My Yard Sales Finds from June 2023!

Hey everybody, I made a video! It's like I'm in the 21st century or something!

It's all about the stuff I bought at a neighborhood yard sale. Enjoy!

Kids Are People Too

My offering for you today is the late 70s/early 80s children's TV series Kids Are People Too.

Kids Are People Too was a variety series aimed at preteens and teens that ran on ABC Sunday mornings from 1978 to 1982. It was a revamped version of a previous series called Wonderama, which aired locally in New York City and was aimed at younger children. The revamped version featured celebrity interviews as well as discussions of serious topics with noted experts on topics in the interest of teens. The show also featured musical performances.

Below are segments featuring some of the biggest celebrities of the time, such as Ron Howard, KISS, Mark Hamill, Debbie Harry, and Brooke Shields. The final clip features the end credits and a promo for the next week's show, including Stan Lee as a guest (a segment I remember watching as a kid and was hoping to showcase here, but I can't find it). 

The show reappeared for the 1986-87 season in syndication, but went back into obscurity after that.

Enjoy!

List O' Links Star Wars 40th Anniversary Edition!

Welcome to Memorial Day Weekend! Enjoy it, use it to kick off your summer celebrations, and remember to keep in your thoughts the fallen men and women who died in wars past and present.

Yesterday was the 40th anniversary of the release of the first Star Wars film. To celebrate, here is a Star Wars-only edition of List O' Links to peruse while you make the Kessel run in 14 parsecs!

Star Wars.com, the official Star Wars Web site, has an entire hub dedicated to several anniversary-related articles. Check them out!

The gang at the Nerd Lunch podcast did several great episodes regarding the entire Star Wars franchise. Do give them a listen!

If you're not familiar with the conceptual artwork of Ralph McQuarrie, you're in for a treat. His Star Wars work is beautiful and has been collected in book form. Read all about it!

Finally, if you love the music of Star Wars--and surely, you do--but always wanted to hear it played metal-style, look no further! Galactic Empire is a great band that performs all your Star Wars favorites in full headbanging fashion. They're playing my hometown of Philly next weekend. See if they're coming to your town!

Have a great holiday weekend! May the Force be with you!

Happy Mexican Star Wars Day!

I've been trying to make this a thing for years with no luck.

Random Images of Awesomeness Part 3

It's been a really long time since I've done a Random Images of Awesomeness post (over two years in fact), and since I've amassed quite a collection of rad images since then, it's high time I displayed some accordingly. Without further comment, here are some pleasing images for the eyes. Artist credits are given when known. Enjoy!

Jaws by Scott Lava

Masters of the Universe by JP Valderrama

Wonder Woman by Kris Anka

For more cool images, follow my Tumblr site here. Thanks!

List O' Links for Friday, April 24th, 2015

Why is it so chilly this late in April? I guess it's best to stay inside where it's warm and catch up on these great Internet links!

Did you enjoy Marvel's Daredevil TV series on Netflix this month? I certainly did. Here is a list of all the great Marvel Easter eggs to be found in the series as well as hints of what's to come in the future for the Netflix corner of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Be careful: spoilers abound!

In another direction, DC Comics announced a new line of multimedia products for girls aged 6 to 12 years spotlighting some of the great female characters of the DC universe. As the father of a young girl who loves superheroes, I couldn't be happier about this!

Speaking of DC, the first official Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice trailer was released this month. Here's a fan's take on the trailer featuring the incarnations of the characters as played by Adam West and Christopher Reeve. Well done!

It's very possible Yoda is a biblical figure. You just go ahead and check that out right now.

Nearly everyone loves the Beatles, but drummer Ringo Starr doesn't get the respect he deserves--until now. I love Ringo and think he's an outstanding drummer. Go Ringo!

Finally, you can learn a lot about being a man by following the example of Thor. No, not that Thor, the original Norse mythology Thor. Odin's beard!

Have a great weekend!

List O' Links for Friday, September 27, 2013

This is the last weekend of September. It's been a busy month for all, I'm sure (it certainly has been for me), so we've all earned a fun, relaxing weekend. Especially since the rest of the year is going to be even busier, but also a lot of fun. The last three months are my favorite of the year: we've got Halloween (and the Countdown to it), Thanksgiving, and my favorite holiday of the year, Christmas!

And appropriately enough, my favorite time of the year kicks off Saturday, which is my birthday! Happy Birthday to me! :)

OK, enough on the passage of time, let's get right to the links!

Check out an actor dressed as Superman at the 1939 World's Fair. This unnamed actor is likely the first live action representation of the hero.

I'd love to hear what the grammar police would say about this author's punctuation proclamation--"Kill the Apostrophe!"

I know it's early, but new Christmas music releases start coming out strong in October. Keep track with Amazon's list of new Christmas music releases here.

Remember Freedom Rock, man? Here's an update on what one of the actors in that famous commercial is doing these days.

The TV series Marvel's Agents of SHIELD debuted this week (and I thought it was awesome!) and Iron Man 3 was released on DVD, Blu-Ray, and Digital HD download this week as well. But did you know that prose novels starring the Avengers were available way back when? Check out their nice cover art here.

Finally, this wouldn't be a decent geek-related blog without some Star Wars cosplay. Here is a video featuring an awesome wookie outfit!

Have a great weekend, and please come back Monday, as next week kicks off--the COUNTDOWN TO HALLOWEEN! See you then!

List O' Links for Friday, June 7th, 2013

Hello there 99 percenters! It's time to chillax and relax with some fun linky-links!

If you're a fan of Star Wars, pulp novels, or both, you'll dig these pulp-style book covers!

I'm sure you knew this already, but if you didn't, here is indisputable proof that the Monkees were talented.

In other music tidbits, Billy Joel reveals to the New York Times he used to drink too much, but now only drinks a little bit, and other information.

I haven't seen Game of Thrones's Red Wedding episode yet (NO SPOILERS!!), but if the characters were around in the 1990s, they'd probably look like this.

Mermaids aren't real. That's it. Discussion over. So shut up!

Finally, an article on one of the most notorious comic books ever published--Avengers #200.

Have a great weekend!

Random Images of Awesomeness--Cosplay Edition!

Every once in awhile I like to post some of the cool images I come across during my travails along the Internet. Today, I feature a special category--cosplay, the hobby of dressing like your favorite fictional characters. I use to think of cosplay as quaint, if a little weird, but I've come to appreciate and respect it much more lately. Here's a look at some of the best I've seen!

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you--Lil' Doctor Doom!

This is a fantastic cosplay of the Joker as he appeared in The Killing Joke. Very well done!

A great version of Spider-Man. I love the wide Todd McFarlane-style eyes and the prop of Peter Parker's camera.

"Mail this, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope!"

Here's a image I've featured before. Flame Princess from Adventure Time.

Also from Adventure Time, Marceline the Vampire Queen--with ax bass!

On Twitter and Facebook, I have profiles as the character Zombie Sophia, the young girl who was missing and found as a zombie on the TV series The Walking Dead. A fan sent me this great picture of her in character. I love it!

An amazing version of Starscream from the original Transformers cartoon!

Finally, with the release of the Evil Dead remake imminent, there's no better way to end this post than with this:

Thanks!

Random Images of Awesomeness Part II

I come across a lot of cool images in my Internet travels, so as I've done once before, here is an entire post showcasing them. I won't comment on most of them, except where some explanation may be in order. Enjoy!

 Cosplay of the character Flame Princess from Adventure Time.

Baby Princess Leia. Awwww.

Thanks!

Tuesday's Overlooked Film: Gremloids aka Hyperspace

This week's Tuesday's Overlooked Film is the 1984 Star Wars spoof Gremloids.

Gremloids, released as Hyperspace in the US, is about a Darth Vader-like villain, lovingly named Lord Buckethead, who erroneously traces rebel transmissions to the planet Earth. Upon visiting the planet, he decides to take over. It's up to a ragtag band of misfit characters, played by comedians such as Paula Poundstone and Chris Elliot, to take down Buckethead.

Beating Spaceballs to the punch by a full two years, Gremloids went nowhere at the box office but is a cult favorite today. And you have to love the poster image above, complete with the sexy damsel, overbearing villain, and--are those jawas with laser guns? Awesome!

Here is the film in its entirety. Enjoy!

List O'Links for Friday, February 15, 2013

Sorry for the lack of fresh articles folks, but boy have I been busy! To make up for it, here are some awesome links to people who have made better efforts than I to entertain their readership.

Valentine's Day may have been yesterday, but with a holiday weekend ahead, you may want to keep the romantic mood going. Here is a fun article about the power of the Peanuts special Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown.

Say I love you to your sweetheart the right way--the Indiana Jones way!

Sesame Street is most revered for the wonderful Muppet performers, but it's also had some great animation throughout its 40+ span. Here is the story behind the first animation ever created for the groundbreaking children's series.

Power Records was a budget children's record label that put out great story records featuring beloved superheroes. Here, Batman and Robin face--the Man-Bat!

Finally, with his own forthcoming movie announced by Disney, here are 22 important things you should know about Yoda. Not thinks you may want to know, things you SHOULD know!

Have a great (hopefully long) weekend!

Star Wars Children's Book and Record from 1977

Today I offer an item I loved as a child--a book and record of the first Star Wars film. The book contained the same text read by the narrator and actors on the record, along with photos from the movie. The actors on the record were clearly not those of the film. Although the record was 33 1/3 RPM, the record's size was that of a traditional 45.

This was made by Buena Vista Records, Disney's audio records division; even from the beginning, Disney and Star Wars had a relationship. Disney also made book and record combinations of Tron and Raiders of the Lost Ark that I enjoyed. The Star Wars book is long gone, but I believe the record still exists at my parent's house to this day, albeit with a large crack in it (the record that is, not the house).

Thanks!

List O' Links for Friday, January 18, 2013

It's not just any Friday, but the Friday before a nice three-day weekend! If you have Monday off (or even if you don't), enjoy it. Until then, here are a few fun links to while away the time.

Remember that time Mr. Rogers visited the set of the Incredible Hulk TV show? I did in a previous post back in 2008, but Christopher Mills takes a recent look at the hallowed event this week.

Longtime readers know that I'm one of the biggest lovers of McDonald's food you'll find, but even I don't touch the McRib sandwich. Here are several good reasons why.

My kids are starting to explore the Star Wars universe in earnest for the first time this year, and in introducing them to it, I've had a renewed interest as well. Here's a useful list if you want to get into the Star Wars universe as presented in the many books written about it.

What is this, some kind of ancient archaeological discovery? Nope--it's my family's first ever VCR from 1981!

Finally, a sober link, but one that is worth reading in keeping with the theme of the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Have a great weekend!

EXTREME DAGOBAH!!

Plan your summer vacation now!

Star Wars Meets Benny Hill

I love Star Wars almost as much as anybody, but you know what the first film needed--more comedy! This would have done the trick. Thanks to Rich Lovatt for Tweeting this earlier this week.

Eddie Izzard--Death Star Canteen

I saw this awhile back on the great Comic By Comic site several months back, and you'll enjoy it as much as I did. Here is audio of British comedian Eddie Izzard performing as Darth Vader ordering food from the Death Star cafeteria, set to animation with Legos. It makes more sense when you actually see it. Enjoy!

In Defense of Ewoks

Hello everyone! I'm sorry it took a week for me to post again, but things have been busy in the geek household this week. First off, a Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, moms-t0-be, grandmoms, nanas, mother figures, and of course, my wonderful Mom, Mom-in-law, and beautiful wife and mother of my children.

This leads right into my discussion of Ewoks (naturally).

This year is the 25th anniversary of the release of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (Episode 6 if you're counting). This installment of the saga introduced the little furry characters known as Ewoks. Many hardcore Star Wars fans were turned off by the inclusion of the Ewoks, regarding them as silly and nothing more than characters for young children to enjoy. Personally, I've never understood the derision. Yes, they were for the kids, but the films have always been intended for a family audience.

Andrew Zilch is also mystified by the Ewok-haters. Zilch is an independent film producer and director and part of an Internet comedy troupe called Runaway Box. One of his contributions to the troupe is this lovely hymn defending the honor of the Ewoks. This is awesome, and it features a surprise appearance by a legendary Star Wars figure.



Andrew can also bee seen in one of my Valentine's Day posts; he appears as the character Marty in one of the love ballads there (Feb. 11th post).

For any other Ewoks fans out there, here is an entire episode from the mid-80s animated series that appeared on ABC:







Finally, here is the classic Ewoks celebration song from the original version of Return of the Jedi--sung barbershop quartet style. Makes sense.



Thanks as always!

Classic Burger King Commercials

After writing two posts about McDonald's commercials, I thought I'd give equal time to one of their main competitors, Burger King. They've always been the #2 chain compared to Mickey D's (or maybe lower these days), but they are a tasty alternative when I'm arched out. Let's get to it!

I don't remember ever seeing these commercials, so it's likely they were only shown for a short time before 1980, but here are two animated commercials featuring a short and clean-shaven king. Coincidentally enough, I did see his likeness on a BK bag when I was there a couple of weeks ago (remember, I'm fat).





Now THESE are the Burger King commercials I gew up with. I'm surprised they don't resurrect them. This is the time in which the King design used today originated from. Like McDonald's, there was a full cast of characters touting BK products. Here are a few examples (BK commercials with these characters are surprisingly scarce on the 'Net).

Doesn't the King look a bit like Will Ferrel in this disco-themed commercial? I'm waiting for him to demand more cowbell!







Here are a few commercials that are aimed at adults. Boy, those hats were ugly!



Boy, this commercial is sappy!



Aren'tcha hungry? Well, aren'tcha? Well, AREN'TCHA???! Actually, that chicken parm sandwich does look pretty good.



Burger King even managed to discover up and coming talent for their ads.

Andrew McCarthy and future Oscar winner Elisabeth Shue:



Emmanuel Lewis (although he may have already been on Webster at the time):



And future vampire slayer Sarah Michelle Gellar:



Finally, these Return of the Jedi glasses rocked! I have a friend who still has these:



OK, I think I have the fast food thing out of my system for a while.

Star Wars Holiday Special

Alright, Christmas fans, now it's time to get serious! I'm bringing out the big guns, starting with this cult classic.

In fact, I'm probably the only creator and peruser of blogs like this that HASN'T seen this special. Even as I post it, I haven't seen it, but I hope to now that I've blogged it (courtesy of the fine folks at Google Video). It's two solid hours (!) of Star Wars "holiday" fun. I hope it's as kitschy as I expect it to be, but I also hope it's more entertaining than the God-awful Star Wars Christmas record by Meco. I just heard it for the first time this week--OMG!