Screening Tonight

We had a screening tonight of several fun programs mentioned in the book. The above image is the cover of the program for the event. Tonight's schedule:

"Too Many Christmas Trees" from The Avengers (1965) pg. 80 in The Christmas TV Companion

"The Star" from The New Twilight Zone (1985) pg. 36

Franz Kafka's It's A Wonderful Life (1993) pg. 13

My Santa! (2005) pg. 104-5

"Christmas Episode" from The Jack Benny Show (ca. 1950s) pg. 114-15

Christmas Visit (also known as Santa Visits Antarctica) (1959) pg. 42-3

Santa Claus' Story (ca. 1950s?) pg. 124-25

And, my dear friend Michael added a short clip of the holiday musical number "Yeh Pal Chanehal" from the Bollywood film, Kalicharan (1976).

I selected these programs because this particular audience is one that appreciates TV science fiction and cult TV series. I provided a little bit of introduction and commentary before each program and it seemed to be quite a success. Perhaps next Christmas this event could be inspiration for your own MYOM with friends and family.

Harambee!

Happy Kwanzaa!! I'm disappointed with the meager TV offerings of Kwanzaa specials this year. I did find The Black Candle airing on TV One network earlier today. And, a few Kwanzaa-themed episodes that I have already seen--including Everybody Hates Chris, the animated Proud Family, Handy Manny and Rugrats.

I'm especially disappointed in my local PBS affiliates for they are usually my best resource for Kwanzaa programming. This year nothing. They were pretty bad with broadcasting the national Christmas programs as well--my local PBS didn't broadcast any of the Christmas performances until Christmas Eve. I can only speculate that due to the bad economy with budget cutbacks and smaller donations that they must have limited options. I found little in terms of Hanukkah programming as well. This is very unfortunate for Hanukkah and Kwanzaa participants because PBS has always been a major resource for these holiday-themed entertainments. And, for the rest of us who enjoy watching Kwanzaa and Hanukkah programming as well.

24 hour Movie Marathons

Why are you sitting in front of the computer when you could be sitting in front of your TV watching A Christmas Story 24 hour movie marathon on TBS or the Home Alone 24 hour movie marathon on Fox Movie channel? Drink Ovaltine!!

Book signing at Skullz Salon today

Thanks to all who stopped by my book signing today--made a few new friends. Thanks to the good people at Skullz Salon including Angelique, Amanda, Haley and Jeremy.

LAST book signing of 2009

If you live or are visiting Northeast Ohio, come down and see me at my last in-store appearance and book signing of 2009.

I'll be at Skullz Salon in downtown Kent (125 S. Water St. in Kent) from 5-8 pm Wednesday, 12/23. Come and talk to me about classic Christmas TV and get your book signed by the author. I'll also be selling copies of my book for the last minute shoppers with pop culture junkies on their Christmas lists. See you there!!

Post-Apocalyptic Christmas Cartoons

Hugh Harmon's 1939 Technicolor MGM cartoon: Peace on Earth.


The re-make is 1955's Cinemascope MGM cartoon by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera: Good Will to Men.

A Christmas Miracle!

Another fantastic review just came in. Thanks John Kenneth Muir!

John Kenneth Muir's Reflections on Film/TV