Pop Culture Junction

Be The Change - Vote Today

2008-11-04T10:48:00.001-05:00

Remember Jonathan Lipnicki?

2008-10-24T08:37:00.003-04:00

So Jerry Maguire is one of my all-time favorite movies - not a huge surprise, since I'm a loyal Cameron Crowe fan. The 1996 flick includes a pre-Zenu, pre-glibbed-out Tom Cruise, Renee Zellweger when the squint was cute, not to mention an awesome soundtrack and sweet little Jonathan Lipnicki.

Well guess what, folks. Little Ray has gone done and growed up. And he's legal, as of October 22.

Hot damn. Bees and dogs can smell fear, and this blogger can smell a hottie. Look for Jonathan later this year in the indy flick For the Love of Jade.

Now Hear This: Olivia Newton John - A Little More Love (Happy Birthday, Biotch!)

2008-09-26T08:17:00.004-04:00

The hot act for young girls today is Miley Cirus.

When I was a young girl of the 70's, it was this blonde bombshell.

I used to listen to her album, Totally Hot, on my Winnie the Pooh record player. I was four when this album was released - that should tell you that my parents were cool and awesome. I still have it on vinyl, though the cover is a little worse for wear.

In honor of my childhood idol's 60th birthday, I give you my favorite track from Totally Hot, "A Little More Love".

Olivia Newton John - A Little More Love

I love you, Olivia. Happy Birthday. Two of a Kind was totally underrated.

Blast from the Past: Starcade

2008-09-02T16:00:00.008-04:00

Superstation WTBS was the shiz back in the day. Not only did they have Night Tracks and an undending supply of the best classic programming (The Carol Burnett Show and Mama's Family, to name a few), but they had Starcade, the f-ing bomb.

My brother and I (self-proclaimed GEEKS) would make an effort to get up early (it was probably close to 6am) on Saturday mornings to watch this nerdfest. Starcade allowed video game geeks to compete head-to-head in the best aracade games of the time. Two competitors answered trivia questions to determine who would be the first to choose from 5 top-notch arcade games. The first player was then given a set amount of time to score as many points as possible. The second player was then given the chance to beat that score.

Two more rounds were played the same way, and the leader after the 2nd round could play "Name the Game" to win prizes by ID'ing screenshots of video games. The player in the lead at the end of the third round won the game and a bonus prize, and got to move to the bonus round, where they had 30 seconds to beat the average of 20 high-score games.

The Grand Prize? Oh, just a full-size arcade game console or a freakin' jukebox, or even an awesome robot.

Yes, a robot.

Here is Starcade in action, baby. Enjoy.

Fun fact? Larry Wilcox was featured on this show. No, not Heather's dad* - the blonde cop from Chips.

*This is an inside joke that may or may not work for you. Most people I've met know a Heather Wilcox.

I'm back, bitches.

2008-08-26T15:49:00.003-04:00

Mom is doing better and my professional life is finally at a calm, so I'm about to inundate you with the useless crap that clouds my mind on a daily basis.

Bring it, you say?

Oh, it's already been brougthen.

Taking a Break

2008-02-17T19:36:00.002-05:00

Yes, I've neglected PCJ. My mom has been very ill and all of my energies are focused on helping her get well. Check back for updates soon. My best to you all.

Remember Michael Sembello?

2008-01-02T20:08:00.000-05:00

You may remember Jennifer Beals gettin' down and sweaty to the Michael Semebello tune, "Maniac", in the awesome 80's flick Flashdance. I should probably actually credit Marine Jahan, who was the one you saw at least a third of the time in Flashdance playing steel worker by day/dancer by night Alex Owens in all the complicated bootie shaking scenes.

So here's the video to Michael Sembello's biggest hit, "Maniac".

Wanna stick it on your ipod? Michael Sembello - Maniac

A lesser known tune from Mr. Sembello comes from another 80's film fave, Gremlins. Take a look at this clip and watch Gizmo in all his cuteness! This sounds a lot like Kenny Loggins singing a bastardized version of "Neutron Dance." I'm guessing he wrote "Maniac" first, cause this song ain't cuttin' it.

Michael Sembello - Gremlins Mega Madness
Uploaded by jpdc11

If you are trying to collect obscure crappy tunes from the 80's, here ya go!

Michael Sembello - Gremlins...Mega Madness

And oh yeah....this cat's not dead. He's doing his best to adopt a very Steven Seagal-like zen and uses facial hair as a fashion accessory.

At the height of his fame....not great.

Today....yikes.

What the fug?: Mark Paul Gosselaar

2007-09-27T10:09:00.000-04:00

Once cute, blonde and too cool for school, Mark Paul Gosselaar has seen better days.

During his Saved By The Bell days....

And now, scruffy, greasy...and a red head? He's starring in a new pilot called Law Dogs. Let's hope he goes to the groomer before the show gets picked up.

Ron's Slip and Slide Extravaganza

2007-09-26T20:49:00.001-04:00

Oh, to be young again.

An Open Note to Keira Knightley

2007-09-04T13:57:00.001-04:00

Dear Keira,

Eat something. Please.

In all seriousness,
sbh

Now Hear This: Imogen Heap - "Hide and Seek"

2007-08-04T21:49:00.001-04:00

It's two years old.

It's been a key element of many spoofs and parodies.

It's played out.

It's f'n awesome.

Imogen Heap - "Hide and Seek"

R.I.P. Mr. Wizard

2007-06-13T12:48:00.000-04:00

Don Herbert, best known as Mr. Wizard, lost his battle with cancer yesterday at the age of 89. He educated, entertained and made science seem fun.

I remember watching his show, Mr. Wizard's World, with my brother when we were kids. He always seemed kind and was a great teacher.

The Gray Report: Tom Hulce

2007-06-11T10:23:00.000-04:00

Oh deary me. I just commented to someone yesterday that gray hair on men is somewhat regal looking. I think I may have to take that back.

Amadeus is a film near and dear to my heart, as I used to be a clasically-trained pianist. Now I'm just somebody who knows how to play the piano, but back in the day I could tear it up on the ivories. Tom Hulce was a little hottie as Wolfie and that may or may not be why Mozart is my favorite classical composer to this day. (Fun fact: Christine Ebersole, who last night won the Tony for Best Leading Female in a Musical for her performance in Grey Gardens was also in Amadeus, as the seductive Soprano Katerina Cavalieri.)

Imagine my dismay while watching the Tony Awards as I hear a familiar voice that is coming out of a face & body that looks like that of a reclusive scientist. Now I'm all about the big guys. In fact, I prefer men with some meat on their bones. But scary old man glasses and bushy beards, not so much. The 2nd photo is reminiscent of a mug shot. I suppose I could get past that, knowing that he is a brilliant Broadway producer. On second thought, no. The beard must go, Tom. Please call me so we can discuss.

The Phenomenon of Monchichis

2007-05-22T19:13:00.001-04:00

Let me ask you something about Monchichi dolls. What are they? They are the Goofy of puppets, right? Are they monkeys? Are they their own animal?

And while we're on the subject, what is Goofy anyway? Isn't he a dog? Why does he get to walk around on legs and wear pants and use the toilet, and poor Pluto has to walk around with his balls out, shitting on the ground?

But I digress. I still sing the Monchichi song. Talk about good marketing! I never owned one of these mysterious creatures. I owned a Koosa, though. Remember the Koosa? I sense another post coming....

In the meantime, I hope the Monchichi song doesn't worm its way into your head now!

Tootie Knows All About The Facts of Life

2007-05-07T12:26:00.000-04:00

Kim Fields, a.k.a., Tootie from The Facts of Life, had a baby boy over the weekend with her boyfriend, 30 year-old Broadway actor Chris Morgan. Word is they named the little bundle Sebastian Alexander.

Why didn't they name him Bradley Garrett? (If you get the joke, we both need to get a life.)

And look at Tootie, robbing the cradle! Isn't she about 40?

What The Fug?: Brendan Fraser

2007-05-01T09:41:00.000-04:00

I used to think Brendan Fraser was pretty hot. He did one of my favorite movies of old, School Ties, and wasn't half bad in The Mummy or With Honors.

But something has happened to Brendan. I am not sure if he thinks this is a good look or is one of those guys that just can't let go and shave it all off. But this...this is just unacceptable.

Cute smile, bad, bad, bad hairline.

Now Hear This: Alanis Morissette - "My Humps"

2007-04-27T10:17:00.001-04:00

I know I'm a bit late on this, but I still am singing it in my head 24/7, so I bring to you Alanis Morisette's cover of "My Humps" by the Black Eyed Peas.

Download it now!

Alanis Morisette - "My Humps"

What the Fug?

2007-03-14T18:48:00.000-04:00

This is what happens to you later in life when you slap a bitch.

Shout out to Dlisted.com!

2007-02-20T10:22:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give a shout-out to Michael K & Dlisted, the number one site for gossip and silly bullshit.

And check it out - my caption was chosen for the latest "Caption This" contest!

The Gray Report: Peter Gabriel

2007-02-16T01:24:00.000-05:00

Today I'm introducing a new feature to PCJ: The Gray Report.

The Gray Report will feature photos of celebrities and figures in pop culture who haven't gone fug, exactly, but those who just look so damn old that it is shocking.

The first victim is singer/song writer and music video innovator, Peter Gabriel. He gave us great tunes like "In Your Eyes" and "Sledgehammer."

Young Petey: Kind of cute in the 80's.

Old Peter: Kind of a Billy Joel doppleganger in the 2000's.

Blast from the Past: Solid Gold - Putting Rhythm in my Soul

2007-02-12T17:19:00.000-05:00

I am still reeling over the cancellation of Solid Gold, the hottest pop music show in syndication from 1980-1988. There were so many good performances and here are just a few highlights.

Little River Band - "Lonsome Loser"

Irene Cara - "Fame"

Boy George & Dionne Warwick - "Say A Little Prayer"

And who can forget the Solid Gold Dancers, a slick bunch of booty-shakers that shimmied to the hits of the day.

Check out this Top 10 countdown. The songs are just awesome. In fact the clip goes beyond awesomeness. Talk about a blast from the past. All I have to say is Starship, Jan Hammer and Tears for Fears. It must be seen and heard to be believed. Holla.

My favorite dancer was Darcel Wynne, with her long, luxorious hair and come-hither stares.

And guess what? Darcel was a dancer in one of my favorite movies of all time, Xanadu. So put that in your booty and shake it.

The Best Around: No More Kings - "Sweep the Leg"

2007-02-08T15:56:00.000-05:00

Just you wait....this is awesome.

SuFi

2007-01-15T09:20:00.000-05:00

Can someone explain to me why I find Dane Cook so incredibly hot? Perhaps it's because I know he was a marketing innovator and executed one of the most successful online campaigns ever. Maybe it's because I know he loves his mama and isn't afraid to talk about it. Maybe it's because I am constantly looking for ways to hold onto my youth.

Maybe it's because somebody shit on the coats. In any case, he's still hot.

Blast from the Past: A Christmas Story

2006-12-23T00:43:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year when TBS replays A Christmas Story from midnight on the 24th until midnight on the 25th. Growing up, we watched this movie every Christmas. Is it just me or does playing it 12 times in a row take something away from it?

Anyway, whenever I watch an old movie I always wondered just what the heck happens to some of these actors as time goes on. Like, what happened to Ralphie?

Peter Billingsley has done well for himself. Not only did he avoid shooting his eye out, he aged well. And Vince Vaughn is his best friend, so I guess that makes him cool. He is now a producer and was the Executive Producer on Vaughn's last film, The Break-Up.

And, unlike like Scotty Schwartz, he avoided porn. Having his tongue stuck to a pole was the least of this kid's worries.

Yes, Scotty had some X-rated adventures that really just seem quite sad.

Sadly, Darrin McGavin, who played Ralphie's old man, passed away in February of this year. No doubt he will live on year after year with this holiday classic.

Now See This: The Best Finale to Any TV Show Ever.

2006-12-22T11:30:00.000-05:00

I am not quite sure what got me thinking about the Six Feet Under finale. However, I do think it's one of the best shows in TV history, and believe the way the series ended was perfect. Check it out.

At The Top of My Christmas List...

2006-12-19T10:19:00.000-05:00

An Open Letter to Female Celebrities

2006-11-29T23:14:00.000-05:00

To Whom It May Concern,

Over the past several weeks, we, the public, have been inundated with beaver shots. While I can't speak for everyone, I for one am not all that interested in seeing vagine. Surely you have enough money for panties.

And why are you not wearing panties anyway? I understand that some women do not wear underwear, but they surely are not wearing micro-minis and climbing out of cars.

While we're on the subject, what is up with being completely shaven? Is the landing strip a thing of the past? (On an aside, do normal grown humans really find child-like vaginas hot?) Not that I'm real 70's, and definitely not young Demi Moore-ish but...I don't know. A bald adult "area" is weird.

Let's take back our snatches, ladies, and save the wide-open shots for our partners and our OBGYNs.

Peace,
sbh

P.S. When are we going to see some bits and pieces? I would like to see what Clive Owen is packing, but that's just me...

Now Hear This: Billie Jean - Chris Cornell

2006-11-17T14:48:00.000-05:00

I was way into the grunge scene in the 90s. Doc Martens, flannel shirts & jeans, and flowered dresses were the main stays of my wardrobe. I longed to go to Seattle and live like a character from the movie Singles, sipping coffee and pontificating with my long-haired boyfriend about nothing in particular but everything in general.

And the music. It was just...fantastic. Mud Honey. Mother Love Bone. Jane's Addiction. Soundgarden. Alice in Chains. Hole. Nirvana. And of course, Pearl Jam. I loved them all!

While I am much more corporate these days (unfortunately), I still enjoy these groups and do follow their music of today. Well, the ones who are still together, which is only Pearl Jam and Mudhoney, I think. I do follow some of the new bands that have come out of the members of these old bands, but they just ain't the same for the most part.

SO...I was VERY excited to stumble onto stereogum and find this remake of Michael Jackson's hit, "Billie Jean" performed by none other than mysterious hottie Chris Cornell foremerly of Soundgarden, currently of Audioslave, made up of the guys who used to be in Rage Against the Machine, minus Zach de la Rocha.

As most Americans, I was also a Michael Jackson fan in the 80's. But I didn't wear red leather and a beaded glove. I swear. Although I do admit to having a few t-shirts. One of my favorites was yellow and had the cover of Thriller on it.

Oh, wait.

That might've been my E.T. shirt. Same diff, really. Anyhoo, this remake is quite dark and just awesome. Enjoy!

Chris Cornell - Billie Jean

And don't tell me this shit isn't awesome, too.

Now See This: Spiderman 3 Trailer

2006-11-10T16:11:00.000-05:00

I am a super hero movie junkie and I'm squealing with delight over this trailer! This movie looks HAWT, as does Topher Grace.

And I'm so glad Willie Ames got a chance at a comeback as Sandman.

Please remember to vote today!

2006-11-07T09:39:00.000-05:00

No matter what your party, please get out and vote today! (Although, I do encourage you to vote Democrat!)

Now Hear This: Sarah McLachlan - River

2006-11-01T15:14:00.000-05:00

Is it too early to start talking about Christmas? When I heard "Baby It's Cold Oustide" while on hold for someone this morning, I was shocked! So anyway, that kind of put me in the Christmas spirit.

In her new Christmas album, Winter Song, Sarah McLachlan pays homage to fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell with this cover of Joni's classic, "River". Sarah and I got very close during college, and hearing this song made me remember why I was so into her back then. I must bust out Fumbling Towards Ecstasy soon.

Anyway, get yourself in the (early) Spirit of the Season and download "River" today!

Sarah McLachlan - River

Post-Halloween: Candy Hangover

2006-11-01T09:16:00.000-05:00

Unfortunately, work obligations prevented me from posting the FANTABULOUS Halloween post I had planned for yesterday, but I was still able to have a SPOOKY evening! Hope you all had fun.

One More Day 'Til Halloween: It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

2006-10-30T22:39:00.000-05:00

Can you believe that neither ABC or CBS will be showing It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! tomorrow? Maybe I missed it and it was on another night in the past week, but it certainly wouldn't be Halloween without it!

Not only did my brother and I watch this in during the Halloween season, we were also big fans of Garfield's Halloween Adventure(AKA Garfield In Disguise). There was this part where Odie & Garfield were running away from some scary dude, and they are chanting, "Run, run! (I'm afraid!) Run, run! (I'm afraid!)" My brother & I still say this occasionally when it fits into conversation. Most people have no clue what we are talking about! When he was very young, my brother called Garfield "Garford". Tee-hee!

Did you know that Lorenzo Music, the guy who did Garfield's voice, died in 2001? I remember hearing that and it made me kind of sad. He also did a lot of other voice-over work, including the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter commercials. Remember those? They only showed peoples hands with the butter. They always kind of annoyed me, actually.

Two More Days 'Til Halloween: It's Snack Time!

2006-10-29T22:22:00.000-05:00

My favorite treat on Halloween was always the Reese's Cup. In fact, it still is my favorite, as long as it is fresh. There is nothing worse than a stale Reese's Cup!

The best Halloween treat ever? A FULL SIZE CANDY BAR!

The worst? A stinkin' toothbrush. True story. Thanks for nothin', cheapskate.

Wanna know more about my favorite snack?

The H.B. Reese Candy Company began manufacturing a product made with specially processed peanut butter and HERSHEY'S Milk Chocolate in the 1920s. Introduced as simply peanut butter cups, the popular candy item is known today as REESE'S peanut butter cups.

The name REESE'S has a unique heritage established by Harry Burnett (H.B.) Reese, a former dairy employee of Milton S. Hershey, founder of Hershey Foods Corporation. Reese was so inspired by Mr. Hershey's success that he left the dairy business to make his living in the candy industry.

While that decision inevitably developed into something truly unique in America's food industry, Reese experienced much adversity before building a company that thrived on the manufacture of a single product.

Born in 1879 on a farm in Frosty Hill, PA (York County), Reese was not very fond of farming. As a youth, he took a variety of jobs including country butchering and oil burner selling before moving to Hershey, PA, in 1917.

Following ventures in nearby Hummelstown and Palmyra, where he had some success with Johnny Bars and Lizzie Bars (caramel-like molasses and coconut candy), he moved back to Hershey, a few blocks from the already famous Hershey Chocolate manufacturing facility.

During the mid-twenties, Reese began selling his peanut butter cups in five-pound boxes for use in candy assortments. Ten years later, Reese added the cups which were sold for a penny a piece to the assortment line. Conditions during World War II prompted him to discontinue his other lines to concentrate on peanut butter cups, "a product that both the young and old alike can eat and enjoy..."

Distributed through wholesale jobbers, vending machine operators and syndicated stores, the peanut butter cups, in their familiar orange, yellow and brown wrapping, continued to gain popularity on a nationwide scale during the '40s and early '50s.

By mid-1950, it was evident that a larger manufacturing facility was needed. A tract of land on the western edge of Hershey was selected and ground was broken for a modern, extensively automated plant. The 100,000 square-foot facility, built along Chocolate Avenue, opened in August 1957.

Six years later, in 1963, the H.B. Reese Candy Company, Inc., was sold for $23.5 million to the Hershey Chocolate Company, currently known as Hershey Foods Corporation, its chocolate-making neighbor. (Source)

Now Hear This: Everything Old is New Again

2006-10-25T16:06:00.000-04:00

I love to dance. I don't do it too much anymore since I'm a workaholic, but I revel in the memories of when I was a young teenager and would go to local teen dance clubs to boogie down.

One of my favorite songs of that day was L'Trimm's "The Cars that Go Boom". Well, lo and behold, doesn't Miss Gwen Stefani give them a shout-out in her new song, "Wind It Up"! Not only that, but she makes The Sound of Music cool again. You can listen to both now!

L'Trimm - The Cars that Go Boom

Gwen Stefani - Wind It Up

Another tune that brings me back to Reeboks, leggings and IOU sweatshirts? JJ Fad's "Supersonic". I can still remember the video. Alas, it was to be a one-hit wonder. But it obviously had something going for it, or Fergie wouldn't have borrowed the beat for her rap on her new single, "Fergalicious". Check them out!

JJ Fad - Supersonic

Fergie - Fergalicious

One Week Til Halloween: The Worst Witch is in the house!

2006-10-24T09:42:00.000-04:00

I was privileged enough to grow up with HBO. It has definitely evolved since the early 80s, what with it not going off the air and only playing about a dozen movies per month.

There were two things you could count on with HBO: at Halloween they would incessantly repeat The Worst Witch and at Christmas they would incessantly repeat Emmett Otter's Jugband Christmas. (We'll hold off on the Emmett Otter love until Christmas time.)

The Worst Witch starred Feruza Balk as a young witch at a witches academy who can't seem to do a damn thing right. Also starring Tim Curry and Mrs. Garret (Charlotte Rae), there are a few catchy tunes and shades of Harry Potter abound. One of the best songs is this one, sung by Tim Curry, called "Anything Can Happen on Halloween." It's so awesome!!!

And you gotta love YouTube! Here is a brief clip from the show.

Scary Now See This: Ghost Story

2006-10-23T17:21:00.000-04:00

Looking for something scary to watch over the next week in anticipation of Halloween? Check out Ghost Story, the tale of 4 old men whose past comes back to haunt them. It will definitely give you goosebumps!

Spooky Blast from the Past: Tales from the Darkside

2006-10-20T22:15:00.000-04:00

Man lives in the sunlit world
of what he believes to be reality.
But, there is, unseen by most, an underworld,
a place that is just as real,
but not as brightly lit...
A DARKSIDE.

Growing up, I really loved horror movies, books & shows like Tales From The Darkside, the 80's weak version of The Twilight Zone.

My favorite episodes?

"Inside the Closet" definitely comes to mind. And wouldn't you know, you can watch the whole episode on YouTube! (Google hasn't f-ed it up yet!)

A young woman in grad school rents a room in the huge old house of a strict college professor. While moving in, the girl discovers the small closet in her room contains....well, you watch and see.

PART ONE

PART TWO

My next favorite episode is "A Case of the Stubborns." Grandpa dies at home in the middle of the night, and as the family grieves him, Grandpa comes downstairs, announcing he decides he really isn't dead. As his grandson (played by a young, non ass-grabbing Christian Slater) tries to prove to Gramps that he is, in fact, a goner, Grandpa's body begins to stink and rot. What does it take to convince Grandpa he really croaked? He blows his nose and his nose falls off into the hanky. Sorry, Pops!

I would love to see Tales from the Darkside come to DVD.

The Darkside is always there
waiting for us to enter,
waiting to enter us.
Until next time,
try to enjoy the daylight.

11 Days Til Halloween: Help Me Out and Win Stuff!

2006-10-20T09:36:00.000-04:00

I am going to a SCARY-OKE (Costumes & Karaoke) Party on October 27th and need some help with some costume ideas!

Post an idea and your email address in the comments and I'll send one of you a $5 Amazon.com gift card! (It's ain't much, but it's somethin', right?)

So put those thinking caps on your skulls and tell me what I can be for Halloween!

13 Days Til Halloween: Scary to Some, Hilarious to Others

2006-10-18T15:03:00.000-04:00

In honor of Halloween, one of my favorite holidays, I will be posting some scary stuff over the next few weeks.

I always laugh when people get scared and double laugh when people fall. You can imagine my amusement after watching this video.

Ear Candy: Rogue Wave - Eyes

2006-10-17T10:08:00.000-04:00

Not only is Heroes my new favorite show, but last night's episode opened with one of my favorite songs, Eyes by San Fran band, Rogue Wave. Enjoy!

Time to bust out the Freezy Freakies!

2006-10-16T10:33:00.000-04:00

It has been cold here in this neck of the woods (Western PA) and my husband and I have been gathering up our cold weather gear. This took me back to some of the cold weather gear I rocked when I was a young chica and the fabulous FREEZY FREAKIES that I wore in 3rd grade.

Freezy Freakies were these awesome gloves that revealed "cool" designs on them when exposed to cold. Mine were cream colored and when they got cold they had multi-colored hearts all over them with "I Love Snow" in big letters. My brother had a pair that read "I Love to Ski" with a dude on a slope design. Here is a happenin' princess pair.

Remind me to tell you one day about my silver Atari jacket.

The Incredible Shrinking Scientologist

2006-09-29T23:46:00.000-04:00

....starring wee little Tom Cruise and Amazon Woman Katie Holmes.

RIP: Steve Irwin

2006-09-05T09:50:00.000-04:00

Poor Steve. I mean, if you think about it, this was inevitable, considering that he lived such a high-risk life. But for THIS to happen? To be pierced through the heart by a stingray? Just tragic.

I loved Steve and everything he stood for. Steve was a positive force on television, something that is very rare these days. He will be missed by the whole world, humans and animals alike. My heart goes out to his wife and 2 young children.

On September 21st, we return to Scranton.

2006-09-03T22:03:00.000-04:00

Only 18 more days...

Star Maker: Saved by the Bell - Pt. 1

2006-08-22T14:16:00.000-04:00

Every Tuesday and Thursday morning, I watch "Saved by the Bell" while I'm getting ready for work. I love this damn show. It's cheese but the best kind - the kind that is browned and sits on top of homemade macaroni and cheese, the kind that comes off the piece of pizza NEXT to the piece that you pick up and is STUCK, therefore it's yours. I love cheese....

Anyway, after having watched "Saved by the Bell" more often in recent years, I noticed that there are TONS of people who are now stars who seem to have gotten their starts on SBTB. Who could that be, you might ask? Well, here are just a few of the actors whose breakthrough roles on SBTB led to fame and, in some cases, total obscurity or worse, the lesser known half of a famous couple.

Years before discovering bangs and playing Doug's sharp-tongued hottie wife on "King of Queens", Leah Remini played beach club owner's daughter Stacey Carosi in a story arc called "Malibu Sands" that involved the gang working at the Malibu Sands Beach Club over summer break. Stacey and Zach fell in love, but as we all know, Zach and Kelly eventually tied the knot in the Made-for-TV movie "Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas." Do we all know that?

COMING SOON: Long before she was losing the big "V" to David Silver on 90210, Tori Spelling was humping Screech, playing his nerdy girlfriend, Violet Bickerstaff.

Now Click This: 80's Videos Archive

2006-08-19T00:16:00.000-04:00

Bust out your leg warmers, feathers, and acid washed jean jackets and get ready to go back in time!

Check this out! It's an archive of 1500 music videos from the 80's. It passed my test, as it included such classics as "Pass the Dutchie", "Punk Rock Girl", "We Are the World" and "Physical." There are so many awesome clips you could probably take a week playing them all! Enjoy!

NEWSBREAK: JonBenet Ramsey Killer Found

2006-08-17T10:17:00.000-04:00

Normally I don't make posts that reference true crime. However, I must say I am completely shocked and happy for the Ramsey family that a suspect in the JonBenet Ramsey murder has been found and has confessed to being with her when she was killed.

I usually don't make posts referring to my personal beliefs, either, but I find it interesting that her mom died less than 2 months before this huge development. I consider myself more spiritual than religious, but this makes me wonder if she helped find the killer from the other side.

RIP: Bruno Kirby

2006-08-16T06:17:00.000-04:00

Character actor Bruno Kirby has passed away from leukemia at the age of 57. Kirby starred as the loyal sidekick in many films, including City Slickers and one of my personal favorites, When Harry Met Sally. Most recently he had a guest spot on Entourage, playing a distressed producer whose original Shrek doll was stolen. His breakout role was playing the young Clemenza in The Godfather II in 1974.

As an aside, am I the only one who doesn't like watching movies where one of the main players has died? I mean, I probably won't watch When Harry Met Sally for a while.

Blast from the Past: The Boy Who Could Fly

2006-08-16T05:43:00.000-04:00

Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have HBO. I have a thing about watching movies over and over...not sure if this is because HBO always played the same movies over and over when I was a kid or if I have OCD.

Anyhoo, one of the classics from my childhood was the 1986 film The Boy Who Could Fly. This is the basic premise: a young girl, played by Lucy Deakins, and her family move to a new neighborhood after her father dies. Her new neighbor, an odd young man named Eric Gibb, played by Jay Underwood, doesn't speak and is obsessed with flying. Eric's presence in Lucy and her family's life help them to mend.

There were quite a few big name stars in this movie, including Colleen Dewhurst, Fred Gwynne and Bonnie Bedelia. Also featured were Mindy Cohn, who was still on The Facts of Life, and a young Fred Savage, two year before his career took off with The Wonder Years.

I guess I always thought Lucy Deakins was destined for greatness. It seems she may have fallen off the map a bit, with her latest work being in Law and Order in 2002, where all bit actors go to die or jail for a long, long time.

Jay Underwood is still flying, but now it's with the Lord. After many years of playing small roles in a variety of tv shows, it seems Jay hit it big in 1999 when he played Sonny Bono in And The Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story. Who knew Jay was short enough to play Sonny?

It was a few years before playing Sonny that Jay "found the Lord," and in 2003, he decided to dedicate himself to becoming a youth pastor. Now located in Burbank, Jay is working on his seminary education and is slightly balding.

Possibly the biggest success story to come out of The Boy Who Could Fly is Fred Savage. Or maybe not...

Cheers! Lance Bass comes out!

2006-07-26T11:59:00.000-04:00

Lance Bass, former member of the now defunct boy band N*Sync, confirmed to People magazine that he is gay and involved with Amazing Race winner Reichen Lehmkuhl. "I'm more liberated and happy than I’ve been my whole life," the ex-boy-bander told the magazine.

I'm happy that he feels comfortable and can live his life out in the open. What's the big deal anyway? Being gay is about as important as being straight - it's just not that important.

But I guess his acting in On The Line was better than I thought.

The End is Near

2006-07-24T14:42:00.000-04:00

Tina Fey announced that she will be leaving Saturday Night Live to work on her newest NBC project, the upcoming 30 Rock, a new NBC dramedy based on - shocker - a late-night comedy sketch show. Rachel Dratch is also leaving the show to focus on her role in 30 Rock.

In news of the future, SNL is cancelled, Tina Fey shows up on The Surreal Life, a recovering crack addict looking for a comeback, and Rachel Dratch is found wondering the streets of NYC, naked with a baby arm stuck to her forehead, screaming "I am Sheldon!"

What are they thinking?: The Coreys to Reunite!

2006-06-21T13:17:00.000-04:00

I'm scared, excited and a little concerned about my own sanity, because I find this to be fantastic!

DREAM A LITTLE COMEBACK DREAM: Corey Feldman and Corey Haim teaming up for a satirical reality-based comedy called The Coreys, in which they will portray fictional versions of themselves. (Source: E!)

Congratulations, Taylor Hicks!

2006-05-25T15:21:00.000-04:00

I do admit, Taylor is the only American Idol who ever did make me mois'. I just dig quirky guys.

Taylor said on the Ryan Seacrest show this morning that his dream woman is Angelina Jolie. I will forgive him this faux pas, only becaue he preceded it with "If she wasn't married...", which indicates to me that he respects the institution of marriage. And he said she was beautiful, not "hot". Taylor also said that the first thing he was going to buy with his winnings is "a new couch." How cute is that?

5.25.06: This Week's "What the Fug?" Award

2006-05-25T15:15:00.000-04:00

Looks like Kirsten Dunst can't let go of her character Claudia in Interview with the Vampire, the part that propelled her into stardom.

Check out them fangs!

Just For Fun: Complete the 80's lyric!

2006-05-09T12:18:00.000-04:00

Complete the 80's Lyrics! (Part 2)

I got 100%! Click here to take the test!

COMING SOON: Very Best of GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling

2006-05-08T09:53:00.000-04:00

Look out! The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, a.k.a. GLOW, are making a big comeback! Well, at least on DVD on August 7th.

Beginning in 1985, GLOW was a professional wrestling group for women. Shockingly (or not so much) most of the "wrestlers" were actresses or porn stars hoping to get in to show business through sexy wrestling.

The funny thing is I never saw it as "sexy" wrestling. I was about 12 and thought it was kind of cool that there were women other than the elusive Elizabeth (from the WWF) that would wrestle. Ok, so I am admitting right here and now that I watched wrestling in the mid-80's. Who didn't? Don't judge me.

Sadly, GLOW still exists and the shows take place at the Hotel Riviera.

5.02.06: This week's "What the Fug?" Award

2006-05-03T16:29:00.000-04:00

I pray that this photo is altered. Otherwise, you might be wise to add Keith Richards to your ghoul pool.

Ear Candy: Taco - Puttin' on the Ritz

2006-04-28T11:51:00.000-04:00

An 80's classic for your enjoyment!

http://download.yousendit.com/6C71AE6A360765AA

Blast from the Past: Dr. Fad

2006-04-26T11:55:00.000-04:00

Remember those Wacky Wallwalkers that were sticky and looked like an octopus? You could throw them against the wall and watch them "walk" down the wall. It was more like a tumble, but whatever. Well, we have Ken Hakuta, aka Dr. Fad, to thank for those rascles.

Dr. Fad hosted this game show called "Dr. Fad" (so orginal) for budding scientists and inventors. Dr. Fad would give the kids a challenge to overcome a task. Then the kids would have to come up with a solution. The solutions were judged on originiality, effectiveness and fun.

My brother and I watched this show to mostly make fun of it. We had a ton of those Wacky Wallwalkers and those were always cool, but the show was pretty lame. It had a hysterical theme song, too, with an early 90's electronic sound to it.

R.I.P. June Pointer with Ear Candy Bonus: The Pointer Sisters - "Fire"

2006-04-17T09:42:00.000-04:00

June Pointer, who found early fame with her sister-group, The Pointer Sisters, and recent fame due to her drug problems, passed away last week of cancer. She was 52.

I must say, I dug a lot of the music she did with her sisters. I have a few of their hits on vinyl and my favorite is Fire. Here it is for your listening pleasure.

http://s59.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1DIRDML7XEJKA0L2BI61AWAFFD

Stay cool, June.

How Drugs Will Fuck Yo Shit Up: The Leif Garret Edition, Part Deux

2006-04-10T14:14:00.000-04:00

Leif Garret was sent back to jail for 45 days after failing several drug tests while staying in a strict drug rehabilitation program.

Leif was made for dancin', but the spring has gone out of step. Now he just looks scary and sad.

Ear Candy: stellastar* - "My Coco"

2006-04-10T14:06:00.000-04:00

I'm psyched for spring! This song gets me there! From their 2003 self-titled album, this tune has just the right mix of new wave and pop to make me squeal when I hear the opening strands!

http://s54.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=0LCZW2UXFPHO50BAC0L39JC963

Blast from the Past: Xanadu

2006-03-31T11:13:00.000-05:00

Just as I'm about to make a post about my favorite musical from the 80's starring Olivia Newton John, I found out that Xanadu is coming to Broadway!

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/98702.html

Anyhoo, so Xanadu is all about these Greek muses who incarnate themselves on Earth to inspire men to achieve. One of them, Kira, played by ONJ, falls in love with an artist named Sonny Malone. With the help of Danny McGuire, played by Gene Kelly (his last starring role) a man Kira had inspired forty years earlier, Sonny builds a huge disco roller rink and makes Sonny his partner. We really never know why he does this, but it inspires the best dance sequence/montage of all time, at least until Staying Alive. However, the fact that the whole thing was performed on roller skates makes the scene one-of-a-kind. Speaking of which, another one of my favorite ONJ films is Two of a Kind. And just like Napoleon's grandma, ONJ broke her coccyx during filming.

ONJ met her 1st husband, Matt Lattanzi, a dancer, on the set. They were married soon after filming wrapped.

I love this movie and definitely recommend it! Unfortunately, the critics did not and it was the inspiration for the creation of The Razzies, an award ceremony that honors the year's worst in film. Xanadu's director, Robert Greenwald, won the first ever Razzie for Worst Director.

Just For Fun: What was the #1 song when you were born?

2006-03-20T09:34:00.000-05:00

This was a fun little quiz! When I was born, the #1 song was "I Honestly Love You" by Olivia Newton-John. Very appropriate, since she was my idol when I was 3!

What was the #1 song when YOU were born?

http://www.joshhosler.biz/NumberOneInHistory/SelectMonth.htm

Dead or Alive: Gene Anthony Ray

2006-03-16T16:12:00.000-05:00

Fame was one of my favorite TV shows growing up. I dreamed of being able to go to a school where people danced in the halls and the students performed in cabaret shows or in pizza parlors in the evenings.

Gene Anthony Ray played the rebellious Leroy Johnson in the film version of Fame as well as on the television show.

One evening during a particularly drunken session of Karaoke Revolution, the theme song from Fame, performed by Irene Cara, popped up as my random song. During the musical interludes, my friend and I pondered the life of Gene Anothony Ray and how he had faired after Fame stopped talking.

Unfortunately, Mr. Ray's only true professional success came as the mischevious & street smart Leroy. He rode the Leroy boat as long as he could, even touring Europe with his Fame castmates in 10 concerts called "The Kids of Fame." Ray also appeared in the films Out Of Sync (1995) which was directed by his Fame co-star Debbie Allen and the 1996 Whoopi Goldberg comedy Eddie. His last acting role was the part of "Dancer" on an episode of The Drew Carey Show in 1997.

Sadly, Gene passed away in November of 2003 at the age of 41 due to complications of a stroke. He was HIV positive when he died.

Poor Leroy.

Ear Candy: Natalie Portman's SNL Digital Short in Mp3 Format

2006-03-15T16:29:00.000-05:00

Once in a while, a celebrity that I don't like or find annoying or, in Natalie Portman's case, reminds me of a goody goody uptight snot I went to school with, will do something that makes me see them in a different light. This is one of those times.

Enjoy!

http://s56.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=26TB1VT6IDLFA0K4AUNUGJ1AH7

R.I.P. Peter Tomarken

2006-03-14T10:11:00.000-05:00

Peter Tomarken, former host of popular game show Press Your Luck, and his wife, Katherine, were killed Monday when their small plane crashed into the ocean off the coast of Los Angeles. Tomarken, 63, owned the Beechcraft but was not flying the plane when it crashed while flying from Santa Monica to San Diego. The pilot reported engine trouble shortly after taking from Santa Monica and had turned around before the plane plunged into the ocean about a half-mile from the Santa Monica Pier.

Poor guy. I used to LOVE Press Your Luck and always thought Peter Tamarken was really cute, too. Need a refresher on Press Your Luck?

On Press Your Luck, contestants collected "spins" by answering trivia questions, and then used the "spins" on a board with dollar amounts. The person who amassed the most in cash and prizes at the end of the game won.

The show claims to be most memorable for the "Whammy," a red cartoon creature of indeterminate species wearing a cape. The Whammy's spaces on the game board took away the contestant's money, accompanied by an animation that would show the Whammy taking the loot—but frequently being chased away, blown up, or otherwise humiliated in the process.

The more memorable part of the show were its crazy, wailing contestants, who would scream, "NO WHAMMY! NO WHAMMY! NO WHAMMY!" while their block rotated around the board and then "STOP!!!" when they would pounce on the red button when they wanted their cursor to stop.

Also quite memorable was this HUGE scandal that occurred in the 80's with PYL. Wikipedia provides an account:

On one episode of Press Your Luck in 1984, a self-described unemployed ice cream man named Michael Larson made it onto the show. With the use of a VCR, Larson was able to memorize the presumed random patterns of the game board, to help him stop the board where and when he wanted to. On the episode he appeared in, Larson spun 35 times without hitting a Whammy and took away $110,237 in cash and prizes, most of which was earned via "cash plus a spin" spaces (thus allowing him to take so many consecutive spins). His total was a record by far for a single appearance on a game show up to that time. The Press Your Luck board's patterns were significantly reworked after this incident, increasing from the original five patterns to thirty-two, and such a run was never repeated on the show.

Welcome to Pop Culture Junction!

2006-03-09T16:03:00.000-05:00

Pop Culture Junction offers you everything you never wanted to know about nothing important!

Thanks for stopping by and remember to tell a friend!

How Drugs Will Fuck Yo Shit Up: The Leif Garrett Edition

2006-03-09T15:23:00.000-05:00

Leif Garrett was a hottie and ruled Tiger Beat.

You might've seen Leif on Behind The Music several years ago, when he was looking somewhat stank, not quite as cute as he had been in his heyday, but not bad.

Unfortunately, the heroine has taken its toll and now he looks like a beat down druggie. Sad. It might be time to update your ghoul pool, folks.

Ear Candy: Dolly Parton's "Travelin' Thru"

2006-03-08T09:08:00.000-05:00

While I realize it's "Hard Out Here for a Pimp", who can deny that Dolly's Oscar-nominated song, "Travelin' Thru" from Transamerica, is another stellar masterpiece from the talented Miss Parton? She had the best performance of the evening, IMHO!

Take a listen!

http://s43.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=1RW47VF4U526D14Z4H3WKDKA3O

3.08.06: This Week's "What the Fug?" Award

2006-03-08T08:55:00.000-05:00

Eddie Van Halen at the height of his career, circa 1984.

This is Eddie Van Halen now, who looks scary-crazy. I know the poor guy had tongue cancer, but I think his deathly appearance can be credited to his recent split from Valerie Bertanelli. Men always go downhill when they leave their wives.

Blast from the Past: New Zoo Revue

2006-03-02T15:02:00.000-05:00

Holy geez!

I was sooooo excited to see that you can now view video clips of my FAVORITE early Saturday morning show, The New Zoo Revue. In the early 80's, my brother and I used to watch this on WYTV 33 at probably 6am or 7am on Saturday mornings. I have no idea why we would get up that early, but we did.

My favorite NZR memory, aside from the theme song, (which I still sing from time to time), really has little to do with the wholesomeness of the original show. My grandmother bought my brother and I this blooper tape, that had bloopers from really obscure shows. It had no narration, just clip after clip. There were several from NZR, and one between Charlie & Freddie that cracks me up still. Freddie screwed up his lines, and caused Charlie to say in a very effeminate voice, "Let's have a ball!" and Freddie lifted his shirt and said, "How about two?" and they then embrace. I wish I had the clip to share! But trust me, it was hysterical, and my brother and I laughed and laughed about the whole thing. I don't even think we recognized the gay undertones. The fact that they said "balls" was funny enough for our underdeveloped senses of humor.

Stroll down memory lane: http://www.newzoorevue.com/index1.html

Just For Fun: You Tube

2006-03-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

http://youtube.com/watch?v=FYAlkuR-rk0

You Tube has some awesome videos. This cracks me up!

Blast from the Past: Voyage of the Mimi

2006-03-01T12:38:00.000-05:00

Anyone remember "The Voyage of the Mimi?" In 6th grade, we did this extensive lesson on whales. It was fun because we got to watch videos and do computer games.

It was also probably a waste of time because I don't remember that much except that we did it. I do remember the yellow slickers the Mimi crew wore. And that a pre-dental work Ben Affleck was a starring player.

I think schools are still doing the whole Mimi experience.

Did you Mimi?

Ear Candy: Wham!'s "Careless Whisper" as performed by Rufus Wainwright & Ben Folds

2006-02-28T14:42:00.000-05:00

As a tribute to George Michael's arrest this week, here is a cover of his Wham! hit, "Careless Whisper" performed by Rufus Wainwright & Ben Folds. The link is good for only 7 days, so get it while it's hot!

http://s41.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=26S4F9WHQJN5X09KX6G4QNY5NT

2.28.06: This Week's "What the Fug?" Award

2006-02-28T14:26:00.000-05:00

I used to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Corey Haim. If Tiger Beat had his picture on it, I bought it. I might even have the story they did about the perfect date with Corey, where we met up with his buds from The Lost Boys at the arcade.

BEFORE DRUGS

AFTER DRUGS

After some drug problems, Corey is now clean and sober, talking to students about not doing drugs, starting to make new movies, rockin' a head band, and apparently eating well, despite his 1997 bankrupcy.

6 Things You Never Really Cared to Know about Cameron Crowe

2006-02-27T14:26:00.000-05:00

Eric Stoltz has appeared in Crowe's first 4 films: Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Wild Life, Singles & Jerry Maguire. Stoltz's character in Jerry Maguire, Ethan Valhere, throws Jerry his bachelor party. Stoltz's party-thorwing character in Say Anything is also named Valhere.
Crowe's mother, Alice Marie Crowe, appeared in 6 of his films: Say Anything, Singles, Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous, Vanilla Sky & Elizabethtown.
Soundgarden's song, "Spoonman", can be heard in Singles, but it was then an unnamed tune. "Spoonman" was actually the name of a song by the movie's band, Citizen Dick, and was not on the soundtrack. It wasn't released by Soundgarden until 1994.
Speaking of Citizen Dick, it was made up of the following grungers: Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, and Eddie Vedder, better known as the guys in Pearl Jam. Gossard and Ament were members of Mother Love Bone, whose lead singer, Andrew Wood, OD'd in 1990. Wood's life was the supposed inspiration for the film.
In two different movies, two of Crowe's characters vow to become "Mr. New" after a bad break-up: Lloyd Dobler in Say Anything & Steve Dunne in Singles.
I had a Citizen Dick t-shirt but it was "borrowed" by a friend in 1995 and I've never seen it again.
I guess that last one was more about me the Cameron Crowe. Moving on...
Crowe, who wrote all of his movies, based Almost Famous on his life as a teen reporter for Rolling Stone.

Welcome to Pop Culture Junction!

2006-02-27T14:14:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Pop Culture Junction, where you can find useless information about pop culture that will clutter your mind and fill your boring day!

I believe that the insanity of pop culture might be the only thing that keeps me sane. Future posts will include bits of trivia, movie reviews, celebrity bashing and other bits of info on pop culture that I find interesting.

Thanks for stopping by! Don't forget to bookmark Pop Culture Junction!