Richie Rich's Vault Part 2

Like I said the other day, there is quite a lot of activity at Richie Rich's Vault. I also put out some newsletters today to re-promote my various websites including "The Harveyville Fun Times!", "So Rare Collectibles", "Mark's Rare Comics", "Food Shop" and "Fun Ideas Productions" among others. Click on any of the links along the left handside of this blog and it will take you there.

If you would like to be on my mailing list, drop me an e-mail at: thft@att.net

Regards,
-Mark.

Mac Filmmakers Meeting

I went to the Mac Filmmakers meeting last night at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, CA, where they demonstrated the new Final Cut Pro 5 and Soundtrack Pro editing systems. These really blow the previous editing applications away and was a very enjoyable meeting. Apparently, the demonstration was hot on the heels of the NAB conference in Las Vegas where these were first introduced just a week ago.

More and more films are being edited this way as film itself is slowly going away in favor of more high definition digital video and audio alternatives. Eventually, film will be a total anachonism, going the way of vinyl records and typewriters. ("What are those things?" asks the under-30 crowd.)

This weekend I may go to Paramount's Great America, an amusement park that's located in Santa Clara, CA. Although it is definitely no Disneyland, it sometimes has its moments, and I usually get in free. I'll report what happens here.

Nothing much else to report, but please continue to visit my shopping websites listed at the left of this blog column. You can't believe the weird stuff you can buy on-line nowadays...

-Mark.

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Movie Review

Hi Gang,

I saw an advanced screening of the new "Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" movie. Overall, it was pretty good, but I have to wonder if someone seeing this film without ever reading the books, or listening to the radio programs, or watching the TV series would understand it. I found myself filling in the blanks in places, as it was somewhat disjointed, but maybe that's ok. The humor, acting and special effects were good and not overdone as is usual for films these days, especially in this genre. Also, if you are a fan of the TV series, there are at least two pertinent cameos that will delight those watching this feature. It followed the first book fairly closely for most of the film, then made quite a critical change near the end in order to wrap things up and to also give it more of a "Hollywood" ending. Ultimately, this film will either become a big hit, or a strange cult film casualty a la "Buckeroo Banzai" or perhaps "Time Bandits". Recommended for big screen viewing, but you might want to wait until after "Star Wars III" comes out if there are long lines, presently.

Regards,
-Mark.

Richie Rich's Vault

Hi Guys,

I forgot to mention in yesterday's blog that I am the big cheese when it comes to the Richie Rich's Vault Yahoo! group. You can join our membership which hovers above 100 members currently at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/richierichsvault/ or you can also click through on my Harvey website at http://thft.home.att.net

I should also mention here my recent celebrity sightings: Yoko Ono (at the SF premiere of the "Lennon" musical) and Gene Wilder (also in SF at the Balboa theater signing copies of his new autobiography in the lobby at a screening of "Young Frankenstein" and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory").

Busy, busy, busy, but I wanted to get a blog out before I do anything else today...

Regards,
-Mark.

Protecto

Hi Guys,

Here is another of my (hopefully) daily blogs. Exciting things are always happening at Fun Ideas. Right now, I just shipped out issue #59 of "The Harveyville Fun Times!", a fanzine about Harvey Comics that I've published since 1990. For more information, see my Harvey Comics website at http://thft.home.att.net.

Also, this week's "Protecto, the Little Robot" strip has just been posted at http://funideas.home.att.net. I would really appreciate it if you would tell me your comments, so take a look and let me know...

I really want to write more articles, so please contact me and let me know your needs. I have an article coming up which I will detail further in future blogs in "Hogan's Alley".

I know that this seems like a total vanity piece, but so what, it's all in fun, and I would appreciate any feedback about me or my projects or any of my websites. Please contact me at thft@att.net

Signing off.

Regards,
-Mark.

Fun Ideas Review

Review by Tony Isabella, Tony's Online Tips:
"Mark Arnold is the editor and publisher of THE HARVEYVILLE FUN TIMES, a fanzine which covers Casper, Richie Rich, and other Harvey Comics stars with a winning combination of bemusement and respect. This time out, in addition to the latest issue of the FUN TIMES, he sent a copy of GIANT SHANDA ANIMAL #8 (Shanda Fantasy Arts; $4.99), an anthology of anthropomorphic comics stories. Arnold has the cover and lead spot in this year's ANIMAL with his 50th-anniversary tribute to Richie Rich. "A Treasure Chest of Riches." Drawn by Shelley Pleger, the tale pokes gentle fun at the "Willy Wealthy" comic books of olde. Arnold kids because he loves, and his fondness for Richie comes through loud and clear. This is a fine story and I hope we see more of Arnold's comics writing in the years to come."