And I look forward to returning to the place where I've made my home.
There's no place like home, child.
Friday, June 12, 2009
I'm Going Home...
Once again, I say goodbye to the place I came from... And I look forward to returning to the place where I've made my home.
There's no place like home, child.
And I look forward to returning to the place where I've made my home.There's no place like home, child.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
A Side Trip to Disneyland
While I wrap up my New York visit, please take a gander at my blogger friend's Vintage Disneyland Tickets blog for some groovy Grad Night Programs from the early 1970s.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Love at the Five & Dime...
I really miss the concept of a five-and-dime store. While I love the 99 Cents Store and Target, they are just not the same. Woolworth's, McCrory's, SS Kresge, Lamstons...all gone. Here's a wonderful old postcard depicting Stapleton Town Square in my hometown circa 1940s/50s. I can only imagine what this area looks like today.
Nanci Griffith's Love at the Five & Dime, covered here by the great Kathy Mattea is a melancholy reminder of those simplier times.
And Robert Altman's brilliant film adaptation of COME BACK TO THE FIVE & DIME, JIMMY DEAN, JIMMY DEAN boasts some wonderful performances by Sandy Dennis, Karen Black and Cher.
Nanci Griffith's Love at the Five & Dime, covered here by the great Kathy Mattea is a melancholy reminder of those simplier times.And Robert Altman's brilliant film adaptation of COME BACK TO THE FIVE & DIME, JIMMY DEAN, JIMMY DEAN boasts some wonderful performances by Sandy Dennis, Karen Black and Cher.
Monday, June 8, 2009
PORNOGRAPHY: World Premiere in New York City Tonight
As mentioned previously, I worked as Production Designer and Property Master on a provocative film called PORNOGRAPHY. 
PORNOGRAPHY is premiering tonight, June 8th at Newfest, the New York LGBT Film Festival. It will also screen at Frameline, the San Francisco LGBT Film Festival on June 21 and at Outfest in Los Angeles in July. Here's the trailer again to whet your appetite.
PORNOGRAPHY is premiering tonight, June 8th at Newfest, the New York LGBT Film Festival. It will also screen at Frameline, the San Francisco LGBT Film Festival on June 21 and at Outfest in Los Angeles in July. Here's the trailer again to whet your appetite.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
While I'm Away...
As I continue my NYC adventure, and in honor of DESIGNING WOMEN Season One on dvd, here's a little ad parody I slapped together a few years ago.
I mean, really - is it me of does MJ fit right in?
I mean, really - is it me of does MJ fit right in?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Shopping at Korvette's
Being back home in Staten Island, NY has already made me nostalgic for the place where most of my toys and records came from - a wonderful retail outlet known as
E.J. Korvettes.
Founded in 1948, Korvettes sadly went bankrupt in 1980.
The chain was one of the first discount department stores.
It was founded on the premise that people actually preferred to save money on their purchases!
Korvette's low-price model was similar to that of "five and dime" retailers such as Woolworth's, McCrory's, and S.S. Kresge (K-mart) but carried a broader range of products, from jewelry to appliances, underselling the major department stores.
E.J. Korvette at its peak, it had 58 stores, including my local store on Richmond Avenue - before there was a Staten Island Mall.
There was a even company-owned Hills Supermarket attached. After the store closed, it became a DMV. I have no idea what is there now. I guess I'll find out this week.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Rhoda, Watch Out!!!
Now that season 1 of RHODA has been released on DVD, I really hope we get to see PHYLLIS again too.
After all, Cloris Leachman seems to be experiencing a career renaissance as of late. The series, the second of three MARY TYLER MOORE spinoffs, may not have been all that great, but who can resist this brilliant opening? Complete with a Jerry Herman-inspired theme song...it's one of my all-time faves.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Give the People What They Want: Nudesploitation
Recently I asked visitors to my blog (via a poll) what they want to see more of on this here very site. Overwhelmingly "Naked Guys" was what they replied. Who am I to judge? So rather than turn "Dougsploitation" into an ADULTS ONLY site, I've decided to spinoff "Nudesploitation".
"Nudesploitation" will stand on its own, under Blogger's strict CONTENT WARNING policy. Think of it as Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. I hope to make "Nudesploitation" as much fun as this blog, therefore I won't be repeating the same porn pix you see on every other gay adult site. "Nudesploitation" will feature vintage nudes, rare celebrity nudes, offbeat collectibles and advertising-just about anything sexy and sometimes silly. So, check it out if you dare-or just continue to enjoy good, old-fashioned "Dougsploitation". There's nothing dirty going on!
"Nudesploitation" will stand on its own, under Blogger's strict CONTENT WARNING policy. Think of it as Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. I hope to make "Nudesploitation" as much fun as this blog, therefore I won't be repeating the same porn pix you see on every other gay adult site. "Nudesploitation" will feature vintage nudes, rare celebrity nudes, offbeat collectibles and advertising-just about anything sexy and sometimes silly. So, check it out if you dare-or just continue to enjoy good, old-fashioned "Dougsploitation". There's nothing dirty going on!
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
How to Beat Your June Gloom...
It's not that I don't have plenty of important things to blog about...it's just this crazy "June Gloom" that makes me want look at colorful old advertising that I've had it my design "swipe files" for years. For example:
Wow - these colors are already cheering me up! I've always wanted my outfit to match my furniture and my artwork. Who knew it was such "Effortless Ease"?
Talk about colorful! These PSA flight attendants not only "pop" - but all their uniforms are unique, but compliment each other's. How hot is that? If flight crew still dressed liked this, I'd be flying a whole lot more often.
And finally, The Cologne of the Future. I clipped this ad from an old French fashion mag from the 1960s. Not only did the perfume have a "futuristic" name, but the packaging and the ad imagery looked like they could be from another time and place as well. I'd love to have that box sitting on my bathroom shelf.
Friday, May 29, 2009
By popular demand - The Defenders!
I posted this about 2 weeks ago, since then it's become even more timely. Please share it, post it, repost it, spread it around far and wide. As one of the producers, I'm glad that this is catching on, but I am also sad that it had to be made in the first place. The message is clear and is needed to be heard now more than ever. Thanks!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ann Magnuson: Back Home Again
This is where I'll be Saturday night...
A Surreal Romp through the Hills and Hollers of 'Almost Heaven' West Virginia
The Cavern Club Theater in Los Angeles is proud to host a workshop production of "Back Home Again (Dreaming of Charleston)", a new one-woman performance piece by writer, performer, Silver Lake resident and West Virginia native Ann Magnuson.
The show is a loving (if often twisted) reminiscence of growing up in WV with all of its hopes, dreams, good times, sad times and crazy times as well as notes from the long and winding road that took her from Charleston to London, New York, Los Angeles and nearly every continent in the world, always to return 'back home'.
"I have to return to West Virginia at least once every year," Ann has said. "Not only does it give me much needed perspective on this myopic business we call Show, it's a beautiful and often bizarre place that yields a treasure trove of material. And I'm not talking about the hillbilly stereotypes. There is much more to the place; something so unique, strange and, yes, even mystical about them thar hills and hollers that keeps me in its thrall. Like the mythical Brigadoon, Charleston is nestled in a difficult-to-reach valley and exists in its own special world with a colorful cast of characters who feel that they can never leave. Oxycontin abuse and mountaintop removal notwithstanding, "Almost Heaven" is often just that. It is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, yet it can also produce nightmares. Those two states of mind weave themselves into one doozey of a double helix and it's that particular wild 'n wonderful dream state that this mountain mama aims to explore on stage!"
In addition to those dreams, the show will include original songs (including a few Bongwater classics), poetic reveries, comedic monologues and music referencing everything from Disney to Debussy to The Moody Blues to Mae West. To enhance your down home psychedelic experience, Los Angeles- based musician Alexander Rannie will provide a suitable soundtrack with his heavenly harp.
A Surreal Romp through the Hills and Hollers of 'Almost Heaven' West VirginiaThe Cavern Club Theater in Los Angeles is proud to host a workshop production of "Back Home Again (Dreaming of Charleston)", a new one-woman performance piece by writer, performer, Silver Lake resident and West Virginia native Ann Magnuson.
The show is a loving (if often twisted) reminiscence of growing up in WV with all of its hopes, dreams, good times, sad times and crazy times as well as notes from the long and winding road that took her from Charleston to London, New York, Los Angeles and nearly every continent in the world, always to return 'back home'.
"I have to return to West Virginia at least once every year," Ann has said. "Not only does it give me much needed perspective on this myopic business we call Show, it's a beautiful and often bizarre place that yields a treasure trove of material. And I'm not talking about the hillbilly stereotypes. There is much more to the place; something so unique, strange and, yes, even mystical about them thar hills and hollers that keeps me in its thrall. Like the mythical Brigadoon, Charleston is nestled in a difficult-to-reach valley and exists in its own special world with a colorful cast of characters who feel that they can never leave. Oxycontin abuse and mountaintop removal notwithstanding, "Almost Heaven" is often just that. It is one of the most beautiful states in the nation, yet it can also produce nightmares. Those two states of mind weave themselves into one doozey of a double helix and it's that particular wild 'n wonderful dream state that this mountain mama aims to explore on stage!"
In addition to those dreams, the show will include original songs (including a few Bongwater classics), poetic reveries, comedic monologues and music referencing everything from Disney to Debussy to The Moody Blues to Mae West. To enhance your down home psychedelic experience, Los Angeles- based musician Alexander Rannie will provide a suitable soundtrack with his heavenly harp.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Take the Good, Take The Bad
So today I found out that the California Supreme Court has decided that my gay marriage is still legal - only because I got married BEFORE a slim majority of voters decided to vote away the rights of others. Meanwhile, dear friends of mine who were married AFTER election day are instantly divorced. Is this America? 
I've said this before...human rights should not be left up to a popular vote. My right to marry is not a singing contest or a reality show. Unfortunately the only way to overturn Prop 8 now is another damn ballot measure. Just imagine if all the money that has gone into both sides of this debate was used to help sick or poor people??? It just makes me sick that people who call themselves Christian would rather prevent two people who love each from marrying than feed and clothe people in need. Really, what would Jesus do?
I've said this before...human rights should not be left up to a popular vote. My right to marry is not a singing contest or a reality show. Unfortunately the only way to overturn Prop 8 now is another damn ballot measure. Just imagine if all the money that has gone into both sides of this debate was used to help sick or poor people??? It just makes me sick that people who call themselves Christian would rather prevent two people who love each from marrying than feed and clothe people in need. Really, what would Jesus do?
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Wayne Allwine 1947-2009
The voice of Mickey Mouse has passed away.
Wayne Allwine was a very sweet man. I had the pleasure of working on a few projects with him and his lovely wife Russi. They were adorable together. I will forever treasure my memories of being in their presence.
Wayne Allwine was a very sweet man. I had the pleasure of working on a few projects with him and his lovely wife Russi. They were adorable together. I will forever treasure my memories of being in their presence.
Monday, May 18, 2009
The Return of THE DOLLAR TREE Double Feature
From September 2007.
On a visit to the local Dollar Tree Store, I found an entire endcap of TWO FOR A DOLLAR dvds. After digging through hundreds, I actually found only two worth buying...and reviewing. Ladies and gentlemen I bring you The Dollar Tree Double Feature.
First up...EVEL KNIEVEL! Ever wonder how (the late) motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel got his start? Well director Marvin J. Chomsky attempted to tell us all about it in this 1971 biopic which combines unintentional laughs as George Hamilton (looking a lot like Count Chocula) wears the helmet and real chills with clips of actual stunts (most of which end up with Knievel in the hospital). The film traces real events from Evel's life, from his early years as troubled young man to his success as the man with more broken bones in his body than anyone else.
There's plenty of white trash antics as we flashback to Evel's roots, and his career as a unsuccessful bank robber. At times I felt like I was watching an episode of MY NAME IS EVEL. The best scene involves young Evel busting into the all-girls home where his lady Linda lives. The den mother (let's call her Mrs. Garrett) seems more concerned that "there's a man in the house" than the fact that he's driving his cycle up and down the staircase and hallways looking for his gal. Another highlight is the decor of the apartment that Evel shares with his lady: one wall was black, one wall a brilliant blue and the third wall: wood paneling. The sofa? yellow leather! I kid you not. Just for that set decoration alone, this one gets 8 out of 10 "Huhs?". Also - there's a terrible theme song that we are treated to at least three times throughout the 90 minutes.
Our second feature has the unfortunate title IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME. Which of course, prompts one to ask "What time was that?". John Trent directed this 1976 Canadian romp which features John Candy (in his first film role) prominently displayed on the cover - despite him being in only two or three scenes.
The plot goes something like this: Anthony Newley (Joan Collin's real-life ex) plays a washed up writer is still shagging his ex-wife money-hungry Stefanie Powers, who is unhappily remarried to a wealthy construction contractor, who's sole aim seems to be to tear down her mother's house! Are you following this? Georgia then decides to support a candidate for mayor (Llyod Bochner, who married Collins on DYNASTY) by screwing him. Newley pulls a assortment of stunts in order to attract Stefanie's attention. Somewhere along the way, there's a crazy kidnapping scam, and two dopey cops (one played by Candy) show up to save the day. There's a madcap finale involving cops dressed as garbage men. Oh boy! Issac Hayes appears as Newley's artist friend and Yvonne DeCarlo (aka Lily Munster) has a few scenes as Stef's mother.
This is the kind of wild film farces that Americans and Brits made in the 1960s - it took our friends up north a bit longer to catch on. The tiresome slapstick is a bit much to take at times, as is seeing Newley with his shirt off. This one rates only about 5 out of 10 "Huhs?" - meaning it's bad, but not worth your time and effort to watch it. Even though it might seem like a good idea at the time...
On a visit to the local Dollar Tree Store, I found an entire endcap of TWO FOR A DOLLAR dvds. After digging through hundreds, I actually found only two worth buying...and reviewing. Ladies and gentlemen I bring you The Dollar Tree Double Feature.First up...EVEL KNIEVEL! Ever wonder how (the late) motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel got his start? Well director Marvin J. Chomsky attempted to tell us all about it in this 1971 biopic which combines unintentional laughs as George Hamilton (looking a lot like Count Chocula) wears the helmet and real chills with clips of actual stunts (most of which end up with Knievel in the hospital). The film traces real events from Evel's life, from his early years as troubled young man to his success as the man with more broken bones in his body than anyone else.
There's plenty of white trash antics as we flashback to Evel's roots, and his career as a unsuccessful bank robber. At times I felt like I was watching an episode of MY NAME IS EVEL. The best scene involves young Evel busting into the all-girls home where his lady Linda lives. The den mother (let's call her Mrs. Garrett) seems more concerned that "there's a man in the house" than the fact that he's driving his cycle up and down the staircase and hallways looking for his gal. Another highlight is the decor of the apartment that Evel shares with his lady: one wall was black, one wall a brilliant blue and the third wall: wood paneling. The sofa? yellow leather! I kid you not. Just for that set decoration alone, this one gets 8 out of 10 "Huhs?". Also - there's a terrible theme song that we are treated to at least three times throughout the 90 minutes.
Our second feature has the unfortunate title IT SEEMED LIKE A GOOD IDEA AT THE TIME. Which of course, prompts one to ask "What time was that?". John Trent directed this 1976 Canadian romp which features John Candy (in his first film role) prominently displayed on the cover - despite him being in only two or three scenes.The plot goes something like this: Anthony Newley (Joan Collin's real-life ex) plays a washed up writer is still shagging his ex-wife money-hungry Stefanie Powers, who is unhappily remarried to a wealthy construction contractor, who's sole aim seems to be to tear down her mother's house! Are you following this? Georgia then decides to support a candidate for mayor (Llyod Bochner, who married Collins on DYNASTY) by screwing him. Newley pulls a assortment of stunts in order to attract Stefanie's attention. Somewhere along the way, there's a crazy kidnapping scam, and two dopey cops (one played by Candy) show up to save the day. There's a madcap finale involving cops dressed as garbage men. Oh boy! Issac Hayes appears as Newley's artist friend and Yvonne DeCarlo (aka Lily Munster) has a few scenes as Stef's mother.
This is the kind of wild film farces that Americans and Brits made in the 1960s - it took our friends up north a bit longer to catch on. The tiresome slapstick is a bit much to take at times, as is seeing Newley with his shirt off. This one rates only about 5 out of 10 "Huhs?" - meaning it's bad, but not worth your time and effort to watch it. Even though it might seem like a good idea at the time...
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Saturday, May 16, 2009
The Defenders
Here's a little project that I helped produce in response to California's Prop 8 passage which may have made my legal marriage invalid. (It's now up to the court to decide if the ban effects marriages performed before the vote). Could you believe that in 21st Century America people could vote to actually TAKE AWAY the rights of other people? It boggles the mind.
Friday, May 15, 2009
All About Rhoda
The first season of RHODA, the first and best spin-off of the MARY TYLER MOORE show recently came out on dvd. Despite that many of the episodes are the edited syndicated versions and not the uncut network originals, it's really good to see our old friend Rho again.
The character of Rhoda Morgenstern first appeared in 1970 as Mary Richards' frumpy and sharp-tongued upstairs neighbor. Since saying to Mary, "Hello, get outta my apartment", Valerie Harper's portrayal has always been one of our favorite TV neighbors. 
RHODA begins with our heroine returning home to New York after living several years in Minneapolis (where it's cold and she figured she'd keep better). By the time Rho moved back home, she had lost weight and now dressed in designer duds. The brilliant Nancy Walker and Harold Gould recreated their MARY TYLER MOORE guest roles of Ida and Martin Morgenstern, joining newcomer Julie Kavner as Rhoda's younger, frumpier sister Brenda, a bank teller. (Ignoring Rhoda's other sister Debbie - who got married in Episode 75 of MARY TYLER MOORE - which also featured Bret Somers as Rhoda's Aunt Rose).
Like many 1970s marriages, Joe's and Rhoda's did not last, nor did her career as a window dresser. By season 4, Rhoda was divorced and working at a costume company. Perhaps in an attempt to make RHODA different than MARY TYLER MOORE, they may have married her off too soon - and then when they ran out of story ideas for newlyweds - they split them up! Viewers were unhappy and abandoned the show in droves. What started out a promising run ended mid-way though the show's 5th season when CBS pulled the plug on the show.
Valerie Harper and Mary Tyler Moore were eventually reunited as Rhoda and Mary in an excruciatingly painful two-hour TV-movie for ABC on February 7, 2000. The less said about it, the better.
Valerie received 4 Emmys playing Rhoda, 3 for the MARY TYLER MOORE show and 1 for RHODA in 1975. Julie Kavner also received an Emmy for her supporting role in 1978. RHODA also received two Golden Globe Awards (one for Valerie and the other for the show itself) in 1975.
The character of Rhoda Morgenstern first appeared in 1970 as Mary Richards' frumpy and sharp-tongued upstairs neighbor. Since saying to Mary, "Hello, get outta my apartment", Valerie Harper's portrayal has always been one of our favorite TV neighbors. RHODA begins with our heroine returning home to New York after living several years in Minneapolis (where it's cold and she figured she'd keep better). By the time Rho moved back home, she had lost weight and now dressed in designer duds. The brilliant Nancy Walker and Harold Gould recreated their MARY TYLER MOORE guest roles of Ida and Martin Morgenstern, joining newcomer Julie Kavner as Rhoda's younger, frumpier sister Brenda, a bank teller. (Ignoring Rhoda's other sister Debbie - who got married in Episode 75 of MARY TYLER MOORE - which also featured Bret Somers as Rhoda's Aunt Rose).Ida and Martin were typical Jewish parents. Ida was outrageous, overbearing and manipulative – and she covered her furniture in plastic! And martin was Rhoda's sweet, dutiful father.
In the very first episode of RHODA, we meet Joe Gerard (the sexy, swaggering David Groh), who seven episodes later would be her husband! The classic hour-long episode "Rhoda's Wedding" airined on October 28, 1974 and featured guest turns by the gang from Minneapolis.
In addition to Mary, Lou Grant (Edward Asner), Murray Slaughter (Gavin MacLeod), Georgette Franklin (Georgia Engel), and Phyllis Lindstrom (Cloris Leachman) all attended the wedding - winning huge ratings in the process.
After the wedding, Rhoda returned to her career as a freelance window dresser by starting her own business called "Windows by Rhoda" with her old high school friend Myrna Morgenstein (the underrated Barbara Sharma).
After the wedding, Rhoda returned to her career as a freelance window dresser by starting her own business called "Windows by Rhoda" with her old high school friend Myrna Morgenstein (the underrated Barbara Sharma).
Like many 1970s marriages, Joe's and Rhoda's did not last, nor did her career as a window dresser. By season 4, Rhoda was divorced and working at a costume company. Perhaps in an attempt to make RHODA different than MARY TYLER MOORE, they may have married her off too soon - and then when they ran out of story ideas for newlyweds - they split them up! Viewers were unhappy and abandoned the show in droves. What started out a promising run ended mid-way though the show's 5th season when CBS pulled the plug on the show.Valerie Harper and Mary Tyler Moore were eventually reunited as Rhoda and Mary in an excruciatingly painful two-hour TV-movie for ABC on February 7, 2000. The less said about it, the better.Valerie received 4 Emmys playing Rhoda, 3 for the MARY TYLER MOORE show and 1 for RHODA in 1975. Julie Kavner also received an Emmy for her supporting role in 1978. RHODA also received two Golden Globe Awards (one for Valerie and the other for the show itself) in 1975.
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