Fun Ideas

Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Man of the Year Review

I went on a free ticket last night to see the new Robin Williams movie, "Man of the Year". While it wasn't totally awful, it left a lot to be desired. First the good news, Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Lewis Black, Jeff Goldblum and the rest of the actors were as delightful as ever. Even the comedic elements of the script weren't at fault.

What went wrong is the movie didn't know what it wanted to be. Sometimes it was a comedy (that was when it was at its best), then all of a sudden it would change dramatically into a suspense thriller, then it would change dramatically again and become a straight drama, dangerous for a comedy!!

Plus the movie commits two cardinal sins of bad movie writing: a voice over narration (by Christopher Walken) and a lengthy speech at the end of the movie by a reformed character. If you can't SHOW us what's happening, why isn't this on the radio. Remember, movies are a visual medium so narration is not necessary. The only time it works is like in the "Christmas Story" when someone is commenting on the action, not describing it.

The other cardinal sin is taking on technology as a problem, in this case electronic voting machines. First of all, the buttons beep on the computers when you press them. Look guys, it is 2006, we all have computers EVERYWHERE! They don't beep every time you depress a key, the sound you hear is clicks at best because of the keyboard, but Robin Williams was using a touch screen, so no noise at all!!

My friend Lee with whom I saw it, complained that the lady that worked for the company in charge of the electronic voting machines (Laura Linney) had too easy of access to a person who was going to be the next President. Also, Robin Williams so easily believed this person that he never met and when he did, she did so as an FBI imposter. Though a quick verbal reference was made about this point later on in the film, it seemed hastily added in a rewrite because people didn't buy it when they saw a rough cut. I still didn't buy it!

Barry Levinson the director has done some good stuff i.e. "Rainman", but he has done more crap. He needs to leave his political agenda at home. What would have been a better movie, is that Robin Williams' character would have still won the presidency, but it wouldn't be technology that did him in, but rather his own incompetence. I mean, imagine if he tried to make other world leaders laugh with his comedy and they didn't get his jokes and set off a bomb on us instead. Funnier and more effective.

Levinson would have succeeded much better in making this a farce. He still could have gotten his points across, but have a snappier ending a la "Doctor Strangelove". Levinson had this same problem with "Wag the Dog", a good concept with a lousy execution.

Remember, this WAS the bell boy in Mel Brooks' "High Anxiety"! We know Levinson can do more!!

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

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

45 RPM Records

I wish that the 45 RPM single format still existed. I have a huge collection and still enjoy buying more when I see a good picture sleeve I don't have. I also like it that it is THE way to get two songs for a buck, something that most of these download places don't offer.

It's also a sad day for Tower Records. It's amazing that they are going out of business considering how much money I have given them over the years. I used to buy the majority of my 45s there up until that fateful day in 1990 when the music industry just stopped producing them with any regularity.

There hasn't been a good format since for the single. Cassingles sucked because they were cassettes, which always kind of sucked, especially after CDs came into prominence. CD singles sucked because they charged way too much for them. What happened to 99c? What's ridiculous is that it is cheaper to press a CD than vinyl, yet they charged a lot more for CD singles.

Now people download off of the Internet and put them on their IPOD, which is silly too. The ideal way they should do it is to put a couple of a songs on a USB memory stick and charge the magic amount of 99c!

It's too late now for Tower, but had Tower or the music industry come up with this years ago, we wouldn't be in the problems we are in now.

It used to be that when you bought a single, it was like a taster for the album and if you got two or three off of the same album, then it was worth it to buy the entire album. Nowadays, you have to buy completely off of the merits of the artist. For example, name the big hit single off of Paul Simon's "Surprise" or the big hit single off of Neil Young's or the Rolling Stones' or Tom Petty's latest. You can't. I know KFOG plays tracks off of these albums when they come out, but it's not the same. It used to be that the new single was the track you played, until the next single came out.

I just mentioned long time acts. What if you were interested in a newer act like Death Cab For Cutie? You've heard of the group, but not sure you've heard any songs, and if you did, would you want to risk buying the entire album for $18.99 at Tower if it sucked? No wonder people download for free. You get the song you want, and ignore the rest.

It's sad that all of this is ending, but such is the nature of everything. At least I can go back and pick up the 45s I missed from second hand record shops...and I still play 'em too!!

Monday, October 09, 2006

Blogs and Spider-Man

I've noticed the readership of my blog here has increased quite a bit in the last couple of months which is great but also something I didn't really expect. Writing a blog apparently is like being Spider-Man, "With great power comes great responsibility". Ok, maybe that's a tad overblown, but the point is, I realize that I cannot use the blog to grouse about my work or grouse about my friends, because it can get one in trouble.

I actually did the latter one a few months ago, and totally alienated a person I was trying to get to know. Lesson learned. I'm still sorry. So, as a result, I try to keep my personal life out of this as much as possible. Oh, you might see me rant occasionally about Bush (834 days to go), but other than that I try to keep things on an even keel and not blast anyone, even cryptically.

Anyway, for regular readers I haven't had a blog in a bit because also amazingly I have had a lot of different freelance offers, which you will probably hear about in days and months to come. This last weekend I had do scans for two different articles and write two different book proposals and do promotion on my other book and whew! Lots of stuff!

So, things have slowed a little bit, so I'll try to post more, but I love all of the new projects! Keep 'em coming...

Monday, October 02, 2006

Star Trek: The Animated Series on DVD

I can't believe everyone on Amazon is praising how great the animation is on these Filmation Star Trek animated series. It is some of the worst animation made for cartoons and looked bad even back in 1973-1975. Since animation is a process that begins with the audio tracks being recorded, it would be neat if Paramount would actually take the original soundtracks for this and re-animate it in full animation, or better still, the 3-D type animation that Pixar and others do so well. Otherwise, the stories are great, because they are written by the original "Star Trek" writers and the voices are all the same actors except poor old Walter Koenig who didn't get to appear and was appeased by writing one of the episodes instead.

--
Regards,

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

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

80s Music

Why do I love 80s music? Well, I don't love ALL 80s music. When they put out 80s compilations that have Air Supply, bad songs by Hall & Oates, bad songs by Chicago, and 70s leftovers that crept into the 80s, I avoid them.

What I do like is the 80s compilations that have that extended mixes of good new wave music. What's interesting about these compiliations is sometimes it is the very first time these mixes appeared in the US.

I can remember easily plopping down $20 or more for an import 12" just to get that rare mix. There used to be a great shop in San Francisco called Butch Wax Records that I used to buy all of this stuff.

Certain groups went crazy with the alternate mixes. I was (an still am) a huge Thompson Twins fan, and every album would have at least four singles, and of those singles, they would have a 7" and then one or two 12" records, each one with a unique mix of the new "hit" song.

Now finally 20 years later you can get CDs of 10-12 of these various mixes. Too bad these weren't available at the time, but oh well, better late than never.

I find 80s music more current than what's currently being released. Isn't that weird?

--
Regards,

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

Friday, September 22, 2006

My Harvey Comics Book is Now in Hardback!

If you couldn't stand the fact that my Harvey Comics book was getting manhandled when you read it in paperback, now you can order it in HARDBACK for only $49.95 at www.lulu.com/content/435447!

As F.R. Gumby says from Monty Python: "Its back is too hard!"

Makes a great gift.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Mac Filmmakers Meeting Tonight!!

This just in from Kevin. Meeting tonight at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, CA.

Hi, Fellow MacFilmmakers--

Yes, after our brief hiatus, we ARE meeting this month. Yay!

Our meeting is this Wednesday night, September 20th, 7:00 pm, in
Apple's De Anza Three Auditorium. The focus for the evening is DVD
production. Full details are in the process of being posted to our
Web site even as you read this, so be sure to check in there for ALL
the info:

http://www.macfilmmakers.com/

I hope to see you this Wednesday!

--Kevin

Monday, September 18, 2006

Book Publishing

Wow! Learning lots of new things by publishing my own book. Most of them positive, but it is still a learning process. It's taken a bit of time leaving little time for me to concentrate so much on my blog here, but I'll try. In the meantime, take a look at my book as I'll be plugging it frequently at http://www.lulu.com/content/281328

Friday, September 15, 2006

My Harvey Book is published!

Now you can get my first book "The Best of The Harveyville Fun
Times!" at this URL: http://www.lulu.com/content/281328

Front cover by Shelley Pleger ("Shanda the Panda")

Back cover by Ernie Colon ("The 9/11 Report", "Richie Rich")

Forward by Tony Isabella ("Tony's Tips", Marvel Comics)

Edited by Mark Arnold ("Hogan's Alley", "ComicBase", "Atomic Mouse")

400 pages! Full color covers! Complete Harvey Comics history!

Order your copy today! Only $29.95!

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Lee's Comics

My good friend Lee Hester of Lee's Comics in Mountain View and San Mateo, CA, has asked me to write a weekly installment for his weekly email newsletter. I quickly obliged and started the ball rolling with a column devoted to how I got into comic book collecting and my background.

My hope with the column is to shed light onto a different aspect of comic book collecting besides the usual superhero stuff. You see, as I said in the column, I became and still am a collector of more esoteric stuff. It's not that I will turn my nose up at superhero comic books, it's just not my preference. I like Harvey Comics, Archie Comics, Dennis the Menace, EC horror, humor magazines and funny animal books. Although there are fans of these genres, they don't comprise the whole of the industry. It is a small niche that really likes what I like.

Anyway, to sign up for Lee's Newsletter, go to his website at www.lcomics.com and sign up at the bottom of the main page.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

How to Win the War on Terror

Dear President Bush,

Here is how to win the war on terror:
1) Pull all of our troops out of the area.
2) Create a situation in which all of the Arab nations fight amongst themselves instead of us.
3) Sit back and watch.

The Arabs will be too busy fighting each other that they won't need to bother with us.

Actually, the main thing you need to do regardless is to find who is supplying all of these Arabs with ammunition. I am constantly seeing footage on my television of these guys shooting their rifles randomly in the air when they are celebrating something. Why don't you blow up the weapons of non-mass destruction? Why don't you get all the troops to round up all of the supplies needed to produce bombs? Why don't you disable all of their transportation sources as they seem to use car bombs regularly?

Why? Why? Why?

Until then, we are foolish to wage any fictious 'War on Terror'.

It would also be good to take a few tips from the British on how to run the area. WE set up Iraq in a "peace sign" shape of 3 countries. One is Kurdland, one is Shi'iteland, one is Suniland. There. Done. We go home. We claim victory. We move on to other things instead of fighting another Viet Nam!!!

Yeah I know someone reading this that some of my views are rather simplistic and may be presented in kind of a silly fashion, but really George, WHAT ARE WE REALLY DOING TO WIN THE WAR ON TERROR?

All I see is you going on TV every other night saying that we need to stay the course and not cut and run. What for? Does it really matter? Even if we pulled out now and said, "Alright Iraq, you win.", what would that really mean? Iraq or most any other country for that matter has no ability to take over our country in that fashion. They can't even govern themselves, much less a country many times larger than themselves.

I'm going to end this (cut and run) before I really get sore, you stubborn fool...

Monday, September 11, 2006

Back From LA and Writing Assignments

I am back from the Los Angeles Comic Book Show and met up with Buck Biggers, co-creator of "Underdog". I got the scoop about the entire Total TeleVision story and it is scheduled to be printed in the next issue of "Hogan's Alley" #15, which is due to come out in June 2007.

On my MySpace I placed an ad for myself trying to solicit freelance writing assignments, so I will reprint it here. Any help would be appreciated if you are reading this...

Freelance Writing Assignments WANTED:
Minimum rate is $.10 per word.
Knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics including:

Comic Books/Strips
DVDs/Movies
Television
Books/Magazines
Sales/Marketing
Art
CDs/Music

Please contact me at thft@att.net with assignment,
rate of pay, and deadline requirements.

Tuesday, September 05, 2006

Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Show

I will be in LA for this upcoming show on September 10, working for Lee at Lee's Comics if you want to meet up with me.

My main reason to go is to meet Buck Biggers, co-creator of Underdog, whom I had the recent pleasure of interviewing over the phone.

Let me know if you are planning on going and I'll see you there...

Monday, September 04, 2006

Saturday Night Live DVDs

Who do I have to kill in order to get Lorne Michaels to produce DVD sets of the first 105 episodes of "Saturday Night Live" from 1975-1980 in their entirety? Of course, there are some worthy later episodes, particularly the 1987-1992 era, but I am sick of these "Best of's" like "The Best of Gail Matthius" or "The Best of Danitra Vance" mainly because they sometimes use partial skits.

A real example is on "The Best of Chris Farley" DVD where they have Paul McCartney on "The Chris Farley Show". They only use the second half of the skit! The biggest laugh is in the first half of the skit when Chris asks, "Do you remember when you were with The Beatles?" Just sloppy. Who edits these things?

That's why I want complete episodes. Let the viewer decide. There have always been low points in "SNL" since day one (Bill Murray as the lounge singer comes to mind), but does that mean that this stuff has to be relegated to the cutting room floor? The batting average was quite high during those first five years.

I long to see John Belushi say on the "Adopt Belushi for Christmas" skit: "I'd like a roast goose stuffed with drugs and I'd like to come home and play with your daughter." They NEVER play that skit anymore because of the Belushi drug mention, but it was and still is hella funny! Same with "Puppy Uppers and Doggie Downers". Never see that on any "Best of's" either.

There was also a lot of good non-drug humor, but those were censored ones that stood out in my mind.

I think my absolute favorite skit (which is available on a "Best of") is where Belushi wins the decathalon eating "Little Chocolate Donuts".

Friday, September 01, 2006

National Lampoon Magazine

I'm really getting in to re-reading all of the back issues of "National Lampoon". What's amazing to me is that how a lot of the material really holds up, but better still, I'm re-reading things from an adult perspective instead of a teen-age one and realize that some of the jokes were really more juvenile than I remember or more sophisticated than I remember depending on the article.

I actually was surprised that certain features didn't really run that long and that although there was a lot of nudity, it didn't happen every issue. In fact, some issues didn't have any. It seems that nudity kind of came in waves in the "National Lampoon".

It's too bad there isn't a "National Lampoon" now. One that could really skewer Bush in the way that they used to skewer Nixon. I think the general likability of every President since Nixon has kept us from satirizing Bush, Jr. the way he ought to be. I mean there's no "First Family" LP, no "Smothers Brothers Show", etc. I guess its because it seemed that EVERYONE hated Nixon especially after Watergate, whereas now Bush still has a pretty loyal following even if his poll numbers are in the toilet. I also think more people live in fear of the man. They didn't fear Nixon.

Anyway, back on the subject, it is too bad that "National Lampoon" only exists as a web site or a name to slap atop a movie or DVD. It used to be a sign that meant "good movie", now it means "beware!" Apparently, the "Harvard Lampoon" agreement ran out and "National Lampoon" can no longer use the name to head up a magazine cover.

"Cracked" came back recently and in a format more like the old "Lampoon" than "Mad". I think this is very wise. Check this out. If they do it right, they may achieve the respect they deserve. However, it is more difficult in this day and age of home video and the Internet to make a go of successful magazine, especially a humor one.

For now, I'm enjoying the back issues. I do have every one and I've flipped through all of them from 1970-1979 so far. They published until 1998.

If you've never seen one, I suggest checking one out or an anthology to get a real taste. Amazon usually sells these. Just click on the item at the left and search for "National Lampoon" under books.

Monday, August 28, 2006

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.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

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

Wednesday, August 23, 2006

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

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

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

Monday, August 21, 2006

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

Thursday, August 17, 2006

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

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

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

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

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

Monday, August 07, 2006

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

Friday, August 04, 2006

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

Thursday, August 03, 2006

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

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

I'm Back from Comic Con International and Lee's Comics

Well I'm back from the 2006 Comic Con International. I will be writing a full length report soon. I just wanted to thank everyone I met for the good times and to Lee Hester of Lee's Comics for allowing me to go for the first time since 2002. More later...

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

Monday, July 17, 2006

Comic Con International

If you get a chance and want to say "hi" to me in person, I will be working at Lee's Comics booth #1100 at the Comic Con International (formerly San Diego Comic Convention) from July 20-23. So, no more blog postings until then...

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

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett

So the Crazy Diamond passed away. Never seriously thought he would reform with Pink Floyd, but it was always a possibility just like it was always a possibility that The Beatles would reform until December 8, 1980. Since Syd was really only part of the first 1 1/2 albums and a few singles, it's kind of unnoticeable except for the fans of that early stuff. Fans of the later Floyd stuff (i.e. "Meddle" onwards) probably didn't notice or care, but Syd Barrett always held a special place in any true Pink Floyd fans' heart as rock 'n' roll's greatest living casualty. Even Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys kind of snapped out of whatever he was going through to start making some good music again and even completed the long-aborted "Smile" album, so the possibility of Syd suddenly wanting to do something musically again with or without his former bandmates was always a possibility however improbable. Now the answer is finally laid to rest and we are left with his Floyd material, plus a couple of solo albums before he packed it in for good.

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

Monday, July 10, 2006

Pirates of the Caribbean Review

Ok, just checking it's one "r" and two "b's". Anyway, saw the new movie and the only reason, repeat the ONLY reason that these movies are good is Johnny Depp. His drunken and eccentric John Sparrow is what keeps the entire thing afloat. I will say this, however, if you didn't like the first one, you won't like this one. If you did like the first one, you'll be pleasantly surprised. There is a surprise ending and it's really good as it makes you want to see the third one, currently in production, so they seem to know what they're doing for once at Disney.

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

Friday, July 07, 2006

Happy Birthday, Ringo!

It's Ringo Starr's 66th birthday today. To celebrate, why not go out and buy one of his albums. Let's list them, shall we:

1. Sentimental Journey (1970)
2. Beaucoups of Blues (1970)
3. Ringo (1973)
4. Goodnight Vienna (1974)
5. Blast From Your Past (1975)
6. Ringo's Rotogravure (1976)
7. Ringo the 4th (1977)
8. Bad Boy (1978)
9. Stop and Smell the Roses (1981)
10. Old Wave (1983)
11. Starrstruck (1989)
12. Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band (1990)
13. Time Takes Time (1992)
14. All-Starr Band Volume 2 (1993)
15. Third All-Starr Band (1997)
16. Vertical Man (1998)
17. VH1 Storytellers (1998)
18. I Wanna Be Santa Claus (1999)
19. The Anthology...So Far (2000)
20. Ringo and his New All-Starr Band (2002)
21. Ringo Rama (2003)
22. Extended Versions (2003)
23. Live 2003 (2004)
24. Choose Love (2005)

Happy Birthday, Ringo!

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

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

The Harveyville Fun Times! #64

Just giving a plug to say that I am finishing up issue #64 of my long-running fanzine, "The Harveyville Fun Times!" 16 years! And they said it couldn't (shouldn't) be done. If you haven't yet read an issue, check out the free sample at http://thft.home.att.net and then follow the subscription information. Support small press! Not everything has to be read from the Internet you know...

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

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Elvis Presley

Who's in charge of Elvis Presley's back catalog at BMG/RCA? It's frustrating for someone who would want to collect all of his catalog that it is not in print all at the same time.

Sure, one could easily buy the 50s, 60s and 70s box sets, but you still are missing virtually all of Elvis' sacred material, not to mention the movie material (which has been out of print for years).

The worst treatment was and is Elvis' 70s material. It was shoddily handled when it first came out and hasn't really improved since. Amazingly, Elvis had a bit his in 1972 with "Burning Love" and it was attached to a new album of old movie tunes when it first came out instead of an album of all new material.

They've tried to make amends with a revamped "Burning Love" CD which is supposed to take tracks Elvis was working on at the same time to give a semblance of a real album, but even this compilation has its drawbacks as their is too much reliability on live tracks of older tunes.

The 70s box set sucks because it's not comprehensive, so there are still a few missing tracks (unlike the 50s box which is essentially complete), so you have to seek out the odd 70s album from out of print CDs such as "Love Letters from Elvis", "Elvis (Fool)", "Raised on Rock", "Elvis Now", etc. to get these tracks.

Again, the 70s box has too much "live" material. Can BMG/RCA just issue the original albums with bonus tracks and keep them in print? There are about 47 different compilations out at present that seem to rely on the same 30 tunes.

The only valid compilations should be the "#1" and "Second to None" compilations and all of the others could/should be retired in favor of keeping all of Elvis' material in print in some form.

That's why I was always traditionally a Beatles fan. When they put them out on CD, they made it easy. If you want all of the material The Beatles released from 1962-1970 at EMI, you need to only purchase 15 CDs, and that's available in a box set!

--
Regards,

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

Monday, June 26, 2006

The Tubes

Haven't had a chance to write a blog today until now. I'll just write a little something about The Tubes, one of my favorite bands. If you haven't heard this group, they have quite a cult following and have been around for 35 years. The original band of eight only has four original members and one original member Vince Welnick committed suicide recently, but he had been playing in The Grateful Dead and its off shoot band for the last few years.

Fee Waybill is lead singer and some of their best tunes include: "White Punks on Dope", "She's a Beauty", "Talk to Ya Later", "What Do You Want From Life?", "Tip of My Tongue", "Mondo Bondage", "Sushi Girl", "Attack of the 50-foot Woman", "Prime Time", "Don't Want to Wait Anymore", "Genius of America", etc.

If you want their best albums, I'd recommend:

The Tubes - 1975
Young and Rich - 1976
Remote Control - 1979
The Completion Backwards Principal - 1981
Outside Inside - 1983
Genius of America - 1996

They have more live and many compilations, but these are the best full studio albums...Great band!!

--
Regards,

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

Thursday, June 22, 2006

2006 World Cup Thoughts

Though ABC doesn't seem to think so, but I have actually really become interested in the World Cup this year. Unfortunately, the US was just eliminated by Ghana, but oh well. Where's the team spirit, ABC? They didn't even bother to show it. They eventually plan to show this final US game on an ESPN tape delay, but what's the point? Univision showed it live, and has been showing many of the other games live.

The whole world goes crazy over the World Cup, except the US. Even if we won the World Cup (which doesn't seem likely during the next century), it would probably be greeted with ambivalence.

It always seems like out attitude is "We didn't invent football (soccer), so we're not interested in it! Give us our baseball or (American) football any day!!"

Personally, I think our football should be renamed passball as that what it really is, and soccer should be the only football. And where did the term "soccer" come from anyway? (I know I could look it up, but it's more fun postulating.

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

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Wikipedia and IMDB

Although usually uncredited, you may see some of my material on both the Wikipedia and IMDB sites. Usually they are corrections in reference to the Harvey material they have, and so I have been updating that. Check it out...

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

Monday, June 19, 2006

Jake Thackray, Part II

So I listened to Jake Thackray. He's pleasant enough, but sorry no Tom Lehrer. One song in particular I liked called "On Again, On Again".

Anyway, back to work...

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

Friday, June 16, 2006

Ann Coulter

I never gave two figs about Ann Coulter until I saw her on a recent "Tonight Show" (with George Carlin on the same show, I might add). Anyway, I have heard about her strong conservative stances on things about the 9-11 widows, but after watching her, found her generally intriguing and really a funny stand-up comedian at heart. The stuff she's saying is hysterically funny, and is not much different than something Lewis Black or George Carlin might say in their stage acts. Yes, there's an element of truth (so much so that she hits close to the bone, if not closer). Yes, some of the things she says could be taken as offensive (but in this day and age of political correctness, EVERYTHING is taken as offensive). Yes, she's doing it to gain publicity for herself and her book, (and she's doing a great job).

What's great is there's two very funny things going on. One, Coulter herself for saying the outlandish (and funny) statements; and two, (and more importantly) the general public who get soooooooooo uptight and upset when she says something they consider offensive. News note: if you find her offensive, don't talk about her and don't buy her book.

I will probably not buy her book, because like Carlin, it's her delivery that sells her jokes, more than the jokes themselves (and it doesn't translate well to the printed page). Sure, it's an affected haughty accent, but that's the point. She portrays herself as a "better-than-thou know-it-all", but THAT'S THE POINT, THAT'S HER ACT!! And it makes me wish that I thought of such a similar thing. Well I guess I did. I wrote this blog about her!!

So, I'm look forward to all of the email hate mail responses because I praised Coulter...

...still waiting...

...still waiting....

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

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Jake Thackray and Others

I always try to discover comedians and musicians for myself that I had never heard of before. One recent curiosity at a local record shop is a CD by a British gentleman named Jake Thackray, who was a singer/songwriter of witty songs during the 60s and 70s and died in 2002. I have not yet purchased this disc, but have done some research on the man. He has been compared to Tom Lehrer (whom I love), but also on one web site (Amazon UK I believe), there was someone who just didn't "get it".

Not surprising. I know I have strange tastes sometimes and am hesitant at times to try to listen to someone new if it turns out to be disappointing to me. I also don't necessarily like something just because you're supposed to. Discoveries by me that have been good (i.e. Flanders and Swann, The Frantics) are always coupled with discoveries that have not been so good (i.e. Lenny Bruce, Jacques Tati). Yet still others I haven't formed a concrete opinion yet due to not having enough evidence (i.e. George Formby, Lord Buckley).

Incidentally, for those wanting to chide me for not liking Lenny Bruce or Jacques Tati, I have heard virtually all of Bruce's albums and have seen all of Tati's Hulot films before I came to the conclusion that I don't care for them. I'll admit that Bruce was an innovator and without him there wouldn't be a George Carlin or many of the other great comedians, but Bruce was more of a public speaker than a true stand-up comedian for me. As I've said many times before "Being first doesn't automatically make you the best". And Tati could be compared to Ed Wood (and not in a good way) in my opinion as far as his movies go.

Anyway, back to Thackray. I will try to give him a chance and report here the results...

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

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Negativland

Negativland is slowly becoming one of my favorite groups. I always liked their "U2" composition in which "America's Top 40" DJ Kasey Kasem literally loses it to the tune of "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For". It was immediately banned, but now there seems to be a bootleg that might quite possibly be a legitimate release disguised as a bootleg. I have other Negativland material and it quite frankly reminds me of an aural counterpart to "Adbusters" magazine. It also reminds me of "Porn Wars" by Frank Zappa. I definitely have to get more of this fantastic band. I love anyone who does a lot of sampling.

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

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Voting

I went to vote yesterday and am annoyed that I couldn't vote for anyone outside my party affiliation. My father is non-partisan and he could vote for anyone he wanted to. I'm going to have to change, because I'm really annoyed with my current party affiliation. If you can't figure out what I am, that's ok. I'm not saying as to not rile anyone up reading this...

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

Monday, June 05, 2006

Star Wars Episode III and IV

Just a funny. I won't name names to protect the innocent. I was purchasing a copy (actually doing a trade for a copy) of "Star Wars Episode III" on DVD, and my friend said that they couldn't wait to see what happens next in "Episode IV" when they release it. I said that you can go buy it now and watch it and they thought I was joking. The person didn't realize that "Episode IV" is really the original "Star Wars" from 1977, and not a brand new movie that will be coming out in a couple of years.

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

Friday, June 02, 2006

National Lampoon Records

Who controls the rights to the old National Lampoon albums? Uproar Entertainment has issued most of the later albums onto CD. Decca/MCA has released "Lemmings" and "Animal House" to CD, but "Radio Dinner", "Missing White House Tapes", "Stereo Test Demonstration Record" and "Goodbye Pop" seem to be in limbo.

I contacted Uproar who issued "National Lampoon's Greatest Hits" which has material from 3 of the 4 unreleased to CD albums and they claimed that they don't have the rights to those albums. Why then do they have the ability to release tracks from them. Also, as a sidenote, their version of "That's Not Funny, That's Sick" seems to be mastered from an LP, which leads me to believe that these are somewhat "shady" releases.

You would think that the current owners of the National Lampoon name would have some pull, but apparently not.

For those interested, here are the National Lampoon albums that were released during the magazine's lifetime (1970-1998):

1. Radio Dinner (1972) - Not on CD, though rumored on Amazon UK
2. Lemmings (1973) - Decca CD
3. Missing White House Tapes (1974) - Not on CD
4. Stereo Test Demonstration Album (1974) - Not on CD
5. Gold Turkey (1975) - Legacy CD
6. Goodbye Pop (1975) - Not on CD
7. That's Not Funny, That's Sick (1977) - Uproar CD
8. Animal House (1978) - MCA CD
9. Greatest Hits (1978) - Uproar CD
10. White Album (1980) - Uproar CD
11. Sex, Drugs, Rock 'n' Roll and the End of the World (1982) - Uproar CD
12. Vacation (1983) - Not on CD

Of course, there were other, even lamer comedy CDs to come out later and even more disastrous soundtracks to bad movies cashing in on the Lampoon name. The only later CD to bother with is the 1997 box set of the "National Lampoon Radio Hour" issued in 1996.

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

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Muppetvision 3-D

Though you have to travel to one of the Disney theme parks to see this fine interactive 3-D film, it is well worth the trip to see the final performances of Jim Henson (Kermit, Swedish Chef) and Richard Hunt(Scooter) doing their classic "Muppet Show" muppets before their untimely deaths. Hopefully, someday someone will see fit to release this to home video (with glasses). Stranger things have happened as Disney's previous 3-D film "Captain EO" was released to cable TV for a time (albiet in a 2-D print) and Disney is actively reissuing complete season sets of "The Muppet Show", so the chance for a release is very good, perhaps as a bonus feature on one of the box sets.

--
Regards,

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

Monday, May 29, 2006

Flip Wilson Show

I'm rewatching the old "Flip Wilson Show" (1970-1974) DVDs again. I am annoyed that they only have five episodes on each disc and there's only two discs and that the shows have been severely edited to half-hour shows, when the original series aired as an hour long show.

Maybe Rhino (or Shout Factory) will see fit to release all 65 episodes in their full length versions. Flip is generally forgotten today due to his basically dropping out of sight after his show ended in 1974, and then dying in 1998. But Flip is just as important or even more important than comedians like Richard Pryor or Bill Cosby, because he was like a combination of both of those performers. He wasn't so "hip" like Pryor so as to be censored on the airwaves ("SNL" tape delay and segments of "Richard Pryor" show) or so "nice" like Cosby ("The Bill Cosby Show", "Cos", "The New Bill Cosby Show", "The Cosby Show" and "Cosby" plus Jell-O pudding commercials) became. It's a shame he isn't more revered today, being relegated to such status as Godfrey Cambridge or Dick Gregory, basically forgotten today.

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

Friday, May 26, 2006

Being a Beatles Fan is Tough

Being a Beatles fan is tough because there's a number of things for whatever reason, both group and solo, that have not been released or re-released in an updated format. I will attempt to list a few below that have never been released in a legitimate form (i.e. not bootleg):

Beatles -
"Live at the Hollywood Bowl" CD
Any Beatles live CD
"The Beatles at Shea Stadium" DVD
"Let it Be" DVD
"Rock 'n' Roll Music" CD
"Love Songs" CD
"The Beatles Christmas Album" CD
Complete Decca audition CD
An "Anthology" greatest hits CD
The Complete BBC Sessions on CD
CD upgrades with better booklets

George Harrison
A live CD from the Dark Horse tour from 1974
A good career-spanning greatest hits CD
CD debuts of rarities and non-album tracks
"Live in Japan" DVD

Paul McCartney
"James Paul McCartney" DVD
"Wings Over the World" DVD
"Rock Show" DVD
A music video DVD
A Live CD from the early days of Wings tours
Oodles of demos and unreleased stuff ("Cold Cuts" box set)
A good post-Wings career-spanning greatest hits CD

John Lennon
"Live in New York City" DVD
"Tom Snyder Interview" DVD
"Mike Douglas Show" DVD (although I heard one is coming
"Jerry Lewis Telethon" performances in any form
"Imagine" DVD (not the documentary, but the 1971 feature)

Ringo Starr
"Scouse the Mouse" CD
"Ringo" (aka "Ognir Rrats") DVD
A music video DVD
Live DVDs of the the All-Starr Band tours not yet on DVD
The Chips Moman album on CD
"VH1 Storytellers" DVD
A good career-spanning greatest hits CD

Those are a few that pop off the top of my head...

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

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

The Adventures of Jerry Lewis and other Forgotten DC Comics

As much as I love the DC Archives hardback collections of comic books, it is a shame that the company seems to avoid their non-superhero material with a passion. I would love to see archived volumes of the following (this list is not all-inclusive, just ones I thought of off the top of my head.):

The Adventures of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis
The Adventures of Jerry Lewis
The Adventures of Bob Hope
Sgt. Bilko
Sgt. Bilko's Private Doberman
Sugar and Spike
Funny Stuff
Leading Comics
The Fox and the Crow
Real Screen Funnies
Welcome Back, Kotter
Peter Porkchops
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer
House of Mystery
Plop!
Flippity and Flop
The Three Mouseketeers
Captain Carrot and his Amazing Zoo Crew
Debbi's Dates
Swing With Scooter
The Dodo and the Frog

These are just a few...

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

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Freelance Writing Position Wanted

Hey everyone,

Although I do hold down a full time job, I would like to attain another freelance writing position to help supplement my income. If anyone is aware of a good one that pays reasonably, please let me know...

I'm currently checking on Craigslist and have found some, but no responses yet. I'll let you know.

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