HERE'S WHERE THE STORY ENDS

Above are some of the VHF / UHF stations from my youth.

NO MORE DVDs FOR ME......

I'm going to try and make a long story short... I got rid of my DVD player and ninety-nine percent of my DVDs.

Once upon a time, I only watched movies on television, at drive-in theaters, and walk-in theaters. Ok, that's not entirely true, I also saw them via projectors at schools, and at a friend's garage. His brother had dirty film reels.

I recently realized, that watching movies at theaters and on television left more of a lasting impression on me, than repeatedly watching them anytime I want on DVD. In those days, I didn't get tired of certain movies, because I never knew when I would get to watch them again.

As I mentioned before, I kept a few DVDs and VHS tapes. Why?, because they were given to me by family members, and that makes them priceless to me.

From now on, I'm only going to watch flicks on television and the internet.


Screengrabs above are of Larry Vincent, when he moved to channel five ( KTLA ). He had previously been on channel nine ( KHJ ).


Screengrab above is from a ZENITH tv commercial from 1973.

I miss watching flicks on old style television sets, with VHF / UHF channel selectors.


Above is a newspaper ad for PACIFIC drive-in theaters ( from March 1975 ).

I also miss watching movies at dirve-in theaters.



PHOTOS REALLY ARE TIME MACHINES.....

I've been reading reviews for a book called MIDCENTURY MEMORIES THE ANONYMOUS PROJECT ( published by Taschen - ISBN 9783836575843 ).

This book seems to get an emotional response from almost everyone that looks at it.

I,ve been going through a TON of slides, negatives, and photos. The photos were taken by one of my family members that died last year. This has been an extremely emotional experience.

I've also been going through my own photographic artifacts - and all the emotions they bring to the surface.


Above are screengrabs from the tv show MAD MEN.

I'm reminded of a MAD MEN episode, in which they're talking about a KODAK slide projector. That episode really hits close to home.



TIME TRAVELING WITH BILL AND TED.....

I want to see BILL AND TED FACE THE MUSIC. However, I have NO desire to enter an INDOOR THEATER.



QUESTION... If time machines existed, would you use one of them?

I'm NOT sure I would. Sometimes, things work out for the best, even though we may not think so at the time.



PICK UP A BOOK AND READ!.....

I'm happy that more people are reading again.

I love fiction. YOU decide what the characters look like. YOU also decide what they sound like and so on.



I also read a lot of NON-fiction books. My favorites are about, transportation, architecture, photography, art, and a few other subjects.



I almost forgot to mention magazines.


Screengrab above is of Michael Uslan ( YouTube video ), and also the cover of THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN.

SOMETIMES DREAMS COME TRUE.....

A while ago I wrote about a book I found at DOLLAR TREE. It's called THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN ( published by Chronicle Books - ISBN 9780811875509 ). It's about a man named Michael Uslan. He's a producer, writer, and comic book fanatic.

In the YouTube video, he explains how he achieved his childhood dream.

It's a short, but fun, video. I think it's worth your time.


Screengrabs above are from a music video of THE SUNDAYS, performing HERE'S WHERE THE STORY ENDS.

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE.....

This blog has always been a happy diversion for me. HOWEVER, during the last four years, it's become more of a chore, than a pleasure. My heart really isn't into it anymore.

This will be the LAST TIME I UPDATE THIS BLOG.

I will leave it up, and check in from time to time.

For very personal reasons, my other blog - CLASS OF 1981 REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM at CAMARILLO AIRPORT - will be my priority.



To everyone that left kind words on my blog, I sincerely THANK YOU!

I feel physically and emotionally drained.

I hope we can defeat the pandemic, and certain evil individuals. They have enjoyed destroying, dividing, and demoralizing us. It's time for it to end......

THIS AND THAT - MAY 2020

Above are screengrabs of the immensely underappreciated Sarah Chalke. She's being interviewed by Craig Ferguson ( top ), by Conan O'Brien ( middle ), and again by Craig Ferguson ( bottom ).

I recently saw Ms. Chalke in a low budget action flick, called TERMINAL COUNTDOWN ( aka Y2K - 1999 ). The movie was a lot of fun, and I was shocked by how much I enjoyed it. Just for the record, I didn't recognize Ms. Chalke at first.


Above is a screengrab of Sarah Chalke in the movie TERMINAL COUNTDOWN ( aka Y2K - 1999 ). You can find this movie in a triple feature pack released by ECHO BRIDGE ( I found mine at DOLLAR TREE ).




BOOKS ON MY WISH LIST.....

I would love to add these books to my library. Unfortunately, my wallet refuses to cooperate.

If anyone reading this owns any of the books listed below, please tell me what you think of them.

Midcentury Memories. The Anonymous Project
By Lee Shulman
ISBN 9783836575843

LOS ANGELES: Photographs, 1967-2015
By Lloyd Ziff
ISBN 9780990790853

NEW YORK: Photographs, 1967-2015
By Lloyd Ziff
ISBN 9780990790846

The Polaroid Book
By Barbara Hitchcock
ISBN 9783836501897

Otto Binder: The Life and Work of a Comic Book and Science Fiction Visionary
By Bill Schelly
ISBN 9781623170370

BURLESQUE: Exotic Dancers of the 50s & 60s
By Judson Rosebush
ISBN 9780764336676

WILL EISNER: A Spirited Life
By Bob Andelman
ISBN 9781595820112



Screengrab and poster from the movie COLD TURKEY

THAT DOG HAUNTS ME.....

There are certain movie scenes that stay in your mind long after the movie has ended.
The end of the 400 BLOWS is one of those moments, and so is the begining of the film COLD TURKEY.

The camera follows a sad looking dog down a road, while Randy Newman sings HE GIVES US ALL HIS LOVE.

I've remembered that scene since my childhood.



Melanie Safka performing TOGETHER ALONE in 1972 ( YOUTUBE video )



Screengrabs of the DODGE INTREPID concept( top , and CHRYSLER / LAMBORGHINI PORTOFINO concept ( bottom ). From the CHICAGO AUTO SHOW ( late 1980s ). It's from a video posted by the official CHICAGO AUTO SHOW YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

CARS AND CUTIES.....

I really miss going to auto shows. If you're a GEARHEAD like me, then you know what I'm talking about.

Most auto shows have really gone downhill. They used to be SHOWS in every sense of the word. Many of them had invited guest. Such as, actresses, actors, singers, athletes. Plus, tons of free stuff. In addition to brochures, they gave out, posters, t-shirts, bags, scale models, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs, books, magazines, key chains, and lots more.

They also had live performances by dancers, magicians, and more.

The spokesmodels were, and still are, an important part of every show.


Screengrabs from the 1991 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW ( from a video posted by THE VINTAGE LENS YOUTUBE CHANNEL ).


Screengrabs of the GEO dancers. It's from the 1991 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW. It's from a video posted by the official CHICAGO AUTO SHOW YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

Do NOT believe morons that claim suto shows have become unnecessary - that's TOTAL BULLSHIT. The people saying that are NOT true gearheads.


Screengrabs from the 1961 CHICAGO AUTO SHOW. It's from a video posted by the official CHICAGO AUTO SHOW YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

A lot of nameplates have been phased out, or have left the United States market. Those are just a few of the MANY reasons auto shows have become smaller.
Consider yourself lucky, if you have an auto show in your area.

It seems as if the "smaller" shows have survived far better than the so-called "important shows" - such as, Paris, Frankfurt, Geneva, Tokyo, Detroit, and others.




YEARBOOKS AT THE INTERNET ARCHIVE.....

Yes, another reminder about my other webpage ( see link below...

CLASS OF 1981 REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM

I would GREATLY APPRECIATE ANY HELP you can give me. This is important to me, and so far I've hit a brick wall.

FYI - I am NOT very knowledgeable in regards to computers and the internet.

Anyway, if you're searching for yearbooks, try the INTRENET ARCHIVE.

They're constantly adding more schools to their online collection. Unfortunately for me, I still can NOT find any of the schools I'm looking for.



Above are screengrabs from a recent episode of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. They displayed original art for newspaper comic strips. They're also autographed. I love these types of items.




DEDICATED TO ALL THE COVIDIOTS.....

Above is a screengrab from Robin Bougie's TWITTER page. I added the words VILLAGE IDIOT - so, do NOT blame Mr. Bougie for that.
He's the creator of CINEMA SEWER magazine. As I write this, his official website appears to be gone.

Anyway, below is my response to all the ANTI-LOCKDOWN LUNATICS....



Most of these anti-lockdown LOONS believe INSANE conspiracy theories... If THEY want to DIE, then I say GOOD RIDDANCE! However, they do NOT have a right to play RUSSIAN ROULETTE with OTHER PEOPLE'S LIVES!

YOU FUCKING AFTERBIRTHS, YOU'RE ALL THE REASON BIRTH CONTROL WAS INVENTED!



JUST FOR THE RECORD, I am NOT a Howard Stern fan. However, he finally said something I agree with ( read quotes below )....

"Stern, whose contract future with SiriusXM also came into focus on Tuesday, suggested Trump supporters hold a large rally where they all drink disinfectant "and all drop dead"....

Finally, someone in the media, saying out loud, what should have been said from the very begining.

That's all for now, STAY SAFE!.....

MISC CRAP.....

Screengrabs from an extremely rare film called CHILD OF THE SABBAT ( found on VIMEO )

CHILD OF THE SABBAT.....

One of the few things I miss about the VHS era, were all the independent films like CHILD OF THE SABBAT. This is truly a difficult movie to find.


Screengrabs from CHILD OF THE SABBAT ( found on VIMEO )

As far as I know, it has never been released on a legit region one DVD. However, you may find it online.

Is the Britt Morgan that appears in this film, the same Britt Morgan that appeared in a bunch of XXX movies?



Screengrabs from a recent episode of ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. I'm not fond of superheros, but I still love it, when they feature collectibles like these.

PLEASANT MEMORIES.....

Hunting for collectibles, really calms my nerves. I know, I'm not alone in feeling that way. We can NOT go to swap meets / flea markets, but we can watch ANTIQUES ROADSHOW and similar programs.

There are a ton of websites and videos devoted to collectibles.

Plus, now is a great time to organize your closets, your garage, and your entire house - or apartment.

Maybe you'll find something you thought was lost.


Above are screengrabs from the 1980 mini-series BRAVE NEW WORLD.

BRAVE NEW WORLD.....

I watched a MINI-SERIES called BRAVE NEW WORLD ( 1980 version ). I haven't seen it, since it first aired on television.

I've never read the book the movie is based on.


Above are screengrabs from the 1998 mini-series BRAVE NEW WORLD.

There's also a version from 1998. I like the 1980 film more.



Above is a screengrab of Jenny Agutter being interviewed in 1981. The video was posted on YOUTUBE. Bottom screengrab of Jenny Agutter being interviewed in 2018 ( also found on YOUTUBE ).

JENNY AGUTTER AND TERI GARR.....

During the seventies and eighties, two of my favorite actresses were Jenny Agutter and Teri Garr.

I've been watching a lot of Jenny Agutter films lately.

As I write this, PBS is airing NEW episodes of CALL THE MIDWIFE.


Above are some LOGAN'S RUN collectibles ( photos from EBAY ).

I was thinking about her LOGAN'S RUN character, Jessica. In the book - by William F. Nolan - Jessica is much more aggressive and a bit colder than she is in the movie.

There are elements from the book, that I like more than the movie, and vice versa. The book and movie exist in their own universes, and I'm fine with that.


Screengrabs of Teri Garr on Late Night with David Letterman - 1980's.

I was also nuts about Teri Garr.

I can't count the number of times I've watched her on television shows and in theatrical movies.


Screengrabs of Teri Garr on STAR TREK ( ASSIGNMENT EARTH )


Screengrabs of Teri Garr being interviewed on Late Night with David Letterman - 1980s



Above is the BOOK cover of FAST TIMES AT RIDGEMONT HIGH ( photo source AMAZON ).

SCHOOL'S OUT FOREVER......

Yet another reminder that I have another blog. That blog means a lot to me. So, any help spreading the word of it's existence would be appreciated. See link below.....

CLASS OF 1981 REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM



Above is a screengrab I modified. You can print the above screengrab and use it as TOILET PAPER.

In the United States, we are suffering because of the actions and INACTIONS of an INSANE, INCOMPETENT, ULTRA-RIGHTWING NARCISSIST.

If isolation helps to slow down COVID-19 and that results in LESS deaths, then I'm OK with that.

Stay sane, stay home, and stay safe.....

THIS AND THAT - FEBRUARY 2020

DOLLAR TREE BOOKS.....

It's been a while since I've found anything I liked in the book aisle of my nearest DOLLAR TREE.

I was happy to find these books.

THE BOY WHO LOVED BATMAN

This book was written by Michael Uslan. He's produced a ton of BATMAN movies, both live action and animated.

This book contains a lot of emotional material - including joy and sorrow.

I really love it.

The book also has a lot of color and black / white photos. Many of those photos are personal, and that makes it even better.

If you see this at your local DOLLAR TREE, I recommend you buy it.

WRITER - Michael Uslan
PUBLISHER - Chronicle Books
ISBN - 9780811875509
HARDcover
APPROXIMATE PAGE COUNT - over 250


THE BLACKLIST: THE BEEKEEPER NO. 159

This tv show airs on NBC.

I have NOT had the time to read this tie-in novel.

WRITER - Steven Piziks
PUBLISHER - Titan Books
ISBN - 9781783298051
SOFTcover ( mass market tie-in )
APPROXIMATE PAGE COUNT - over 300



Above is a view of MUGU ROCK via GOOGLE MAPS street view... I would often eat my diner there. It was therapeutic beyond description.

CLASS OF 1981.....

I've got a new webpage. It's personal, and has meaning to me.

Please have a look, and if you know someone that was in that program, leave a comment.



Click on link below.....

CLASS OF 1981 REGIONAL OCCUPATIONAL PROGRAM




MORE PODCASTS.....

Here are some more podcasts I recommend. Maybe you'll like them, maybe you won't. You won't know until you listen.

See links below.....

SUCK THE JOY - Lots of fun. Kathleen Wilhoite is one of the hosts, and she's the main reason I started listening. Now, I listen because I actually like the show.


NEVER 30 - I love this documentary style show. Lots of great stories.


PROUDLY RESENTS - Fun rants and interviews. Give it a chance and listen.


FILM PHOTOGRAPHY PODCAST - Great show. If you love photography, you should listen at least once.


ON STORY - Interested in screenwriting?... Then listen to the screenwriters.



RANDY NEWMAN performing I LOVE L.A.

VIBES.....

A reminder, that these radio shows - and one station - may, or may not, help you relax.....

HEARTS OF SPACE


ECHOES


KROQ



THE BANGLES performing MANIC MONDAY on AMERICAN BANDSTAND.

Search for these music videos......

THE LUNATICS HAVE TAKEN OVER THE ASYLUM by FUN BOY THREE

E=MC2 by BIG AUDIO DYNAMITE

THIS IS RADIO CLASH by THE CLASH

ANARCHY IN THE U.K. by THE SEX PISTOLS

ROCK THE CASBAH by THE CLASH

VOICES CARRY by TIL TUESDAY

DANCING WITH TEARS IN MY EYES by ULTRAVOX

BLASPHEMOUS RUMOURS by DEPECHE MODE

BUT NOT TONIGHT by DEPECHE MODE

STRANGELOVE by DEPECHE MODE

PICTURES OF YOU by THE CURE

HEAVEN by THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS

HEARTBREAK BEAT by THE PSYCHEDELIC FURS

MANIC MONDAY by THE BANGLES

I LOVE L.A. by RANDY NEWMAN

THROUGH BEING COOL by DEVO

FREEDOM OF CHOICE by DEVO

CHANNEL Z by THE B52's

ROAM by THE B52's


RANDY NEWMAN performing I LOVE L.A.

Below are Screengrabs of a MOUNTAIN DEW commercial with Bryan Cranston - THE SHINING


That's all for now.....