mardi 19 mars 2013
Small but Perfectly Formed: 5 Things You Didn’t Know About Marilyn Monroe
Standing just 5ft 5.5in tall, who would have imagined that little Norma Jean, a.k.a. Marilyn Monroe, would become one of the world's most famous movie stars? Certainly not that bright young thing from Los Angeles. We have discovered five facts about the luminescent blonde we would like to share.
A Ford is a Girl’s Best Friend
Marilyn Monroe was known to have been an able and conscientious driver. In the course of her short life she had a number of different cars. Apparently she had a penchant for Fords and Cadillacs and, apart from a Ford Thunderbird, her favourite was a black Cadillac convertible – part of her payment for appearances in the Jack Benny Program.
Only the Best for Marilyn’s Cynthia
Surprisingly, during her career Marilyn Monroe made only one TV advertisement. In 1952 she was the face for the ad for Royal Triton engine oil, produced by the American Union Oil Company. In it, the budding star stuns the gas/petrol station attendant with an arresting line: "Put Royal Triton in Cynthia’s little tummy." The latter was Monroe’s beloved convertible, Cynthia.
A Tub Full of Chanel No.5
Obviously, beauty comes at a price: even for a stellar creature such as Marilyn. Unlike other stars, who tend to be reticent about their recipe for eternal youth, the actress was quite open about her secret ingredient. In an interview she admitted to regular ice baths, heavily scented with Chanel No.5. Which, famously, was also her preferred night attire.
Beauty and the Beast
Not to be outdone, petite Marilyn Monroe was ready to test her allure against larger animals. For the 1955 grand opening of the famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum three-ring circus in New York’s Madison Square Garden, she had a star turn in the ring on top of a pink elephant. This unexpected cameo performance was to generate money for the city’s Vanderbilt Hospital.
Dog Days
Marilyn apparently had a special place in her heart for dogs. One of the tales surrounding her childhood is the story of Tippy, her first pet, which accompanied her to school and waited for his young mistress until classes were let out. Sadly, the dog Tippy met with an ugly end - the little fellow was shot by a neighbour. Grief-stricken, Marilyn Monroe never quite recovered from this loss. Members of her later pack were the Basset hound Hugo, the Chihuahua Choo Choo and a Poodle named Mafia. Mafia, as it happens, was a gift from Frank Sinatra and a pampered companion that would outlive the lonely star.
Text: J. Philip Rathgen (translated by Alexandra Felts)
Fotos: Getty Images
from ClassicDriver
HONDA FLAT TRACK RACER
The flat tracker look is a style that’s really starting to catch on in custom circles at the moment: The bobbed back-end, flat-bottomed tank and fender-less front wheel are all trademarks of the pared-down half-miler. But this custom-built flat track racer from the UK, featured in Trailbike & Enduro Magazine, doesn’t just look the part—it’s the real McCoy.
It was built for racing in Blighty (where the tracks are shorter) by American ex-pat and former dirt racer John Roeder. Roeder wasn’t interested in building yet another go-fast-turn-left-bike: He wanted to create something that looked and sounded different to the regular 450 motocross bikes that usually form the basis of these racers in the UK. And like any good custom builder, he wanted his flat track racer to embody the look of the classic machinery he grew up on.
Roeder’s creation cannibalizes parts from some very different machinery. That includes a Suzuki DR350 (hello swingarm, pegs and rear brake), a Yamaha FZR600 (forks) and an Aprilia RS125 (radiator). The shock is from a V8 hot-rod, and a few other bits and bobs have been stolen from Roeder’s own Ducati 916 road bike. But it’s the engine that’s the most unusual item: nestling in the frame is Honda two-stroke power in the form of a lightweight and ultra-powerful 1986 CR500 lump.
It’s the kind of machine that would work brilliantly as a road-going custom too. It probably wouldn’t be that hard to fit lights and a plate…but keeping your license clean would be another matter entirely.
Head over to the Trailbike & Enduro Magazine Facebook page for the latest news from the enduro world—plus a smattering of custom and vintage eye candy.
Ford Focus ST Tanner Foust Edition by Cobb Tuning
Produces 300 bhp (224 kW)
Tanner Foust and Cobb Tuning have teamed up to introduce the Ford Focus ST Tanner Foust Edition.
Set to go on sale later this year, the TFE will come equipped with an optimized ECU, an enlarged intercooler, a sports exhaust system and a revised air intake. These changes will enable the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine to produce 300 bhp (224 kW) which is an increase of 48 bhp (36 kW).
The car will also come equipped with a new grille, body side graphics and carbon fiber accents. We can also expect a sport-tuned suspension and a tire and wheel package.
There's no word on pricing, but the accessories will be available individually or as a multi-stage package.
Source: Cobb Tuning via Autoblog
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