Enjoy Stuff: A TechnoRetro Podcast

Ray Harryhausen is a household name in every #TechnoRetro home because of his ingenious and innovative approach to movement and practical special effects over four decades of making memorable movies.  From a teenager learning his craft in his parents’ garage to the master who continues to influence filmmakers even today, Ray Harryhausen gave us iconic creatures and dream-like stories that still bring joy (or fear) to our hearts today.  

 

In the NEWS…

Darth Taxus warns Twitter about his growing concerns regarding experimentation in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the scientific community as two “chatbots” begin speaking to each other in a code only the two of them can understand.  This give rise to the question of whether they were doing this for efficiency’s sake or if they were actually planning to conquer their creators and take over the world through Facebook.  In other news, June Foray, sometimes referred to as the female Mel Blanc, passed away last week less than two months before her 100th birthday.  We remember some of her iconic roles as Rocky the Flying Squirrel, Granny of Looney Tunes, and Jokey Smurf.

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…and some people love cereal too much!  When two brothers get in such a heated argument over the cold breakfast staple that one stabs the other, we think their love for cereal has gone too far.  Remember, EarBuds, love people and use utensils for cereal; when you start loving cereal, you may soon use utensils on people.  Taking a tastier tone, Post is bringing back S’mores and Oreos cereals.

 

Aftershocks of 1977

Although Ray Harryhausen started making stop-motion movies as early as the 1930s, his 1977 addition to his catalogue displayed how far he had come in his craft as he continued to create and innovate in the genre.  Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger was the first of Harryhausen’s Sinbad movies that shazbazzar saw and both the ‘Dads have fond memories of this amazing film that clearly demonstrates the differences between George Lucas’s new approach to special effects and the best of the old guard in movies that were released within months of each other.  We’re all thankful for all that Ray Harryhausen accomplished as well as the impact his achievements have made throughout the decades.

 

TechnoRetro Arcade

With another addition to the TechnoRetro Arcade from long-time EarBud and SuperFriend Armando, the ‘Dads remember their time with Gauntlet, an Atari game from 1985 that brought Dungeons & Dragons to the arcade with overwhelming numbers of ghouls, ghosts, and graphics that left kids with pockets emptied of quarters.  With audio advice from a synthesized voice and absence of ongoing theme music, Gauntlet was a game that stood out from the pack with its unique flair, multi-player options, and massive amounts of enemies to destroy.

 

Feedback

Hasan (@RoninBoba) chimes in on his memories of Double Dragon as well as his appreciation for Alan Silvestri’s music.  Matt (GeekyCatholicDad.com) also talks about Silvestri’s work and has high hopes for the Ready Player One score.  John sends a message via Facebook about going to Luke Skywalker Jr. High in Claremont San Diego.  Well, it was actually called Hale Jr. High, but Mark Hamill went there just the same.  Cool!

 

Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, or lend your voice to our discussion about Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Ray Harryhausen, cereal, and Gauntlet or other video games by giving the ‘Dads your feedback on voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com

 

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Direct download: TRDads_05.18.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:00am EDT

Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One trailer is our biggest news from San Diego Comic Con as JediShua and Tony Soehner get into giant mode by eating a selection of #TechnoRetro breakfast food out of mini cereal boxes.  All part of a balanced breakfast on the last Monday of July.

 

In the NEWS…

Everyone expects to see some teasers and trailers at San Diego Comic Con, and this year didn’t disappoint.  JediShua and shazbazzar briefly cover some of the exciting previews of #TechnoRetro goodies revealed last weekend, including: Stranger Things 2, Thor: Ragnarok, Justice League, Blade Runner 2049, and Orville.  PLUS: The Her Universe Fashion Show and video game music care of Video Games Live.

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…even in very tiny boxes.  SuperFriend Tony Soehner joins JediShua in the studio for what turns out to be quite possibly the messiest episode of the podcast to date.  Thankfully, they had a towel.  Discover (through trial and error) the best way to eat mini boxes of cereal on-the-go before breakfast-while-driving is outlawed.

 

Ready Player One 

SuperFriend Tony Soehner joins in the discussion about several big takeaways from the Ready Player One teaser trailer including insights, speculations, and (possibly) spoilers.  March 2018 is coming soon!

 

Aftershocks of 1977

Darth Vader, C-3PO, and R2-D2 left a lasting impression at Grauman Chinese Theater on August 3, 1977 as a trio of fictional characters join movie stars on the sidewalk of fame by placing their feet (and wheels) in cement to be memorialized for forty years and counting!  

 

Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, or lend your voice to our discussion about Ready Player One, cereal, and Aftershocks of 1977 by giving the ‘Dads your feedback on voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com

 

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Direct download: TRDads_05.17.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:30am EDT

Nearly eighteen years ago, our moon was blasted out of orbit by nuclear waste affected by magnetic radiation.  What?  That doesn’t sound familiar to you?  Then perhaps you’ve never heard about Space: 1999, the last production by Gerry and Sylvia Anderson, also known for the classic marionette series, Thunderbirds.  For the moment, at least, it looks like the moon is back from its travels just in time for 99 minutes of 1999 as seen through the imaginative eyes of the mid-1970s. 

 

In the NEWS…

Star Wars was everywhere at D23 last week. From Galaxy’s Edge to The Last Jedi, the package will be complete with a two-day stay at an immersive experience in the Star Wars resort.  Pixar gets its due, too, with Toy Story Land expanding Andy’s toy chest with the Slinky Dog Dash and Alien Swirling Saucers.  But the news we really wanted to hear was the confirmation of TRON: Lightcycle Run coming to Walt Disney World in Florida.  Good news all around!

 

We Love Our Cereal…

…but maybe not in a milkshake.  Burger King has Froot Loops and Lucky Charms milkshakes for a limited time, and the ‘Dads gave them a stir and a sip.  And the first round will be the last for Shua, shaz, and the shazlings.  Maybe some other concoction will titillate the tastebuds for cereal lovers in the future.  For now, we’re content with a bowl, a spoon, milk, and cereal.

 

Space: 1999

Concept Artist, Art Director, and SuperFriend Paul Bateman is back to chat about Space: 1999, a British television series that lasted a brief two seasons from 1975 to 1977.  From big budget beginnings and a great premise to a choppy second season resembling an homage to Star Trek, Space: 1999 is nevertheless an iconic must-see with its curious creatures and classic crafts, the Eagles.  Now playing on Hulu.

Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, or lend your voice to our discussion about Space: 1999, Ready Player One, and San Diego Comic Con by giving the ‘Dads your feedback on voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com

 

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Direct download: TRDads_05.16.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 4:51am EDT

After a hectic week with parents, puppets, parables, and parties, shazbazzar and JediShua are finally able to make some music with their microphones (well, not exactly music, but the ‘Dads are talking about music).  From film scores to music rights returning to their writers, the deliciously dulcet tones of tunes classic and classical are up for discussion on this (late) episode of TechnoRetro Dads.

 

In the NEWS…

Ready Player One is making headlines with the unveiling of the logo, a promotional shot with some Easter Eggs, and the announcement of Alan Silvestri being tapped to score the upcoming Steven Spielberg movie based on Ernest Cline’s bestselling novel.  SuperSir Paul McCartney wins the rights to music he wrote half a century ago.  Walt Disney World is again in the rumor mill with anticipation about a TRON ride announcement.  And Ron Howard teases Twitter with clothes from Wesley Crusher’s closet, or do they belong to Lando?  We really don’t know.

 

TechnoRetro Arcade

Thirty years ago, Technos released Double Dragon, a scrolling street fighting game featuring the Lee brothers on an adventure to save a damsel in distress.  But you’d better have a pocketful of quarters if you want to see the final screen of this game, because it was designed to keep the action going as long as the coins keep flowing.  Ahhh, the joys of ‘80s arcades.

 

Let’s Go to the Movies

With the recent announcement of Alan Silvestri being tapped to compose the soundtrack for Ready Player One, shazbazzar and JediShua revisit his portfolio of film and TV scores of the past 45 years.  Although Silvestri is often remembered for the Back to the Future soundtrack, his accomplishments include The Avengers, Captain America, Forrest Gump, The Polar Express, and Romancing the Stone.  When considering his work on classic TV shows like Starsky and Hutch, CHiPs, and Manimal, his involvement in this #TechnoRetro blend of the 2030s with the ‘70s and ‘80s make him the obvious choice to score this highly anticipated movie.

 

Feedback

The EarBuds share their thoughts as Jeremy the Spider-Pan from The Neverland Podcast shames shazbazzar for his comments about The Rescuers before Matt redeems shaz with kudos on his parodies, and Mark plays a few games at his local retro arcade.

 

Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, or lend your voice to our discussion about Double Dragon, Ready Player One, Alan Silvestri, and Burger King’s cereal shakes by giving the ‘Dads your feedback on voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com

 

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Direct download: TRDads_05.15.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 12:06pm EDT

Greetings, Programs!  

 

Sandwiched between the 35th anniversary of TRON and JediShua’s birthday is this campy 77 minutes of TechnoRetro fun complete with ‘Dad jokes, cereal chatter, news, and your feedback.  Buckle up your safety restraints, EarBuds — we’re about to hit 88MPH for some fun in the past, present, and future!

 

In the NEWS…

Close Encounters of the Third Kind is coming back to theaters right before it’s 40th anniversary.  Check your local theaters for listings this September.  TRON: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski is biding his time waiting for Disney to re-green-light TR3N by directing another sequel to an ‘80s classic — Chick Flick Disguised as Action Movie 2 (otherwise known as Top Gun 2) with 1Direction…or not.  Kevin Bacon comes back to make a Tremors TV show.  Retro Arcades continue to intrigue consumers with a tabletop controller now available for purchase.

 

We Love Our Cereal

BIG NEWS for small cereal: Tiny Toast has been retitled under the “Toast Crunch” genre of cereals with Strawberry Toast Crunch and Blueberry Toast Crunch.  And the ‘Dads review Apple Cinnamon Toast Crunch, too.  What could go wrong with box art like this expanding series of  toast and cereal combinations.

 

TechnoRetro Arcade

After a good, healthy breakfast (with natural apple flavoring), it’s time for a burger… er, uh, it’s BURGER TIME!  JediShua and shazbazzar remember playing this Dig-Dug / Donkey Kong mash-up featuring oversized food that would make Wreck-It-Ralph’s mouth water.

 

Feedback

The EarBuds share their minds with shazbazzar and JediShua on the topics of cereal, carbonated beverages, parenting techniques, and more from Derek Spier, Mike MacDonald, Jeremy the Spider-Pan from The Neverland Podcast, Chris Black from Arvada, and a new EarBud, Nick Valentine.

 

Don’t forget to rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes, share us and with us on social media, or lend your voice to our discussion about local conventions, Burger Time, or anything else by giving the ‘Dads your feedback on voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com

 

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Direct download: TRDads_05.14.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 3:30am EDT

With Willow on the brain and after a fantastic chat with Art Director and Concept Artist Paul Bateman, shAbbeyzzar was frustrated with a less-than-ideal television watching experience. When the DirecTV signal is getting interrupted by the leaves of a Kentucky Coffeetree, what does a TechnoRetro Dad do?  He cuts down the offending trunk supporting the leaves.  What does a wise TechnoRetro Dad do?  He ties off the offending trunk for safety purposes before cutting it down.  What does shazbazzar do?  He crushes his thumb trying to push the trunk away from hitting the house and gets his thumb crushed in the meantime.

 

In the NEWS…

SEGA intends to release all of their console games as mobile apps.  Sonic the Hedgehog and a few other games are already available!  ToeJam and Earl anyone?  Star Wars has been remade using the classic “Read Along” book and various toys and action figures from the past forty years thanks to inventive YouTuber, dyna74.  It’s out of this world!  Guardians of the Galaxy and TRON are both rumored to have rides coming at Epcot Center in O’Lando.  Mississippi State University offers a course in Quidditch for entering Freshmen this fall.  College sure has changed in the past couple of decades. 

 

 

Decoding the Director

Art Director, Concept Artist, and SuperFriend Paul Bateman joins shazbazzar and JediShua to discuss the recent change of directors for the upcoming Star Wars anthology movie about Han Solo.  All three reach the same conclusion: Ron Howard was the right guy to direct Willow, and so he is likely the perfect choice to take over next year’s Han Solo film.  The winding path Paul, shaz, and Shua take over, around, and through Willow (spattered with exceptions and trepidations about the Han Solo movie overall) eventually leads to a more positive outlook on the movie than a certain ‘Dad had when the project was first announced.

 

For more Willow talk, check out the first episode of TechnoRetro Dads from 2013: Was Willow a TechnoRetro Dad?

 

Don’t forget to send JediShua your TechnoRetro artwork for his birthday next week and while you’re thinking about it, lend your voice to our discussion about Willow, Star Wars, Burger Time, or anything else by giving the ‘Dads your feedback on voice mail at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.  Please rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes and Stitcher. 

 

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Direct download: TRDads_05.13.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:30am EDT

Sitting in our favorite position, doing nothing, is what we really do best.  Other people concentrate a lot on doing something, we just concentrate on our rest.  We’re happy with an old guitar in the shade of VW bus.  We don’t bother worries and they don’t bother us.  We’re just sitting in our favorite position — doing nothing — and that’s doing what we really do best!  Perhaps we’re lazy.  Maybe we’ve got “Peoplitis”.  But we’re surely having fun — even in the rain.  So if your day is gray or you’re feeling kind of blue, tune in to 77 minutes of TechnoRetro Dads and at least a part of your day will be brighter.

 

In the NEWS…

Production on Ready Player One is well underway and Sorrento may not be exactly like readers imagined him, according to Ben Mendelsohn (Rogue One).  Mendelsohn caused some stirrings online when he said that his approach to the character is vastly different from the character’s portrayal in Ernest Cline’s novel.  T.J. Miller calls i-R0k a comedic Boba Fett.  If that’s the case, does that mean that Sorrento is Darth Vader (or would that make Krennic choke on his aspirations)?  Star Trek Discovery will premiere on CBS 24 September online as well as on “old-fashioned TV”.

 

TechnoRetro Arcade

JediShua and shazbazzar played Zaxxon at Flashback Games Retro Arcade in Loganville, Georgia about a year ago.  This week we remember playing it then as well as in their youth (while shaz gets distracted with TRON right beside the Zaxxon cabinet). Zaxxon was the first axonometric arcade game and was ported to home consoles relatively quickly for games in those days. Giving players a third-person view from a diagonal point-of-view, the axonometric design provided a basic 3D perspective for gamers.  Controlling a ship on the X, Y, and Z axes was a novelty in 1982 and continues to be an iconic game among video game aficionados.  

 

The Rescuers

Who can forget Bernard, Bianca, and Evinrude?  Evidently, shazbazzar can.  At least he had forgotten that The Rescuers was the first movie he saw on the big screen.  Before seeing Pete’s Dragon in the theater, before seeing Star Wars at the drive-in, shazbazzar and his family went to see The Rescuers in the summer of 1977.  The Rescuers was Don Bluth’s final project with Disney before embarking on his own projects like Secret of NIMH, Space Ace, and Dragon’s LairThe Rescuers went through many iterations for over a decade before finally becoming the movie we all loved back in ’77.  JediShua and shazbazzar reveal some interesting tidbits of information about this movie with a couple of “lost” tunes by Louis Prima that never made it into the film due to a significant change in the plot and the death of Prima.

 

Feedback

We love hearing from EarBuds and especially new EarBuds.  @ObiRothKenobi asks if the ‘Dads had seen The Goldbergs, so shazbazzar begins watching the series.  Our old friend Sheldon gets a wooden spatula for his grill and we wonder whether it catches fire when he uses it.  PLUS: E.T. VoiceMails from Sheldon and Jeremy the Spider-Pan from The Neverland Podcast.

 

Lend your voice to our discussion about The Rescuers, Zaxxon, wood spatulas, monsoon season or anything else on social media or give the ‘Dads your feedback by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.  Please rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes and Stitcher. 

 

Share and enjoy.

 

Direct download: TRDads_05.12.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:30am EDT

Greetings, Programs!  

 

Emerging from the annual tribute to fathers sometimes known as TechnoRetro Dads Day (honestly, it’s a day honoring all fathers, whether they’re #TechnoRetro or not — we just like the sound of it), shazbazzar and JediShua wind up their chargers for a wacky and wild trip through time as they remember “The Bright Knight” in Adam West’s portrayal of Batman in the late ‘60s, take a peek at the new version of Wonder Woman, and wander through their memories (both recent and ancient) of a summer camp favorite: white water rafting.

 

In the NEWS…

Tweet-TBird provides additional information about Battle for the Network Stars and some strangely familiar stars ensure this will be a truly #TechnoRetro contest.  Check it out here!

 

We Love Our Cereal

JediShua embarks on the Oops! All Berries challenge in response to Steve’s tweet about this cereal actually being more of a mixer than a cereal in its own right.  See the videos on our Facebook page.

 

Batman 1966…

We best remember Adam West when he played Batman in the 1960s TV show with Burt Ward.  The straight-laced detective in a bat costume was impeccably portrayed by West in a manner that convinced kids he was serious and entertains adults (who may have seen this show as kids) with his amazing ability to say every line and play every look with a somber comedy that defies every force of nature.  And that’s why we still love Batman and Adam West.

 

Wonder Woman

Whether you’re a fan of Lynda Carter’s portrayal of the heroine from 1941 or not, you’ll likely enjoy Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman — unanimously agreed among the ‘Dads as the best DC film in the current set of movies.  Combine Thor’s mythos and Captain America’s origin story to make a DC movie that nearly rivals Marvel’s incredible success in recent years.  Dads and daughters agree that this movie isn’t a waste of time and money.  Bring your bucket of popcorn — it’s fun!

 

Lend your voice to the discussion on social media or give the ‘Dads your feedback by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.  Please rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes and Stitcher. 

This episode has been brought to you by the letter "W".

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Direct download: TRDads_05.11_.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:30am EDT

Greetings, Programs!

Yesterday marked the 35th anniversary of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial with a little, squishy green guy stranded on earth to wander about a California community with the likes of the Firestarter, Yoda, and Harvey the Clown Dog.  While awaiting the next installment of the Star Wars saga, the 'Dads both checked out this endearing story of a lovable alien botanist who befriended (or possessed) a ten year-old boy who was struggling with his place in a broken home and a macabre school where frogs are killed by JediShua's fifth grade science class.  Halfway through the movie, the short man from the Green Planet raided the TechnoRetro attic for toys to build the ULTIMATE WEAPON a communication device to signal his people to extract him from this crazy world in an oversized Christmas tree ornament propelled by water vapor (evident from the rainbow left behind as it blasted into space).  One 'Dad went head-over-heels for this movie while the other resented its success in dethroning Star Wars (temporarily) in box office receipts.  We'll leave it to the EarBuds to figure out which 'Dad loved it, but it's likely the one whose love for costuming may be linked to a homemade E.T. outfit he wore for Halloween in 1982.

JediShua retrieves his brother's Speak & Spell from the attic since the buttons on his machine not only wore out, but literally fell off the Texas Instruments learning toy that nearly every GenXer played with at some point in the late '70s or early '80s.  

With some tunes, news, and feedback, this episode of TechnoRetro Dads is likely to dredge up some memories of a more innocent time of wonder and magic as we look to the past with one eye on the future.  Share and enjoy the good times as summer camp continues with shazbazzar and JediShua...and Elliott, Gertie, and Mike. 

Direct download: TRDads_05.10.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 1:09am EDT

Are you ready for the summer?  JediShua and shazbazzar are ready for good times, movies, arcade games, cereal, and even a dose of summer camp — if they can stand it.  But in addition to the joys of the smoky atmosphere from leaf-heavy campfires and mosquito-infested swamp-forests, shazbazzar and JediShua are surprised by a big, hairy creature.  Nope, it’s not Bigfoot or Sasquatch or even Skunk Ape, it’s our own Spacey Ace’em, Steve Glosson from the GOLiverse.  So find a place at the fire and get ready for summer fun!

 

In the NEWS…

Battlestar Galactica and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century filming props (specifically ships) will be on the auction block near the end of June.  Rick Moranis comes out of hiding to reprise his role in a MacKenzie Brothers benefit special.  The memorable Battle of the Network Stars from the ‘70s and ‘80s will be returning soon, according to ABC.  More sequels on the horizon as the ‘80s continue to get represented in pop culture with Top Gun and Spaceballs.  Will there be merchandise?  Will there be controversy?  Will there be tickets sold at the box office?  We think so.

 

We Love Our Cereal

After months of anticipation (and boxes of cereal eaten at the ‘Dad’s homes), Cinnamon Pebbles is now up for critical consideration in a cereal segment that might upset some EarBuds.

 

Harry and the Hendersons

Thirty years ago, George Henderson was on his way home after a family camping trip when he accidentally hit an animal with his car.  No, it wasn’t a cat or even a raccoon (Scott Ryfun).  It wasn’t even Steve Glosson, though he came to the studio to talk about one of his favorite creatures on earth — Bigfoot!  On June 7th, 1987, movie-goers were treated to an endearing tale of a family and their pet Sasquatch named “Harry” in Harry and the Hendersons.  Starring John Lithgow, M. Emmet Walsh, Don Ameche, the mom from A Christmas Story, and a really tall Kevin Peter Hall for a classically ‘80s comedy filled with stereotypes, colorful language, and a glimpse into the lifestyles of one of the most mysterious species on the planet.   

 

Aftershocks of 1977

Forty years ago today, Apple Computers began selling the Apple II.  Touted as the first truly personal computer, the Apple II sought to bring users an easy-to-use, effective, and relatively inexpensive computer for home use.  Today, we still feel the aftershocks of the meteoric rise to prominence Apple enjoyed as homes welcomed the Apple II into their living rooms.  Now we have much smaller, more efficient, and less expensive mini-computers in our pockets (phone included).  It kind of makes you wonder what the world would have looked like if Apple had never invented the Apple II.  What if Steve Jobs teamed up with Roddy McDowell to forge ahead with computer technology?  We might all be bananas by now and the planet may have well gone to the apes!

 

Lend your voice to the discussion on social media or give the ‘Dads your feedback by calling our voice mail line at (209) 878-7323 or sending us a message or mp3 via electronic-M to podcast@TechnoRetroDads.com.  Please rate and review TechnoRetro Dads on iTunes and Stitcher. 

Share and enjoy.

Direct download: TRDads_05.09.mp3
Category:TechnoRetro Dads -- posted at: 5:30am EDT