History 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...

Rising Phoenix: Heroes of the Paralympics

16Sep

By tatecrofts1 Comment

History, Politics, Reviews

Rising Phoenix: Heroes of the Paralympics

I was at the London 2012 Olympic Games. I witnessed with dumbfounding inspiration the incredible feats of sporting heroes, as well as the moments where dreams were dawned, achieved, and crushed. As a 12 year old 2020 hopeful, watching Michael Phelps as he received an award for his breathtaking achievements made tangible the thought of one day also swimming in the Olympics. The Olympic games represent something more than just competition, they exist as a checkpoint at which only the most dedicated, talented, and ruthless can reach (as discussed in Exploring Athlete A). This worldwide movement provides the opportunity for nations to come together every 4 years in support of their athletes as they represent the hopes and spirits of their homes. And yet somehow, I had no idea about the e...

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...

16Jun

By tatecroftsNo Comments

History, Sustainability

Just Vanilla?

As someone with no sense of smell (a condition known as anosmia) vanilla had always seemed like a cop-out on the countless other delicious desserts more richly decorated with colour and texture. Take away the famously decadent scent and what's left? Regardless, I have since come to love its simplicity (especially when paired with milo!), and the world revolves around vanilla as the staple ingredient of more than 18,000 market products. However the majority of these products are actually flavoured with synthetic vanillin, the chemically engineered artificial cousin of vanilla which is 20 times cheaper and probably 200 times easier to produce! Finding 'true' vanilla Natural vanilla stems from the vanilla orchid native to Central and South America, and the Caribbean. Arguably first...

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...