BJ
Friday, October 31, 2025
"The Birds" Alfred Hitchcock...This is a shorten 16 min version of the classic movie !
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
🦖 The Valley of Gwangi (1969): Cowboys, Dinosaurs, and the Magic of Ray Harryhausen
In the late 1960s, moviegoers witnessed one of cinema’s strangest — yet most charming — genre mashups: cowboys vs. dinosaurs. The Valley of Gwangi (1969), directed by Jim O’Connolly and produced by Charles H. Schneer, combined the rugged adventure of a Western with the prehistoric thrills of stop-motion monster movies. The result was a cult classic that still captures the imagination of fantasy and sci-fi fans decades later.
The Story: Where the Old West Meets the Jurassic Age
The film is set in turn-of-the-century Mexico, where a struggling Wild West show discovers something truly spectacular: a living dinosaur hidden deep in a remote, forbidden valley. T.J. Breckenridge (played by Gila Golan) and her crew — including rugged cowboy Tuck Kirby (James Franciscus) — capture the creature, known as Gwangi, intending to exhibit it as a show attraction.
But when Gwangi is brought back to civilization, things go predictably wrong. The prehistoric predator escapes and wreaks havoc, leading to a thrilling showdown in a church — one of the most memorable climaxes in stop-motion film history.
The film mixes adventure, tragedy, and a touch of the fantastical — a hallmark of Ray Harryhausen’s storytelling genius.
The Real Star: Ray Harryhausen’s Stop-Motion Wizardry
Though the actors delivered solid performances, the true star of The Valley of Gwangi was Ray Harryhausen, the legendary stop-motion animator who brought Gwangi and other creatures to life with stunning realism.
Harryhausen painstakingly animated each movement of Gwangi frame by frame, creating lifelike interactions between the dinosaur and the live-action cowboys. The fight scenes — particularly Gwangi’s battle with a Styracosaurus — are technical marvels that still impress today.
Harryhausen’s work on Gwangi was a passion project inspired by Willis O’Brien, the pioneering stop-motion artist behind King Kong (1933). In fact, The Valley of Gwangi was originally O’Brien’s idea, conceived decades earlier but never produced during his lifetime. Harryhausen, who had been mentored by O’Brien, took up the project as a tribute to his mentor’s unrealized vision.
Production Challenges and Delayed Glory
Although The Valley of Gwangi was completed in 1968, it didn’t see release until 1969 due to distribution issues. By then, Westerns were waning in popularity, and dinosaur movies were becoming more associated with low-budget monster flicks.
The movie wasn’t a big hit at the box office, but over time it gained cult status among sci-fi and fantasy fans. Its blend of Western grit and prehistoric spectacle made it one of the most unique films of its era — a testament to both creative risk-taking and Harryhausen’s enduring craftsmanship.
Legacy: A Bridge Between Eras
The Valley of Gwangi stands today as a fascinating bridge between two cinematic worlds: the fading glory of the Western and the imaginative rise of special-effects-driven fantasy films.
Modern filmmakers, from Steven Spielberg to Peter Jackson, have cited Harryhausen’s work as inspiration for their own effects-heavy adventures. You can even see echoes of Gwangi in Jurassic Park — from the dinosaur capture scenes to the tragic finale.
While it may not have been a mainstream success in 1969, The Valley of Gwangi remains a beloved artifact for fans of classic sci-fi and stop-motion artistry. It’s a film that reminds us how the magic of cinema can make even the wildest “what if” — cowboys vs. dinosaurs — come thrillingly to life.
Fun Fact:
The name “Gwangi” is said to come from a word meaning “lizard” in a Mexican dialect — fitting for a movie that brought prehistoric beasts into the dusty trails of the Old West.
BJ
Sources and References:
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Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life by Ray Harryhausen & Tony Dalton (Aurum Press, 2003)
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American Film Institute Catalog
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Turner Classic Movies (TCM) archives on The Valley of Gwangi
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Interviews with Ray Harryhausen (via Starlog Magazine, 1980s)
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Max Headroom: The Bizarre 1980s Digital Icon Who Predicted the Future of Media
If you grew up in the 1980s, you probably remember a stuttering, sunglasses-wearing man talking to you from a neon cyber-world. That was Max Headroom, the world’s first “computer-generated” TV host — though, as it turns out, he was actually the clever result of makeup, acting, and early video editing magic. His story is a fascinating mix of television innovation, satire, and digital prophecy that could only come from the wild imagination of the ‘80s.
The Birth of a Digital Personality
Max Headroom was created in 1985 by British creatives George Stone, Annabel Jankel, and Rocky Morton. Their goal was to poke fun at the artificial nature of television and consumer media. The result? A witty, glitchy, animated host who seemed to live inside your TV.
Contrary to popular belief, Max wasn’t a real computer animation. Actor Matt Frewer brought him to life using layers of prosthetic makeup, a fiberglass suit, and clever video effects. The illusion of “digital movement” came from Frewer’s performance combined with analog video distortions — cutting-edge for its time.
The name Max Headroom came from a road sign reading “Max. Headroom – 2.3 M” (a clearance warning). In his origin story, the character crashes into this sign, giving birth to the iconic name.
From Movie to Music to Mainstream
After debuting in the 1985 British TV film Max Headroom: 20 Minutes into the Future, the character gained instant popularity. He soon became host of “The Max Headroom Show,” where he introduced music videos and offered his snarky commentary on pop culture — a digital MTV-style icon with attitude.
In 1987, Max crossed the Atlantic with “Max Headroom: 20 Minutes into the Future” on ABC, set in a dystopian world run by corporations and constant advertising. Long before the age of social media, the show predicted issues like fake news, data privacy, and virtual personalities. It was clever, funny, and strangely prophetic.
Even outside TV, Max was everywhere — from talk show appearances to becoming the face of “New Coke” in Coca-Cola commercials. For a short while, this digital man ruled the airwaves.
The Infamous “Max Headroom Incident”
In November 1987, Chicago viewers were shocked when a mysterious figure wearing a Max Headroom mask hijacked two TV broadcasts. The masked impersonator spoke nonsense and waved a fly swatter before the signal cut out. Authorities never caught the culprit, and the “Max Headroom Signal Intrusion” remains one of TV’s most bizarre unsolved mysteries.
Max’s Legacy in the Digital Age
Max Headroom faded from mainstream media by the early 1990s, but his legacy remains stronger than ever. His creation foreshadowed the rise of digital influencers, deepfakes, and AI-generated hosts. In many ways, Max was the prototype for today’s virtual personalities.
Actor Matt Frewer has occasionally reprised the role in interviews and has even hinted at bringing Max back for a new generation — this time, as a truly digital being.
Why Max Headroom Still Matters
Max Headroom was more than a quirky 1980s novelty — he was a reflection of our growing dependence on technology and media. His witty commentary, robotic charm, and satirical style made audiences laugh while warning them about where media was headed.
Now, decades later, as we scroll through TikTok and watch virtual avatars on YouTube, it’s clear that Max saw it coming all along.
💾 Final Thoughts (Bruce’s Video Closet)
I love exploring those unforgettable corners of pop culture that shaped the screens of our youth. Max Headroom wasn’t just a character — he was a digital prophecy dressed in 1980s neon. Whether you remember him for his Coke commercials or his glitchy talk show, Max remains one of television’s most creative and prophetic inventions.
BJ
Friday, October 24, 2025
What Happened to All the Phone Booths? "you know the ones Superman use to change in"
Once upon a time, phone booths were as common on street corners as gas stations or mailboxes. They glowed in neon light at night, offered privacy for urgent calls, and stood as cultural icons in everything from Superman comics to classic noir films. But look around today—those glass boxes have all but vanished. What happened?
The Rise (and Fall) of the Payphone Empire
At their peak in the 1990s, there were over 2 million payphones across the United States. Companies like AT&T, GTE, and independent operators made tidy profits from quarters and calling cards. In cities, phone booths weren’t just communication hubs—they were landmarks and meeting spots.
Then came the cell phone revolution. By the early 2000s, mobile phones had become affordable and widespread. Suddenly, the need to drop coins into a slot to call home or a cab evaporated. Payphone use dropped nearly 90% between 2000 and 2010, and maintenance costs no longer made sense for providers.
Vanishing Landmarks
City after city began removing them. New York City officially retired its last public payphone in May 2022, replacing booths with Wi-Fi kiosks called LinkNYC. In places like London, a few of the iconic red telephone boxes have survived—but mostly as novelty attractions, book exchanges, or tiny coffee stands.
Cultural Impact and Nostalgia
Phone booths weren’t just communication devices—they were part of our cultural memory. From Clark Kent transforming into Superman to film scenes of late-night confessions or mysterious calls, they symbolized connection, secrecy, and drama. Their disappearance marks the end of an era when communication had weight—you couldn’t just text someone instantly. You had to find a booth, have change, and make the call count.
The Legacy Lives On
While most booths have disappeared, a few survive as art installations or museum pieces. Some small towns maintain a single phone for emergencies, especially in areas with poor cell coverage. A few creative entrepreneurs have turned old booths into Wi-Fi hotspots or mini libraries, preserving a slice of history for future generations.
Why It Matters
Understanding why phone booths vanished tells us more than a story about technology—it’s a snapshot of how quickly society adapts. Within just two decades, we shifted from landlines to pocket computers. Phone booths remind us that every innovation comes with trade-offs: convenience replaces ritual, and connection replaces place.
Expert Insight:
Urban historians note that the decline of the phone booth mirrors other 20th-century disappearances—like drive-in theaters and video rental stores. Each marks a technological leap forward, but also a nostalgic loss for the spaces that once brought people together.
I love revisiting the things that once defined our world — from forgotten cartoons to vintage gadgets and cultural touchstones that quietly faded away. BJ
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Cartoons That Were Too Creepy for Saturday Morning
Remember when Saturday mornings were supposed to be all smiles and cereal commercials? Not every cartoon got the memo. Some shows were downright creepy—filled with monsters, haunted houses, and storylines that made you hide behind the couch. From Courage the Cowardly Dog to Inhumanoids, these animated oddballs pushed the boundaries of what “kids’ TV” could be. Let’s take a nostalgic (and slightly terrifying) look at the cartoons that were way too creepy for Saturday morning.
1. Courage the Cowardly Dog (1999–2002)
Sure, Courage was technically a comedy, but it played out like a horror anthology wrapped in pastel colors. Every episode threw the pink pup into terrifying situations—ghosts, demons, possessed computers—and the show’s surreal animation and sound effects could make even adults uneasy. “King Ramses’ Curse,” with that eerie CGI mummy chanting “Return the slab,” still haunts viewers decades later.
2. Tales from the Cryptkeeper (1993–1999)
Based on the R-rated Tales from the Crypt series, this cartoon was toned down—but only slightly. It introduced a generation of kids to skeleton hosts, graveyards, and moral lessons delivered with a wicked grin. Saturday morning suddenly felt more like midnight on Halloween.
3. The Real Ghostbusters (1986–1991)
For a cartoon based on a hit comedy, this show could get downright spooky. Ghosts were often grotesque, dripping, or distorted, and the sound design gave every episode a creepy edge. Between slime-spewing monsters and possessed toys, The Real Ghostbusters was basically kid-friendly horror training.
4. Beetlejuice (1989–1991)
Tim Burton’s weird, worm-filled world came to life in this animated spinoff. While it softened the movie’s darker themes, the cartoon still featured talking corpses, spooky netherworlds, and plenty of twisted humor. It was like The Addams Family on caffeine—and not every kid was ready for it before breakfast.
5. Inhumanoids (1986)
This one’s pure nightmare fuel disguised as a toy commercial. Giant undead monsters, skeleton villains, and melting faces—all animated with startling intensity. Parents thought they were buying Transformers with monsters, but what kids got was closer to The Thing with action figures.
6. Gargoyles (1994–1997)
Dark Gothic architecture, Shakespearean tragedy, and violent battles at night? Gargoyles was smarter and moodier than most cartoons of its time. It wasn’t scary in the jump-scare sense, but the heavy atmosphere and tragic characters gave it a brooding tone that set it apart from the cheery Saturday crowd.
7. Aeon Flux (1991–1995)
Technically part of MTV’s Liquid Television—but it deserves mention. This was not your average cartoon: surreal, violent, and often disturbing. Aeon’s world was all dystopia and decay, with moral ambiguity that made Batman: The Animated Series look like Sesame Street.
8. Invader Zim (2001–2006)
Nickelodeon had no idea what kind of glorious chaos it unleashed with Invader Zim. Between alien dissection, screaming humans, and darkly absurd humor, the show was a gleeful horror-comedy for kids who grew up loving weird. Too ahead of its time? Maybe. Too creepy for Saturday morning? Definitely.
Final Thoughts
Some cartoons walked the fine line between “fun” and “what did I just watch?”—and that’s what made them unforgettable. These shows dared to get weird, eerie, and even philosophical while the rest of Saturday morning was full of talking animals and cereal mascots. And maybe that’s why we still remember them so vividly today.
BJ
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
“The Time a Town Elected a Dog as Mayor ”
🐾 Dog as Mayor (And It Worked Out Ok)
If you think politics has gone to the dogs… well, in one Kentucky town, that’s exactly the point.
Welcome to Rabbit Hash, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it river town with fewer than 500 residents — and one of America’s most paw-litically active communities. For more than two decades, the town’s mayors have all had four legs, wet noses, and tails that wag instead of wave.
How It All Began 🗳️
The year was 1998, and Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, needed a little fundraising for its historic general store. Since the town is unincorporated, there’s no real city government. So the Rabbit Hash Historical Society came up with a playful idea:
“Let’s hold a mayoral election — and let any species run.”
Each vote cost $1, with proceeds going toward historic preservation. Locals and curious outsiders alike mailed in dollar bills and cast their ballots. When the votes were counted, Goofy Borneman-Calhoun, a lovable mixed-breed dog, became the first canine mayor in U.S. history.
And thus, a quirky tradition was born.
The Dog Mayors of Rabbit Hash 🐶
After Goofy’s passing in 2001, the townsfolk didn’t want to give up the fun. They held more elections, and more dogs took office:
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Junior Cochran, a black Labrador, kept things orderly from 2004 to 2008.
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Lucy Lou, a fiery Border Collie, made history as the first female dog mayor. She even appeared on The Today Show and in People magazine!
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Brynneth “Brynn” Pawltro, a sweet pit bull, took the reins in 2016.
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And in 2020, a French bulldog named Wilbur Beast barked his way into office with over 13,000 votes from around the world — the biggest turnout yet.
As Wilbur’s owner, Amy Noland, told WDRB News:
“It’s really about unity, about bringing people together. We could all use a little Wilbur energy right now.”
How the Election Actually Works 🐾💰
Rabbit Hash’s elections aren’t just for laughs — they’re a fundraising powerhouse.
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Each vote costs $1 (people can buy as many as they like).
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All proceeds go to the Rabbit Hash Historical Society, which maintains the 19th-century General Store and local preservation projects.
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Past elections have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the town.
The mayor doesn’t sign bills or hold council meetings — but they do make public appearances, pose for photos with tourists, and proudly represent their quirky Kentucky home.
Why It Worked Out Just Fine ❤️
In an era of political tension, Rabbit Hash found a way to make democracy fun again. Electing a dog didn’t cause chaos — it brought community spirit, tourism, and national attention.
It also put Rabbit Hash on the map. People from every state (and several countries) have voted, visited, or donated to the town just because of its tail-wagging leadership.
As one local volunteer put it:
“People smile when they hear about the dog mayor. And if we can make people smile, that’s a win for us.”
Beyond Rabbit Hash: Other Animal Leaders 🦆🐐
Rabbit Hash isn’t alone! Other U.S. towns have followed the fur-covered leader:
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Talkeetna, Alaska once had a cat named Stubbs as honorary mayor for 20 years.
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Fair Haven, Vermont elected a goat named Lincoln in 2019.
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Idyllwild, California’s mayor is a golden retriever named Max III — yes, the third generation in office.
Seems like the animals might be doing politics better than humans.
Final Thoughts 🐕🇺🇸
Rabbit Hash may be small, but its sense of humor and heart are huge. Electing a dog as mayor turned a fundraising stunt into a decades-long tradition that unites a community — and delights the world.
So the next time someone says politics has gone to the dogs, just smile and say:
“In Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, that’s a good thing.”
BJ
Work It Girl !
Where Did Dancing Originate? The Fascinating History of Human Movement
Dance is more than an art — it’s one of the oldest expressions of what it means to be human. Long before we had written language or even structured music, people were already moving rhythmically, using their bodies to celebrate, communicate, and connect. But where did dancing actually begin, and what inspired early humans to start swaying, stomping, and spinning to the beat of life itself?
🪶 The Dawn of Dance: Before Words, There Was Movement
Long before storytelling took the form of spoken words, it existed in movement. Early humans likely danced around fires, celebrating a hunt or invoking the spirits for rain and harvest. These movements weren’t random — they were expressions of shared emotion and rhythm, a kind of body language that united tribes before language itself existed.
Archaeologists have uncovered cave paintings in Bhimbetka, India, and ancient Egyptian tomb murals dating back over 9,000 years, both depicting people dancing in groups. The imagery suggests that rhythm and motion were already woven into rituals, ceremonies, and everyday life.
As one historian put it, dance was “a form of communication between the earth and the divine” — a universal language spoken through motion and heartbeat.
🌍 Dance as a Reflection of Culture and Spirit
Across continents, ancient cultures used dance to tell their stories and express their beliefs.
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In Africa, dance often mirrored the rhythms of nature — footsteps echoing the sound of rain or the pulse of drums.
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In Native American traditions, movement connected people to the spiritual world, often symbolizing animals or natural elements.
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Greek and Roman festivals included choreographed dances honoring their gods, while Asian traditions, from India’s Bharatanatyam to Japan’s Noh, transformed dance into sacred storytelling.
Each culture developed its own rhythm, yet all shared the same heartbeat: movement as meaning.
🕊️ Why Humans Were Born to Move
Modern neuroscience suggests dance isn’t just cultural — it’s biological. Our brains naturally link rhythm with emotion and reward. Moving together to a beat releases endorphins and oxytocin — the same “bonding” chemicals that make us feel joy, trust, and connection.
That’s why humans across the globe — from ancient tribes to TikTok creators — instinctively dance when we’re happy, excited, or in love. It’s the body’s way of saying what words can’t.
✨ Dance: Humanity’s Timeless Language
From prehistoric rituals to ballroom grace, from breakdancing to ballet, dance continues to evolve — but its essence remains the same. It connects us to our ancestors, our culture, and each other.
No matter where we come from, we’ve all felt that pulse — that instinct to move when the music starts. And that’s proof that dance isn’t just an art form. It’s humanity’s oldest heartbeat.
✍️ Author’s Note
Written by Bruce J., cultural writer and lifelong music lover I have spent time exploring the roots of art, rhythm, and human expression. When I'm not researching ancient tradition history, you can find me revisiting old Soul Train episodes — This proves that dance will never go out of style.
BJ
Chester Cheetah Logo
Chester Cheetah was introduced by Frito-Lay in 1986 as part of a rebranding effort to give Cheetos a cooler, more youth-oriented identity.
Prior to Chester, Cheetos were marketed using a more generic cartoon mouse named “The Cheetos Mouse,” which never caught on like other snack mascots.
BJ 
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Jim Kelly ( My Ninja) !
Jim Kelly was one of the breakout stars of the 1970s Black cinema and martial arts boom. A skilled karate champion before he ever hit the screen, he gained worldwide fame in 1973’s Enter the Dragon alongside Bruce Lee. His cool swagger, big afro, and crisp fighting style made him instantly recognizable, and Hollywood quickly moved to showcase him in the rising wave of Blaxploitation films. https://amzn.to/471vdf7
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Who Invented The Etch A Sketch ?
The Etch A Sketch was invented in 1955 by André Cassagnes, a French electrical technician who discovered that aluminum powder could be manipulated to create images on a screen. Originally called “L’Écran Magique” (The Magic Screen), it was later acquired by the Ohio Art Company and rebranded as Etch A Sketch. Launched in 1960, the toy became an instant hit, selling over 600,000 units during its first Christmas season. Its design features a red frame, gray screen, and two white knobs that control a stylus inside, which scrapes aluminum powder to draw lines. Shaking the toy redistributes the powder, “erasing” the image.
BJ 
Friday, October 17, 2025
History Fact: Bessie Coleman
Bessie Coleman was born on January 26, 1892, in Atlanta, Texas, the tenth of thirteen children. Her parents were sharecroppers, and her father was of Native American and African American heritage while her mother was African American. Growing up in poverty, Bessie worked in the cotton fields while attending a segregated one-room school. She showed early determination, walking miles to attend school and excelling in math.
BJ 
Thursday, October 16, 2025
Megalodon " Is it Bull or What?"
The megalodon shark was 100% real — but it’s been extinct for a long time.
Scientific name: Otodus megalodon
Lived: Around 23 to 3.6 million years ago, during the early Miocene to Pliocene.
Size: Estimates suggest up to 50–60 feet long (about 3 times the size of a great white).
Evidence: We know it existed from fossilized teeth and vertebrae — some teeth are over 7 inches long.
BJ 
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Kandahar Giant Mystery
The Kandahar Giant: Government Cover-Up or Just Another Legend?
Stories of giants have been told for centuries—from biblical accounts of Goliath to myths of towering beings hidden in remote mountains. But one modern tale has stirred both fascination and suspicion: the so-called Kandahar Giant of Afghanistan.
According to claims circulating online, U.S. soldiers in 2002 encountered a massive, red-haired humanoid—said to be over 12 feet tall—living in a cave in Kandahar. The story alleges that the giant attacked, killing one soldier before being brought down by heavy gunfire. Supposedly, the body was airlifted out by the military, never to be seen again.
BJ 
Predictions that just weren't right! Like flying cars, all jobs will be from home, living on the moon, etc
When Predictions Went Wrong: The Wildest Future Forecasts That Never Happened
If history has taught us anything, it’s that humans are terrible at predicting the future. From scientists to CEOs, even the brightest minds have made bold forecasts that turned out hilariously wrong. Some of these “sure things” were harmlessly funny, while others sparked global panic.
BJ 
Froggie ! Little Rascal's Star Actor
🐸 The Croaky Charm of “Froggy”: The Short, Bright Life of Billy Laughlin
If you grew up laughing at the Our Gang or Little Rascals comedies, you probably remember that one kid with the deep, croaky voice — the unforgettable “Froggy.”
That raspy sound didn’t come from a cartoon frog or a radio trick. Nope, it came from a real-life kid — Billy Laughlin, a California boy who turned a quirky voice into comedy gold.
BJ 
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