Monday, March 26, 2007

Oldies But Goodies

While surfing the series of tubes this weekend I stumbled upon an old show I used to watch. I really shouldn't talk about it as it betrays my age, but I love 'em and I can't help it. Here's the clip I found:

Automan


I used to love seeing the car make those 90-degree turns (Tron-like, I know) and the way it changes to a helicopter without stopping. I think Manimal was shown on the same night. I'm not a big fan of that show, but I did catch a few episodes. I think they just milked the transformation from man to animal too much. The sequence took more than a minute and it gets really tiring seeing it every episode.



Update (11/2007): More Automan Stuff
- Here's a weird one, Laura Branigan in Automan lip-syncs to her hit song Gloria. Automan is out during the day and flirting, Cursor turns into a guitar. I don't remember those abilities, but hey, it's been awhile. Also, the video features both spandex and leather pants, can't get more eighties than that.
- What ever happened to Chuck Wagner (Automan)? Well, he has his own website. His latest gig is as a ringmaster in Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's Circus. You can also get him to give a talk at your school, Masterclass.
- Here's a link to a video of the full pilot episode. You'll see other full episodes in the related link section.
- And here's my favorite of them all, a parody of Automan. In this version, Automan wears black slacks with his blue plastic suit and Cursor makes crappy cars. Oh yeah, it's in Spanish, but still hilarious.




After seeing Automan, I remembered a few more of the old shows I used to love. I did some searches on
YouTube and found the opening themes for them. These are just the lesser known ones. Other's like McGyver, A Team, and Doogie Howser are pretty well known and actually got out on DVD, so I'm not talking about those.

Let's see if you recognize the actor from this series...

My Secret Identity


I was around ten years old when the show was on air. Every night after watching an episode of this show, I would kneel down beside my bed and pray that I would get super powers. Those were probably the most heartfelt prayers I've ever said.

Small Wonder


I think I got started watching this because it followed ALF, which was another series I used to love. Plus I think I used to have a crush on the lady who played the mom.

And finally my all time favorite show from the list...

Perfect Strangers


I still have the opening theme song in my MP3 list. I love it. It has great lyrics and you just feel like you can do anything after listening to it. Of course, reality sets in after a few minutes you sink back into depression (ha!).

How about "Parker Lewis Can't Lose"? It was a rip off of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" but I watched it all the same.

Tuesday, March 20, 2007

Weeding Out the Stupid

Ever since I first had a sandwich in a restaurant, I always thought it was stupid to serve it with a toothpick stuck in the middle. What if you didn't notice the thing was in there? Somehow, the missus and I got into a discussion about it. I probably brought it up.
Missus: They put toothpicks in there so that when they slice it, it doesn't fall apart.

Me: That's actually smart but why leave it in there when they serve it? There's a toothpick dispenser on the table, I'll pick up a fresh one if I need it.

Missus: Because when they serve the sandwich, it can still fall apart. The toothpick holds it together and it also make it easy to pick it up when you're ready to eat it.
Me: I'd rather risk my sandwich falling apart than getting stabbed in the roof of my mouth with a toothpick.
The missus rolls her eyes exasperated.
Missus: Now you’re just being argumentative.

Me: No, I’m not.
Yes, I am.
Missus: It's really simple – take out the toothpick before biting into your sandwhich.
I was a blank on a good comeback. So I just auto-fired...
Me: You take it out!
The missus becomes silent and gives me the dreaded look. To distract her from eating me alive, I talk.
Me: What if people don't see it? What then? Is this some kind of conspiracy to weed off the stupid? "Let's put toothpicks in sandwiches to kill off people stupid enough to bite into one without checking for sharp objects." Conclusion: The stupid die off, leaving the smart people to breed and multiply.

Missus: Exactly. So be careful when eating those sandwiches.
Success! I live another day.
Me: You’re not going to start putting toothpicks in your sandwiches, are you?

Missus: Well, weeding out the stupid sounds good to me. I should do my part.

Me: Hahaha (*nervous laugh*), stupid people beware.

Missus: Just keep checking those sandwiches and you’ll be all right.
Okay, okay, I might have enhanced the original discussion a bit. But it remains faithful to the essence of the story - I never win an argument with the missus.

Monday, March 05, 2007

Touchy Interface

I've seen several demonstrations on the net of different computer interfaces but this is certainly one of the most exciting and impressive demos I've ever seen. A multi-touch/multi-user interface. *drool*



This thing isn't going to work for those cramp office cubicles. Also, although it does look awkward to be sitting down and flailing your arms, I hope you won't have to be standing all the time when using this thing. That would be trading RSI with varicose veins.

*** Warning: Gross Alert ***

When I did a search for varicose veins so I could link to a resource on the subject, one of the google results caught my eye. I imagine it would catch the attention of any literate human male. I always associated varicose veins with legs. Well, not anymore. Apparently you can get varicose veins of the scrotum (*cue thunder and lightning*). It really doesn't sound like something you would want to have. Don't worry about clicking the links, there are no pictures. In case the ladies feel left out, well do not fret. Ladies get a better deal - you can get varicose veins of the vulva and/or labia. Isn't science fun!

Funny how this post started with cutting edge technology and ended with something you don't want anywhere near a cutting edge.


Internal Critic: Very informative post. Definitely scores high on the variety scale. Subject transition was smooth. The closing statement was tasteless juvenile humor but witty. I think I'll give a 8 put of a 10.