Meet George Jetson! His son Elroy . . .

The celluloid and cartoon world is filled with characters from the future.

Marvin The Martian, George Jetson, Luke Skywalker, James T.Kirk, Mork from Ork, Buck Rogers, The Great Kazoo – the list goes on and on and well, on . . .

Throw in your pseudo time travllers from hits such as Back to The Future or The Time Tunnel and there’s a feast of characters – from which I’m sure there’s one you could nominate as an all time fav.

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For some of us it was Mood Rings and Pukka Shell necklaces, others Pet Rocks or Sea Monkeys – but whatever your crime – the 70’s certainly had its fair share of fads and crazes.

It was an era which didn’t descriminate either – young or old – there was always a new sub-culture just waiting in the wings – complete with its own group of disciples – looking to spread the word of ‘faddism’.

From Farah Fawcett hairstyles to safari suits, toe socks and silk disco jackets – fashion aficionados would certainly be in hot water should their collective cases sit before even a benevolent style jury.

Then we had your creative types with their string art and lava lamps – your blokey types with their ‘breaker, breaker, 10-4 Big Buddy’ CB radio’s.

We had the entertainers with their constant fondue parties and of course everyone under the age of 16, complete with Atari, gonks and Surfer Sam skateboards.

Of course where would we be today without special mention to those brave souls who brought ‘streaking’ to today’s sporting venacular?

There were ‘dingbats’and macramé, silkworm collections and tie dying – in fact my mind was so irretrievably infatuated with Coke Cola yo yo’s, football and Kung Fu cards that there’s bound to be scores – no – hundreds more that still probably have us scratching our heads.

So, what was your favourite fad of the 70’s?

No matter how recalcitrant – we salute you!

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Stranded at the Drive-In . . .
“Branded a Fool . . .
“What will they say . . .
“Monday at School . . . “

Ahhhhh – the heartfelt tome of one John Travolta – who, as part of the Grease phenomenon, serenaded his beloved Sandy in a scene which featured one of the most recognizable icons of the twentieth century – the Drive-In Theatre – which now – sadly, is virtually extinct.

For those of us old enough to remember – the Drive-In was full of nostalgia and childhood memories.
 
Pyjama clad kids packed in the back of the car – mum and dad in the front trying to quell the excitement of a ‘big night’ out as the squeals of four, five and six year-olds reverberated around the cabin of the old EH.

Queuing for sometimes up to an hour as hundreds of other like-minded pilgrims made their way to the local movie mecca – some having to be turned away as the ‘field of dreams’ strained to house the masses.

The hooking up single cone blue and white metal speakers, the obligatory blasts of horns, flashes of headlights on the screen and of course parked somewhere down the back – the tell tale sign of fervently enthusiastic but sexually bumbling teens – complete with fogged windows.

Yes – the Drive-In was a doyen of discovery – where you could eat, drink and be merry in the comfort of your pride and joy – alas – those days are coming close to being folklore.

As recently as 25 years ago – there were over 300 Drive-Ins in Australia – today only 20 survive!

Sure – there are sanitized multi-cinema megaplexes – the advent of the VCR, DVD and home threatre systems – and a plausible argument for more constructive use of 12 hectares of land (particularly if you’re a developer) – but hey – isn’t it time that those of us weary of rampant commercialism make a stand and look to save the last of this dying breed?

We will probably never again see the proliferation of outdoor theatres contributing to a large percentage of box-office revenue, but ‘re-invented’ they could well entertain a new breed of patron and survive a commercial and cinematic flat-line – it’s all part of the bigger picture you know!

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As kids – and when all other avenues were exhausted – we generally occupied ourselves by pulling out either Scrabble or Monopoly.

OK, so we had a few other board games tucked away – but other than something curiously labeled – Capt Cook’s Voyage to Discovery – these two perennial favourites managed to keep the boredom factor down and our mother’s nerves somewhat in tact.

Of course back in the dim dark ages prior to PS3’s, Wii, ninetendo etc – games such as Mousetrap, Ker-Plunk, Masterpiece and Cluedo (with Col. Mustard and Prof. Plum) – kept kids (generally) off the street and out of strife – temporarily at least.

So – did you have a favourite board game?

Pictionary, Scattegories, Battleship – anyone?

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The Monkees were the quinessential ‘manufacturerd’ pop quartet, assembled in LA during the mid 60’s – purportedly to combat the scourge of the British invasion by bands such as The Beatles.

Marketed to the pre-teen and teen audience – the group is probably best known for its hit TV series – known (strangley enough) as The Monkees.

 Featuring Americans Mickey Dolena, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork and Englishman, Davy Jones – the group’s rise to stardom came about when two spiring filmmakersBob Rafelson and Bert Schneider  – having been besotted by the Beatles film A Hard Days Night – decided to develop a television series about a fictional rock ‘n’ roll group.

While both Nesmith, a guitarist, and Tork, who could play several instruments were legitimate musicians – Dolenz was in essence an actor (having starred on early TV programs such Circus Boy) and Jones and actor and sometimes session singer.

Spending up to 12-hour days on the set, before being called in to the recording studio to cut vocal tracks, the Monkees were essentially the creation of the recording studio, there were few limits on how long they could spend in the recording studio, and the result was an extensive catalogue of hit after manufactuered hit – with collaborative writers including Neil Sedaka and Carol Bayer Segar.

With Jones sticking primarily to vocals and tambourine (except when filling in on the drums when Dolenz came forward to sing a lead vocal), the Monkees’ act constituted a classicpower trio of electric guitar, electric bass, and drums.

Critics of the Monkees observed that they were simply the “prefab four”, a made-for-TV knockoff of The Beatles but the Beatles took it in stride, and made the Monkees welcome when they visited England. John Lennon publicly compared the Monkees’ humor to The Marx Brothers, George Harrison praised their self-produced musical attempts, saying “When they get it all sorted out, they might turn out to be the best” (Peter Tork was later one of the musicians on Harrison’s Wonderwall Music playing Paul McCartney’s five-string banjo.

The Monkees had several international hits which are still heard on pop and oldies stations. These include I’m A Believer, Daydream Believer, Last Train to Clarksville and Pleasant Valley Sunday along with their signature theme tune from the TV series.

 Despite their seemingly permanent reputation as a made-for-TV act, their hits and many lesser recordings present an enduring quality that has earned respect over the years.

Click Here To Hear The Monkees on YouTube

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What do the following have in common?

“Just remember it’s not a lie if you believe it.”

“He’s a male bimbo, he’s a mimbo!”

“I’m disturbed, I’m depressed, I’m inadequate, I’ve got it all!”

If you said they were all quotes from the sitcom sensation of the nineties ‘Seinfeld’ – well you’re probably a tragic.

Starring comedian Jerry Seinfeld, the show featured former girlfriend Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) luckless George (Tony Award winner Jason Alexander) and the shock-haired Kramer and seamlessly blends situation comedy with stand-up routines

The pretext of the series and Seinfeild own view of life as a single adult in the ’90s is well documented and its humour grows out of everyday reality making it one of the most poular television shows of all time!

Amidst the classic Seinfeld episodes were The Soup Nazi; The Bubble Boy and The Outing (in which Jerry and George are mistakenly believed to be a gay item – but ask aficionado’s and they will tell you that every episode is indeed a classic.

What you may not know is the amount of Seinfeld trivia which is a business in itself – with buffs frequenting weekly tournaments throughout the US, Canada, the UK and Australia.

Seinfeld on YouTube

Feel free to add to the list – but the good Doctor can at least lay claim to knowing the following:

Seinfeld creator Larry David modelled the show’s character George Costanza after himself.

Seinfeld was set in New York City however the exterior that was used for Jerry Seinfeld’s apartment house is actually in Los Angeles California.

The cereal boxes in Jerry Seinfeld’s cupboard were always in placed alphabetical order.

Elaine Benes wasn’t in the pilot for Seinfeld. After that episode aired they decided that they needed a female character to balance out the three males.

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With no offence to his owner – Charlie Brown – it’s a fair bet that amidst the multitude of Peanuts characters created by Charles Schultz – Snoopy is probably the legendary comic strip’s most famous and beloved.

The ubiquitous beagle – who despite being able to walk on two legs can only communicate his thoughts through thought speech balloons not only encapsulates the essence of the late 60’s but also spawned his own sub-genre family.

With Joe Cool (aka Snoopy’s sunglass wearing alter ego), the WWI Flying Ace –(another alter ego of the pretentious pooch), plus his brothers Andy, Marbles, Spike, Olaf and sister Belle and of course the ever present Woodstock.

Most of us would be well aware of Snoopy’s signature tune – and his presence in many of the television specials signalled almost a story-line within a story-line as we found temporary escapism in his escapism – either atop his kennel battling his nemesis the Red Baron or otherwise engaged in other heroic or grandiose feats.

Constantly trying to read (be it one word at a time) the novel War and Peace – Snoopy Trivia is almost a business in itself with gems such as:

Which alter ego duelled Lucy at wrist wrestling ?

How do most of Snoopy’s novels start?

What plane does Snoopy fly in pursuit of the Red Baron?

            So how did our hero manage to find not only fame but favour?

What was it that endeared him to millions?

Why is it that to this day, sales of Snoopy merchandise outstrip all the Peanuts characters combined?

            Sometimes I guess it’s not what you do – but how you do it – and doesn’t he do it well.

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We all have em’

Tunes we secretly love – but are too embarrassed to admit to in mixed company.

Hidden amongst the shelves of our album or CD collections they remain musical recluses to anyone other than you – finding freedom only occassionally – and then no doubt through the sanctity of the ipod.

Sandwiched between Spiderbait and Empire of the Sun pehaps there’s a Michael Bolton classic that you never freely admit to.

Maybe Boy George or Wham have infiltrated your ‘dirty musical secrets list’ or if the thought of a Flock of Seagulls/Roger Voudouris is too much to bear testimony to – perhaps you’d rather post your guiltiest pleasure anonymously.

But remember – when you’re with with good Doc Pop – there is always patient – doctor confidentially – trust me – I’m a xxxxxxxxx

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“Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its five-year mission: to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations — to boldly go where no man has gone before.”

This is where it all began. The Original Star Trek Series running roughly from 1966 through 1969, for a total of three seasons and 78 episodes – but my how we’ve grown.

The show was only a minor hit and was threatened with cancellation after its second year, but a strong letter-writing campaign from fans convinced the network to keep the show.

But with even less spectacular ratings Star Trek was terminated with little hope of any future. 

Or so they thought!

Fortunately, after three years enough episodes were produced that the show could enter syndication, and it was in the after-school market during the early 1970′s that the show found its audience.

Fan conventions sprang up, merchandising blossomed, an animated series with the original cast was produced, and it became apparent that Star Trek was a force that would refuse to die.

Today, the franchise first conceived by Gene Roddenberry over 40 years ago has spawned four more television series, 10 theatrical movies, hundreds of books and magazines, and innumerable Internet fan sites.

So – open the pandora’s box  . . . who is your favourite Star Trek character?

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Last night, while getting my daily dose the Simpson’s – I found my mind wandering at right angles to the rest of the family – before proudly announcing that despite his bumbling nature – Homer was right up there with other TV dads as far as affording us advice about life.

From Mike Brady with his groovy clothes and fortune cookie advice to Howard Cunningham of Happy Days fame – everybody loves TV dads.

After all don’t we all wish we could solve our kids’ problems in 30 minutes or less?

A prerequisite of course is wisdom and sage advice.

From Don Porter who played Sally Field’s father in Gidget to Fred Gwynne as Herman Munster, Brian Keith in “A Family Affair” to Fred McMurray in “My 3 Sons” – TV dads (in the most part) have taught us that with a positive attitude anything is possible.

It wasn’t until I started to think about just how many TV dads there were – that the notion of a “Best Of” almost became too much.

Enter – Charles Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie, Tony Soprano from “The Soprano’s”  Andy Taylor from The Andy Griffith Show, Ward Cleaver from “Leave It to Beaver”, Jed Clampett from “The Beverly Hillbillies”, Ben Cartwright (Bonanza), Tim Taylor (Home Improvement), Gomez Addams (The Addams Family), George Jetson (The Jetsons) – the list goes on and on and on.

So just who is the best TV dad of all time?

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Go on – face it – the 80s was a scary place to be, especially as far as kids TV was concerned.

It probably didn’t occur to you then – but sit back now and check it out and the cringeworthiness of what was on offer is Oscar winning.

From ALF to Greatest American Hero, Mork and Mindy to The Wonder Years – the delicacies served up to those dining at the all you can eat TV bar – were a bit like cold pizza – you either loved it or couldn’t bare the thought of having to digest it.

Care Bears, Danger Mouse, He Man and Masters of the Universe, Smurfs, Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony, Transformers – not to mention Webster, The Love Boat – or dare I say it – Punky Brewster  . . . ouch!

So – are you a cold pizza addict – was there a program you couldn’t get enough of?

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While in earnest discussion with a near and dear friend the subject of movies came to the fore.

From Ferris Bueller’s Day Off to The Good, the Bad and the Ugly he cited five movies he’s seriously learned life lessons from.

Not necessarily noted for their cinamatic brilliance – his choices floored me – most importantly because of the effect they’d had on him – all positive and all having gone to make him part of the man he is today.

It got me thinking?

Has there been any movies that you have learned life lessons from?

Would love to hear from you.

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Behind every guy with hair is a bald man screaming to be let out!

OK – perhaps not – but lets take a look at just a few of the ‘baldies’ that have captured our hearts and minds.

Afterall why spend between 7 and 15 days every year combing your hair when there’s such much more to do!

Can you imagine Michael Jordan or Yul Brynner with hair?

How about Star Trek’s Patrick Stewart?

Chris Judd, Vin Diesel, Sean Connery, Andre Agassi, Samuel L Jackson – the list goes on and on and . . . 

So who are our best loved ‘baldies’?

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While the 50′s and 60′s saw the birth of sitcoms such as I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners and Mr Ed – the 70′s certainly took television comedy to new highs (and lows).

From programmes as diverse as Laugh-In and Love American Style right through to more traditional shows such as Laverne and Shirley, The Odd Couple and M.A.S.H – they all went into making 70′s television what was either classic or cringeworthy viewing.

Of course the potpourie of programmes goes on like a class roll call – The Jeffersons, Mork and Mindy, The Dukes of Hazzard, The Partridge Family, Bob Newhart, Rhoda.

But what are your favs?

Does The Mary Tyler Moore show work for you – or perhaps was it Happy Days?

WRKP or Good Times?

Welcome Back Kotter or . . . . 

So many to choose from – so short is our memory – so let’s take a stroll!

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Selecting the  sexiest women in TV history isn’t easy – it’s a job requiring a huge amount of dedication, research and frankly a fair bit of ‘eyeballing’.

But someone’s gotta do it!

The contenders — from wholesome girls next door to our favourite vamps – from blondes to brunettes – the list is exhaustive – which is why I need your help.

So while I have gone to great lengths to rack my mind – it’s your turn to do the work.

Does Loni Anderson from ‘WKRP in Cincinatti’ rank up among your top 10 or is Sarah Michelle Gellar (aka Buffy the Vampire Slayer) atop your list?

Does the wholesome Mary Ann from Gilligans Island or Samantha from Bewitched crack your all time portfolio of beauties.

Perhaps Carmen Electra or Pammy Anderson from Baywatch or even Farah Fawcett from Charlies Angels sits at the summit of primetime’s sexiest?

Save my soul – and share your thoughts.

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Before vinyl became fodder for the retro revolution- album covers were justifyable coming into their own as ‘art’.

The 70′s in particular were a dynamic era in rock art where the marketing needs of the record industry and the aesthetics of rock & roll came together in an often spectacular visual marriage.

OK – so the purists will point to cover design - especially in the jazz field as being the ‘real deal’ as far as pioneers in thei field in the album art – which preceeds even efforts such as The Beatles and their Sgt Peppers or Abbey Road covers.

In fact, Rolling Stone magazine surveyed a panel of distinguished art directors, designers, photographers and editors for what can only be described as a highly subjective list of the 100 greatest album covers of all time – with a number of suprises.

The twelve-inch album cover may be (in the main) dead and buried – but its artistic legacy endures to this day even if it is in miniature on compact disc.

For the record – some of my personal favourites include

Hotel California – The Eagles

Breakfast In America – Supertramp

Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd

Candy-O – The Cars and

. . . and the definitive Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album by Elton John.

Would love to hear if you have any personal favs?

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