Saturday, March 31, 2007

Saturday Morning Sunshine

Hi All!

We literally have a good dose of Saturday sunshine after days of rain and clouds. I personally prefer the rain and clouds (for me the perfect day is overcast and cool), but this is a nice change. Soon it will be 100+ degrees everyday and we will be praying for rain. Just so this is not a post about the weather, I offer to you Cliff Barnes...

Who Loves Ya Baby?
E$

Friday, March 30, 2007

Marianne Faithfull

If you have not already, I encourage you to take a listen to Marianne Faithfull. PBS recently aired The Rolling Stones Rock And Roll Circus - a really fun sixties rock and roll performance movie with The Who, John Lennon, The Stones and Marianne, among others. Her performance of "Something Better" is just amazing. I broke out the old best of LP and gave it a spin. Her voice is so unique. Haunting and beautiful.


Who loves ya baby?

E$

Vintage Fat Albert Lunchbox Thermos

Vintage Fat Albert Lunchbox Thermos

1973

From Bill Cosby & Filmation Productions

E$

Ebay Store

Knight Rider TV Book

Vintage Knight Rider TV Book

#2: Trust Doesn't Rust

Hasselhoff!!!

E$

Munsters Comic Book

1966 Vintage Munsters TV Comic Book

Buy this one and more in my Ebay Store!

E$

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Allen Ludden

Shaun Cassidy Scrapbook Book

You may remember him from the 1970's Hardy Boys Mysteries TV show. You may know that he's the half brother of David Cassidy or Keith Partridge. You might know him from the cult television show, American Gothic. But, do you have The Shaun Cassidy Scrapbook? I thought not.

Available at Umbrella Shoppe Collectibles

Who loves ya baby?
E$

James At 15 Book

Lance Kerwin was James At 15. I think they changed the title to James At 16 the following season. I don't remember how long this went on. Or the show. But here's the book by Don Wakefield. It's a first printing from 1977. Ah, 1977, the year KISS' Love Gun record came out. SHOCK ME!!

Click to see and/or buy in Ebay store

Who loves ya baby?
E$


Rerun

RERUN!

Who loves ya baby?
E$
Any Willow fans out there??

Here is a like new Willow plastic lunchbox and thermos.

Other boxes in My Ebay Store.

Who Loves Ya Baby?
E$

Have Gun Will Travel Book

Howdy Campers,

I just put this one up in the Ebay store:

Have Gun Will Travel

Based on the TV western of the same name. Harder and harder to find these in good shape.


Who Loves Ya Baby?
E$

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Lostday

Happy Wednesday! Wednesday = Lostday. Who's gonna die??? Charlie??? Is Walt's dog still on the island?

"...get my Lost On...." - Andy from The Office.

Stay tuned for more Lost/Office connections.

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Raj!

Do you see Roger from What's Happening dancing in the previous post? That man is Ernest Thomas. He is one of the underrated actors from 1970's TV. Great timing, great vocal gags, great comic presence and funky moves. A black John Ritter. Genius.



Who Loves Ya Baby?

E$
Good Day Friends!

I have set up a MySpace site for The Umbrella Shoppe.

It's still new, so help me out!


Who loves ya baby?
E$

Sunday, March 25, 2007

William Bernhardt!

In case you were wondering, YES I DO READ!! So here is some proof. My wife and I adore William Bernhardt's books. We even secretly refer to him as "Billy" - and sometimes as "Billy B." Is this strange? Stop judging me. We once attended a mystery dinner that he wrote and hosted. It was held in a beautiful old house. It was a fun trip to Tulsa. Anyway, he writes great mysteries with characters you grow to know and love, like attorney Ben Kincaid - in his original and ongoing legal thriller series. I also loved The Code Of Buddyhood - not a legal thriller. One might call it a coming of age story.

Who loves ya baby?
E$

P.S. I sent him "floating Kenny Loggins"

My comment on Zesty Droog post regarding first record purchased - with comment


THIS IS A COMMENT ON THE PREVIOUS POST: Man, that is nostalgia at it's best... Wait, I KNEW that 13 year-old wise ass! Jesus, we're kind of the same, actually. I, also known to employ the sarcasm, bought my first record with my sister while browsing in THE RECORD "DEPARTMENT" OF SEARS. There, I said it out loud and in public. (BTW, I just typed "pubic" three time in a row before getting the "L" in there. oops.) Anyhow, my first record was The Rolling Stones' "Made In The Shade" best of LP. It had "Brown Sugar" and "Angie" and I wish it was on right now. (Wait...OK, its on) I was in 4th grade. I think I was seven. This comment is long enough to be a post. Maybe I'll post it too. THIS MARKS THE END OF THE ORIGINAL COMMENT>>>>>

Comment On Original Comment: I think I just now realized how strange I am.

Who loves ya baby?
E$

My First Album!

So I thought it would be interesting to hear about everyone's first album purchase. I remember all the details of my purchase. It was 1978. I was 8 years old and I was living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My sister and I walked to Gibson's. It was like a Woolworth minus the restaurant. We went straight to the music section. I wasn't too sure what I wanted. I thought I had wanted a Kiss album, but then I was also craving an Alvin and the Chipmunks album as well. But then, my eye caught something, and the decision was made in an instant. Yes, folks, it was Queen's "News of the World". Why this album? The cover of course! A robot with human facial features with blood on his middle finger holding lifeless people. Aw man! This was awesome! I'm pretty sure I had never heard "We Will Rock You" and "We are the Champions", but I was quickly smitten. Who would have ever predicted that a few years later, I, a wise-ass 13 year old, would use this very album as a frisbee! Pity.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

TV Euphoria!


Holy Shazam! Holy Isis! Holy Power Hour! Ladies And Gents: Our New Banner!!!! Thank you to the creative genius of Eric - check out his music blog!

Just let your eyes scan that beautiful image.

Please notice George And Weezy's prominent place. OMG, is that Mr. Belvedere!?!? Beautiful.

Who loves ya baby?
E$

Good Day Saturday Sunshine

Good Saturday Marnin' To Ya! (did that sound Irish?)

Mum is preparing some breakfast for our little Three's Company in Texas. I am peddling paperbacks and the little Jack Benny is playing with pots & wooden spoons. Ahhh, homemade breakfast burritos! Can't wait.

Ok, it would be cool if some other people shared their high school in a post or comment. So go ahead and loosen some of those repressed memories and share a little about your 4 year sentence. Speaking of that, you should all see every episode of FREAKS AND GEEKS. The creator, Paul Feig, has a remarkable way of making high school seem as painful as it was, but makes you laugh about it in ways you never could. Honestly, this guy is GOLDEN. Check out his books too!

Who loves ya baby?
E$


Friday, March 23, 2007

Clarkatraz

This is where I went to high school. Tom C. Clark. Contributing writer, Zesty Droog, matriculated from there as well. Wow, what a selfish post. Anyway, if you are doing the math, it's been since U2 was any good since we were there last. And we all know that's a LONG time. So, come try to squeeze into our collective memories and groove to some ROTC - Rock On Tom Clark!!! - during lunchtime. Ahh, imagine you're in the cafteria, eating your 75-cent Hot Pocket (pepperoni) , when suddenly you are asked to dance! Yes, we had members of the ROTC spinning records in the cafeteria for a little while - until they realized what they had done. It wasn't pretty, believe me. Ummm, let's see, oh yes, our principal had a glass eye. It was very disconcerting. Zesty, can you remember anything else?


New TV Doll!


New TV Doll For Our Son!

Go check out this site: Veruka Dolls Land

The doll on the left was handmade by a very talented dollmaker, Gwen LeBlanc. Her stuff leans to the oddball and beautifully strange, and I mean that as a compliment. She's also fast and affordable. I believe she will also work with you on custom orders. Who loves ya baby? E$



Thursday, March 22, 2007

Things From The Door Of Our Refrigerator...


Good evening joanies & chachis,

Here starts a new feature - Things From The Door Of Our Refrigerator

I trust an explanation is not necessary.

Tonight we have Conrad Bain from Different Strokes.

Who loves ya baby?
E$

Go-Bots Lunchbox!!


Who remembers the Go-Bots? Here is a nice vintage plastic Go-Bots lunchbox & thermos. Dated 1984, this lil' gem celebrates those mighty robots and mighty vehicles. For sale or just general viewing here

Come on, Chuck Wagon!

...have you noticed that dog food commercials have become way too scholarly lately? What are these crappy "Beneful" commercials all about? Owners talking to their pets about nutrition habits!?? Peas? Carrots? No sir!!! It's time to bring back the Chuck Wagon commercials. That's right. The little guy in the wagon feverishly whipping his horses and shouting "Yah, Yah" as a clueless dog chases him across the kitchen floor. But alas, the little guy always makes it to the dog food bag in time! Treat your dog like a man, for goodness sakes, give him chunks of unidentifiable stones and watch him make a mess on the kitchen floor. Actually, I am for animal health, but dammit I miss that commercial!

This "Office" Drought Is Killing Me & FLOATING KENNY LOGGINS


What in the hell is going on with the Office not being new??? I heard that it was coming back at the beginning of April. Is this the new trend with TV shows? "Lost" took that huge hiatus and "What About Brian" is having it's season finale next week?!?! Are we moving towards a 3-month television season? Is this like when they mess with school hours? Anyway, or ANYHOO, as many of you are fond of saying. Not me, mind you...so with all of the time that we will be gaining with shorter television seasons, why not take some time and try to create am internet phenom? To the left you see a creepy image of KENNY LOGGINS. We used to pass this guy around at work. Pass him on, far and wide. Let's get Kenny all the way to BRANSON!! Or maybe just Tulsa. FLOATING KENNY LOGGINS!

Who loves ya, baby?
E$

Help Zesty

Heyyyyyyyy Yooooooooooooooou GUUUUUUUUUUUUUYS!

Can you help brother Zesty?

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Can anyone name this early 1980s game show?

This game show existed somewhere between 1980-1985. The only memory I have of it is the "bonus" round of the show. The player that won the game overall had to stand in front of a set of maybe 10 or so cardboard cut outs that were of different characters. Perhaps a fireman, a policeman, an astronaut, etc. At the beginning of this round, one of the cardboard cut outs would come out and have their arm blocking the line to the other characters. The host (who i do not recall) would then ask the contestant a trivia question and if they got it right the character would put their arm down and another character would appear with their arm out. If the contestant would answer all the questions right then they would win a certain amount of money. Does anyone remember the name of this show? The exact object of the game? The host? I'm going nuts over here.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Body Language with Tom Kennedy

This week on the vintage game show, Body Language With Tom Kennedy, are 2 celebrity guests flown in from 1980's TV heaven: Mindy Cohn from The Facts Of Life and Ted Lange from The Love Boat. Watch these two get physical - weekday mornings on The Game Show Network. It's Isaac Vs. Natalie for all the marbles!

Who loves ya baby?
E$

The Blair Warner Project

Where Have You Gone, Kermit The Frog?



hit play and read, please. today I had this feeling. the way the breeze was cooling the room and the way it was overcast outside. The I was having such a perfect time with my son. i faced the truth of knowing that in 20 years I won't remember these details. i found this profoundly sad. almost crushing. so, the rest of the day, I have reminded myself to feel how good this feels. to will myself to remember. to hatch plans to make time slow down for me. because I don't want this to ever end. ever.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Where's the My Bodyguard Special Edition DVD?

So today I was thinking about one of the most comforting movies ever made. Yes, I'm talking about the 1980 movie My Bodyguard starring Christopher Makepeace, Matt Dillon, Adam Baldwin, Martin Mull, Ruth Gordon and Joan Cusack. This movie is the ultimate guilty pleasure ripe with deliciously corny dialogue (Melvin Moody: Hey, Shelley. Do you want to go to the movies? Shelley: Sure. Melvin Moody: Okay, have a good time while you're there.) How can you not admire Joan Cusack's (Shelley) monsterous red mane? Ruth Gordon's pumped up libido (she seduces John Houseman!)? But Adam Baldwin (Linderman) takes the cake! Everyone is afraid of this guy even though his toughness is exuded from a scrappy army jacket! And the final fight scene between Moody (Dillon) and Clifford Peache (Makepeace), is a godsend! So why not a special edition dvd of this film? Think of the powerhouse bonus material that could be on it! Commentary by Matt Dillon and Christopher Makepeace! Extended scenes! Wow, to see extended scenes with Ruth Gordon. Come on! You know you would salivate! But think of the blooper reels! How many times did it take for Christopher Makepeace to get an even coating of mustard and ketchup squirted every so perfectly onto Moody's face? I want this dvd and I want it now! Who is with me????

The Rainn Wilson - Jeffersons Experiment

This might seem a shake impulsive, but it occurs to me what a right fun time it would be, just to sit down on the couch and watch some episodes of The Jeffersons with Rainn Wilson,from television's The Office. Maybe have a beer or two. I have some specific episodes in mind. For such a momentous moment (not the same as a MANIMAL MOMENT), perhaps a multi-part epic is the way to go. That gives us The Jeffersons go to Hawaii, George & Tom get scammed and have to go to L.A. with Garrett Morris and meet with Greg Morris of Mission Impossible and convince 2 dolts that the world is coming to an end. But then there's Death Smiles On A Dry Cleaner, where the Jeffersons (and Florence??) go on a mystery cruise with famous mystery authors. George has to pretend to be one, claiming such novels as, "In By Nine, Dead By Five" and "The Stiff Wore Starch" - ya see, dry cleaning jokes. Well, anyway, I guess I'm asking for your help. Tell your friends and email this around. Let's make this happen:

HEY RAINN, LET'S WATCH SOME JEFFERSONS!

Who loves ya baby?
E$




Campari On The Vine Tomatoes Binge!!

My wife and I cook dinner together and I function as her sous chef, which is really fun because she is such a good cook. Onward. She bought these Campari On The Vine Tomatoes
from our friendly neighborhood Costco
Which is our 2nd friendly neighborhood home .
I'll shortcut this. I have been on a tomato BINGE. Fresh and full of life, these gorgeous things are perfect with a little salt and olive oil. Maybe some fresh herbs and sprinkle of real mozzerella. Perfect as a snack while viewing your most cherished episode of The Facts Of Life. Or maybe this calls for a MANIMAL moment. Wait...maybe we should do just that. Let's literally have a "Manimal Moment" - copyright pending...



MaNiMaL MoMeNt...mAnImAl mOmEnT!!!

Anyway, get some of these tomatoes. You will weep and weep and weep if you don't.

who loves ya baby?
E$

Sunday, March 18, 2007

I Want To Write The First Book On Bert Convy

Please, may the gods of the blogging-feeding-webbing-pinging-chickleting universe find me and here my cry: I WANT TO WRITE THE FIRST BOOK ON TELEVISION ICON BERT CONVY!!

Ask my poor wife - I have a cancelled check from this man on our refrigerator!

HEAR MY CRY!!!!! I watch SUPER PASSWORD every day and long to find out who will be on the "next week's" show. Will it be Richard Simmons? Or perhaps Vicki Lawrence and Betty White. I'd Like to see Bowser from SHA NA NA with Patty Duke!


For God's sake, IMDB doesn't even have a single photo of the man! This man hosted Tattletales, Super Password & Win, Lose Or Draw! GIVE BERT SOME RESPECT! I will blog and blog untill it comes true! That's what I'll do!



Can anyone name this early 1980s game show?

This game show existed somewhere between 1980-1985. The only memory I have of it is the "bonus" round of the show. The player that won the game overall had to stand in front of a set of maybe 10 or so cardboard cut outs that were of different characters. Perhaps a fireman, a policeman, an astronaut, etc. At the beginning of this round, one of the cardboard cut outs would come out and have their arm blocking the line to the other characters. The host (who i do not recall) would then ask the contestant a trivia question and if they got it right the character would put their arm down and another character would appear with their arm out. If the contestant would answer all the questions right then they would win a certain amount of money. Does anyone remember the name of this show? The exact object of the game? The host? I'm going nuts over here.

Welcome Back Kotter & Hello Larry!

Welcome and get under the Umbrella! This is the maiden posting for THE UMBRELLA FONZIE EXPERIENCE! We have hundreds of vintage television and movie books, along with vintage lunchboxes, Halloween costumes, coloring books, magazines, records, movies & more. Drop in anytime here: Umbrella Shoppe Collectibles

I also want to use this forum to talk with you good people, so let's hear it!

GOT BABY? Check this out: Mums The Wurd

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