Cartoons · Movies

Classic Animation

Most of us know Hanna-Barbera as the home of TV cartoon shows but they also made movies. In a slight departure from their generally factory made TV shows, the movies leaned into beautiful color work, creative story lines and some amazing voice casting.

Recently Turner Classic Movies posted the following on their YouTube channel. It brought back quite a few memories for me, did it do that for you, too?

And, yes, when I heard Charlotte I had to check to see if it was Debbie Reynolds’ voice I was hearing. 😀

I would recommend you look for these classics and perhaps add them to your collection for those times when you want a touch of nostalgia…and a good film to watch.

Enjoy!

TV

A Nostalgic Look Back to the 80s

Because, why not?

For many of us, the shows noted in the video below bring back all kinds of memories. I watched the majority of the list at one time or other and listened to one via a TV Radio that sat next to my desk. (It played TV sound signals in addition to AM/FM bands…)

Twelve Best TV Shows

Some shows everyone had heard about but not all watched initially…but came around eventually. Other shows had regular viewers – the night just didn’t ‘feel right’ without them.

How many of these classics have you watched? What are your favorites?

Cartoons · Classic TV · TV

Holiday Specials I Was Not Expecting

MeTV Toons continues to amaze and entertain!

If you are looking for classic holiday cartoons check out MeTV Toons for their November and December holiday specials. Click HERE to see the list.

I admit I was surprised to see what was on the list. I had no idea there were so many Flintstones and Yogi Bear holiday shows!

Then, over on ABC, we have their schedule of specials. Click HERE to see the list. Granted if you have Disney+ all of these are most likely already available or will be soon. 😀

Grab some popcorn and dive in!

Cartoons

Comics & Toons

One of my earliest memories is sitting beside the stove in the kitchen while my mom read the Sunday Comics to me. I also remember when The Flintstones, and later The Jetsons, played on Prime Time.

Yeah, I’ve been around a long time. 😀

I developed a love for Bugs Bunny that has never wavered. Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Sylvester and Tweety, and even Marvin the Martian (& K9) are in that group, too.

Let’s just say Saturday Morning Cartoons have kept me happy for longer than there have actually been Saturday Morning Cartoons. As I once said, ‘Saturday without Bugs Bunny is a waste.’ aka: Thank goodness for DVDs, VHS, and even streaming.

The comics pages have always been packed full of interesting characters, situations, and thought provoking ideas. I still read For Better or For Worse even though I know how the strip ended in 2008. Peanuts, too, has been a staple. There’s no getting around the subtle, and not so subtle, honesty of the Peanuts Gang.

I do read newer strips, but most of my favorites have been around for a while. I recently enjoyed Arlo & Janis’ look back on the evolution of the strip. I haven’t read that one for very long, so this was intriguing.

I’ve been enjoying MeTV Toons, too. Lots of oldies but goodies and some really fun reminders of different directors, writers, designers. It is the perfect place to indulge in my Bugs Bunny obsession. LOL!

I know there are some folks who don’t understand why an ‘adult’ would want to watch ‘kids’ cartoons. And I know several adults who just don’t get it.

For me, there is magic in those drawings, whether or not they are animated or static. And when I take a step back to appreciate the work (!!!) involved, my appreciation grow.

If you get a chance, please take a minute to observe the comic strips and the cartoons you have access to. Listen to the dialog. Watch the movement. Follow the story. Don’t be afraid to chuckle, or even laugh out loud, when something strikes your funny bone. That is what they were made to do, after all.

Enjoy!

Media · TV

Summer Viewing

Summer is usually full of reruns or shows you really aren’t all that excited about watching. However, there are times when you really want to watch something that will capture your attention.

The other day I came across a great video over on YouTube that listed twelve historical mysteries. I checked it out and thought the suggestions were good ones – I’ve watched several myself.

Most of these shows have been around for a while. Chances are you might just have overlooked them.

Settle in, get comfy, turn on the telly and enjoy!

Media

Wandering A Yorkshire Village

A recent vlog from Mr. Carrington brought back wonderful memories as we got to see a lovely Yorkshire village.

If you are a fan of the BritCom Last of the Summer Wine, this one’s for you.

I always managed to catch the show at odd times. And, to be fair, it is a slightly … off beat story about 3 pensioners who tend to spend a lot of time forgetting just how old they are. 😀

It is a sweet, poignant show with lots of interesting characters and a location that is drop dead gorgeous.

Mr. C brings us along as he explores the town, checks out the shops, indulges in some goodies and revels in some seriously beautiful country.

Enjoy!

Around the House · Media

Let’s Go Visit…

When Marina Coates uploads a new video it can be a truly amazing experience. Marina is an architect with a passion for film set design. What that brings is an appreciation for form and design mixed with color and space. And, for some of us, some truly epic (TV) homes.

Check out her latest: The Golden Girls

Check out her YouTube channel to see all the amazing homes she has created based on the sets and home exteriors of TV shows and movies.

Marina shares the tricks of the set designer in her explanation of how and why the homes we have enjoyed watching over the years just aren’t possible based on the exteriors we are familiar with. She also talks about the design aspect. There is a reason for every element in a set design and most can be used in our own homes.

In the meantime, I’m thinking about checking out the cheesecake in the kitchen and settling down with the girls for a long chat.

Enjoy!

Music

Plenty of Delights

I grew up in a home that didn’t really ‘follow’ any particular musical genre. Part of the problem was a lack of access to an actual radio signal which limited listening to the latest music. We did, however, indulge in Lawrence Welk’s weekly TV program and I loved every variety show I could fine on the TV.

I was gifted several albums by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. They turned my world upside down. To put it into context, I was 10ish at the time. They had been the Big Thing in music for a few years at the time.

I love lots of different kinds of music but my Happy Music always includes some brass and not much in the way of vocals. The TJB have always been on my Happy Music List and Herb, well, he is even higher on that list. A consummate musician his work has been extraordinary.

And he is 90? OMG!

And, of course, I have a copy of Whipped Cream and Other Delights!

Do yourself a favor, spend some time listening to Mr. Alpert in his various iterations. Take the time to settle into the music. Route 101 is guaranteed to take you on one of the best car rides you will ever experience…even if you never have the opportunity to drive California Highway 101. El Lobo will tug your heart strings. And, for those of us of a certain age, The Teaberry Shuffle will possibly cause a few off the cuff dance steps and a smile or two.

Belated Happy Birthday, Herb.

Cartoons · Classic TV

Pretty Good, Indeed!

One of my favorite holiday shows is How The Grinch Stole Christmas. The original animated special (1966) eventually spawned a movie or two and another version. Frankly, as good as some of the newer works are, I prefer the original.

I am a life long fan of Chuck Jones, who created the special. Grinch enabled him to use his trademark style in addition to his humor and whimsy.

Boris Karloff’s participation in the project was the perfect addition. His voice and cadence were perfect to relate the tale.

Karloff’s daughter related her father’s pride and pleasure in the project in THIS article.

Enjoy!