DC and Marvel Superhero Stamps

This may be old news for some of you, but I just picked up some of these stamps at my post office today. And yes, I will use them.

Click for larger versions. Don't worry, they're pre-cancelled.

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.

Johnny Romita Sr. draws the Silver Surfer

Johnny Romita Sr. offered free drawings for fans in 1997 at a fan convention held at Harding Mall, Nashville TN. I got behind him to video this drawing of the Silver Surfer. He also did a drawing of Spiderman and R2-D2 which was auctioned off for charity.

Dictation Disc practice LP

An actual boss reads letters that you can transcribe! Hours of fun for upwardly-mobile young girls with record players. Give this to your office assistant for a good laugh. Click for a larger view. No year found.

Sci-Fi Fashion Fun

Forget the jet-packs, I want these fashion statements. The guys on the left are modeling the latest in space suits from the Robert Hall collection. I don't know what to make of the guy on the right. From the waist down he looks like Stan Smith circa 1970, from the waist up he could sing with Earth, Wind, and Fire. From 1968 and 1982. Click for a wallpaper sized look.

The Great Society Comic Book

Lyndon Baines Johnson sets up a superhero league called "The Great Society" to battle evil conservative forces, like Richard Nixon as the "Along Ranger" and Barry Goldwater as "Colonel America". Check out the Kennedy brothers, "Bobman & Teddy". Some things never change. From 1966.

Bobman & Teddy returned in their own comic soon after this one appeared. You can read about it here.

You Art Body Tattoos

Groovy temporary body tattoos! Weekend hippies loved this in 1974. Too bad all the girls were in the disco. I wonder if Peter Max ever sued. Click the pic for a closer look.

Kauai Surf Hotel 1960s

Here's another old postcard, The Kauai Surf Hotel on Kalapaki Beach, Kauai, Hawaii. A good spot to shoot your next spy movie. Click on the pic for a wallpaper sized image.

John Candy Life Mask

What's the weirdest thing you've bought on eBay? How about a John Candy life mask?

Radio Station Belt Buckles

Most radio stations used to give away custom belt buckles, especially in the 1970s. Here's a few from my collection: WLAC Nashville, Radio Luxembourg, WSM Nashville, WQXI Atlanta, and a BTO buckle direct from the record label. You don't want to sit down wearing one of these unless you have no belly. Trust me.

Pee Wee Herman Christmas Card

Here's something that was really ahead of its time.

Ginny Gordon and the Broadcast Mystery

I took a copy of this book from my sister when we were little. Years later, I felt guilty and bought this copy on eBay. I'll give it to her someday. Click the pic for a screensaver sized shot.

New Breed of Tennessee Titans Fans

I took this shot with my phone cam before a game last season. Big fans of the draft, or a comment on Titans fans? Maybe both.

Pushbutton Telephone Songbook

Hit the right buttons on your phone, play a song! Of course, this only works if everyone in the country has the same phone. Don't forget to send your performance royalty to the RIAA. From 1972.

Flaming Steer Restaurant & Anchor Motel

Here's another postcard, this time from Nashville. The Anchor Motel and the Flaming Steer Restarant were next door to each other on West End Avenue. Check out the prices on the Flaming Steer sign. I think this card is from the early 70s. Both places are gone now, replaced by a Hampton Inn.

Willingboro Plaza 1968

Here's a postcard from one of my boyhood haunts, the Willingboro Plaza in Willingboro, New Jersey. I bought my first 45 rpm record at the Record Shack, Ted Nugent & the Amboy Dukes "Journey To The Center Of The Mind". The plaza went downhill, but recently was redeveloped as the Willingboro Town Center.

Old Tape Box Art

Everyone has some old reel to reel tape boxes laying around, right?

Holiday Inn Mobile Alabama

It's the Holiday Inn Highway 90 West, Mobile Alabama in the 60's. The back of the postcard says it all. "Room controlled air-conditioning and steam heat. Pool. 21 inch television. 24 hour telephone service. Restaurant-Lounge."