Monkees.net Contest

Over at Monkees.net they are having a contest as part of their grand re-opening. Among the many prizes that any Monkees fan should have is a copy of my fictional novel "Last Train to Murder." You can see it in the photo above listed with the other prizes. Those other prizes are
■From Friday Music are re-issued Monkees classic CD’s for the first time with bonus track.
■The preeminent Monkees biographer Eric Lefcowitz has donated a copy of his fabulous new book Monkee Business with a special set of actual collectible Monkees Coins! Actual minted metal “Monkee Money” featuring the likeness of Micky, Davy, Peter and Michael – a true collectors item!
■One copy of the only complete biography of Michael Nesmith, “Total Control – The Monkees Michael Nesmith Story“
■One copy of the fiction book based on the Monkees, “Last Train to Murder” by Rick L. Phillips
■Multiple copies of magazines including “Monkees Monthly”.
■10 Gold Monkees Logo clothing patches
So click here to enter and do it now as the contest ends May 11th.

Thor Tales of Asgard

If you like the movie Thor that comes out at the end of the week you may want to order Thor Tales of Asgard. It will be released May 17th. You can get it at Amazon.com.

Help Save Someones Home

I know someone who is in deep financial trouble and may loose their home. So any money I get from the sales of my book Last Train to Murder PB will go to them. If you wish to help go to >Lulu.com.

Happy Easter Rise Again by Dallas Holm

Free shipping on Last Train to Murder

Buy my book & save on shipping. Go to Lulu.com Enter code APRILMAIL305 at checkout  and select Mail Shipping and receive single book shipping cost free. Maximum savings, $4.99. Print and tax amounts are excluded. You can only use the code once per account. Offer ends 4/30/11 at 11:59 PM

You are a survivor

If you were born in the 1950's or 1960's then you are a survivor. Here is the reason that I saw on the Official 60's Site,com. You can click on the title above to go to that site.
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they carried us. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes. Then after that trauma, our baby cribs were covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking. As children, we would ride in cars with no seat belts or air bags. Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle. We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank soda pop with sugar in it, but we weren't overweight because......

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on. No one was able to reach us all day. And we were O.K. We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes. After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem.

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, no video tape movies, no surround sound, no cell phones, no personal computers, no Internet or Internet chat rooms..........WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever. We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays,

We made up games with sticks and tennis balls and although we were told it would happen, we did not put out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just yelled for them! Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever! The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL

Monkees sampler for sale today only

Hey Hey Monkees fans. If you want to get the Rhino sampler it is for sale on e-bay today only at http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200589208273&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123 or just click on the title above.

Circus Boy

Here is an episode of Circus Boy starring a very young Micky Dolenz. I think this episode is called The Fabulous Colonel Jack.

Dennis the Menace Contest ends and the winner is...

Well the contest is over and the winner is...drum roll please....Michael LeBlanc. He had 19 answers to the 21 questions. The correct answers were as follows...
1.What was the date that the first episode of Dennis the Menace aired on TV? October 4, 1959


2.What date did Dennis the Menace comic strip first appear in the newspapers? March 12 1951

3.Who picked Jeannie Russell to play Margaret? Jay North picked her personally.

4.How many children do the Wilson’s have? None

5.What was the name of the policeman in Dennis’ neighborhood? Sgt. Mooney

6.After Joseph Kearns, the original Mr. Wilson, died what was the excuse given to explain his absence? He was on a trip to Ohio.

7.What actor replaced Joseph Kearns as Mr. Wilson? Gale Gordon

8.What is the favorite sport of Mr. Mitchell? Golf

9.What network did the show air on? CBS

10.What night did it air on? Sunday at 7:30pm

11.What was the address where Dennis and his parents lived? 627 Elm Street

12.What other TV show did Jay North play on after Dennis the Menace? Maya based on the movie of the same name that also starred Jay North.

13.What cartoon character did Jay North provide the voice to on Saturday morning TV? Bamm- Bamm Rubble on the “Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm Show.”

14.Willard Waterman played Mr. Quigley on the show. What old time radio character is he also known for? The Great Gildersleeve

15.What was the date of the last original first run episode to air? September 22, 1963
(I started to over look this one as I realized this was the date for a re-run and everyone else gave a different date. Most of them were in June.)

16.What is the name of his dog? Ruff

17.What was the name of Mr. Wilson’s dog? Fremont

18.How old has Dennis always been in the comic strip? 5 and a half

19.How many episodes were there in the series? 146

20.What was Dennis’ catch phrase from the series? Hello Mr. Wilson!

21.What was Mr. Wilson’s catch phrase? Great Scott!

Last Day for Dennis the Menace DVD contest

If you haven't entered this contest you better hurry. Today is the last day to enter the contest to win the DVD set of season one of Dennis the Menace. To see more just click here.

Dennis The Menace: Dinosaur Hunter

Here is a Dennis the Menace movie that was on the Disney Channel a long time ago that I never saw. It's pretty good. If you are a Dennis the menace fan don't forget to enter my triva contest to win a Dennis the Menace Season 1 box set of the classic TV series. You can go there if you click here.

Monkees 45th Anniversary Tour

It wasn't long ago that the Monkees announced the dates for their tour of England. Today I heard these are the dates for their North American tour.
6/3/2011 Chastain Park Amphitheatre Atlanta, GA
6/4/2011 Ruth Eckerd Hall Clearwater, FL
6/5/2011 Pompano Beach Amphitheatre Pompano Beach, FL
6/6/2011 Florida Theatre Jacksonville, FL
6/8/2011 Innsbrook Pavilion Glen Allen, VA
6/9/2011 The Community Theatre At Mayo Center For The Performing Arts
Morristown, NJ
6/10/2011 Mohegan Sun Arena Uncasville, CT
6/11/2011 Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort Niagara Falls, ON
6/12/2011 Niagara Fallsview Casino Resort Niagara Falls, ON
6/15/2011 Lowell Memorial Auditorium Lowell, MA
6/16/2011 Beacon Theatre New York, NY
6/17/2011 NYCB Theatre At Westbury Westbury, NY
6/18/2011 Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa / Event Ctr. Atlantic City, NJ
6/19/2011 Filene Center At Wolf Trap Vienna, VA
6/20/2011 Hershey Theatre Hershey, PA
6/22/2011 Stage AE Pittsburgh, PA
6/23/2011 Fox Theatre Detroit, MI
6/24/2011 Lifestyle Communities Pavilion Columbus, OH
6/25/2011 Aronoff Center For The Arts Cincinnati, OH
6/26/2011 Murat Theatre Indianapolis, IN
6/29/2011 Genesee Theatre Waukegan, IL
6/30/2011 Star Plaza Theatre Merrillville, IN
7/1/2011 Minneapolis Zoo Minneapolis, MN
7/2/2011 Minneapolis Zoo Minneapolis, MN
7/5/2011 Paramount Theatre Denver, CO
7/8/2011 Pantages Theater Tacoma, WA
7/9/2011 Sleep Country Amphitheater Ridgefield, WA
7/10/2011 The Mountain Winery Saratoga, CA
7/13/2011 Majestic Fox Theater Bakersfield, CA
7/14/2011 Chumash Casino Santa Ynez, CA
7/15/2011 Morongo Casino Resort & Spa Cabazon, CA
7/16/2011 Greek Theatre Los Angeles, CA
You can visit http://www.facebook.com/monkeestour for tour dates, updated ticketing information and more.

21 Questions with Dennis the Menace

Thanks to Shout Factory I have a chance to give away a free copy of Dennis the Menace Season 1 on DVD. So here are 21 trivia questions about Dennis the Menace, the TV show and the comic strip. The person who e-mails me the most correct answers by March 12th at originalcaptainatom@gmail.com will be the winner. Now here are the questions.

1.What was the date that the first episode of Dennis the Menace aired on TV?
2.What date did Dennis the Menace comic strip first appear in the newspapers?
3.Who picked Jeannie Russell to play Margaret?
4.How many children do the Wilson’s have?
5.What was the name of the policeman in Dennis’ neighborhood?
6.After Joseph Kearns, the original Mr. Wilson, died what was the excuse given to explain his absence?
7.What actor replaced Joseph Kearns as Mr. Wilson?
8.What is the favorite sport of Mr. Mitchell?
9.What network did the show air on?
10.What night did it air on?
11.What was the address where Dennis and his parents lived?
12.What other TV show did Jay North play on after Dennis the Menace?
13.What cartoon character did Jay North provide the voice to on Saturday morning TV?
14.Willard Waterman played Mr. Quigley on the show. What old time radio character is he also known for?
15.What was the date of the last original first run episode to air?
16.What is the name of his dog?
17.What was the name of Mr. Wilson’s dog?
18.How old has Dennis always been in the comic strip?
19.How many episodes were there in the series?
20.What was Dennis’ catch phrase from the series?
21.What was Mr. Wilson’s catch phrase?

Here They Come Walking Down the Street Again

They didn't tour for their 40th anniversary but they are making up for that with a 45th anniversary tour. In May the Monkees begin what I hope turns into a world tour in England. Saddly it isn't a world tour as Mike is the usual holdout. But it is always fun to see Micky,Peter and Davy. Here are the dates for the UK tour and if anyone connected to the Monkees sees this please put Cincinnati,Ohio on the USA tour schedule.
THE MONKEES MAY TOUR DATES

May 12th Liverpool Echo Arena

May 24th Manchester Apollo

May 15th Newcastle City Hall

May 16th Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

May 19th London Royal Albert Hall

May 20th Sheffield City Hall

May 21st Birmingham NIA Academy

May 23rd Plymouth Pavillions

May 24th Cardiff CIAgoodma

May 25th Nottingham Royal Centre

Last Train to Murder is half off

My latest book, Last Train to Murder featuring the Monkees, is for sale at 50% off. Get it now at this great savings while you can at Lulu.com.

Happy Belated Birthday to Peter Tork

Peter's Birthday was on the 13th. He turned 69 that day and it was even mentioned on CBS in their Sunday Morning Almanac. Here is a segment of that video.

Last Train to Murder Reviewed

Michael D Hamersky at comic book collectors blog.com has reviewed my current novel "Last Train to Murder. You can read the review if you click here.

In memory of my Dad

Years ago, about 1976, I found David Jones first album. I bought it and for the first time I heard this song. I called my Dad into my room and played it for him. Then I told him I played it for him because this was how I felt about him but didn't know how to tell him myself. Today is his birthday and he would have been 81 years old today.

Soylent Green

I am toying with the idea of making this site dedicated to reviews of movies,tv shows, comic books and music that I read,see and hear. I did one of the TV shows, WKRP in Cincinnati and recently Dark Skies. Today I am doing one of an old sci-fi film Soylent Green. The movie came out in 1973. I like seeing movies fromthe late 60's and early 70's as you get a good but sometimes odd pairing of the movies golden age of actors with the then new age of actors. As many people know this film starred Charlton Heston with Leigh Taylor Young, Chuck Conners, Josepth Cotton and Edward G. Robinson. This cast is a good examploe of odd casting that worked. I espically liked the scenes that had Mr. Conners and Mr. Robinson opposite Mr. Heston. What you may not know about this film is that this film was based on a book called "Make Room! Make Room!" by Harry Harrison. I haven't read the book so I won't discuss that here. This was also the last movie to star Edward G. Robinson. He died before it came out. It seems odd but approiate that he passed away in the film. Kind of gave movie fans closure to some of his fans.
The film was actually an answer to the population explosion that the world was experiencing in the 60's and 70's. Overcrowdind in every country and mjor city was and still is a concern. How would we feed them all? Real food is now gone in this bleak future world. Only the manufactured food called Soylent is able to sustain us. They are identified by different colors and the most popular is the one is Soylent Green.
A man is murdered by a hired killer. We aren't told who or why at first. In this way the film is really murder mystery. Heston is a cop and he investigates the murder. As he peels back the layers he finds that the food company is behind it and, as most movie fans know by now, that Soylent Green is really made from corpses of dead people. Soylent Green is people.
If your only exposure to this ending is the one they spoofed on Saturday Night Live then you will be disappointed. Heston doesn't run through crowds shouting that famous phrase at the end. He is shot and carried out. He raises his hand soaked in his own blood saying the phrase and trying to warn them that one day they may breed us like cattle.
With the excepton of this taking place in the future and food being manufactured form people, there is very little to associate this in the science fiction area as it has been for decades. It is more of a cop drama then anything else. A pretty boring onw too. The acting is great but not enough to save it for my money. Still if you want the movie, book or the poster you can get them at Amazon. The on good thing about this movie was that it showed that Chuck Conners was a good an actore as Charlton Heston. More famous for his heroic roles on TV like the Rifleman and Branded, Conners was even better in films as the villian. I wish he had as big a film career as he had in TV.

Slap Happy Pappy

Here is a good example of a cartoon from the 1940's. Very funny spoofs of the celebrities from that time.

Last Train to Murder

My new book Last Train to Murder is now for sale on Amazon.com.

Dark Skies on DVD

Thanks to an advance copy of this DVD set from Shout Factory I am able to give you a review of the TV series Dark Skies.
The 1990’s was a decade of change for television. Programs that the big 3 networks normally wouldn’t have touched with a ten foot pole in earlier decades were now making their way to the broadcast airwaves. One of the biggest and most enlightening of the decade, broadcast on NBC from 1996 to 1997, was Dark Skies. Fact and fiction merged as it told the history of the United States of America from 1947 to the present. Well at least they would have gotten to the present if it was allowed to run longer. The fact that just a single season of the series aired at all on a major network was and still is to this day a major accomplishment.
It starts in the early sixties. Young John Loengard and his girlfriend Kim Sayers arrive in Washington DC. He has a job as a Congressional aide and she gets one working in Jackie Kennedy’s office. Together they find out the truth about what happened that involved the UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico. Since then aliens have been involved in every major and even some minor events of our country and the rest of the world. John becomes involved with a secret government organization that is battling the alien takeover but in a belief that everyone should know the truth he quits and now he and Kim are on the run from them as well as the aliens known as the Hive. No one can be trusted as the Hive have deep undercover operatives everywhere.
This is one of the best sci-fi conspiracy shows that ever aired. The two hour pilot episode alone is worth the price of the DVD set. It was directed by veteran film director Tobe Hooper and released as a movie in the foreign market.
Eric Close and Megan Ward do a great job playing our heroes John and Kim but the standout performances are from J.T. Walsh as Frank Bach and Tim Kelleher as Jim Steele. This is one of the last performances by J.T. Walsh and may be his best job ever. Frank Bach is the head of the secret organization named Majestic that is fighting the aliens and trying to keep the public and most government officials in the dark about the invasion. He and Loengard are always at odds with each other. The scenes with them together are some of the best. They may be enemies but they respect each other on how they battle the aliens and sometime even help each other out.
Tim Kelleher as Jim Steele has one of the thankless roles in the series. He is the main alien who has taken over the body of a Majestic agent. This character is put through the ringer with losing sight in one eye, needing to change his identity from time to time, always getting captured and then escaping. I doubt he thought this was the direction his character would take during the run of the show. But Kelleher handled it well and proved to be an actor’s actor.
One thing this series is well known to science fiction fans for, even those who have never even seen one episode of the series, is the introduction of actress Jeri Ryan to television audiences. Her first appearance comes in the episode titled “The Warren Omission.” It is an introduction to a character that you won’t forget. She comes in kicking and knocks an agent, Kim and John to the ground and warns him what will happen if he tells the truth.
Another thing that I loved about this series was taking events and people of the time and working them in to the story. The aliens were responsible for everything from the murder of JFK to the Watts riots. Characters of that era that play parts in the series range from Robert Kennedy and John Lennon to Jim Morrison and Carl Sagan. James F. Kelly plays Robert Kennedy so well you would almost think he really was Robert Kennedy. He’s on so many episodes he should have been given star billing with the others.
The extras in this set are wonderful. There is the two hour pilot that is shown the way it was overseas. There are interviews with the stars and the creators Bryce Zabel and Brent V. Friedman. One of the selling points of the series was, not knowing if the series was based on fact or fiction. During the interview with the creators they told something that blew my mind and made me wonder again if it was real or not. I’m not going to tell you what that is because I want you to buy this DVD set and see for yourself.
The sad thing is that the series was canceled too early. We will never see how the Hive ties in with Watergate, Iran-Contra or the Gulf Crisis. There was an attempt for renewal to bring the series up to 1997 in season two but it didn’t save the series. In my opinion this is one of the great science fiction series. Any science fiction fan needs to add this to their DVD collection. It took guts for NBC to air even a single season. It took a long time to get the series to DVD due to musical licenses for the songs in the series. Shout factory took the risk and the series is here with all of the music. Don’t let them regret producing it on DVD. Buy it so more series of this quality will be release for us to enjoy.
Look for it in your local store on January 18. Even better you can order it now at Shout Factory.

Watch the drummer

See more funny videos and TBT at Todays Big Thing.

Watch this drummer go crazy. It is great.

Bringer of Light

I have an old College friend, Randy Wallace, who is the Pastor at Oak Ridge Baptist. Most of his life Randy liked to write and record his own music. I ran into him the other day and he told me that he is still doing it and his most recent album is Bringer of Light. Well I have listened to it and it is great. The music is positive adn uplifiting just like Randy himself. The cover is seen above in the screen capture. You can buy the CD and hear previews of some of the songs if you go to his record company site CDbaby.com.
Here what it says on the album notes. Many diverse styles are covered on this CD, ranging from Modern Country to Traditional Southern Gospel to Easy Listening and even Light Rock...but, beyond the styles is the optimistic message of hope and joy that are always evident in Randy's live performances.
This is Randy's fifth recording, and among his best. His first album, "Deliver the Young Musician," was mentioned in the book, "Vintage Vinyl:A Decade of Jesus Music," by Ken Scott.
Writing, singing, and playing about everyday things and situations and their deeper dimensions has always been Randy's forte, and in this collection of songs both old and new, it comes to the front once again. From the song for his wife ("Unvoiced Tribute") to his tribute to his parents ("The Moral"); from the contemporary Gospel feel of "His Hand" and the Van Morrison-like "God's Got a Hold on Me;" and the Jimmy Buffett-style "Believe in Yourself," all the way to the uptempo bluegrass "Gerald Brock Hill," this highly anticipated release will brighten your day and touch your heart.

The Church Snuggie

Short Break

Just an FYI that I will be taking a short break for awhile. But I will be back soon with a review of the soon to be released on DVD TV series Dark Skies. Thanks to Shout Factory for the review copy.

Merry Christmas from On My Mind:The Monkees Screen test

Merry Chirstmas and Happy New Year. To all Monkees fans here is a screen test video that was recently pointed out to meby Booksteve. I always heard that Micky and Peter's weren't shown on TV because theirs was silent but in Peter's case that doesn't seem to be why. The one here by Micky looks like it was from a call back since there are others with him.

Wreck the Halls by the Three Stooges

Here is a song that always gets me in the Christmas mood. Wreck the Halls by the Three Stooges.

Davy Jones Christmas Ad 2008 Merry Christmas

Here is a 2008 ad for Davy's song "It's Christmas."

Monkees Christmas Medley 1986: Merry Christmas

Monkees Christmas is my Time of Year: Merry Christmas

Monkees Sing Deck the Halls Merry Christmas

From the same show as yesterday's video here are the Monkees singing Deck the Halls.

Monkees Riu Chiu Merry Christmas

For Christmas here is a video of the Monkees singing Riu Chiu. If you are interested here is the english translation.
River, roaring river, guard our homes in safety,
God has kept the black wolf from our lamb, our lady.
God has kept the black wolf from our lamb, our lady.

Raging mad to bite her, there the wolf did steal,
But our God almighty defended her with zeal.
Pure he wished to keep her so she could never sin,
That first sin of man never touched the virgin sainted.

River, roaring river...

He whos now begotten is our mighty monarch,
Christ, our holy father, in human flesh embodied.
He has brough atonement by being born so humble,
Though he is immortal, as mortal was created.

Rhino | Video - Bee Gees - Jive Talkin'

Rhino | Video - Bee Gees - Jive Talkin'
If yoiu go here you can see a video of the Bee Gees playing Jive Talkin'.

Dennis the Menace Season 1 coming soon

I just heard that Season 1 of Dennis the Menace is going to be produced by Shout Factory. This is one of my favorite series from my childhood. Even though I liked the most beloved TV show Leave it to Beaver, it is Dennis the menace that was my favorite between the two. I found these pictures while surfing the net. I loved them both but being this is the Christmas season I had to put the more Christmas looking one up top. If any pictures are used in the DVD set I think the color one will be in it but I doubt it will be the black and white one. I like how you see an old fashioned church in the background. With many trying to take Christ out of the Christmas season when we celebrat His birth it made me feel good to remember a time when we did our best to keep Him in it and attend Christmas Eve services. There is no cover available yet But I read that there will be extras included.

Last Train to Murder

Want to get a book for that Monkees fan in the family. Well here is a wonderful murder mystery that involves the pre-fab four called "Last Train to Murder." It has them tracking a killer while on the way to a TV network executives meeting. It takes place in 1967. Why am I so high on this book? Is it because I too am a Monkees fan? Is it because I like mystery novels? Yes but mostly it is because I wrote it. It is published by Lulu.com. You can order it if you click on the button below.

Now I still haven't seen the proof copy but I wanted to get the word out asap.

Police Squad! Ring of Fear

Here is one of the funniest TV shows in history. It was a flop on TV but they got 3 blockbuster films out of it. In honor of Leslie Nielsen's passing here is an episode of Police Squad!

White Christmas Cartoon

I love this cartoon. Very funny.

Human Bomb Music Video

For comic book fans here is a music video I created after I came across this homemade song about the Quality/DC comics character the Human Bomb.

Mike and Jason Nesmith Interviewed

Davy Gets Blown Away

I just saw this on youtube and thought it was funny.

Green Lantern Trailer

If you haven't seen it yet here is the trailer to the movie "Green Lantern" that comes out next summer.

Torked Up

Here is a great segment of a show by the AARP on PBS that featured Peter Tork of the Monkees.

For A Friend by The Bugaloos

I know that The Archies had a hit from their TV show and Jack Wild did well thanks in part to his Saturday morning show H.R. Puffnstuf. It was years later that I heard the Bannana Splits had one in England. Now I find that the Bugaloos also had one. It too must have been a hit in Europe because I never heard of it. Cna't fault the songwriters. The song is a good pure pop 70's tune and Hirshhorn and Kasha had a long list of popular tunes to their credit by that time.

Grand Ennui- Michael Nesmith Live at the Roundhouse 1974

Here is a live version of Mike Nesmith preforming his song the Grand Ennui. Before that he explains how he created it and how it was part of how he felt after leaving the Monkees. Good stuff and a good preformance.

Adventures of Superman on sale

Amazon is haveing a DVD sale and what caught my attention is that all of the Adventures of Superman, starring the best actor to ever play the character, George Reeves, is on sale for 60 per cent off or more. You can get them all in one click but it saves you some money if you buy then seperately. I recently ordered Season 3 and 4. If you want any or all of them click on the links below and this site gets a percentage of the purchase.

The Flintstones - Alvin Brickrock Presents

For Halloween here is one of my favorite episodes of the Flintstones with their spoof of Alfred Hitchcock.

HEaven and Hell

HEAVEN AND HELL



While walking down the street one day, a Senator was tragically hit by a car and died. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

"Welcome to heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you." "No problem, just let me in," says the Senator..

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from the higher ups. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really?, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven," says the Senator. "I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and the finest champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly guy who is having a good time dancing and telling jokes.

They are all having such a good time that before the Senator realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him, "Now it's time to visit heaven."

So, 24 hours pass with the Senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns. "Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity."

The Senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell..

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulders.

"I don't understand," stammers the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?" The devil smiles at him and says,



"Yesterday we were campaigning ...






Today, you voted."

Vote wisely on November 2, 2010

The best song the Brady Bunch ever recorded

Ok it isn't the Brady Bunch but the animater had to have them in mind when he did this video.

The Dick Van Dyke Show "Uhny Uftz"

This isn't really a Halloween episode but I think it fits with season. Sit back relax and watch.

The Three Stooges "If a Body Meets a Body"

Rocky Burnette "Tired of Toein' the Line"

Here is an early 80's rock-a-billy hit by Rocky Burnette. A great song called "Tired of Toein' the Line."

Suzi Quatro "Stumblin' In"

Remember this song? This is probably the only hit Suzi had. At least it's the only one I remember. This came around the same time as her appearances on Happy Days. Her future looked bright but then she dropped off the radar. However, I recently found her site and you can see it too if you click here to find out more.
This is from an episode of a show that she and Chris Norman did on a TV show in Europe. They seem to really be enjoying themselves. The crazy thing is that this showed up on youtube.com when I was really searching for the cartoon show the Hillbilly Bears. Maybe they thought Chris Norman looked like Pa Rugg from that show.

Marvel Super Hero Squad Ornament from Hallmark

If you are already thinking of Christmas and wanting to get your annual ornament for the tree consider the team up of Marvel and Hallmark with the Super Hero Squad Ornament. Have Captain America, Iron Man and Wolverine protect your presents this year from early sneak peekers.

Rod Serling Host of a Game Show?

This is a 1969 game show called "The Liar's Club." Twilight Zone creator Rod Serling hosted this episode. I don't remember him as the regualr host but he does a pretty good job here. The show had celebrity guest describe an unusual object but of the 4 of them only 1 is telling the truth. Can you guess which one?

Dinky is Reduced

As you can see Amazon has reduced the price of my book Dinky the Elf. Before it was $10.95 now it is $9.86. Buy now and save money on a book that you can read to your children for Christmas or before if you so wish.

Happy Anniversary Terrific Ten

Around this time every year the big 3 TV networks placed 2 page ads for their Saturday morning shows in the comic books. This ad is from 1972. It starts with shows that were classic TV even by that time. Underdog, Pink Panther and the Jetsons. The rest are shows I barely remember. I did watch the Roman Holidays from time to time. The same for Sealab 2020. (We're almost there now aren't we.) The Barkleys is an obvious try at making All in the Family a cartoon series. Around the World in 80 Days was a show that I liked and wish it would be available on DVD. Those that I haven't mentioned are because I don't remember them at all. As you can see today is the anniversary of the day these shows were to premiere on the air. So Happy Anniversary to the Terrific Ten!

Meet me in the stairwell (What some went through on Sept 11, 2001

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room
with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I
held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the
peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it
is OK..I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed
breakfast to their children. I held her up as she
tried to understand his words and as she realized
he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a
woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been
knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said.
'Of course I will show you the way home - only
believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest
ministering to the injured and devastated souls.
I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He
heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,
with every prayer. I was with the crew as they
were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the
believers there, comforting and assuring them that their
faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan .
I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.
Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew
every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me
for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.
Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the
smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take
my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.
But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You
may not know why, but I do.. However, if you were
there in that explosive moment in time, would you have
reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey
for you . But someday your journey will end. And I
will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may
be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are
'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Micky Dolenz and King for a Day

I heard a few days ago that Micky Dolenz was recording a solo CD and you could pay to see him record it. You could even play on it with him. I coiuldn't afford to pay but I am happy to find that it is available for purchase on Amazon.com. If you want you can buy it to if you click on the link below.

My Introduction to Mitch Miller

Musical giant Mitch Miller died today. While I am too young to have seen his TV show "Sing Along with Mitch," I was brought to be aware of it by the spoof they did on The Flintstones. Below is a you tube video of a part of the show. Also, notice at the end the mention the then fictional product Softsoap. While it was fictional then there really is a softsoap now as we use it in my house from time to time. Maybe they should get the rights to use this in a commercail for the product.
Anyway after I saw this episode I was told by my Mom and Dad that they were having fun with the sold series of Mitch Miller's. Who says cartoons aren't educational?

LIttle House Meets Dallas

This Day in Music History: Zager and Evans In the Year 2525 (Exordium and Terminus)

In 1961 Denny Zager was looking for a guitarist for his group the Eccentrics. He spotted Rick Evans playing at a talent show at Wesleyan University and asked him to join. By 1964 Zager quit the group and formed the Devilles. Meanwhile, Evans wrote the song “In the Year 2525(Exordium and Terminus).” He tried to convince the Eccentrics to record it but had no luck.
By 1968 Zager and Evans both left their groups and formed a duo. They were looking for songs to record when they pulled out the 4 year old song. Zager wasn’t sure of the songs potential. In an interview he said “I didn’t go nutty over the song, because it really wasn’t the style I wanted to do.” They decided to put it in their live show to see what the response would be.
Zager wrote a new arrangement for the song so it would more fit a duo then a group to sing. Eventually they decided to record it because they were getting so many requests for it. They invested $500 in studio time and pressed it on their own label called Truth Records and distributed it to local radio stations and record stores.
Talent agent Jerry Weintraub heard the song and flew to Lincoln, Nebraska to meet with them. He signed on as their manager and got them a contract with RCA. It entered the Billboard charts at #72 on June 21, 1969. The prophetic song quickly went up the charts to reach the #1 spot on this day in music history July 12, 1969 and held the position for 6 weeks. If you listen to the lyrics you can hear them hint to how you can get a baby at the end of a long glass tube. So a song written in 1964 foretold of test tube babies even though the first one didn’t happen till 14 years later in 1978. He got the year wrong but in 1964 Rick Evans saw it coming down the Pike.
Not long after the record hit the charts Danny Zager left the group. He said it wasn’t the type of song he wanted to be known for. Sadly since it was his only hit it now is the type of music he is known for. Postings like this and in other areas of pop culture where it is mentioned, like being the subject of a question in the game Trivial Pursuit, will keep the song alive. Also, the closer we get to that year the more you will hear of it.
Zager and Evans remained friends and talk on the phone from time to time. Evans stayed active in the local music community in Lake Tahoe, California. There he wrote songs and preformed in local clubs. Zager returned to private life and now makes guitars for a living. You can buy one if you go to Zagerguitar.com..
Below is youtube.com video of the duo preforming the song on a television show.

Every now and again a trend comes back. These days in movies it is the 3-D fad that this time seems to be staying. I am too young to remember the era it started in in the 50's but they tried it again when I was in college. Mostly it was recycled horror movies of the 50's but I loved it then. The only problem I had was that since I wear glasses I didn't know where to put those special glasses on that you needed to see it. Once past that I really enjoyed it. When someone handed another actor something I felt like I could reach out and take it. Eventually the fad faded again. Now it is back. I thought I would enjoy it but so far I have not. The reasons are that now it cost more to see them instead of the regular ones. One person told me it was becuase they had to put in sepcial cameras to show them. I don't believe that as they didn't need it before on the earlier films. Second is that for some reason when I put the glasses on I don't see the 3-D effects now. It still looks like a regular movie and I don't want to pay the special price but still see the regular effects. So if the trend contines and they only start showing 3-D, raise the prices and get rid of all the non 3-D movies they will loose me as an audience member. I only thought of this as I saw the above portion of an Archie strip in the papers today and it was on my mind.

1776

Over the recent years our founding fathers of the USA come under the handling of the writings of revisionist of American history. One who has received the worst of the revisionism has been Ben Franklin who went from a grandfatherly type of inventive genius to as a degenerate evil mastermind. The one who has withstood the test of time is John Adams. He was seen in the beginning as a patriot but not one that was well liked. Here is a clip from one of the best musicals ever produced, 1776, that shows off Mr. Adams personality and patriotism. The part is well played by William Daniels and better known as Mr. Feeney from the TV show "Boy Meets World."

You can get the DVD of the movie from Amazon.com

George Harrison Blow Away

This is the first time I have ever seen this video of Blow Away. Thought I would share it for others who haven't seen it.

Micky Dolenz on Break the Bank

Over at Classic Television Showbiz They have the episode of Break the Bank with Micky Dolenz as one of the celebrity guest. Below is the segment with the only 2 questions that were asked to Micky. This was done some time around the Dolenz, Jones, Boye and Hart era. Probably at the beginning of that one and at the end of Micky's personal era where he was always a celebrity guest. I never did see Micky during his celebrity guest era so I was pleased to see this episode. If you want to see more go to Classic Television Showbiz.

Video of the week: Dearborn Mich. Police Defend Islam against the Constitution

Can you believe this is happening in America?

The Popcornteer

This seemed so odd I had to post it. It seems that for years this was the only Rocketeer at Disneyland.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Superboy in Krypto's Calamitous Caper!

Superman on radio

For all you old time radio fans here is a 1941 ad for Superman on radio.

Len Mink

I remember when local programming was more then just the news. During the day and some evenings even local stations had their own stable of talent they could build shows around. They had talk shows, variety shows and those who would host movies. In Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky the Nick Clooney Show was a local variety show that was first on WCPO and later WKRC. Years after it was canceled the Mr. Clooney would be back on at WKRC as a news anchor. On his variety show he had talents like Len Mink. He was a local singer who was very popular. This youtube.com clip is from Mr. Mink's last appearance on the show when it was on WCPO. Later, when he becaome a Christian Mr. Mink went on to a Christian music ministry.

Nowhere Boy Trailer

Here is the trailer to the movie Nowhere Boy. It's the story of John Lennon's life.

This Day in Music History: The Beatles and the Long and Winding Road/For You Blue

Being at the top of the Billboard charts was nothing new to the Beatles. Still this one was bittersweet for them and their fans as it was the last time they would accomplish this as a group. Actually, there are only two of them on the Long and Winding Road. Paul McCartney is singing the solo vocal and playing the piano and John Lennon is playing the bass guitar. The final production of this song was a major point in the break up of the group. The songs were not produced by George Martin but by Phil Spector. Paul thought the song was fine with just him and John. Still Phil Spector added an orchestra and a choir to back him up. Spector sent copies of the finished music with a letter explaining what he did and that he could make changes if they wished. Paul heard his song and didn't like it. He tried to contact Spector but wasn't able to reach him. He told the Beatles new manager Allen Klein in a letter and demanded they restore the song but that was to no avail. George Harrison, who wrote and sang the B side, For You Blue, on the double sided hit must have been pleased as he had Phil Spector produce his All Things Must Pass solo album.
It was with the Harrison song that the four Beatles all made their final appearance together in the #1 spot. George sang and played acoustic guitar, John played steel guitar, Paul played piano and bass and Ringo played drums.
Since their break up there were rumors that they would get back together until the day that John Lennon died. Even then I heard they were close to a reunion since Lennon had finally come out of retirement. Talent wise they did when Paul, George and Ringo added their talents to the songs Free As a Bird and Real Love. Free as a Bird charted but didn't reach #1. In England it only got to #2 and in the USA it only went to #6. With The Long and Winding Road/For You Blue those songs are still the last #1 songs for the Beatles. They reached that spot on this day in music history June 13,1970 and held the spot for 2 weeks.

Saturday Morning Cartoons: Shazam! and the Joyriders

This is really the live action version. So it isn't really a cartoon but it has always been labeled like that. I believe this is the first episode that aired.

Hawaii Five-0 1998

It seems that a new version of Hawaii Five-0 isn't a new idea. Here is the opening credits to a 1998 pilot that had Gary Busey as the star. Wouldn't it be great to have seen a crazy Steve McGarrett?

This Day in Music History: You're the One That I Want by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta

We haven't done one of these in awhile so here is the latest installment of This Day in Music History. It seems hard to believe with the ease that Olivia Newton-John played the part of Sandy in the movie Grease that she was really very nervous. But it is understandable. It was, after all, her first big Hollywood film. However, it was not her first film. She had previously starred in a science fiction movie called Toomorrow that bombed. She talked with the scriptwriter and John Travolta and accepted the part. Still she was so nervous that she herself insisted on doing a screentest. Around that time Mr. Travolta also was recording some songs and had a top 40 hit with one titled Let Her In. In an interview Olivia said she thought it was odd that she was a singer who wanted to be an actress and now she was in a movie with an actor who wanted to be a singer. She also said she wasn't thrilled with her own preformance. She thought it was sickly. With how well the movie did it is safe to say that the audience didn't agree with her.
The movie also changed how music fans saw her. Up till then record buyers only thought of her as a country singer. She did have two number one songs before but they were still country songs. Now she was on the big screen singing pop broadway tunes. The movie and the soundtrack dominated the summer of 1978. It was even bigger in England. You're the One That I Want was #1 there for nine weeks and the follow up, Summer Nights, was #1 there for seven weeks. But in America on this day in music history the song You're the One That I Want stated its one week rule of the Billboard chart on June 10, 1978.
Also the above photo is from a picture sleeve of the 45 that was released in Japan.

Elementary My Dear Groucho is not so elementary

Whoever proof read the book "Elementary My Dear Groucho" must not have gotten past elementary school. I bought the book not long ago at a used book store. I knew I would like it as I always like books by Ron Goulart. But I noticed some spelling errors but I could live with that. Then in chapter 26 a page is missing. Not torn out. It wasn't published in my book. Still I pressed on. Only to find that chapters 27 through 30 were missing also. Instead chapters 4 through 7 were re-published to take their place. I still want to see how it ends but not with missing chapters. So for now I have stopped reading the book. I don't fault Mr. Goulart. I fault Thomas Dunne Books St. Martin's Press.

Clyde Beatty and Cole Brothers Circus ad

Here is an ad from 1959 for Clyde Beatty and Cole Brothers Circus featuring the great clown Emmett Kelly. Wish I had been alive then to see that circus.

New Header

Hope you like the new header. I like it but I can't seem to get it to line up properly inside the spot that blogger gives me.

First Aquaman now Sub-Mariner

Inspired by Rob at Aquaman Shrine I put together this cover of the Sub-Mariner. I am not the artist that he is but I hope that my readers here like it.

Ace Hardware Commercial

My wife just looks at me and smiles when this commercial comes to the part where the man says "...and then I will read comic books."

SSgt Barry Sadler, Ballad of the green beret Happy Memorial Day

In honor of Memorial Day here is SSgt Barry Sadler with his #1 hit the Ballad of the Green Beret.

The Umpire Strikes Back

With everyone celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of the Empire Strikes Back this week I was reminded of this book. It came out not long after the release of the hit film. It was co-autohred by flamboyant baseball Umpire Ron Luciando. This and other books he wrote were about his days as an Umpire from 1969 to 1979. He had many bouts with managers at the plate. His biggest advasary was Baltimore Orioles Manager Earl Weaver. He threw Weaver out of so many games that they finally kept him from being an Umpire when the Orioles played. When he named his top 5 toughest managers to deal with Weaver was the first 4. Frank Robinson was #5 and he called him Weaver's protege. In the eighties for a brief time he was a sports commentator with NBC. Saddly in 1995 he committed suicide. He is best remembered for his humorus books about baseball. Along with the Umpire Stikes Back they are Strike Two, The Fall of the Roman Umpire, Remembrance of Swings Past and Baseball Lite.