Keynote Speaker

Going Like Sixty

Articles
2,891
Views
24,297,000
Location
Florida
Member Since
Oct 2006
Mark Van Patten is Going Like Sixty.

I'm baby boomer man who turned 60 in late 2007. Boomer born in 1947 for search engine optimization. I retired from the newspaper business July 1, 2011.

Contact me: goinglikesixty(at)gmail(dork)com or @goinglike60. Facebook? Friends and family plan only, you can friend me and depending on my mood, I may take you into my inner-circle. We have a club-card and secret handshake, but no dues.
What is unique that's not in your bio?
I still have lots of hair. On my head.
What's your favorite accomplishment?
Uncle Milton's trust fund.
How do you define cool?
Anything Bianca writes is cool. Anything Jeremy wears is cool. Anything Marissa does is cool. Trend Hunter is cool. Therefore, I am cool. Next question?
What is your secret to uncovering trends?
RSS feeds. I use Google Feed Reader which allows feeds to be sorted into folders. I can filter the feeds into different folders and prioritize how and when I read the feeds. I use the keyboard short cut to buzz through the feeds very quickly. Because of this I hate truncated RSS feeds. I still have a few in my reader, but only because they have proved themselves to be valuable resources. I subscribe to a handful email blasts from good sources.
What do you enjoy most about Trend Hunter?
Being able to be conversational about a huge variety of topics. Often I will find myself holding back just a little because someone is excited that they made a "discovery" that had been covered by Trend Hunter a week before. At my age, it can be a challenge to keep up, but Trend Hunter keeps me ahead.
What is your favorite trend?
Luxury. Cars, yachts, architecture, real or conceptual.
What are your tips for writing a juicy post?
Keywords. Sometimes it's awkward to get a keyword in the post as often as Google likes. But keywords can grab monumental traffic if used properly. Jeremy and Bianca taught me that the right keyword used throughout a post is worth the effort. Otherwise, I just go with whatever impressions I have first. I think if I analyzed my posts, I probably have three forms: Conversational; write like you are telling someone what you just found. Factual; straight up about the trend and it's impact. Off-the-wall whacky: sometimes you just get feeling goofy and it's fun to write a post that reflects your feelings at the time.
How do you reset to be creative?
I write more. I have five blogs and I love to comment on other blogs and participate on the Trend Hunter Wall. I read more. Looking at other writing styles is a good kick start. As a last resort, I eat M & M's in their intended order: Red, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Green and Blue.
What inspires or excites you?
Inside information. And... Going Like Sixty
Predict something awesome for 2020?
Favorable: Most televisions are gone, replaced by Pico projectors in phones that are mass market affordable. Unfavorable: Digital divide will have widened because of government interference.
Multi-Lingual Social Media
Multi-Lingual Social Media
Mybabilon.com Crashes Language Barriers
While Facebook is dominating social media news with its stock offering, an inventive company in Costa Rica has put a new twist to social media. MyBabilon.com has a feature that breaks down the... MORE
Silky Fair Frocks
Silky Fair Frocks
Shabby Apple Boutique Releases Green Leaf Line Using Vintage-Inspired Photos
Shabby Apple makes custom, one-of-a-kind dresses that have been creatively designed and beautifully executed. Green Leaf is the new line of 100% silk hand-crafted dresses that achieve the highest standard… MORE
Plus Size Magazine Covers
Plus Size Magazine Covers
The Vogue Italia Full-Figured Cover is a Welcome Surprise
The latest issue of Vogue Italy features plus-sized models on the cover. Tara Lynn, Candice Huffine and Robyn Lawley are a part of the June issue cover story and the lovely full-figured ladies were photographed… MORE
Badass Frankfurter Grillers
Badass Frankfurter Grillers
The Cthulhu Weenie Roaster is the Ultimate Skull-Shaped Hot Dog Cooker
This skull-like hot dog griller is called the Cthulhu Weenie Roaster. Cthulhu is supposed to strike fear into mere mortals. It is the one of the diabolical figures from Lovecraft Mythos. Why the giant… MORE
Upcycled Steampunk Lamps
Upcycled Steampunk Lamps
Gilles Eichenbaum Uses Vintage Rejects for Light Fixtures
It's time to revisit Gilles Eichenbaum who first made an appearance back in 2009. Eichenbaum has continued his craft and art of transforming vintage junk into steampunk lighting fixtures. Eichenbaum toiled… MORE
Brilliant Blooming Lamps
Brilliant Blooming Lamps
The Modular 'Blossom Light' by Ewa Sendecka Features LED Systems
Polish designer Ewa Sendecka uses LED systems and a modular design to create a beautiful brilliant light design she calls the Blossom Light. Using the same materials that are designed to hold up microphones,… MORE
Simplified Health Symbols
Simplified Health Symbols
The USDA MyPlate Graphic Replaces Ancient Food Pyramid
I never paid much attention to the USDA Food Pyramid to encourage me to eat healthy, but MyPlate might change that. Who could figure out all those different levels? Did the big bottom mean I could eat… MORE
Iconic Marketing Celebrations
Iconic Marketing Celebrations
The Louis Vuitton 'Voyages' Show at the National Museum of China
The Louis Vuitton 'Voyages' show has the iconic brand going to a land where it has ventured before: The National Museum of China. The French fashion behemoth, known for its luxury, is moving to the east… MORE
Eerily Fantastical Prints
Eerily Fantastical Prints
The Corey Helford Gallery's Awe-Inspiring Flight and Fable Series
Three female artists will be doing a show at the Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City, California, titled Flight and Fable. These fantastical works are a showing of figures, animals and fantastical scenes.… MORE
Faded Beauty Photography
Faded Beauty Photography
Shane Woodward Makes Soft-Focus Photos Look Sharp
Photographer Shane Woodward takes inspiration for his unusual photographic stylings from his love of old movies. The Texas-born photographer got his start just five years ago after his sister gave him… MORE
Illusory Staircases
Illusory Staircases
Interior Design Blog Features Stupendous Stairways That Command Attention
This collection of staircases will make readers wish they had a second level to their home or office. Perhaps adventurous interior designer will add a stairway to nowhere as just a design element. These… MORE
Bike Booze-Carriers
Bike Booze-Carriers
The Bicycle Wine Rack by Oopsmark Has a Steampunk Aesthetic
Oopsmark is a steampunk designer who loves to work in leather. Apparently, Oopsmark also loves the fermented juice of the grape because he has made a leather bicycle wine carrier. This is a great Father's… MORE
Culinary Fashion Films
Culinary Fashion Films
Retro Pizza-Making in Precious by Monica Menez for Willems Wonderglasses
Monica Menez made a sexy, spectacular lookbook in her latest fashion film called Precious. The short film features a retro-styled model making pizza in an sensuous way. Shot in lovely lighting with fantastic… MORE
Celebrity-Studded Gaming
Celebrity-Studded Gaming
The New Black Ops Characters are Causing Commotion in the Gaming World
Black Ops gamers will love the new Activision and Treyarch levels for Call of Duty: Black Ops. The new zombie level for Call of Duty: Black Ops is mind-blowing, especially with the addition of some awesome… MORE
Psychedelic Swimwear
Psychedelic Swimwear
Agua Bendita Releases Avant-Garde Bikinis for Summer 2011
The Aqua Bendita Swimwear collection for 2011 features a psychedelic splash of vibrant colors. Despite the limitations of the skimpy bikini, Victoria's Secret model Candice Swanepoel and top Israeli model… MORE
iPod-Enhanced Surgery
iPod-Enhanced Surgery
A Breakthrough Concept for Navigating Around Knees and Hips
Remember iPods? Seems that the "old" technology of yesterday has a new life as a medical devide. Not sure that I would want my orthopedic surgeon using an iPod to navigate around my joints in surgery,… MORE
Trashy-Chic Photograhy
Trashy-Chic Photograhy
The Danil Golovkin Garbage Reign Photo Shoot Celebrates Royalty
Danil Golovkin has mashed up fashion, photography and what some would argue fine arts for this photo shoot called Garbage Reign. Is it a coincidence that just a week before the royal wedding, Golovkin… MORE
$6,400 Luxury Toilets
$6,400 Luxury Toilets
The Over-the-Top Kohler Numi Bidet Toilet is a Palatial Place to Poop
If your bum deserves the best (or your poop doesn't stink), you are ready for the Kohler Numi, an ultra-luxurious toilet-bidet with its own footwarmer and built-in music system. The heated seat rises and… MORE
Aging Eye Celeb Blogs
Aging Eye Celeb Blogs
The Chicks With Steve Buscemi Eyes Tumblr Site is Hilarious and Odd
This Chicks With Steve Buscemi Eyes Tumblr site presents a number of celebrities donning the eyes of the iconic star Steve Buscemi. These mash-up photographs will definitely make you look twice as it… MORE
Elected Comic Book Characters
Elected Comic Book Characters
The Governator is a Comic Book Featuring Schwarzenegger
Some say Arnold Schwarzenegger has always been cartoonish. From his early days as an outrageous body builder to his movie roles as a cyborg terminator—and even some would argue—as governor of California.… MORE
Exploding Cakes
Exploding Cakes
Turn Up the Volume is the Latest Wicked Video for Autoerotique
My friend and Trend Hunter 'Cowbag,' aka Emmylou Cakehead of Cakehead Loves Evil, should have made this video for the band Autoerotique. It is done in a manner that is so her style. Alas, the exploding… MORE
Iconic Toy Mashups
Iconic Toy Mashups
These Star Wars Rubber Duckies Bring Kids Fun in the Bathtub
Duck Fader, Pondtrooper, Luke Pondwalker and Princess Layer are ready to do battle for control of your bathtub. These hilarious Star Wars rubber duckies have water-activated LEDs that flash various colors… MORE
Designer Period Protection
Designer Period Protection
Kotex Hires Patricia Field to Create Pretty Pads
Kotex is breaking out of the traditional feminine sanitary napkin advertising mold. They have hired famous designer Patricia Field to create a series of pads that they are calling “haute.” I’ll wait for… MORE
Monstrous Knit Designs
Monstrous Knit Designs
Badass Needler Tracy Widdess is Skilled at Brutal Knitting
Tracy Widdess is a monster knitter. Focus on her sci-fi based Tumblr blog and you will see the depths of depravity and despair applied to her custom knitted headgear. It will blow your mind. Widdess… MORE
Wearable Portable Shelter
Wearable Portable Shelter
The Lullatic Portable Home is a Haute Life-Saving Apparel
The Lullatic Portable Home is the perfect mix between fashion and necessity. Three Middlesex University students, Franziska Lusser, Hanna Nielsen, and Luca Romanyi, obviously were out too late one night… MORE
Brainwave Music Composition
Brainwave Music Composition
Eduardo Miranda's EEG System Aims to Revolutionize Musicianship
Beethoven was deaf when he composed his greatest works; with this EEG system by Eduardo Miranda of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Computer Music Research at the University of Plymouth, the next great… MORE
Marshallmallow  Chick Marketing
Marshallmallow Chick Marketing
Peepster Uses a Modified Volkswagen to Promote Sugary Sweetness
If you live east of the Mississippi, there is a chance for you to catch a glimpse of the Peepster. The genius idea is from Just Born, the company that produces the iconic Easter candy Peeps. The Peepster… MORE
Delectable Dessert Furniture
Delectable Dessert Furniture
Kibiljo's Milan Design Week 2011 Creations are Simply Sweet
Kabiljo, a Viennese designer house, created two odd signature furniture pieces at Milan Design Week 2011, both looking good enough to eat. The first is called the 'Let them Sit Cake,' featuring multiple… MORE
Macho Museum Ads
Macho Museum Ads
Historically Hardcore is a Mash-Up of Pop Culture and Dead Guys
Three art school project posters are making the rounds of the design blogs as a series of ads for the Smithsonian Museum, but there is one problem--the immensely creative and well-executed Historically… MORE
Mechanical Cyborg Arms
Mechanical Cyborg Arms
Revolutionary Equipois Exoskelton Limb Makes Gun Shows Obsolete
Forget juicing up to build the biceps for an impressive gun show--with the world's first exoskeleton arm, pumping iron gets a cyborg assist. The x-Ar from Equipois will be on the market to help give "dynamic… MORE
Social Media Stock Pickers
Social Media Stock Pickers
Study Proves That Twitter and Facebook Correlate to Market Performance
When you tweet, Wall Street listens. When you Like, Wall Street is watching and aggregates your likes to determine a brand popularity and indicate future stock prices. Using social media to predict a stock… MORE
Pop-Up Portable Coffee Shops
Pop-Up Portable Coffee Shops
The Nescafe Nomadic Cafe Center Gives You Your Caffeine Kick Anywhere
The Nescafe Nomadic Cafe Center is a concept by Australian designer Bobby Lowe, who decided to merge an urban coffee center and a retro travel trailer into one through this design. Created in hopes to… MORE
Pacman Rears
Pacman Rears
Bizarre Lower Back Tattoos that Take a Crack at Creativity
Tattoos on the lower back were made popular in the late 90’s with young women originally sporting the look. Now lower back tattoos, aka “tramp stamps,” are being seen everywhere—even some guys… MORE
Innappropriate Dessert Branding
Innappropriate Dessert Branding
The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck Roams NYC
The Big Gay Ice Cream Truck wants to replace your Mr. Softee craving. Hoping that NYC gays and lesbians have good humor, Doug Quint, a bassoon blower (phallic enough?) is driving around the Big Apple in… MORE
Bottle-Stopper Laxatives
Bottle-Stopper Laxatives
Italian Dulcolax Ad Proves They Can Uncork Anything
This Italian campaign for Dulcolax uses popped corks to prove their laxatives can help you when you are all stopped up. The ad from Saatchi & Saatchi, Milan, Italy is just too clever for me. Seems like… MORE
Future Car Exoskeletons
Future Car Exoskeletons
Recycled Aluminum 'Stauro' Vehicle Runs on Oranges
Taylor Welden led an experienced seven-person team to design the “Stauro” city vehicle. The frame of the car, which cane be seen in the gallery here, is part of the design. Made from 100% recycled… MORE

Featured Ideas

Crowdsourcing Airline Fees
Crowdsourcing Airline Fees
Ryanair Will Pay €1,000 for the Best New Fee
Ryanair--the airline that came up with the “Pay to Pee” concept--isn’t finished cutting costs and creating fees, but they may have run out of ideas. Ryanair is now offering €1,000 to anyone who can submit… MORE
Cult Classic Movie Remakes
Cult Classic Movie Remakes
The Rocky Horror Picture Show by MTV
Lets do the Time Warp again? Do you remember the dance steps? ALL the lyrics? Perhaps "the" cult classic movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, is being remade by MTV. Most people consider the musical… MORE
Delectable Dessert Furniture
Delectable Dessert Furniture
Kibiljo's Milan Design Week 2011 Creations are Simply Sweet
Kabiljo, a Viennese designer house, created two odd signature furniture pieces at Milan Design Week 2011, both looking good enough to eat. The first is called the 'Let them Sit Cake,' featuring multiple… MORE
Red Carpet Makeup Tricks
Red Carpet Makeup Tricks
The Faces of the Emmy Awards
Hey, those Emmy Award dresses had faces too. However, standing in the harsh glare of natural sunlight, some of those faces probably wanted to hurry inside to bask in the warmth of face-friendly low lighting.… MORE
TV Shows That Make You Fat
TV Shows That Make You Fat
Study: Crime Shows Cause Weight Gain
The U.S. is getting fatter and now a study indicates crime television may be a big, fat, contribution to overeating. ‘Law and Order,’ all the CSI’s, ‘Cold Case,’ ‘The Closer,’ and all of… MORE
Helium Lamps
Helium Lamps
Lighten Your Loft (and Your Wallet)
Spice up your loft with real helium balloon lights. The floating height is adjustable. One model is corded, the other is run by batteries. The Helium Balloon Lights will also lighten your bank account… MORE
Toyota Inpired by Star Wars?
Toyota Inpired by Star Wars?
Personal Relaxation Seat
You can't look at the Personal Relaxation Chair without thinking Darth Vader. Toyota Boshoku employees displayed the concept of putting a big old bubble on your head to relax at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show… MORE
Beer Fests Boost Condom Sales
Beer Fests Boost Condom Sales
1.5 Million Durex Sold During Oktoberfest
Put six million beer drinkers in close proximity to young women serving armloads of brewski while wearing revealing costumes, and what do you sell a lot of? Condoms. Did I mention it was chilly so everybody… MORE
Street Grooves Make Tunes at Right Speed
Street Grooves Make Tunes at Right Speed
Japanese Music Road
The thing about trends? Some you either love or hate. You decide what you think of Music Road. When you drive down this Japanese highway at the proper speed (which happens to be about 25 mph). Grooves… MORE
Goth Anime Fashion
Goth Anime Fashion
The "Lolita" Look
Lolitas are young men and women who are embracing the styles of the Addams Family. A photographer first noticed Lolitas at a small comic book convention, but now the style has spread, and it's even been… MORE
Temporary Phone Numbers (UPDATE)
Temporary Phone Numbers (UPDATE)
New Features and Brand for Craigsnumber
In May 2006, Trend Hunter featured Safe Talk temporary phone numbers for dating. Not too long after, Craigsnumber was in the game. The service must be doing well as Craigslist has upped their investment,… MORE
Ash Tray Glass
Ash Tray Glass
Holds Smoke & A Drink
Smokin' and drinkin' - there's a lot of that going on. Smokers will find it easier to handle their cigarette and drink in the same hand, leaving the other free for whatever. Even if you don't smoke, trying… MORE
Gilded Wall Tiles
Gilded Wall Tiles
Gold and Platinum Textured 'Feel' Tiles From Cris Design
How about some indulgence for your walls? Cris Design has a luxury Italian tile collection that will have guests dying to feel the texture as well as eyeballing the rich colors. Their 'Feel' tiles are… MORE
Trekker Modelmania
Trekker Modelmania
Sampling of Lego Star Trek Ships and Sci-Fi Transportation
What do Trekkers (just learned that is the preferred title of Star Trek fans) do between episodes of Star Trek or new movies? They play with Lego blocks. But they play with Lego blocks and make Star Trek… MORE