Friday, November 30, 2018

It Came From The Closet!

Recently I was searching for something in our back basement closet and as usual I dug out the boxes of old loose toys for my kids to play with. I want them to have the same great memories of playing with these figures as I did as a kid. These are the memories of happiness that have stuck with me for a lifetime, also it makes me happy to see them bringing joy to another generation. Okay, let's get past the sentimental gushy stuff, because as I was cleaning I rediscovered some cool stuff that I forgot I even owned! These are just a few of the items I have packed away.

The Adventures of Batman & Robin: Action Packs
I bought this full box of Batman cards at the local Goodwill for a couple dollars. I intend to one day have a room that I can display my collection of retro goodies. My plan is to have a section devoted to my full boxes of retro trading cards. For a few dollars this was worth the pickup!

Kevin Smith Autographed Inaction Figure
I spent the first 20+ years of my life growing up in NJ and when I noticed a fellow Jersian was making it big as a movie director I was on board. I enjoy Smith's View Askew movies like Clerks, Chasing Amy and Mall Rats, so on one of my return trips to NJ I visited the Jay & Silent Bob's Secret Stash comic shop in Red Bank where I purchased this autographed figure for around $10. I actually got the chance to interview Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier on their tour bus a while ago. He is a great guy and took the time to answer my questions, pose for some pictures and give me some swag. If you have the chance to see Smith live, I recommend you go!

Gremlins & The Goonies VHS Tapes
The Gremlins VHS is actually the tape I had as a kid! I loved this movie and every year during the holidays I try to convince my kids to watch it with me. So far, I have had no takers, but I feel like 2018 is the year my kids will give in and watch Gizmo & Billy fight the good fight against Stripe and his evil mischief causing Gremlins! The Goonies VHS, I saw at a thrift shop for a quarter and I just couldn't say no!

Signed Pointer Sisters Poster!
The Pointer Sisters were hot stuff back in the 80s, so when I found this old autographed poster in my office I had to take it home! Every year our local theater hosts a big fundraising event and in 2004 the station I work for was the media sponsor. As a thank you the headliners of the fundraiser, The Pointer Sisters, signed this event poster and presented it to the station. Obviously nobody cared to hang it, because I found it jammed between a locker and filing cabinet. I was so excited to find this! BTW am I the only one who thinks of that Saved By The Bell episode were Jessie over does it with the caffeine pills when you hear the song "I'm So Excited"?

Power Rangers Tiger Electronic Game
Not much to say here. I was a fan of the Tiger electronic handheld games as a kid, my younger brother was into Power Rangers when they were at the height of their popularity and seeing this game at a thrift store brought a bunch of those memories flooding back. It was only 50 cents, but when I got it home and popped in some AA Batteries, it didn't work. I just don't have the heart to throw it out!

Puff Daddy feat. Jimmy Page: Come With Me CD Single
I admit that I was a huge fan of Puffy back in the day and when the hype train for the new Godzilla came rolling into town this song played through it's horn! I actually liked the song and bought the Cassette single. I had a friend at school who asked if I would trade my cassette single for his CD single and I said yes. It is still in my collection today! My son has become a big fan of the Godzilla movies and we recently watched the 1998 Godzilla movie and he enjoyed it, so it was no surprised he started jamming out when the song "Come With Me" played during the end credits. Man, I remember this video being one of those big MTV events that they hyped up for weeks.  

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Comic Book Pick 11/28/18

This week the comic book I am most excited to read is...
MARVEL ACTION SPIDER-MAN #1
Readers of all ages can get tangled up in these all new adventures of Spider-Man and his astonishing friends! Peter Parker has thrown down with deadly villains and legendary heroes, but high school life might be his greatest challenge yet. Luckily, he has a shot at making the grade with a little help from his new friends... Miles Morales and Gwen Stacy! A Marvelous new era begins here!
(W) Delilah S Dawson (A/CA) Fico Ossio
SRP: $3.99
Synopsis Provided By: PreviewsWorld.com

Monday, November 26, 2018

Throwback Jam of the Week: 11/26/18

It's that time of the week again here at 20 Years Before 2000...It's time for the THROWBACK JAM OF THE WEEK! These are the jams currently on my trusty Creative ZEN MP3 player and they encompass everything from Motown R&B classics to hip-hop and rap from the 90s! I would like to share them with you in the hopes that they can get you on your feet and bring back some sweet nostalgic memories! So throw on your shades, cut your hair in the fresh fade style and grab some Taco Bell as we take you back! Without further ado, here is the 20 Years Before 2000 THROWBACK JAM OF THE WEEK...
Artist: Hammer
Song: 2 Legit 2 Quit
Album: Too Legit To Quit (Released 1991)
Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 5
Bonus Fun Fact: The music video for this song was over 15 minutes long and still ranks as one of the most expensive to produce of all time and includes cameos by Deion Snaders, Chris Mullin, Eazy-E, Queen Latifah and Tony Danza, just to name a few.

Thursday, November 22, 2018

Happy Thanksgiving 2018!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! I hope you are having fun watching football, enjoying some time with your family and stuffing yourself silly! In case you need a break from any of that festiveness, I have provided you with some Thanksgiving specials to kill some time below!
 
A Chipmunk Thanksgiving (1994)
Garfield's Thanksgiving (1989)
1994 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Compilation of 80s Thanksgiving Commercials

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Comic Book Pick 11/21/18

This week the comic book I am most excited to read is...
GO-BOTS #1
Go-Bots have changed our way of life. Leader-1 is a self-aware fighter jet on a hostage rescue mission with his partner, Commander Nick Burns. Scooter is the personal transport and best friend to undergrad A.J. Foster. Turbo is Matt Hunter's transforming race car in the hottest sport in America, Go-Bot Racing. Cy-Kill is the champion of the illegal, underground Go-Bot Fighting League. A sophisticated sci-fi epic from the visionary creator that brought you Transformers vs. G.I. JOE. They say they're here to help us, but are they here to replace us?  From the creative mind that brought you IDW's Transformers vs. G.I. JOE! Visionary creator Tom Scioli unleashes his imagination on the bizarre, absurd, and wonderful world of Go-Bots!
(W) Tom Scioli (A/CA) Tom Scioli
SRP: $3.99
Synopsis Provided By: PreviewsWorld.com

Monday, November 19, 2018

Throwback Jam of the Week: 11/19/18

It's that time of the week again here at 20 Years Before 2000...It's time for the THROWBACK JAM OF THE WEEK! These are the jams currently on my trusty Creative ZEN MP3 player and they encompass everything from Motown R&B classics to hip-hop and rap from the 90s! I would like to share them with you in the hopes that they can get you on your feet and bring back some sweet nostalgic memories! So throw on your shades, cut your hair in the fresh fade style and grab some White Castle as we take you back! Without further ado, here is the 20 Years Before 2000 THROWBACK JAM OF THE WEEK...
Artist: Beastie Boys
Song: Brass Monkey
Album: Licensed To Ill (Released 1987)
Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 48
Bonus Fun Fact: This song was produced by Rick Rubin. Brass Monkey is also the name of a cocktail made of rum, vodka and orange juice.

Friday, November 16, 2018

Stan Lee Favorites

As I'm sure you have heard, legendary creator Stan Lee passed away at the age of 95 this week. Stan Lee was a titan in the comics industry and in his lifetime he was a playwright while in the military, editor in chief, writer and founder of several media companies and conventions. Lee will be best known for his time at Marvel Comics where he created or co-created such iconic pop culture characters as Spider-Man, Hulk, The Fantastic Four and so many more. I will always admire his writing, but there are a few moments from his life that standout to me more than others mostly because of the enjoyment they gave me. Here are a few of those great moments.


Deadpool 2 Trailer Cameo
I had come to expect the usual Stan Lee cameo in most Marvel movies, but never did I expect him to show up in a trailer for the movie of a character he didn't even create! I was anticipating the release of the new Deadpool movie since I really liked the first one, so when this new teaser trailer came out I was all over it. I started watching and chuckled as the Merc with a mouth struggled to put on his costume in a phone booth ala Superman. But the biggest laugh came when Mr. Pool jumped out only to hear Stan Lee say "Nice Suit". In which Deadpool replied "ZIP IT STAN LEE"! Loved it!

Spider-Man PS1 Game Voice Over
I loved this game! It was fun, had some challenge and it contained tons of cool Easter Eggs. One thing that stood out though was the narration by Stan Lee. No matter how old he was, you could always hear the excitement in his voice whenever he was talking about comics or one of his many creations. This carried over to his voice acting roles. You could just tell he was having fun, which made this gaming experience all the more better!

Teen Titans Go to the Movies Cameo
I just recently watched this animated feature with my kids a week or two ago. I had read that Stan Lee had a cameo appearance in the film, but totally forgot about it by the time we watched the DVD. Once again Stan Lee steals the show in a scene with characters from DC! My kids burst out laughing as he was hit by a runaway golf cart only to be tossed aside while finally delivering his signature line, "EXCELSIOR"! 

Big Hero 6 Cameo
This one totally caught me by surprise. I had no idea Stan Lee had a cameo in this Marvel/Disney animated film. During the movie one of the heroes, Fred, stares at a portrait of his family and I thought his dad looked like Stan Lee. I just thought this was a nice little Easter egg to the man himself, but in the post credits scene it turns out Fred's dad really was played by Stan Lee and he outs himself as a legendary super-hero! Great scene! Wish they could have expanded on this in the inevitable sequel.

Just Imagine...Stan Lee creates the DC Universe
This was a totally crazy idea from the minds at DC. It was almost a What if scenario. Just Imagine Stan Lee created Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, etc. What would that have looked like? Well, we got a peak into that world and we got some great stories and some not so great stories. This was just a really cool idea and I enjoyed reading Lee's take on these super-heroes. They universe he created in these one-shots has even become cannon in the DC Universe as Earth-6!
Hopefully these few examples took you on a nice trip down memory lane. Stan Lee may be gone, but his influence, characters and love for comics will last forever in the hearts of all the true believers out there. I hope you all enjoy the legacy Lee has left and pass those memories and works on to your family. Thank you Stan Lee and EXCELSIOR!!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

Comic Book Pick 11/14/18

This week the comic book I am most excited to read is...
UNCANNY X-MEN #1
THE CHILDREN OF THE ATOM ARE BACK!
New ongoing series kicking off with a 10-part weekly epic, the flagship X-Men series that started it all is back and better than ever! Starting with a mysterious and tragic disappearance, the X-Men are drawn into what might be...their final adventure?! X-Fan favorite writers Ed Brisson (EXTERMINATION), Matthew Rosenberg (PHOENIX RESURRECTION) and Kelly Thompson (MR. & MRS. X) and all-star artists Mahmud Asrar (X-MEN RED), R.B. Silva (X-MEN BLUE), Yildiray Cinar (WEAPON X) and Pere Pérez (ROGUE AND GAMBIT) join forces to bring you...X-MEN DISASSEMBLED?!
(W) Kelly Thompson, Matthew Rosenberg, Ed Brisson (A) Mahmud A. Asrar (CA) Rob Liefeld
 SRP: $7.99
Synopsis Provided By: PreviewsWorld.com

Monday, November 12, 2018

R.I.P. Stan Lee

It is with a heavy heart that I say Stan Lee has passed away at the age of 95. He truly did impact the lives of millions of people around the world with his brilliant creations, never give up attitude and fighting spirit. He was an inspiration to many and will be missed. Thank you for all that you did to entertain us all. Now say it together with me true believers...EXCELSIOR! 
Stanley Lieber aka Stan Lee: December 28th, 1922 - November 12th 2018

Throwback Jam of the Week: 11/12/18

It's that time of the week again here at 20 Years Before 2000...It's time for the THROWBACK JAM OF THE WEEK! These are the jams currently on my trusty Creative ZEN MP3 player and they encompass everything from Motown R&B classics to hip-hop and rap from the 90s! I would like to share them with you in the hopes that they can get you on your feet and bring back some sweet nostalgic memories! So throw on your Starter cap, cut your hair in the fresh high top fade style and slip on your Timberlands as we take you back! Without further ado, here is the 20 Years Before 2000 THROWBACK JAM OF THE WEEK...
Artist: Luther Vandross/Janet Jackson feat BBD & Ralph Tresvant
Song: The Best Things In Life Are Free
Album: Mo' Money Soundtrack (Released 1992)
Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: 10
Bonus Fun Fact: This song made it to #1 on the "Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" chart in 1992! Was nominated for a Grammy in the category of "Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals" but lost to Boyz II Men for their song "End of the Road"!

Friday, November 9, 2018

Records, Records Everywhere!!!

Recently the sounds of vinyl have been making a comeback. Supposedly the sound is better coming off one of these round miracles of recording science versus a compressed mp3. I'm not 100% sure about that, but what I am sure about is that listening to a record takes me back to the 80s when myself and my siblings would listen to my Dad's old rock n roll records on the family stereo or hearing the sounds of Madonna coming from my sisters room. The crackling sound of these rotating wonders really is a nostalgia trip for me. A few weeks ago our GM at work decided we needed to make more room in our audio recording booth and the old station collection of vinyl had to go! I was first in line to grab some free records and here is a sampling of what I discovered!

Breakin' Movie Soundtrack 
Released: 1984 Polygram Records
Notable Songs: Ain't Nobody by Rufus & Chaka Khan, Showdown by Ollie & Jerry

The Godfather Music From The Motion Picture
Released: 1972 Pickwick International
Notable Songs: Main Title (The Godfather Waltz) by The Italia Concert Orchestra

The Official Music of the XXIIIrd Olympiad Los Angeles 1984
Released:1984 CBS Inc.
Notable Songs: Street Thunder by Foreigner, Junku (Field Theme) by Herbie Hancock

Prince: Controversy
Released: 1981 Warner Brothers
Notable Songs: Controversy, Let's Work

Star Wars: Music Form The Sci-Fi Film Composed By John Williams
Released: 1977 Damil Record Sales
Notable Songs: Princess Leia's Theme & The Return Home by The London Philharmonic

Ray Parker Jr. - Christmas Time Is Here
Released: 1984 Arista
Oh man, listen to those sweet sounds! I am so happy I was able to grab these records up! Like I said this is just a sampling of what I found. There are about 20 other albums I got including everything from The Beach Boys to Shalamar. Also, my Mom still has my record collection from when I used to DJ back in collage. I need to go home some day and add them back into my vinyl collection. Now I just need to pick myself up a record player so me and the fam can jam out in style! I guess I now know what to ask Santa for this Christmas!

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Comic Book Pick 11/7/18

This week the comic book I am most excited to read is...
LCSD 2018 GO-BOTS #1
Go-Bots have changed our way of life. Leader-1 is a self-aware fighter jet on a hostage rescue mission with his partner, Commander Nick Burns. Scooter is the personal transport and best friend to undergrad A.J. Foster. Turbo is Matt Hunter's transforming race car in the hottest sport in America, Go-Bot Racing. Cy-Kill is the champion of the illegal, underground Go-Bot Fighting League. A sophisticated sci-fi epic from the visionary creator that brought you Transformers vs. G.I. JOE. They say they're here to help us, but are they here to replace us? This Local Comic Shop Day edition will have NEW content that will NOT be available in the regular editions of this comic, as well as a new cover by artist Diego Jourdan Pereira.
(W) Tom Scioli (A) Tom Scioli (CA) Diego Jordan Pereira
SRP: $3.99
Synopsis Provided By: PreviewsWorld.com
 

Monday, November 5, 2018

Throwback Jam of the Week: 11/5/18

It's that time of the week again here at 20 Years Before 2000...It's time for the THROWBACK JAM OF THE WEEK! These are the jams currently on my trusty Creative ZEN MP3 player and they encompass everything from Motown R&B classics to hip-hop and rap from the 90s! I would like to share them with you in the hopes that they can get you on your feet and bring back some sweet nostalgic memories! So throw on your Starter cap, cut your hair in the fresh high top fade style and slip on your Timberlands as we take you back! Without further ado, here is the Halloween Edition of the 20 Years Before 2000 THROWBACK JAM OF THE WEEK...
Artist: Boyz II Men
Song: Sympin'
Album: CooleyHighHarmony (Released 1991)
Peak Billboard Hot 100 Position: N/A
Bonus Fun Fact: A remix of this song was featured on the soundtrack album for the movie White Men Can't Jump starring Woody Harrelson & Wesley Snipes!

Friday, November 2, 2018

Halloween 2018 Recap

Halloween has always been a fun time in my family and this year was no different. I loved going around town with my friends as a kid and causing mischief while collecting free goodies from our neighbors. Those memories are so vivid in my mind. I hope my kids have the same nostalgia for this night of ghosts and goblins as I do as an adult and they can pass it down to their kids.
The season started off with our traditional trip to the pumpkin patch so we could find the perfect specimens for our jack-o-lanterns. This trip would not be complete without a trip through the corn maze! This is my favorite part of the trip. Unfortunately this year I missed out on the maze due to a prior engagement to work with the Alzheimer's Association. At least I missed it for a good cause. I was still able to meet up with the fam in the pumpkin patch.
We each picked our pumpkins and carved them the weekend before Halloween. My kids carved a crying/laughing emoji face, a cat face and a ghost! I carved James Kochalka's comic character Johnny Boo! My kids love the Johnny Boo comics and if you have kids I highly suggest checking them out.
Of course Halloween is a fantastic time for tricks and treats and Burger King outdid them self by treating us all to the ultra tasty Nightmare King! It's a Whopper patty, with a fried chicken patty and bacon on top on a green bun! I had to hit up BK a few times this October, because the thing is so damn good! They need to keep this on the menu all year round. I would buy it every time!
We hit up Halloween Comicfest at our local comic shop and the owner had no limit on the comics my kids could take and he gave them candy! I was able to grab the comics I wanted which were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Hellboy, Spider-Man and Jughead: The Hunger!
On Halloween my wife and I took the kids trick or treating. Not many kids in our town go door to door anymore. It's mostly trunk or treats, parties or the one street in town they block off for the event. We have done the blocked off street before and the decor is fantastic, but since so many people go there, you have to wait in line to get your candy and since the home owners see so many kids that night they only give 1 piece per person. That really doesn't bother me, but when you have 3 kids under 10 it's a big deal to them! A few years ago we discovered a neighborhood that does not have a lot of kids stop by and they are very generous with the candy. Some even give full size bars! This is our treasure trove! So that's where we went again this year!
After a crazy night of trick or treating we made it home. The kids went to bed late all on a sugar high. Eventhough it was late I was still able to watch a Halloween episode of The Goldbergs and my movie pick for the night was A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: The Dream Warriors. It was a great way to end a fun night with the family. Hope everyone had a great Halloween also! Now enjoy the recently uncovered video to DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's "Nightmare on my Street" as we look forward to Halloween 2019!