of the moms out there! Here's hoping your mom never feeds (or fed) you Spam. (Click on ad for larger view.)

Continue Reading... Label: 1970s

Flashback to 1968

I have a confession to make: I love AARP magazine. I don't care if it's for the Geritol crowd. Now that baby boomers are entering their 60s, you can usually count on at least one fun flashback article in every issue. Their site is usually no different, and right now they're featuring a fun multimedia section on the turbulent year that was 1968. Check out monthly news events, take a pop quiz about the year, and see who topped the charts in music and film, all while listening to funkalicious timely background music. Who knows how much longer this will be up, so check it out here while you can.

Continue Reading... Label: 1960s