Mon, 20 February 2017
With perhaps the most disjointed and cram-packed episode of TechnoRetro Dads ever, shazbazzar and JediShua apologize if you feel blindsided, upside-down, or threatened by enormous lizards with atomic breath as you start this work week. Corny jokes, news-ish stories, aftershocks, cartoons, video games, and fictional history are all stuffed into your audio toy box of nostalgia. Give us 77 minutes, and we’ll take of the “wait”.
In the NEWS… Valentine’s Day in Colorado came with original V-Day “cards” (including spoons), stranger boxes, and lots of love. Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown is cast to take down an even bigger monster in 2019. The radio drama version of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy gets animated.
We Love our Cereal! After talking about Girl Scout cereal for weeks, we dive into a bowl of Caramel Crunch with yummy, crunchy results. Samoas (Caramel deLites) get a tasty treatment that ranks rather high with each Oneida spoonful.
Aftershocks of 1977 “A shake for breakfast, a shake for lunch, and a sensible dinner” has been the recipe for weight loss for millions for the past forty years. Slim Fast hit store shelves in 1977 and has continued to endure even while fad diets come and go. Catapulting baseball manager Tommy Lasorda into TechnoRetro fame, the commercials alone are permanently etched into GenX’s collective memory. Get ready to put away your fat pants and tighten your belt because this diet product really works!
Saturday Mornings EarBud Rory O’Toole suggests another theme song for the segment as the ‘Dads remember the voice of Jim Backus as Quincy Magoo, the doddering, legally blind cartoon who epitomizes the physical comedy that was popular in the ‘60s and ‘70s. So turn on the television of your minds and sit down for What’s New Mr. Magoo?.
Toys in the Attic Shogun Warriors were popular in the mid-seventies (and have made a big comeback with kids of that era today), and one of their biggest hits was the towering, twenty-inch version of Godzilla by Mattel. JediShua and shazbazzar remember hours of destructive fun as they brought the gigantic lizard into their playtime with Star Wars figures and army men.
TechnoRetro Arcade JediShua’s most recent trip to the Hyperspace Arcade brought him joyful memories of vector graphics and clever game play with Space Duel, an Atari release from 1982 that resembled asteroids with colorful, three-dimensional objects attacking a dual-ship controlled by one or two players. The only multi-player vector game by Atari was the company’s response to less-than-stellar sales of their Asteroids Deluxe video game. Space Duel earns its place in the TechnoRetro Arcade.
History Lesson Since it’s Presidents’ Day, it’s only right to include some patriotic history from Independence Day: Resurgence as the ESD Moonbase opens in 2009. Plus, Scott Bakula leaps back to 1958 to sort out Marty Elroy’s family problems in Quantum Leap.
How can we bring you all this sweet TechnoRetro goodness in 77 minutes with no calories? The magic of nostalgia, that’s how. Of course, input from our EarBuds via Twitter @TechnoRetroDads or on Facebook help, too. So let us know what you’re thinking on social media, or you can give us your feedback and let us know what you think by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us an mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes!
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Mon, 13 February 2017
Questions abound on this week’s episode of TechnoRetro Dads: What is an 8-Track tape? What is JediShua saying in French? Can Olive Oyl’s love make Popeye stronger than a can of spinach? Who is the biggest fan of Battlestar Galactica? Should I stay or should I go? And, most importantly, are you ready for Valentine’s Day tomorrow? You still have time if you’re listening to TechoRetro Dads this Monday morning. Just another reason to start your work week right every Monday.
In the NEWS… Even though the Falcons squandered their three quarter lead to fall to the Patriots in overtime, the most exciting moments came at halftime with great commercials as well as trailers for upcoming movies, complete with Johnny Cash music. We’re especially excited about the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, but Stranger Things 2 really got our #TechnoRetro hearts pumping with Ghostbusters costumes and promises of a return to the Upside Down. Not all news is good news, though, as we bid farewell to the heroic Viper pilot who started his search for the thirteenth colony on the mythical world of Earth nearly forty years ago. Battlestar Galactica’s original Captain Apollo (and anti-captain Tom Zerek), Richard Hatch, departed this life, leaving us memories of his time on screen and off screen as the good guy who really was a good guy.
Aftershocks of 1977 Beginning in 1977 with the publication of its first original novel, Del Rey Books has brought us forty years of fantasy and science fiction novels including Terry Brooks’ Shannara series, shelves full of Star Wars novels, and many more. Featuring well known authors like Brian Daley and Alan Dean Foster, we re-experienced movies through novelizations as well as continued the stories from far away galaxies to imaginative stories from long ago from childhood to today.
History Lesson A sweet replicant named PRIS booted up on Valentine’s Day last year in Blade Runner, the same day the world was supposed to end according to Ghostbusters 2, while a futuristic AT-TE gets a patent for Weyland Industries thirty-five years into the future. Also this week, Geordi La Forge will be born, not in France, but in the African Confederation. And a robbery is foiled by a darker version of Qui-Gon Jinn in Darkman.
Flashback Games TechnoRetro Flashback After his recent trip to a local video arcade, JediShua recalls playing the Popeye video game and provides some insight as he instructs shazbazzar during last summer’s trip to Loganville, Georgia’s Flashback Games Grill and Retro Arcade. Complete with audio footage from July, you’ll hear the mastery of JediShua as he tells shazbazzar score more than 1,000 points.
Feedback Thanks to our EarBuds for making this episode fantastic with their feedback from previous episodes on social media, in electronic-Ms, and even in person. We respond to Derek Spier, Jeffrey Fischbach, Chris Hamilton, Michael Goldtrap, Joey Letson, and T-Bird Thomas Thompson in our Feedback segment. Thanks for the comments and corrections you send our way week after week.
So put your finger on the Twitter and tweet @TechnoRetroDads with your answers to our questions as shazbazzar and JediShua continue their trek through the decades in the fog of confusion. Whether you have some tips to help us make it through the Popeye video game or you want to share your memories of Richard Hatch (from Battlestar Galactica, not Survivor), give us your feedback and let us know what you think by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes!
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Mon, 6 February 2017
Can you eat frozen yogurt with chopsticks? Honestly, we’ve never tried, but this might just be the day to give it your best shot. After the Patriots rallied in the second half to put the Super Bowl in overtime and defeat the Falcons, it seems like anything could happen on a Monday morning. So grab a bowl of Girl Scout cookies cereal, EarBuds, and sit down for a BONUS LENGTH episode as controversial animator Ralph Bakshi sends shockwaves through time with his 1977 fantasy film, Wizards.
In the NEWS… Nicole Kidman is Aquaman’s mother and the Black Manta will be challenging the superhero of the seas in the upcoming DC movie. Director Chad Staheleski focuses on improved continuity for his reboot of Highlander, hoping to make a trilogy of movies. Pac-Man’s father dies at 91 — the video arcade generation mourns.
Aftershocks of 1977 In the wake of cultural upheaval brought about by the civil rights movement, Kennedy assassinations, and the unpopular war in Vietnam emerged a jarring animated vision of a post-apocalyptic world millions of years in the future where elves and fairies battle mutants and demons in a war between two brothers. In Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards, twins Avatar and Blackwolf engage in a showdown between freedom and fascism in a truly unique amalgamation of various artistic styles, live action sequences, and cheaply produced “rotoscoping” that burned itself into the collective consciousness of a generation. With similar themes and plot devices to Star Wars, it seems as if both Bakshi and Lucas had tapped into the cultural zeitgeist with their fantasy films in 1977. Pitting magic against technology and juxtaposing modern war machines against swordplay, Wizards and Star Wars both successfully captured the imaginations of viewers. JediShua and shazbazzar go in-depth in their appreciation for this weird “fairy tale”.
History Lesson Everyone has to be born sometime, whether they’re wizards obsessed with muggle culture or sidekicks who like to cheat at cards. This week’s History Lesson reveals the ages of the likes of Arthur Weasley, Short Round, and the big, green bulk with orange hair from Street Fighter.
So set up the projector with your favorite fascist’s propaganda films and start terrorizing fairies and elves in your quest to dominate the planet. Or, even better, plug in your ear buds this morning with the TechnoRetro Dads. Give us your feedback and let us know what you think about Ralph Bakshi’s Wizards by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes!
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Mon, 30 January 2017
If the rooster hasn’t crowed yet to wake up your family with his built-in alarm cluck, why not show your appreciation for bubble wrap by twisting and popping a sheet to get everybody’s day going? It’s the year of the rooster in China, Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day in the West, and the prevalent prognosicator from Punxatawney is just about to place his predictions about the weather this week. So plug in your ear buds, EarBuds, and enjoy 77 minutes of TechnoRetro.
In the NEWS… JediShua reveals forty year-old news via a recent IO9 article about the Death Star trench from Star Wars: A New Hope. It just may be that the trench run takes place someplace you hadn’t expected. And the star of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, and The Dick Van Dyke Show is laid to rest in Connecticut over the weekend.
Saturday Mornings Introduced as part of the title credits of a Blake Edwards film starring Peter Sellers, the Pink Panther graced television screens in our youngest days every Saturday morning. With music by Henry Mancini and William Lava, these animated shorts were small on talk and big on “show, don’t tell” as the curious character provided hours of physical comedy in brief segments on The Pink Panther Show. JediShua and shazbazzar remember their experiences with the Pink Panther, as well as The Ant and the Aardvark, while listening to various performances of the iconic theme song. PLUS: shazbazzar agrees with Scott Ryfun that the Aardvark sounds a lot like Bernie Sanders.
Aftershocks of 1977 The computer era gets rolling in 1977 with the release of three popular home computers. Commodore’s PET is revealed, the Apple II begins production, and Radio Shack gets in the game with a fully assembled home computer, complete with monitor, for $599. The TRS-80 started in earnest on February second as the design stage of this memorable computer began its trek from concept to store shelves in 1977. Affectionately called the “Trash 80”, this home computer would soon be found in schools, small businesses, and homes in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Most GenXers had at least some interaction with the TRS-80 during their youth, learning to program in BASIC, rolling through the numbers on tape drive counters, and generally just having fun as computers began their quest to take over the world from every house on the planet.
History Lesson Of course, there’s a lot taking place on February second in fictional history, but this week is loaded with past and future events from Potter to Prometheus and everything in between.
So pour a bowl of cereal, plug in your ear buds, and start thinking PINK this Monday morning with the TechnoRetro Dads. Give us your feedback and let us know what you’re looking forward to in 2017 by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes!
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Mon, 23 January 2017
What is covered in hair, walks on its two big feet, and is susceptible to female charms? If you guessed Cousin It, you’re wrong. He wears a size six. But if you thought about that prehistoric superhero who flies and wields a club, you are right on track! We have Captain Caveman on the brain just like the Teen Angels have a cave on the roof of their van. You know it’s gonna be a great Monday when cavemen are featured in the jokes!
In the NEWS… Funko brings out a new line of collectibles resembling Playmobil figures of pop culture favorites like Willy Wonka. “The Greatest Show on Earth” will have only a few more scheduled appearances before Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus closes forever. JediShua found an arcade in a local brewery while shazbazzar discovered that scientists have discovered a new species of Gibbons they dubbed “Skywalker”. PLUS: Ponch and Jon return to the California Highway Patrol in an upcoming movie-version spoof of the late ‘70s classic TV show, CHiPs.
Saturday Mornings Hanna Barbara cartoons reigned on Saturday mornings on all of the major networks. JediShua and shazbazzar revisit Captain Caveman from 1977’s Saturday Morning lineup. With Cavey, Taffy, Brenda, and Dee Dee, Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels find themselves in the midst of one mystery after another as they travel across the country in their custom cave van with authentic living quarters on the roof. It’s been a while since the ‘Dads talked about the diminutive prehistoric superhero, and we certainly have more to add to our former conversation which you can hear here. Aftershocks of 1977 Get ready to blast off into space on with the world’s first space plane in the modern era. NASA’s OV-101, Enterprise, would make its first flights in 1977, ushering in more than three decades of a successful space shuttle program. JediShua and shazbazzar talk about the good and the bad as well as the very long history of using reusable shuttles to make trips into “near space”. From the 1930s to today, the idea of space planes, space shuttles, and space taxis have continued to become reality since the Enterprise took its first piggy-back ride. Whether you’re shouting your name to muster strength and courage, or you’re simply studying for your “History in Aerospace” test, you’ll have fun in past, present, and future tense with the TechnoRetro Dads. Give us your feedback and let us know what you’re looking forward to in 2017 by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes!
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Direct download: TRDads_04.42_Captain_Caveman.mp3
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Mon, 16 January 2017
Greetings, Programs!
Whether the weather is wonderfully warm or you’re experiencing a blistering blizzard like the record-setting cold snap this week in 1977, TechnoRetro Dads bring you a variety show of the past in the present on this holiday Monday morning for your day off from work.
In the NEWS… The Computer Electronics Show revealed some amazing gadgets this year that will certainly wind up under the tree this Christmas. Lego introduced Lego Boost, programmable robotic Lego sets aimed at children 7 and up that move and respond to commands and sensors and teach coding in a uniquely Lego style. Nintendo looks for another hit in 2017 with the Super Retro Boy — a handheld gaming unit that capitalizes on Game Boy nostalgia. Polaroid reminds consumers of their instant cameras with the touchscreen Polaroid Pop digital camera and Kodak promises to release a less expensive Super 8 camera than last year’s release. But some of the biggest “retronews” this week is Shout Factory’s reboot of the ‘80s video game show Starcade. You can hear more about this on this week’s ARGcast.
Saturday Mornings Sid and Marty Krofft consistently put out Saturday morning fare for GenXers in the ‘70s and ‘80s. JediShua and shazbazzar revisit The Krofft Supershow from 1977’s Saturday Morning lineup. The Krofft Supershow included a glam rock band, Kaptain Kool and the Kongs who introduced a variety of short episodic mini-shows with music and corny jokes — perfect for TechnoRetro Dads! With teenagers fighting crime and outwitting villains on mysterious islands, on beaches, in the city, and in the wilderness, shows like Bigfoot and Wildboy, Electra Woman and Dyna Girl, Wonderbug, Dr. Shrinker, and Magic Mondo, the late morning slot on Saturday morning lineups was just the thing to send kids out the door to play with their friends.
Aftershocks of 1977 Again, proving the point that 1977 was the epicenter of an earth-shaking, history-making events that have continued to impact the culture for forty years, shazbazzar and JediShua turn the page in Starlog magazine to discover the retro journalistic fervor surrounding the excitement about the first Star Trek film. As the hype surrounding George Lucas’s highly anticipated masterpiece Star Wars signaled a return of science fiction to the silver screen, Star Trek seemed like a natural fit for audiences wanting to visit outer space in movie theaters. Thirteen movies later, this article from January 1977 has continued resonating with its own aftershocks.
Capping off this week’s episode with Feedback from our EarBuds, you’re sure to enjoy a trip back in time while living in a futuristic present with tidbits our friends are sharing with us each week. Do you want to get in touch with TechnoRetro Dads? Let us know what you’re looking forward to in 2017 by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes!
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Mon, 9 January 2017
Greetings, Programs!
With disco on the airwaves, Datsuns in driveways, and home video gaming consoles earning their shelf space in dens around the world, the lives we lead today and the entertainment we enjoy forty years later can be traced back to a banner year on history’s calendar. Of course, 1977 is recognizable as the year of Star Wars, but many more things we still enjoy today had their roots in a year that may well be our favorite (if we were choosing favorites, which we are not — just so you know).
In the NEWS… Star Wars earns another cool statistic in the record books with two movies in the same franchise having top ten box office earners last year with The Force Awakens grossing the tenth most money in theaters and Rogue One earning its spot just a bit behind Finding Dory in just over two weeks in theaters. One Day at a Time is being remade to stream online with a Cuban flair. And for something new: Beyond has tapped into crossover territory with a TV premiere on FreeForm before its release as binge-bait with the remaining nine episodes streaming on Hulu before airing on television.
We Love Our Cereal Some entrepreneurs in Memphis have taken the Cereal Bar idea on the road by merging a cereal cafe with a food truck. The ‘Dads think this is a great idea, and if you’re in the Memphis area, we would like to hear if you’ve seen this cereal bars on wheels in the area. Better yet, if you have tasted one of their creations, let us know what you thought about the experience!
Saturday Mornings What got kids up early on Saturday mornings back in 1977 (well, other than hugemongous bowls of sugary sweet cereal)? Saturday morning programming on television. JediShua and shazbazzar remember the days when Saturday morning fare was different from what could be seen during the week. In this episode, the ‘Dads remember The All New Superfriends as aired in 1977. The most significant addition to this version of Superfriends was the Wonder Twins who could shape shift into various animals and phases of water as they faced trouble at home and around the world.
Toys in the Attic As video arcades grew in popularity in the late ‘70s, the market was ripe for home versions of hit games in malls and shopping centers. Just a few weeks after the Fairchild Channel F became a popular Christmas gift in 1976, the less colorful and somewhat less user-friendly RCA Studio II was released. Its lifespan was quickly reduced by the powerhouse Atari VCS which emerged in fall of 1977. JediShua and shazbazzar talk a bit about arcades and a bit more about home video games in this week’s “Toys in the Attic”.
History Lesson Again, proving the point that 1977 was the epicenter of an earth-shaking, history-making events that have continued to impact the culture for forty years, shazbazzar and JediShua point to a couple of iconic premiers on television later this week forty years ago. Fantasy Island was first seen on television on Friday, January 14th and the Coneheads pointed their heads to the stars for the first time on Saturday Night Live on January 15th as alien characters began to show up on favorite television shows.
Do you want to get in touch with TechnoRetro Das? Let us know what you’re looking forward to in 2017 by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.
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Mon, 2 January 2017
As we remember 2016 and look forward to 2017, we are all reminded of the royal losses we’ve suffered over the past year. From the Goblin King himself, David Bowie, last January to Prince to our final farewell to our Princess, Carrie Fisher, we’ve all faced some harsh realities over the past twelve months. JediShua and shazbazzar are joined with long-time friends Craig Batts and Jack Crabtree to celebrate Carrie Fisher and the impact she made on a generation over the past forty years. The true heroine of Star Wars, Carrie Fisher portrayed Princess Leia with a snippy, quippy, snarkiness that endeared her to fans as anything but a damsel-in-distress. Over the years, our Princess proved her power in films, books, panels, and interviews. More than a pop icon, Carrie Fisher opened her life like a book (and in books), giving hope to hundreds, if not thousands, who struggle with hardships in life. At the age of sixty, she was taken from us. Still, her life and legend will touch generations.
We Love Our Cereal You’re going to love what General Mills has in store for you! Purchase any three specially marked Big G cereals and get a free ticket to Rogue One from General Mills. Find out more on their website.
Looking Ahead Let’s face it, 2016 wasn’t all bad. The Cubs did win the World Series, although a year later than prophesied in the ‘80s. However, for those who seem to have lost hope, we look forward to some exciting accomplishments and events sure to come in 2017. From space exploration to a solar eclipse (another prophecy from 1989), we’re picking up good vibrations in our expectations for the future in the next twelve months. Let us know what you’re looking forward to in 2017 by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.
After tuning in to this week’s episode, keep your earbuds at the ready and check out Rogue One again with shazbazzar, Steve Glosson, and Scott Ryfun as they provide a running commentary on Rogue One (and a variety of other things) on the first publicly released commentary of the new Star Wars movie. You can find it at Geek Out Loud or My Star Wars Story.
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Mon, 26 December 2016
Who would have ever thought that a Monday could be restful? After the craziness that always seems to accompany Christmas, things have slowed down just a bit so shazbazzar and JediShua have a few minutes to talk about Rogue One. Well, more than just a few minutes. Get ready for Star Wars!
Rogue One We spotted many of the same things other fans of the franchise saw and heard in Rogue One our first weekend with the movie, but we were keeping a watchful eye open for Easter Eggs, connections with other aspects of Star Wars (both canonical and legends), and cool things about this movie that took us right back to 1977 when Star Wars first hit the big screens. And we would like to hear your thoughts about the latest Star Wars movie, as well. As always, you can call our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or send us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.
We Love Our Cereal… …and so does our SuperFriend Steve Glosson of Geek Out Loud. Tune in as Steve gives step-by-step instructions about how to make his own “Cereal Surprise”. No kidding — his concoctions will surprise you!
Check out this week’s episode of TechnoRetro Dads as we prepare to close out 2016 and welcome 2017 with a blast from the Death Star as we steal some Beta tapes and watch FCTV videos featuring Jason, Pete, Boxy, and a few more surprises along the way.
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Mon, 19 December 2016
Professor Hinkle blamed a malfunctioning magic hat for his failure as an entertainer, but the truth is, he was just a bad guy. Of course, we all discovered that years ago watching Frosty the Snowman (another Rankin/Bass special), but we’ve never discovered why Santa Claus would bring any presents to evil magicians. There’s just something anti-canonical about that idea in Santa lore. However, with a brand new Star Wars story in theaters, we can easily overlook this slight error in canon. Rogue One premiered this weekend, and the ‘Dads have enjoyed sharing the magic of 1977 with their families and friends — and boy, oh, boy it was AMAZING (more about that will come in later episodes)! To top it all off, shazbazzar hit double-fours yesterday with some fun greetings from fantastic friends. It’s all here for you on this last Monday morning before Christmas.
We Love Our Cereal The Monster Cereals election results are in, leaving one ‘Dad distressed as the other really rubs it in — but seriously, did the other candidates really have a chance against the unique hairstylings of the Count? Nope. And we have the numbers to prove it! PLUS: Christmas cereals of 2016 get brief reviews as Cinnamon Crunch needs to keep the Toast in the title. Both shazbazzar and JediShua bring their final holiday cereal recipes to the table with Holiday Chocolate/Peanut Butter Cereal Peanut Butter Bars and Frosty’s Flakes (this part of TechnoRetro Dads may be unsuitable for fearful listeners).
Frosty the Snowman It’s time to rediscover another Rankin/Bass classic with Frosty the Snowman. With the voice talents of Jackie Vernon, Billy De Wolfe, Jimmy Durante, and John Goodman (nope, that was Frosty Returns, of which we will not speak). While both ‘Dads remember watching this when they were kids, shazbazzar was traumatized by the melting of everyone’s favorite frozen man.
Toys in the Attic Classic boardgames deserve a look every Christmas. This week, we name just a few — Monopoly, Risk, Clue, Candy Land, Mastermind, Chinese Checkers, and more are discussed briefly in this final gift-giving Christmas Toys in the Attic.
So plug in your ear buds, EarBuds, and head out to the stores for your final week of shopping before the big man squeezes his way down your chimney this weekend.
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Mon, 12 December 2016
The Miser Brothers unite to proclaim that this definitely isn’t The Year without a Santa Claus, because Christmas is coming early with Rogue One at theaters everywhere this week, so shazbazzar and JediShua get into the groove with a few (more or less) Star Wars references. So whether you think the newest addition to that galaxy far, far away is cool or HOT, TechnoRetro Dads have something refreshing for all EarBuds on this mid-December Monday morning!
In the NEWS… Fat Kid Apparel announces their Holiday Giving event and food drive. Check their T-Shirt offerings at fatkidapparelco.com. Plus, buckle up for more excursions with Scrooge McDuck on all new episodes of Duck Tales!
The Year without a Santa Claus A few years ago, JediShua introduced shazbazzar to a Rankin/Bass classic, The Year without a Santa Claus. And, since every good deed deserves a return (or is that “no good deed goes unpunished”?), shazbazzar introduces JediShua to a 2006 live action television special remake of The Year without a Santa Claus with John Goodman, Michael McKean, and Jack’s son from LOST. It’s worth a watch, if for nothing more than to see just how strange a remake can be.
Toys in the Attic Visual entertainment in 3-D has been around for ages. One classic toy that still has a place in every toy box or shelf is the ViewMaster. With a collection of picture discs and a viewer, young and old eyes can disappear into imagination for several minutes or even hours.
Star Wars Scrapbook and Speculation With the red carpet premiere of Rogue One behind us and expectations of what we will all see later this week. The ‘Dads remember some of the “sneak peek” figures from other movies, from The Empire Strikes Back to Revenge of the Sith, The Force Awakens, and Rogue One. We talk about things we would like to see on the big screen on December 16th as well as speculate about possible surprises — including rumors about a CGI character from Star Wars: A New Hope (with a special surprise from a certain red carpet VIP from an older episode of TechnoRetro Dads).
Feedback We choose two reviews from iTunes as winners of two free copies of Empire of Imagination: Gary Gygax and the Birth of Dungeons & Dragons from author Michael Witwer. Let us know about your memories of The Year without a Santa Claus, other Christmas specials, and especially Rogue One via voicemail at (209) 878-7323 or electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.
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Mon, 5 December 2016
December is here and in full swing, but before the release of Rogue One in just ten days, shazbazzar and JediShua take time to talk about some favorite Christmas memories as well as some ideas for making this year great. And they invite all EarBuds to Tweet pics from Christmases Past (especially with Santa Claus) this week!
In the NEWS… Dan Trachtenberg turns Houdini into some sort of superhero in The Secret Life of Houdini. Star Trek Discovery gets its captain and some crewmembers. We will finally get to see Billy Dee Williams as Two-Face in a Batman movie!
A Very Brady Christmas The ‘Dads felt it would be a fitting tribute to our favorite #TechnoRetro sitcom Mom by looking back at the first Brady Bunch special (1969) as well as watching A Very Brady Christmas (1988) for the first (?) time. Florence Henderson will always be cherished in our memories and after watching an episode of The Brady Bunch, everyone is hooked on the show again!
Toys in the Attic Iconic Christmas toys persevere even decades after their inception. Play-Doh has been a fragrant favorite since… oh, before you were born. JediShua and shazbazzar talk about the appeal of Play-Doh for all ages for generations.
Don’t forget to review us on iTunes to be entered for a one of two free copies of Empire of Imagination: Gary Gygax and the Birth of Dungeons & Dragons from author Michael Witwer. Let us know about your memories of The Brady Bunch or other Christmas specials via voicemail at (209) 878-7323 or electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.
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Mon, 28 November 2016
The Christmas season has officially begun. Black Friday has passed, Cyber Monday is in full effect, and radio stations and TV channels are filled with holiday music and holiday specials. From National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation to A Charlie Brown Christmas with a plethora of movies featuring Santa Claus, elves, and reindeer, the season is in full swing for the next four weeks. And we’ll be revisiting some of our favorites as well as some newer fare, as well.
In the NEWS… Ferris Bueller gets a video game casino style. It looks like Legendary Films is planning for a long run of new Dune movies and television shows. The long-awaited sequel to The Dark Crystal is coming very soon, but in a format we weren’t expecting, but makes a lot of sense. Lost in Space gets a doctor. And, of course Star Tours is getting another upgrade this year with the release of Rogue One (by the way, did you get your tickets, yet?).
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer What could be more #TechnoRetro than some Rankin/Bass TV specials? The holidays are incomplete without watching at least one of the toe-tapping, stop-motion musical features that have graced television screens for half a century. We go back to watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer replete with violence, greed, and annoying sounds from the heroes of the movie. Follow the sadistic Hermy the self-proclaimed dentist and the glowing schnoz of Rudolph as they embark on a journey that leads them to the freakshow called the Island of Misfit Toys as the backstory to the familiar song is told by folk artist Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman.
Toys in the Attic With Christmas just around the corner, we’ll be recalling some iconic retro toys that kids have been getting under their trees for decades. This week, we look at water games like the TOMY Waterful and wonder how the electronic age will adapt to these often challenging games that predate GameBoy and other handhelds.
Review us on iTunes to be entered for a one of two free copies of Empire of Imagination: Gary Gygax and the Birth of Dungeons & Dragons from author Michael Witwer. Let us know about your memories of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer or other Rankin/Bass specials via voicemail at (209) 878-7323 or electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.
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Mon, 21 November 2016
With Thanksgiving approaching, we would like to say, “Thank You,” to all our EarBuds, SuperFriends, and contributors to TechnoRetro Dads. We’ve had a lot of fun releasing podcasts and hearing back from you over the years. Thank you for your support. On this Monday sandwiched between Life Day and Turkey Day, shazbazzar and JediShua are feeling somewhat musically inclined (but you’ll have to be the judge of that) as the ‘Dads talk turkey, TV, and more. Preparations are being made for family gatherings, and the Cranberries are at the top of everyone’s playlist (or, at least, they should be). Just make sure you don’t get the canned cranberry sauce, because that would be bad. Very bad.
In the NEWS… JediShua discovers a new game: Battlestar Galactica Squadrons. It looks like it may blend the original series with the remake — we’ll soon find out. And the search for Mark Hamill has succeeded — the Master has been found on Comic-ConHQ.com with a geektastic program where he visits pop culture collectors’ hoards and documents their collections on Mark Hamill’s Pop Culture Quest. The first episode has already dropped, but to watch it, you have to subscribe to the online channel.
Thanksgiving Specials Halloween specials are many. Christmas specials are legion. But Thanksgiving specials…well, they’re kind of forgettable, and there aren’t too many, anyway. Garfield’s Thanksgiving gets the ‘Dads talking about T-Day cartoon specials featuring Underdog, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Animaniacs, and a surprising comic strip adaptation: B.C.: The First Thanksgiving. That’s something we’re not sure anyone has ever seen!
Toys in the Attic The Toy Hall of Fame has recently perused their large list of 2016 nominations and has welcomed three new inductees to the Toy Hall of Fame. Dungeons & Dragons, Fisher Price Little People, and the swing have all earned their places among the iconic playthings of childhood (Who are we kidding? We still play with toys!). Some nominees who didn’t make the cut this year were Transformers, Care Bears, and bubble wrap. Listen for your chance to get a free copy of Empire of Imagination: Gary Gygax and the Birth of Dungeons & Dragons from author Michael Witwer. Share and enjoy. |
Mon, 14 November 2016
SuperFriend Sheldon and his trusty sidekick ShutterSpeed chase down the elusive Cinnamon Toast Crunch donuts from Country Style in Canadia. Tune in for the hunt for delicious cereal covered pastries on today’s TechnoRetro Dads!
In the NEWS…
We Love Our Cereal
History Lesson
Feedback
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Mon, 7 November 2016
Travel through time with shazbazzar and JediShua as they celebrate thirty-five years of Time Bandits with Fidgit, Randall, Strutter, Wally, Og, and Vermin. Star Wars costumes were back in full force last week,
In the NEWS… Sequels and reboots take center stage this week on TV and at the movies as rumors persist about Sky High, Halloween, Friday the 13th, Willow, The Incredibles, Muppet Babies, Wayne’s World, Paddington, and Captain Planet. Although sequels and reboots are nothing new in any sense of the word, some of these #TechnoRetro classics are sure to tickle the fancies of many EarBuds!
Time Bandits Terry Gilliam and Michael Palin teamed up to make a “kids’” movie from a smallish perspective in 1981’s Time Bandits. Led by Randall (David Rappaport), rogue employees of The Supreme Being (Ralph Richardson from Dragonslayer [1981]) use a stolen map to travel through time in pursuit of wealth and the most fabulous thing in the world. With Fidgit (Kenny Baker), Wally (Jack Purvis), Og (Mike Edmonds), Strutter (Malcolm Dixon, and Vermin (Tiny Ross), this little gang of time-traveling bandits encounter young Kevin (Craig Warnock) in an orchestrated effort to conquer Evil (David Warner from TRON [1982]). With cameos by John Cleese, Michael Palin, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, and Katherine Helmond, and Jim Broadbent, this satiric comedy is unsurprisingly like many Monty Python offerings. JediShua and shazbazzar have long been fans of this movie and continue to sing the praises of Time Bandits, regardless of its potential to “freak out” young viewers in the early ‘80s.
Star Wars Scrapbook Trading cards have been staples of TV and movie franchises for decades. Join Steve Glosson (Geek Out Loud, Big Honkin’ Show) and shazbazzar on the streets of Rome, Georgia for the second part of their recent trading card discussion as they play “need ‘em got ‘em” with the Star Wars: Rogue One Mission Briefing trading cards. Where else can you find two grown men getting giddy over pieces of cardboard in public? Nevermind — that’s not unlike many other episodes of TechnoRetro Dads. The discussion goes well beyond simply talking about the cards, though; shazbazzar and Big Honkin’ Steve talk about the saga itself and some of the scenes depicted in these cards. For more of this discussion with Steve and shaz opening a box of TRON cards from 1982, check out episode 197 of Geek Out Loud this week. Pull out your trading cards before the Time Bandits make off with your collection before you can say, “SARK really is Evil!” And be sure to send us your feedback on Facebook, Twitter, electronic-M (podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com), or voicemail (209-878-7323). We want to hear from you! Share and Enjoy. |
Mon, 31 October 2016
Even if you’ve been tuned in to TechnoRetro Dads since the beginning, you haven’t heard a Spooktacular like this: From Charlie Brown to Orson Welles and lots of Halloweenish tunes from cartoons. And since Halloween falls on a Monday, it’s a special trick and treat from shazbazzar and JediShua to get your morning started right. With 77 minutes of truly #TechnoRetro tributes to the fun side of the spookiest night of the year, Spooktacular 2016 pumps up pumpkins, drags out Drac, freaks out Frank, and even takes a trip to Riverdale with Archie and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Whether you’re bustin’ ghosts or groovin’ with ghouls, plug in your earbuds and you’ll be ready to hand out candy or take the kids around the block for a great day and night of kooky creepiness and wacky zaniness.
Top 13 Halloween Cartoons tunes: 13. Theme from Archie’s Weird Mysteries 12. Theme from Sabrina, the Animated Series 11. “The Haunt of Room 402” 10. Theme from Groovie Goolies 9. “Frightening Frankie, Dangerous Drac, and Weirdo Wolfie” 8. “What’s in the Bag?” 7. Theme from Big Wolf on Campus 6. Theme from Ghostbusters 5. Theme from Casper the Friendly Ghost 4. “Lights Out” 3. “Monsters on Parade” 2. “You Can’t Hide from Me” 1. “Go Away and Don’t Come Back”
History Lesson Orson Welles made H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds real for thousands of listeners in 1938. With cacophonous complaints and loads of lawsuits, it looked like CBS and Mercury Theater on Air were headed for disaster and Orson Wells thought he might have ended his career. Today, the iconic radio show is an well-known example of how easily people will believe anything popular media corporations put on the air. But what would it have been like for those who heard it for the first time? Through the amazing method of time-travel taping, TechnoRetro Dads present a brief record of two listeners who were taken in by the false news reports of Martian invaders at Grovers Mill. Listen to Shawn and Zeke as they sip on sodas and hear Orson Wells’ broadcast live. This exclusive coverage can only be heard on TechnoRetro Dads. Catch it today…while you can!
Why limit yourself to one Spooktacular, when you can listen to three? Check out Spooktacular 2013 and Spooktacular 2014 at TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.
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Direct download: TRDads_04.30_Spooktacular2016.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:30am EDT |
Mon, 24 October 2016
Thanks to our SuperFriends north of the border, Chris Hamilton and Mike MacDonald, we’ve all become aware of the ‘70s kids variety show The Hilarious House of Frightenstein. With various segments of sketch comedy tempered with a few doses of educational material, HHoF entertained kids through the ‘70s and ‘80s and beyond — all from material filmed within a nine-month span of time. Now, for the first time, shazbazzar and JediShua explore the corridors, crypts, kitchen, and radio station (?) of Castle Frightenstein with outbursts of gleeful surprise with this totally retro mix of kooky camp and inventive talent from Billy Van, Billy Van, Billy Van, Billy Van, Vincent Price, Billy Van, Billy Van, Fishka Rais, Billy Van, Joe Torbay, Billy Van, and more. (Did I mention Billy Van?) Cereal Connoisseur Sheldon Norton joins the ‘Dads to lend a Canadian point-of-view to the discussion.
History Lesson From the present to the past and Back to the Future, this week’s history lesson involves remarkable firsts by Einstein the shaggy dog, the people from the Green Planet, Frodo Baggins, classy Classic X-Men, and Michael Myers. PLUS: major thirds, augmented fourths, and a bit more time-traveling with Jean-Claude Van Damme. Some of these tidbits of fictional facts are bound to stir your memories about things that happened in history this week.
So strap your monster on the operating table, get your latest, greatest invention, and dust the cobwebs off your library books for guaranteed fun with the Count, Igor, Gronk, Grizelda, Dr. PetVet, and the Wolfman (who may be a previous incarnation of Dave Filoni) for a return to brown couches, green carpet, and polyester double-knit leisure suits for 77 minutes of #TechnoRetro pleasure with Doublemint gum.
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Mon, 17 October 2016
As pumpkin spicy as autumn has become, shazbazzar and JediShua still remember the reason the season is called “fall” — falling leaves! TechnoRetro Dads remember that toys not only grow on trees, they fall from them and can be used to build mountains, forts, or soften jumps from tree limbs. Plug in your ear buds, EarBuds for an audio excursion into the past with bits of nostalgia and a the possibility of bites from vampires and leave the raking to us!
In the NEWS… Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock is remastered and returning to HBO soon. James Bond and Boba Fett would be proud of a current crowdfunding project by JetPack Aviation. Take a peek at some incredible concept art from the original live action Batman series from the ‘60s. ThinkGeek presses R2-D2 into action yet again with a coffee maker. The Beatles live in a LEGO Yellow Submarine. J.C. Reifenberg pops up with “Scum & Villainy” next spring. Science Lesson New York Comic Con was the place to be for Star Wars fans’ science questions about that galaxy far, far away. Lightsaber tech (including Kylo Ren’s crossguard), hyperspace travel, and planet-obliterating suppressers are all discussed while the tougher questions about jet packs, rocket boots, and astromech communications are left up to the scientific ingenuity of our own JediShua. History Lesson Travel through time with DC’s Batman, Flash, and Watchmen. Flashback to the forties with Highlander. Flux your capacitor back a year with Back to the Future II. Get your work week started off right with 77 minutes of #TechnoRetro goodness and leave the raking to us! In the meantime, tell us your #TechnoRetro memories via electronic-M (podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com) or via voicemail at (209)TR-TRDAD. We want to hear from you!
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Mon, 3 October 2016
October has arrived, and black is the new orange…or something like that. JediShua and shazbazzar delve into a variety of topics and get sidetracked along the way in this witchy episode of TechnoRetro Dads. With input from awesome EarBud Armando and a massive Pumpkin Spice crossover with The Big Honkin’ Show with Superfriend Steve Glosson will ensure you are entertained in this Monday afternoon release. In the NEWS… Collegians from ASU New College artistically represent what Ready Player One means to them as production on the movie continues. Jon Favreau directs Gnomes & Goblins, a virtual reality movie. The Dark Crystal gets more love from Funko as ReAction figures. We Love Our Cereal… MrBreakfast.com continues to poll cereal lovers to discover the public’s favorite cereal. In the end, we wonder whether favorites are truly favorites, or are they simply chosen because of nostalgic memories of childhood. Cinnamon Toast Crunch makes it to the top ten, but fails to secure the number one spot…so far. Family Circle The ‘Dads try to get their kids to watch the very dated 1986 made-for-tv movie, The Worst Witch. With Tim Curry, Fairuza Balk, and Mrs. Garrett, the slow pace and lackluster green screen special effects make this first onscreen adaptation of Jill Murphy’s books less-than-ideal entertainment this October. Never fear, though, The Worst Witch has had various onscreen versions since 1986 and with a new Netflix series in the works for 2017, we haven’t heard the end of Mildred Hubble. History Lesson Creepiness continues with The Evil Dead, Prometheus, and Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. PLUS: Take flight with Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow and Airplane II: The Sequel. So strap on a witchy nose, glue on a wart, frizz your hair, adorn a pointy hat, grab your favorite flying broom, and tune in to TechnoRetro Dads. In the meantime, tell us your #TechnoRetro memories via electronic-M (podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com) or via voicemail at (209)TR-TRDAD. We want to hear from you!
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Mon, 26 September 2016
The incomparable pairing of Paul Hogan and Linda Kozlowski began thirty years ago today (at least, here in the States) when Mick “Crocodile” Dundee attracted the attention of roving reporter Sue Charlton, boosting Australia’s tourism dollars and sales of bowie knives skyrocketed. Ryan Stampfli joins shazbazzar and JediShua to revisit the classic 1986 Aussie film, “Crocodile” Dundee. With ABLE from TRON: Uprising wielding an antenna like a boomerang and a kangaroo shooting back at drunk drivers with amazing accuracy, this adventure comedy is as good today as it was at the box office when it became the second top-grossing movie of 1986 in the United States. Get out your duct tape and open your Swiss Army knife because MacGyver is back on the air (with the original series playing on NetFlix). Lethal Weapon and Lost in Space get reboot treatments as well. Transformers are represented on TV again as Dan Shaffer lands a spot on The Voice. Think Geek opens another brick-and-mortar store — this time in Oklahoma City. The Dark Crystal and The Golden Girls get exclusive treatments at NYCC, and the ‘Dads make plans for custom figures (think Holiday Special). Pumpkin Spice continues to dominate cereal aisles as the seasons change around the globe. Football players not only eat cereal, but get their own brands in Denver, Cincinnati, and other cities boasting NFL teams. Magically delicious eclairs keep the cereal-to-doughnut craze going strong with Lucky Charms. The man of steel and stone-carved creatures feature heavily in fictional history with Superman Returns, Man of Steel, and Gargoyles. PLUS: Phileas Fogg embarks on a world-wide tour encompassing the globe in less than three months. All this in this week's TechnoRetro Dads History Lesson. So drop off your dirty dishes at Natalie’s Platter Palace, grab your bowie knife, tip the bellboy, wash your backside, spread up a Vegemite sandwich, and tune in to TechnoRetro Dads. If you get a chance, tell us your #TechnoRetro memories in your best “Crocodile” Dundee voice via electronic-M (podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com) or via voicemail at (209)TR-TRDAD. We want to hear from you! Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 12 September 2016
Jack Burton gears up for adventure and excitement with his friend Wang, a Mannequin, a Tibetan Monk, and Azmorigan from Star Wars Rebels in John Carpenter’s Big Trouble in Little China. This cult classic from 1986 continues to entertain fans and first-timers in a wacky sci-fi action flick that keeps audiences guessing about what will come next. Kurt Russell channels John Wayne to create a convincing Han Solo(ish) hero for this cornball excursion into the underworld of Little China to rescue not one but two green-eyed ladies from the clutches of a two-thousand year-old demon worshiper and his minions. Joe “Joey-Wan Kenobi” Tavano from RetroZap.com and Brews & Blasters joins shazbazzar and JediShua for a rousing discussion (and distractions) of this fun-filled film. PLUS: Discover Star Trek connections with Jason Swank of Rebel Force Radio. Find out how Captain Kirk pronounces “sabotage”. Unveil the links between Big Trouble in Little China, The Golden Child, and Conan the Barbarian. In the NEWS… Feedback Travel back to the ‘80s this week with Calgon, the California Raisins, Kool Aid, Mutual Fidelity Insurance of Sacramento, Star Trek II, TRON, Zuckuss, and 4-LOM (pronounced el-oh-im). Your Monday morning will be better because you’re listening to TechnoRetro Dads. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 5 September 2016
Since 1971, no childhood has been complete without meeting the gentle spirit in the strange and sadistic candy man as portrayed by Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Although the 2005 remake (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) is noted for being more faithful to the Roald Dahl novel, and Johnny Depp’s performance was intriguing and enjoyable, Gene Wilder will always be the face and voice of Willy Wonka for generations. This week, we remember the Music-Maker and the Dreamer of Dreams with his “Pure Imagination”. Come with me and you'll see If you think a smile is paradise, There is no one I know If you want to view paradise, There is no life I know In the NEWS… We Love Our Cereal… SuperFriend Dave Dollar from The Deucecast… There are surprises around every corner on this week’s show with memories of innocence and the days of youth and an unhealthy dose of sugary sweetness — just what you need on Labor Day! Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 29 August 2016
Thirty-five years ago, Andrew Wyke (Sleuth) ruled Olympus, much to the chagrin of Professor McGonagall (Harry Potter) and that Bond Girl, while Michael Kuzak (L.A. Law) battled various Ray Harryhausen creatures to save Vicky Gordon (The Adventures of Black Beauty) from Ymir (20,000 Miles from Earth). Clash of the Titans (1981) appealed to our appetite for more mythological movies while we awaited the third movie in the Star Wars saga. JediShua and shazbazzar remember and revisit this classic movie from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and talk a bit about the more recent reboot as well as the short-lived line of toys.
In the NEWS… Weird Al voices the titular character in the upcoming Disney XD series, Milo Murphy’s Law. Various rumors surround the Beastmaster reboot. Star Wars Rebels Season 2 hits stores tomorrow. The story behind the Curious George books is in development. And SuperFriend and Concept Artist Paul Bateman introduces us to the most amazing D&D map ever created!
We Love Our Cereal…and shoes Kith your hunger good-bye with a shoe full of cereal on Broadway in an upscale shoe store/cereal bar. The ‘Dads heap tablespoons of stereotypes on the Millennials who, according to a recent study, find eating cereal to be “too much work” (Inside Indiana Business).
Flashback Games TechnoRetro Flashback Play Donkey Kong, Jr. with shazbazzar and JediShua at Flashback Games Retro Arcade & Grill as you celebrate the 25th anniversary of the initial release of Super Nintendo in America.
Fully Fictional History Lesson Doc Brown and the townsfolk of Hill Valley (1885) feature heavily in this week’s History Lesson alongside Skynet and a legendary wizard’s first day at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Feedback New EarBud Hasan lends his thoughts about Transformers and school supplies in an electronic-M. The Ska Geek, LionsForge, RaisingFangirls, and Chef Armando tweet #TechnoRetro greatness on social media. Let us know what you’re thinking, too by sending us your messages via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com or calling us at (209) TR-TRDAD or (209) 878-7323 right away!
Don’t miss out on the myths and mythters in this limping and lisping epithode of TechnoRetro Dads. Remember the past and look forward to the future while laughing at the present in your Millennial Falcon or riding Pegasus the winged horse. Just don’t look at Medusa’s Eyes!
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Mon, 22 August 2016
Almost forty years after Disney introduced an invisible animated dragon into the small New England town of Passamaquoddy with snake oil salesmen and sloshed singing, Pete’s Dragon is rebooted with a friendly, fuzzy dragon in a lumber town in the northwest. Chris Hamilton from Star Wars KidsCast joins shazbazzar and JediShua to remember the 1977 Disney musical. But that’s not all! From Falcor to the EberSisk, the ‘Dads fly through some of the most memorable dragons on screen over the past five decades. Put on your purple wings, grab your Tic-Tac-Toe stick, and warm up your vocal chords for a time-traveling trip back in time to a memorable (whether cherished or not) movie from the minds of ‘70s kids.
In the NEWS… Ready Player One is in the news with a signature version of the book and pictures from the set of the movie in Birmingham (England, not Alabama). John Williams confirms he’s working on Star Wars Episode VIII. Clancy Brown wants to play an Egyptian Spanish peacock in the rumored reboot of Highlander. The Batman animated movie with the voices of Adam West and Burt Ward is coming this November.
We Love Our Cereal USA Gymnasts will soon appear on boxes of Kellogg’s Special K while ice cream is flavored with cereal milk, and it sounds like it will be “licking the cone good!” PLUS: a new segment is introduced as two captains team-up for a classic combination of great tastes in your bowl on your TV in the Cereal Gourmet.
Next week we will feature some feedback from EarBuds, new and old, so send us your messages via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com or voice mail to (209) TR-TRDAD or (209) 878-7323 right away!
Your day won’t be draggin’ when you remember your favorite dragons from days gone by!
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Mon, 15 August 2016
Lunchboxes, backpacks, Trapper Keepers, pencil cases, ornamental erasers, and a Little Professor calculator are but a few of the things you absolutely had to have when you went back to school after a summer of fun in the sun. Start your work…er…uh…school week off right with 77 minutes of TechnoRetro Dads as we take a trip back in time to our own school days with essential supplies from the annual “Back to School” sale.
In the NEWS… Continue your education after school with an updated version of the ‘70s classic edutational PBS program The Electric Company, now on HBO (alongside Sesame Street) with a new cast featuring schools of superheroes. Play Dungeons & Dragons online with your friends via Roll20 — a fully interactive and graphically-enhanced way of playing hundreds of classic role-playing games on the GRID (thanks for the heads-up, Sheldon). The middle school kids from Hawkins may make their way into an 8-bit video game to bridge the gap between the first and second seasons of Stranger Things (thanks, Ryan, for this bit of info). And, of course, everyone watched the Olympic Games in Rio last Thursday night to see Michael Phelps win another gold medal (while millions awaited the premiere of the latest Rogue One trailer).
We Love Our Cereal We finally review and rate Tiny Toast according to the TechnoRetro Dads Official Cereal Connoisseur Rating System and find both flavors curiously sweet (shaz thinks they taste like Monster Cereals). And speaking of Monster Cereals, in an election where you can actually vote in support of a candidate rather than against the one you feel is less qualified than the other, General Mills offers voters a real option online at MonstersVote2016.com. Plus, Darth Taxus tweets some pics of new cereals hitting stores this month.
Back to School (1986) JediShua and shazbazzar revisit Rodney Dangerfield’s Back to School (PG-13) featuring Sally Kellerman, Burt Young, Ned Beatty, Keith Gordon, M. Emmet Walsh, Sam Kinison, Robert Picardo, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., and Robert Downey, Jr. A wealthy clothing entrepreneur decides to venture into the realm of academia as he enrolls in college with his son (that guy from Christine) and a young Tony Stark. The laughs still resonate, but the color is certainly “off” in the vintage ‘80s style.
Celebrate the beginning of the school year with TechnoRetro Dads this Monday morning!
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Mon, 8 August 2016
“We got Decepticons at the gates! Decepticons in the air! Decepticons inside the walls! Decepticons, Decepticons, Decepticons! If we beat them off the walls, they’re still in the air. If we shoot them out of the air, they’re still at the gates! So where does that leave us? Nowhere, that’s where!” (Blurr) After two seasons on television, in the midst of a wildly successful line of toys in stores, Hasbro and Marvel do the unthinkable — they kill off several Transformers in Transformers: The Movie. Even the leaders of the Autobots and Decepticons aren’t spared from landing in the junkyard. The death of Optimus Prime is the stuff of geek legend, and JediShua was there to experience it all! On the thirtieth anniversary of the release of Transformers: The Movie, Steve Glosson travels through time and space from the GOLiverse to join TechnoRetro Dads to rewatch, relive, and… Wait a second! Not everyone saw Transformers: The Movie in 1986? Tune in as TechnoRetro Dads meets Geek Out Loud for discussion of the cartoon, the movie, and the toys that transformed metallic vehicles into one of the most popular franchises from the ‘80s onward.
In the NEWS… Harry Potter has a Cursed Child in a new book, Oregon Trail leaps from the digital realm to a tabletop near you, and Halloween decorations hit stores. PLUS: shazbazzar and JediShua get ducky with Richard and Sarah on Skywalking through Neverland as they remember thirty years of Howard the Duck.
With jokes, music, vocalized sound effects, and more, your Monday will be fun today with 86 minutes of nostalgic memories of 1986. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 1 August 2016
When there’s something strange in the neighborhood, which Ghostbusters are you gonna call? The latest version of Ghostbusters landed in theaters with controversy stirring up sufficient public intrigue and curiosity among moviegoers. While the reviews of this movie are mixed for multiple reasons, shazbazzar and JediShua talk about the various incarnations of ghost-busting movies and TV shows from the past forty years (and maybe more, if you count Mickey, Goofy, and Donald) as they take on traffic and revisit the “remakes and reboots” discussion again. Is the “original” Ghostbusters really original or was it a tribute to The Ghost Busters TV show from the ‘70s? Which 1986 cartoon series really was the “real” Ghostbusters? Do you like brownies and refried beans? The ‘Dads try to make sense of it all as the third week of Ghostbusters has slowed online accusations from all sides of fandom to a trickle. In the NEWS… Flashback Games TechnoRetro Flashback So plug in your earbuds, EarBuds, and join in the conversation about Ghostbusters and more on this week’s TechnoRetro Dads. Share and Enjoy!
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Mon, 4 July 2016
Greetings, Programs! Two Hundred Forty years ago, our fathers brought forth upon this continent a new nation. Three days ago, Canadian 'Dads overran our feed with a Canada Day special. Today, we invite you to round out the National Day celebrations with 76 minutes (Get it? 1776 instead of 1977? I knew you would.) of Independence Day, Fireworks, and the Fourth of July. In the NEWS:Hannah John-Kamen is cast in Ready Player One as an unknown character, listed on IMDB as F'nale Zandor. JediShua and shazbazzar consider the possible implications of a name like "finale's ender" on the identity of the character this young actress will portray. Archaia is set to publish a new Labyrinth book this September, focusing on some of the characters from the thirty year-old Jim Henson feature. Rogue One brings The Clone Wars back in focus with Saw Gerrara, a revolutionary leader from Onderon from season five. Maybe Hondo Ohnaka can supply him with weapons once again... FAMILY CIRCLETwenty years ago, aliens invaded our planet, devastating population centers in hopes of eradicating us from existence. With the help of Bill Pullman, Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, and Cousin Eddie, we were able to fight back and defeat the city-destroyers with a well-placed virus in their mother ship. This week, shazbazzar and JediShua share Independence Day with their kids in celebration of The War of 1996 and in anticipation of watching Independence Day Resurgence later in the day. The story, effects, and characters are not diminished by the years that have transpired -- the next generation is as impressed with the movie as we were twenty years ago. TOYS IN THE ATTICSparkling, spinning, and explosive fun is always a part of July 4th, and shazbazzar and JediShua reminisce about fireworks shows they watched when they were young as well as revisit the various kinds of burning, smoking, and flaring fireworks they would set off on their own. Finishing off this patriotic episode with JOKES, a HISTORY LESSON, and some School House Rock tunes, TechnoRetro Dads hope you will have a fun, fulfilling time with family and friends on this Fourth of July. |
Mon, 27 June 2016
Greetings, Programs! They’re big, scaly, and breathe fire. They growl, slumber, and lumber about on the ground. Some can fly. Some can talk. They hoard treasure. They live in caves, caverns, and dungeons. They’re multicolored ducks on your Atari. You guessed it. They’re DRAGONS. And if they live in your neighborhood, you probably want a Dragonslayer. Thirty-five years ago, Disney and Paramount teamed-up to create an imaginative tale of swords and sorcery with damsels in distress in a muddy medieval realm with the most impressive dragon ever seen on screen. With Peter MacNicol, Caitlin Clark, Ralph Richardson, and Ian McDiarmid, Dragonslayer introduced new faces to the screen and included some of our favorites. JediShua and shazbazzar invite their families to watch this nearly-forgotten classic as well as remember their introduction to Dragonslayer in the FAMILY CIRCLE. After two long months, the ‘Dads finally mix their “Draggin’ Milk” with Kellogg’s Apple Jacks and review the EarBuds’ responses to the latest CEREAL CHALLENGE. Discover the origins of the name change from “Apple-Os” to “Apple Jacks” as well as the story behind the two kids which graced the front of the cereal box for decades. In the NEWS, George Lucas is named Executive Producer of another Indy movie. No, not an independent film — Indiana Jones! Buck Rogers gets the Blu-Ray treatment. The Dark Crystal action figures finally get produced over thirty years after the movie’s release. JediShua and shazbazzar listen to your FEEDBACK about magicians, comic conventions, TRON, and Raiders of the Lost Ark toys. Be sure to check out JediShua’s own dad’s Dragonslayer artwork on Facebook and Twitter, hear more of Wooden Robot’s hard-rockin’ ‘80s stylings with Dragonslayer on BandCamp.com, and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes for your chance to win a signed copy of Ernie Cline’s Armada and voice your opinions about General Mills Tiny Toast in our online survey. As always, you can be a part of TechnoRetro Dads by leaving a message at (209)TR-TRDAD or with an MP3 sent via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 20 June 2016
Greetings, Programs! Rusty, dusty, dirty and fun-in-the-sun, the swingsets of our childhood backyards were the great play places of youth. Swings made of wood, plastic, and rubber could make us queazy or launch us into the sky. Slides were for running up or sliding down trucks and X-Wings. Teeter-totters and glide swings filled the the gap. But eventually, every swingset became an object to be climbed. We all have our memories of summers gone by, and for many of us, those summers included the backyard swingset. Inside our houses, we were setting up our Star Wars toys for display on bookshelves, serving trays, dressers, and closets. While Boba Fett was loading Captain Solo in the cargo hold at shazbazzar’s house, TIE Fighters and X-Wings battled above JediShua’s bed with colored yarn. And Cris Macht beats it all with several curio cabinets in the loft and the basement. Speaking of Cris Macht, his newest project is currently on Kickstarter. The Real Fans of the Saga is a serial style reality show about four fans of Star Wars and their families. You have only two days to help fund this series following Alphie, Beau, Cris, and Sean from Celebration Anaheim to The Force Awakens and beyond. PLUS: All of Cris Macht’s documentaries will soon be available to stream through Amazon.com. In the NEWS: John Williams is scoring some of our most anticipated movies while ALF and the Jetsons mourn their losses this week. Be sure to review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes for your chance to win a signed copy of Ernie Cline’s Armada and voice your opinions about Apple Jacks in our online survey. As always, you can be a part of TechnoRetro Dads by leaving a message at (209)TR-TRDAD or with an MP3 sent via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 13 June 2016
Greetings, Programs! Archaeologist — A person who searches for Lost Arks, Noah’s Ark, and ark-i-texture while craving adventure and excitement. When Raiders of the Lost Ark premiered thirty-five years ago, audiences were reintroduced to the kind of swashbuckling adventure stories that had inspired George Lucas and Steven Spielberg as children. In his alter-ego dressed in tweed, this unassuming college professor masked the heroic adventurer who traveled far and wide in search of artifacts to bring home to the museum. Since 1981, Indiana Jones has been a household name in homes across the United States and around the world. With a fifth movie in the works (starring Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones), the magic of the franchise hasn’t diminished at all, even though many decried Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. JediShua and shazbazzar are joined by SuperFriend Jorbex to take a look back at Raiders of the Lost Ark with behind-the-scenes interviews from 1981 as well as some well-known and not-so-well-known trivia. In the FAMILY CIRCLE, the ‘Dads show their kids Raiders of the Lost Ark, some for the first time — others for another glimpse into the edge-of-your-seat excitement that doesn’t get old even thirty-five years later. The results: no one doesn’t like Raiders of the Lost Ark. It’s a hit with every generation. JediShua digs into his collection of Indiana Jones artifacts in TOYS IN THE ATTIC, with new and old figures and toys, with stories about how he and his brother used to reenact the movie and imagine more adventures from the fantastic archaeologist. Kids in the ‘80s embraced the 1930s action hero with leather jackets, bullwhips, and fedoras as they journeyed to a place where fact meets fiction with Indiana Jones. In the NEWS: More Ready Player One cast announcements, a documentary about the Mississippi-based Raiders fan-made tribute, Star Wars fan films, Doc Savage, and the PowerGlove Ultra. Be sure to review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes for your chance to win a signed copy of Ernie Cline’s Armada and voice your opinions about Apple Jacks in our online survey. As always, you can be a part of TechnoRetro Dads by leaving a message at (209)TR-TRDAD or with an MP3 sent via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Join TechnoRetro Dads for a bonus-length fantastic adventure in the name of fortune and glory beginning with The Ballad of Indiana Jones by High Adventure that is limited only by your imagination. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 6 June 2016
Greetings, Programs! Remember when rock stars recorded that actually told the plot of the movies? From 1980’s Flash Gordon to the glut of mid-eighties “on-the-nose” theme songs for Back to the Future, Barry Gordy’s The Last Dragon, Footloose, and more, some of the biggest names in music lent their sound to describing themes and plots of movies in unforgettable lyrics. Sometimes, we were even left wondering if songs like “Ghostbusters” actually existed in the fictional world on the silver screens (it could have been a jingle for their commercial, after all). JediShua and shazbazzar welcome back SuperFriend Michael Witwer to explore some of the most glaring examples of plot-literal theme songs as performed by bands like Huey Lewis and the News, Queen, Cheap Trick, and Survivor. Why don’t we still hear these today? In the FAMILY CIRCLE, the ‘Dads take their kids to Space Camp, where an all-star cast of ‘80s regulars took a rather unlikely voyage to the stars. With Kate Capshaw, Lea Thompson, Tom Skerritt, Larry B. Scott, and a breakout performance by a very young Joachin Leaf Phoenix, Space Camp celebrates its 30th anniversary in a very campy ‘80s way — complete with loads of Star Wars references. With NEWS about a live-action adaptation of a series of graphic novels and a Red Nose Day Holiday Special with The Walking Dead, your earbuds will blast you with memories of the past and hopes for the future in this extended edition of TechnoRetro Dads. Be sure to review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes and chime in with your thoughts about Apple Jacks. As always, you can be a part of TechnoRetro Dads by leaving a message at (209)TR-TRDAD or with an MP3 sent via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 30 May 2016
Greetings, Programs! It’s a three-day weekend for most folks in the USA as the country unites to honor those who sacrificed all for the cause of liberty and self-government, so shazbazzar and JediShua celebrate the occasion with Goose, Maverick, Iceman, and Merlin as these fighter aces take to the skies in Top Gun. With Tom Cruise enjoying his early prime, Meg Ryan, Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, and Anthony Edwards lead this all-star cast for the most profitable movie of 1986, and shazbazzar believes he knows why it was so popular with both men and women. What do you think? Is Top Gun an action movie or a chick flick? Let us know! The flying continues as the ‘Dads open the Star Wars Scrapbook to remember starships and flying toys from their childhood and today. From X-Wings to TIE Fighters to Folded Flyers, the pilots in that galaxy far, far away had the machines to satisfy anyone’s need for speed. But there is more… lots more! Angry Birds can be a fun distraction for the day, on your phone, tablet, or in the theater. Just make sure you prepare yourself for the experience. Keanu Reeves is attacked in 1897 before playing Wembley stadium with his band Wyld Stallyns in 2001 — on the same day that RoboCop was born. And if those things don’t seem to fit together, you have a pretty good picture of what’s going on in our minds this week on TechnoRetro Dads. In the NEWS, Ernie Cline and Steven Spielberg call for talented artists to submit their 3D avatar designs for Ready Player One. Star Wars Celebration Tickets are scooped up by anxious fans — and a few lucky fans score some highly desirable VIP tickets (let’s hope that no one decides to scalp them). The equally addictive, entertaining, and frustrating game TETRIS may soon find its way into movie theaters. And the sounds of Kmart can now be found online thanks to the thoughtful preservation of a former employee. Be sure to review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes and chime in with your thoughts about Apple Jacks. As always, you can be a part of TechnoRetro Dads by leaving a message at (209)TR-TRDAD or with an MP3 sent via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 23 May 2016
Greetings, Programs! After a couple weeks of Technological Issues, shazbazzar and JediShua are back in the saddle again. Join the TechnoRetro Dads as they return to The Jungle Book to reminisce about Disney’s 1967 animated classic as well as make new memories with their families watching Disney’s brand-new live-action version. Surrounded by elephants enjoying Peanuts on Boomerang, comical Monkees in music videos, high-scoring gorillas named after belligerent horse-like creatures, animated animals jamming in space, 8-Bit centipedes, and a rabbit that used to be a stormtrooper, this Monday morning is sure to be wild and (possibly) dangerous. PLUS: New reviews on iTunes give EarBuds a chance to win a signed copy of Ernest Cline’s latest novel, Armada. So be sure to get on iTunes to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads (hopefully positively)! Topping this NEWS-heavy episode off with a HISTORY LESSON that travels through time with Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, revisits the release of Star Wars in the long-anticipated 5-25-77, and follows the Earth Space Defense build-up as it has progressed since Independence Day. If you want to know more about The Jungle Book and its various representations on the silver screen, you can check out shazbazzar’s latest TechnoRetro Connections on RetroZap.com. From 1942 to 2016, Rudyard Kipling’s book has been represented and reimagined by movie makers for nearly seventy-five years. And in the meantime, stay out of the jungle after 5:00 PM unless you want to risk being flattened. Thanks for joining us for another visit to the fun and fandom of youth combined with eager expectations of the future in this episode of TechnoRetro Dads. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 16 May 2016
Greetings, Programs! But that's not all we're talking about. No way! Since JediShua's computer has been a bit on the fritz lately, shazbazzar enlisted a guest co-host for the Lazy Book Club segment. In fact, he's the busiest member of the Lazy Book Club, because he always has to do the reading for other members. Enter: Teddy Ruxpin, the bane of Brews & Blasters' existence -- a cuddly sweet Teddy from the '80s that talks to you...as long as his gears are working well and batteries hold out. Teddy Ruxpin reads a children's story book from Pete's Dragon called The Best of Friends. PLUS: In the Star Wars Scrapbook, shazbazzar added his most recent collectible to his scrapbook with a recording of shazzyLuke's 8th Grade Spring Concert while JediShua reads along with the Star Wars Read Along Book & Record. With summer knocking at the door, TechnoRetro Dads are getting ready to let the sunshine in with loads of fun from the past, mountains of hope for the future, and plenty of laughs in the present. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 2 May 2016
Greetings, Programs! It’s only May second, but May the Fourth is coming. Be sure to choose your Star Wars ensemble wisely. This week, shazbazzar and JediShua get ready for Captain America: Civil War by taking a peek at earlier incarnations of Captain America in movies and serials. In a stunning revelation, JediShua discovers that the Captain America of today is often very different from the Captain America of the past. He’s not even Steve Rogers! Since this Friday marks the release of the latest movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, it seems only appropriate to dig into the attic and dust off some Marvel-centric toys from our childhood. From The Incredible Hulk to Spider-Man and Secret Wars, the ‘Dads had a variety of MARVELOUS playthings from that era, and not all of them were action figures! In the NEWS, shazbazzar mentions a couple upcoming releases that EarBuds might find interesting: Jim Henson’s Labyrinth will be released in a special 30th anniversary edition in September and Jon Spira’s Star Wars documentary, Elstree 1976, will be available digitally this Friday. JediShua notes that Sid and Marty Croft’s highly-anticipated reboot of Electra Woman and Dyna Girl is already available through a YouTube subscription service. You can be a part of TechnoRetro Dads by leaving a message at (209)TR-TRDAD or with an MP3 sent via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. PLUS: Share your opinions about Apple Jacks in our Cereal Challenge this month in the Facebook poll. Share and Enjoy!
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Mon, 25 April 2016
Greetings, PROGRAMS! Silly Rabbit! Trix are for kids! The poll results have been tallied and the more than sixty year-old cereal has divided the ‘Dads. They told us never to talk money or politics, but who knew cereal could be so polarizing? Discover whose taste buds didn’t appreciate the “fruity” taste of Trix. And more tricks are in the lineup as shazbazzar and JediShua remember watching the likes of David Copperfield, Doug Henning, Lance Burton, and Harry Anderson when they were kids and give props to magical duos Penn & Teller and Siegfried & Roy. Which tricks did you enjoy? Did you have a magic kit when you were a kid? Can you still read the back of a marked deck of cards? Let us know via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. JediShua pulls his red TONKA Jeep down out of the attic to reminisce about toy trucks. Who doesn’t think of TONKA when remembering building roads in their sandbox or pushing big metal cars and trucks around their room? With nods to Nylint and BuddyL, shazbazzar and JediShua take you on a trip down Memory Lane in the back of a green pickup truck pushed down the playground slide. In the NEWS, Amazon Prime has a Thunderbirds reboot available now and Disney parks will eventually have an immersive Star Wars dining experience. R.I.P. Colonel Hiller from Independence Day. So pour yourself another bowl of Trix and invite that silly rabbit to listen in with you for a tasty treat this Monday morning! Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 18 April 2016
It’s TAX DAY in the U.S.A. and while for some, there is hope for a refund from the government, for most who have put off filing their taxes until today, it’s time to pay. (Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.) But speaking of NEWS, there has been so much #TechnoRetro News this week that we hardly have time to talk about anything else in this NEWSAPALOOZA episode! First, JediShua discovers an upcoming art book that EarBuds are sure to love. The Art of Atari: From Pixels to Paintbrush is currently being developed by Tim Lapetino as a coffee table book featuring (hopefully) cover art from all 136 game boxes and labels commissioned over the years by Atari. Next, shAbbeyzzar tweeted her ‘Dad a link to the trailer for this November’s return to J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Not only do we get a glimpse of Newt Scamander and some American magic users, but Hutch from Kyle Newman’s FANBOYS is evidently featured prominently in the film. SuperFriend Jovial Jay Shepard linked JediShua with an intriguing story about reboot of the Hanna-Barbera Universe. With a Scooby-Doo animated film set to kick off the promising franchise, DC hopes to challenge Disney’s growing power at the box office with S.C.O.O.B. and more animated features with characters like Jonny Quest, Yogi Bear, and maybe even Space Ghost. Of course, Star Wars is in the news with recent wins at the MTV Movie Awards, the original trilogy’s return to theaters via The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, and the ongoing legal struggles George Lucas has with his proposed Museum of Narrative Art in Chicago. Discover more from SuperFriend Michael Witwer at EmpireOfImagination.com and sign the petition at change.org. With warmer weather just around the corner, Sperry hopes to help beach-goers and boaters look their best in a line of shoes inspired by Steven Spielberg’s JAWS. T-Bird tweeted a bulletin announcing a job opportunity (volunteer only — no salary) with the Roald Dahl Museum in Buckinghamshire, England. However, the ‘Dads can’t agree on the pronunciation of Buckinghamshire. But that’s not news to EarBuds, is it? David Dollar from The Deucecast Movie Show on RetroZap.com chimed in with a recently discovered Easter Egg in Mike Tyson’s Punchout. For those still playing the nearly thirty year-old game, this clue will help you beat Piston Honda and Bald Bull. Fans of Ernie Cline will be thrilled to hear about the latest contest that began last week with the paperback release of Armada. Phaëton, a heretofore fictional video game is now playable online at PhaetonWasReal.com where players can compete to win real prizes, like patches for gamers’ jackets, copies of both of Cline’s novels, or a complete Oculus Rift VR setup with headset and Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog joystick. With even more news from #TechnoRetro favorites like Animaniacs and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, you’re sure to find something to look forward to this year and in the future when you listen to TechnoRetro Dads! If you find something that deserves our attention, tweet all about it (#TechnoRetro), post on Facebook, and rate/review the show on iTunes and Stitcher. You can even leave us a voicemail at (209) TR-TRDad (209)878-7323 or record a message on your computer or phone and send us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Be sure to take this month’s cereal challenge and let us know whether TRIX are just for kids. Share and Enjoy!
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Mon, 4 April 2016
As those of us who didn’t purchase the digital download of Star Wars: The Force Awakens last Friday while away the hours until tomorrow, shazbazzar and JediShua recall Star Wars comics from 1986 — specifically the Droids comic books. These bi-monthly continuations of Nelvana’s Droids cartoon (which sadly lasted only one season), were the final breaths of Star Wars in pop culture before the infamous “dark times” of the mid-late ‘80s. The future is in the NEWS with tomorrow’s BluRay release of The Force Awakens, a 2019 release date for Indy 5, and an amazing holoportation device that is coming closer to the present than the far away dreams of tomorrow! But we may have to wait for the 25th century to resolve the question of rights to Buck Rogers in court. PLUS: Bike-riding FEEDBACK from EarBuds has been pouring in for two weeks on Twitter, Facebook, and via electronic-M. So let your animalistic desires loose as you get down and dirty with the TechnoRetro Dads’ zany zoo. We love to hear from our EarBuds! If you like what you hear, tweet all about it (#TechnoRetro), post on Facebook, and rate/review the show on iTunes and Stitcher. You can even leave us a voicemail at (209) TR-TRDad (209)878-7323 or record a message on your computer or phone and send us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Be sure to take this month’s cereal challenge and let us know whether TRIX are just for kids. Share and Enjoy!
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Mon, 28 March 2016
Greetings, Programs! Wake up from your sugar rush slumber to some great news and other noise from TechnoRetro Dads. JediShua is living large with his summer plans (in spite of having a snow day in the middle of Spring Break) while shazbazzar bemoans the popular squishy Easter treats: Peeps. So whether you’re losing your sweet tooth or overdoing the jelly beans this week, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your craving for fun with your EarBuds with TechnoRetro Dads. In the NEWS: We get out the correction tape on The Tick, a Dad documents his family’s struggle with his son’s terminal cancer in a video game, and casting continues for Ready Player One (for better or worse), and the writer of The Martian has a short story added to the official RP1 canon. Tom Hanks and Shelley Long experience the joys of home ownership and remodeling in the 1986 film, The Money Pit…and it isn’t as easy as HGTV makes it look week after week. In the classic physical comedy stylings of Tom Hanks, this movie may not win a major award, but the fun memories flow freely as the ‘Dads remember this movie from thirty years ago. But it goes back even further, as shazbazzar brings his… not-quite-a Mr. Microphone down from the attic to broadcast his voice on any FM radio. The premise was better than the presentation for little shaz in 1979, though, when his generic wireless microphone failed to achieve the same effects (and results) of the Mr. Microphone advertised on television. And, with the release of Batman v Superman, we reveal the winner of the “Battle of the Bowls” in this month’s cereal challenge. Our EarBuds’ taste buds were seriously challenged with the task of choosing one over the other in the categories of crunch, flavor, appearance, and more. We love to hear from our EarBuds! If you want to leave us a voicemail, be sure to call us at (209) TR-TRDad or record a message on your computer or phone and send us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 21 March 2016
Greetings, Programs! Spring is here and the ‘Dads are a bit feverish to get outside and play in the warm sunshine. Take a trip back to the carefree days of riding your bike with your friends from morning till night as shazbazzar and JediShua recall the bicycles of their youth. Whether it was a Schwinn, Huffy, Murray, Free Spirit, or Kent, a bicycle was a two-wheeled ticket to freedom — even if you were restricted to simply riding around the block. Bicycles could become anything you imagined, from horses to cars to X-Wings or TIE Fighters, and as we got older, our bikes carried us to friends houses, movie theaters, and even Carter Caves! With the weather getting warmer, it’s time to get out your bike and ride. PLUS: Entertainment is the NEWS this week! Indy 5 has been announced with an expected release date in 2019 (since Spielberg is tied up in the OASIS with a certain futuristic film at the moment), shazbazzar speculates on Tim Burton’s anticipated sequel to Beetlejuice, and JediShua reveals Amazon’s plan to resurrect The Tick with Patrick Warburton, whom shazbazzar somehow confused with that guy who played Brisco County, Jr. and starred in Army of Darkness. Astronaut Scott Kelly stars in the TechnoRetro Dads’ SCIENCE LESSON as we discover the effects a year in space has on the body, as well as the impact of returning to Earth after twelve months away from gravity. One impressive fact: you’ll come home taller than you were when you left! Be sure to participate in the Battle of the Cereals with Batman v Superman cereals in this month’s TechnoRetro Cereal challenge on our Facebook page. And if you want to leave us a voicemail, be sure to call us at (209) TR-TRDad or record a message on your computer or phone and send us an electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 7 March 2016
Greetings, Programs! Time passes by so quickly when you’re immortal. It’s hard to believe that it’s been thirty years since the sword-clashing battle between Connor MacLeod and the Kurgan ended with Clancy Brown losing his head and Christopher Lambert winning the Prize. Crowned with rock anthems and ballads by Queen, Russell Mulcahy’s 1986 classic stand-alone film ushered in decades of sequels, series, and controversies with Highlander, the story of a Scottish boy with a French accent who just wouldn’t die. Instructed by Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez, an Egyptian with a Scottish accent, Connor MacLeod squared off against the Kurgan, a Russian with an inexplicable American accent way back in the 16th Century. It’s a tale that spans the centuries and continues to thrill fantasy fans today. Michael Nipp from The Deucecast Movie Show joins shazbazzar and JediShua for a glimpse of the kind of magic that made Sean Connery, Christopher Lambert, and Clancy Brown the Princes of the Universe in an imaginative game of life and death where the Prize is the ability to grow old and die. But that’s not all there is to this week’s TechnoRetro Dads! Starlog Magazine makes the NEWS with a complete digital collection of past issues online. PLUS: JediShua shares a cereal recipe for National Cereal Day that’s sure to be an Escape that’s both cheerful and fruitilicious. And don’t forget to join in the Battle of the Heroes in the Batman v Superman Cereal Challenge this month! In the SCIENCE LESSON, a real-life Solar Sail is almost ready for it’s maiden voyage among the stars…or at least to the space surrounding our planet. Find out how you can get involved in the next wave of space travel before it gets off the ground. With musical memories and international versions of a cult classic, today’s TechnoRetro Dads is 77 minutes of energy that might make you lose your head…figuratively speaking, of course. |
Mon, 29 February 2016
Greetings, Programs! What happens when mortal enemies are stranded alone in a life-threatening hostile environment? Will they overcome their animosity towards each other in their efforts to survive? Will they choose to take their chances on their own? Will they continue their fight against one another in spite of their common plight? Dennis Quaid and Louis Gossett, Jr. explore the possibilities in 1984’s Enemy Mine as a human and a Drac choose temporary tolerance over continued animosity in a story that shows how enemies can become true friends when they are put in a position in which they must rely on each other for survival. More recently, a human and a Lasat explore the same story as Agent Kallus and Zeb from Star Wars Rebels forego their long-standing battle in order to survive being marooned on a Geonosian moon in last week’s, “The Honorable Ones”. This week, shazbazzar and JediShua revisit the somewhat forgotten movie from their youth as well as take a brief look at its similarities with the latest episode of Rebels. On this “Leap Day” episode of TechnoRetro Dads, the ‘Dads explore the solar reasons for having an extra day added to the calendar almost every four years, revealing some truths (and some possible “false facts”) about Leap Year that you may not know, making sure to provide all EarBuds with opportunities to wow their co-workers and friends with mostly unimpressive trivia. (After all, most of us won’t be around to see the next time there isn’t a Leap Year on its regular 4-year schedule in 2100.) But there is some NEWS that may be significant to children of the 70s and 80s. Funko makes a return to The Dark Crystal, Bill the Cat goes solo with his own picture book, Mondo makes Madballs, a young MacGyver is presented his first Erector Set, and Wade Watts is cast for Ready Player One. Most importantly, TechnoRetro Dads satisfy their sweet tooth cravings around the campfire with Kellogg’s SMORZ and Malt-O-Meal’s S’mores cereals. Jeremy the Spider-Pan from The Neverland Podcast submits a guest review as Armando sends in a S’mores cheesecake recipe and several EarBuds send in their thoughts about the marshmallow, chocolate, graham cracker tasting (?) cereal in this month’s cereal challenge. Topped off with Doc Brown’s discovery of a ninth planet in our solar system (yep, the same Doc Brown that challenged the planetary status of the last ninth planet in our solar system, Pluto) in the SCIENCE LESSON, this episode is one that won’t be repeated for at least four years! Don’t skip your 77-minute bowl of TechnoRetro goodness as you start your Leap Day. It’s sure to get your extra day off on the right foot — or left foot — whichever you prefer. |
Mon, 22 February 2016
Hey, Hey, all you Monkees! It’s hard to believe, but The Monkees have been in our collective consciousness for fifty years! Way, way back in 1966, a nifty comedy featuring four Ben Frank types trying to make their way in a world overpopulated by bands of all shapes, sizes, sounds, and silly names. And even though TechnoRetro Dads shazbazzar and JediShua weren’t around when the show premiered in color on NBC, they remember The Monkees from their youth through records, reruns, and their very first rock concert (not The Monkees’ first concert, obviously, the ‘Dads’ first concert). This week on TechnoRetro Dads, SuperFriend Richard Woloski (Skywalking through Neverland, Talking Apes TV) lends his expert opinions on the “Pre-Fab Four” for 77 minutes of going bananas with good times, trivia, and tunes as they gush in their fandom for the four musical primates as they celebrate the ingenuity of inventing a band for a TV show and ending up essentially launching a musical career that has spanned six decades with fans of all ages. But it’s not all talk. JediShua and Richard get their chance to prove their expertise as shazbazzar quizzes them Jeopardy-style with Monkee-centric categories like “THAT GIRL”; “COLORS”; “EVERY ‘DAY’ IS GETTING BRIGHTER”; “LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION”; “STATUS SYMBOL LAND”; and “THEY’RE ANIMALS!” Find out who is the big winner in this less-than-impressive imitation of the game show where you ask the questions. What was your experience with The Monkees? Did you have a favorite song or memorable episode? Let us know by tweeting us @TechnoRetroDadds or sending us an electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com. PLUS: Don’t forget to chime in on our February Cereal Challenge by eating “SMORZ” cereal and reviewing it in our poll on Facebook. We’ll be talking all about the chocolatey, marshmallowy, graham-cracker cereal next week on TechnoRetro Dads. Have a Pleasant Valley Monday with 77 minutes of fun with TechnoRetro Dads as you wake up and take on the day. We guarantee your smiles will be brighter and your Head will be filled with songs from a long time ago that are as good today as they were in the late ‘60s! Share and spread the love! |
Mon, 15 February 2016
Greetings, Programs! Hopefully you remembered to find a Valentine over the weekend, but today we change gears just a bit to cut loose with some Presidents to the tunes of Kenny Loggins with Footloose. JediShua and shazbazzar take a TechnoRetro look at the dance movie that made Kevin Bacon in 1984. While the ‘80s music and feel of the film are undeniably dated, the generation-gap, small town versus big city story is as real today as it was 32 years ago. So kick off your Sunday shoes this Monday morning and turn up the fun with TechnoRetro Dads. As always, though, there’s much more to this episode as the ‘Dads reveal upcoming releases: a new Monkees album, Armada makes its paperback debut, and more movie dates change — specifically, Ready Player One and The Flash. Also in the NEWS, Voltron returns with a new series on NetFlix, and shazbazzar and JediShua make an appearance on Rebel Force Radio. Kellogg’s makes an appearance in CEREAL NEWS with recipe ideas, specifically a tropical concoction we renamed “Krispies Colada”. Don’t hesitate to send us your cereal recipes via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com. In celebration of the end of football season, the ‘Dads pull out some bubble gum machine helmets from the ATTIC and reminisce about some favorite (and not-so-favorite) helmets they had. One question lingers, though: Will these helmets fit 12” figures from the ‘70s and ‘80s? It’s a blend of new and old as the kids get a day off from school on this Presidents’ Day. So sit back for a rousing round of “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon” with TechnoRetro Dads. Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 8 February 2016
With a brilliant victory over Cam Newton’s Panthers, Denver’s Broncos claim another SuperBowl championship for Peyton Manning and football lovers need to find another object for their affection. No need to worry, EarBuds! TechnoRetro Dads is here this week with some advice to ensure a lovely Valentine’s Day for you and your significant other in plenty of time for you to be a romantic love hero as February’s holiday approaches. Feel like staying in next Sunday night? We’ve got a few ‘80s romance movie suggestions for you to cuddle up with your cutie on the couch and watch together while snacking on some Valentine’s Day Chex Mix. And for those who may be feeling a little lonely this February 14th, if you find yourself always nagging, bragging, complaining about things, take a good look at Kathleen Turner — now there’s one hekuva girl! JediShua and shazbazzar take another look at 1984’s Robert Zemeckis film Romancing the Stone with Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, and the always handsome and hilarious El Guapo. If you’ve seen it before, it maintains all the charm and humor that you remember. If you’ve never seen it — it’s well-worthy of a Valentine’s Day viewing. IN CEREAL NEWS, General Mills gets real with an actual rabbit to support TRIX cereals. Cinnabun wins Big G’s search for a live mascot to roll-out their growing line of naturally-colored cereals — not all of which are shades of brown! PLUS: the latest craze in alcoholic beverages use used cereal milk as a mixer. Romance abounds in that galaxy far, far away with three couples in The Force Awakens discussion. Discover the answers to these perplexing questions: Which of these couples have the best chance to find love? Which couple will go down in history as icons of romance? And just when you thought you knew everything about Star Wars, TechnoRetro Dads uncover the in-universe origins of the Ewoks. This is an episode you can’t afford to miss — unless you want to be in the dog house next Monday morning. Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 1 February 2016
Greetings, Programs! When Barbie was topping the toy charts, Hasbro decided to try out a “boy’s version” of the doll and G.I. Joe was born. For over fifty years, G.I. Joe has occupied store shelves and toy boxes throughout the United States. In the ‘70s, Joe evidently studied martial arts and earned his Kung-Fu Grip. Once Kenner’s Star Wars line captured the market, Joe underwent major plastic surgery, shrinking him down to less than one third his size and giving him many more points of articulation. Since then, G.I. Joe has demanded attention from kids and collectors with hundreds of figures, numerous vehicles, and not a small number of playsets. But that’s not all! G.I. Joe became A Real American Hero in 1983 with Sunbow’s five-part mini-series featuring the toys in animated form. With another hit mini-series in 1984, G.I. Joe escalated to television stardom as fifty-five new episodes of the show released in 1985. Since then, G.I. Joe has put his name on several iterations of animated television programming as well as a couple of live-action Hollywood features. IN THE NEWS, General Mills offers Star Wars fans a chance to attend Star Wars Celebration in London, any new Labyrinth movies will continue the story, not retell it, and new DeLoreans will soon be in production. JediShua and shazbazzar review Wheaties, a cereal that’s nearly a century old (the cereal itself, not the actual flakes they consumed over the past month). Did Wheaties make them more athletic? Will their faces grace future orange boxes on shelves in the cereal aisle in your local grocery store? Discover the answers to other questions in the TechnoRetro Dads Cereal Challenge this week. So pour yourself a bowl of Wheaties, get your toys down out of the attic, and turn on some classic G.I. Joe cartoons and celebrate G.I. Joe Day with shazbazzar and JediShua as your work week (and February) kick off!
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Mon, 25 January 2016
Greetings, Programs! Whether you want to bewitch the mind or ensnare the senses, bottle fame, brew glory, or even put a stopper in death, there’s only one potion master that will do: Severus Snape. We remember some of our favorite roles of Alan Rickman, from Hans Gruber in Die Hard to the Sheriff of Nottingham, to his portrayal of an actor portraying an alien crew member of a very Trekkish television show, Alan Rickman delighted audiences for decades with his precision command of every aspect of himself on screen. IN THE NEWS, J.J. Abram’s vision of WestWorld has been delayed, Darkwing Duck does not get a movie voiced and animated by Jim Cummings, but it looks like he will get a comic book. Concept designer and animator of such visually mesmerizing projects as TRON: Uprising, Aeon Flux, Gorillaz, and The Beatles: RockBand, Robert Valley, provides fans with an opportunity to help him realize the transfer of a graphic novel to film through a Kickstarter for Pear Cider and Cigarettes. So sit down with your bowl of Wheaties, plug in your ear buds, EarBuds, and tune in for 77 minutes of family, friends, and fandom this Monday morning as you get ready to start another work week. Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 18 January 2016
Greetings, Programs! Whether you’re off to the rodeo in the middle of winter or you’re watching a preschool neighborhood Mardi Gras parade, there’s always time to share some favorite memories with your EarBuds. Join shazbazzar and JediShua as they take a mind trip to 1986 with memories of the Jim Henson/George Lucas collaboration, Labyrinth. With the recent passing of David Bowie, it only seemed appropriate to talk about some of the more influential aspects of his work on the lives of the ‘Dads, and both agree that his portrayal of the Goblin King Jareth will always remain in the forefront of their minds. But there’s more! Cereal sales are down in the NEWS. Is it because of increased droughts? Is too much grain going into our gas tanks taking its toll on the breakfast food industry? Or are the ‘Dads to blame because EarBuds are living vicariously through them and not consuming as much sugary-sweet, brightly colored cereals as they did before the CEREAL segment began? But never fear, General Mills hasn’t been in business for a century and a half because it can’t endure an economic downturn from time-to-time. In the meantime, if you’re not already a member of Audible, you can get your 30-day free trial and a free download of an audio book of your choice through this #TechnoRetro link: AudibleTrial.com/TRDads. We suggest lazy reading the novelization of Star Wars: The Force Awakens as you continue to feel the awakening of the Dark Side and the Light. So get up, put 2 Euros in the LEGO Cheerios cereal vending machine, and tune in to 77 minutes of delicious TechnoRetro crunchiness — it’s part of your balanced breakfast every Monday morning. Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 11 January 2016
Greetings, Programs! Have you ever tried to have a discussion about a single topic with a friend and he keeps interrupting the flow of the conversation with movie quotes, song lyrics, or side-bars about odd words or names? Did you find it frustrating? Were you wondering if this only happens to you? You’re not alone. All the evidence you need is wrapped up in 77 silly minutes of this week’s technology-centric TechnoRetro Dads. JediShua and shazbazzar prove their attention span stinks nearly as much as sulfur (soon-to-be known to all mankind as shazbazzarium) as their deficiency is paraded with pride for all the world to hear in this podcast filled with problematic prognostications and spurious speculations. But that’s not all! Their disorderly conduct continues throughout the NEWS about Star Wars in concert, the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, in-universe books from the wide world of Ghostbusters, and newly discovered invented elements synthesized by chemists dedicated to completing each and every level of the Periodic Table of Elements. PLUS: shazbazzar unearths an eleventy-five year-old article by civil engineer John Elfreth Watkins, Jr. published in the December 1900 issue of Ladies’ Home Journal. The imaginative mind of yesteryear proves to be rather accurate in his predictions of the technology that would be familiar over the next century. From wireless telephone networks spanning the globe to pre-packaged cooked meals delivered to the (evidently kitchenless) homes of our century, the pre-tech visionary had a firm grasp on the direction technology would take in the post-industrial age. The questions that will plague EarBuds’ after tuning in this week are not limited to:
So listen in and listen again to this technically silly technological episode of TechnoRetro Dads and make your Monday a fun day.
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Mon, 4 January 2016
Greetings, Programs! Did the movie live up to the hype? Did the hype affect your first screening? your second? How important is it to see Star Wars on opening night? Of course we’re talking about The Force Awakens in this first episode of 2016. Both shazbazzar and JediShua see the most highly anticipated movie in ten years with friends, family, and first-timers time and again in 2D, 3D, and 3D IMAX and they begin their conversation with initial comments after a few times seeing a truly J.J. Abrams Star Wars movie. SPOILER ALERT! If, for some strange reason, you have not yet seen the newest addition to the galaxy far, far away, BEWARE! This episode of TechnoRetro Dads contains spoilers, speculations, and surprises that may make your first viewing of The Force Awakens better or worse (depending on who you ask). IN THE NEWS: Is Star Trek: Axanar getting the ax? Independence Day makes a resurgence with Resurgence. PLUS, X-Men, video games, Batman, Superman, Captain America, Star Trek, and Jungle Book trailers hit theaters before The Force Awakens. TOYS IN THE ATTIC: Christmas 2015 had some real hits, including a pie-in-the-face from 1964. Wake up in a new year with 77 minutes of retrotastic technolove this Monday morning! So pour yourself a bowl of Wheaties (since you’re still set on keeping those New Year’s resolutions), hop on the treadmill, and walk across the TechnoRetro bridge from the past to the future as the old joins the new at a very appropriate time of year.
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Mon, 14 December 2015
LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales
Greetings, Programs!
In the months leading up to Star Wars: The Force Awakens (are we allowed to call it Episode 7?), books, comics, toys, and television specials have added to the hype of the trailers, pics, and TV spots teasing us from every continent and country around the world. This week, SuperFriend Michael Price, writer/producer of the LEGO Star Wars specials, joins shazbazzar and JediShua to talk about this expansive and inventive series that took us on a journey with C-3PO and R2-D2 (the LEGO versions, of course) through the saga up to this point. Mike answers questions about the LEGO specials, but leaves us wanting more — as always. Will we see more LEGO Star Wars specials that deal with the new movies and characters in that galaxy far, far away?
JediShua makes good on his promise to review several Christmas breakfast foods as he munches on Pop Tarts and slurps up bowls of cereals.
Enjoy (nearly) 77 minutes of TechnoRetro good times this morning on TechnoRetro Dads! |
Mon, 7 December 2015
Greetings, Programs! What if Superman was a horror flick? What would a Logan’s Run reboot look like in 2016? What characters from the ‘70s and ‘80s deserve their own action figures? What are those PEANUTS characters doing on stage, anyway? These are the kind of questions that we’re asking in order to keep our minds occupied over the next twelve eleven days as we anxiously await the release of The Force Awakens. Topped off with pieces of cardboard tucked away into the Star Wars Scrapbook, this first December episode of TechnoRetro Dads will keep your mind off the anxieties of waiting for The Force Awakens for 77 minutes, anyway. |
Mon, 30 November 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Did you search for TechnoRetro Dads on Google? Did the screen look strange? Are your YouTube videos sporting a lightsaber timeline?
As we recover from a weekend of family, feasting, and (of course) Six Flags, we officially begin to talk about the next holiday season — and some Christmas toys, too. SuperFriends Mike MacDonald and Chris Hamilton ride their mooses (meese? moosii?) down from the frigid tundras of Canadia to challenge American junk food cuisine and more.
So grab a box of Golden Grahams and plug in your ear buds, EarBuds. It’s another TechnoRetro Monday!
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Mon, 23 November 2015
Greetings, Programs!
It’s nearly Thanksgiving, and the last Gen-Xer is…back! SuperFriend and author Michael Witwer joins shazbazzar and JediShua to discuss his recent release, Empire of Imagination: Gary Gygax and the Birth of Dungeons & Dragons. Check it out online here. Unlike any biography we’ve read before, this account of the life and times of E. Gary Gygax and his most well-known creation is a worthy tribute to the master gamer/storyteller.
Mike sticks around to discuss some TechnoRetro sequels we’re thankful for — in one way or another…
Get ready for your own feast (and don’t forget the cranberries) while listening to TechnoRetro Dads this week.
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Mon, 9 November 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Will FOX actually reboot The Greatest American Hero? If so, what will it look like? We talk to SuperFriend Glen Nelson from High Adventure about the possibilities for the potential pilot. PLUS: High Five from High Adventure will soon be available to everyone. Get a brief sample on TechnoRetro Dads with the song, “Captain.”
IN THE NEWS: Absolutely everything you wanted…Star Wars is only $11 at Wal*Mart. Star Trek is coming back to television on CBS. The Muppets’ reboot is about to reboot…again.
TOYS IN THE ATTIC: Play-Doh still appeals to the senses — most of them, anyway.
TECHNORETRO BOWL: An overdue update on the status of the league as Week 9 continues.
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Mon, 2 November 2015
illing Time with Trailers
Greetings, Programs!
Welcome to Standard Time. Although our Daylight Saving plan failed to earn any interest to give us more than an hour in return, shazbazzar and JediShua make up for it by Killing Time this Monday Morning with a Howloween update, NEWS, and memories of trailers in the Star Wars Scrapbook.
IN THE NEWS: Kickstart Don Bluth’s Dragon’s Lair movie. The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Volume 3 finally arrives. Peanuts will be in theaters this week. Hondo Ohnaka will be on Star Wars: Rebels this week. And 5-25-77 will finally be released in theaters!
PLUS: We remember the Star Wars trailers of our youth and speculate on what the new trailer means in the Star Wars Scrapbook.
So kill some time with shazbazzar and JediShua on TechnoRetro Dads. You know you have an extra hour today, anyway. |
Mon, 26 October 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Watch out for time-traveling witches and zombies in zombie costumes as we ramp up the excitement for this weekend of spooky-scariness.
IN THE NEWS: H.R. PufNStuf returns in 2016, The Great Conjunction goes Indie Go-Go, Lucky Charms goes oatless, and Nikes get self-tightening laces.
PLUS: WolfToons from The Chipmunks and Scooby-Doo, another Scary Spooky Story from shazbazzar’s LP collection, a very special (and tasty) Monster Cereal sandwich, and a late-night call to the Cereal Connoisseur.
Top it all off with a peek back into the Star Wars Scrapbook with JediShua Luke and Ewok shazbazzar and it’s a party. A TechnoRetro Dead (Man’s Party)! |
Mon, 19 October 2015
Greetings, Programs! Doc Brown and Marty McFly are expected to arrive in two days, and the ‘Dads are preparing for their arrival from the past. In the meantime, Richard and Sarah from Skywalking through Neverland come Trick-or-Treating just a bit early with a special treat for listeners. IN THE NEWS: More Back to the Future news with a Monopoly game, the 30th Anniversary BluRay collection, and the We’re Going Back con. PLUS: We remember Fangface with another group of animated teenaged detectives and Boo Berry graces the JediShua home with breakfast. Be sure to check out these great podcasts for your chance to win the Trick-or-Treat SPOOKTACULAR Podcast Crossover Contest:
Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 12 October 2015
Greetings, Programs!
While shazbazzar recovers from a busy week, JediShua starts going through some…changes. Still, TechnoRetro Dads have some ideas for Hollywood: Board Game Movies. Tune in this Monday Morning for our bright ideas for box office bullseyes you’ll be sorry to miss.
IN THE NEWS: Back to the Future is back with Jaws 19, Pepsi Perfect, and LEGO Dimensions.
PLUS: Teen Wolf gets animated, but where was James Arnold Taylor? And the Star Wars Scrapbook gets Howl-o-weenie with a cute tree mounts…or something like that.
And the week five update of the TechnoRetro Bowl.
Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 5 October 2015
Greetings, Programs!
It’s October, the weather has changed, so grab your parkas and set out on a cross-country hike with us as we stick to the roads and avoid the moors (just like they told us — we want to avoid any hairy manimalistic predators). As mentioned earlier this year, we’re focusing on wolves this month, starting with a little-known ‘80s cartoon featuring Wolfman Jack: Wolf Rock TV. Be sure to let us know your memories of animated wolves, werewolves, and wolfmen for future episodes as we draw closer to Hallowe’en.
IN THE NEWS: Michael Witwer’s Empire of Imagination comes out tomorrow. The Muppets are back in show business. Monster Cereals come alive through Blippar. Buck Rogers…er…uh…Jake Rizzo reunites with Ernie Lee from Sidekicks. Back to the Future is back on your PlayStation or XBOX. And, of course, Star Wars is everywhere!
PLUS: Loads of feedback from our Ear Buds.
And a four-week update on the current status of the TechnoRetro Bowl.
Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 14 September 2015
Greetings, Programs!
The RedHot Super Summer concludes this week in red pajamas, curly blonde hair, and a pistol-packing partner with the FBI. Surpassing the Number One Superguy, more heroic than Shazam, The Greatest American Hero was a weekly dose of superfun in the early eighties. JediShua and shazbazzar have been waiting for the perfect time to gush about this favorite TV show from their childhood, and today is the day!
IN THE NEWS: A new book by Douglas Adams? The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths pre-order. Helium meets its heavier, darker nemesis, Sodium Hexafluoride.
PLUS: Loads of feedback from our Ear Buds. |
Mon, 7 September 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Although today marks the unofficial end of summer as pools and parks close for the season, there are still nearly two weeks of summer to go! With that in mind, grab an Egg McMuffin, pull out your brand new Star Wars action figures, turn HBO on mute, and watch Big Bird and Oscar while listening to this week’s episode of TechnoRetro Dads!
With memories of Kenner toys from years gone by and the excitement of Midnight Madness on Force Friday, Star Wars is a big part of this show. JediShua keeps Jimmy Mac and Jason informed of the goings-on in Denver while shazbazzar meets people in line in Dothan.
But that’s not all! The RedHot Super Summer continues with the ORIGINAL Captain Marvel: SHAZAM!
And for owners and managers of teams in the TechnoRetro Bowl, don’t forget the draft tonight at 10:00 CDT.
Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 31 August 2015
Greetings, Programs!
You’ll have to wait a little longer for the second part of our LAZY BOOK CLUB discussion of Ernie Cline’s ARMADA, since our resident computer expert was busy all week shoring up the firewalls on the WOPR (or something like that). But have no fear — Underdog is here!
JediShua and shazbazzar accept the double-dog-dare to find TWO RedHot Supers for this week, and what’s best of all, they’re both animated dogs making their ways in a very human world. Reminisce about that ‘50s canine hero (no, not Rin-Tin-Tin), UNDERDOG and revisit one of our favorite short-lived Saturday morning cartoon, Hong Kong Phooey as the dog days of summer start to wind down.
PLUS: Iron Giant irony and a gigantic Lite Brite for the office or school make the headlines, Fizzgig makes it into the classifieds (sort of), board games are back, and you can pick up loads of Star Wars audio dramas while helping a great charity through HumbleBundle.com.
Then, the ‘Dads dig into the Star Wars Scrapbook for some great school supplies from years gone by as well as what they’ve seen in stores this year.
Topped off with loads of FEEDBACK from EarBuds, this abridged episode of TechnoRetro Dads is just what you need to get your work week off on the right foot as you wake up on the last day of August 2015. Share and enjoy!
If you’re not already a member of Audible, you can get your 30-day free trial and a free download of an audio book of your choice through this #TechnoRetro link: AudibleTrial.com/TRDads.
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Mon, 24 August 2015
Greetings, Programs!
When the protagonist of the book explicitly states that the story is like TRON, WarGames, and The Last Starfighter, you know it’s going to be TechnoRetro-riffic! JAMIE, from TRON: Decoding the Grid joins shazbazzar and JediShua in the Lazy Book Club to “read” Ernie Cline’s latest novel, Armada. We get halfway through the book this week and will continue next week.
PLUS: JediShua reveals a secret NASA plot to probe Europa! (Well, maybe it’s not that secret, but didn’t it make it sound more exciting that way?)
CALLING ALL EARBUDS!
We need you to join the TRON ARMY in a massive mailing campaign to Disney in support of the TRON franchise. Go to SaveTRON3.com for details. |
Mon, 17 August 2015
Greetings, Programs!
In 1985, Michael J. Fox sold tons of tickets at the box office, not only with Back to the Future, but with the August 23rd release of Teen Wolf, his lesser-known flick of 1985. He only starred in the sequels of one. We’ll leave it to you to guess which. This week, we remember the fun that was Teen Wolf.
Before barking at the moon, though, we took to the skies (and Skype) to discover Alpha Flight’s Guardian as we transcend the barriers of both space and time in our conversation with Mike and Ryan.
But there’s more…
Before talking to our Canadian and Australian SuperFriends about the RedHot Super Summer, we munch and crunch some Honey Nut Cheerios with BuzzBee — we call him “Buzz” for short.
The NEWS is filled with Midnight Madness, Monster Cereals, Mario (Jump Man), and more!
Make time this Monday Morning for 77 minutes of #TechnoRetro good times.
Don’t forget to review us on iTunes, send your JAWS Seaquels, ARMADA insights, or anything #TechnoRetro to us via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com. Leave us a voicemail by calling us at (209)TR-TRDad, that’s (209)878-7323. It’s possible that shazbazzar won’t lose your message.
As for the joke…
It’s not right. |
Mon, 10 August 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Peter Weller and John Lithgow each made memorable movies in the ‘80s. Why was their comic book styled project in 1984 a bust at the box office? JediShua and shazbazzar have a couple ideas after watching this cult-classic with their families this week. In a truly #TechnoRetro treat, this movie emulates everything eighties while being markedly different from anything else at the time.
Then the ‘Dads dare to dive into the sweltering summer heat in their attics to find a favorite musical toy — with some totally new additions.
PLUS: Batman on Amazon Prime, Lieutenant Uhura in space, Jim Henson makes the news in a Dark Crystal documentary and PBS special, Dune gets a deserved 3 hour fan edit, and holograms and hoverboards bring the future even closer to the present.
Don’t forget to send your JAWS Seaquels, ARMADA insights, Honey Nut Cheerios memories or anything #TechnoRetro to us via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com. Leave us a voicemail by calling us at (209)TR-TRDad, that’s (209)878-7323.
Will we ever see Buckaroo Banzai vs The World Crime League? The future is yet untold… |
Mon, 3 August 2015
Greetings, Programs!
This week is loaded with observable, testable, and verifiable scientific jargon and poppycock. With theories of trans-dimensional effects and fuel-efficient microwave travel, this episode may be the strangest collection of firmly-asserted-yet-unproven-facts to date!
JediShua and shazbazzar watch My Science Project thirty years later — and one lingering question remains unanswered: How effective can a fallout shelter be if only 1/4 inch of plywood separates it from the nuclear blast and radiation?
PLUS: Reading Rainbow on Netflix, Dr. Seuss in stores, and the impossible EM-drive makes waves in space.
With science books in the Star Wars Scrapbook and FEEDBACK from Jorbex and an unlikely RedHot hero from Derek’s LOOTCRATE finishes off our 77 minutes this week.
Send your JAWS Seaquels, ARMADA insights, or anything #TechnoRetro to us via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com. Leave us a voicemail by calling us at (209)TR-TRDad, that’s (209)878-7323. Don’t forget to comment and rate Honey Nut Cheerios on our Facebook page, too.
Share and enjoy! |
Mon, 27 July 2015
Greetings, Programs!
The Dutch Apple Pie is terrific, but with great power comes great responsibility. Those are just a couple lessons learned by our Red Hot Super this week and Jeff Bridges’ alien incarnation. Evidently, it’s not easy being RED — whether it’s in Spandex or flannel.
Starman (1984) was John Carpenter’s attempt to make something completely different than he had done before, and he succeeded with making an alien movie that was the same as other “visitation” movies, with some marked differences. As kids, shazbazzar and JediShua both liked the movie — even though other kids weren’t as thrilled with it.
Jeremy from The Neverland Podcast joins in the Red Hot Super Summer for Spider-Man’s induction into the club. The web-slinging teenager has been a favorite since 1962 through many iterations, remakes, reboots, and sequels.
Speaking of remakes, reboots, and sequels, JediShua and shazbazzar attempt to define these three common types of movies as they begin the discussion of Hollywood’s fascination with doing the same thing over and over and over again.
PLUS: More Muppets news, a Star Trek crowdfunding possibility, NASA dubs a planed “Earth 2.0”, and Buck Rogers stands poised for another remake…reboot…something.
Be share your comments with us about anything #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, posting on Facebook, or tweet @TechnoRetroDads. |
Mon, 20 July 2015
Greetings, Programs!
With temperatures rising and San Diego Comic Con having just passed, there is more NEWS in #TechnoRetro Land than you can shake a PIXIE STICK at! From upcoming films in the Star Wars Anthology to rereleases of classics, the entertainment world is buzzing with possibilities. Sid and Marty Croft talk Land of the Lost. Netflix wants to serialize A Series of Unfortunate Events. Jonathan Betuel finds a landing pad for his Starfighter. And MORE!
PLUS: we break down our Ear Buds’ (and our own) appraisal of Star Wars cereal and have a bit of a debate about who should and should not be a Red Hot Super…
Be share your comments with us about anything #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, posting on Facebook, or tweet @TechnoRetroDads. |
Mon, 13 July 2015
Greetings, Programs!
The Space Race may be over, but the excitement continues as New Horizons is only a day away from its incredibly close pass by the planet dwarf planet Pluto. JediShua and shazbazzar discuss, debate, and celebrate the mass orbiting in the outer rim of our Solar System that shares its name with Mickey Mouse’s dog. From the mysterious “Planet X” to the planetoid formerly known as a planet, PLUTO takes center stage in this episode of TechnoRetro Dads.
Enjoy musical tributes from many artists, including Dr. Planet, Tim Ophus & Chuck Crouse, Charlie Katt, Craig Werth & Christine Lavin, The Galaxy Girls Save Pluto, The B-52s, Neptune Project, Spaghetti Cake, Tom McFadden, 2 Skinnee J’s, Man or Astro-Man, Astroglass, Rhett & Link from “Good Mythical Morning”, and Vance Gilbert.
Next week, we’ll be back with the Cereal Challenge, RedHot Super Summer, and more — so be sure to tell us about your favorite Super in red, share your opinions about the new Star Wars cereal, submit your JAWS Seaquel, or just chime in about anything #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, posting on Facebook, or tweet @TechnoRetroDads. |
Mon, 6 July 2015
Greetings, Programs!
With anticipation building for the next Star Wars film coming in less than six months, the hype is on — and so is LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales — tonight!
JediShua and shazbazzar welcome SuperFriend Michael Price, writer and producer of the LEGO Star Wars specials, to talk about the five episode series and how these Droid Tales will affect existing canon.
PLUS: Back to the Future turns 30, so Doc and Marty are in the NEWS, Helium Balloon Theater, and this week’s Family Circle when the shazlings watch this classic movie for the very first time. We get some feedback from our Ear Buds, along with another JAWS seaquel (really, it’s a prequel, but it counts)!
Be sure to let the ‘Dads hear about your favorite Super in red, share your opinions about the new Star Wars cereal, submit your JAWS Seaquel, or just chime in about anything #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, posting on Facebook, or tweet @TechnoRetroDads.
Live Tweet your #DroidTales comments to Michael Price @mikepriceinla.
We’ve packed two hours worth of good times into 77 minutes for your enjoyment this Monday morning! |
Mon, 29 June 2015
Electra-Woman and the Rats of NIMH
Greetings, Programs!
Timothy is sick and he must not get out of bed for the next six weeks. The frost is off the ground and the farmer has started his tractor. Moving Day is here. What will the Brisby family do? Consult the Great Owl and take a trip under the rose bush to meet with the leader of the rats for the solution.
JediShua and shazbazzar dig up memories of The Secret of N.I.M.H. with their kids before retrieving dangerous yard Toys in the Attic this week. Enjoy a dose of the 70s and 80s with opinions and commentary on TechnoRetro Dads this Monday morning.
PLUS: Loads of NEWS, Red Hot Super Heroes (Heroines?), and Helium Balloon Theater. Be sure to let the ‘Dads hear about your favorite Super in red, share your opinions about the new Star Wars cereal, submit your JAWS Seaquel, or just chime in about anything #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, posting on Facebook, or tweet @TechnoRetroDads.
It’s 77 minutes of fun and fandom this Monday morning on TechnoRetro Dads! |
Mon, 22 June 2015
Greetings, Programs!
We hope that you had a great Father’s Day, celebrating your Dad or being celebrated as a Dad. Now that summer has officially begun, and the longest day of the year is in the rear view mirror, shazbazzar and JediShua get in the TechnoRetroMobile and head out to the beach at Amity Island to enjoy a day of fun in the sun. But who knows what may be lurking just below the surface…
Over the weekend, JAWS turned 40! So the ‘Dads sat down with their kids and watched this classic film from 1975 with some surprising responses. Maybe JAWS does hold up well over the years.
PLUS: JediShua digs the old Slip ’N Slide out of the attic as shazbazzar eats yet another bowl of Cookie Crisp. Be sure to let the ‘Dads hear about your favorite Super in red, share your opinions about the new Star Wars cereal, submit your JAWS Seaquel, or just chime in about anything #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, posting on Facebook, or tweet @TechnoRetroDads. |
Mon, 15 June 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Summer has kicked off with loads of NEWS, some bad and some good, with memories of the past and some eggspectations about the future, shazbazzar and JediShua jump in with both feet!
PLUS: Executive Chef and SuperFriend Armando speeds up the conversation with his RedHot Super Summer submission: The Flash. He and JediShua reveal that there’s more to this 75 year-old speedster than is immediately apparent. Don’t forget to let the ‘Dads hear about your favorite Super in red, share your taste in cereal with the Cookie Cop, submit your JAWS Seaquel, or just chime in about anything #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, posting on Facebook, or tweet @TechnoRetroDads.
Top it off with jokes, science, and a Helium Balloon Theater tribute to Christopher Lee’s performance in The Last Unicorn, and you have 77 minutes of #TechnoRetro good times this Monday morning. |
Mon, 8 June 2015
Greetings, Programs!
RedHot Super Summer begins with the Dad of a whole family of Supers — Mr. Incredible! Jorbex and Dave$ join shazbazzar and JediShua in a fitting tribute to the heroic TechnoRetro Dad of The Incredibles. Find out why Bob Parr kicks off the summer as the first red-clad Superhero of the season.
But before trying on that old super suit that used to fit so well, sit down on the couch with D.A.R.Y.L. and enjoy a 30 year-old sci-fi classic about a boy who hits homers in Little League by day and flies an SR-71 by night. He looks like he’s all boy, but he’s really a Data Analysing Robot Youth Lifeforms — a human body with a computer for a brain (don’t ask… never ask in an ‘80s sci-fi flick). JediShua’s and shazbazzar’s families provide their insights into Barret Oliver’s second-most well-known feature.
Let the ‘Dads hear about your favorite Super in red, share your taste in cereal with the Cookie Cop, submit your JAWS Seaquel, or just chime in about anything #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, posting on Facebook, or tweet @TechnoRetroDads. |
Mon, 1 June 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Can you believe it was 30 years ago when we first joined Mikey, Data, Mouth, and Chunk in their High Adventure to find One-Eyed Willy’s treasure? Yep. It’s true. The Goonies turns thirty this week with a story that never grows old (just like Goonies never really grow up)! JediShua and shazbazzar welcome Glen Nelson and John Dotson to talk about Richard Donner’s classic misfits movie and share it with their families.
But our SuperFriends from High Adventure have more to share with the TechnoRetro Dads this week as they introduce their upcoming fifth album High Five. This fan rock compilation will be their first to be recorded in a full-fledged studio, and you can help make it happen on pledgemusic.com. As of today, they are 15% funded towards their goal to get all eight members of the band into the studio to record more instant classics from the heart of fandom that will be released this fall. PLUS you can get all kinds of bonuses by supporting this effort, like instant downloads, signed CDs, hand-written lyric sheets, personal band performances, and a TechnoRetro exclusive dog-walking by bassist and mixmaster John Dotson himself! Click here to check out all the information on the new album and discover all the great bike-riding, golf-playing, costume-designing goodness available NOW!
With a plush Falcor in the NEWS, Bill Nye on Netflix, and a record-breaking hoverboard experience on a Canadian lake, this week is filled with misfit might for you to share and enjoy this Monday morning.
There are lots of ways to play along with the ‘Dads through JAWS Seaquels, red-clad superheroes, cereal challenges, and more. You can be a part of all things #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, contacting us through Facebook or Twitter, and chiming in with your comments, questions, and ideas.
So get up on the right side of the work week with TechnoRetro Dads today! |
Mon, 25 May 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Although school isn’t quite out yet, both shazbazzar and JediShua have been to graduation ceremonies for the class of 2015. And as summer begins (unofficially) this weekend, the ‘Dads remember lots of things that made growing up in the 70s and 80s kind of awesome. Did your Mom ever tell you to make sure you had on clean underwear? Was she willing to take it to the next logical step by getting you underwear that’s fun to wear? Did you play the JAWS game from 1976 that featured a plastic shark with a mouth full of junk? Did you know that you can still get that game under another moniker? Did you even know what “moniker” meant before reading that line just now?
It’s Memorial Day, Geek Pride Day, Ye Ole Star Wars Day, and Towel Day — it’s a great Monday to go to the beach, grill out in the backyard, or order a pizza. And while you’re doing any or all of those things, tune in to TechnoRetro Dads, where the past and future come together in the present.
Like in the NEWS where cheeseburger-shaped drones can follow you around like a flying bloodhound, or when a Pitch Perfect star goes grailing as Dr. Jones, or when the Last Starfighter becomes the Next-to-the-Last Straighter (didn’t see that coming, did ya?)…
With lots of ways to play along with JAWS Seaquels, red-clad superheroes, cereal challenges, and more, you can be a part of all things #TechnoRetro by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, contacting us through Facebook or Twitter, and chiming in with your comments, questions, and ideas.
So plug in your earbuds, EarBuds, and tune in for over 40 years of fun in only 77 minutes. |
Mon, 18 May 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Karate tests, driving tests, graduation preparation, and trips to the zoo are just the beginning on today’s TechnoRetro Dads. With summer on the horizon, shazbazzar and JediShua are busy during these final days before the kids are out for a couple of months (“Almost there.”) Can you hear the anticipation building?
IN THE NEWS: Kermit’s back this week — and coming back to TV with an announcement that a new Muppet Show is coming to ABC. Variety show? Reality TV? Something else? We can hardly wait! Red Bull takes flight in a paper airplane contest. Brewster’s Millions (the version with Richard Pryor and John Candy) turns 30, and Disney’s latest attraction-styled-movie hits theaters this Friday.
JediShua tracks down the origins of 3D movies as shazbazzar recalls his introduction to the genre with a classic from 1954 and both the ‘Dads remember their first theatrical 3D experience: JAWS 3D.
PLUS: Feedback from EarBuds P!inky from The Deucecast, Jamie Burns from the UK, David Marnderville from Florida, Kenny Kraly, Jr., T-Bird, Jorbex, and Jeffrey Fischbach. You can be a part of the show by sending your voicemail to (209)TR-TRDad, (209)878-7323, recording a voice message and sending it via electronic-M to podcast@technoretrodads.com, contacting us through Facebook or Twitter, and chiming in with your taste buds’ reaction to Reese’s Puffs.
Just like a nutritious breakfast will get your day started off right, a heaping helping of TechnoRetro Dads will get you energized for the week ahead. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 11 May 2015
Greetings, Programs!
One of our favorite things to do on TechnoRetro Dads is remembering the past. Hopefully, you remembered Mom on Mother’s Day yesterday. If not, we suggest you stop what you’re doing right now and go overboard trying to convince Mom that today is Mother’s Day (and make sure you “surprise” her with flowers, chocolates, and a cheerful willingness to fix anything she wants done around the house). Good luck!
For everyone else, enjoy memories of some of our favorite TV Moms from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s as we take a trip back to our youth and the many Moms that raised us.
PLUS: We celebrate Kermit the Frog’s 60th Birthday with a surprise call-in from Chris Hamilton from Star Wars KidsCast.
We want to hear from our EarBuds, too! You can play along with us by submitting your JAWS seaquels, munch on some Reese’s Puffs, or simply send in your favorite #TechnoRetro stories via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com or leaving us a voice-mail at (209)878-7323, that’s (209) TR-TRDad.
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Mon, 4 May 2015
Greetings, Programs!
The puns are present all day, Ear Buds, and we make no excuses for bringing up Star Wars yet again for a celebration of what has become the official holiday for everyone who loves that galaxy far, far away. But we don’t limit our Fourth-sensitivity to one franchise this May 4th, there are a plethora of Fourth-Movies from a long time ago that are guaranteed to just might make your Monday morning brighter interesting.
PLUS: TechnoRetro News, jokes, Fatherly advice, and a look at buttons and pins in our Star Wars Scrapbook.
But don’t stop there! You can play along with us by submitting your JAWS seaquels, munch on some Reese’s Puffs, or simply send in your favorite #TechnoRetro stories via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com or leaving us a voice-mail at (209)878-7323.
We’re doing our part to make Mondays fun days! |
Mon, 6 April 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Swashbuckling swordsmen, satanic sorcery, and lycanthropic lovers combined thirty years ago to bring us a tale of a Mouse, a wolf, and a hawk. Join shazbazzar and JediShua as they remember the very 80s fantasy film, Ladyhawke, starring Matthew Broderick, Rutger Hauer, and Michelle Pfeiffer.
But before they talk about the tragedy of Etienne and Isabeau, the ‘Dads sit down with SuperFriend Michael Witwer to talk about his upcoming book, Empire of Imagination, a chronicle of the life of Gary Gygax as the man who would revolutionize gaming through his creation, Dungeons and Dragons. Discover the events and influences in this “emperor” of imagination’s life as Michael unearths the history of the game as well as the man who made it. Coming this October from Bloomsbury.
PLUS: Fatherly Advice from Mr. Mom, blank pages in the Star Wars Scrapbook, and NEWS about Coach Hayden Fox, Director Steven Spielberg, Billionaire Bruce Wayne, and his ward Dick Grayson as JediShua and shazbazzar tick back the clock with NEWS about some of our retro favorites.
Welcome to Season Three of TechnoRetro Dads!
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Mon, 30 March 2015
Greetings, Programs!
This truly TechnoRetro episode takes the ‘Dads back and forth in time from 1942 to 2013 and more when JediShua tries out a new gadget he bought from some weird old guy on the street. Join JediShua and shazbazzar for NEWS about the resurgence of video arcades, Fraggle Rock, and Mr. T interspersed with Mayor La Guardia’s speech from New York and a previously unheard Skype conversation from a living room in Denver.
Toys in the Attic features Fisher Price Adventure People with the Alpha Probe, Alpha Star, and more as shazbazzar digs into his bins in the attic searching for reminders of his past.
As Celebration Anaheim approaches, the ‘Dads look back into their collections of convention memorabilia from Celebrations past with an expectation of new memories to come in just a few weeks.
Thanks for tuning in to the 100th regular episode of TechnoRetro Dads as the second year of this silly little podcast comes to its improbable conclusion. |
Mon, 23 March 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Discover what spring really means.
Sit down with a bowl of Cocoa Puffs and cue up a few episodes of Hanna Barbera’s Wacky Races with Gargamel and Lion-O for another TechnoRetro Cereal challenge. Then run for the mailbox for some great Star Wars mail away offers from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and today.
All this and more as we approach the conclusion of the second season of TechnoRetro Dads as well as prepare for another Star Wars Celebration. |
Mon, 16 March 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Beware of long-lost uncles who work for megalomaniacal millionaires obsessed with psychic powers — that is, if you are an orphaned alien with unexplainable abilities. Today is the 40th anniversary of the release of the Buena Vista production, Escape to Witch Mountain. Remember Tony and Tia Malone Castaway’s quest to find their people with help from a hidden map, a grouchy old man from Green Acres, and a black cat that winks…a lot.
PLUS: JediShua and shazbazzar reminisce about some of the Star Wars crafts they made when they were kids (and the disappointing, sad stories that accompany them) in this week’s Star Wars Scrapbook.
With NEWS about cassette tapes, Turtle from North Shore, search the online database for Calvin & Hobbes strips, a Celebration Anaheim announcement, and spurious information about the origins of St. Patrick’s Day, this pre-green episode of TechnoRetro Dads goes perfectly with your morning bowl of Lucky Charms.
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Mon, 9 March 2015
Greetings, Programs!
JediShua and shazbazzar remember some of Leonard Nimoy’s roles and discover some things they had never known about Earth’s favorite Vulcan. From Star Trek to Fringe, punctuated by the documentary series In Search of…, Nimoy’s contributions to TV, film, and (of course) music, are recalled in this fun-filled tribute.
PLUS: As the first season of Star Wars Rebels concludes on Disney XD, shazbazzar and JediShua talk about what their families thought about the latest Star Wars venture, from beginning to end — with a healthy dose of “I told you so”!
Get ready for great memories, eager expectations, and a few canned laughs along the way in this week’s TechnoRetro Dads. With music by Leonard Nimoy, himself, and a brand-new demo by High Adventure’s Glen Nelson, these 77 minutes will pass before you know it! |
Mon, 23 February 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Last night was a late one for the TechnoRetro Dads as they were selected as seat-fillers for the Academy Awards — or at least they were able to sneak in and get a glimpse of some famous Oscar nominees and winners. Tune in for shazbazzar’s first ever viewing of the actual awards ceremony as JediShua gives the play-by-play of the event in their live coverage of the event.
PLUS: Exciting literary NEWS, scientists at Auburn University pay a fishy tribute to Star Wars, you can make your own movie projector from a box and a magnifying glass, and the TechnoRetro families sit down for an unforgettable Claymation experience of The Adventures of Mark Twain from 1985.
Start off your work week on the right side of the bed with Monday’s TechnoRetro Dads!
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Mon, 16 February 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Though many people have the day off to celebrate Presidents, shazbazzar and JediShua are busy with research and experiments for this year’s Science Fair. Discover the steps involved in finishing a Science Fair project. Understand the various aspects of scientific research. Resist the urge to bite into the delicious Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop.
With amazing NEWS challenging the Big Bang theory, a Weird upcoming Henson project, the WOPR getting rebooted, and a Lantern City comic, you’re sure to be smarter (or at least appear that way) after listening to TechnoRetro Dads.
Pull out your Star Wars trading cards for the Star Wars Scrapbook as JediShua shows up shazbazzar with his formidable collection. How does your stack measure up?
All this and more in just 77 minutes on this beautiful Monday Morning. Share and Enjoy! |
Mon, 9 February 2015
Greetings, Programs!
As sweethearts buy cards and flowers and such in preparation for the weekend ahead, shazbazzar eats NECCO Sweethearts in tribute to the upcoming Irish holiday and JediShua looks forward to a four-day weekend. In case you had forgotten — Saturday is Valentine’s Day!
But that’s not the most exciting part of this episode of TechnoRetro Dads. The Grand Opening of Neon Retro Arcade takes center stage with the ‘Dads as they talk to one of the owners of the brand new TechnoRetro gaming establishment in Old Town Pasadena. SuperFriend Mark reveals his reasons for starting this fun-filled tribute to the gaming houses that punctuated our past.
In the NEWS, space entrepreneurs will soon be able to stake their claims on the MOON and a nine year-old is burdened with the ONE RING.
We open the Star Wars Scrapbook to remember our favorite classic arcade games from the 80s and 90s and introduce the newest addition to the Star Wars arcade family.
Start your work week with laughs, memories and the musical stylings of artists like R. Cade & the Video Victims, High Adventure, Journey, and the Beepers. |
Mon, 2 February 2015
Greetings, Programs!
What does it say about a civilization when the citizens begin to rely on the shadowy visions of a prophetic rodent to determine what the weather patterns will entail over the next several weeks? JediShua and shazbazzar are stuck in the same loop as the rest of America as they anticipate the revelation from Punxatawny Phil about the New Dawn of spring (and when it will arrive).
In the NEWS, the Twitterverse lights up with the incendiary news about Disney’s rumored choice for an actor to play the lead role in the continuing Indiana Jones series. Though Paul Reubens, Bob Barker, and Clyde from Every Which Way But Loose were all confirmed in the past for the role of Indiana, reports also suggest that Duhr T. Knapken may seize the role from Star Lord. Emma Watson rings the rumor Belle as well in the upcoming live action version of Beauty and the Beast.
SuperFriends Jovial Jay Shepard and Aaron Goins come along for some fun with the Lazy Book Club as we talk about the first Star Wars novel accepted as official canon: A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller.
For 77 minutes of ridiculous repetitiveness tossed in with a sizable portion of quality content (again, thanks to Aaron and Jay), this choir hits the high notes this week! |
Mon, 26 January 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Elephants on parallel bars? Hippos vaulting horses? The unexpected romance of a goat and lioness? What else could it be but Steven Lisberger’s animated feature Animalympics? JediShua and shazbazzar get together with their families (at least all who could make it) to watch the cancelled 1980 NBC special. Download early and listen often to get your work week started off right.
PLUS: X-Files in the NEWS with a possible continuation of the series, Herbert and Agnes creep into the discussion, today’s kids get creeped out by a certain talking Teddy bear from 1985, and Doc 4 O’Clock reveals the dangers of the common cultural addiction to sitting.
Add one magical unicorn, several Sing-a-Ma-Jigs, melting styrofoam, some rotary cell phones, and feedback from our Ear Buds and you get a jumbled jungle of joviality.
Don’t miss today’s episode of TechnoRetro Dads!
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Mon, 19 January 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Many schools, banks, and businesses are closed today for the holiday, but we are still here to bring you a nutritious, delicious bowl of the past in the present (while looking forward to the future). Be sure not to miss your most important meal of the day — whether you eat it with a spoon or a fork.
Take time with shazbazzar and JediShua to taste the NEWS this week, featuring self-lacing Nike MAGS, a life-sized PAC MAN game, 3D printed prosthetics, an Ernie Cline sequel, puppets in Chicago and more! Plus, JediShua gets into the Academy (Awards) and lets us in on what to expect from the Oscars next month.
Finally, the ‘Dads seek out the best way to eat Post Shredded Wheat with toppings, additives, and sauces to marinade this classic (?) cereal as shazbazzar takes his first bite of the big biscuits.
Don’t miss today’s episode of TechnoRetro Dads!
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Mon, 12 January 2015
Greetings, Programs!
Brrrr. The frigid temperatures in the southeast have delayed the release of this week’s episode, but we’ve broken through the ice and got this issue out to you on this Monday night.
JediShua and shazbazzar brave the winter weather, frozen boogers, and a biting cold that will turn your hands blue to bring you a discussion about TWO Muppets sequels, The Great Muppet Caper (1981) and Muppets Most Wanted (2014).
PLUS: Neat NEWS, Star Wars Scrapbook, what NOT to do when your windshield is frozen, and much, much more.
Be sure to check out shazbazzar’s new blog about his Star Wars Scrapbook on The Star Wars Report.
Don’t forget to listen to JediShua on Green Justice, Scarlet Velocity, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Case Files.
And hear more about Jeff Bridges on TRON: Decoding the Grid. |
Mon, 5 January 2015
Greetings, Programs!
After 26 years of anticipation, the wait is finally over. The year of hoverboards, self-lacing shoes, flying car upgrades, and Jaws 19 has finally come! The future is now. It’s 2015, and TechnoRetro Dads will be tracking each fulfillment of the prophet Zemeckis from his 1989 documentary on the life and time-travels of Marty McFly.
Download this inspirational episode and plug in your ear buds for a trip back in time in the Star Wars Scrapbook, discover a family that is living like it is 1986 today, and muster your movie-making buddies to expedite the most anticipated movie of the year (nope, it’s not Star Wars) as the ‘Dads go “Fishing for Sequels”.
PLUS: JediShua interviews his extended family’s perspectives on cereals.
It’s a randomized mixture of old and new with 77 minutes of past, present, and future in this first episode of 2015. |
Mon, 29 December 2014
Greetings, Programs!
Wow! With the hectic schedule of the holidays (and catching up on sleep on a brand new memory foam and cooling gel pillow), we almost forgot to record our End-of-Year episode — almost. But late Sunday night, shazbazzar and JediShua took 77 minutes to remember some of the great things that made 2014 1984 a fantastic year.
Plug in your ear buds and tune in for some great memories of movies, toys, sports, and music from a great year of fun and fandom that will make you feel like a kid again.*
*While the contents of this podcast have been known to cause some listeners to experience an emotional state of adolescence, your own personal reaction to this episode of TechnoRetro Dads is not guaranteed either explicitly or implicitly. |
Mon, 22 December 2014
Greetings, Programs!
On the last Monday before Christmas, there is no time to Monkee around — if you haven’t told Santa what you want this year, you need to get down to the mall before it’s too late. (Oh, and you can get your shopping done, too.) Too crowded, you say? Plug in your ear buds, Ear Buds, and tune in to UNSCROOGED 2 to lighten the load — you’ll be smiling in no time!
With fun tunes, both old and new, JediShua and shazbazzar head down to the mall, braving frigid temperatures in the high forties to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they most want for Christmas this year. On the way, they bump into the Cereal Connoisseur, Sheldon Norton, Richard and Sarah from Skywalking through Neverland, and even one of Santa’s helpers, Steve Glosson from Geek Out Loud!
The TechnoRetro Dads are helping Mickey, Peter, Mike, and Davy spread the spirit of Christmas to quench the Grinch in the most Humbuggiest Scrooge you can imagine in this year’s magical, musical, madness on a Monday morning. |
Mon, 15 December 2014
Greetings, Programs!
Muppets are always welcome — especially this close to Christmas. JediShua and shazbazzar gather their families around the TV for Jim Henson’s interpretation of Russell Hoban’s children’s book penned in the tradition of Gift of the Magi, Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas. Cherished memories of Christmases continue as the ‘Dads reminisce about their favorite characters and songs from this clever musical featuring animals (both furry and scaly) living in a rural town alongside a river. With definitive “good guys” and “bad guys”, one of the TechnoRetro Dads confesses his dark secret of favoring the Riverbottom Nightmare Band over the friendly, folksy harmonies of the Frogtown Hollow Jubilee Jug Band.
In the NEWS: movie releases coming out this week, TRON: Legacy turns four on Wednesday, Daniel LaRusso turns 46 on Thursday (when shazbazzar turns 42), a holographic Beatle sings of Hope for the Future in a video game, and Star Wars Celebration Anaheim reveals Rebels guests and a premier.
JediShua and shazbazzar continue their discussion of retro toys which are available this season in stores near you. This week: Smurfs, Fisher Price, Polly Pocket, Magna Doodle, Speak and Spell, and Lite Brite. With only ten days until Christmas, pick a #TechnoRetro gift for the younguns in your life.
Start your work week right with 77 minutes of fun with your Ear Buds this Monday morning! |
Mon, 8 December 2014
Greetings, Programs!
After T’day, we unbox the ornaments, set up the tree, unwind coils of lights, and tinsel-up the living room while the wives are away. December is a month for anticipation and expectations, and part of the hype is getting the house all decorated for the month. Join JediShua and shazbazzar as they get the #TechnoRetro tree ready for this year’s excitement.
In the NEWS: Ernest Cline’s award-winning novel, Ready Player One is finally getting a director — we think. Check out the latest list of potential directors and the ‘Dad’s opinions of each one (even if they don’t know them by name).
Theme Park Summer is back — just in time for winter (Edgar Winter?) — as shazbazzar and the shazlings visit Six Flags over Georgia during their “Holiday in the Park” event over Thanksgiving break. Goliath, Georgia Scorcher, and the Monster Mansion are just three of the attractions available this season. PLUS: Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck perform on stage all season long!
JediShua and shazbazzar continue their discussion of retro toys which are available this season in stores near you. This week: Lincoln Logs, Cabbage Patch Kids, Holly Hobbie, and more! |
Mon, 1 December 2014
Greetings, Programs!
…or should we say, “Greetings Starfighter”?
With rumored remakes, remasters, and fan-edited special editions of movies and shows we watched when we were young, the excitement surrounding the release of the new Star Wars teaser trailer last week has everyone trying to make the old things new. (Is it unlikely that J.J. Abrams was referring to just this scenario by giving us 88 seconds of teasers to get our capacitors fluxing by generating 1.21 gigahits on StarWars.com and other websites?)
If you don’t want to hear about the recently released Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer, feel free to stop this episode at the 77 minute mark. But if you want to get some brief reactions to the event that made some sad losses in the world of football a whole lot better, keep listening to the end of yet another extended episode of TechnoRetro Dads -- 88 minutes this week!
In the NEWS: Theme Park awards, an amazing rendition of a scene from the original Battlestar Galactica (with a few words about both series from Captain Apollo, himself, Richard Hatch), Westworld may become a series on HBO just in time for another movie about trouble at a theme park, and Dancing with the Stars plays Super Mario Bros.
Then JediShua uncovers a plot to rerelease some of our favorite Toys in the Attic just in time for the holidays (and shazbazzar gets the great idea of scrubbing the old ones and simply regifting).
Be sure to post your 5-Star reviews of TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and send us your voicemails! We want to know what movies you think need sequels, what Christmas catalogs you marked for “hints” to Santa’s helpers, and what you think about all things #TechnoRetro!
Check out shazbazzar’s new blogs on The Star Wars Report.
Listen to JediShua on Green Justice, Scarlet Velocity, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Case Files. |
Enjoy Stuff: A TechnoRetro Podcast (TechnoRetro Dads)
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