Laverne and Shirley DVD

I picked up the first season DVD set of "Laverne and Shirley". Although I am enjoying it, it is kind of a cheat since the first season was really a half a season and wasn't their best stuff. I find Cindy Williams attempting a New York accent in these early episodes especially annoying. Thankfully, she dropped it by the second season. And the Fonz shows up way too often, but of course, this was a spin-off from "Happy Days" airing in early 1976.

Like it or not, "L&S" actually improved until they moved to LA, and even some of those episodes are good. Where it really went down hill fast is when Cindy Williams had some sort of dispute and it basically became "The Laverne Show" after that until the series ended in 1983.

My favorite episode of all time features "Dead Lazlo's Place" where Lenny inherits a diner from his Uncle Lazlo and both Lenny and Squiggy and later Laverne and Shirley make attempts at running it. The scenes where Laverne is cooking and Shirley is the harassed waitress are classic.

There are some great lines in this episode like "Betty, pick up please" in which Laverne insists on calling Shirley Betty as that sounds more like a waitress name. And, "Lucky, lucky, for the next ten minutes everything comes free with pancakes" after Laverne accidentally pours pancake batter over everything she's cooking.

I took a quick Google search and found out that this episode originally aired in the fifth season and was called "The Diner" and aired originally on May 6, 1980. It was episode #111. I'm not alone that this was indeed a classic episode.

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Richie Rich's Vault - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/richierichsvault
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

Even More Beatles

Haven't talked about The Beatles in a bit, but I think it's neat that I can now claim Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Sean Lennon and Julian Lennon as my "friends" due to MySpace. If you click on my MySpace ( http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions) you'll see that they're (to quote Steve Martin) "personal friends of mine". Not really, but it's still fun.

Don't really know what's going on in the Beatles front. Paul still seems to be having his marital problems. Olivia is reissuing George's "Living in the Material World". Ringo's on tour. Yoko is reissuing the Lennon-Ono Mike Douglas week onto DVD. Sean has a new album and Julian seems to be just raking in Blowfish Sushi dough. Zak Starkey (Ringo's kid) is touring with The Who. Stella McCartney is a world-reknown fashion designer. Not sure what the other McCartney/Starkey kids are doing or what Dhani Harrison is doing, but I hope they're all having fun.

I still think Paul and Ringo could collaborate on something. Maybe they could form a super group a la The Traveling Wilburys. Surely, they have enough friends between them that they could appear on stage together (like they did at "A Concert for George") without calling it a Beatles reunion. And even if they did, so what. Geez guys, you're not going to live forever, you might as well milk it for all it's worth.

Have you ever noticed that on the front cover of every Beatles album Paul and Ringo are standing next to each other when they are in the same photograph? Check it out! I'm talking about the British albums, because they're not on albums like "The Early Beatles".

Anyway, gotta go...

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

The 9/11 Report

Harvey Comics stalwarts Ernie Colon and Sid Jacobson have reunited to bring you this all new project that's quite different for fans expecting Richie Rich. It's a comic book adaptation of "The 9/11 Report".

The subject matter for some people may still be a bit grim at this point, but we have to fess up as a country at some point as this event should not be any more hands off than Pearl Harbor or any other catastrophic event.

I haven't purchased the book yet, but you can if you click on the Amazon icon next to this blog entry and search for the title. It should be a worthwhile read.

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

Little Lulu Books

Another great read is the "Little Lulu" books that Dark Horse is issuing. They are currently up to volume 11 with many more on the way. I don't know if the intention is to reprint all 268 issues of "Little Lulu", but with volume 11, they have reprinted all issues up through #48. Granted, in later years "Little Lulu" had a lot of reprint issues, so 268 wouldn't necessarily translate into 67 volumes of material, but they may try.

I really like this format. I wish that Dark Horse (or somebody else) could issue other classic comics in this small black and white format. The complete Carl Barks could benefit from this format or classic Harvey series like the complete "Richie Rich and Casper" title or others.

Anyway, as I always say, check it out!! You can even order these on my websites. Click on the links below...

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

Senses Working Overtime CD

Normally I don't like to promote anything Starbucks (more of a Peet's man myself), but I will make an exception here. There is a new collection of 80s alternative tracks available for $13.95 on CD called "Senses Working Overtime". What's really cool about this is that it generally picks tracks by major artists that aren't necessarily the "hit". For instance, they use David Bowie's "Ashes to Ashes" as opposed to "Let's Dance" or "Fame" and use The Pretenders' "Kid" instead of "Don't Get Me Wrong" or something. So, that alone makes this compilation quite unique.

Anyway, since it is a Starbucks exclusive, it may sell out and may be limited run, so I suggest you pick up one today. Here is the complete track listing:

1. New Order - Age of Consent
2. Talking Heads - Once in a Lifetime
3. David Bowie - Ashes to Ashes
4. The Pretenders - Kid
5. The Cure - All Cats Are Grey
6. Roxy Music - Oh Yeah!
7. The Smiths - William, It Was Really Nothing
8. Elvis Costello - New Amsterdam
9. Kate Bush - Hounds of Love
10. XTC - Senses Working Overtime
11. Bauhaus - All We Ever Wanted Was Everything
12. Peter Gabriel - Shock the Monkey
13. Echo and the Bunnymen - The Killing Moon
14. The Sound - Sense of Purpose
15. Split Enz - One Step Ahead
16. English Beat - Mirror in the Bathroom
17. Robyn Hitchcock - Trams of Old London
18. The Jam - That's Entertainment

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

Cabin Boy

Am I like the only one who likes this film, yet people always seem to flock to the latest lousy Will Ferrell opus in droves? While "Cabin Boy" is VERY retarded, it has made me laugh heartily on repeated viewings. I guess it all depends on your tolerance of Chris Elliott. Understandably not the most handsome of people, and maybe that's the key as to why I like it and others don't. People tolerate Ferrell and Sandler and their antics because they are reasonably good looking, but I just go for the humor and execution of it more than looks. I can't really explain it. It's kind of the "Three Stooges" school of comedy and they CERTAINLY weren't good looking, especially Shemp!

And any film with David Letterman back in his funny days can't be all bad..."You wanna buy a monkey?"

Upon writing this, I read the reviews on Amazon and was surprised that I am indeed not alone, but everyone has mentioned that this film is kind of a "guilty pleasure" and that many will not "get it".
 

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

Curb Your Enthusiasm

Well, I'm finally caught up, so bring on season 6! If you don't know, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" is the HBO series starring Larry David that can be best described as "Seinfeld" without Seinfeld. It's actually more than that, but the similarities are there as David created and wrote for both shows.

The 10-episode seasons usually air in the Fall each year, and then the following Summer they are released to DVD. That's why I just caught up and saw the most-recently aired episodes of Season 5. Larry actually dies in the last episode prompting many to speculate whether the series would actually continue.

According to other sources, they are, which is very good news...and yes, Larry will be in them and very much alive.

BTW, if you're upset that I've spoiled it for you by mentioning that he died, tough. I knew he was going to die before I saw this season and it didn't ruin my enjoyment of these episodes one bit.

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

Fleischer Story

Rereading a book I haven't read in ages called "The Fleischer Story" by Leslie Cabarga. Leslie has recently become a friend of mine and because of that and also that Richard Fleischer recently issued his Fleischer biography before he passed away, I decided to read Cabarga's book again.

I applaud Cabarga's efforts as it is probably the first written account of what happened to the studio that founded Betty Boop. In fact, Fleischer's book is almost an edited rehash of Cabarga's book, but I enjoyed it too, nonetheless (probably because of the subject matter).

Anyway, "The Fleischer Story" I believe is out of print. If it's not, then I suggest rushing out to buy it before it does, or you can buy it through Amazon or Abebooks through my website. And buy Richard Fleischer's book, too.

Fun, fun, fun for fans of Boop, Popeye and Superman...

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

My Book

Ohhhhh, I'm working on my book, working on my book, working on my book... C'mon everyone, sing along. Ohhhhh, I'm working on my book, working on my book, working on my book...

More details soon...

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

Underdog Help!

I'm trying to get into contact with Buck Biggers, Chet Stover, Gary Mooney and Joe Harris as I am writing a history of Total Television for "Hogan's Alley" magazine and need to get into contact with as many creators as possible. I already have Biggers' book and Harris' "Animato" article, but I really need to contact him directly with questions. I know Biggers will be at the upcoming Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention in September, but I'm not sure if I can go.

Anything you can do would be very helpful.

Regards,
MARK ARNOLD
Fun Ideas Productions - P. O. Box 2616 - Saratoga, CA 95070
_________________________________________________________
Please click on my web sites:   
Fun Ideas - http://funideas.home.att.net
MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/fun_ideas_productions
The Harveyville Fun Times! - http://thft.home.att.net
Mark's Rare Comics - http://rarecomics.home.att.net
So Rare! Collectibles - http://sorare.home.att.net
Food Shop - http://foodshop.home.att.net
Blog - http://fun-ideas.blogspot.net
Protecto, the Little Robot - http://protecto.blogspot.com

I Ain't Doin' My Blog

Wow! Before, I was doing my blog rather consistently, then recently I haven't been doing it at all. Subjects, subjects, who's got the subjects...

--
Regards,

Mark Arnold
http://funideas.home.att.net