I'm killing a brief portion of my online day by playing Forumwarz, a funny RPG parody that takes place on the Internet.
Between this and Mob Wars on Facebook, it's amazing I get anything done.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
The list dwindles
Interestingly, my list of old shows I want to see keeps getting smaller. Today, I stumbled across an episode of the short-lived The Second Hundred Years.
A guy gets frozen in an avalanche in 1900s Alaska, and is revived almost 70 years later, where, as the deep freeze put him in suspended animation, he finds himself younger than his son and about the same age as his grandson.
Yeah, it happens to everyone eventually, right? This playlist has the episode divided into three parts.
A guy gets frozen in an avalanche in 1900s Alaska, and is revived almost 70 years later, where, as the deep freeze put him in suspended animation, he finds himself younger than his son and about the same age as his grandson.
Yeah, it happens to everyone eventually, right? This playlist has the episode divided into three parts.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Making a list, checking it twice...
Still working on my list of must-see shows, but I have a sample for you. Here's the opening for Supertrain, a flop from 1979 that only lasted a few months. From what I hear, it was basically, like Love Boat on a train.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year
Well, 2008 is almost done as I write this. It also marks a whole year's worth of daily posts. I don't know if I'll keep up daily posts in the coming year; I might focus more on quality than quantity.
I'd like to thank all of you who come here and read this blog and take the time to comment; I really appreciate it.
In 2009, I'm going to finally finish Bad Movies From A to Z, if only so I can start another project I've been thinking of doing, and hopefully, I'll be able to write more in-depth posts in general.
Have a safe night tonight, and I'll see you in the new year.
I'd like to thank all of you who come here and read this blog and take the time to comment; I really appreciate it.
In 2009, I'm going to finally finish Bad Movies From A to Z, if only so I can start another project I've been thinking of doing, and hopefully, I'll be able to write more in-depth posts in general.
Have a safe night tonight, and I'll see you in the new year.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Finding TV treasure
In researching my list of must-see TV shows I mentioned yesterday, I rediscovered the treasure trove of old TV at the Internet Archive.
For example...
For example...
Monday, December 29, 2008
Do I really need to watch more TV shows?
Yes.
As many shows as I've seen, I am reminded that there are four basic groups into which TV shows fall:
1) Shows I remember
2) Shows I know I've seen but don't recall
3) Shows I have heard of but have never seen
4) What the hell was that?
The latter two categories are the most interesting to me, because it astounds me when you think of just how much stuff has been on TV, good, bad, and bizarre. Even with as much TV as I consumed as a kid, growing up with three solid independent stations that offered a cornucopia of TV shows, there's stuff that I just plain missed.
Here's an example of all four types of TV shows:
Fortunately, the Internet is chock full of people who share their memories of shows, which often times is the only resource for people like me who have yet to make the trip to the Paley Center for Media for research.
Someday I'll make it to the West Coast branch of the center, and I'll finally be able to see such lost shows as Turn-On, a Laugh-In-type show that was canceled after its first episode (and in some markets during the broadcast). Any time a book about TV referred to legendary flops, Turn-On was always at the top of the list.
In many cases, I'm sure there's a pretty logical reason why we don't see certain shows: they're abysmal. But I feel like there's a treasure trove of stuff out there that I have yet to see. It's sort of like archaeology, except with fewer degrees, less travel, and (in my case, at least), a developing pot belly.
Some shows defy belief that they managed to make it to air. But everything that did represents the fact that someone, somewhere, thought a program was worthy enough to spend money on and show to millions of people.
A great example of this is illustrated in an article on Television Obscurities that features 10 of the "most outlandish TV concepts ever."
And before you ask, yes, I've seen most of them. You can say many things about me, but you can't say I don't have a morbid sense of curiosity and a strong stomach for weird programming.
I think I'll work on a list of my must-see shows in the next day or so, and why I want to see them. Feel free to jog my memory in the comments.
As many shows as I've seen, I am reminded that there are four basic groups into which TV shows fall:
1) Shows I remember
2) Shows I know I've seen but don't recall
3) Shows I have heard of but have never seen
4) What the hell was that?
The latter two categories are the most interesting to me, because it astounds me when you think of just how much stuff has been on TV, good, bad, and bizarre. Even with as much TV as I consumed as a kid, growing up with three solid independent stations that offered a cornucopia of TV shows, there's stuff that I just plain missed.
Here's an example of all four types of TV shows:
Fortunately, the Internet is chock full of people who share their memories of shows, which often times is the only resource for people like me who have yet to make the trip to the Paley Center for Media for research.
Someday I'll make it to the West Coast branch of the center, and I'll finally be able to see such lost shows as Turn-On, a Laugh-In-type show that was canceled after its first episode (and in some markets during the broadcast). Any time a book about TV referred to legendary flops, Turn-On was always at the top of the list.
In many cases, I'm sure there's a pretty logical reason why we don't see certain shows: they're abysmal. But I feel like there's a treasure trove of stuff out there that I have yet to see. It's sort of like archaeology, except with fewer degrees, less travel, and (in my case, at least), a developing pot belly.
Some shows defy belief that they managed to make it to air. But everything that did represents the fact that someone, somewhere, thought a program was worthy enough to spend money on and show to millions of people.
A great example of this is illustrated in an article on Television Obscurities that features 10 of the "most outlandish TV concepts ever."
And before you ask, yes, I've seen most of them. You can say many things about me, but you can't say I don't have a morbid sense of curiosity and a strong stomach for weird programming.
I think I'll work on a list of my must-see shows in the next day or so, and why I want to see them. Feel free to jog my memory in the comments.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Idol of millions, give or take a few million
Earlier tonight, I got to play Rock Band 2 on Xbox Live with some friends, which was a lot of fun. And I hardly even sucked that bad, too.
This was a pretty fun weekend. We did some Christmas get-together stuff and hung around the house as well, although we did manage to take advantage of the sunshine that beamed in through the windows.
And, apropos of nothing, here's a video:
This was a pretty fun weekend. We did some Christmas get-together stuff and hung around the house as well, although we did manage to take advantage of the sunshine that beamed in through the windows.
And, apropos of nothing, here's a video:
Saturday, December 27, 2008
A minor writing roadblock
Not only did my wife get me Rock Band 2 for Christmas, but my parents got me Guitar Hero: World Tour, and my wife's parents got me a fat stack of cool games that will also take up my time.
All of this means that for the next few weeks, I will likely get little extraneous writing done. I know, I know, I really ought to be putting my nose to the grindstone and all that, but dude--I have a bunch of new games I haven't beaten yet; I'm obligated.
You can't see it, but I'm throwing the horns right now in anticipation of a rousing round of fake guitar playing.
If you're on Xbox Live, add SiftinJeff to your list of pals, and you, too, can beat my ass at a game.
All of this means that for the next few weeks, I will likely get little extraneous writing done. I know, I know, I really ought to be putting my nose to the grindstone and all that, but dude--I have a bunch of new games I haven't beaten yet; I'm obligated.
You can't see it, but I'm throwing the horns right now in anticipation of a rousing round of fake guitar playing.
If you're on Xbox Live, add SiftinJeff to your list of pals, and you, too, can beat my ass at a game.
Friday, December 26, 2008
...little pond hopper...
If you just can't wait until March when it finally gets a DVD release, you can watch Howard the Duck right here, thanks to Hulu.
Much has been said about how awful this movie is. I was 11 going on 12 when this came out, so I'm not as critical as others. Don't get me wrong; it's not a great movie, and it bears little resemblance to what made Steve Gerber's waterfowl creation so awesome.
That said, it does have Lea Thompson in it, albeit as a victim of a crimping iron accident. So sit back, grab some corn, and it's movie time.
Much has been said about how awful this movie is. I was 11 going on 12 when this came out, so I'm not as critical as others. Don't get me wrong; it's not a great movie, and it bears little resemblance to what made Steve Gerber's waterfowl creation so awesome.
That said, it does have Lea Thompson in it, albeit as a victim of a crimping iron accident. So sit back, grab some corn, and it's movie time.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
On the twelfth day of Christmas...
Well, tomorrow's Christmas, so Merry Christmas in advance to all of you (and Happy continued Hanukkah as well).
We're spending the holiday with family, so tomorrow morning should be fun. I'm already full of, um, holiday cheer (since I don't have any driving to do tonight), and consequently, am pretty relaxed.
I hope everything is well with all of you. I appreciate everyone who reads my drivel, even if I don't say it very often.
And in Christmas song-related news, I somehow managed to get all the way until today without hearing "Feliz Navidad," and then I heard in twice already. For some reason, I used to hate that song, and knowing this, my mom would use it to get me out of bed on Christmas morning. I have since developed an appreciation for the song.
So, Feliz Navidad!
We're spending the holiday with family, so tomorrow morning should be fun. I'm already full of, um, holiday cheer (since I don't have any driving to do tonight), and consequently, am pretty relaxed.
I hope everything is well with all of you. I appreciate everyone who reads my drivel, even if I don't say it very often.
And in Christmas song-related news, I somehow managed to get all the way until today without hearing "Feliz Navidad," and then I heard in twice already. For some reason, I used to hate that song, and knowing this, my mom would use it to get me out of bed on Christmas morning. I have since developed an appreciation for the song.
So, Feliz Navidad!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
On the eleventh day of Christmas...
The thing I'm looking most forward to this Christmas is seeing my son's face when he opens his presents. He's five now, and he does this thing when he's happy.
The corners of his mouth turn up and he does his best not to smile, but you can tell that he's excited about what he's seeing.
I never get tired of seeing it.
Even better; in a few years, I'll be able to see my daughter's reactions, too. I feel kinda sappy looking so forward to it, but I'm a sentimental fool. Sue me.
The corners of his mouth turn up and he does his best not to smile, but you can tell that he's excited about what he's seeing.
I never get tired of seeing it.
Even better; in a few years, I'll be able to see my daughter's reactions, too. I feel kinda sappy looking so forward to it, but I'm a sentimental fool. Sue me.
Monday, December 22, 2008
On the tenth day of Christmas...
I thought it appropriate I saw this today, as I convinced my son to watch an episode or two of Thundercats this morning.
Alas, it's fake, but it's really well-done. Enjoy.
Alas, it's fake, but it's really well-done. Enjoy.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
On the ninth day of Christmas...
While the Super Powers Collection action figures were always on our Christmas wish lists, a solid backup was anything from the Marvel Secret Wars Collection.
They weren't as cool as the Super Powers figures; they weren't as articulated, for one, and, well, they were Marvel characters, and my brother and I were DC kids.
Still, we ended up with almost the whole first wave of figures, and we staged our own Marvel vs. DC slugfests, with DC always coming out on top. We had one vehicle; a motorcycley thing, and I eventually got a Doom Roller and the Tower of Doom on eBay when I was much older.
This is also from the 1985 Montgomery Ward Christmas catalog.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
On the eighth day of Christmas...
I was asked to compile a wish list for work, so you know, if anyone out there still needs gift ideas for me, get your notepad ready and click this link.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
On the sixth day of Christmas...
1978. My last Christmas as an only child. You can almost see that look of impending doom on my face here, can't you?
Thirty years later, and I'm still not all that excited to get a picture taken with Santa Claus. No, there's not a picture for that. I'm old enough that I can say no.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
On the fifth day of Christmas...
I offer some ideas for you last-minute shoppers. If you go to my Cafe Press store, you can find an array of awesome garments. Here are just two items.
Come on; this stuff ain't gonna buy itself...
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
On the fourth day of Christmas...
I got an early present. Some kind soul uploaded an episode of The Magnificent Marble Machine to YouTube. This show was on my list of must-see short-lived shows.
It's a game show that features a gigantic pinball machine. How can you not love that? In the spirit of sharing, here it is, just for you.
It's a game show that features a gigantic pinball machine. How can you not love that? In the spirit of sharing, here it is, just for you.
Monday, December 15, 2008
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