1950s Television Advertising

As a child of the 1950s and 1960s I was privileged to have grown up during the Golden Era of television. Some of the greatest TV series of all time were produced and broadcast during those two decades.

The 1950s saw advertising and TV networks realize that they had a virtually untapped audience to promote and sell products of all types. And boy did they advertise!

In today’s age of streaming, cable TV and other forms of visual entertainment it may seem a little odd that many TV shows during the 1950s had one main advertiser that not only advertised their product but solely bankrolled particular TV shows.

It was not unusual to see a company’s logo tagged on the front and rear credits of a TV show along with being the sole advertiser during commercial breaks.

I recall cigarette, toy, food, personal hygiene and other company logos popping up everywhere. It was a great time to be a TV advertiser. TV advertising shaped and influenced the American way of life.

There were plenty of product mascots like Snap, Crackle and Pop of Kellogg’s Rice Krispies, Bosco with the Paul Winchell puppets and dozens more.

TV celebrities often hawked their show’s advertiser’s products and very often made promotional films for said companies. For example the cast of Bonanza promoted Chevrolet cars and trucks.

In author Vincent Terrace's and McFarland & Company, Inc. Publishers’ newest book: 1950s Television Advertising, both the sponsors and programs that filled the airways are spotlighted.

Lists of TV shows, their spokespersons, advertising taglines and the duration of the shows are listed along with plethora of photographs.

Look for product jingles, slogans and a complete programs and sponsors list.

This book brought back so many pleasant memories of a more innocent time when America’s economy was booming and consumerism reigned.

John 16:33 - These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

The Kurgan

Few onscreen villains can beat Highlander’s Kurgan.  Sworn enemy of the Highlander’s Kurgan is ruthless, clever and a resourceful foe who was incredibly powerful.

He is ruthless and determined.  The more than human hulking Kurgan’s only wish is to gain the ultimate prize: immortality.  And he will do anything and kill anyone who gets in his way.

With his pale skin, piercing eyes, shallow cheeks and tattooed baldhead the Kurgan figure is menacingly looking as his human namesake.

Dressed entirely in black leather the Sideshow Collectibles' Kurgan 12-inch figure wears a sleeveless leather jacket with lots of rivets, heavy buckles, zippers and rings he also wears patched together left black leather sleeve with a gray jagged mesh coming from his left breast pocket.

His leather pants has a string of silver buttons running down the crotch area on both sides and his feet are shod in black leather, high-top biker boots.

The figure, along with his accessories its are cradled in a clear plastic form-fitted cocoon behind a clear plastic viewing pane.  Plastic straps assist in keeping the figure secure.

The figure comes in a flip-lid box with the history of the character printed on the inside of the flap.

Archaic symbols decorate the box along with Kurgan photos.

Inside a circular Highlander base and wire support are included.

The Kurgan carries only one weapon: a huge silver double blade sword with and ornate and sharp pommel and black leather strap handle.

The figure easily holds the weapon in his pre-positioned hands.

Coloration on the figure, along with the sculpt work is tight, precise and extremely well done.

Articulation is hidden beneath the cloths and the clothing moves easily over the figure when posed with no bunching or binding.

Various articulation types allow the figure to pose naturally, with or without the stand.

It’s an extremely well done figure with real cloth clothing and the complementary packaging real sets the figure off. 

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

The Day Of The Dead A Celebration Of Death And Life

Here in the United States most of us regard death as separate from life. Much of the world does not. Many countries consider death a part of life-not something to fear but to accept as a part of existence.

Religions of all persuasions all have their own unique take on death and what follows life-be it eternity in Heaven or Hell, oblivion, spectral and so forth.

As Americans we relegate death to funeral homes, graveyards, mausoleums and crypts where we may visit gravesides, leave some flowers or objects that the deceased cherished and then depart.

Over the convening years the visits become less frequent and eventually the very memory of those persons passed on are long forgotten.

Not so in Mexico. Death is not the end. Families celebrate the lives of their deceased loved ones and show reverence to their memories. The Day Of The Dead is a grand celebration about ancestry, the long-held love for lost family or friends and a colorful reminder that one day, we too, will become citizens of the afterlife.

In the massive, hardbound and colorful book published by Rizzoli/Universe: The Day Of The Dead A Celebration Of Death And Life, showcases the incredible festival and event through amazing images of art, photos and more that span back for decades.

Readers will see grand displays of skeleton motif posters, art, costumes and more. Images of the deceased, gravesides, confections, foods, alter pieces, costumed festooned partiers are all on full display celebrating both death and life.

It’s a wonderful examination of a culture and people who don’t shy away from death but embrace and reverence it like an old friend.

It’s loud, brilliant in its hues, outlandish and most of all fun and festive. For a true understanding and appreciation for the The Day Of The Dead, as celebrated by the Mexican people, this book is an excellent tribute to said festivities.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

 

Galaxy Quest

The best Star Trek film ever made?! Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and other stellar movie stars combine their considerable talents to deliver a hilarious Star Trek parody.

When a troupe of has-been TV actors are recruited by an alien race to save their people things do not go well.

It seems the aliens mistook the actors’ as real people aboard a spaceship as seen on their old TV show.  The aliens believe the fictional captain and his crew are true heroes-not actors.

Going along with the charade the fake crew and captain grow fond of their alien guests and feel real sympathy for their plight.

Despite their fear the crew pulls together and faces off against the aliens’ deadly foe.

What makes the film so endearing is while it pokes fun at Star Trek and its fandom it also shows a great deal of respect.

Characters act as if they are actors placed in a very real situation.

Star Trek references include warp drive, transporters, phasers and all the other accoutrements associated with the original Star Trek TV series.

There's the stalwart captain, the cool alien, the young genius ensign, the engineer, the communication officer, even the unnamed crew member that is destined to die.

It’s all played very tongue-in-cheek and for laughs.  It is never vicious to or disrespectful of Star Trek whether it’s the original TV series or The Next Generation.

Even the spaceship when viewed at a certain angle looks like the U.S.S. Enterprise.

There’s plenty of action, humor, touching moments and drama.  The special effect are topnotch, as are the sets, practical effects, music score and the actors and actresses are perfectly cast.

Look for the Deluxe Edition Galaxy Quest lenticular cover DVD set loaded with lot of fun extras from CBS/Paramount Studios. 

Proverbs 30:5 - Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Life With My Dragon

Imagine being a kid. Your pet and best friend is a dragon- a real-life, large fire-breathing dragon!

What kind of fun would you have? What kind of mischief? What kind of trouble?

The writer/artist creator team of Didier Levy and Fred Benaglia present five heart-warming tales courtesy of Thames & Hudson in Life With My Dragon.

Discover what happens when My Dragon gets a cold and the fire department has to be called to put out a fire.

Even dragons get chilly and My Dragons' fire furnace goes out and needs cleaning and things go wrong. My Dragon changes into all sorts of crazy gadgets and machines-even a helicopter!

What happens when a fire gets out of control? Why call My Dragon of course.

Dragons love fires-especially for a snack!

My Dragon has a sore throat. What’s the cure? Cough Syrup? A sweater. No silly! My Dragon likes to dress up in Christmas lights! Even when My Dragon’s throat is a little sore, Christmas lights always make things better.

My Dragon is a heavy sleeper. My Dragon doesn’t even notice the fireflies and just dreams. What do dragons dream of? Wouldn’t you like to know?

Life With My Dragon is a whimsical and delightful collection of tales of a huge red and green dragon with black spots who gets into all sorts of mischief. My Dragon is kind, gentle and a big kid.

I wish I had a dragon when I was a kid.

1 Corinthians 13:13 - And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Collecting Laurel and Hardy

Most modern day moviegoers are familiar with the classic comedy duos such as Martin and Lewis, Abbott and Costello, Wilder and Pryor, Akroyd and Belushi and many other teams up until present time.

But, to me the original comedic team-up that set the standard for all other comedy teams that followed is Laurel and Hardy.

The bowler hat wearing and bumbling duo were tremendously popular in the 1930s and 1940s. Even today their comedic antics delight fans and still bring a chuckle.

During their peak Laurel and Hardy developed a huge fan base and like with any popular pop culture phenomenon merchandising was intense.

In Schiffer Publishing’s deluxe, hardbound book: Collecting Laurel and Hardy, with a foreword by film critic Leonard Maltin, authors Danny Bacher and Bernie Hogya share a visual and historical text-filled book about all things Laurel and Hardy collectibles.

From autographs, posters, toys, dolls, games-you name it, the comedic duo dominated collectibles for all ages.

Full-color and black and white photos, documents, art and more fill the pages. I never realized just how much Laurel and Hardy merchandise there was-it is staggering.

Discover the magic of the comedic pairing that set the standards for all acts to follow in this massive book spotlighting the merchandise that flooded the shelves in their heyday.

Even today new collectibles of the duo are still produced and are popular items of interest.

“That’s another fine mess you’ve gotten us into!” Yes, yes it is and I love it!

There was a time when cinematic comedy was clean, clever and fun with no profanity or nudity or sex.  

It's a shame so much of today's so-called comedy is profane, filthy and sexual.

Deuteronomy 20:4 - For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

Mademoiselle Le Sleuth

Sarah, an American actress in Paris, suddenly finds herself in league with her sister Vicki the reporter and her daughter Miranda the would-be detective, investigating a backstage murder.

It’s not easy to mix humor with mystery and intrigue but that’s just what author Theasa Tuohy does in her novel Mademoiselle Le Sleuth, published by France House Press.

The trio investigate amurder in the shadows of the Parisian theaters, cemeteries and streets.

Curiosity and fearless determination guide the trio as they explore the historic landmarks and uncover secrets best left alone that threaten their lives with each step they take.

Assisted by a detective and their loyal golden retriever the sisters and niece plunge into the seedy underside of Paris in an enchanting and captivating tale deep in The City of Lights.

It’s a spectacular guessing game that will have you glued to your seat until the final page in the latest Paris backstage murders.

Psalms 55:22 - Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.

Blackest Night #8

The shocking conclusion to the Blackest Night maxi-series from DC Comics ends with issue #8!

This is it! The ultimate showdown between the combined Lantern Corps consisting of the various colors of the spectrum, Nekron, the dead Black Lanterns and The Black Hand.

Victory seems assured, as Sinestro (now a White Lantern) appears to strike the killing blow.

Only the power of the Black Lanterns is even more than he can handle and once again the forces of evil rally and nearly defeat all of the Lanterns.

But when the connection to life and the living is breached many of the DC Comics superheroes long believed to be dead choose life and so is born the White Lantern Corps.

Using their power of light and life they attack Nekron and sever his control of the dead heroes he turned into Black Lanterns.

Once again they live, as does the Anti-Monitor whose power Nekron had tapped.

The dead DC heroes now live and are reunited with their friends, families and lovers.  The threat is ended but what of the White Lantern?

Writer Geoff Johns and artist Ivan Reiss knock it out of the park with the final issue of the Blackest Night maxi-series.

To me, Blackest Night maxi-series and crossover events was the best DC limited series ever produced ranking right up there with Crisis On Infinite Earths, Watchmen and The Dark Knight Returns.

It is an incredible series that completely transformed the DC Universe.

Hebrews 4:12 - For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Epic! Cat Ninja The Heart Of A Hero Volume 6

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman? No...it’s Cat Ninja, the furry feline with the martial arts skills to take out the most nefarious and imaginative villains around.

In Epic! Cat Ninja The Heart Of A Hero Volume 6, illustrated by Chad Thomas and written by a host of authors, Cat Ninja faces his most nefarious challenge-not enough rest and too much to do.

Honestly, how is a crime-fighter supposed to keep up such a busy schedule? Even a ninja needs some rest, time with his family and friends and a little time off.

But, the crime-fighting cat can’t rest as a new plague of crimes threaten Metro City.

Every moment is present fighting crooks with little or no credit or appreciation. Is it it time to put away his nunchucks and let the new guy in town: Octopunch take over?

Disguised as a mild-mannered house cat when danger calls he transforms into Cat Ninja the feline crime-fighter.

In this book see him tackle Fred Wurst the ultimate animal control bad guy, King Crab the crustacean criminal, the Groomer of Evil, the Combat Wombat and the Tomato Twins the vegetable villains.

Get ready for some of the wildest, way-out and amazing adventures any crime-fighter ever experienced and he’s inviting you along for the ride courtesy of Andrews McMeel Publishing.

Check out the cool illustrations, awesome colors and effects and seat-of-your-pants stories!

Proverbs 3:6 - In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Diamond Previews, January 2025

Psalms 37:4 - Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Private i

In the near future artificial intelligence and humanity has become almost inseparable and indistinguishable. So intertwined has mankind come with machines that their interplay is considered normal.

Imagine a world where each person has two internal voices-one human and on A.I. What are the ramifications? Where is the moral line drawn and can morality be applied to a non-human, mechanical mind...and soul?

For too many years Paloma has lived in seclusion. Arriving at her grandfather’s home she finds him beaten and dead.

Somehow someone has discovered her grandfather’s secret. His technological wizardry invented a machine intelligence named Marlowe. The same AI that share’s Paloma’s consciousness.

Both Paloma and Marlowe must flee for their live as unscrupulous individuals seek to exploit the special bond they share.

With Marlowe in their hands these same individuals could control the world. Paloma and Marlowe cannot let that happen.

With Marlowe’s aid Paloma has access to unlimited knowledge, instant instructions to locations, hidden facts and information and most of all a true friend albeit an A.I.

Join Paloma and Marlowe as they navigate, anticipate and ultimately come face-to-face to those who seek to exploit them both.

Private i explores the world of A.I. which even now is growing by leaps and bounds. Is it a godsend or a harbinger of the Apocalypse?

Private i, from authors Ashlei E. Watson, Jill Fain Lehman and Paul Pangaro, is a techno-thriller that begs the question, “Will A.I. benefit mankind or destroy it?”

Private I is available on Amazon. The authors appreciate any reviews shared on Goodreads or other social media platforms!

Ephesians 4:29 - Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Gremlins

Whatever you do don’t feed him after midnight or get him wet!

When an inventor comes across and old Chinese curio shop he discovers a small furry creature called a Gremlin.  The shop owner refuses to sell the Gremlin called Gizmo but his grandson insists.

The inventor takes Gizmo home with strict instructions to keep him out of sunshine, which would kill him, not to feed him after midnight and never, ever get him wet.

Of course Gizmo gets wet and is fed after midnight resulting in a whole new batch of evil Gremlins being born.  Chaos ensues.

Joe Dante directed the film that went on to spawn a sequel.

The movie is one of only a few films that successfully combines humor with horror.  While the Mowgli (Gremlins) (as in the case of Gismo) are cute and cuddly, their offspring are anything but.  Add offspring from offspring and you have some of the most horrifying and frightening killer creatures imaginable.

Gremlins proved so popular that it achieved cult status.  Vast amount of Gremlins merchandise was produced and almost countless movie knockoffs.

Warner Bros/Discovery's Gremlins Special Edition DVD includes not just the movie but lots of special features such as extra footage, commentaries, a documentary, a gallery, storyboards, film highlights and more.

It’s a fun, family film with a fear factor built in.

James 4:6 - But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Crabbily Ever After

Get ready to visit Sherman’s Lagoon for the 29^th time in the hilarious comic strip’s latest collection by artist/writer Jim Toomey and published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.

It’s a veritable underwater collection of fairy tales as Sherman the shark, his wife, child and a crazy menagerie of underwater friends get into some of the strangest situations above or below the water.

The black and white daily and full-color comic strip collections is sure to bring plenty of laughter and smiles as Sherman and company look at life from an aquatic point of view.

This time around you witness a shark diet, making a dog friend, a gourmet human smorgasbord, a Mexican visitor, a turtle’s memory, a whale of a friend and an assortment of under-the-sea chaos, strange encounters, ridiculous schemes and sea life shenanigans.

“And they all lived, “Crabbily Ever After!”

John 1:16 - And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

Conjuring The Spirit World Art, Magic, And Mediums

Back in the 19th and early 20th Centuries both Europeans and Americans were fascinated by seances, magic and spiritualism.

Many believed that by holding seances they could communicate with their deceased loved ones.

Predictably hucksters and con artists managed to fool the gullible and unsuspecting public with their slights of hand, parlor tricks, illusions and staged ‘ghost’ encounters.

Hand-in-hand with the seances was the popularity of magic show and magicians. Harry Houdini is the one most associated with magic at that time period but there were many other magicians who thrilled audiences by their magic, slight of hand and illusions.

Both seances and magic were big business and the public could not seem to get enough of either.

In Conjuring The Spirit World Art, Magic, And Mediums: the new deluxe, oversize hardbound book, written by George H. Schwartz and published by Rizzoli/Universe, (in conjunction with a Museum exhibit) the magic and seance phenomenon of that period are showcased and spotlighted.

Collectors all over the world generously allowed the writer and publisher access to their period promotional items and other ephemera from that time not that long ago.

Detailed text delves into the time period, those who practiced the deceptions and those who believed and partook in seances and much more.

Archival photos and collectible items are reproduced in full-color and black and white.

The publisher printed the interior pages on dull-coat paper giving the overall book the look of an older publication.

The book provides an insightful look at a forgotten time and how even then audiences were fooled by clever visual tricks and slight of hand.

Imagine what it would have been like if the perpetrators of such shenanigans had access to the technology we have today?

Matthew 10:28 - And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Speed Duel Battle City Finals

Big cities offer all sorts of things to see, do and visit. Some are good, some bad. Whenever you visit the big city it’s best to be cautious, aware of your surroundings and prepared for anything.

That’s especially true with Konami’s 25th Quarter Century Shonen Jump Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game Speed Duel Battle City Finals.

The stakes are high, danger and excitement abound and ultimately the goal is to win-and win big. As a duelist it’s up to you to play your cards right, strategize, anticipate and never give up.

Just look at what you can expect and get:

• New dangers await Yugi and Joey at the Quarter-Finals of the Battle City Tournament.
• Old rivals such as Seto Kaiba and Mai Valentine are also attending.
• Yami Bakura and the mysterious Yami Marik are also in the game.
• Prepare to harness the power of your Egyptian God Cards in a showdown in Battle City.
• Recreate memorable Duels from the classic Yu-Gi-Oh! animated series
• Use 8 complete Speed Duel Decks
• 110 Cards are new to Speed Duel.
• Speed Duel: Battle City Finals features:
• Pre-built Decks for Yami Yugi, Seto Kaiba, Joey Wheeler, Mai Valentine, Yami Bakura, Odion, Ishizu Ishtar, and Yami Marik.
• New Skill Cards for new and returning characters.
• Expand your Speed Duel collection.
• Build new Decks and power up ones you already own.
• There’s a Set of Prismatic Secret Rare Slifer the Sky Dragon, Obelisk the Tormentor, and The Winged Dragon of Ra to use for Yami Yugi’s, Seto Kaiba’s, and Yami Marik’s Decks.
• 30 Prismatic Secret Rare cards to add to your collection such as Joker’s Knight, Lava Golem, Mudora the Sword Oracle, Doomcaliber Knight, Injection Fairy Lily, Breakthrough Skill, Swords of Revealing Light, and Maxx “C”!
• 9 random Prismatic Secret Rares included in each Box.
• Play with it on its own.
• Play any other Speed Duel set you already own

Each Speed Duel: Battle City Finals Box contains:

• 200 Common Cards
• 20 Skill Cards
• 3 Prismatic Secret Rare God Cards
• 9 (of 30) Prismatic Secret Rare Cards
• 1 Two-Player Deluxe Game Mat

Have you got the speed, cunning and skills to win? Find out in the Battle City Finals!

Psalms 126:5 - They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.