Culture Archives - The Retro Press

The National Geographic Rewind: August 1964

18Jan

By tatecroftsNo Comments

Culture, History, Reviews

The National Geographic Rewind: August 1964

While browsing some garage sales a few weeks ago, I came across a lawn loaded with stacks and stacks of old magazines dating back to the 60s. These included a number of National Geographic magazines, a society well-familiar with bringing to life an exciting combination of history, society, geography, nature and more. These National Geographics instantly stole my attention, because amongst these piles of ads and fads lay some of the most intriguing insights into our social past, which the historian in me was thrilled to uncover. This Rewind series follows my thoughts and reflections upon some of the editions set between the early 60s and late 70s, largely the astounding change between perspectives then and now. In this August 1964 edition I will delve into themes prominent acros...

15Nov

By tatecrofts3 Comments

Culture, History

The Island Architect

Exploring Bermuda's traditions and transitioning architectural industry through the eyes of local architect 'Chili Bop' The small, mid-Atlantic island of Bermuda is characteristically welcoming and awe-strikingly beautiful. For all who visit, it is a place which exists unparalleled in natural beauty, creative wonder and island charm. Having grown up there, I can recall with ease the vibrant colours and picturesque settings which bless Bermuda's shores - largely in nature, but also in humankind. From the ground up First settled in 1612, Bermuda's architectural traditions stem largely from its British heritage, as local architect 'Chili Bop' recants how traditions were inspired by rural country, and were 'interpreted by shipwrights rather than housebuilders'. He also outlines how c...

19Jul

By tatecrofts1 Comment

Culture, Reviews

Dolly Parton: Here I am

In a refreshing take on the star's career, Dolly Parton's new documentary entitled Here I Am follows the conception and creation of an icon as she undertook a musical journey to fame and success. Through my 2000-born eyes, Dolly Parton has always been a persona cemented into fame as if she had been born into it. Without having experienced her ascension to the world stage during the 60s, I've never been able to credit Dolly's larger than life character and celebrity status alongside actual professional achievements (beyond of course trademark hits like 9 to 5 and Jolene). Evidently, this documentary had the profound effect of contextualising each timeless classic in their original setting. While decorating her life with music, the story follows the actual events and effects that help...

Exploring ‘Athlete A’: cover-ups, crime, and culture

1Jul

By tatecrofts3 Comments

Culture, History, Reviews

Exploring ‘Athlete A’: cover-ups, crime, and culture

Gymnastics is one of those sports where it seems as if the athletes were born to flip and fly through the air. As a major highlight for many Olympic viewers, the sport invokes unimaginable inspiration and awe for both the athlete's dedication and their talent. However as Netflix's new documentary Athlete A reveals - and as multitudes of other sports scandals can attest - there is scarcely enough attention given to their sacrifices, struggles, or general wellbeing. The case of Larry Nassar In 2017, allegations of sexual abuse against USA Gymnastics' (USAG) team doctor Larry Nassar shocked both the gymnastics community and the rest of the world. Not only was it 'out of character' for the previously beloved community member, but the sheer extent and severity of his abuse remained unbel...

Why did the chicken cross the World? – Andrew Lawler

21Jun

By tatecrofts1 Comment

Culture, History, Reviews

Why did the chicken cross the World? – Andrew Lawler

With a name alluding to the all-time favourite joke category of my young self, this book immediately drew my attention as it played on a question I had no idea how to approach, let alone answer. Written by journalist Andrew Lawler, 'Why did the chicken cross the world?' poses a novel dilemma that many would find puzzling. Is this a joke book? a cookbook? a rhetorical question used to prompt intrigue? The answer, I was soon happily surprised to find, was both none and all of the above. With a wealth of information that would overwhelm the comedically small chicken-brain, this book is ideal for anyone looking to dig their teeth into the riveting life, complex biology and tumultuous history of the basic chook. At a glance... Lawler works to unearth the nested reasons that humans ha...

6Jun

By tatecrofts4 Comments

Culture, History

To Breakfast & Beyond

Exploring the history of breakfast Undoubtedly the best part of the morning, the pinnacle of a reason to wake up, and the perfect way to start your day - is breakfast. The eager stomach drives the routines of many people, and the morning meal has become a staple in the typical modern day. But when did breakfast actually begin? What did people eat before cereal and avo toast? Can we even imagine a time when our mornings weren't centred around the comforting brands of Kelloggs, Quaker Oats, or even Vegemite? Historians and dieticians alike have been intrigued by the breakfast dilemma, morphing from a traditionally religious event where families would 'break' their 'fast', to a health phenomena promoted within our age of advertisement as 'the most important meal of the day!' Today, wh...