’Tis the season of Star Wars with The Rise of Skywalker, and of course the ‘Dads seen it…once or twice.  Now shazbazzar and JediShua go window shopping and find special last-minute gifts for each other in the spirit of Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (or The Gift of the Magi, if you prefer).

Take 77 minutes of music with you on your last day of work and final shopping trips this weekend with tunes by Buster Poindexter, Kurt Russell, John Kirby, The Monkees, Brian Setzer, Yogi Yorgesson, Danger Danger, Dropkick Murphys, William Shatner, Ray Stevens, The Matinee, Cyndi Lauper, and more.  Experience cartoon voices from The Smurfs, ALF, The Transformers, Pinky and the Brain, G.I.Joe, and Pac-Man.  Finally, plug into the Christmas spirit with Star Wars and video game music.  It’s the sixth edition of UnScrooged — share and enjoy!

Merry Christmas, EarBuds!

Join us for an “uncut” and “raw” episode of TechnoRetro Dads in this Star Wars Scrapbook covering eight movies, several theaters, and a handful of states as we recall our lifetime of involvement with the Skywalker family in the films that have had the biggest impact on our lives.

May the Force Be with you.

If your family’s antics are a bit more for you to deal with for two or more weeks of winter break, you can always ease the tension with a highly competitive board game like Battleship or a nerve-wracking round of Perfection.

Whether Sorry summons your inner sadist to the surface or your masochistic side years for endless hours of Monopoly, we’re all likely to break out the board games over the holidays.  So put your copy of Christmas Vacation in the VCR and gather the family for a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit.

In the NEWS

• Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in concert
• The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance on vinyl
• Star Wars deck of Cards Against Humanity
• Disneyland After Dark goes totally TechnoRetro

We Love Our Cereal…

…and cereal boxes with Star Wars themed T-Shirts from Funko at your local WalMart!

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Celebrate thirty years with the Griswolds at their home in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.  JediShua and shazbazzar recall the Vacation movies, especially Christmas Vacation as the season continues to be holly jolly in spite of Murphy’s Law interrupting this movie for a couple hours of laughs most of your family will enjoy (others will squirm in their seats, become sick, or just walk out of the room).

TechnoRetro EarBuds’ Toy Catalog

Games are on deck as Mattel Electronic Football, Battleship, skateboards, Connect Four, Mousetrap, Barrel of Monkeys, Monopoly, and Risk compete for votes from our EarBuds.  Don’t let your vote go unnoticed.  Be sure to check social media outlets every day and voice your choices in the Toy Catalog brackets this week!

Board Games

JediShua and shazbazzar thumb through EarBuds’ comments about the games they have loved from childhood and today.  Play on!

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Their five-year mission was cut short on television, but a decade later, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. “Bones” McCoy embarked on a brand-new ongoing mission that would take them beyond the limitations of living rooms and into the cinematic universe with Star Trek: The Motion Picture.

TechnoRetro Toy Catalog
The second round of wish book wishing has finished with Earbuds’ pics for creative toys in 2019, but there’s more to come this week as games are in the brackets next.  Be sure to check our social media pages every day for your chance to cast your votes.

Star Wars Aftershocks: Star Trek: The Motion Picture
SuperFriend Jovial Jay (Jedi Journals, Scarlet Velocity, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Case Files) adds valuable insight into the discussion of Star Trek: The Motion Picture as the first (and sometimes maligned) Star Trek movie…er, uh, motion picture… gets its due in this rematch and review.

TechnoRetro Arcade
Star Trek wasn’t just a motion picture, though.  Before the Star Wars vector-based game hit arcade in 1983, Sega’s Star Trek vector-based game showed what was possible in first-person space shooters.  Although the game doesn’t resemble the concept or sounds of Star Trek (on small or silver screens), the music is there, the computer logic-produced synthetic voice is virtually Spock-like, and the game play is a fun and challenging arcade experience — especially the alternate seated version of the cabinet.

Science Lesson
EarBud JediHolmes wonders about Pluto’s planetary status and the Voyager program is discovered to include Pluto’s potential in mankind’s future among the stars.

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

When Mr. Carlson gets his next hair-brained idea for a Thanksgiving promotional for WKRP, someone please remind him of what happened last time.  Especially if he thinks he can use the Omegahedron to create some gobblers to save the world from the evil witch Serena.  Maybe it would be better to stay in and watch Gary Coleman’s appearance on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century on Turkey Day.  It might avoid another Turkeypocalypse.

In the NEWS
Ron Howard and Warwick Davis have a promising future on Disney+ with an upcoming Willow series. 

We Love Our Cereal…
…and the Roving Spoonster gives us more reasons to love coffee with news of Cinnamon Toast Crunch Coffee-Mate.  PLUS: you can enjoy a bowl of Oreos cereal in a new, comfy Oreos onesie (or with a friend in a Double Stuf sweater).

Prime Time on Thanksgiving (1979)
After the football games, you might have enjoyed these prime time programs with your family on Thanksgiving 1979: The Waltons on CBS, Laverne & Shirley on ABC, or enjoy Gary Coleman’s appearance on NBC’s Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.  Can you guess what we were watching?

TechnoRetro Toy Catalog
The first round of wish book wishing has finished with the ultimate action figure for EarBuds in 2019, but there’s more to come this week as creative toys hit the brackets next.  Be sure to check our social media pages every day for your chance to cast your votes.

Let’s Go to the Movies: Supergirl
SuperFriend Steve Glosson (The Big Honkin’ Show, Geek Out Loud, Disney Vault Talk, and Forceology) brings his depth of superhero (superheroine) knowledge to TechnoRetro Dads.  Now that Supergirl has earned her own ongoing television series, it’s a good time to look back at her big screen appearance thirty-five years ago this month.

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Perhaps you remember seeing Chewbacca’s family on your TV that fateful night in November of 1978, but it’s highly unlikely that you knew about the sequel to The Star Wars Holiday Special before today.  We have rediscovered the promo for The Star Wars Holiday Special Strikes Back and think we know why the program was shelved before its release.  Tune in for a bonus-sized, early release of TechnoRetro Dads on the 41st anniversary of The Star Wars Holiday Special.

In the NEWS

Hey, hey, the Monkees (well, half of the Monkees) are going on tour again this April.  

We Love Our Cereal…

…and Twinkies, too!  Beware of speeding to the store to find Post Hostess Twinkies cereal, though.  The police are watching for people who eat cereal and drive — they may be impaired.

TechnoRetro Toy Catalogue 

The brackets begin this week as we scour the pages of our old toy catalogues for the action figures we want most for Christmas this year.  Be sure to watch our social media pages every day this week to vote for the toys you want Santa to put under your tree this year — or last year — or in 1984…

The Star Wars Holiday Special (Strikes Back)

On November 17, 1978 at 8:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, lucky kids across the nation were treated to two hours of indistinct chatter (and growls) from Wookiees, threats from Imperials, music, magic, and mania that was The Star Wars Holiday Special.  And for the past six years, shazbazzar and JediShua have been celebrating Life Day this time every year in honor of the television special we thought we would never see again.  But this year we have rediscovered the nearly unknown sequel, The Star Wars Holiday Special Strikes Back.  Thankfully, we have the promo for the unaired special on cassette tape, so strap in for excitement and entertainment from a galaxy far, far away with Yoda and the Wookiees as we play the tape for you this week!

The Mandalorian

Chris Luby, cohost of The Geek State Podcast, joins the ‘Dads for an extended discussion of the first chapter of The Mandalorian and speculation about future chapters and seasons of this instant hit series on Disney+.

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Take a walk in a field of clever with shazbazzar and JediShua this Veterans’ Day as TechnoRetro Dads eat cereal, a magic dragon eats homework, and everyone peruses the menu of Disney+ to see what’s for breakfast, lunch, and dinner tomorrow.

We Love Our Cereal…

…and the Roving Spoonster continues to share the love:

• Google brings back prizes in boxes of cereal?
• Hershey Kisses cereal doesn’t look appetizing
• Shelf Elves get sugar cookie cereal

Puff the Magic Dragon in the Land of the Living Lies

He’s your big, green buddy who teaches life-lessons in television specials featuring sing-a-long songs, imaginative animation, and Mickey from Rocky.  Puff the Magic Dragon in the Land of the Living Lies is the sequel that aired one year after The Star Wars Holiday Special.  The second of three Puff the Magic Dragon TV specials featured Sandy who had a penchant for telling whoppers to get attention and/or get out of trouble, so Puff the Magic Dragon selflessly sacrificed himself to teach her the sad truth about lying.

The Wonderful World of Disney+

JediShua and shazbazzar talk about the movies and programs they’re looking forward to watching on the new Disney+ service that kicks off tomorrow.

Star Wars Scrapbook

The Rise of Skywalker discussion continues with the scene of C-3PO with his “friends” that was seen in the final trailer for the final film in the Skywalker saga.  The Elton John soundtrack is not included in this episode.

Feedback

Discord goes to the dogs with feedback from Joey, Laffy, and others on the RetroZap Discord TechnoRetro Dads channel.

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Open up a bottle of LaCro IX or StCro IX and kick back with the TechnoRetro Dads and other EarBuds as we speculate about Star Wars and reminisce about celebrity dogs in movies and on television.

In the NEWS:

• Reno Pop Culture Con
• Disney+ for Verizon customers
• The Mandalorean posters

Saturday Mornings Go to the Dogs

From cartoon canines like Astro, Clifford, Dino, Droopy, Mr. Peabody, Pluto, and Scooby Doo to movie mutts like Benji, Beethoven, Cujo, K-9, Hooch, Otis, and The Shaggy D.A., Saturdays have often “gone to the dogs”.  Tune in to see which barkers you remember from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and beyond.

Star Wars Scrapbook

The Rise of Skywalker is just weeks away, and we’re hyped with more discussion from the final trailer for the movie.  JediShua and shazbazzar talk about the voice-overs and speculate about what each of them might mean as the Star Wars Skywalker saga ends with Episode IX.  TEASER: JediShua is drinking LaCroIX.  

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

It’s the last Monday before Halloween, the National Peanut Festival, November, and the return to standard time.  Oh, yeah, and the first Monday after the last trailer for a Skywalker saga Star Wars movie.  Yep.  There’s lots to talk about today.  PLUS: jokes from our friends and fellow RetroZap celebrities.

In the NEWS:

Emmett Otter’s Jug Band Christmas is being rewritten, rescored, and remade…maybe.

We Want Candy!

Get out your plastic pumpkins and pillow cases; trick-or-treat is almost here!  We remember some of our favorite sugary treats from Halloweens past as we scrounge around in our closet floors and find remnants of forty-or-so years gone by.  This year’s top treats are also in the mix.

Creative Costumes

EarBuds and SuperFriends share memories of trick-or-treating in costumes from boxes, costumes made of boxes, and costumes created by moms, dads, and kids and kids-at-heart.

Star Wars Scrapbook

With the final trailer of the Skywalker saga available for viewing, rewinding, and viewing again and again (slow-motion and pause enabled), shazbazzar and JediShua start speculating in earnest based on what little has been shown so far.  Let the hype begin!

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Go online for more TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, RetroZap.com, or TechnoRetroDads.libsyn.com.  Pick up your TechnoRetro Dads merchandise at TeePublic.  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, get TechnoRetro merchandise at TeePublic, and join discussions on Discord about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s by giving the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us your mp3dback via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Halloween is coming soon and robots on screen can be the most terrifying creatures ever invented.  The sights and sounds of robots in movies, TV shows, and video games can get your heart beating faster while sitting absolutely still (which you want to do if they haven’t seen you, yet).

We Love Our Cereal…

…and so do Michael Nipp, Ron Lafontaine, and the Roving Spoonster.

• Froot Loops Pop Tarts
• Saturday Morning Cartoon Cavalcade and Cereal Extravaganza
• Funko Pops cereals
• Star Wars cereal returns

Space Camp

JediShua enjoyed his journey to Mars after a day’s training to be an astronaut in Huntsville, Alabama.  From learning more about the history of the space program and NASA to hands-on experience, Space Camp was well worth the money spent on this thoughtful gift.

But Space Camp isn’t just a weekend adventure; it’s a campy movie from 1986!  The ‘Dads talk about the movie that likely suffered from the Challenger tragedy that struck just a few months before its release — it’s plot, odd geography, and big name actors in this oft-forgotten flick.

Scary Robots

From theaters to living rooms to arcades, robots can be scary.  Remember these films, shows, and games? 

• Terminator
• Lost in Space
• Alien
• Blade Runner
• Logan’s Run
• The Black Hole
• Westworld
• Superman 3
• Ex Machina
• Avengers: Age of Ultron
• Small Wonder
• The Six Million Dollar Man
• Battlestar Galactica
• Robotron 2084
• Berzerk
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Thanks for tuning in to TechnoRetro Dads, EarBuds!  Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes.  Then share with others on social media, and join us on Discord for discussions about toys, cereal, games, movies and/or shows from the ‘70s and ‘80s.  While you’re at it, give the ‘Dads your feedback via voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.

Share and enjoy.