Boeing 747, also known as the jumbo jet was first introduced in 1970. With Pan American airlines as one of its major investors they had the possibility to influence the design and development of the aircraft. It was deemed that the world needed a jet plane of massive size that could transport hundreds of passengers fast, efficient and with style. Juan Trippe who was the CEO of Pan Am at the time predicted that the 747 would be "... a great weapon for peace, competing with intercontinental missiles for mankind's destiny." (Source).
Here is a taste of various photos found at the great airliners.net website, depicting how it was like to travel with a Pan Am jumbo jet in the early 1970s. For anyone who hasn't been able to experience it first hand, I recommend getting the Space Age Lounge Volume 3 compilation and then read the article about former Pan Am stewardess Valerie Waterman. What are your memories of jet traveling in the 1970s?
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This short promotional film, produced in the early 1970s gives us a insight into how the classical compact Polaroid SX-70 camera functions.
The SX-70 included many sophisticated design elements. A collapsible SLR required a complex light path, with many mirrors (including one Fresnel reflector) of unusual, aspheric shapes and at odd angles. The film pack contained a flat, 6-volt "PolaPulse" battery to power the camera electronics, drive motor and flash. The original flash system, a disposable "Flash Bar" of 10 bulbs from General Electric, used logic circuits to detect and fire the next unused flash.
Love scene between Analía Gadé and Jean Sorel. Italian 1970s Giallo cinema at its best with very tasty music from the great Piero Piccioni. Taken from La volpe dalla coda di velluto. What do you daydream about today?
If you lived in the 1950s, '60s, '70s or even the '80s, you probably spent some of your time watching television during the Christmas season (when it wasn't more inclusively referred to as 'the holidays', like today.) Apart from the Christmas or holiday-themed episodes of your favorite TV series, you might have sat through a music-filled extravaganza special, featuring some of the musical superstars of the day. And chances are, you might have witnessed some of the choicest, cheesiest and unabashedly Christmas-centered specials.
Here is a rundown of some that may have peaked your interest back in the day. The holiday season also brought some unique TV advertisements worth noting. So grab yourself a cup of eggnog, spiked or otherwise, and let the cheesiness begin!
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Winter is almost upon us in northern Europe, but these newly found postcards of retro Sweden brings back kitschy summer vibes that are sure to warm anyone. Those of you with sharp eyes might spot that a few of the cards depict Sweden pre-1967, when we still had left-side traffic. Native Swedes might even recognize some or all of the places. But for those who aren't in the know, they represent Värnamo, Kramfors along with the two suburbs Vällingby and Huddinge outside of Stockholm. Which street scene looks the most inviting or... boring? Continue reading to see all the images.
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Halloween is just a few days away and to kick things off in a ghoulish way, this old piece of 1973 wax will most likely do the trick (...or treat). This record is sure to scare and entertain everyone in the family, especially if used with one speaker hidden in the ceiling for the proper stereo spirit effect. Heck, even I am a bit freaked out by this old time piece which revolves around a haunted seance hosted by our Doctor Druid. The good doctor first plays a couple of mind tricks on the participators around the table and then tries to contact a spirit from beyond the grave, the result? Pure groovyness! Happy Halloween from Ultra Swank.
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If you ever wondered how it was like living in the old communist eastern Europe but were unable to do so before the wall fell? Here is your chance. In the heart of the former eastern side of Berlin lies a quite ordinary looking concrete apartment building that once was home to dozens of people, but today houses the quite unusual DDR-designed and inspired hostel (Ostel). Once inside, you have a selection that ranges from tastefully designed single or double rooms that let you travel back in time to relive the style of the 1960s and 1970s in Europe. If you are traveling in a bigger group you can get your own apartment that houses up to six people. Prices start at a very reasonable 9 euros per night and if you are traveling without a set of wheels, the Ostel also offers bicycle renting – and wireless Internet access for all of you who are not quite ready to let go. For more information and bookings, visit the Ostel website.
You love stewardesses don't you? So do I. Flying today is not the way it was used to be, so to remind you all of how elegant, exciting and swank traveling by airplane used to be here are a bunch of photos taken from the golden years of flying circa 1950s to the 1970s. For a real life story on how flying used to be, check out the story I did with former Pan Am stewardess Valerie Waterman. Which is your favorite still in operation airline? (Via) [Thanks Chester]
Images via Vacations.com
