Reviewing My Reviews

Guess what? It's my 10th anniversary on blogger!!!

And since I've been talking about reviving a review feature, I thought it would be apropos to review the eclectic collection of reviews I've written over the past 10 years.

I will be critiquing my own previous writings in three areas. Information, Entertainment & General Interest. For the most part, these are all blog posts that have had little to no attention on my blog, so links to the original posts will be provided. And no; I don't for a minute expect anyone to click and read all the links. However, I do hope each reader will find at least one link that interests them enough to check out and leave a thought. Maybe you want to read the review I rated the highest? Or the one I gave the lowest score to. Perhaps you'd like to see how well I reviewed music CD's or check out an odd 'talk show' type entry I made which included a review. Whatever your reason, perhaps you will look into at least one. I'd consider it a 10th anniversary present.


After each review, I have assigned a "Rant Rating". The lower the score, the more I should rant about how awful the review actually was. And now, without further ado...
Did I say this was an eclectic collection? Hoo Boy!

TV: Commercial Review
Superb Owl 50 Review
02/08/16 R.a.n.t. of month February, 2016
This was more a collection of funny TV commercials featured in the popular televised game, and less an actual review of each commercial. Still, this post featured the one and only appearance of Horace the official Jeffrey Scott blog mascot. Perhaps I should bring him back at some point.
Information: 2/10 (None provided by myself personally).
Entertainment: 4/10 (The Superb Owl joke never gets old).
General Interest: 4/10 (Most of the ads are still relevant today).
Rant Rating - 33%

Super Bowl 48 Review
02/02/14 R.a.n.t. of week 02/02/14
My first collection of choice commercials. Personally, I found these more entertaining than the ones from the Superb Owl 50 review. However, I still didn't really 'review' them per se. I did however give a quick cynical recap of the game, but not much more.
Information: 4/10 (A higher rating since I DID recap the game).
Entertainment: 4/10 (Nothing unique was really added beyond the ads).
General Interest: 5/10 (Slightly higher since I added the game scores).
Rant Rating - 43%

Order Now, Operators Are Standing By
05/18/08  After being told I should watch commercials, I decided to review a block of them. You know, just to see what I was missing. Turns out, I wasn't missing a lot. The article was written rather tongue in cheek, though did try to be honest.
Information: 6/10 (Went into detail describing each commercial).
Entertainment: 2/10 (Think watching commercials is boring)?
General Interest: 6/10 (I think almost everyone hates commercials. So we should all relate).
Rant Rating - 46%

TV: Program Review
The Coffee Klatch - Episode I
02/04/11 - I had an interesting idea for a new blog feature in 2011. A sort of "talk-show" blog post. My hopes was to have interviews, reviews, music, cartoons and general sort of chit chat. In my debut (of only two episodes) I review a few of my favourite TV shows for the week.I've often considered retooling this idea and bringing it back.
Information: 5/10 (I give information about myself and a few shows I watch).
Entertaiment: 6/10 (A cartoon is provided, a music video and a self interview).
General Interest: 5/10 (Not everyone is into what I'm into. Still, I tried).
Rant Rating - 53%

Music: CD Review
CD Review: Thisbe Vos - "Shophistication"
03/27/12 I discovered Thisbe Vos and promptly wrote a review of her (then) new CD. I think my writing style had vastly improved by the time I wrote this. I review more of the songs on a personal level and keep the additional information abridged.
Information: 7/10 (Information about the CD is great, but I don't have links to her social media).
Entertainment: 8/10 (I personally think it's one of my most well written reviews).
General Interest: 7/10 (If you like jazz of any sort, you should like this.
Rant Rating - 73%

CD Review: Jessy J - "Hot Sauce"
02/16/12 Not to be confused with Jessie J, this CD review was an interesting read. Lots of person opinions about the CD, but then again who wouldn't in a review? I highlight my track favourites and give much information on where to find Jessy J, and who have contributed to the album.
Information: 8/10 (Lots of contributing artist information).
Entertainment: 7/10 (If you like jazz CD reviews, I think you'll like this one).
General Interest: 7/10 (A versatile CD and a versatile review).
Rant Rating - 73%

CD Review: Martha Berner - "Fools Fantasy"
01/22/12 Once upon a time a local radio DJ appreciated my photography enough to invite me to a live recording she was doing for a local cable access program. After the photo shoot and interview was completed, I received a free demo of the CD. So I decided to review it. Upon rereading the review, I was impressed with how well I tried to give the flavour of the CD to all my readers. I also included a few of the photos I took during the photo shoot. I was very proud of this review.
Information: 9/10 (Links to all her social media were included. Along with some background and a link to the photo shoot I did).
Entertainment: 8/10 (An endearing description of the music, if a bit long winded).
General Interest: 8/10 (I think this is a CD everyone can find at least one song to their liking).
Rant Rating - 83%

CD Review: Diana Krall - "Steppin Out"
12/16/11 A year after my first music review, I decided I needed to review the first album from my favourite jazz artist. Is my review somewhat biased? Perhaps, but I highlight the songs, give credit to the songs inspirations and original artists. Still no numeric rating system, though I do describe which I like, and which I feel others may enjoy.
Information: 10/10 (I also give credit to those who perform with her).
Entertainment: 9/10 (The honest review and photos make it worth reading).
General Interest: 8/10 (Not everyone enjoys jazz. But give it a try).
Rant Rating - 90%

CD Revew: Fuse - Debut Album
06/23/10 I consider this my first proper music review. Though I don't give a numerical rating, I do, however, rave about the artists and the music.
Information: 9/10 (Most people, I think, are unfamiliar with all the info provided).
Entertainment: 7/10 (For an older post, I think it's very well written).
General Interest: 6/10 (Who doesn't like music)?
Rant Rating - 73%

Music: DVD Review
Bond Live at the Royal Albert Hall
05/28/11 This quartet is my favourite electric string group. So, I had a lot of fun re-watching and writing about this DVD. Not only do I let everyone know exactly what I love about the DVD, I try to be fair and give some critical thoughts as well. Certainly a well-rounded review.
Information: 7/10 (Once again identify group members, but leave no social media links).
Entertainment: 8/10 (I think it's entertaining to read both positive and negative points).
General Interest: 7/10 (Concert DVD's are not for everyone, but I think you would like it).
Rant Rating - 73%

Gaming: Online Game Review
The Coffee Klatch - Episode 2
12/11/11 This review was on the second episode of a failed 'blog talk show' format I tried to use. Ignoring the rest of the post, you'll find a short couple of paragraphs of a recent game I was playing on my Playstation 3. A nice short review, if you are into this kind of thing.
Information: 3/10 (Basic general information).
Entertainment: 4/10 (Describe how I best like to play the game).
General Interest: 3/10 (I think most people will not be interested).
Rant Rating - 33%

Pictures: Funny Picture
Elephantiasis of the Mouth
06/02/08 I called this entry a review, though really it's a fake story based on a funny picture. The story is thankfully, very short. All data has been faked, but that shouldn't surprise you considering it's a fake story.
Information: 1/10 (Hard to say anything is informative if it's make believe).
Entertainment: 5/10 (There is a 50/50 chance you may find this funny).
General Interest: 2/10 (Possibly funny, possibly offensive if someone suffers from elephantiases).
Rant Raiting - 26%

The Beer Store
05/13/08 The first of (mercifully) only two picture reviews. Perhaps something more could be done with a fake picture review, though I'm not exactly sure what.
Information: 1/10 (Make fictitious places and people).
Entertainment: 4/10 (There is a 50/50 chance you may find this offensive).
General Interest: 1/10 (Not that funny and the photo is not very clear).
Rant Rating - 20%

Locations: Super Markets
Metro Market
05/22/08 I wrote a lot of weird stuff when I first started blogging. Case in point, my review of a local grocery store. Like most of my early blog posts, it was fairly brief.
Information: 2/10 (I didn't really describe much about the store).
Entertainment: 1/10 (I can't see how anyone would have found this entertaining).
General Interest: 2/10 (If you are local, you might be interested. If not, probably not).
Rant Rating - 16%

Locations: Restaurants
Highland Park Pies and Café
05/16/08 This was the first serious review that started it all. I tried to be informative and brief. I also strived to give readers a small demonstration of what it was like through my description and included photo.
Information: 6/10
Entertainment: 4/10 (If you like restaurant reviews, this might work for you).
General Interest: 5/10 (I think most people like to check out places others have reviewed. Whether they plan to visit it or not).
Rant Rating - 50%

Battle of the Bands Results - Battle of the Network Stars

We once again interrupt your regularly scheduled Battle of the Bands feature so we may bring you this special presentation.

Gabe Kaplan, Telly Savalas, Robert Conrad, William Shatner, Tom Wopat, Joe Piscopo, John Davidson, Charlene Tilton, Tina Yothers, Bruce Willis, Lynda Carter & Lisa Whelchel. Just a few of the celebrity names you'll find in the Battle of the Network Stars. Which of their shows are your favourite? Who cares? We want to find out which network can out-perform the other network. And with the help of these celebrities we aim to find out.

If you remember from last time, one celebrity from each network offered a song for our entertainment and scrutiny. So which network won out in this battle? Let's check out the scores and see which network came out on top.

In our first heat, we see a real performance by all three networks. CBS (Lynda Carter) took the initial lead with NBC (Lisa Whelchel) right behind. ABC (Bruce Willis) was not to be left out and though starting behind the other two networks, they held their own.
CBS - Alex & eViL pOp TaRt
NBC - John Holton
ABC - Mary & Stephen

Was ABC toying with the other networks? It seems so, because in the second heat ABC took the lead away from CBS. NBC was having problems and likely stumbled on the track.
ABC - Michele, Cathy & mike
CBS - birgit

Perhaps ABC could have gone all the way from there. But it's likely Bruce was a bit too cocky. What suddenly seemed like he might actually leave everyone in the dust, Lynda showed she was not out of the competition just yet. The third heat proved this as she pushed on, endeavouring to overtake ABC. But could ABC do it?
CBS - Janie & Arlee
ABC - Shady & Debbie

The fourth round proved what great competitors all three individuals are. Despite tripping and falling, Lisa from NBC picked herself up, dusted herself off and began to run once again. Unfortunately, it was Lynda who faltered this time which allowed Bruce of team ABC to run away with the competition.
ABC - Stephanie, Crystal & diedre
NBC - Chrys



Winners - ABC
With a final score of 10-5-2
Congratulations to ABC


Top Comments
Alex J. Cavanaugh - I remember watching Battle of the Network Stars back in the day.
Lynda Carter can really sing. Would almost give it to my boy Bruce, but Lynda's voice was beautiful.

John Holton - Great idea for a BotB! Lynda Carter is just beautiful, and, as this cut proves, has a magnificent voice. Lisa Whelchel surprised me; I liked her song, kind of like what you'd hear on a "smooth jazz" station… Bruce Willis is a smartass, and the first time I heard of "Bruno," I just rolled my eyes. "Great, another Blues Brothers takeoff"... but the guy can bring it, and he's not a bad harp player.

Mary Burris - Oh Jeffrey..... such a great idea for a battle! I enjoyed listening to Lynda Carter, and was even a bit surprised at Lisa Welchel. I already knew that Bruce Willis could sing.

Stephen T. McCarthy - Cool idea for BOTB, JEFFY! If this were just about "vocal quality", I'd give Lynda my vote. But I'm taking EVERYTHING into consideration, including how much I like each song. And therefore, ABC (also known as "Bruce Willis") gets my vote. Back in the day, I even owned that Bruce Willis album. It was pretty good, actually. And, yeah, Bruce can really play that harp!

Michele Truhlik - Wow, was this ever a fun battle! Very creative Jeffrey. I love it! I didn't know that Lynda Carter and Lisa Whelchel could sing. I knew about Bruce Willis' band but never really paid attention to any of his music. I'm giving my vote to ABC/Bruce because that song was so much fun. The music was great and the harmonica fantastic!

Birgit - This was an excellent battle of the Network Stars and, yes, I watched it faithfully. I am surprising myself here but I am giving it to Lynda Carter. Her voice is actually the best of the 3. Lisa made my teeth hurt and Bruce...I don't know...I like the blues but I was waiting for him to say to some die hard quotes and the song didn't sound that great in his hands.

Janie Junebug - I vaguely remember when these "battles" were on, but I don't think I ever watched one. Lisa Whelchel's singing ranks even lower than her acting. Bruce Willis made strange noises, kind of like one hears in a zoo around the chimps. I guess I vote for Lynda, although her voice is thinner than she is or was.

Arlee Bird - Bruce Willis was annoying, the NBC contestant was kind of weak, while Lynda Carter had kind of a Karen Carpenter vibe. Give my vote to CBS.

Shady Del Knight - Now I know why they called her Wonder Woman. It's a wonder they let her anywhere near a recording studio.

Debbie D. - That was fun and I remember the show. ☺ Going with Bruce Willis by a mile. Good thing those ladies kept their day jobs.

Stephanie Faris - Bruce Willis, all the way!!! Lynda and Lisa...yikes. Who told them they could sing? They didn't have autotune back then, I guess!

Chrys Fey - 3 contenders and all from a different networks? Oh this is good! I didn't know Bruce Willis could sing. It's upbeat but too much for me. I agree with Arlee that he was annoying in his song. Lynda didn't sound too great once the song's beat picked up, so I'm giving my vote to Lisa.

diedre Knight - Ha! This was so clever :-) Who knew Wonder Woman could also sing? My vote goes to ABC (just this once) as I watched Moonlighting as a kid and Bruce just seemed to fit the mood of Jackpot.



Bonus Video - The Dunk Tank




Please note: My next battle will be August 1st.
Additional: In the winning video above, you may notice Lynda Carter playing for team ABC. That's because the first year Wonder Woman was on the air, it was on ABC. Beginning with the second season, it was on CBS.

Once again, thanks to everyone who stopped by and placed a vote.
Come back again August 1st for another exciting battle.
Who will you vote for?
What song will I choose?
Which artists will battle it out?
Stay tuned.

Don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see who won their battles.

FAR AWAY SERIES (We miss your battles!)
STMcC PRESENTS 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
TOSSING IT OUT
JANIE JUNEBUG RIGHTING AND EDITING
YOUR DAILY DOSE
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
QUIET LAUGHTER
BE_REINVINTAGED
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
eViL pOp TaRt
HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS

Are you currently in the BOTB and don't see your name in the list above? Let me know in comments and I'll include it.

Battle of the Bands - Battle of the Network Stars

Our regularly scheduled Battle of the Bands has been pre-empted tonight so that we may bring you this special presentation.

* * * * * * * * * *

Good evening. I'm Howard Cosell.
Tonight we are continuing the battle between the network stars. I'm here with Gabe Kaplan, captain of team ABC.
Gabe. How have you enjoyed the battles,
so far?

Well Howard, we've been having some great weather and my team has been winning a lot of challenges. So I would have to say, I'm having a great time.

Now I understand Gabe, we are in for something special tonight. Would you care to explain, exactly what it is, we are about, to see.

Tonight we have decided to do something a little different. We have tried track and field, swimming, diving, even a tug-of-war. But we have never tried to see which network has the best voice.

Are we talking singing here? And do you truly believe this activity belongs in a sporting event?

Why not? Athletes have to train their bodies to compete in whatever event they perform. It's true of a singers too. I think we will see how this goes. If it works, it works. If it doesn't work, It was Telly Savalas' idea.

Well, I wish you the best of luck in this event. As do I all the networks. 
Remember, The ultimate victory in competition is derived from the inner satisfaction of knowing that you have done your best and that you have gotten the most out of what you had to give.
And with that. Let's let this competition, begin.

All three networks have provided a singer. It will be up to you, the audience, to decide who has the best vocal skills, needed to win.
Team CBS - Lynda Carter will perform 'the Last Song'
For NBC - Lisa Welchel has 'All Because of You'
Finally, Team ABC - Bruce Willis will be singing 'Jackpot'.

Lynda Carter (Diana Prince)

Wonder Woman - 1975-1979

Lisa Welchel (Blair Warner)

The Facts of Life 1979-1988

Bruce Willis (David Addison)

Moonlighting - 1985-1989

Those are the three contenders. Who do you feel deserves the win? ABC, CBS or NBC?
It is now your job. Please vote for your favourite. Additionally, let me know why you feel the way you do. Voting ends on the 21st when I'll cast my vote (if needed) and announce the winner in a separate posting, the next day.


Join us again tomorrow night for another exciting battle with the network stars.
Following is a sneak peak at what you will see.





Additional Questions:
Were any of these shows your favourite?
Can you name any other celebrity/actor who has dabbled in singing?
Have you ever watched the actual 'Battle of the Network Stars'?
Would you welcome a modern reboot?


If you enjoyed this Battle of the Bands feature, don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see what sort of music they are featuring. You will certainly be entertained, so click on their links below.

FAR AWAY SERIES
STMcC PRESENTS 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
TOSSING IT OUT
JANIE JUNEBUG RIGHTING AND EDITING
YOUR DAILY DOSE
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
QUIET LAUGHTER
BE_REINVINTAGED
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
eViL pOp TaRt
HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS

Are you currently in the BOTB and don't see your name in the list above? Let me know in comments and I'll include it.

Nostalgia TV - Z

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.



1957-1959 / Zorro featuring: Guy Williams, Gene Sheldon, Henry Calvin & George J. Lewis
Much before my time. This is the first of three TV shows presented here today, I never really cared for. I'd almost watch nothing at all than these shows. Because I hadn't been born at the hight of the popularity of Zorro, I never saw it on TV, much less 'got into it'.



1972 - 1978 / Zoom featuring: rotating cast
Even as a youth, I considered this a second-rate show. For whatever reason, there was no interest for me. Which is odd because I thoroughly enjoyed the Electric Company and 3-2-1 Contact. No matter, it's still fun to remember all those PBS education shows I grew up with.




1986 - 1987 / Zoobilee Zoo featuring: Ben Vereen
This one outright creeped me out, and never remember willingly watching. Though for whatever reason, a few scenes have been etched into my head. Perhaps I was bored or was to lazy to get up and change the channel. Or perhaps one of my younger siblings was watching.





This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1970s - Zest



1994 - Zima



2006 - Zune

Nostalgia TV - Y

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1950 - 1961 / You Bet Your Life featuring Groucho Marx
I was not familiar with this show, but I was familiar with Groucho Marx and the Marx Brothers. For me, they were rivals of the Three Stooges. Once in my teen years, I decided to host a Doctor Who themed party but most of us ended up looking like the Marx Brothers for whatever reason.




1958 / Yogi Bear featuring: Daws Butler, Greg Burson, Jeff Bergman
I was never much of a Yogi Bear fan, but if it was one when I was a child, I would watch it. Because, a cartoon is much better than morning news. Well, for a six year old child anyway. He would later be on one of my favourite cartoons, the Laff-O-Lympics.



1979-1990 / You Can't Do That On Television featuring: Les Lye, Abby Hagyard,
How many times have I actually seen this one? I don't know. But I never really saw it till cable became a big thing. For one of my classmates, I think this was his favourite show because he was always quoting from it. Eventually, he went on to be an inspiration for one of the characters in my Writer's Block series.




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1950s - Yo-Yo Life-Saver



1970s - York Peppermint Pattie



1987 - Yummy Mummy Cereal

Nostalgia TV - X

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1993-2002 / X-Files featuring: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson
Truth be told, I only watched a handful of these episodes. I loved the ones involving tracking down some odd alien encounter or other odd event, like the one with the cockroaches. During the episode they filmed a roach run across the screen. It freaked me out so bad. But afterwards, I realized it was the coolest thing they could have done.



1995 - 2001 / Xena featuring: Lucy Lawless, Renee O'Conner
Unlike Wonder Woman of years earlier, this was a female action hero I watched. True, I wasn't a diehard fan, there are many episodes I missed. But if I caught it when it was on, I was sure to watch it.





2001 / XFL 
Because the NFL wasn't big enough, Vince McMahon decided a rival franchise was long past due. He was the only one who felt that way. After the initial season, the XFL disappeared.





This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1960s - Xerox Commercial



1978 - X-Wing Fighter & Tie Fighter



1980s - Xexyz Video Game

Nostalgia TV - W

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1968-1969 / Wacky Races featuring: Dawes Butler, Don Messick, Janet Waldo, Dave Wilock
Jon-Erik Hexum, Meeno Peluce
Another cartoon I adored growing up. As I watched this in reruns, I was never sure when it was going to be on. But when it was, I had to watch it. Other cartoon rivals at the time were the Superfriends and the Laff-a-lympics.



1975 - 1979 / Wonder Woman featuring: Lynda Carter, Lyle Waggoner,
If this were a cartoon I probably would have enjoyed it more. Wonder Woman was not a big draw for me at the time, especially whenever Lynda was out of Wonder Woman costume. Had this premiered ten years later, I'm sure I would have been more interested.





1975-1979 / Welcome Back Kotter featuring: Gabe Kaplan, Marcia Strassman, John Sylvester White, Ron Palilio, John Travolta
Another one of my favourites. I loved Gabe's wisecrack answers to everything. Sarcasm was something I developed well over the years, this show probably had a hand in that, to some degree.




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1961 - Winston (Featuring: The Flintstones)



1984 - Wendy's



1977 - Woodsy Owl

Nostalgia TV - V

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1982-1983 / Voyagers! featuring: Jon-Erik Hexum, Meeno Peluce
I loved this show. A time traveller with a cool Omni device that could take him to different locations as well as different times. Unfortunately, this was also one of the first time when I became interested in a show, only to have it cancelled. And the series was just starting to get interesting.



1983 - 1984 / V: The miniseries featuring: Jane Badler, Faye Grant, Marc Singer, Robert Englund
This series was intense. A great cast of characters and a very interesting plot. When it was over, I couldn't wait for the planned mini-series to follow. The second one was almost as good but the ending was rather stupid. This was then followed by the regular series. Probably should have quit while they were ahead.




1984-1985 / Voltron
The older I got, the less cartoons appealed to me. This was one of the few that held my interest, along with Inspector Gadget. I was just starting High School when this was on, so my tastes in TV were beginning to mature.





This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1974 - Volkswagen Beetle



1980s - Vic-20 Commodore (Featuring William Shatner)



1980s - Velveeta (Featuring Kirk Cameron)

Nostalgia TV - U

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1959 - 1963 / the Untouchables featuring: Robert Stack, Abel Fernandez, Nicholas Georglade
Much before my time. I never even saw it on reruns. But certainly something that would have interested me at the time.



1964-1973 / Underdog featuring: Wally Cox, Norma MacMillin, Allen Swift
Pretty much a spoof of the Superman tale. None-the-less, for a cartoon it was fairly decent to watch and was not overly ridiculous. I barely saw this on Saturday morning reruns, though it happened from time to time. I caught it more when cable TV became a big thing and vintage cartoons were more easily seen.



1987-2010 / Unsolved Mysteries featuring: Robert Stack
Mysteries are perplexing enough, but when they go unsolved, that annoys me. I suppose that's what makes them mysteries. This series took a look at all sorts of different mysteries. From conspiracy theories to reports of UFO's. With a great narrative from Robert Stack and recreations, this was an intriguing show. Even if it still did not solve the mysteries.




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1983 - Ultra Brite Toothpaste



1980's - U-Haul



1991 - Urkel O's

Nostalgia TV - T

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1959-1964 / Twilight Zone featuring: Rod Serling
Though I loved the Sci.Fi. themed Outer Limits more, I watched and loved many of these episodes. There were so many classic episodes. The thing on the wing, the adults playing kick the can and the swimming pool leading to a new life were particularly memorable to me.



1978-1983 / Taxi featuring: Judd Hirsch, Danny Devito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, Andy Kaufman, and Christopher LLoyd
This was a great show because it had a great cast. Every character brought something different to the show. As funny as other people thought he was, I never liked the Latka character, I found him annoying. Meanwhile, my favourites were Marilu Henner, Judd Hirsch and Christopher Lloyd.



1977 - 1984 / Three's Company featuring: John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, Susanne Summers
This was one of those shows I was never allowed to watch. Despite that, I pretty much watched it any way. As I have already mentioned many times before, it was funny and I loved the antics Jack was always getting himself into. The girls were cute to watch too.





This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1965 - Triple Snack Cereal



1966 - Tang



1969 - Tootsie Pop

Nostalgia TV - S

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1973-1978 / Six Million Dollar Man featuring: Lee Majors, Richard Anderson, Martin E Brooks
Playing the Six Million Dollar Man was almost a daily activity on the school playground. But then the fights would break out because we all wanted to be the Six Million Dollar Man. So there we were, six million kids all playing the six million dollar man together and we each had a different story why we were also the six million dollar man. I should really write a fan-fiction based on this.




1972-1977 / Sanford & Son featuring: Red Foxx, Demond Wilson
Add a laugh track and I'll watch just about anything. Truth be told though, I rather enjoyed this series. The humour, at the time, entertained me and the stories were interesting. It was something different. Years later, I would use the theme song as the ring-tone for my brother. (See entry for the Odd Couple)



1976 - 1984 / SCTV featuring: John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Dave Thomas
I discovered this show on late night re-runs. Every episode was so hilarious and I knew some of the performers. As time went on, I came to know more and more of the actors as they went on to some of my faovurite TV shows and films. My ultimate favourite skit was the Jeopardy based, Half Wits.




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1955 - Swanson TV Dinner



1962 - Starkist Tuna



1966 - Sky Ray Ice Lollies (Featuring Daleks)

Nostalgia TV - R

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1974-1980 / Rockford Files featuring: James Garner, Noah Berry Jr.
I was pretty young when this was on the air. As such, I always assumed the show was called Rockford Files because it took place in Rockford, Illinois. It doesn't. His name is Rockford. Something I didn't realize for a long time.



1979-1980 / the Roper's featuring: Normal Fell, Audra Lindsey, Jeffrey Tambor, Patricia McCormack
A spin-off from Three's Company that should never have happened. Sure it was a campy comedy like Three's Company, but there wasn't much to draw me in, that I didn't get from other TV shows at the time. Patricia McCormack was about the only thing to watch it for.




1983 - 2006 / Reading Rainbow featuring: Levar Burton
A few years before Star Trek the Next Generation came along, Geordi La Forge was teaching me that reading could be fun. It was about this time I started to realize I liked to write. Perhaps some day, someone will read one of my books.




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1960's - Rock'em Sock'em Robots



1969 - Rice Krispies (Featuring Woody Woodpecker)



1980 - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Nostalgia TV - Q

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1977 / Quark featuring: Richard Benjamin, Tim Thomerson, Richard Kelton, Tricia Barnstable & Cyb Barnstable
This is another example of a show I have heard nothing about. Granted, I was only seven at the time and not much of a TV connoisseur. Still, I had heard of other science fiction or goofy shows. I'm willing to bet 85-95% of you have never heard of this show either. The premise is the lead character, is cleaning outer space of space debris.



1976-1983 / Quincy M.E. featuring: Jack Klugman, Gary Walberg
One of those early drama type shows I never got very involved with. It had Jack Klugman in it, and he was known to me for being in the Odd Couple. So, if I ever caught a few episodes, that would have been the reason.





1989-1993 / Quantum Leap featuring: Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell
One of my ultimate favourite television shows. It had humour, it had science fiction, it was a drama. This series had everything. It's one of the very few TV shows I actually wrote fan-fiction of. 




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1967 - Quaker Oatmeal (Featuring Elizabeth Montgomery)



1973 - Quangaroos Cereal



1982 - Q*Bert Video Game

Nostalgia TV - P

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1963-1970 / Petticoat Junction featuring: Bea Benaderet, Edgar Buchanon, Linda Keye Henning
Another one of those shows I didn't frequent of my own free will. Usually my sister or mother was watching this.



1986-1993 / Perfect Strangers featuring: Mark Linn-Baker, Bronson Pinchot
Back when Friday's were TGIF, this was on. Still having no car as I neared my 20's, I either went out with a friend who owned a car on Friday, or I sat home watching TV with the family.





1986-1991 / Pee-Wee's Playhouse featuring: Paul Reubens, Laurence Fishburne,
I have to be honest. This one was almost a little too zany for even me. For whatever reason, watching this show always made me feel somewhat uncomfortable. Probably because I felt it was targeted for a younger audience, still I watched it many times. 




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1976 - Parkay (Featuring Vic Tayback)



1980 - Prime Computer (Featuring Tom Baker and Lalla Ward)



1980's - Pepsi (Featuring David Bowie & Tina Turner)

Nostalgia TV - O

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1963-1965 / the Outer Limits featuring: Different cast each week
Yes, this was before my time. Yes, I have seen every episode. In my teens, I had an older friend who invited me over quite frequently for dinner and a movie. He would cook and I would rent a movie, usually based on his suggestion. We both liked Science Fiction, so this was a go-to series I would rent from Blockbuster. He was actually old enough to remember these when they were first broadcast.



1970-1975 / the Odd Couple featuring: Tony Randall & Jack Klugman
I caught this mostly in reruns, but I loved it because it defined the relationship I had with my brother whom I shared a bedroom with. I was always Felix, he was always Oscar. No matter how I tried to keep the bedroom clean, he would mess it up. One day I took duct-tape and drew a line in the middle of the room. The one side was mine, the other side was him. If something messy migrated to my side of the room, I just kicked it back to his side.




1986-1988 / Our House featuring: Wilford Brimley, Deidre Hall, Shannon Doherty & Chad Allen
There are very few television shows from the 80's that I'm not familiar with. This is one of them. Usually, at least I'm familiar with it. Somehow this one slipped right past. 




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1950 - Ovaltine (Featuring Howdy Doody crew)



1960's - Old Spice



1976 - Orville Redenbacher

Nostalgia TV - N

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1972-1977 / New Zoo Revue featuring: Doug Momary,Emily Peden, Chuk Woolery
I was just a wee lad when this was on TV. It was on either before Saturday morning cartoons or Captain Kangaroo, I don't recall which. Though I don't remember much from this show, I do recall it kind of creeped me out. But I still watched it. Hope I creeped you out today.



1982-1990 / Newhart featuring: Bob Newhart, Mary Frann, Jennifer Holmes, Julia Duffy, Tom Poston
For whatever reason, I initially though this was a continuation from the Bob Newhart show. For whatever reason, I got it in my mind, he was had retired from his Psychiatrist job to do something different. Funny thing that, with the finale scene of this series, I was correct. It was kind of a continuation. Those who know what I mean, will know what I mean. ;) 
The ending credits always finished with Bob Newhart saying 'meow', that always cracked me up.



1982-1983, 1986-1988 / Nine to Five featuring: Rita Moreno, Valerie Curtin, Rachel Dennison, Jean Marsh & Jeffrey Tambor
Spinning off from the feature film, this series was much alike, despite the change in actors. Doesn't Dolly Parton's replacement look just like her? I heard it's her actual sister! Though I did like the film and was aware this was on TV. I don't recall ever watching it, though I thought it was cool Doctor Who alum, Jean Marsh, was in this series. 





This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1955 - Nestle's Quik (Featuring Jimmy Nelson)



1968 - Nabisco Chips Ahoy



1990's - Nerf (Featuring Seth Green)

Nostalgia TV - M

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1961-1966 / Mister Ed featuring: Alan Young, Connie Hines
Once cable became a common thing in the 80's, I stared to see more and more old time TV shows. This was one frequently on, though I never really got into it. It was funny none-the-less.



1980-1988 / Magnum P.I. featuring: Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley
I always thought he was cool. For a short while there, I even wanted to be a private investigator. I'm fairly certain I wasn't going to be living in Hawaii or driving a flashy car like his, but that didn't stop me from dreaming all about that.



1985-1986 / Misfits of Science featuring: Dean Paul Martin, Kevin Peter Hall, Max Wright, Mark Thomas Miller, Jennifer Holmes and Courtney Cox
As you may have guess from previous lists. I love comedy and super heroes. This pretty much combined the two. Zany scientists, cool super powers, Courtney Cox. Sign me up please! The tallest guy in the bunch could shrink to mere inches, the cool guy had lightening powers and could run fast and Courtney Cox had telekinesis.  





This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1963 - McDonald's



1972 - Magnavox Odyssey



1984 - Mr. T Cereal (Featuring Mr. T)

Nostalgia TV - L

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1969-1974 / Love, American Style featuring: Rotating cast
This was a show I watched either because my mother or my sister was watching it. But it's interesting to note, one of the episodes from this series spun off into a very popular show, Happy Days.



1976-197 3/ Laverne & Shirley featuring: Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams & Michael McKeon
One of the many spin-offs from Happy Days was this one, also set in Milwaukee. Like Happy Days, it held special interest for me, for that reason alone. But it was also a funny show, even if I preferred Happy Days more.



1982-1986 / the Love Boat featuring: Gavin Mcleod, Bernie Kopell, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange, Lauren Tewes, Jill Whelen & many guest stars.
Though this was largely a romantic comedy, I recall watching this often. It was on just after Fantasy Island so they already had my attention. I always thought it was cool they had such well known celebrities guest starring.




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1972 - Life Cereal



1987 - Life Call




Please note: The follow few selections are in memory of my dad. Being his favourite beer, he would often perform his own 'Miller Lite' commercial for the amusement of friends and family. Seeing these ads brings back many fond memories.

1982-1986 - Lite Beer (Featuring John Madden, Rodney Dangerfield, Dick Butkus & Bob Ueker)

Nostalgia TV - K

Welcome to my A-Z list of 2016.
This year, I'll be recalling some of my favourite programs from television, via A-Z, of course.
How many of these do you remember?
Were these before your time?

This blog post has been written in front of a live studio audience.


1973-1978 / Kojak featuring: Telly Savalus, Dan Frazer, Kevin Dobson
A series I was never really exposed to. Which pretty much means my parents never watched it, or it was on at a time I was supposed to be in bed. I do remember the series. Difficult to forget a show featuring a bald headed guy walking around eating lollipops.



1976-1978 / the Kroft Supershow featuring: Dr. Shrinker, Wonderbug, Electra Woman & Dyna Girl
Though I don't recall Kaptain Kool and the Kongs very well, but I do recall the shows they presented. A wacky sci.fi. show about an evil scientists and his shrink ray, an awesome sentient sports buggy and a pair of super powered girls. What's not to like?



1982-1986 / Knight Rider featuring: David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Patricia McPherson
What middle school boy is not interested in cars? It was first during an episode for Dukes of Hazzard I first saw a promo for this awesome new series. This was the first time I ever remember waiting for a new series to premier.




This A-Z list has been brought to you today, by....
1977 - Kenner's Star Wars Action Figures



1978 - Kmart



1987 - Kellog's Corn Flakes (Featuring Keanu Reeves)