1960s

Household objects. I believe my dad bought these mugs in Johannesburg in the 1960s. Lieberman apparently. They’re objectively the best coffee mugs. Thick sides retain heat, and modest volume means that it’s still hot when you get to the bottom. I have two and I love them. My folks actually bought some more - very similar - in the ’90s or early 2000s because they were still making them. I’ve been thinking about capitalism’s gears starting to really grind. Consumerism is really bonkers. Many things that are sold everyday last for generations and don’t need replacement. At some point this century, the global population is going to begin falling. And if the game isn’t up by then, it will be after.

I may have actually got a good deal out of Munroe’s Junk Shop! I already own David Bailey’s magnificent eulogy to the 1960s, “Goodbye Baby & Amen,” so I knew it goes from anywhere between $85 and $575 US. So R200 for a second copy, (+-US$12) seemed worth it for this beautiful book, published and printed in 1969 before the ’60s were even over. Even if I don’t sell it, it’s an amazing gift for the right person.

Today’s the day for marrying old and new. The tiny lil 50W RMS class D amp from China for $25 with my dad’s old bookshelf speakers from the late ‘60s. And then my 90s Arbiter Fuzz Face guitar pedal - identical to the ones used by Hendrix in the late 60s - sporting a lithium ion rechargeable 9v battery that I got for about $8. Cheap modern stuff that allows me to get good use out of vintage designs. ...

I haven’t had tekkies in years. But @withoutaleaf liked hers so much she got me a pair too. Apparently they’re copied from the official shoe of the ‘66 Mexican Olympics. Ok. Looks like it was The World Cup. I should have guessed.

Hanging out with my boy listening to an interview on the beeb about the 60s London fashion scene.

Watching the Monterey Pop festival and there’s Bra Hugh, young and full of fire.

Ron Ashton has to be the coolest looking guitar player ever.

The surf rig is almost perfect. But it’s the nature of electric guitar players to tinker. This old Japanese Fender has the right pickups, the right pick guard, and - almost - the right bridge. Worthy of fronting Africa’s longest running surf instro band, Krakatoa. link in bio.

The lens that I was using yesterday was really the lens that Nikon’s reputation was built on. This 105mm f2.5 from the 1960s was sharp, contrasty, and cheap compared to anything put out by Leica. It’s still a beautiful portrait lens that flattens perspective and delivers a delicious, powdery soft background. It’s light as a feather and even cheaper now. #nikon #nikkor #lens #lenses #105mm #f2.