Category: Classic TV

Bingeworthy · Classic TV

Love Classic Disney Animation? Check This Out!

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If you are like me, you probably grew up watching The Wonderful World of Color from back in the 1960s. There was something special about Sunday evenings curled up in front of the TV, most likely with the entire family, watching the weekly adventure. If you were lucky enough to be able to watch the original Disney films, too, even better.

Now, I know that things have changed with the House of Mouse, but the early stuff was magical on many, many levels. Dennis, over at West of Neverland, has created a channel devoted to those classics providing lots of background information.

Forty Seven videos so far! That is quite an accomplishment. If you’ve never checked out the channel, now is the time to do so.

Enjoy!

Cartoons · Classic TV · TV

Holiday Specials I Was Not Expecting

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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 · Classic TV

Pretty Good, Indeed!

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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!

Around the House · Classic TV

Chill Baby!

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Finding ways to relax when things get busy

We have entered that time of the year when things get a bit (?) hectic…stressful…chaotic.

Yep, The Holidays have arrived.

If you find yourself needing a bit of a stress relief or some time away from the hustle and bustle, I invite you to join me as I embark on a journey to find some zen quiet. For as long as you like. 😉

Bob Ross has been a staple for decades. Even for those of us who don’t paint, sitting back and enjoying the process can be quite relaxing. You can find an entire channel (!!!!) of his shows on PlutoTV.

Katie Scott (Salvaged by K Scott) has a YouTube channel packed with videos of her work. She is an excellent teacher but more important to me, watching her process is very relaxing.

For the ultimate in relaxation, try Girl With The Dogs over on YouTube. Vanessa has two channels filled with grooming videos of dogs and cats. I have found her videos not only relaxing but educational as I had no idea what was involved in grooming a dog. Some of her clients may not enjoy the process while others truly enjoy the experience. Check her out for yourself.

I’ve noticed that several ‘fireplaces’ have appeared across several streaming platforms. In addition, YouTube has some very comfortable jazz based videos (think coffee houses or bookstores) that you can click on to not only add some nice background music but a rather nice view, too.

Sometimes you just need to find a few minutes to relax. I hope these options are helpful.

Classic TV · Media · Movies · Old Time Radio · TV

Down The Rabbit Hole

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Where one thing really does lead to another.

As you probably know, I love the ‘extras’ on the DVDs. I love to learn more about the behind scenes work that is part and parcel to any film or TV show. I also love digging about on imdb.com where I can learn more about a performer which often leads to delving into shows, films, etc.

I rarely know what I will find when I start nosing away. Lots of ‘I didn’t know that’ moments appear out of nowhere. For example, I grew up with Bob Hope and Jack Benny (to name but a few) on my TV. I had no idea they had long careers in radio and film. The impact Lucille Ball had on television is astounding – and that is beside her iconic I Love Lucy show.

I love ‘discovering’ a performer. Sometimes what I think I know is not nearly the whole story. Some careers are mind boggling. Others are eye opening.

As for those extras on the DVD package, they can be fun, informative, interesting and a nice addition to the main event. You never know until you dive in.

Classic TV · Media

Do You Remember Humphrey The Bear?

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Many decades ago Humphrey the Bear was introduced to the weekly viewers of the Wonderful World of Disney. He and the ranger made at least 2 different shorts for Disney which were focused on the Disney version of Yellowstone Park. I’ve had a soft spot for the bear ever since first encountering him in my living room all those years ago. What follows is not only my favorite of the shorts, but one many folks claim as their favorite, too.

I make no apologies for the ear worm. Enjoy!
Classic TV · Musings · TV

Enjoying The Toons

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Cartoons and Comics, that is!

If you have been around here for any length of time, you know how much I enjoy good cartoons and comic strips. Animation is an art that takes many forms. If you have ever found yourself watching a cartoon and being amazed at the beauty of the backgrounds, you are a kindred spirit.

If you have read comic strips for any length of time and found yourself caught up in the story, you are a kindred spirit, too.

These mediums are not just for children. Although as I contemplate the history of some of the makers involved in these classics, it is not difficult to consider that some of these folks were acting on their childish impulses. LOL!

I think you have to be less than Serious to make some seriously great cartoons.

I’ve watched Toon In With Me on MeTV ever since it debuted. What I have noticed lately is the improvement in the link segments. The segments between the cartoons. It often takes a while for a show to find its feet and there was a time when this show seemed to want to rely a bit too much on, shall we say, questionable characters and situations. A lot of that has been stripped away and the focus is on Bill, the cartoon curator, and his pal, Tooney the Tuna.

The show flows better, there is more to be interested in, and the overall experience is fun rather than <cough> attempts to be juvenile trying to be grown ups.

Comic strips are a great way to touch base with the funny and the wisdom of the ordinary. I have been introduced to new strips that have caught my attention and have found pleasure in returning to old favorites.

Sometimes it is a simple visit with Snoopy and Charlie Brown that can lift my spirits. Dropping in on For Better or For Worse reminds me of when the strip was brand new and the kids just growing up. Baldo adds a touch of humor and the kids are actually a pleasure to spend time with.

Personally, I find the daily touch base a great way to start my day.

Are you a comics or cartoon fan? What are your favorites?

Bingeworthy · Classic TV · Media · Movies · TV

Catching Up

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In the midst of Hollywood Strikes there are still options for viewers

A recent article in the New York Times (read here) is a reminder that even though we are not being inundated by new shows, there is still a lot to watch. A lot.

And you know what? That is a good thing.

One of the things I hate about cable is the dearth of material which results in jacking up the monthly bill. There is nothing like a 3 figure monthly bill for a majority of stuff I don’t have any interest in. 🙁 Streaming can be a bit of a mine field, too.

But here we are with a plethora of material that had been relegated to the ‘I’ll Watch that later’ list. Or, we’ve taken the time to brows our various streaming services (free or paid for) and found a whole host of things we’d forgotten we wanted to see. Now is the time!

And, if you were sharp eyed you discovered that many of your free services had materials that also appear on some of the paid platforms. !!!!!!

Yep, it is true. Granted you might not find all of a series, but you could find just what you want to see and watch enough to determine if adding the subscription cost to your budget is worth it or not. I recently discovered that several series I used to pay for are now available for free elsewhere. Jaw dropped. Money saved.

Another thing I have taken advantage of is the search feature on imdb.com to find out where I can watch something and what it will cost me. I use the same feature on my Roku box. It can be eye opening to see the options.

So, pull up your watch list, grab a pen and paper and make a list of what you want to watch while we wait for Hollywood to sort itself out. Catch up without the need for frustration and annoyance that everyone else has already seen it before you. Who cares?

Grab the popcorn!

Bingeworthy · Books · Classic TV · TV

From The Reading Table: The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive Inside Story

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The Big Bang Theory: The Definitive, Inside Story of the Epic Hit Series by Jessica Radloff

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I’m savoring this gem!

First, I love the extras you could get on DVDs that told behind the scenes stories about the main feature.

Second, I’ve had the pleasure of spending time on some TV and motion picture stages and the experiences were not only fun, but educational.

Third, I came to The Big Bang Theory late, but when I discovered it, I dove in with both feet.

Put all this together and you will understand why reading this book is such a pleasure. If you like learning about how TV shows are made, curious about actor’s method and process, and want to know some of the behind the scenes events that added and aided the creation of a great series, this is your book.

There is a lot of detail here. The tidbits you will discover could make you sit back and shake your head.

Even if you aren’t one of us extras-on-the-DVD people, you might find this an interesting read.



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