Under Construction

Typical Sunday evening Downtown in the summer

Microman to Diaclone

Here are some awesome commercials from 70's Japan. They're great marketing for even better toys, and lots of fun. This is a series of spots that illustrate how Microman/ Micronauts evolved into Diaclone/ Transformers in their country of origin. This is basically one product line that was marketed to appear as a new product after a sales slump. These toys will be familiar stateside as "Micronauts" and "Transformers"

Dig the metal background music.



Do you recognize this world wide favorite?



Check out the kids in this one...



What the hell is that kid saying?!

This one must have aired late at night. Please keep in mind Microman's original mission of getting kids interested in science when you watch this. It will help you understand why I nominate this next commercial for "Most Bad Ass Toy Commercial In the History of The World For All Time"



Here Microman starts to incorporate vinyl figures and a new theme song. It's a few years along for these toys and now Time Traveler is on his the way out.



As the 70's come to a close...



Here we see the beginnings of Diaclone, the final nail in the Microman's coffin.







Anime!



Actors!



and yet another world wide favorite...



Diaclone is a hit!



There are more of these, but you get the idea. I love how Takara segues one toy concept into the other as Microman's vehicle accessories gradually take on a life of there own as Diaclone. I don't think toy companies operate like that in the states. You just know that there were kids in Japan totally unaware of how this transpired. They probably just ignored Microman until all of sudden there was Diaclone. Despite briefly slumping sales, the fact that both these concepts were huge international successes is remarkable. Sadly, Diaclone devolved into Transformers, where it lingers in mediocrity to this day. I guess when you consider the mountain of products produced during the 70's it's not so bad. Westerners will never really know the extent of what was manufactured as Microman and Diaclone, but we can have fun trying.

Great VHS Box Art pt. 1 "Super Chick"

The VHS was a thing of it's time. We virtually ignored it's limitations while it lured us from the local Cinema with it's convenience and beautiful box art. From a marketing standpoint, the VHS tape is a high water mark for the home entertainment industry, second only to the vinyl LP.

Here is some great VHS box cover art from the movie "Super Chick", presumably of the original theatrical poster. VHS box art continued the fledgling home entertainment industry's tradition of featuring original marketing materials from a film's theatrical release. Often the synopsis were original copy as well. Now, in the era of Photoshop, entire marketing divisions are devoted solely to repackaging films for retail, and some aspect of quality and charm are lost in the process. I've got a few nice boxes to share, and I've chosen to start with the best of the bunch.


"She'll really move her tail for you!"

I love the box art for this mid 70's soft core cheapie. Filmed as a vehicle for sex advice columnist Joyce Jillson. Super Chick is the alter-ego of a timid stewardess, who has a beau in every port to assist in her various counter cultural dabblings. Despite a who's who of 70's exploitation stars, it's very pro-woman and actually quite vanilla. Nothing like the drunken tramp witnessed on the box cover.

The sleepy eyed, wanton gaze seals the deal even as the lustful lady sheds her attire for you. The action is well portrayed and subdued by the muted color palette. This box art is entirely functional and maintains a delicate balancing act between serving as product and pin up, and is way hotter than anything found in the film itself. "Super Chick" can be found on region 1 DVD, unfortunately the cover is a little more representative of the actual film.



At least it's not more Photoshop.

For whatever reason, great art work continues to be suppressed in favor of cheap production art churned out by the underpaid for each new DVD release. That's a shame, for although the format may be better viewing on your television, it is nothing to view on your shelf. I will continue to prove this in future installments of Great VHS Box Art.

"LOST" episode 100

Since it's tough coming up with regular, inspired writing, and since I wear my geek cred on my sleeve, I figure it's time to begin discussing regularly scheduled programming, such as the bewildering episodic adventure known as "LOST"



"LOST" celebrated it's milestone 100th episode tonight (SPOILER) by killing off it's most bewildering character, Daniel Faraday. Not to worry, Faraday got a great sendoff with some terrific insight into his history and how he became entangled in the mystery of the island. Add to that the culmination of a seasons worth of subplot (LaFluor/ 70's Dharma Initiative) and "LOST" fans have something to talk about at the water cooler tomorrow. You guys are still doing that, right?

I wasn't one who took to the season four recruits so quickly. These characters are hampered by a surmounting mythology and unresolved plot points concerning established characters the audience has already invested so much time in. Factor in Hollywood realities such as Richard Alpert disappearing to star in "Cane" for a season and "LOST" becomes a disjointed mess. However, starting with the previous Miles-centric episode, these also-ran, johnny come lately characters are starting to become truly fleshed out, often times after their on-screen demise. Now that it's here, I'm not sure I needed Faraday's background any sooner. And that's the magic of "LOST," the thing that keeps new viewers from tuning in while loyal viewers are afraid to quit; the convoluted storytelling. After Locke returned from the grave, is there anyone out there who thinks we've seen the last of Faraday? Even after his mom put a bullet in his chest? I didn't think so.

Eventually, I warmed up to Faraday's antics and spacey mannerisms, to the point were I cheered when he climbed out of the submarine. Not bad considering the guys circumstances within the storytelling structure. I was pretty sure he was a linchpin character, and he might still be, but I can't say how, and so the program continues to live up to it's name. At the very least, Faraday will return in an all-essential clip show episode. Let's face it, it's not called "LOST" because there are survivors stuck on an island; the name of the show is derived from the effect it has on its audience.

In general, I find my enthusiasm for "LOST" has in no way diminished. Sometimes I can't tell what's been said due to crunching chips and salsa, or maybe it's a gripping episode and I've quaffed one too many Iron City pounders and yelled at the tube during an important bit of dialogue. One way or the other, I am not 100% up to date on what's happening at any giving stopping point, but that's cool. The show is so rich in detail that a second viewing (fifteen years from now) is almost necessary. Hopefully, before it's finished it's run, "LOST" will cover the important points while allowing religious viewership the opportunity to savor the program's intricacies. In other words, I hope the show can maintain it's rhythm while the writers sort everything out. After a sagging first half of the season, volume five is shaping up, so let's keep our fingers crossed.

"Here He Comes...!"

Wow, Mattel has issued forth a SECOND WAVE OF SPEED RACER HOT WHEELS! (Cheering) Now fans of the Watchowski's brilliant 2007 masterpiece (all 23 of us) can relive the excitement of the rally race with these funky new toys.

This latest (and most likely, lastest) assortment of cars is a mix of repaints and new sculpts, featuring four new vehicles from the dastardly rally race in the second act of the film. This includes:


Snake Oiler's street car


Thor-Axine (viking)


Delila (diamond sucking/ drug analogy femme)


and finally, Taejo Togokahn (double crossing Asian racer)

As expected, these toys are nicely detailed and roll smoothly as only Hot Wheels do, but the unique factor these toys possess are the high impact plastic bodies. Initially, this turned me off, as I would have preferred a solid piece of die-cast metal. I bought one anyhow, and after rolling down some track onto a hard surface I realized the choice in materials accurately recreated the "Car Fu" stylings of the film upon impact. These things don't just bounce, they practically dance. As a true brillaint stroke, these cars feature a die-cast bottom plate, adding enough weight to land the car right side up 90% of the time. Somebody at Mattel would've received an award if not for the film's lack of success, so there is something inexplicable about this new assortment of toys. I think it's pretty great to be able to include these notable characters in my Speed Racer Hot Wheels collection, and I'm surprised and appreciative. Having a vehicle for Taejo is especially great, considering the character actually has a story arc that kids will enjoy exploring through play.


Desert Rally repaints

Of the repaints, I zeroed in on the Mach 5 and Racer X with sand detail, from the afore mentioned rally, and left the others for later. The light brown under spray impressed me by contrasting nicely with the iconic designs of both the Mach 5 and X's Shooting Star, while the rest of these toys merely represent the massive surplus that did not sell. Although I can't blame Mattel for "Race Wrecked Grey Ghost" (several cars return as "Race Wrecked", featuring a black under spray to indicate engine burnout,)I can hold out until they show up for even less than a dollar, because that's the rub here people; you can't get these at retail.

I stumbled upon these guys while looking for batteries in a dollar store. The batteries were dead, but who cares when you've uncovered a favorite toy unexpectedly. The experience was a little like the dreams I have of walking into a dusty old variety store and finding a pile of Kenner Star Wars figures at 1980 prices, only not nearly as orgasmic. Snake Oiler's street car has been seen at Target in a two-pack with the Mach 5, but even that went straight to the clearance aisle. When a movie tanks, you don't expect additional merchandise. Just one more reason to love crazy Mattel.

You cannot deny "Speed Racer" the movie was a real dog for everyone involved. This is good in a way because now they can't tarnish the film experience by making a less than stellar sequel. On the other hand it's bad because fans want to own miniature versions of the cool cars presented therein, and that's not supposed to happen much when nobody sees the movie. Mattel will never again make so much ancillary merchandise for a new movie, no matter how big the marketing push, therefore, one has to wonder what the philosophy behind releasing another assortment could be. It would seem that we are so far down along the pipeline that these toys could have been canceled. Maybe Mattel is gunning for some of that stimulus package. When they tell congress it's to make up for all the Speed Racer toys they'll surely get some.

However it happened, if you have kids and need a cheap quality toy (die-cast and chunky ABS) that will be loved, or maybe you're older and just happen to love Speed Racer, Mattel Hot Wheels Speed Racer are the thing. After all, it's going to be a long time before we see anymore Mach 5s at Wal-Mart.

Century III Mall

This is one of those "flagship" commerce centers of the late seventies, early eighties, the Golden Age of Shopping Malls. Malls were being romanced via Film and TV, and they were popping up everywhere. The general rule was you could only build a new mall if it was going to be bigger and better than any to have come before, and nobody could imagine a time when we would not be spending our leisure shopping in indoors.

Despite being located almost an hour away, Century III Mall's draw was powerful enough to get families like mine to pile into the car for some epic holiday shopping. Naturally, as a special occasion, I would come away with some cool toy, at times Star Wars, Smurfs, or a transforming robot. Recently, while wandering around with an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, I couldn't help but notice the optimistic attitude embodied in the architecture of the building. Lots of crazy angles comprised of wooden railings and faux sandstone, and lots of open space.


M.C. Escher to food court


Last vestiges of "Tiki"


"Atmosphere controlled comfort"

A lot of malls built during the era of "Falcon Crest" and "Dallas" feature a similar sci-fi aesthetic, looking like a scene from "Logan's Run" or "Blade Runner" but Century III stands out as the definitive example, in Pittsburgh and beyond.


Close Encounters of a IIIrd Kind

Unfortunately, the place is a little dilapidated these days, reflecting the throw away culture that constructed it. Some of the store fronts are empty, yet considering the close proximity to Wall-Mart it's actually not doing too bad. Even though the only reason I went there was for the comic shop on the third level, Century III cannot yet be referred to as a "Dirt Mall"

One of the more impressive elements that has since fallen into disrepair is the parking garage. A massive shelf is now shut off to traffic, probably due to structural deficiencies. This overflow of parking funneled consumers onto the third level of the mall, over the food court. This third level is now home to Sears, the army recruiter, said comic shop, and a similar geek resale shop specializing in toys and media.



The Forgotten Parking Lot


Stairwell to Lower Level
Monkey Wards


Next to Sears


Beneath The Forgotten Parking Lot

Considering the current retail environment and whatever trends coming along to further seal the fate of the indoor shopping mall, it isn't likely that this parking garage will ever be repaired. Mall management will probably demolish it first, but only once it becomes absolutely necessary to do so. At one time this was essential space for vast numbers of parked cars.

This report is dedicated to the great memories of a bygone era of commerce and community, especially as it occurred at Century III Mall.

Bojangles "Gotta Lotta Flavor Y'all"

When I was a kid, probably around thirteen or so, my family had friends in North Carolina whom we would visit once a year during the summer. Growing up in Pittsburgh, North Carolina was something totally different at the time, yet not so much in terms of topography or urban planning. What really struck me was the cultural differences, specifically people's mannerisms and attitude, and the food. The touchstone event of my childhood experience in NC wasn't the beach, it was the annual stop at Bojangles Chicken and Biscuits on the ride home.



This restaurant chain would for decades embody everything I loved and hated about the south. For one thing, the chicken being served was spicy, and back in 1983 that was not to be found in the North. Wendy's was still pretty much pushing their hot and juicy hamburgers exclusively, and Popeye's was still getting started. This was an entirely new concept for all of us, and I immediately fell in love with the spicy breading used on Bojangles chicken. On my second or third visit I realized the spicy Chicken fillet served on a biscuit was the greatest breakfast I had ever eaten. The other thing I realized was that people in the South moved SLOW. Really SLOW. SLOW, like, even though I'm only thirteen years old, I just knew that there was something wrong with their definition of "fast food" I remember standing at the counter long enough to want to scream, followed by complaining while everyone else tried to enjoy their meal, and that's not my style at all. That said the meal was so good that I always insisted on stopping if a Bojangles appeared on the road anywhere near lunchtime.

My impression of the South divided by Bojangles equals delicious plus lethargic.

As of this writing it had been a full two decades since I'd been anywhere near a Bojangles. At one point there was one an hour or two from the 'Burgh, which I found on some road trip to someplace, but I didn't stop in, and it didn't last long in that location. This would have been in the early 90's, and I patiently waited for the company to establish another northern outpost, only to be disappointed and finally forget. Until last weekend, that is.

On my way down to Raleigh to demo Copic Markers and Canson Fanboy Paper for Jerry's Artarama, I saw one of those state issued road signs which indicate what amenities are available at the next exit, and there it was in all it's red and yellow glory, right next to tired old McDonald's and Burger King and Cracker Barrel, my childhood culinary launching point, "Bojangles" That's how I knew I was back in North Carolina, and as luck would have it, I needed gas. It turned out to be bad luck since I went in the wrong direction and, based on my most recent Bojangles sighting in the North combined with sighting a dilapidated, boarded up yellow eatery, deducted that there was, in fact, no Bojangles. Feeling a little let down, I fueled up and headed for the highway, and while building momentum on the entrance ramp, I spied the restaurant the road sign had indicated. Damn it! Not to worry, I now had confirmation that Bojangles was still in business, and I would soon see if the franchise could serve better than memory.

Indeed, my cousin's house (where I stayed) was no less than four blocks away from a location, so when Saturday morning rolled around there was no question as to where I was going for eats. Actually, it was more like Saturday afternoon, but I was kind of hung over, and so I skipped breakfast and ordered a two piece dinner combo. What I learned was, not only does Bojangles still taste better than any other fast food chicken, but it also helps to dispel the sluggishness of a night of drinking, much like any greasy food should.

Standing in line, I got the sense that I needed to order a meal, rather than a sandwich. This would give me a better idea of what made this place tick. Ordering a two piece and one side would reveal a lot more than any newfangled menu item and fries. Besides, I'm not a kid anymore and sometimes eating with a spork can be fun (Bojangles also help pioneer the noble "Spork") There in line I saw they offered Cajun pintos and dirty rice, and opted for the latter. As a kid there was no way I was trying beans and rice when a french fry would do, but the lessons learned from the spicy chicken fillet were not lost, and I had since come to enjoy Cajun and Soulfood cuisine. Unbelievably, the rice stood out as some of the best dirty rice I had ever tasted, and while still a northerner, I consider myself as one who has enough of an appreciation to be able to say such a thing. I know a fast food restaurant is going to cut corners, but whatever they're doing, I'm not complaining. The biscuit was flaky and buttery, and something my mother remembers as a stand out, but then again McDonald's wasn't serving biscuits in '83, so it's hard for me to say, other than they ARE tasty. Finally, the chicken (although I didn't eat in any particular order) Ah, the spicy chicken I had longed for.

The Previous evening, while catching up with Tom and Heather, I cautiously broached the subject of Bojangles, not sure how the greasy spoon would fly with two transplanted New Yorkers. They both chuckled and confirmed that it is indeed some decent junk, albeit more in terms of being "drunk" food. The next morning, with trepidation, I bit into Bojangles chicken for the first time as an adult and it was as if all the waiting, all the longing, had been worth it for that moment. There aren't many childhood memories that hold up as well as Bojangles, or maybe there's just something wrong with me. The breading was crispy and greasy in that unique pressure fried way that once could have been said about KFC (before people started finding brains in the thighs) Where the breading fell off red Cajun seasoning was revealed, the key ingredient in this genuine southern fried chicken recipe. Better still, real chicken, after years of giving up on the headless green mutants you get (ahem!) elsewhere. Not so much like fast food, Bojangles impressed me as being more akin to Pittsburgh's own Primanti Brothers, being the local eatery that does things it's own way and is rewarded by a loyal customer base. The stuff was so good I had to steer myself away from the counter and a second helping. The final touch in Bojangles menu of awesomeness? Sweet Tea. Looking at Wendy's or McDonald's, it becomes clear just how much influence Bojangles has had on the fast food industry, yet it remains firmly entrenched in the South. Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Mickey D's Sweet Tea, all garbage. Bojangles is the real deal and if staying put in NC means quality control is never compromised, well save me a seat, I'll be back on my next visit.

Oh, and those slower than Moses Southern folk behind the counter aren't quite gone, even if a steady influx of Yankees seems to have finally lit a fire under their collective ass. Although they still "have a minute" their congeniality more than makes up for it, especially when one's head feels like it's going to explode due to the previous nights recklessness.

All in all, a great experience, two days in a row, at Bojangles Chicken and Biscuits. A lot has changed in North Carolina, so it's good to see this institution holding steady and living up to unrealistic expectations. Next time I've promised my mom I'd bring back a box of biscuits. She'll have the final word on that subject, mine is that it's a good thing there isn't a Bojangles anywhere near me because I like the stuff entirely too much.