Darn You, Ronco!!!

Sure you know all about the Rotissery oven that's been selling all over the TV, but how many remember that Ron Popeil used to seel loads of products on TV? The Pocket Fisherman, the Bedazzeler, and of course, Mr. Microphone? Yes, I found it for you.

This Terry's World, Fool...WOOOO!

One of the best TV commercial campaigns of the year was from Reebok with it's spokesperson, Terry Tate, Office Linebacker. I'm so glad that OSHA is still working after seeing these ads.

Could Orson Wells Play Batman?

If I'm going to take time off from the blog for a few days I 'd better come back with something mind blowing....

Mark Millar, one of comic's best writers, has found out that Orson Wells had a proposal for Batman back in 1946. Reading over the piece, I could see it,, with Wells who was a master at using the camera to trick the audience and to convey a perfect mood, to possibly blow away the theater with what could have been one of the greatest action dramas of all time. Wells had already gotten commitments from some of the greatest actors of the time to portray the villains, which if you thought the casting in the 1960's Batman show was perfect, and Tim Burton's casting of Nicholson and DeVito in his two Batfilms were on point, what till you see who Wells had as The Joker, Riddler, Two Face and Catwoman. Plus see who the studio wanted as Batman. Trust me...This will slap you in the face and own you for the entire day

Galactica'03

One of the regular customers of the Comic Box is a guy named Philip Schweier. Nice guy. He's a big pop culture fan like I am and has been doing a lot of writing for some web sites for a while, including a semi regular piece for Comic Book Bin. He's just written a piece for TV Party about the history of one of the coolest shows of the Seventies: Battlestar Galactica.

Now, as a fan of the show myself, I was interested to read this. I mean, Freakin' Dirk Benedick as Starbuck! Yes, he was a poor man's Han Solo, but he worked in the role. Plus, I had a Cylon Warrior action figure as a kid which I'd pit against my Big Jim and Spider-Man toys. Yes, I am a geek.

The Sci Fi Channel is bringing the show back with a new look and cast later this year. I don't really plan on watching it, as it won't be the same as the original. Just the same as when they changed Coke in the 80's. I did have the curiosity about New Coke then, and I may have feel the same for this new show. But I know it will never be the same.

Does The Name Amos and Andy Ring A Bell?

As a continuance of my previous post to Blacks in 1950's era Television, I now present this piece on Amos and Andy. Say what you will about it, but in my personal opinion, it was one of the funniest shows that hit the radio airwaves. I never really saw the TV version with its All Black cast, including Black Film Maverick Spencer Williams, Jr as Andy, everything I've heard about the show was no worse than watching some of the programs they pass as Black entertainment on UPN. Mind you, both shows were created by White Americans to entertain, like most shows today. However, the radio version was done with a mostly White cast portraying the lead roles. Still, both shows were funny and by the he time the TV version came around, Blacks after World War Two were going through social changes and things needed to progress. Take a look.

THINGS THAT SHOULD MAKE YOU DEPRESSED

These are things I was thinking about...

DEPRESSING: Your date to the Prom was your aunt...And she's mad cause you wouldn't put out

DEPRESSING: the only folks to talk to you are mutes.

DEPRESSING: You almost married J-Lo.

DEPRESSING: You hamster has just hung itself.


DEPRESSING: You accidently get featured in Hustler after the security camera gets a shot of you in the dressing room of K-Mart.

DEPRESSING: Your Aunt was really your Uncle...After an operation.

DEPRESSING, and sick: You find out that the lady next door to you has a crush on you....And she's only 87.

DEPRESSING: You win the 10 Million Dollar Lotterey...In Iraqi money.

DEPRESSING: Getting kicked out of the Fruit Of the Month Club.


DEPRESSING: You French Kiss your blind date good nigth...And she gets a boner.


DEPRESSING: You get helped across the street by the Boy Scouts...And you just turned 24.


So, quit yer whining!!!!

By the way...is is Copywritten stuff...don't steal it.

Be A Man, Ben!!!

I have been told by the Internet Assosiation of America that I have to post at least one Bennifer story, or have the blog yanked. It turns out that Ben has an estate here in Savannah and that he and J-Butt are going to have a summit to see if it's really worth it. I happen to think Jennifer is a very attractive woman. However, it ain't worht it, Ben. WALK AWAY!!!!! "Gigli" had nothing to do with it. RUN!!!! She's a diva!!! If I see Ben walking around downtown, mumbling to himself, he and I are going to have a long talk. Mind you, we are still TOOLS, Ben doesn't need that kind of crap. This is Ben Affleck of "Phantoms", for the love of God. You make the call by reading this .

Oh, Davey...

Hey, Kids! Remember Davey and Goliath? You know, the clay boy and his talking dog that always preached morality tales? Well, they're back. Check this out...

Just Plain Wrong

My Pal, Bob Ruggerio, just sent me a link for what could be the worst gift of the year. A portrait of you with aging Wiccan, Stevie Nicks. Now, if you liked her then, you love it when someone paints a portrait of you taken from a bad picture someone took of you while you where in the bathroom while Ms. Nicks looks on. Too bad I couodn't think of any of her songs to wrap this piece of. Any ideas, guys? I'll even take a Fleetwood Mac song.

I'm Still A Tool

Ok...last night was the Rantings of an angry man. I had to delete some of last night's post. But, you understand, what would you have said if you were me? I mean, who goes out and buys mint and grape tomatoes unless oyu really care to put that in a meal for someone you really care about? If you're an ordinary guy like I am, then you probaly don't.

I wound up calling her twice today, and we talked for a while both times. She was apologetic and I understood. I won't go into details about he conversation, but things are ok now. So, yes...I'm a tool. When you like someone as much as I do, I guess you'll take the tool role and and just say to yourself, "That what happens in a new relationship. Sometimes, you take the good with the bad." And, for those of you who were shocked from my outbusrt, I apologize to you. But, I bet you've always wanted oyu let it out like that, didn't you?

WOMEN ARE EVIL!!!!!!

I am going to rant right about now, because I've been used as a TOOL.

I was supposed to have a dinner date with Mo tonight. A surprize dinner that I made. Salmon with Mint and Grape Tomatoes, Cous Cous, and Green Beans, blanched in chicken broth. We talked about it on Saturday, and I told her I'll make sure Monday to see if things were cool for dinner. This was to be a thnks you dinner for being there when I needed her.

Well, due to me writing this, you know what happened. SHe never called. She never showed up.

Black & White TV in the Fifties

Well, after first writhing about television when I started this blog, I think I finally found something worth while, other than a puff piece for a bad show. It's an interesting piece on Blacks in entertainment from the 20's the 50's from TV Party, centering on the female actresses (and ACTOR) who portrayed a maid named Beulah and her many radio and television programs. A very wonderful commentary on race and it's impact.

The Coolest Video Of The Year!

I've been looking for this story ever since I saw it on the Late Late Show With Craig Kilborn. Mind you, I liked the Star Wars Kid, but this is the one for the books. So, Bear + Trampoline = Funny Stuff

Saving For A Rainy Day

I got a letter from Dave Hewitt a few days ago. I'd wanted to put it up sooner, but I held on to it for a few days, waiting for the right time to use it here.

"Here's a site for you. Sketchbooksesions.com. My friend is a comic book (and starving) artist. He put together a comic of his pictures and called it 'Wang Dang Doodle'. "

Well, I checked the site out, and Dave's freind, Rich Dannys, is a great artist. The cover alone is wonderful and reminds me of the poster art for the burlesque shows of the 40's and 50's. Some of the other art in the book is wonderful as well. I'm not an artist, but I know what I like and this guy's pretty good. Thanks for the hookup, Dave. If there's any sites you want to pass along to other folks who read this site, email me at Blaxstone1@yahoo.com. We love to hear from you.

Two Good Men Are Gone...

Music has lost the Original Man In Black, Johnny Cash. Meanwhile, John Ritter dies unexpectedly on the set of his new show of an undisclosed heart condition. Well, those just screwed up my day.

When Babies Attack

From CBS News, a two year old baby drove a car thru a hotel room and crashes it. Driving Instuctor Stevie Wonder admits, "The baby told me he was sober enough to learn". Coverage at 11.

Up, Up, And Awaaaaaay!

While I lived in Detroit as a teen, I watched my Uncle Donald work on his amateur magic tricks. He did parties all the time for kids and was pretty good. He showed me how to run a knitting needle into a balloon without puncturing it. Forget it..I'm not telling you. However, after seeing David Blaine make news again by attempting to stay in a box at 50 feet in the air, I figured I 'd ruin one of his secrets.

Have you always wanted to know how to float in air? I mean, just hover and scare the crap out of someone? Well kids, never fret...Uncle Sam is here with the trick. I'm going to be working on it, and hope I get it down soon. Wish me luck as I hope it gets me on Letterman.

Ok...At least, Jimmy Kimmel.

Alright...Good Day Live.

Geez...Not even a morning radio show?

No More Bat Nipples!!!

It's Official. Christian Bale is the new Batman. News of this is like wild fire on the web. THis is as exciting aswhen porducers chose Pierce Brosnan as Bond. Read more about it here and excuse me while I go nuts. WHAAAA-HOOOO! They finally got a good one!!! Now, Find a Superman, Warner Brothers!!

In A New York Minute

You can see from the date of this post, it's the second anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America. There's not much you can say with out looking like a commentator, so I won't. Wounds are still as fresh in my mind as a few generations before me with Pearl Harbor. So, if you don't mind, I'll just let you do what you think is best to honor it. Make it worth while.

So Fresh, So Clean

I've been a fan of the rap duo Outkast for along time. Actually, member Big Boi was raised in Carver Village, here in Savannah. I don' think we ever crossed paths, however. But I have bought he and his partner, Andre 3000's music. Their last album, "Stankonia" was a breakthough hit for the pair, with songs crossing over not only from Urban stations to Top 40, but to Modern Rock and College Stations as well, with one of my favorite songs all time, "Bombs Over Baghdad". Why didn't Fox News use that in their coverage earlier this year? Anyway, Outkast will finally release a new double CD on 9/23, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below". It's interesting as "Speakerboxxx" is Big Boi's solo CD, while " The Love Below" is Andre's. I've seen the first two videos from the set, "I Like The Way You Move" and "Hey Ya". Frankly, I think this is great to put out solo cuts like this, yet still work under the Outkast name. I kind of wish KISS had thought of this when they did solo albums in the 70's. Just watch the two clips, then I dare you to tell me this ain't the party CD's for the fall.

Things to do when you get bored

After all the junk that went on last night, I was bored out of my skull, so i decided to go to the Late Show With David Letterman site just to see what's going on with Dave. I saw that they were looking for "Human Interest" guests. I figured, what the hell...I'm not Bruce Willis, but I could be on the show, so I sent his off...

"Hi...



Suppose I don't have a real talent.I'm just an ordinary guy with a webblog who goes to dialysis due to my failing kidney. I talk about it for the most part with some humor, relaying to folks what's going on with me. I don't have any tricks, I don't own a pet( although, I do want a dog), and I haven't dated Demi. If anything, it's just a shot to see if you think this has any real human interest. If you want to check out my blog, then take a look. Hey, at least I said I tried, huh?"

I got this today...

"You really should set your sights higher than that- I'm sure you've done SOMETHING interesting at some point in your life :)

Best of luck (and health) to you-

eliana



Eliana R. Salzhauer

Talent Coordinator

Late Show with David Letterman

1697 Broadway

New York, NY 10019"

What...I'm not interesting? I'm setting my goals higher all the time. Just because I can't fart out of my mouth, or have a dog who craps on cue still DOESN'T make me Uninteresting. Maybe I should have told her that I'm the only black man on the face of the Earth with no rythym and can't play basketball. I'll bet that would have gotten me to New York. No ill will against Dave, however. I don't think he's the mean one here...it's his bookers.

Ok...I feel better.

But I still harbor EVIL thoughts against my landidiot. How can one woman not undterstand a frickin' thing I say? Is it all just broken English to this woman. Can she not understand that I am going thru a very terrible phase in my life and I'm doing what I can, while not trying to beg for help from anyone? What, like the money's just going to fly out of my ass? Hell, that maybe the way they do things everywhere, but this is the GOOD OL' USA, where you have to frickin' what till you get it! If you can't understand that, then bite ME!

Now that I got that crap off my chest, it's time to laugh. And, a man who I think I can agree with now is Joe Cartoon, who just happens to have the right way of getting thru this junk....MANTRA. Try it. I think you'll like it. By the way, I need to mention this has adult humor which is not suitable for kids over 13. Unless, your the type of parents who just don't really care. What knd of parents are you, anyways? Don't even get me started on the kids. Sheesh....

Crap, Crap, Crap

I am Seriously thinking of putting up Pay Pal on my blog. The reason would be for me to keep eating and to help pay the bills here. My landlady has been driving me nuts for rest, which I have been trying to keep up with. I pay 500 dollars a month on rest, but I only have 650 a month. I have to pay a premium for Medicare, which all this time I never thought I had to pay until I got the first bill. If I knew that getting sick when you're broke was this bad, I would have just gone to a homeless shelter, then jumped off a bridge. So, if anyone needs a a new butler, call me. I need the bucks THAT BADLY.

By the way...does anyone know how to deport a OLD-ASS GREEK LANDWENCH?

"Keep Me In Your Heart"

It's time for another celebrity obit. This time, Warren Zevon has passed away. Now honestly, not to make light of it, but if you knew the man's lyrics, you knew it was coming. The man has always dealt with death, in a comical way sometimes. Zevon knew it was coming and he faced it head on. In a documentary that's running on VH1, it showed him going back to smoking, which he quit, but returned to when he found out it was the reason for his demise. He figured if he's gonna have one vice left, then that's the one.

I found out about Zevon thru his cult hit, "Werewolves Of London", a darkly comic song about prissy monsters. I rediscovered the man in the late 80's with another song called, "Leave My Monkey Alone". I lost touch again, until three years ago, when he became a fill in for Paul Shaffer on The Late Show With David Letterman who I also found out, was a huge fan of Zevon. Sadly, Warren had his last public performance on the show last year, which he took the entire hour, a rarity. When sitting down with Dave, Zevon told the host he just wanted to eat a few more sandwiches before he left.

Thinking of that interview, in light of what's happening to me, it's given me a sort of good outlook on dying. Mind you, I don't want to die now. I think it would really piss me off if I did. But, I know that it's bound to happen at some point and if God, or one of his other identities call me up, then I guess I've got to go. Warren Zevon gave everyone the courage to at least fight the good fight to the very end, and just take what's given you when it's your time. I hope I get as cool as he did when it happens. I also hope he had a foot long salami, ham, capicola,pepperoni, Swiss, American, and Munster cheese sub with deli mustard, onions and dill pickles, because that's what I plan on having on my last day. Thanks, Warren.

You can read his obit here. If you want, you can read his song lyrics here.

UMMMMMMM...SORRY?

I haven't been working on the blog as of late. It's kind of been bad for be the past few days since I last posted. I wanted to put something down, but I just didn't want to make you sit there and go, "Awww, poor guy. why doesn't he just give up?" Believe me, the thought has crossed my mind. I've had hospital visits, a cranky Greek landlady who wants to know where's her money, a third job that hasn't paid me anything, Medicare that want money now before I CAN GET MEDICARE, a bad dating life, and a partridge in a pear tree. Yep...life's been good to me, so far.

I did have a Really Cool Thing happen at Wet Willie's tonight, however. If you follow along the adventures of World Wrestling Entertainment, you may have heard of Rob Van Dam, or as he is known, "The Whole F'n Show". He's a fantastic athlete and a great entertainer. His moves are some of the best in the business, as was shown here in Savannah as he wrestled in a steel cage match again the evil Kane.

Before I go on, let me just say that I LOVE Pro Wrestling. I even did an indy stint myself for a while. It hurt like hell for the most part, but the rest was sheer fun. And, yes...I know it's scripted. Many folks have their soap operas. I just look at this as a soap however where they slap themselves silly.

Anyway, Rob come thru the door with an entourage. I was talking to local TV newsman Mike Cilia (frickin' name dropper) noticed Van Dam walk in. Any word that were coming out of my mouth were gibberish as I saw R.V.D. Now, we've had O.J. and Jayson Williams come to Wet Willie's, but I think this time a violent sports celebrity who hasn't murdered anyone, but does beat up on guys come thru the door.

I got to talk to Rob about his time here, as he started out here before going up the ranks. We also talked about his comic book store, RVD'S 5 Star Comics, which just opened in California and is doing great business. As a fellow C.B.G (Comic Book Guy), we have to support each other the best way we can. He's a really smooth guy and I wish him the best of luck on the store, as well as in the ring.

As for me, it made me feel better after having a bad few days and got me back to writing again. I hope to get back to a regular schedule of posting. So, if you have to thank anyone thank for this, send Rob Van Dam an email.