Free Comic Book Day

Last year or maybe it was two years ago I can't recall but I wondered if Free Comic Book Day was helping to spread the hobby. Well after being there today I have to say that it is. Everyone at Comicbook World was buying something along with the free books and figures that the store was supplied. I was there to get some for myself and my young cousin who was not able to go with me this year. I was grabbing two of everything till I heard Mark, one of the stores employees, tell someone it was only 5 books per person. I showed him that I must have had over 20 books. Since they knew I was trying to get some for my cousin he said they might let me get 10. I decided not to violate their rules, well not too much as you will soon see, so I put most of them back. My cousin likes Star Wars and Iron Man so I got him the figures. He also likes Transformers and NASCAR so he got the comic books related to those hobbies. For myself I got an Iron Man figure as well as Archie comics Jughead, Dynamite's Devil and Justice League from DC. Now I also wanted something from Marvel but with the books I was already at the limit of 5. I decided to see if they would say anything about me having a 6th book so I chose Marvel Adventures with Hulk, IronMan and Spider-Man. Also, so I didn't seem like a freeloader, I bought a back issue of Marvel Team-Up #90. All in all it looked like a good free comicbook day at Comicbook World.
Also, in case someone links up to this posting since it is about Free Comic Book Day, please visit my other comic book sites Comic Book Letterheads Museum and Mail It To Team Up also Plastic Man Platitudes.

Happy 30th To SPAM

On May 3,1978 Marketer Gary Thuerk sent the first e-mail of what would come to be called SPAM over the Arpanet. The Arpanet would eventually become the internet. If you go to Templetons.com you can read the sales pitch he gave and the angry reactions that he got. So you know Spam hasn't been around so long because it was greeted with open arms. Also Brad
Templeton has a link there that takes you to an interview that he did with Mr. Thuerk about his accidental invention of SPAM. If you can't wait to read it then here it is just below.

DIGITAL WILL BE GIVING A PRODUCT PRESENTATION OF THE NEWEST MEMBERS OF THE DECSYSTEM-20 FAMILY; THE DECSYSTEM-2020, 2020T, 2060, AND 2060T. THE
DECSYSTEM-20 FAMILY OF COMPUTERS HAS EVOLVED FROM THE TENEX OPERATING SYSTEM AND THE DECSYSTEM-10 COMPUTER ARCHITECTURE. BOTH THE DECSYSTEM-2060T AND 2020T OFFER FULL ARPANET SUPPORT UNDER THE TOPS-20 OPERATING SYSTEM.
THE DECSYSTEM-2060 IS AN UPWARD EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT DECSYSTEM 2040 AND 2050 FAMILY. THE DECSYSTEM-2020 IS A NEW LOW END MEMBER OF THE
DECSYSTEM-20 FAMILY AND FULLY SOFTWARE COMPATIBLE WITH ALL OF THE OTHER DECSYSTEM-20 MODELS.

WE INVITE YOU TO COME SEE THE 2020 AND HEAR ABOUT THE DECSYSTEM-20 FAMILY AT THE TWO PRODUCT PRESENTATIONS WE WILL BE GIVING IN CALIFORNIA THIS MONTH. THE LOCATIONS WILL BE:

TUESDAY, MAY 9, 1978 - 2 PM
HYATT HOUSE (NEAR THE L.A. AIRPORT)
LOS ANGELES, CA

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1978 - 2 PM
DUNFEY'S ROYAL COACH
SAN MATEO, CA
(4 MILES SOUTH OF S.F. AIRPORT AT BAYSHORE, RT 101 AND RT 92)

A 2020 WILL BE THERE FOR YOU TO VIEW. ALSO TERMINALS ON-LINE TO OTHER
DECSYSTEM-20 SYSTEMS THROUGH THE ARPANET. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND,
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE NEAREST DEC OFFICE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXCITING DECSYSTEM-20 FAMILY.

Iron Man Trailer

Here is the trailer for the Iron Man game to come out along with the movie. I can't see the movie this weekend but I will see it soon. You can go see it now to make it a hit. That way it will make sure it is still there for me to see when I have the time.

TV Show Openings

Here are some TV show openings that will bring back some memories. The first two I have never heard of. The first one stars a young actor from back then whose recent claim to fame has been dancing with the stars. Check it out and enjoy.

Good Bye Old Friend

Well I got some sad news today, I guess I should say yesterday since I am post dating this, it is that Showcase Cinemas was closed down today in Erlanger, Ky. I have lived in this town since I was 13 years old. It is sad as to me when I was a teenager and even into my adulthood it was like a second home. I was an Usher there in my high school years and kept going there when I could afford to see a movie. Each time I went I saw the crowds grow smaller and smaller. Today they closed to make room for a new and more expensive theater in Florence, Ky. The last movie I saw there was Fantastic Four:Rise of the Silver Surfer so you know I did my best to be a faithful former Usher of the staff. I hope Erlanger gets a new first run movie theater soon. I don't like fighting traffic near the Mall where the Florence Theater will soon be.

The first time I saw Star Wars with there with my cousin Steve. I had many dates there with the girls I dated. I become friends with people there that I would not have met anyplace else. For a short while my cousin Randy and I both worked there. The movie Harper Valley PTA with Barbara Eden had the world premiere there. I wasn't working that night as I had a school function to go to but later I was able to get me and a couple of friends in. The only world premiere that I ever was able to attend. Barbara wasn't there but Ronny Cox and Nanette Fabray were. When my date Linda and I were bored at a school dance we left to see Star Wars as she had not seen it yet. For me it was the 6th or 7th time and while I was getting tired of it I didn't mind taking her. When I quit to take another job my cousin Randy and I went to get my paycheck. We wanted to see the movie Rocky II but had no money. The manager on duty said I was still on the pay roll till tomorrow so I could still see the movie free as an employee. My last free movie at that theater. Not long ago when one of the new Star Wars movies came out I took my cousin and her son Josh to see it and he was thrilled as he had never seen a Star Wars movie on the big screen. I went there with my cousin Jeff and his family to see Toy Story 2 and with my cousin Jo to see the first Scooby Doo movie. The above picture is of the brightly lite marquee from a couple of years ago that I found on the internet. It is funny as is shows the new King Kong with Jack Black and the first movie I ever saw there was with my Dad was the King Kong version with Jeff Bridges. Goodbye to my second home and an old friend. Your lights may never shine so bright again but they will always be with me in my heart and in my memory. sniff!

I Love Woodburning

Those of you who visit me on Mail It To Team-Up have already seen this but I wanted to let as many people know as possible about the site I Love Woodburning. I am fascinated by people who have the ability to create works of art. Especially when they are so good at it that people are willing to pay them to do it. As you can see this person is good. So get some work for your business or perhaps birthday and Christmas gifts at I Love Woodburning.

Save the Credits TV Land and Forget the Commercials

I just got this from the Forgotten Hits news letter and thought I would post it here. This is not only for fans of the Andy Griffith Show but for fans of all TV classic and present. I am tired of wanting to see if someone is in the credits only to have them so small I can't read them just so they can sell one more item. Here is a part of what Kent of Forgotten Hits has to say on the matter.


Our Dee Jay buddy Jim Shea over at Y103.9FM here in Chicago has started a brand new campaign to reinstate the credits to the end of TV Land's airing of the 60's television Classic The Andy Griffith Show and , from the sounds of things, he's got quit a few listeners already on the team. In fact, he's even posted a petition on The Y103.9 Web Page: Click here: Y103.9 - The Greatest Hits of All Time - Save Andy Griffith!
Like many of the tv channels that air these vintgage programs, TV Land has now taken to completely omittin the credits from the end of the program!!! They used to just shrink them down so small that you couldn't really read them anyway while they snuck in an extra ad of two. Now they have simply wliminated them altogether! Jim says that he wants to know who played some of the minor bit characters and wants to see if Danny Bonaduce's Dad was involved with a particular episode. In short, he wants the full credits restored to the broadcast!!! Jim recently told his listeners that on the DVD's now available from the series, many even contain the original commercials intact, many of them include cast members from the series!!! I'm a little surprised that TV Land (Parent Company VIACOM) has taken this approach as they have always been about preserving the history of these classic television series and they have even run vintage TV commercials during their ad breaks all the time. They have always been all about the integrity of these shows and actors. So this news comes as a real disappointment. ...jump on over to the Y103.9 website and sign Jim's petition. We need to nip it in the bud right now!!!

The Sims Beatles

Here is a Sims version of the Beatles. Not bad except they have Paul as right handed.

Nez Bio On The BBC

This may only be up a few days as it was broadcast on the BBC last Friday so go there to listen to it today. They do a brief background on Nesmith and play some of his music. You can click here to listen to it.

Evening Shade and Newhart on DVD

Like small town comedy on TV. Well here are two of the best. Bob Newhart plays an Inn Keeper on the hit series Newhart and has to deal with a town full of carzies. Like George the handyman and the restaurant owner next door who is a compulsive liar.
Burt Reynolds in Evening Shade is in the same position as the local high school football coach. Like dealing with his inept assistant coach who has never played football and the crazy town Dr.
Evening Shade is available for pre-order before it is released on June 24th and Newhart season one is available now.

The Invaders on DVD

David Vincent is driving one night and makes a wrong turn but it turns out to be a right turn for mankind. He sees a spaceship land and it is full of aliens invading the planet. Now David must convince others of the invasion and that he is not insane. You see the invaders look just like us. Also they know that he is aware of the invasion and are trying to stop them. The series comes out on DVD soon and you can pre-order it at Amazon.com. Also they have recently added an extended 60 minute version. An interview with series star Roy Thinnes and episode introductions by him. Also an episode commentary by the series creator Larry Cohen. Above is the cover art that the box was recently changed to. You can preorder it if you click on the link above. Also, Amazon.com is showing the first cover that was poorly received when the public saw it. As one person said it looked like Roy Thinnes was being chased by a giant sombrero.

Christa Helm on 48 Hours

Booksteve has been working as co-author on a book about the death of the up and coming actress Christa Helm. 48 Hours has been contacting him about their work on investigation of her death. Some of which may turn up when it airs this Saturday. You can see the preview if you go to this CBS site.

Is it the Batmobile or the Batplane?

I can't tell if this is the Batmobile or the Batplane. My wife saw this outside a store in Loveland, Ohio and took a picture of it for me. While it hasn't shown up on Bat Blog I did e-mail it to Tommy over there. So it may appear there some time. Also, if you are interested you can hear one of Batman's radio adventures every Sunday on Mail It To Team-Up. He and Robin teamed up with Superman on his show for awhile.

TV Detectives on DVD

They kept the streets of television clean for decades. Now you can view them anytime you want. All you have to do is get them on DVD and you can order them or pre-order them from Amazon.com. Click on the widget below.

Ben Stein's Expelled

I just heard about this movie and thought I would spread the word if there are others like myself who have not heard anything about it. It opens April 18th. Above is one of the trailers for the film. Here is the home page for Ben Stein's Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.

From Beat to Beam and Nothing In-Between

It seems that in late 1967 DC Comics tried to get in on the teen gossip magazine by publishing their own comic book size version. It was called Teen Beat and look who were the cover boys. The Monkees! Now for some reason it only lasted two issues. The second issue to come out in early 1968 was called Teen Beam. Why the name change? I am not sure but I heard they were trying to avoid copyright infringment with Tiger Beat. Later in 1975 the company who published Tiger Beat started publishing another mag called Teen Beat. I guess they new a good name when they heard it.

Plastic Man meets the Super Friends

If this posting seems a bit out of place it is because I originally wrote it only to appear on Plastic Man Platitudes. Then I decided that I probably should put it on most of my other sites.

Wow! I didn't know that Plas made an appearance in this book. When I was a kid I watched the TV show but I only had the first issue of the comic book. So I never knew that it reached 36 issues. I tell you Plastic Man shows up in the doggonest places in the DC universe. Maybe one day I will post this on my other site Mail It To Team Up. Till then you can see the cover here.

Also, I have a name for anyone with a G rated comic site who submits anything about Plastic Man that I post here. It is P.A.L. and it stands for P.lastic Man A.dmiration L.eague. If you submit something that I post here I will also provide a link back to your site. I will not post everything I get. That goes for comments on this page. I recently saw something on the internet that showed Plas in the shape of what many may have considered innocent but it offended me so I won't do that as I think if I am offended then it may do the same to someone else. On another site I had someone comment about a person I posted a blog about. It made reference to their sexual practice and could have hurt that person and anyone who knew them if they read it. Things like that I will not post. I will also post this one my other sites. So I guess the cover will wind up on Mail It To Team-Up.

The Great Gildersleeve 1945

When I saw the title of this episode I had to post it. It is called An Old Flame Named Violet. That also happens to be my wife's name so I am posting it here in her honor.

The Six Shooter with Jimmy Stewart

Here is the audition show for the radio western the Six Shooter that had Jimmy Stewart as the star. Like you need an audition show if Jimmy Stewart is your star.

This Day In Music History: Elvis and All Shook Up

All Shook Up was the first #1 hit for Elvis. You thought Heartbreak Hotel was #1? Well it was. I am talking about England. Heartbreak Hotel and Hound Dog peaked at #2 in England. All Shook Up took him to the top in England and on this day in music history, April 13, 1957, it went to #1 on the Billboard charts in the USA where it stayed for 8 weeks.
Even though he was a huge hit in Britain Elvis never toured there. In fact he never toured out of the USA.
The reason why was because of his manager Col. Tom Parker. In the biography Elvis by Albert Goldman he tells us that Col. Parker wasn't from West Virginia as he always claimed. He was an illegal immigrant from Holland and his real name was Andres Cornelis van Kuijk and was born in 1909. He came to America for awhile when he was 18. He went back to Holland but soon returned. He wrote to his family and sent money but then stopped signing his letters with his real name and started signing them as Tom Parker. His family didn't know who this person was and not till 1961 when they saw his picture did they know it was their family member. He looked too much like them to deny it.
So since Col. Parker was not a US citizen he couldn't get a passport. If he left the country he was afraid he wouldn't be let back in the country. Since he traveled with Elvis he made sure that Elvis never toured outside of America.
All Shook Up as well as its flip side That's Where Your Heartaches Begin were recorded during a two day recording session at the Radio Recorders in Hollywood. It was from January 12, 1957 to January 13, 1957. All Shook Up was the top record of the year. It was the second year in a row that Elvis held that position.