eekend BigBoy 24.10.18: Rev Your Engines, Go Wild, and Unleash the Chaos!

Buckle up, primates, because this weekend’s BigBoy is firing on all cylinders and ready to blast you through the twisted jungles of Manifesto Maravillado. We’re cranking up the chaos, dropping the clutch, and speeding headfirst into a roaring celebration of lowbrow genius, rebellious hotrod culture, and wild, unfiltered mayhem. Whether you’re a seasoned chrome junkie or just dipping your toes into the grease-stained world of dragstrip legends, this edition of BigBoy is packed with more ape-minded anarchy than ever.

I, The Great Ape, your trusted leader in all things reckless and absurd, am here to guide you through the storm. Forget sanity—it’s time to mash the pedal and embrace the ride! This weekend is all about celebrating the beautifully bizarre, where retro-futuristic dreams, B-movie brilliance, and punk rock attitude collide in a glorious explosion of sound, speed, and style. We’re tearing up the streets and leaving logic in the dust.

From chrome-plated speed machines to interstellar pinup queens, this edition is loaded with every shade of rebellion, where the only rule is: have fun, go wild, and don’t look back. Expect tales of DIY heroes pushing their custom beasts to the limit, stories of galactic outlaws racing through neon skies, and plenty of throwbacks to the untamed spirit of garage punk and rockabilly swagger. We’re putting the evolution of mankind in reverse—because sometimes, it’s better to peel out than move forward.

This is Manifesto Maravillado at full throttle, a celebration of everything loud, fast, and out of control. So, grab your helmet, throw on your leather jacket, and get ready to hit the open road—no maps, no brakes, and definitely no rules! The future is a blur of rubber-burning madness and grease-fueled glory, and we’re racing straight into it.

Are you ready to go ape? The engines are revving, the road’s wide open, and the only thing left is to floor it and leave a trail of smoke and chaos behind. Let’s light up the neon skies, burn some rubber, and ride this weekend out in style!

Welcome to the ride of your life—this is Manifesto Maravillado, and The Great Ape has the wheel!

I think I know where she is hiding the rabbits.

“Forrest J. Ackerman with his prop from the silent film, A Trip To The Moon (1916”).

Icarus: Geoff James’ Supercharged Triumph 350 Drag Bike

Icarus wasn’t just another drag bike—it was a testament to Geoff James’ relentless pursuit of speed, born from the idea of pushing a Triumph 350cc twin motor to its absolute limits. The first attempt? Strap a supercharger to a nearly stock engine, run it on methanol, and let it rip. Optimism quickly faded, though, as the high revs regularly shattered piston crowns at the oil control ring.

Not one to be discouraged, Geoff hit the drawing board and made some serious tweaks. Calculations led to the creation of a short-stroke crankshaft, paired with a modified 500cc barrel to create a radically over-square 350, designed to reduce piston speed. But that was just the start. With each explosion came a new modification—a cycle of “blow it up, fix it, improve it, and blow it up again” that would have filled volumes.

Through all the trial and error, Icarus eventually found its wings, becoming a force to be reckoned with on the quarter mile at the national level and the standing start mile at the world level. But despite its success, the endless demand for time and money to push it even further eventually caught up. Interest waned, and Icarus was retired, its legacy firmly cemented in the world of drag racing.

A beast of engineering, fueled by innovation and determination, Icarus flew as close to the sun as it could before being grounded—its story a legend of high-speed ambition.

Fireball XL5: Blast Off Into Retro Space Adventure!

Get ready to launch, because Fireball XL5 is taking you on a rocket-fueled ride through the galaxy! This 1962 gem from the legendary Gerry Anderson follows Colonel Steve Zodiac and his trusty crew—Robert the Robot, Doctor Venus, and Professor Matic—as they patrol the stars in their sleek spaceship, Fireball XL5.

From battling evil aliens to exploring mysterious planets, this show is packed with classic space-age adventure, capturing the excitement of early 1960s sci-fi when the cosmos was the ultimate frontier. With its cool designs, epic missions, and unforgettable characters, Fireball XL5 is a perfect blast from the past for anyone who loves retro-futuristic space action.

And it all begins with Episode 1: “Planet 46”, where Steve Zodiac and the crew face a deadly plot to destroy Earth. Strap in and watch the very first mission that sets the tone for Fireball XL5’s high-flying adventures across the universe! Blastoff starts now!

Reggie Nalder and friend on the set of ‘Salem’s Lot’.

Jungle Pam

The City Needs Us!

Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia in 1973

Looks like the audience is about to have another surprise. This pin-up pieces appeared in “Real Men” magazine in January 1966 and was painted by Victor Prezio.

Marilyn Monroe

1967 Oldsmobile 70-X Toronado

Thirst for Hurst

February 1969 – A Moment in Rock History with Jimi Hendrix

In February 1969, during one of Jimi Hendrix’s iconic performances at London’s Royal Albert Hall, a truly unforgettable moment unfolded. Hendrix, already at the height of his fame, was captivating the audience with his legendary guitar prowess when an unexpected guest appeared on stage. A five-year-old boy named Charlie Weber, who had been backstage with his parents, innocently wandered into the spotlight, completely unaware of the charged atmosphere surrounding him.

What could have easily turned into an interruption became an endearing moment, showcasing Hendrix’s genuine warmth and spontaneity. As young Charlie approached, Hendrix—known for his wild performances and electrifying stage presence—bent down and calmly spoke to the child. Rather than being startled or frustrated, Hendrix smiled, sharing a brief and sweet exchange with the boy that instantly captivated the crowd. It was a pause that highlighted Hendrix’s ability to remain cool under pressure, revealing his humanity and ease with connecting to people in unexpected ways.

After the heartwarming interaction, Charlie was gently escorted backstage, and Hendrix launched back into his set, closing the performance with a fiery rendition of “Purple Haze”—a sharp contrast to the tender moment that had just occurred. The blend of that intimate exchange and the explosive energy of the song encapsulated Hendrix’s versatility as both a performer and a person.

This legendary show came at a pivotal time in 1969, with Hendrix fresh off his triumph at Woodstock and nearing the final major UK performances of his career. Footage from this Royal Albert Hall concert would later appear in the documentary Experience, offering fans a glimpse into Hendrix’s unparalleled live performances.

The story of Charlie Weber wandering onto Hendrix’s stage has since become one of rock’s most cherished tales—a moment that reveals not only Hendrix’s jaw-dropping guitar skills but also his gentle, human side. It’s a moment that continues to add depth to the mythos surrounding Hendrix, reminding us that beneath the legend was a man full of warmth and kindness, forever loved by his fans.

Frank Kelly Freas – The Telzey Toy

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1928 AJS K7 350 – A Legendary Racing Icon

The 1928 AJS K7 350 holds a special place in motorcycle history, known as a rare and legendary racing machine from the esteemed British marque AJS (Albert John Stevens). The company’s racing pedigree dates back to 1911, when their 350cc machines began making waves at the Isle of Man Junior TT, and their triumphs quickly followed, most notably with a Junior TT win in 1914.

By 1920, AJS had refined their overhead valve (ohv) 350, leading to another Junior TT win, and in 1921, they secured their greatest victory by sweeping the podium with a 1-2-3 finish in the Junior TT. To cap it off, Howard R. Davies won the Senior TT aboard a Junior machine, a feat that remains unmatched in TT history. Davies went on to found HRD, the precursor to Vincent-HRD.

As design evolved, AJS transitioned from the revered Big Port ohv 350 to the overhead camshaft (OHC) K7 in 1927. This new engine featured a chain-driven camshaft with a distinctive cast-alloy casing, showcasing cutting-edge engineering. After overcoming early lubrication issues, AJS works rider Jimmy Simpson rode the K7 to victory in the 1927 Belgian, Swiss, Austrian, and European Grands Prix, cementing its status as a racing powerhouse.

In 1928, the K7 350 was offered as a catalogued model, equipped with a three-speed gearbox for customer versions and featuring a Binks racing carburettor and dry sump lubrication. This model continued to dominate the racing scene, with improvements leading to the M7 version by 1929, which took victories across Europe, including Germany, Austria, and Ulster.

The AJS K7 eventually evolved into the post-war 7R Boy Racer, a symbol of AJS’s lasting impact on racing history. Despite AJS’s eventual acquisition by Matchless in 1931, the K7 remains a legendary machine, representing an era of innovation, speed, and racing triumphs.

Slade – Get Down and Get With It (1971): A Stompin’ Riot from the Heart of Glam!

Turn up the amps and get ready to stomp, clap, and shout, because Slade’s 1971 banger, “Get Down and Get With It,” is here to blow the roof off the joint! This track isn’t just music—it’s a full-throttle rock ‘n’ roll rallying cry, drenched in the sweat and swagger of the UK glam rock scene.

Originally a Bobby Marchan tune, Slade supercharged it with Noddy Holder’s gravelly, howl-at-the-moon vocals and the band’s signature foot-stomping beats. Recorded to sound like it’s straight out of a sticky-floored dive bar, the track pulls you in with its raw energy, like a sonic shot of adrenaline that demands you join the chaos.

“Get Down and Get With It” became a slammed-up, boot-stompin’ anthem that turned every Slade gig into a riot of clapping, singing, and raucous rock ‘n’ roll revelry. It’s the kind of song that gets under your skin and into your bones, leaving you thrashing, shouting, and loving every second of it.

So crank it up, loosen up, and let Slade drag you back to a time when rock was raw, loud, and utterly unapologetic. Get down, get with it, and raise some hell!

Paul Radar – “Kitten”

A bit of extra pep before the race …

“Barbarella” Released in New York City – The Journey to Jane Fonda’s Iconic Role

Before Jane Fonda became synonymous with the intergalactic adventurer Barbarella, several actresses were approached for the role. Dino De Laurentiis, the film’s producer, had a few big names in mind. His first choice was Virna Lisi, followed by Brigitte Bardot, who declined the role due to its sexualized nature. Sophia Loren, De Laurentiis’ third choice, was pregnant at the time and felt she wouldn’t be right for the character.

Initially uncertain about the film, Jane Fonda was eventually convinced by her husband and the film’s director, Roger Vadim, who argued that science fiction was an evolving genre with growing appeal. At the time, Fonda had already made waves with two high-profile sex scandals. The first was a controversial eight-story nude billboard promoting her film Circle of Love in 1965, which catapulted her to sex symbol status in the U.S. The second involved Playboy publishing candid nude photos from the set of Vadim’s The Game Is Over (1966), despite the closed set.

Vadim was clear in his direction for the role. He didn’t want Fonda to play Barbarella “tongue-in-cheek” and envisioned her as an “average girl with a terrific space record and a lovely body.” He saw the film as a visual spectacle with a touch of satire on societal morals, rather than a deep intellectual experience.

For Fonda, her approach to Barbarella was grounded in maintaining the character’s innocence. She didn’t see Barbarella as a “sexually liberated woman” in rebellion against societal norms. Instead, she viewed her as someone who was simply born free, with her sexuality being natural and not bound by conventional rules.

The combination of Fonda’s performance and Vadim’s vision helped shape Barbarella into a cult classic—one that would influence sci-fi and pop culture for decades to come.

1950s Elvgren Pin-Up Girl BBQ Grilling Poster

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Johnson Wax Building: A Masterpiece of Organic Architecture

Built between 1936-39 in Racine, Wisconsin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Johnson Wax Building is a striking example of his innovative approach to architecture. The most iconic feature of the structure is its dendriform columns—tree-like supports that give the building its distinctive organic feel. These white columns, which appear in the carport and continue inside the main building, create a feeling of both shelter and expansion.

In the carport, the low ceiling and compressed space heighten the experience of entering the building. Once inside the Great Workroom, the same columns rise dramatically, soaring over two stories high, giving the room a sense of openness and grandeur. The design blurs the boundaries between nature and architecture, embodying Wright’s vision of organic design that connects the built environment with the natural world.

The Johnson Wax Building remains one of Wright’s most celebrated works, a testament to his genius in creating structures that are not only functional but also visually and experientially transformative.

Michael Koelsch – Women of Wonder

This stunning photograph captures the far side of the Moon, a view rarely seen by the human eye. Taken by the Chinese Chang’e 5-T1 spacecraft, it shows the mysterious terrain of the Moon’s hidden half, with Earth appearing as a distant blue orb in the background. The far side, often called the dark side, is not visible from Earth due to the Moon’s synchronous rotation, making this image a glimpse into one of the solar system’s most elusive landscapes. It’s a reminder of the vastness and beauty of space, offering a unique perspective on the cosmic dance between Earth and its natural satellite.

Saturday Evening Post Cover by Stevan Dohanos, dated October 11, 1958
“Milkman meets the Pie Guy”

Winners are Grinners!

Frank Frazetta, 1991

The Uncertain-T

Take $15,000, three years of dedication, and a deep knowledge of physics, and you’ve got the formula for “The Uncertain-T”, an iconic hotrod that started as a joke but became a showstopper. Built by Steve Scott of Northridge, California, this high-powered show car pulls in $400 to $1,000 per appearance at automobile shows.

What began as a cartoon drawing is now a real-world, abstract interpretation of a Model T Ford, though only four parts (radiator shell, headlights, radiator cap, and steering wheel) would be recognized by Ford Motor Co. Scott’s creation pulls from various manufacturers, housing a 1958 Buick engine, a Pontiac automatic transmission, and modified motorcycle front wheels from Harley-Davidson. Despite all the borrowing, most of the car was either designed or built by Scott himself.

A physics major at San Fernando Valley State College, Scott’s academic knowledge played a vital role in the build—most notably the lack of a drive shaft due to space constraints. The transmission bolts directly into the rear end, a unique feature.

The custom salmon-colored, metalflake acrylic paint job took 40 coats and cost $600, adding to the car’s total build cost of over $15,000. Completed in January, the fiberglass-bodied Uncertain-T has swept awards at every show it’s been entered into.

Originally conceived as a joke, the Uncertain-T now reigns supreme at hotrod shows, earning it national attention in hotrod magazines. It’s a triumph of imagination, engineering, and perseverance, and Scott’s one-of-a-kind creation continues to leave audiences in awe. The Uncertain-T is sure to steal the show at the Central Montana Timing Association’s annual car show.

In the July, 1967 issue of Hot Rod magazine, “The Uncertain-T” was listed for sale in a small classified ad at the bargain price (compared to the build cost) of $7000. Steve says that it was a prank, that he most certainly didn’t place the ad. Everybody must have guessed this, because absolutely no replies were received.

Land that Time Forgot

At the age of 65, Colonel Harland Sanders found himself living in a small, run-down house, driving an old, beat-up car, and surviving on meager $99 social security checks (cheques). Most people at that stage of life might have given up on chasing big dreams, but Sanders was no ordinary man. With years of experience running a small roadside restaurant and perfecting a unique fried chicken recipe, he decided it was time to make a bold move and transform his life.

Faced with the reality of needing a major change, Sanders packed up his beloved fried chicken recipe and took to the road, traveling across the United States in search of restaurants willing to take a chance on his product. He visited diner after diner, offering to cook his chicken on-site in exchange for a small commission on sales. Rejection followed him at every turn—over 1,000 times, in fact. Yet, despite constant disappointment, Sanders refused to give up. His deep belief in the potential of his recipe kept him going, even when others would have lost hope.

It was only after his 1,009th attempt that Sanders finally got his first “yes” from a restaurant owner. That moment marked the beginning of what would become one of the most iconic fast-food empires in history: Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). His blend of 11 herbs and spices would soon become world-famous, and his image, dressed in his signature white suit and string tie, became synonymous with quality fried chicken across the globe.

But more than just a culinary success story, Colonel Sanders’ journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience. His story reminds us that it’s never too late to chase a dream, and that setbacks and failures are simply part of the journey to success. He faced rejection 1,008 times, yet continued forward with the same determination, finally turning his passion into a global brand that continues to thrive decades later.

Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, Sanders proved that hard work, self-belief, and relentless persistence can lead to extraordinary achievements. His late-life success and rise to fame became a beacon of hope for entrepreneurs and dreamers around the world, showing that no matter your age or circumstance, it’s never too late to turn your dreams into reality. Colonel Harland Sanders didn’t just sell fried chicken—he became a symbol of the American dream, inspiring generations to never give up, no matter how many times life says “no.”

Chicks dig cheater slicks …

The Doors, having some taco’s-1970.

Dan & John

Hey Kid – Don’t Press the Red Button!

Vampire’s Kiss – Max Ernst, 1934.

This quirky 1932 American Bantam was used for a unique ferry service across the Pudding River in Oregon. Ingeniously modified for the job, the operator removed the tires and fitted rubber bands on the rims for better traction. To guide the car, three cables were strung across the river: two for the wheels and one connected through the top for stability.

This makeshift ferry was incredibly efficient—one gallon of gas powered the Bantam for an impressive 1,500 trips across the 120-foot span. A perfect blend of creativity and engineering, this unusual transport solution became a fascinating piece of local history.

1959 Edsel Corsair Convertible

Elvis’ portable phone

Robot art by Matt Dixon

Jess Dixon’s Flying Car (1936): The Ultimate Traffic Buster!

Tired of being stuck in traffic, Jess Dixon from Andalusia, Alabama, took matters into his own hands in 1936 and designed this futuristic flying vehicle—a hybrid of automobile, helicopter, and motorcycle. The machine was equipped with two large, counter-rotating rotors in a single head, powered by a 40-horsepower air-cooled engine, giving it the ability to lift off the ground and soar.

Dixon claimed the contraption could reach speeds of up to 100 mph in the air, and he ingeniously designed it to transfer engine power from the rotor blades to the wheels, allowing it to operate on the road when not airborne. Though it looks straight out of a retro sci-fi dream, this was real-world innovation born out of Dixon’s desire for faster, more efficient travel. This early flying car stands as a testament to the bold experimentation and daring engineering spirit of the era!

Elvira and her T-Bird

Spaced Invaders (1990) Dimwitted Martians, Halloween Madness, and Earthly Chaos!

Buckle up, because Spaced Invaders takes you on a wild ride where dimwitted Martians drop into a small Illinois town on Halloween night—just as the local radio station rebroadcasts Orson Welles’ 1938 “War of the Worlds”! The Martians, thinking the Earth is under full-blown attack, get ready for battle… except they’re more clueless than conquerors.

Cue the chaos as these goofy aliens stumble through their invasion plan, only to face off against costumed kids, quirky townsfolk, and their own Martian mishaps. It’s a sci-fi comedy where the B-movie vibe is strong, the laughs are loud, and the Martians are hopelessly hilarious.

If you’re looking for some retro alien mischief with a dash of Halloween mayhem, this is the ride! Prepare for Martian madness, goofy space tech, and a crash course in interplanetary confusion that only Spaced Invaders can deliver.

For your Viewing pleasure!

Trophies of Halloween. Pin-up artwork by Carlos Valenzuela.

Debs days No!

AKAT-1: The Retro-Futuristic Brain of the Analog Era

Step into the world of retro-futurism with the AKAT-1, a Soviet-era analog computer straight out of the mid-20th century’s wildest sci-fi dreams. Designed in 1959 by the brilliant Aleksey Ivakhnenko, this quirky piece of tech might look like something you’d expect to find in the lair of a mad scientist—or on the set of an old-school space opera—but it was a real, working analog computing machine.

The AKAT-1 was used for solving complex differential equations and handling intricate engineering calculations. It’s one of the earliest examples of a working analog computer, designed to model and simulate various processes. With its sleek, almost mid-century modern aesthetic—complete with a retro-futuristic display and control panel—this machine was ahead of its time, both in terms of functionality and style.

It’s the kind of machine that makes you want to twist a few knobs, flick some switches, and imagine you’re piloting a spaceship through uncharted galaxies. A relic of yesterday’s tomorrow, the AKAT-1 remains a symbol of a time when technology wasn’t just practical—it was a vision of the future.

October 12, 1955 – Chrysler Introduces High-Fidelity Record Players for Cars

On this day in 1955, the Chrysler Corporation unveiled something straight out of a retro-futuristic dream: high-fidelity record players for their 1956 lineup of cars. The sleek unit, measuring about four inches high and less than a foot wide, was mounted neatly under the instrument panel, allowing drivers to cruise with their favorite tunes spinning away.

These record players were designed for seven-inch discs that spun at an unusual 16 2/3 rpm, requiring almost three times the number of grooves per inch compared to a standard LP. While this futuristic feature turned heads, it was far from practical for the open road. The players were eventually discontinued in 1961, but their legacy lives on as a quirky, nostalgic piece of mid-century automotive innovation—a time when car interiors were as much about style as they were about function.

The Damned – “Nasty” (From The Young Ones)

When The Damned performed “Nasty” on the cult British TV show The Young Ones, it was a perfect blend of punk rock energy and the show’s anarchic, offbeat humor. Airing in the mid-80s, The Young Ones was known for its absurd comedy, rebellious spirit, and frequent musical performances from iconic bands of the time. The Damned’s appearance added a thrilling, chaotic vibe to the episode, with Dave Vanian‘s dark, theatrical presence and Captain Sensible‘s raw guitar riffs bringing the house down.

The song “Nasty”, with its catchy punk sound and snarling attitude, fit right into the world of The Young Ones—a show that thrived on challenging the status quo and turning everything on its head. The performance remains a memorable highlight, capturing the essence of punk in a wildly entertaining, rebellious package. The Damned on The Young Ones? A match made in anarchic heaven!

Happy 68th B’day Dave Vanian born David Lett

Maya, Space 1999

Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat!

Mark Bryan – Last of the Merlot

Gil Elvgren Class Dismissed

1973 – Fun at the Park

Freeman Elliott’s pin-up work.

1954 Kaiser Manhattan – The VooDoo Sahara: A Custom Tribute to a Golden Legend

The 1954 Kaiser Manhattan, owned and meticulously restyled by Larry Grobe, a member of the VooDoo Kings and the mastermind behind VooDoo Larry Kustoms in Elk Grove, Illinois, is no ordinary custom car. Named the VooDoo Sahara, this build is a tribute to George Barris’s iconic 1953 Lincoln Capri, also known as the Golden Sahara, which originally served as Barris’s personal daily driver.

Inspired by both versions of the Golden Sahara, Larry put his own signature twist on the car. The VooDoo Sahara project began in 2014, when Larry bought a Kaiser for his girlfriend, Colette. Along with the purchase came a parts car, which Larry decided to use as the base for this unique build. With the help of his apprentice, Brian Franse, the car was transformed, with work starting in November 2014 and completed in August 2016, after countless after-hours sessions and weekend labor.

The VooDoo Sahara made its grand debut at the 2016 KKOA Leadsled Spectacular in Salina, Kansas, and continued to turn heads when it was displayed at the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California.

Today, the VooDoo Sahara stands proudly alongside its inspiration, the Golden Sahara, at the Klairmont Museum, where both cars are displayed together—a testament to the timeless beauty of custom cars and the VooDoo twist that made this tribute so special.

Mateusz Kołek “Major Tom on Mushroom Planet” / 2016.

Jules…

She-Ra Princess of Power – Rodrigo Mazer

Behind the Scenes: Sammy Davis Jr.’s Cameo in Batman’s Iconic Bat-Climb

In this fun behind-the-scenes shot, Sammy Davis Jr. pops out of a window for a hilarious cameo during one of Batman and Robin’s famous Bat-climb scenes in the 1960s Batman TV series. This particular episode, titled “The Clock King’s Crazy Crimes,” aired on October 12, 1966, and was written by Bill Finger (co-creator of DC’s Batman) and Charles Sinclair.

Here, we see Adam West (Batman) and Burt Ward (Robin) scaling a building when Davis Jr., playing himself, surprises them mid-climb. The Bat-climb sequences were a signature of the series, often featuring celebrity cameos peeking out of windows for humorous encounters. Directed by James Nelson, this moment adds another layer of quirky charm to the campy fun that made the 1966 Batman show a cult classic.

It’s a brilliant piece of pop culture, blending Hollywood star power with the lighthearted superhero antics of the 1960s.

Sid Vicious – Steve Jones

BIG DADDY ‘ Don Garlits , front engine dragster , trans explosion at Lion drag strip March 1970

Zora la Vampira by Alessandro Biffignandi

John Bolton Classic X-Men #22 Storm Back Cover Illustration Original Art (Marvel, 1988).

Patti Page

The other scarey scene …

Virgin Planet by Poul Anderson Cover by Clyde Caldwell

Ginger August 1967, Windsor Jazz Festival.. just returned from the Mexico holiday and wearing the Charo suit

Teleavia PA 573: The TV of Tomorrow from the 1960s

Designed by the visionary Roger Tallon in the late 1960s, the Teleavia PA 573 was more than just a TV—it was a statement piece, a glimpse into the futuristic design trends of the era. With its rounded, sleek aesthetic, the PA 573 looked like something out of a mid-century sci-fi movie, perfectly capturing the space-age optimism of the time.

This iconic television set combined functionality with cutting-edge design, featuring a minimalist control panel and bold curves. Its modern design language, complete with an unusual egg-like shape, made it a standout in any room—turning the TV into a piece of art as much as an entertainment device.

The Teleavia PA 573 is a shining example of how Roger Tallon blended form and function, pushing the boundaries of consumer electronics design and leaving a lasting mark on the world of mid-century modern aesthetics. Even today, it remains a sought-after collector’s item, representing the forward-thinking design that defined the era.

This is not going to end well …

Debs

Self-portrait of Moebius

Edward Van Halen having fun with his skateboard in his hotel while the band was on tour in Japan in 1979

Walter Popp

Pan…

‘Batman: The Movie’ Premiere at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas on July 30, 1966 with Adam West

Link Wray: 3 Chords, 2 Hands, 1 Lung – The Legend of Raw Power

Link Wray was more than just a guitar player—he was a rock ‘n’ roll revolutionary, the man who brought power chords to the forefront and reshaped the sound of rock music forever. With 3 chords, 2 hands, and only 1 lung (after losing a lung to tuberculosis), Wray’s gritty, reverb-drenched style defied the odds and delivered raw, unfiltered power that shook the foundations of the music world.

His instrumental hit “Rumble” was so influential that it got banned from the radio, not for its lyrics—there weren’t any—but for its dangerous sound. It was a sound that spoke of rebellion, attitude, and pure energy. From his explosive stage presence to the distortion-drenched tones that defined his music, Link Wray is a testament to the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll: raw, unpolished, and unapologetically loud.

3 chords, 2 hands, 1 lung—that’s all it took for Link Wray to create a legacy that echoes through the decades, inspiring generations of guitarists and rockers who wanted to play harder, louder, and with a little more attitude. Long live the king of the power chord!

Chicks Dig Robbie…

Oh Jayne…

Give me the Willies!

Archie Moore – From the Ring to the Stage

In this striking image from 1955, the legendary boxer Archie Moore showcases the battle scars from his bout with world heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano. Mere hours after going toe-to-toe with Marciano before a crowd of over 60,000 at Yankee Stadium, Moore is seen here playing bass at New York’s Café Bohemia. Despite the bruising ninth-round knockout loss, Moore’s resilience is on full display, as he switches from the fight of his life in the ring to the jazz rhythms of the night.

This snapshot captures the warrior spirit of Archie Moore—not only a fierce competitor in the boxing world but also a man who lived with passion and rhythm outside the ring. Even after facing one of the toughest men in boxing history, Moore didn’t miss a beat.

Al Moore no relation to Archie…

David Gilmour on the Modern Music Industry: A Bleak Outlook

In an interview with Christopher Lord for The Guardian, David Gilmour reflected on the current state of the music industry, describing it as an increasingly challenging environment for today’s artists. Gilmour, who was fortunate to thrive during the “golden years” when musicians enjoyed a fairer share of the industry’s profits, lamented how much things have changed.

He expressed concern over the disproportionate siphoning of profits by the rich and powerful, leaving little for the artists themselves. According to Gilmour, the modern musician’s survival relies heavily on live performances, as recording alone no longer provides sufficient income. He sees this shift as a tragedy, stifling the creation of new music and discouraging fresh talent.

Gilmour also commented on broader societal changes, noting how the growing reliance on robots and AI is reducing opportunities for many, while a shrinking group of elites continues to amass wealth. His critique of the industry’s greed culminated in a harsh observation: “Sod everyone else” seems to be the prevailing attitude in today’s world.

Here’s a great behind-the-scenes shot of Boris Karloff and Jack Pierce on the set of “Son of Frankenstein” (1939). Allegedly, the skeleton is a real human skeleton. Creepy!!

Mopar Goodness …

Felix Wankel

Another kind of gothic …

Peacock Blue 1963.5 Ford Galaxie.

Steve Zodiac’s Fireball XL5 Jetmobile: The Ultimate 1960s Space-Age Adventure Toy

In 1962, Steve Zodiac, the daring hero of Fireball XL5, zoomed into the imaginations of young space adventurers everywhere with the introduction of the Jetmobile toy. Based on the hit Gerry Anderson sci-fi TV series, this sleek, futuristic vehicle was the ultimate ride for Steve Zodiac and his interstellar crew, capturing the essence of 1960s space-age optimism and adventure.

The Fireball XL5 Jetmobile toy was every kid’s dream come true—a retro-futuristic space racer that looked like it could zip across alien planets in a flash. With its streamlined design, vibrant colors, and details straight from the show, it embodied the spirit of early sci-fi toys, where imagination and innovation met in plastic form. Whether you were racing through space or battling evil aliens, the Jetmobile was the perfect companion for any galactic mission.

This iconic toy is now a cherished piece of vintage memorabilia, representing a time when space exploration was all the rage and every kid wanted to be the next Steve Zodiac, speeding through the cosmos in the ultimate Jetmobile.

70′s General Electric orange psychedelic alarm clock

Arthur Sarnoff

Radar Men from the Moon – Chapter 1: Moon Rocket

In this thrilling first chapter of the 1952 serial Radar Men from the Moon, we meet Commando Cody (played by George Wallace), a brilliant civilian researcher and inventor. Cody is equipped with an impressive array of gadgets, including a streamlined helmet and an atomic-powered rocket backpack attached to his leather flying jacket—making him the ultimate flying hero of the atomic age. He also pilots a rocket ship capable of reaching the Moon.

The plot kicks off when mysterious attacks devastate U.S. military bases and industrial complexes. Cody quickly deduces that the source of these attacks is the Moon itself. Taking to the skies in his rocket ship, Cody heads straight for the Moon, where he confronts its tyrannical ruler, Retik (portrayed by Roy Barcroft). Retik reveals his grand plan to conquer Earth, intending to relocate the Moon’s entire population to our planet using spaceships and atomic weapons powered by a substance more potent than uranium: lunarium.

The episode sets the stage for an action-packed serial, filled with retro-futuristic tech, daring space adventures, and classic sci-fi heroics as Commando Cody takes on the lunar menace.

https://youtu.be/OW1laZsbpOc?list=PLc999wmVC-SeoEfbrflhP8IU-cOQKtuC7