Today marks the 117th anniversary of the birth of Myrna Loy. If you don't know Myrna Loy, I am happy to help you fix that. She's the absolute best.
Film. Comics. Sci-Fi. Superheroes. Pulp. Noir. History. Superman. 20th Century Archaeology.
Tuesday, August 2, 2022
Sunday, July 31, 2022
John Aielli Merges With the Infinite
If you ever lived in Austin, Texas, there's a strong chance you had stumbled across John Aielli's radio program, Eklektikos, on KUT - the public radio station operated out of the University of Texas.
Aielli was famous for any number of idiosyncratic behaviors, and I swear to god, his show ran for what must have been 6-9 hours every day, Monday through Friday, for decades. Aielli seemed utterly disconnected from how the world worked both inside and outside his studio, breaking into the middle of songs to make a comment. Sometimes he'd stop a song and play a part over that he liked, or just take it off if he found it irritating. He made comments that were so random, he became internet famous when KUT launched @ShitJohnAiellieSays.
Nichelle Nichols Crosses Over to the Final Frontier
Actor and performer Nichelle Nichols, best known for her role as Lt. Uhura on the original Star Trek television series - and who appeared in the original films - has passed.
Nichols remained active in the fan community and planned a retirement tour for 2020, which was cut short by COVID. But she loved her fans back, embracing what the show and her character meant to folks.
For many of us, Nichols helped promote the idea of diversity in mainstream media, appearing alongside a cast that was intended to represent a better Earth, one which had made great strides toward valuing all types of people and knew how to work together. In many ways, Nichols was a pioneer of television - a medium which had minimal presentation of people of different races working alongside each other in the mid-60's. And, of course, the famous kiss with Shatner. And you can read for yourself how Dr. King convinced her to stay on the show.
All of this was something I was somewhat unaware of as an 11-year-old with a crush on the communications officer on my space show whilst watching reruns at 5:00 PM everyday in the mid-1980's. But finding all of this out over the years gave me perspective I know I never would have had, otherwise. It's one thing to like Uhura, and I did and I do, but another to understand what Nichols did as a person and pioneer.
I was aware that Nichols was not well for some time, and I will truly miss knowing she was out there. But I think we can all be grateful we got to share some time on this space sphere with her, if just for a bit.
PodCast 207: "Elektra" (2005) - Part 1 - A Superheroes Every Day episode w/ Danny and Ryan
Format: Amazon
Viewing: First
Decade: 2000's
Director: Rob Bowman
Join Danny and Ryan for Part 1 of 2 as we go way, wayyyy too long discussing the 2005 sorta-super movie about a girl, her little swords, and a regrettable career choice. We'll dig for movie treasure as we take you on a conspicuous road trip and watch our problems disappear into a puff of green smoke.
SoundCloud
YouTube
Music:
Never There (She Stabs) - Strata
(I don't usually editorialize here, but this is the worst soundtrack I've had to choose from in 207 episodes. Absolute garbage music.)
Marvel Madness Playlist
Saturday, July 30, 2022
Happy 75th Birthday, Arnold Schwarzenegger
Today marks the 75th birthday of Arnold Schwarzenegger - champion of physical culture, movie star, politician, and guy who lets hoofed animals into his house. He's kind of everyone's weird uncle, and I respect that.
It's no secret that Arnie is one of my childhood favorite movie stars, and someone whose work I followed well into adulthood. These days he's keeping busy with any number of acting gigs, promoting physical wellness and being an okay guy. His occasional newsletter is always a boot in my ass to get out there and get my heart rate up, and his pointed messages to his fans about not being a heel are truly inspiring.
I understand Arnie is a complex guy and has a checkered history. So say we all. But I also think he's using this chapter in his life to be the best version of himself, and I think that's worth acknowledging, too.
Here's to Arnie! May he curl some slices of cake today.
Here's some discussion of Schwarzenegger films we've covered on the PodCast!
Amazon Watch Party Watch: War of the Worlds (1953)
Watched: 07/29/2022
Format: Amazon Watch Party
Viewing: Unknown
Director: Byron Haskin
It's tough to beat this sci-fi classic. And I write about it pretty often. So I'll be brief.
Here. Here. Here. and Here. And part of why we even have a "mars" category here at The Signal Watch.
I own a model of the Martian craft and of a Martian. This movie is absolutely my jam.
Anyway, you can read prior posts about that, but it was indeed a lot of fun to watch the movie with other people, some of whom had seen it, and some not. It's a high water mark of science fiction film for a reason, and I expect that won't diminish for some time.
Even Spielberg seemed to only bounce up against this version with his 2005 version of the story. But I think there's room for all the interpretations. And all the movies (see: Independence Day) that riff on it or rip it off.
Anyway, it disappears from Amazon Prime Monday, so you have like a day or two to watch it for "free".
Thursday, July 28, 2022
Friday Watch Party: War of the Worlds (1953)
I just noticed that (a) the 1953 sci-fi classic War of the Worlds is on Amazon Prime and (b) it is leaving this weekend.
Look - this movie hit me like a ton of bricks when I watched it in middle school for the first time. I was genuinely scared watching the movie - shit gets bleak - and couldn't look away. It's an astonishingly gorgeous film even as lasers are turning people to ash and scorch marks.
But, sure, dial in and have a good time! I've seen this thing a dozen times, and it can take whatever slings and arrows we chuck its way.
Anyway, join us for some space invaders bringing their A Game and dumb ol' humans getting turned into vapor.
Day: Friday - 07/29/2022
Time: 8:30 PM Central
Service: Amazon Prime
Cost: $0
Happy Birthday, Elizabeth Berkley Lauren
Well, well. Someone else has a birthday today for us to celebrate.
Y'all put on a second party hat for my high school TV crush and prime reason I watched the all-new Saved By the Bell (which everyone but me slept on, I think, but it was waaaay better than I expected), Ms. Elizabeth Berkley Lauren, seen above - reminding you she has a very nice black coat.
Here's hoping Ms. Berkley Lauren is having a smashing birthday.
And I hope someone watched that new Saved By the Bell to see she's developed her comedy chops since the 90's and would fit well in many a new show or movie.
Happy Birthday, Hannah Waddingham
Today marks the birthday of Emmy award winning actor, singer, performer, and all-around good idea, Hannah Waddingham. Here's hoping she has a great one.
Tuesday, July 26, 2022
PodCast 206: "Smallville - Part 2 of 2" - Jamie and Ryan Talk Super Television
Format: Smallville currently streaming on Hulu
Jamie and Ryan put in another hour talking about ten seasons of watching Clark Kent go from a teen saddled with alien powers and a tendency to deceive everyone to an adult who does the same. Join us as we consider the super-task of putting out 220+ episodes of TV, finally getting to where you were planning to go and then tripping over your own feet at the last second with a lead who just seems like he never quite figured out why people were watching.
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Music:
Save Me - Remy Zero
Breathe Again - Sara Bareilles
DC TV and Movies
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