R.I.P. Drew Struzan

This wasn't the post I had planned for today. But when I heard that illustrator Drew Struzan passed away on Monday, I knew I had to make a tribute post. 

Mr. Struzan is most famous for painting movie posters such as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter and hundreds more. 

To make this post relevant to the Countdown to Halloween, I'll include a few of his spooky movie posters. 

Rest in peace Drew Struzan.

Cleveland Classic Media

This is  really neat. The Cleveland Classic Media Facebook page is sharing some old slides from a local Cleveland TV station. Here's the description from the page:

"Several years ago someone at TV 8 WJW-TV was kind enough to offer me hundreds of "slides" which were used to promote Local and CBS Shows, as well as just utility slides for various purposes. While I've posted some in the past, it's been well over a year since I've posted any of them. Tonight I went through some of them and picked out 82 of them, which I will post over the next couple of days..Some I may have posted before but I seem to have multiple copies of some..Some I don't remember seeing before even though I've had these slides over two years (possibly longer). These date from the late WJW days (1976-77) until WJKW (1977-83. Some have the old "ei8ht" logo which would date them late '76, early '77."

Be sure to check them out. Here's some of my favorites so far.

Some "Junk" I Bought At An Estate Sale

I haven't written about the stuff I bought over the July 4th yet, but I couldn't wait to show everyone what I picked up yesterday.

Friday after work, a co-worker and I went to a few estate sales. I didn't find anything at the first two, but I hit the jackpot at the third one. It was wall to wall "stuff". Whoever used to live there was obviously a collector of many things. I was told that they haven't even went through the attic or basement yet. I know where I'll be going next Friday!

Here's what I came home with --

Two metal lunchboxes from 1983. They're not in mint condition but, they should display just fine. The Seasons of Sesame Street lunchbox (made by Aladdin) still had the thermos. I paid $6.00 for it. The Return of the Jedi (Thermos brand) didn't have the thermos. I paid $8.00 for it because, well, it's Star Wars!

Three old horror records for $1.00 each. The Suspense Bela Lugosi record I've never seen before. It's an original radio broadcast with narrative introduction by Bela Lugosi, Jr. It was released by Mark 56 Records in 1973. Drop Dead! An exercise in horror! by Arch Oboler was released by Capitol Records in 1962. Sounds To Make You Shiver! Released by Pickwick in 1974. This was my absolute favorite scary record when I was a kid. I still have my original copy plus another one my brother picked up years ago. So, this makes three! I just can't resist them. Here's a Youtube video featuring side 1 of the album:

Two McDonald's The Great Muppet Caper Miss Piggy glasses from 1981. I already have one of these, but again I can't resist old character glasses cheap. A Miami Dolphins plastic stein. My brother is a Dolphins fan, so this is for him. I paid 50¢ each for these.

A vintage Handy Counter and a Masters of the Universe Battle Cat for 50¢ each. And lastly an Oscar Meyer Wienermobile whistle for $1.00.

I paid a total of $20.50 for all of this. I'm pretty happy with that. I can't wait to go back next week. She said she thinks there are more lunchboxes in the attic!!!

Thrift Store Score

I just got back late Friday night from a five day trip to Virginia Beach! The wife and I had a great time. While there I went to three different comic book/toy stores and an indoor flea market. I'm going to do posts on each of these over the next couple of days. But first, I wanted to do a quick post about some stuff I picked up at the Salvation Army before I left for vacation.

I got these two records for 99¢ each. Power Records Songs and Stories About the Justice League of America from 1975 and Kid Stuff Records Pink Panther Punk from 1981.

A Care Bears glass and Miss Piggy mug for 49¢ each.

And a book for 69¢. The Secret of the Fortune Wookie: an Origami Yoda book by Tom Angleberger.

I would say that was a pretty good deal for less than four bucks!

Happy 4th of July from The Muppets

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe July 4th.

My wife and I are going to see the movie The Heat and then I'm going to grill pork chops, hamburgers and corn on the cob. Nom nom nom!

Here's some patriotic Muppet videos to get you in the holiday spirit.

Yard Sale-ing

Saturday I went yard sale-ing with my wife. Since I don't drive and don't have any friends, she carts my butt around town and just sits in the car while I look through other people's junk. I [heart] that woman.

I already showed you what I found on Friday  and a book I got on Saturday. Here's the rest of my Saturday haul --

Hot Wheels: Two Halloween 2-packs and the A-Team van for 50¢ each.

Mystery Machine and Flintmobile for $1.00 each.

Kermit pajamas $1.00. Dick Tracy Thermos $1.00.

Frosty 75¢. Fast food "Creature" 25¢.

Almost 3 foot tall blowmold ghost for $5.00.

 

I think I got a pretty good deal on all of this stuff.

Monday I'm going to a local flea market. Hopefully I'll find some more "treasures" there.

 

Happy hunting!

Jerry Nelson, R.I.P.

Sad news. I've been a life long fan of The Muppets and Sesame Street. Rest in peace Mr. Nelson.

From the Los Angeles Times --

Jerry Nelson, the puppeteer who gave voice to dozens of characters on "Sesame Street," "Fraggle Rock" and "The Muppet Show," died at home in Cape Cod, Mass., on Thursday night after suffering from emphysema for several years. He was 78.

A statement on the Sesame Workshop's website (the company that produces "Sesame Street") paid tribute to Nelson, saying, "A member of the 'Sesame Street' family for more than 40 years, he will forever be in our hearts and remembered for the artistry in his puppetry, his music, and the laughter he brought to children worldwide through his portrayal of Count von Count, Herry Monster, Fat Blue, Sherlock Hemlock, the Amazing Mumford and many other beloved characters."

Though Nelson retired from physical puppeteering in 2004, he continued to lend his voice to several muppets right up until his death. The 43rd season of "Sesame Street," which begins Sept. 24, will feature Nelson's voice as Count von Count in several episodes.

Lisa Henson, daughter of Muppet creator Jim Henson and current chief executive of the Jim Henson Co.,  also paid tribute to Nelson in a statement, which read: "Jerry Nelson imbued all his characters with the same gentle, sweet whimsy and kindness that were a part of his own personality. He joined the Jim Henson Co. in the earliest years, and his unique contributions to the worlds of Fraggles, Muppets, Sesame Street and so many others are, and will continue to be, unforgettable. On behalf of the Henson family and everyone at the Jim Henson Co., our deepest sympathies go out to Jerry's family and to his many fans."

Nelson was born in Tulsa, Okla.,  in 1934. He was one of the earliest members of Henson's troupe of muppeteers, joining the group in 1965. He started on "Sesame Street" in the show's second season in 1970.

On "The Muppet Show," Nelson performed Sgt. Floyd Pepper (bassist for the Electric Mayhem), the boomerang fish thrower Lew Zealand and Kermit's nephew, Robin. On "Fraggle Rock," he was Gobo Fraggle and Marjory the Trash Heap, among other characters.

He played the role of the telethon announcer in last year's big screen "The Muppets."

He is survived by his wife, Jan. Their daughter, Christine, died of cystic fibrosis in 1982.

Cårven Der Pümpkîn

Thanksgiving Day Parade Videos

Here's some YouTube clips to get you in the mood for Thanksgiving.

Muppet Beach Party

Summer is officialy here! Time for some beach music. This CD was released in 1993 and is kinda hard to find. Also included in the download are scans of the entire booklet.

Click the link below to download --

--> Muppet Beach Party <--

Have a happy summer!

Jim Henson Remembered

I was reminded of this today by a post on Trader Crack's Card Blog. Jim Henson passed away 20 years ago today. It's hard to believe it's been that long. Mr. Henson had a big influence on my childhood. From his television shows Sesame Street and The Muppet Show to movies like The Muppet Movie, The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth. He was a great talent and is definately missed.

Toy Fair 2010 - Part 4

I had planned on posting Toy Fair photos all week, but I was really tired from work the last couple of days and didn't feel like doing much of anything. So now that I'm well rested, here's my last Toy Fair 2010 post.

DC Direct

The Tonner Doll Company

Here's some cool Star Wars stuff, courtesy of Rebelscum.com --

Hasbro

Tyme Machines

What toys are you most looking forward to?  I like a lot of them, but they are either too expensive or are only available online. And I don't usually buy stuff online. I really like the Lost and Universal Monster Mego-like figures. Being a Hulk fan, I think that Abomination is da bomb. And that Tauntaun sleeping bag is wickedly cool. If I only buy stuff I see in the stores, it'll probably be the Metal Men Gold figure and the Star Wars flash drives.