That Girl

If I had to describe that ultimate "look" of the late 1960's woman I would instantly pick, Tina Louise (Ginger on Gilligan's Island) and umm..."THAT GIRL!" Yes, Marlo Thomas and Tina Louise hands down. The wonderful flip-do hair and the ultra heavy black eyeliner with tons of fake eyelashes.

Why would I even bother to mention this is 2007? Well, I recently purchased the first two seasons of That Girl. (I already own all the Gilligan episodes). Unlike Gilligan, the archives of That Girl have well and truly been opened and floods of material are available as bonus features.

The show itself is hardly comedy slapstick - it does have it's fair share of moments but it relies more on the talent of Marlo and her wonderful chemistry with co-star, Ted Bessell. Marlo herself looks simply fantastic.

Season Three has just been released and going on the strengths of Season One & Two, I'll make sure to pick it up.

it's all about marketing

You might not be able to stop the beat but it's also hard to stop the Hairspray DVD purchases. In a clever marketing ploy American retailer, Wal-Mart, have optioned a bonus DVD if you buy the single disc edition from them. So, what to do if you can't get to your local Wal-Mart? Buy it from eBay at a much higher price.

So, is it worth the extra cost? Well yes, and no. Some features are "extended versions" from the Shake and Shimmy 2 disc edition. But the real "wow factor" comes from the ShoWest preview in Las Vegas. At a preview launch for the film, the cast assembled for a "live" performance. It's pretty cool - a number of council members perform with the cast in front of the giant screen. There's amazing footage of Nikki Blonski being told she has the part of Tracy - her reaction is funny and heart warming.

The three Tracy's, Ricki (original), Marrisa (Broadway) & Nikki (2006) are interviewed and seen recording the song, 'Mama, I'm A Big Girl Now'. It's all great footage.

Is it worth getting both discs? If you love Hairspray and want to see everything! Yes!

yup, it's that time of year

It's that time of the year when all good plans go terribly wrong - in the best possible way. Christmas shopping was supposed to be done and finished by now - but it isn't. I never have an action plan to just get what I want and leave - no, I have to wander around in a daze with no idea of what I'm doing.

The food I've bought with the intention of saving for the big day has been attacked and crumbs remain.

The shops all look terribly festive - each trying to out-do each other and grab your attention - except mine. I just wander from shop to shop, no worse off but coming home with the frustration of knowing I have to go back and do it all again - hopefully buying that perfect gift. I wouldn't have it any other way.

New purchases

While most people seem busy with Christmas 2007, I'm well ahead and planning for 2008. While I've always had a fondness of the aluminium or aluminum (depending on where you live) tree. I've been after one for years - I do have an original but it's seen far better days and is missing most of the tinsel. The other day I found a brand new one - I had no idea they were making these here in Australia - so I bit the bullet and grabbed it. The only problem, it's not green and lush and it's going to take some getting used to.

I think I'll decorate it the true minimal style and most probably red baubles. God only knows where I'm going to find a color wheel.

And in the true spirit of Christmas when I was in the city today they were marked an extra 30% off. Why do shops always do this once I've bought something!

back to Hairspray again...

Hairspray arrived today. And I'm pleased to say that the DVD is pretty awesome. The quality is brilliant - the sound faultless. As expected the bonus features are terrific. The cast and crew talk about the film with relish and excitement. It certainly comes across a great set to be on.

If you've seen the film or haven't had the pleasure...keep your eyes out for the council member, Shelley (Sarah Jayne Jensen) . She's one of those characters who has no lines but manages to steal almost every scene she's in.

I can see this being staged a s a concert one day. Hopefully the film cast and Broadway cast can appear together, it would be a concert you wouldn't want to miss.

I'm off to watch the commentary. (With 2 to choose it may take a while!)

new book

Anyone living in Adelaide has most certainly attended the Magic Cave or Christmas Pageant at least once. And during the Christmas Pageant 75th anniversary lead up, a book has been released chronicling the 75 Pageants and the 111 year old Magic Cave.

The Legendary Magic Cave and Christmas Pageant is by Lee Lennan, is a 310 page, hardbound, coffee table sized book. The book lovingly looks at all facets of these two local icons. Nine chapters delve into the history of John Martin’s Magic Cave from it’s design and creation to the changes it saw over the years. The author has spoken with many key people who designed and built the cave every year – so you can expect some wonderful behind the scenes stories.

The Pageant is also lovingly looked at (16 chapters in all) – from float design and construction, the media coverage from early radio to today’s satellite TV broadcast, a definitive history of Nipper and Nimble, costumes, carpentry, certainly nothing is overlooked. Countless colour and black & white images convey a great sense of time travel through Adelaide history.

I personally think Lee’s book will become a bible over the years for anyone wanting to know about these two iconic events. The $69.95 price may deter a few people but it’s certainly great value for your money. This book was well overdue and a pleasure to read. Available at all South Australian bookstores now.

possessed candy corn

Okay..so I'm ready for halloween. I'm too old for trick or treating - so that's out. I've eaten all of Candy Corn. Hmmm....doesn't really leave a lot to do, does it!? Maybe I'll watch a movie. Or at least an episode of Bewitched! Geez...maybe I should have done all this when I was younger.

It's Hairspray!

Today's post is brought to you by Ultra-Clutch Hairspray. Being a fan of the original 1988 John Waters movie, I have tried my best to avoid the Broadway play and now the new movie. I seriously doubted it would be any good. Could Michelle Pfeiffer out-do (no pun intended) Deborah Harry? Could Nicki Blonski be better than Ricki Lake? Well, I have to admit they came pretty close. The soundtrack was superb. Certainly a soundtrack to own. The subtle differences from the original film worked and to the movies credit, it was pretty darn good.

There seriously isn't really anything you can find fault in. From start to finish it kept my attention (always a good sign). I'm looking forward to the DVD release. The bonus features seem very impressive...check them out...

Two-disc "Shake and Shimmy" Edition special features

• Feature-length audio commentary with director-choreographer Adam Shankman and star Nikki Blonsky
• Feature-length audio commentary with producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron
• Deleted scenes with optional audio commentary with Adam Shankman and Nikki Blonsky (9:30)

1. Never-before-seen musical number I Can Wait
2. Edna Gets Arrested
3. Welcome to the '60s Alternate Street Segment
4. You Can't Stop the Beat" Alternate Version
5. Big, Blonde and Beautiful (Reprise) Velma-Only Version

• You Can't Stop the Beat: The Long Journey of Hairspray documentary (80:00)
• Step by Step: The Dances of Hairspray featurette offering how-to-dance instruction
• Hairspray Extensions featurette, giving viewers dance breakdowns (36:42)

1. The Nicest Kids in Town (4:11)
2. The Legend of Miss Baltimore Crabs (5:16)
3. Ladies' Choice (5:16)
4. Welcome to the '60s (6:21)
5. Run and Tell That (5:49)
6. You Can't Stop the Beat (9:49)

• Jump to a song with optional sing-along feature
• The Roots of Hairspray featurette (40:00)
• Interactive menus
• Theatrical trailer (2:25)
• 16x9 widescreen (2.40:1) version of the film
• English 2.0 Stereo Surround
• English Dolby Digital 5.1 Ex (on feature, deleted scenes, and interactive menus)
• English and Spanish subtitles
• Closed captions

I now can't wait to get back to New York to check out the Broadway production.

Christmas Lighting

For years I've been a fan of the 1960's & 1970's Christmas "bulb" lighting. You know, the traditional Christmas globe. Now with L.E.D flooding the market, older style lighting seems to be fading out. I haven't seen the old style of lights for years and was thrilled to find it's made a return. So thrilled I bought 3 boxes. Did a quick test run and there appears to be about 8 - 10 lighting options. Gone are the days of the old blink every thirty seconds or so. These are great for the retro look (providing that's what your going for). These are very reminiscent of the American C-10, C-7 style of lights.

So the lights have been purchased. All we need is the season to commence. Roll on November 1st.

Revisiting that familiar address

Today I had the pleasure of revisiting Number 96. Would I like it? Would I hate it? Would I remember anything? It's been a long time since I saw an episode (or the movie for that matter). I was most certainly never allowed to watch the show in it's original run (being young my parents were dead against me seeing such filth!) I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. It was great fun to see many familiar faces. While the story lines were new to me the faces were like old friends. Most I recognized from The Restless Years, which aired a few years later (and was more child friendly). The bonus feature, a 90 minute, 1976 TV special, was great quality, as was a new "look back" special, made for the DVD. Highly recommended, I just wish I was able to watch the show during it's original run.

withdrawl

It's amazing how much you can become addicted to television. With Big Brother 2007 now a distant memory I have nothing to do at 7.00pm. A tad dramatic, but life evolved around 7.00pm for over 3 months. For some reason this Big Brother was fascinating. Great housemates (I nearly called them kids!) The only ones I missed were the "spider task" episodes. I did watch a few seconds of one while clutching a trusty can of Mortein, should a spider jump out of the TV set! I didn't pick the winner (as usual) but was more than happy with Aleisha taking out the prize. It was a shame I missed on seeing the house and auditorium when I was up at Dreamworld. The house and eviction stage were being readied for the show (it started the week after we left.) So thanks to everyone involved with the show - it gave us heaps to talk about at work. Bring on the next one!

10 (random) things about me

1. I detest mess
2. I love the USA
3. Without animals in my life I'd be lonely
4. I need my daily fix of coffee
5. My greatest gift is making people laugh
6. I believe in fate
7. Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year
8. I love to watch
9. Fitness is not always my friend
10. There's no place like home
1. morning sun, 2. statue, 3. glamour puss, 4. simple coffee art, 5. turtle neck gufaw, 6. dice, 7. baubles, 8. great nite in, 9. weighty issues, 10. festival & space theatre & hyatt

dandelion

The joys of photography (or any art for that matter) are people see different things in the same image. Personally I love this shot. I love the fragility of the flower. The translucent quality of natures perfect sphere. It's one of my favourite shots I've taken this year. And to think it’s now considered a weed!! I could have picked it and blew, giving nature a helping hand but I resisted. I walked past it again this morning and it’s gone….just a stem remaining.

NYWF (again!)

During the week I was pleasantly surprised by a mail delivery. Dave from New York, sent me a parcel containing some wonderful memorabilia from the NY Worlds Fair. It's always fun to receive something unexpected and the contents were a great look into the past. It's certainly been a week of obsession relating to the World's Fair. A number of things arrived I nabbed off eBay as well. Adding to this, The Supremes seem to be in vogue with me as well. Bring back the 60's!!

Holy Stock Footage Batman!

Remember the old 1960's Batman TV series? Ever wondered what the first images were in the very first episode? Well, chances are you haven't, but the very first scenes were of the 1964 New York World's Fair. I ran across it last night and grabbed some screen caps of it. Naturally, the producers want the viewer to believe it was actually in Gotham City, but there's no doubt as to where it really was. While I'm still not an expert on naming the pavilions, you can see Johnson Wax, Eastman Kodak, Bell System, the Brass Rail refreshment stands (thanks to Michael for helping me with those), Better Living Center, General Electric, Pepsi-Cola, and I think the people entering are from the main entrance. Keep an eye out for episode 1 of Batman (Hey Diddle Riddle). You just never know where the Fair will pop up!

Observation Towers

Originally uploaded by duggy

Last weekend was spent totally obsessing about the New York World's Fair...the New York State's Towers still stand in much neglect. You can even see the “Star Streak” elevator stuck midway (to stop vandalism). The towers stand next to the New York State Pavilion (aka The Tent of Tomorrow). Each Observation Tower has a platform that is 64' diameter. There are 3 observation towers; the tallest is 226 feet high, giving a magnificent view of the Flushing Meadow site. It's just a shame no-one's been able to see it since 1965. There’s talk of refurbishing the towers and pavilion but after 42 years of talk it seems unlikely.

Worlds Fair Relics

Worlds Fair Relics
Originally uploaded by Seth W..

So we're back to the 1964 /1965 New York Worlds Fair again. Something keeps pulling me back. This photo is what's left of the New York State Pavilion and observation towers. The NY State Pavilion was also known as the "Tent of Tomorrow". It had (or has) the world's largest suspension roof, made of translucent colored plastic and hung from sixteen 100-foot concrete columns. On the main floor the Texaco Oil Company inlaid a mammoth map of the state in terrazzo. The map while still there, has broken into many pieces and the coloured roof removed in the 1970's. It was supposed to be bulldozed following the fair but still remains today - now a derelict remnant. The towers (of which there are 3) are still there but no longer operational. Then there's the Unisphere as well…

The Birds is coming!

I always thought it should have been The Birds ARE coming! I guess Hitchcock knew better. My latest obsession (if you could call it that) you have to go back to 1963. That year saw the release of Alfred Hitchcock's, The Birds. While at Universal Studios I was eager to photograph any location from any movie I'd seen. Naturally, I had The Birds, in mind. I had no idea if the sets were still standing. One of the scenes is where Melaine Daniels (Tippi Hedren) arrives at Bodega Bay and asks directions to the Brenner home. Later in the movie, poor Melanie gets trapped in a phone booth while the birds are attacking. It wasn't until tonight that I discovered, I did indeed take a photograph of the location. And it thrilled me no end. Yes, a tad geeky, but I don't care. I'm really happy the Universal lot still has buildings that have survived all these years. It's in a pretty generic area - so it can be used for countless different movies and TV series. But it will always be Bodega Bay for me. The photo would have been taken where the infamous phone booth would have been...just outside The Tides restaurant facade (which is also no longer there.)

moo!

I'm totally addicted to moo! Moo are small (28mm x 78mm) matte laminate cards printed in the United Kingdom that you can access with your flickr account.


They are totally cool. Mine arrived yesterday and I'm thrilled with how well they turned out. You can use them as business cards - some people even use them as trading cards - I haven't quite decided what to use mine for.

LAX

LAX
Originally uploaded by kaszeta.

With Queensland now and truly buried in the past, I get to look forward to the next holiday. The mighty USA! As I'll be there longer this time, I need to start saving now, (18 months just flys by!!). I loved flying into LAX. The old control tower was one of the first things I saw when we landed and one of the last things I saw as I took off on my way home. It looked just as it did in the Here's Lucy episode I saw as a kid. It's now a restaurant and although we didn’t have time to eat there last time, I plan on doing it on the next trip.

Morning Sun

The Aegean apartment...it all seems like it was years ago. (I was there this time last week). Funny how life falls into a routine so quickly. I'm still trying to live by my holiday motto - do something that you normally wouldn't do at home, do something that scares you, do something you enjoy etc. So today I braved a glass elevator. HATE THEM. I got to live another day. Is that a good thing?

when vegetables dress up

Vegetables playing dress up! Yup, dress up! This wonderfully odd little item, comes from Louise. I've met Louise twice. She's dating one of my work colleagues, Peter. From what I was told, Louise saw this and thought it would be a perfect gift for me. Quite an impression I must have left on Louise after two short meetings. Truth be known, I LOVE IT!
There's Wunda-Witch, Hia-Mato, Coco-annibal, Kool Karrot, Chief Turn-Up & Marshal T Apple (complete with a banana canon). It now sits in my kitchen (where else would it go?!) Thanks LuLu - it's now a treasured item...& no I'm not going to flog it on eBay :)

The Unisphere

What's my latest obsession? Far too many to count but The Unisphere in Flushing Meadow, NYC is top of the list. Why the fascination? Dunno really! It looks good, seems a lame response. It was actually built by US Steel for the 1964/65 World's Fair in New York, it's theme, Peace Through Understanding . The fact it remains where it originally stood impressed me. It's over 12 stories high is the largest man made earth in the world. The original fountains work periodically but when not operational it gives you a chance to get up close and personal with the Unisphere. I'll be heading there on my next NY visit.