Batman's Garage Sale

It's a fact - Adam West has been brilliant in everything he's ever done.

He manages to be funny in this new video, despite the fact that he is surrounded by an annoyingly unfunny supporting cast.

9 Dumbest Effects of Red Kryptonite

Most people know about kryptonite, and its detrimental effects on Superman. Of course, that's only green kryptonite - there are many other colors and varieties, all with different effects; some good - mostly bad. If you need a refresher course on kryptonite, check this out.

Today we examine red kryptonite.

Red-K (as it is known) was invented sometime early in the "Silver Age" of comics (late '50s/early '60s) as an excuse to introduce more outrageous plots in Superman comics. Red-K causes "unpredictable" results - so the writers could literally use any plot device imaginable - Superman has two heads, turns into a half-man/half-ape... you name it.

Our friends at Topless Robot (???) have compiled the nine "dumbest" effects of red kryptonite. And who am I not to link to it?

Ode to Emmy Jo

We've talked about '70s show New Zoo Revue and its lovely star Emmy Jo before.

Now, the great blog Retrospace examines the very same topic. (The blog is filled with interesting content, so you might want to browse around while you're there).

Amazing World of DC Comics

In the sensational '70s - DC published their own fan magazine called The Amazing World of DC Comics. It contained a wealth of information including interviews and pictures of the great creators of the era.

The original issues (they only published seventeen issues, and one special) are incredibly difficult to find these days, but some blogger was nice enough to scan and post the first dozen or so issues here.

Andy Kaufman - Fridays Fight

Here is the infamous fight on Fridays between Andy Kaufman and Jack Burns. For some reason, I incorrectly remembered Michael Richards involved in the melee, but although he was a co-conspirator of this hoax, he merely participates. (Supposedly, Melanie Chartoff and Maryedith Burrell - and most of the cast and crew - were not in on the gag).

Interesting thing about Fridays - it aired at 11:30 PM on ABC. But in Philadelphia, it was pre-empted by a movie - and usually didn't start until 1:30 or 2:00 AM. That means it was around 3:00 AM in the morning when I originally saw this broadcast - very surreal at the time.

Also - notice how early '80s audiences reacted to drug references. There was a time when it was very hip and cool to joke about marijuana on television. That would all quickly change during the Reagan years.

Captain Janks in Jail

Howard Stern show prank-caller "Captain Janks" (Thomas Cipriano) is in jail for allegedly skipping out on personal appearance commitments (presumably after taking and keeping the offered money).

From the Capain's web site:

Captain Janks' tour has been cancelled (sic) for '09 due to personal issues. He has been in rehab, and is also dealing with medical and personal issues. He has lost everything, ie home, car, money, etc. He apologizes to all the fans, and clubs he has been booked at to do shows, and will be in touch with those places in the near future to reschedule, or refund deposits.

Again, he apologizes, and is officially retired from the business. Thank you to all for the support.

Andy Kaufman - Thought/Counterthought

Another interesting facet of Andy Kaufman's act, was that he was not afraid to go on national television and completely BOMB if he thought it might be amusing to do do.

In this sketch from Fridays - the infamous episode that ended in a fistfight - Andy tanks a parody of Point/Counterpoint just to further establish the undercurrent that he is an unprofessional screw-up. (This of course culminates in the "fight" at the end of the show).

That's Melanie Chartoff reading the news. She had a good run for years as America's foremost Nancy Reagan impersonator.