Because I have to post this useless information somewhere!
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
31 Days of Halloween: Day 29 - Johnson Smith Halloween Record
From SCARSTUFF
A parallel universe alliance between Eerie Publications and the 1973 Johnson-Smith Novelty Company "Horror Record."
A parallel universe alliance between Eerie Publications and the 1973 Johnson-Smith Novelty Company "Horror Record."
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
31 Days of Halloween: Day 12 - Spook Show
Vance Capley has created an AMAZING show much like The Hypnotic Eye, combining movie clips, classic commercials and various other cool stuff! Perfect for Halloween viewing!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
31 Days of Halloween: Day 11 - Milton the Monster
I discovered this gem of a cartoon in my early video trading days. My roommate Randy told me about this bizarre little cartoon he was looking for called Milton the Monster. He described it as Frankenstein meets Gomer Pyle in cartoon form, he hit the nail on the head (or lack there of;-) Anyways Milton was a Frankenstein-looking monster, a smiling, good-natured fellow, thanks to the Professor using too much "tincture of tenderness" as explained in the opening theme. Milton had a hollow head which emitted puffs white steam depending in his mood. Created by mad scientist Professor Montgomery Weirdo and his assistant Count Kook, they lived in a haunted house on Horror Hill, along with fellow monsters Heebie - a skull-faced, top hat-wearing zombie with a Peter Lorre voice, and Jeebie - a slow-witted, cyclopian, hairy green creature with a single sharp tooth that was often used to open soda cans. Professor Weirdo's nemesis was Professor Fruitcake, another mad scientist who lived in a castle on an opposite hill. Professor Fruitcake's major creation was Zelda the Zombie. Other characters in the series included Fangenstein, a biker monster apparently inspired by Marlon Brando, his sidekick, Abercrombie the Zombie and Professor Weirdo's aunt, the witchy Aunt Hagatha.If you haven't seen this before it's well worth checking out, ESPECIALLY if you are a fan of 60's animation and satire. The show is available on DVD, and here's a sample:
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
31 days of Halloween: Day 9 - Monster Cereals
I remember driving my parents CRAZY when I got one of these!
I remember seeing one of these commercials one day and thinking to myself (at the age of 7) why can't Franken Berry, Count Chocula and Boo Berry stop the fighting, join forces and create a new cereal.
General Mills MUST have been reading my mind because a year later they came out with Fruit Brute!
I remember seeing one of these commercials one day and thinking to myself (at the age of 7) why can't Franken Berry, Count Chocula and Boo Berry stop the fighting, join forces and create a new cereal.
General Mills MUST have been reading my mind because a year later they came out with Fruit Brute!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
From the "Did that really exist, or was that just my imagination" department.
One of those shows you think you just made up in your mind because the concept is so ridiculous, only to find out it DID exist!
Friday, October 7, 2011
31 Days of Halloween: Day 6 - Burger Chef
Anyone remember getting the Monster Records every year at Burger Chef???
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
31 Days of Halloween: Day 5 - Shopping for Costumes
Woolworth Woolco Halloween Commercial from 1978 featuring Spider-man, Wonder Woman, The Incredible Hulk, Star Wars, Superman and Batman!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
31 Days of Halloween: Day 4 - Halloween (the band)
Halloween is one of the newer French Progressive Rock bands. Influenced by H.P. Lovecraft stories, their musical influences are varied including everything from classical to KING CRIMSON, U.K., VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR and early MARILLION. For the most part, however, the music sounds original, often being very atmospheric in nature rather than solos against a backdrop of instrumentation. There is some excellent, contemporary guitar playing, as well as excellent keyboard work, vociferous violin, and tasteful bass. These guys are the PERFECT fusion of classical and rock (or the PERFECT band PERIOD my wife calls them:-) WEBSITE
"Iron Micky" from Laz (1990)
Halloween "Le Conseil des Demons" From Merlin (1994)
Monday, October 3, 2011
31 Days of Halloween: Day 3 - Ghoul a Go-Go
The Underworld's Hippest Show! Ghoul A Go-Go is a Monster Musical Kiddie TV Show featuring live rock n' roll, twisting tots, movies, monsters, and mayhem!!!
Lux Interior of The Cramps called it: "The only decent thing left on the %@&* dial!"
Fred Schneider of The B-52's said "I love Ghoul A Go-Go! They're bringing those kids up right!"
So GO! GO! GO! To GHOUL A GO-GO!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Saturday, October 1, 2011
31 Days of Halloween: Day 1 - Collegeville Halloween Costumes 1978
For the next 31 days I'll be posting something cool to countdown (what I think) is the coolest day of the year. We'll start off with the obvious, Halloween costumes! It seems like companies like Been Cooper and Collegeville were always quick to attempt to cash in on the latest "pop culture fad" and boy, some of these are a stretch!
Via PLAID STALLIONS
Via PLAID STALLIONS
SERIOUSLY?!?! THE DEEP?!?!
Friday, September 30, 2011
The Belated Remembering of Kevin McCarthy
One of the purposes of this blog is to post some of the goofy stories of people I have encountered over the years. Since I just started this blog, I never had a chance to share my story of Kevin McCarthy when he sadly passed away last year. In the late 90's I owned a mail order company that specialized in commercially released TV shows on video called "Don't Touch That Dial". We were one of the first internet web stores of it's kind, carrying stuff from the major studios, like Star Trek, Cheers & I Dream of Jeannie, but we also carried stock from smaller labels like classic commercial compilations and 50's TV shows. We would frequently have tables at various science fiction and Hollywood autograph collectors shows. One such show was Ray Court's Hollywood Collector's show. These are shows that featured TV and Movie memorabilia dealers as well as Hollywood stars who would talk with fans, sign autographs and sell merchandise. Ray started doing shows in Chicago so we'd get a table, and usually wound up next to some type of celebrity. One year we ended up next to Kevin McCarthy on one side of us and one of the stars from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on the other (to keep it simple I won't mention any names). We got set up, the Willy Wonka guy arrives, pictures on his table on the other side of us, neatly organized in nice, straight stacks with a sign stating "all pictures signed $40". A bit steep for a guy who only played a bit part in the film. Kevin arrives sharply at 9:57 (show opened at 10) carrying a suitcase direct from the 1940's, with photos bulging out of the sides of the thing like they were crammed in there last minute. Kevin opens the suitcase and dumps everything on the table in one big massive pile, turns to me and gives me a smile "How ya doin'? Okay let's get started!" Just like the crazy, fun uncle all the kids love, but the parents don't like because they think such behavior is a "bad influence" on the kids! Throughout the day Kevin has a HUGE line, greeting fans, signing photos and talking up a storm. Meanwhile Willy Wonka-boy has 1 or 2 people at the most. Throughout the weekend I get the chance to talk to Kevin about everything from 50's pulp magazines, cookware (I'm NOT kidding) to some of the roles he played and many of the GREAT people, and assholes he has had to work with throughout the years. Many of the celebrities of the shows are collecting piles of cash, however I never noticed Kevin taking even a dollar, much to the chagrin of "Willy Wonka Boy" who took in very little. Sunday rolls around near the end of the show and I decided to get a autograph photo from Kevin. I asked him if he has any Invasion of the Body Snatchers photos (I know, dump question). He dives in this HUGE mountain of pictures on his table, pulls out one and signs it. Before I could even thank him Kevin snatches it from my hands and exclaims "Fuck that, that's an AWFUL picture!" rips it up, pulls out another one and does the same. "Shit! That one sucks too! HERE!" This goes on about 4 or 5 times when he finally settles on one he is satisfied with. I ask him how much for the picture, he replies "No charge, it's yours!" I asked how much he made during the weekend, he replied "About 10 bucks, that's because the woman ran off before I could give her the money back!". It was then I realized Kevin was having the time of his life that weekend! Just then Willy Wonka boy whined "Well I've been here all weekend and haven't made shit!" to which Kevin quipped back using the PERFECT Victor Eugene Scrimshaw voice and smiling "Well some of us don't do it for the money ya know!" It was then I realized many of these people DO do it for the money, however some do realize that there are many people out there, who REALLY appreciate the work they have done throughout the years, and sometimes they just like to do things, not for the money, but for that gentle reminder.
The Weekend Is Here...
Had a few Star Wars conversations at work today and ran across this. Have a safe weekend!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Paul Lynde Does The Weather in Toledo 1978!
I've posted this a few times on Facebook, this is HYSTERICAL! Thanks to Ray Glasser for posting it!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Los Tiki Phantoms - SURF GUITAR ULTIMATE!
LOS TIKI PHANTOMS FROM SPAIN!
LOVE, LOVE LOVE THESE GUYS!
WATCH THE VIDEO AND GO TO THEIR WEBSITE! GO! GO! GO
Not Surprising Dept.-Peter Gabriel: Possibility of Genesis Reunion Is Slim
Peter Gabriel is a man who does things on his own schedule. He's only released three studio albums of new material since 1982's Peter Gabriel IV, and he's resisted the immense pressure to reunite with Genesis for a brief (and highly lucrative) reunion tour. He did call a band meeting in 2005 to talk about it, but quickly changed his mind. Two weeks ago we sat down with Gabriel to talk about his new LP New Blood, but we couldn't resist grilling him about Genesis.
Full article at ROLLING STONE
Full article at ROLLING STONE
BBC 3 Cancells Doctor Who Confidential
BBC announced today that they are cancelling their Doctor Who "making of" companion series Doctor Who Confidential. As it's unfortunate, I have to admit I haven't been watching it the past couple of years since it expanded to 45-minute episodes (when you could have covered everything in 15 to 30) Many are asking "Is Doctor Who next?" I doubt it. It's been going great for BBC, especially since it's getting so much recognition here in the states. However only time will tell.
Via BBC Website
Via BBC Website
T.H.E. CAT HAS ARRIVED!
The painting I've wanted for the past 20+ years has finally arrived thanks to El Gato Gomez! Be sure to check out her website and E-Bay auctions at El Gato Gomez Arts.
Meanwhile my new acquisition is settling in quite nicely in my office until it gets framed.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Happy Birthday Zacherley & the Art of the Horror Host
Here's a GREAT montage of some of the hosts from local TV stations:
Here's an interview with Zacherley on The Mike Douglas Show from 1975:
Thankfully Zacherley is still very active, having hosted a special Chiller episode in 2008 and still attends horror conventions on the east coast. Happy Birthday to the "Cool Ghoul" Zacherley!
Okay, This is Beyond AWESOME!!!
...Starting off with Shatner singing Iron Man ain't a bad way to kick off the morning. Our good friend Bill is set to release his new album "Seeking Major Tom" is due out next month. The album with consist of cover tunes including his infamous "Rocket Man" as well as covers of Iron Man (Black Sabbath) Learning to Fly (Pink Floyd), She Blinded Me with Science (Thomas Dolby) and Planet Earth (Duran Duran). However the real kicker for this thing will be the guest musicians which include Peter Frampton, Richie Blackmore (Deep Purple/Rainbow), Alan Parsons (Alan Parsons Project), John Wetton (King Crimson/UK/Asia), Johnny Winter, Patrick Moraz (Yes/Moody Blues), Michael Schenker (UFO/Scorpions), Steve Hillage (Gong), Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream), Dave Davies (The Kinks) & Steve Howe (Yes/GTR/Asia)...WHEW!
More info on the album is HERE
Here's some footage of Bill singing Iron Man!
More info on the album is HERE
Here's some footage of Bill singing Iron Man!
Monday, September 26, 2011
When Pigs Fly!
From pinkfloyd.com:
London commuters were bemused this morning when, as promised, a new pig was floated above Battersea Power Station to mark the launch of the 'Why Pink Floyd?' campaign of 2011 remasters and collectors' editions. The Animals sleeve was recreated with the 2011 version of 'Algie' (the original has been put out to pasture) successfully inflated under grey skies, to amaze and astound passers by.
London commuters were bemused this morning when, as promised, a new pig was floated above Battersea Power Station to mark the launch of the 'Why Pink Floyd?' campaign of 2011 remasters and collectors' editions. The Animals sleeve was recreated with the 2011 version of 'Algie' (the original has been put out to pasture) successfully inflated under grey skies, to amaze and astound passers by.
Monster Cereals Are Back (sort of)
Visiting the grocery shelves I was delighted (and horror-fied) to see my childhood friends FRANKEN BERRY, COUNT CHOCULA and BOO-BERRY back on the store shelves in time for the Halloween season. Naturally everything has to be "redesigned" and "new". Now I don't expect to see the original packaging as I remember (though with all of the retro revivals among grocery items it would be possible) but I didn't expect to see this:
And here's a couple for extra credit. Fruit Brute was VERY limited (only lasted about a year) however I've seen original empty boxes sell on E-Bay for over $1,000!!
Mrs. Atomic mentioned the new design, Franken-Berry now looks like a baby. I gotta agree!
Boo-Berry even looks WORSE! He looks...well like...some sort of blob thing instead of a ghost.
Chocula is the least ruined (he still looks like a baby. Okay maybe a 1 year-old with his first tooth)
Here's the classics as we remember them:
And here's a couple for extra credit. Fruit Brute was VERY limited (only lasted about a year) however I've seen original empty boxes sell on E-Bay for over $1,000!!
Yummy Mummy came out in the 80's but didn't last long either.
Here's one last Halloween treat.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
THE BEST TOY COMPANY THAT NEVER EXISTED!
I LOVE this site! Gobler Toys was a (sadly fictitious) toy manufacturer in the 60's and brought kids classic toys like Senior Sandwich, Kiki the Fashion Tiki and the Wiener Works Home Hot Dog Maker (you make hot dogs at home using table scraps and the Meat Maker Mix) Shame it's all fake:-(
WIENER WORKS COMMERCIAL
THE STAR WARS TOYS THAT NEVER WERE
HALLOWEEN IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
My good friend Butch Patrick has a website dedicated to my ALL TIME favorite sitcom, THE MUSTERS
THE HYPNOTIC EYE!
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Finally got around to this place!
T.H.E. CAT
I always thought one of the coolest “lost” shows of the late 60’s was T.H.E. CAT. It was the story of Thomas Hewitt Edward Cat, a former circus performer/cat burglar who started working as a “bodyguard” for hire. It starred Robert Loggia, who went on to star in Independence Day, Big, Jagged Edge and countless other movie and TV roles. I’m always a sucker for these types of shows/movies, especially heist plots from the 60’s, and this series was no exception. I also liked the fact it was a 30 minute drama (which was a little more common for the time, which you almost NEVER see these days.) so it really “cuts to the chase” in terms of action, plot and moving the story along. Another thing I found interesting is it’s rarity. Sadly, it lasted only one season on NBC and It’s never been officially released on DVD, VHS or even widely rerun on television (a local station in Canada, CKVR is the ONLY station that I know of that ever re-ran the series in the early 80’s). I’ve seen it many times under people’s “want” section of their video lists and has quite a cult following. I was shocked watching an interview with Robert Loggia on The Tonight Show when he brought up the series, impressed it has such a ”cult” following with fans exchanging episodes video tape. However the BEST thing about the series was the opening title sequence. I’ve mentioned the series to several people including SHAG, who I was CERTAIN was, at least partially influenced by it, only to be shocked that they had never seen it before! (SHAG thought it was the COOLEST after I showed it to him on the iphone;-) Recently I discovered the artist El Gato Gomez who again, has a similar style but has never seen the series before! I always thought it would be GREAT to find a painting of the opening titles (fat chance of that) however after showing the title sequence to El Gato, I’m having her do one! Anyways here is the title sequence:
Please fasten your safesy belts and put your tray tables in the upright position!
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