August 16th, 2010
Among the strangest of celebrity dolls lies this expandable spaceman, for no other reason than sharing a name with the original creation. I wonder how Neil feels being immortalized as a corn-syrup-filled sideshow attraction? Anyway, stretch dolls were the bomb-diggity back in the day, whether they made sense or not. It’s sure better than the other Armstrong toy in our collection. On a side note, there’s an urban legend that a Stretch Louis Armstrong exists, but we have yet to see it. This orbital oddity is on loan from the Eastern Florida Space Enthusiasts Club in Cocoa West, FL.
Tags: celebrities, toys
Posted in Meatball | 2 Comments »
August 13th, 2010
If there’s anything that time truly does, it’s that it makes more and more simple words and phrases into sexual innuendos. Here’s a perfect example of an actual, published children’s book whose title went from innocent to indecent for no real reason other than the evolution of American slang over time. The same thing would have happened if it was the story of a dragon who was a carpet layer, and used adhesive carpet that had to licked on the back in order to stick. Ok, that’s a stretch, but you see my point. By the way, if you’re assuming this book is out of print, guess again! They did, however, change the title to “Muffin Dragon”.
Tags: books
Posted in Cat | 1 Comment »
August 11th, 2010
Many celebrities such as Farrah Fawcett and Cher were immortalized as plastic hairstyling busts, so why not 70’s sensation Cheryl “Rainbeaux” Smith? Oh yeah, it’s probably because she starred in softcore adult films. Nonetheless, the profits she might have received from this proposed toy might have given her a chance at better (and longer) life. Let’s all remember her the way she was, and continue to enjoy her films in the spirit they were intended. On loan from a private collector in Craigsville, VA.
Tags: celebrities, movies, toys, tribute
Posted in Meatball | 3 Comments »
August 9th, 2010
Back in the day, most adults thought cartoons were for kids, but this one changed all that. Ralph Bakshi’s film based on Robert Crumb’s irreverent characters was the first animated film to garner an “X” rating. And, while Fritz was bouncing from bed to bed on screen, kids almost had the chance to bounce around on Fritz! Luckily this hopping bouncy toy never made it beyond the prototype stage. This one of a kind piece is part of a private collection housed in Reno, NV.
Tags: just wrong, movies, toys
Posted in Meatball | 1 Comment »
August 6th, 2010
Parachute toys have a history of not making much sense, but this one came so close! If they had only realized that Lloyd Bridges’ character was a diver of the scuba (not sky) variety. At least they didn’t weigh him down with those pesky air tanks. They did, however, forget his hairy chest! I guess that’s hard to reproduce in plastic. This off-chute was discovered at Check’s Drug in Mayo, FL.
Tags: celebrities, television, toys
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August 4th, 2010
Yes, this is real, for I indeed had one myself. While most of us simply enjoyed flipping each other the extra-terrestrial bird with it, it’s obvious now that there were other possibilities unbeknownst to our fragile, innocent minds at the time. Once again, the product approval process fails spectacularly! BTW, this isn’t the first time we’ve reported on a phallic finger.
Tags: just wrong, movies, real, toys
Posted in Cat | 2 Comments »
August 2nd, 2010
Who knew iron filings made good whiskers until this classic toy came along? Both Democrats and Republicans had fun creating unique disguises for President Clinton, some more flattering than the examples on the card I’m sure. They should make one for every president! Wouldn’t you just love to give ol’ Millard Filmore a big pair of mutton chops? This polarized presidential portrait hails from the Souvenir Supershop in Washington, D.C.
Tags: celebrities, toys
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July 30th, 2010
I love old Halloween costumes, and just couldn’t wait until October before posting this piece of vintage horror. Looking for a scary costume? What could be scarier than the Antichrist himself? Mask and all black costume included, but unfortunately no temporary tattoos of the “mark of the beast”. By the way, if you can find the Father Brennan costume from this movie, it can double as a Doctor Who costume! This item was discovered at the St. Winifred Church Benefit Yard Sale in Perry, MO.
Tags: halloween, movies
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July 28th, 2010
Old Key comics had such elaborately painted covers back in the day. This one features The Fabulous Samson, the ever-fashionable defender of a post-apocalyptic world. His pink fur tunic and matching eye patch are obviously striking fear into this soon-to-be-dinner adversary. I can just hear him shouting “Red is the new dead, you beast!” This groundbreaking comic was discovered at the Braddy Book Store in Boston, MA.
Tags: books
Posted in Meatball | 1 Comment »
July 26th, 2010
This vintage wind-up musical television tells the story of Richard Nixon’s “great fall” in lenticular animated style! Infants and toddlers could learn a valuable lesson from this little gem, while little girls could fawn over Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman to their heart’s content. I think they should have made a tape recorder instead, don’t you? Found at the Baxter rummage sale in Sharpsburg, KY.
Tags: celebrities, movies, toys
Posted in Meatball | 2 Comments »
