GOOD LUCK TRUCKER

Wait, let me guess, you had the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins losing in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs right?

Of course not.

Well, not unless you’re a fan of the Los Angeles Kings or Washington Capitals — then it’s believable.

But, honestly, who saw the team with the most points in the 2011-12 regular season (Vancouver) and defending Stanley Cup champions (Boston) out of the picture this early?

That, my friends, is the beauty of the NHL playoffs.

I’m certainly not going to complain about the drama so far.

After receiving my trusty Philadelphia Flyers Original Retro Brand trucker cap prior to Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, my beloved Orange and Black went out and knocked off who many believed would be this year’s champs in the (hated) Pittsburgh Penguins.  Sorry, Sidney.

Is the ORB hat good luck?  Maybe.

I’ll let you know once the Flyers hopefully make their way past these pesky New Jersey Devils.

PESKY DEVIL

Call it wishful thinking, but wouldn’t the Kings and Flyers make for an intriguing Stanley Cup final?  Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, once thought to be the cornerstones of the Philadelphia franchise for years to come, were both eventually shipped out west to allow the Flyers to reinvent themselves.

Someone apparently forgot to remind the Kings they’re a No. 8 seed.  I still think the St. Louis Blues make this a series, but like L.A. to move on to the conference finals.

Speaking of good stories, it’s nice to see some new teams in the mix for a change.

The Nashville Predators and Phoenix Coyotes may come from small markets, but just ask those Original Six teams from Chicago and Detroit about how big their opponents played in the first round of the playoffs.

Something tells me the Predators, trailing 2-1 after winning Game 3 last night, find their way back into this series and pull off the comeback.

Did I mention I’m a Flyers fan?  Did I also mention that makes me a Capitals fan by default since their playing the (it pains me to even type this) New York Rangers in their semifinals matchup?

I don’t think it’s any secret the Rangers had the Flyers’ number this season. When you go 6-0 against a team in one year, and I was there when the Rangers came back and stunned Philly in the Winter Classic, it makes you scratch your head.

As much as I would like the Flyers to get a shot at redemption against the Blueshirts… Let’s Go Capitals!!!

WINTER CLASSIC WOES.

All of our teams still have a LONG way to go before getting the chance to hoist Lord Stanley’s Cup.  Me?  I’ll be wearing my ORB Flyers hat every game of the way, and most off days too, in hopes of realizing that dream.

And if I’m going to unfortunately watch my team go down, I mine as well look good and be comfortable doing it.

Goodbye for now and good hockey!

Special thanks go to Anthony Coppola for filling in today.  The Flyer fanatic currently writes for The Daily Journal in Vineland, NJ.  If you recall, Anthony gave us an NHL preview for Round #1 back in the beginning of April.  He picked 5 of the 8 series winners correctly, so not too bad…

You can reach Anthony Coppola via email at antcop20@comcast.net or on Twitter @AVCoppola.  You can also check his awesome blog in which he is a regular contributor to, in which he discusses another Original Retro Brand favorite – BEER! Snobs of Beer —> http://bit.ly/ynKGLf

APPLE OF OUR EYE.

Ok, I’m sure the Ft. Wayne TinCaps would prefer another Midwest League Championship like in 2009, but the honor of being the Original Retro Brand Retailer of The Month will still be a nice addition to their trophy case.

I had the pleasure of speaking with the team Merchandising Manager, Karen Schieber (left) about her experiences since joining the San Diego Padres Single A Affiliate….

Andy:  Have you always been a baseball fan, and how did you end up working for the TinCaps?

Karen: I actually grew up without television and listened to St. Louis Cardinals games on the radio, so yes, I am a big baseball fan.

I’m sure that influenced me in that I always knew I wanted to work in a sports related field.  I was lucky enough to get an internship with the Frisco Rough Riders through a sorority sister while I was at Oklahoma State, which led to a position with the Greenville Drive, and eventually my current position with the TinCaps starting in 2009.

Andy:  2009 was a good year to start, eh?

Karen: You can say it was unreal.  It was really such a perfect and exciting season to be involved in my first year with the team. There was a buzz before it even started as the organization had just opened a new ball park downtown (Parkview Field) and the team switched their name and look from the Wizards to the TinCaps. The team set a franchise record for wins (101!) and attendance (378,529 came through!) enroute to the Championship.  Not coincidentally, the team success boosted our sales in the team store all year.

Andy:  Not a bad rookie season for you!  I know the season is young, but I’m curious as to what you do in the off-season.  Is the stadium store open year -round?  Do you have the winter months off like teachers have summers off (to go to TinCaps games no doubt)?

Karen: Actually the off-season is more crazy-busy then the regular season.  In addition to the Stadium store remaining open all year, the team opens another store at the Glenbrook Mall for the Holiday season.  So basically it’s like having two opening days busy!

Andy:  I assume you are directly involved with the buying and merchandising for all store set-ups.  Can you give us a quick description of what that experience is like?

Karen: I do a good deal of the buying when I attend the Winter Meetings, which is really the only trade show I attend.  As far as merchandizing the stores, I really enjoy the opportunity to use my creativity in bringing out the best for our team and the products we carry/display.  It’s fun and rewarding to see people enjoy the store the way they do, and to hear so much constant positive feedback.

"...CONSISTENT YEAR IN - YEAR OUT IN DELIVERING QUALITY.."

Andy: We’re extremely excited for your personal and team success, and so appreciative that when you attend those Winter meetings, your buying plenty of the Original Retro Brand.  Can you tell us what it is about our brand that works so well for you?

Karen: Obviously the retro look and feel are key, and you know you’re going to get a product that lasts. I find the brand is consistent year in-year out when it comes to delivering quality and new styles.  To borrow a well known tag line, the Original Retro Brand simply “sells itself.”

Thanks so much to Karen for taking the time to join us between innings today, and congratulations to the Ft. Wayne TinCaps for being named the Original Retro Brand Retailer of The Month for May, 2012.

If you’re in the Ft. Wayne, Indiana area, try and catch a TinCaps game and visit the team store!

Store Hours – Non Game Days

M – F: 10am – 5pm (closed Sat & Sun)

Store Hours – Game Days

M – F: 10am – 4pm (Re-Open when gates open.)  Saturday – 10am – 4pm (Re-Open when gates open.) Sunday – Open when gates open.

You can also shop online at The Orchard team store.

Rock The Vote is where music and politics meet.  Original Retro Brand had the pleasure and good fortune to meet R&B singer-songwriter and rapper, John West, at the recent Rock The Vote-Original Retro Brand apparel launch.  John was kind enough to answer a few questions for us…

"...love the Rock the Vote sneaker t-shirt, it’s just got a really fresh/retro vibe..."

Andy:  Before you began your music career, you had other plans to make a living as a cartoonist.  Do you still want to pursue this other art form professionally, or is it more of an enjoyable hobby on the side now?

John: Yeah, cartooning used to really be my thing; political cartoons, comic strips, caricatures – but once I started taking music seriously near the end of college, I haven’t really looked back.  That being said, there’s a children’s book concept I’ve been sitting on for years that I look forward to getting published once I’ve built up a name for myself.

Andy:  I think you’ve achieved that goal John – Let’s see the book (I have a 7 year old who loves to read)!  Coincidentally you and I share the same birthday of May 11.  I have 23 years on you so I was 11 in 1971 when one of your musical influences, Carole King, released her epic “Tapestry” album.  Were there any songs specifically from that album that influenced your music and style?

John: Nice, same birthday!  Carole King’s entire album was so good, from the very first bars of “I Feel The Earth Move” .. My favorite track is probably “You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman.” Such a great concept and melody, and then with a crossover ability that got Aretha Franklin wanting to cover the same song.  Pretty dope (Speaking of “Pretty dope,” check John’s video below).

Andy:  Is it also safe to assume that growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, had a profound effect on your musical influence as well?  If so, can you specify?  Or maybe it had more affect on you being an LSU fan?  Perhaps I’m assuming wrong on both?  Please clarify.

John: Baton Rouge definitely had an impact musically.  Some of my good friends in high school were jazz musicians so I used to catch my guys playing all the local spots every weekend.  That taught me a lot about the groove of good live music.  Plus there were a lot of jam bands playing around the LSU campus, so by the time I moved to Chicago at age 19, I had been influenced for sure.  And let’s not forget about gumbo.  I’m just saying.

We have the Ladies covered too...

Andy:  Even as a Georgia Bulldog fan, I can appreciate the best gumbo in the world… Ok, how did you get hooked up with the folks at Rock The Vote, and can you explain your role/what you do as a performer/music ambassador for the movement?

John: I met Kelly Fogel of RTV through our mutual friend Emile Kelman, who’s a fantastic producer/songwriter that I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot over the years.  It’s been great coming out to some of the RTV events like Rock the Vote and Original Retro Brand’s t-shirt launch during Grammy week.  I’m down to help spread the word however I can – voting means having a say in where the country is headed. That’s important to me.

Andy:  As you know, the Original Retro Brand has a line of Rock The Vote apparel that we’re very proud of.  Can you tell us what you like about our shirts?

John: I particularly love the Rock the Vote sneaker t-shirt, it’s just got a really fresh/retro vibe and meanwhile works as a great reminder to get to the polls come November.

Special thanks to John for his time, and especially for his Music and commitment to Rock The Vote!

Be sure to check out more on John West on his website at http://johnwestsongs.com/, and for more information on Rock The Vote, visit their website at  http://rockthevote.com/

RETRO RANGER.

You think our Flyers fanatic/guest blogger from yesterday, Anthony Coppola, is happy with the way the NHL Playoffs started last night?  Maybe not with how they started, but how they finished! As you probably know by now, the Flyers overcame a 3 goal deficit and sealed the deal in overtime to stun the hometown Pens and their crowd.  WOW. In other opening action, the Kings doubled up on the Canucks, and the Predators edged out the Redwings.

With 4 more games on the slate for tonight, including the Rangers hosting the Ottowa Senators, who better to share some hockey happiness than today’s guest blogger and New York Rangers fanatic (and Devils and Kings and Blackhawks...you’ll see) Marc Goldsmith.  Take it away Marc….

Ah, Spring…. The smell of freshly cut grass, the crack of the bat and the Zamboni.

What?

For me, baseball does not even start until AFTER hockey season ends.  There is simply nothing like the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  Even if my team is not around to lift that majestic Cup, I still am.

I have actually held the Cup… have had the honor to meet Mike Bolt, one of its keepers and guardians.

'BAR'D FROM GAME 7!

I had the pleasure of seeing the Ducks clinch the Cup back in 2007.  I was not a Ducks fan, but there was something almost mystical about watching a team win the Stanley Cup… on home ice… and then hoist it and pass it from player to player.  It was hard not to get swept up in the spirit and joy.

I love the sport so much I follow a few teams, which confuses and confounds a lot of folks, so I find it needs explanation. I started life as a Rangers fan, going to Madison Square Garden to see Gilbert, Duguay, Esposito and the Maloney brothers.  Attending sporting events with my Dad is always a fond memory and 1994 is still one of my favorite years!  The gap to get back has been way too long, but this could be the year… knock on ice…

Then when the Devils moved to New Jersey it was easier to go to the Meadowlands, so as long as they were not playing the Rangers I could cheer for the boys in red and green.  The year was 2003 when I found myself in the parking lot of the Byrne Arena on my way into NYC to meet my brother.  The NJ Transit bus stopped there before heading into Port Authority.  It was Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Anaheim Ducks, and I was so tempted to get off and scalp a ticket.  Man I should have, but I had plans to meet Dan, and so I continued on, where we watched the game in a bar.

MOST ICONIC LOGO IN SPORTS

The next day at the convention center some folks who worked for ESPN said they were at the game.  They told me how amazing it was, and how they had extra tickets they did not know what to do with.  The look I shot my wife could have stopped a charging enforcer.  I had begged her the day before to ask for tickets, but she did not want to.  GAME 7 OF THE STANLEY CUP FINALS… for a team I loved!!!!!  To me that is the ideal sporting event… the dream… and so on my wish list… a Game 7 Stanley Cup Final.

Living in Chicago took me to the old Chicago Stadium and deep into the tradition of Mikita, Hull and the Blackhawks… That logo is one of my favorites and the most iconic out of any sport.

When I moved to LA I needed a local team to follow… and being a hockey lover, I started following the Kings… Easy to do with the likes of Robitaille and Gretzky! Seeing the Rangers sweater still means more to me than any other jersey… but I do know the Kings well, having met a number of players and going to a lot of games.  There is nothing like live hockey.  It is the greatest spectator sport around.

Lord Stanley’s Cup was given for the first time in 1893, and became the championship trophy of the NHL in 1947.  It is this tradition that makes it and the sport so deep and rich.  There is simply no other prize more coveted in all of sports and the respect and love the players show for it, make it the true Holy Grail.

ROBITAILLE & GRETZKY!

Original Retro Brand shows the same respect and detail for all of their NHL gear.  The tees, long sleeve pullovers and hoodies are soft, comfy and classic.  Their hats are perfectly vintage looking.  My only gripe is that I have to buy four different teams… Well, not much of a gripe for me!

The playoffs are upon us… Gear up!

Thanks for the kind words and support Marc.  And now that you’ve explained your sports schizophrenia, it makes perfect sense!

Marc Goldsmith is an actor, writer and true music aficionado.  If you couldn’t tell, he’s also a huge Original Retro Brand fan (he’s got over 65, and counting, ORB shirts in his closet!).  We highly recommend you check out his daily music blog at Marc’s Muse. http://marcsmuse.wordpress.com/

Before I leave today, here’s another deal for you;  Follow us on Twitter and you’ll automatically be sent a 15% OFF discount for all products on our website.  The sale ends at Midnight tonight though, so you better get your follow on!

Flyer FanatiCoppola!

The NHL Playoffs start tonight, and over the next few days we’re going to feature some previews from a few die-hard Original Retro Brand fans who are equally as passionate about their hockey.  First up is Flyers fan Anthony Coppola of Newfield, New Jersey, who currently writes for The Daily Journal in Vineland, NJ.  I think you’ll  enjoy his take on round # 1 (Wonder if he’s pickin’ Philly over the Pens?).  He’s probably not interested in our 50% off Bruins deal, but you might be (See graphic at bottom of post).

Any fan knows there are two seasons in the National Hockey League: The regular season and the playoffs.

With 82 games officially in the books, the real journey begins tonight when the puck drops on the NHL postseason.

Feel free to argue, but there truly is no more grueling championship to claim in all of professional sports than Lord Stanley’s Cup.

In the National Football League, it is possible to have a first-round bye, win two playoff games and you’re in the Super Bowl.

In Major League Baseball, though just four teams qualify for the right to play in the Fall Classic in the American and National leagues, it makes the quest that much shorter.

In the National Basketball Association, it’s a best-of-5 series to open the playoffs before shifting to a best-of-7 series the rest of the way.

Blueshirts get the W.

But in hockey, it takes winning 16 games to rule supreme.  It’s four rounds, and a possible 28 games, of body checks, fights, stitches, lighting the lamp and remarkable saves all for the sake of hoisting the Cup — first awarded in the NHL in 1927.

Hockey fans are a different breed.  They are typically a fanatical group willing to go to great lengths to support their team.  And while I likely won’t be growing a playoff beard this season — some workplaces frown upon that in the employee handbook — you can be sure I will be sporting my Original Retro Brand Philadelphia Flyers t-shirt every second of the way.

Well, I guess you know who I’m rooting for now (it’s ok – we knew!).  But here’s a look at how the rest of the first round of the NHL playoffs could shake out.

Eastern Conference

(8) Ottawa Senators at (1) New York Rangers: The stars have been shining on Broadway all season, but the Senators are one team the Rangers probably didn’t want to see fall to them in the first round.  Ottawa, which finished 26th in the NHL last season, won 3-of-4 games against the Blueshirts this season and should not be short on confidence.  Still, with the second-highest amount of points in the league at 109, the Rangers have to be the favorite here. The pick: Rangers win in 5 games.

(7) Washington Capitals at (2) Boston Bruins: Hard to believe the team with one of the premier talents in the NHL in Alexander Ovechkin nearly missed the playoffs, but so is hockey life in the nation’s capital.  If there is one underdog team with the potential to knock off the defending Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins it’s Washington.  However, as often is the case in the playoffs, goaltending could be the key and the Bruins have one of the best in the business in Tim Thomas.  The pick: Bruins win in 6 games.

(6) New Jersey Devils at (3) Florida Panthers: It seemed the running joke down the stretch was to try everything you can to finish as the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference to secure a date with the lowly Southeast division champion in the first round.  Well, the Devils are that lucky team.  All signs point to New Jersey (102 points) having the upper hand against a Florida (94 points) team making its first playoff appearance in 12 years.  Not many would argue this is the least intriguing matchup of any in the first round. The pick: Devils win in 6 games.

(5) Philadelphia Flyers at (4) Pittsburgh Penguins: For hockey fans in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets, the hatred doesn’t run much deeper than that between the Flyers and Penguins.  For that reason, this series is both a blessing and a curse for hockey fans.  Even as a Flyers fan, I can admit I’m happy for the game to see Sidney Crosby back on the ice.  And as for the Flyers, after the major offseason overhaul to the roster, their 103-point season is better than most could have imagined.  This ought to be fun!  The pick: Flyers win in 7 games.

Western Conference

(8) Los Angeles Kings at (1) Vancouver Canucks: The Kings went from a possible Pacific Division title and No. 3 seed to the No. 8 seed and date with the President’s trophy winning Canucks in a matter of three days to close out the regular season.  That’s not exactly the type of momentum you want to build heading into the playoffs.  As wide open as the Western Conference is, Vancouver established itself as the team with the league’s best record for a reason.  The pick: Canucks win in 6 games.

(7) San Jose Sharks at (2) St. Louis Blues: St. Louis’ Ken Hitchcock for Coach of the Year anyone?  If not, the voters are clearly from the days when wearing helmets were optional.  The Blues are simply one of the better stories in the league this season, but danger could be lurking in the playoff waters.  The Sharks, who are yearly Cup contenders, finally enter a postseason swimming under the radar.  Will the lessened expectations lead to better playoff results?  There may not be a trickier team to gauge in this year’s Cup contending field.  The Sharks will need to solve the Blues’ dynamite goaltending duo first, however.  The pick: Blues win in 7 games.

(6) Chicago Blackhawks at (3) Phoenix Coyotes: If Ken Hitchcock doesn’t win Coach of the Year, the Coyotes’ Dave Tippett damn well better.  No team has to deal with more distractions than Phoenix, which with no owner is forced to operate under the rule of the NHL.  This just seems to be a team with a bit of magic, though.  Journeyman goaltender Mike Smith has been a revelation for Phoenix and will need to continue his stellar play against an offensive-minded Blackhawks team.  Chicago looks to be getting healthy at just the right time to make this a competitive series.  The pick: Blackhawks win in 7 games.

(4) Nashville Predators at (5) Detroit Red Wings: Much like the Flyers and Penguins, ironically also the No. 5 and No. 4 seeds in the Eastern Conference, Nashville and Detroit bring a heated divisional rivalry into their first-round playoff date.  And get this, the Predators may actually hold an advantage against the storied Red Wings franchise this season.  For Nashville, it’s time to live in the now.  The team faces several question marks next year regarding its roster, but has proven it currently has the talent to be considered a legitimate Cup contender.  But can you ever truly count out the Red Wings?  The franchise is set to make its 21st consecutive playoff appearance, but there are concerns — mainly injuries.  Nashville may just be too young and talented for Detroit’s experience to make a difference.  The pick: Predators win in 6 games.

Listen, the NHL playoffs are not a sprint, they’re a marathon.

If you’re lucky enough to have your favorite team competing for the Stanley Cup, take advantage of the situation and show your support by sporting some ORB gear. Few sports carry the history of hockey and the vintage feel of ORB clothes make the two a perfect match.

Good luck to your team and we’ll see you in the second round!

Well said Anthony & thanks for your support & NHL preview! Now here’s the deal on that Bruins shirt –

Different shirt every Wednesday! Follow us on FB, Twitter for details.

You can reach Anthony Coppola via email at antcop20@comcast.net or on Twitter @AVCoppola.  You can also check out a pretty awesome blog in which he is a regular contributor to, in which he discusses another Original Retro Brand favorite – BEER! http://www.snobsofbeer.com/2012/02/22/rogue-ales-hazelnut-brown-nectar/

Last but not least, we have a new ORB Poll on the right which wants you to vote on who will win the cup.  Well, who? —————–>

The Kentucky Wildcats just won the 2012 NCAA Men’s College Basketball Championship, and put a cap on another stellar season in New Orleans this past Monday night.

While one season ends, another has just gotten underway for Major League Baseball this week.  Angels of Anaheim pitcher ( & California native and Pepperdine grad) Dan Haren still has hoops on his mind, as he recently attended a Lakers game with fellow Angels Ace Jered Weaver.  Harren can afford the break, as he’s had an impressive Spring training on the hill.  With recently acquired superstar Albert Pujols on the squad, the Angels are about to take flight.  The Angels home opener is tonight against the Kansas City Royals, and if the aforementioned starting pitcher Jered Weaver has any trouble, you know his Pan Am pal will be there for the save.

HARREN (L) TAKING FLIGHT IN ORB PAN AM SHIRT (Christian Peterson/Getty images)

WELCOME ABOARD FOR A NEW SEASON.

Appears on every garment

Acclaimed actor, author and philanthropist Ashley Judd and the popular Original Retro Brand have joined forces to launch an exclusive vintage inspired clothing line for the famous University of Kentucky grad.  The Original Retro Brand Ashley Judd collection features a variety of women’s fitted premium t-shirt and sweatshirt styles paired with coveted images from authentic vintage University of Kentucky graphics  The collection will be sold at retailers including the University of Kentucky Bookstore, Alumni Hall and Fan Outfitters throughout Kentucky as well as online at www.originalretrobrand.com.

A celebrated actor and die-hard University of Kentucky fan, Ashley Judd has starred in 20 films, both box office hits and critically acclaimed independent films, and on Broadway.  Judd has also been an active advocate of humanitarian efforts throughout her adult life, the passion for which she discovered during her undergraduate years at the University of Kentucky.  While attending college, she majored in French and minored in Anthropology, Art History Theater and Women’s Studies and graduated from UK’s Honors Program.  Ashley is presently starring in “Missing,” a new drama for ABC that premiered this spring.

As a devoted UK fan, Ashley can often be seen in the stands passionately supporting her UK Wildcats and has been a main stay for years during their much hyped March Madness appearances.  She demonstrates in the gym and in her life that her enthusiasm as a UK fan runs deep.

Devoted!

Ashley commented: “I have great passion for UK. It brings back so many wonderful
memories about my life on campus, as well as cherished family stories about generations of my family supporting the Wildcats and higher education.  I am very
excited to be working with Original Retro Brand to launch this special apparel line.  The images are inspired by my impressions from the 1970’s, listening to my grandparents, aunts, and uncles talk about the Big Blue, their wonderful t shirts from that era and UK images around the Commonwealth.  Original Retro Brand has captured exactly what I envisioned for this collection in terms of style and quality celebrating the history and spirit of UK pride.”

Enthusiasm runs deep

“We are thrilled to partner with Ashley to create a collection that will immortalize her love of her college roots and the faithfulness of the Wildcat spirit.  We have always admired Ashley from afar, not only her talents on the big screen but also her unwavering commitment to being a true to heart UK fan.  That kind of alumni love and loyalty is a perfect fit for our brand,” added Marc Herman, owner of The Original Retro Brand.

"Exactly what I envisioned"

About The Original Retro Brand

The Original Retro Brand is a premium, fashion-forward, apparel company that
combines iconic graphics with the comfort of the softest, sexiest, best fitting t-shirt in the world.  The apparel collection is proudly designed and manufactured in the historic Fashion District of Downtown Los Angeles, California and continues to offer the best in quality apparel for fashionistas and sports fans worldwide.  The extensive assortment of sports and pop culture graphics includes licenses with over 300 collegiate institutions, the National Hockey League, Minor League Baseball, Wolfgang’s Vault (Bill Graham’s Rock and Roll poster art), Pabst Brewing Company, Vintage Pepsi and Dr. Pepper.  The Original Retro Brand is carried in over 1,200 U.S. locations at the likes of respected retailers such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, RONROBINSON/Fred Segal and Kitson boutiques.

Ashley on the set of "Good Morning America."

FOR UPDATES ON CONTESTS, FASHION, AND FUN FROM THE ORIGINAL RETRO BRAND,  LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AND FOLLOW US ON TWITTER.

AND tigers?  Ok, Josh Hopkins, who portrays Grayson Ellis on the ABC comedy hit Cougar Town, attended Auburn University so that makes him an Auburn Tiger (War Eagle?), right?  Well, he was born in Lexington, Kentucky FIRST, and all natives of Lexington, Kentucky are born with Big Blue in their veins!

"Kentucky Basketball is getting all the press but Kentucky football gets all the chicks."

While Hopkins has stated for the record that the Kentucky Wildcats are his favorite basketball team, and he will no doubt be cheering the Cats tonight as they go for their 8th NCAA Men’s title, he does have an affinity for Kentucky Football and other things, as noted in a recent tweet above (shirt by Original Retro Brand).

Be sure to check out the website tonight following the big game as we’ll have official 2012 National Championship “Victory” gear available for the winning team.   We know who the cat above is rooting for.…

2.5 NEW REGISTERED VOTERS IN 2008.

An initiative started by Rock The Vote last spring, Democracy Day (www.democracyday.com) is a celebration of Rock the Vote’s Democracy Class and civic education in high schools annually on March 23rd.  Last year, more than 1,000 educators in all 50 states taught their students the importance of voting and registered them to vote with Democracy Class.

The second annual Democracy Day is today, and in honor of it, I had the pleasure of speaking with Rock The Vote’s Marketing Manager, Caitlin Maguire, about her involvement and a whole lot more.

Andy:  What is it about Democracy Class, and Rock The Vote in general, that seems to be so effective in getting young people to register to vote (The statistics are staggeringly positive; 2.5 million filled out a voter registration application through Rock The Vote in 2008)?

Caitlin: Young people are very passionate when it comes to what interests them most.  Rock The Vote’s job is to make politics one of these interests.  We’ve done this by combining politics and music, which many young people are passionate about before we get a hold of them.  By integrating music, politics,and popular culture into programs like Democracy Class, we aim to make politics something interesting and relatable for young people.  We find that when their favorite artists partner with Rock The Vote and speak to young people directly about the importance of their participation, it resonates and helps to turn them out on election Day.  We also make sure to reach out to young people through their usual communication channels like text messaging, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter.

I’ve been with Rock The Vote for just a few short years, and have been fortunate to attend several events including a Democracy Class event at Arletta High School in Los Angeles.  Cali-Swag-District (Teach Me how to Dougie) was on hand to perform and talk to students about the importance of registering to vote.  They also led discussion about issues that matter most to the students.  California Secretary of State Debra Bowen also spoke.  The event was a perfect storm of Pop Culture & Politics as they came together in a positive way, and really excited the students of Arleta High.  Many civic programs have been cut from high schools, so Democracy Class is a great way for educators to bring civics back into their classrooms in an exciting fashion.

Andy: It’s easy to see why you are so successful, and I’m encouraged to see how Rock The Vote has overcome the apathy of younger voters.  Perhaps older folks (my 52 year old self included), should give younger folks more credit?

Caitlin: Absolutely you should!  The enthusiasm and willingness of younger people to get involved has only increased over the years.  You pointed out the high number of young people who registered to vote in 2008, which is a great testament.  Young people are affected by everyday issues too, and the burdens they carry and changes they want to see has caused them to realize the importance of their participation in our political process.

Andy:  I’ve been deservedly put in my place (At least I have heard of Teach Me How To Dougie)! I know you’ve had the opportunity to travel a bit and mingle with other artists.  Can you tell us about any of them, and what about any of the higher profile politicians?

Caitlin: I was lucky enough to hang out with Passion Pit. I love them, so that was just amazing.  Like all of the bands & artists we work with, they were fantastic in accommodating us in every way.  In 2010, they were gracious enough to let a Rock The Vote staffer tour with them as they performed at college campuses.  At each show, the staffer had college students sign a pledge that they would vote in the mid-term elections.  It was really effective and a great reminder for the students to vote on Election Day.

At our Rock the Caucus event in Iowa, I had the opportunity to meet 3 GOP presidential candidates:  Ron Paul, Rick Santorum, Michelle Bachmann, as well as Mitt Romney’s sons. The most memorable part, personally for me, was getting to meet them one-on-one while they waited to go on stage and speak to the seniors at West Des Moines Valley High School.  I was there when the candidates had a rare opportunity to actually relax for a short time, and it was really special and cool to see them without any guards up – No airs.  It was just refreshing to see.

Andy:  Alright, you got me on Passion Pit, but I do know the Republican Candidates!  Not only are you having fun, you are accomplishing great things.  What is it you find most rewarding about your job?

Caitlin: Educating young people about politics and having a hand in helping them to register and turn out for elections is a wonderful reward.  I can be so busy that sometimes I really do need to step back and appreciate the position I’m in of helping my peers everyday.  Being able to work on so many different interesting things like concert promotion, social media, and partnership development has been so eye-opening.  I definitely don’t take it for granted and am really fortunate to have a career that includes my two passions of politics and popular culture.

CAITLIN TRULY COOL AND STYLISH!

Andy:  Well, we’re certainly thankful to you for taking the time to talk with us today, Caitlin.  Before I go however, I have one more question.  The Original Retro Brand is proud to be a partner with Rock The Vote, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on our Rock The Vote line?

Caitlin: It’s been my pleasure to talk with you Andy!  Our team here at Rock the Vote loves The Original Retro Brand/Rock the Vote t-shirt line.  The apparel is truly cool and stylish – something we always look for when we’re being represented.  I think Original Retro Brand’s sensibility is far from boring, and really hits the mark with our audience by delivering cool and funky colors, styles, and graphics.  My Original Retro Brand Rock the Vote shirt is so cool.  I get complements on it wherever I go!

Thanks to Caitlin one more time for joining us today! We also encourage you to go online and find out more about Democracy Day and Rock The Vote! If you’re a big fan of the Original Retro Brand, and want to be featured for an interview,  please forward a picture of yourself wearing Original Retro Brand gear, and a brief description of what you do for a living and/or what you do that you think people might find pretty interesting to ahyman@originalretrobrand.com If we like what we see, you may be contacted for an interview.  We’ll even send you an Original Retro Brand T-Shirt if we decide to post your story!

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