Belle-Aire Motel

Another classic motel from the pre-interstate days, when Route 41 was the main drag from Chicago to Miami. The Belle-Aire was in the southeast part of Nashville on Murfreesboro Road. Click for larger pic.

Simpsons Itchy & Scratchy Watch

The Simpsons Movie is out this weekend, so how about some merchandise? You've seen the Bart phone, right? How about an official Itchy & Scratchy wristwatch, with a genuine floating cat head?



I don't know why they didn't sell more of these.

Chickenman Radio Serial

Back when people actually listened to the radio, the best comedy serial of the 1960s was Chickenman. Episodes ran on the local radio station at odd times, and it was always an occasion to stop and listen. Several years ago, Dick Orkin, the creator and voice of Chickenman, put out the entire set of 273 shows on a 14 CD set:



You can read more about the history of Chickenman and buy the set here, on the website of Dick's Radio Ranch.

Godzilla Lighter

Why didn't they think of this before? A cool metal Godzilla cigarette lighter in the flaming Tokyo box. Actually, this is a 30th anniversary edition from 1985.



Oh Yeah.
I love it when things work as advertised. Click pics for larger versions.

Noel Hotel Nashville

Here's a postcard of the Noel Hotel in Nashville, an art deco wonder. It was built in 1929, and is still in use as a bank building today. You can see a picture of it under construction in 1929, click here. To see what the building looks like today, click here. Click the postcard for a larger version.

Castle Films

Castle Films put out lots of cartoons and short subjects on 8mm film back in the day. These were used to keep us kids awake during the marathon showings of our family films whenever relatives would visit. Many of these are still available for not much money. Click for a closer look.

Poppo The Clown

I know it looks creepy, but things were more innocent back in 1955. Give poor Poppo a break.


Uh-oh.

El Capitan Motor Hotel Postcard

Another motor hotel I wished I'd stayed in. The El Capitan Motor Hotel, just north of Wilmington Delaware. Click for larger pic.

Animal House Souvenirs

In 1978, I emceed the Nashville premiere of Animal House. My radio station gave away a lot of promotional items, including this book. It was written by Chris Miller, who also worked on the screenplay. This book has much more material than made it to the movie, like how Pinto got his name. Luckily, Animal House the book just got re-released last month in a 29th anniversary edition. You can buy it here.

Here's a shot of the station's commemorative T-shirt.


Most people had never seen a movie like this. At the parade scene, folks were falling out of their chairs, and literally rolling in the aisles clutching their stomachs. A good time was had by all.

By the way, if you were at the premiere, here's what I was wearing:

Life In Buttons

It's strange how a collection of buttons can act as a biographical story. It pins you to events and organizations in your life. What are they going to think when they dig these up? As always, click for a larger pic.

Cassette Recorder For Under $200

It records and plays for under $200? In stereo? I must be dreaming. From 1976. Really.
Click for larger pic.

Bart Simpson Phone

"Cool phone, man! Where do you talk?"
"In da butt, Bart!"
from 1990

International Inn Washington D.C. postcard

The International Inn, Washington D.C. 14th and M Streets NW. "All the informality, convienence, and charm of a motel, plus all the efficiency and services of a luxury hotel. 400 beautiful rooms. All year-round pool. Free enclosed parking". Click pic for a larger shot.