Billie Rae Bates's Blog, page 14
October 6, 2022
Terrific TV Toys: Snoopy Halloween PVC figures, Whitman's / others, 2000-2012
Oooooh, that spookiest of seasons is upon us once again, so let's celebrate by taking a look at some Halloween-themed Snoopy PVC figures in the latest episode of Terrific TV Toys. These guys were atop a small box of Whitman's or other brand candies on store shelves a few years ago. We talk about this as well as that wondrous thing called the Great Pumpkin! It's part of our yearlong series commemorating the Peanuts primetime TV specials. Only one episode left after this -- can you guess what that will be???
See what else is on the Terrific TV Toys playlist.
Terrific TV Toys: Snoopy PVC Halloween figures, Whitman's / others, 2000-2012
Oooooh, that spookiest of seasons is upon us once again, so let's celebrate by taking a look at some Halloween-themed Snoopy PVC figures in the latest episode of Terrific TV Toys. These guys were atop a small box of Whitman's or other brand candies on store shelves a few years ago. We talk about this as well as that wondrous thing called the Great Pumpkin! It's part of our yearlong series commemorating the Peanuts primetime TV specials. Only one episode left after this -- can you guess what that will be???
See what else is on the Terrific TV Toys playlist.
September 28, 2022
Announcing the eighth (and likely final) e-edition of "Dynasty High"!
This author was a bit blindsided by the end of the CW's "Dynasty" reboot on September 16. I had not seen the news online, and so was happily watching along, as usual, but then the end of the episode really seemed like an end, ya know??? The storylines were all wrapped up nice and neat. And I started to wonder ... A quick web search brought up the fact that the CW had canceled the series. Major bummer. I was enjoying it. At any rate, with the newer series conclusion, the e-book edition of the "Dynasty High" reference guide can now be finalized, since BRBTV had been updating it each season the CW reboot was on the air. As with previous editions of the e-edition, in No. 8 you'll see a new chapter of episode synopses for the last season, plus additions to the cast list and character guide for the reboot.
The print edition of "Dynasty High" still covers just the original series and its spinoff "The Colbys," but for the Kindle e-edition, you'll find not only all the lowdown on the reboot, but also color photos throughout.
September 20, 2022
Terrific non-TV Toys: Malibu Barbie by Mattel, early 1970s
This author has been anxiously awaiting an opportunity to share these 1970s Barbie dolls. And now, alas, the time has come. We've covered so many other great toys, both vintage and modern, and now we turn to these particular precious items of my childhood. First up in a four-part miniseries on Terrific non-TV Toys is the first one I got as a kid -- the Malibu Barbie. Mattel originally released her in a pale blue swimsuit in 1971, so this is a later issue in an orangey-red suit.
Be sure to stay until the end for some great shots of how she looked in the box back in the day, as well as a fantastic item shown in a catalog that I totally forgot I once had!
Next episode in this four-part series: Every Barbie needs a Ken, right? (Or does she?)
September 14, 2022
Trade cash with the Carringtons in this creative "Dynasty" board game
My, my, my, just look at this beautiful, custom-made "Dynasty" board game from our friend Bjørn (see the September 1 post). This is certainly limited-edition, and you can snag one if you're interested. You can buy it at Bjørn's "Dynasty" museum you saw profiled here on this blog, or order it directly from him.
"I draw by hand, scan and colour digitally," Bjørn tells BRBTV. "The art on gameboard and box are from the books I've illustrated on 'Dynasty,' that I also sell on Redbubble. When I met Joan last, she got some originals she liked. Some of them are acrylic paint, and some pencil. But I prefer digital now. On storycards and money I've used mixed media."
"Screenshots of some of my 'Dynasty' illustrations on Redbubble," he says. "Done 'Dallas' and lots of other movies and shows as well. ;)"
Images courtesy of Bjørn; please do not copy without permission.
September 9, 2022
Terrific non-TV Toys: Golden Age Wonder Woman Pop!, Funko, 2021
Hot pants and all, this Funko Pop! celebrates the version of Wonder Woman from the glorious Golden Age of comics. Throw in a shield and sword, and that's certainly a Wonder Woman you don't see every day. It's the latest episode of Terrific non-TV Toys ...
September 4, 2022
Some fresh toy show photos!
It's a great weekend whenever we can get out to a toy show again, in these post-pandemic times. Yesterday it was a small toy show at the New Baltimore Trade Center on the east side of Michigan. Even though it was only a few toy vendors, between them and the regular vendors at the facility there were plenty of juicy TV-related goodies to be found. Some vintage "Starsky and Hutch," "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie," some not-really-vintage "Justice League" and "Batman: The Brave and the Bold," even some not-at-all-vintage "Wandavision" and "Stranger Things" stuff!
#Bewitched #IDreamofJeannie #TheAddamsFamily #StrangerThings #Wandavision #Batman #StarskyandHutch #Babylon5 #Spider-Man
Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV
Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand
September 1, 2022
"Dynasty" goodies shine in this Norway museum
This museum in Norway may boast an array of pop-cultural items, but our eyes are all a-ga-ga over the "Dynasty" items. These photos come from our friend Bjørn, who always sends us such great "Dynasty" stuff. (See the July 30, 2021, July 3, 2018 and May 21, 2018 posts, for instance!)
"The museum is called Antonius Groenings Snurrepiperi museum," Bjørn tells BRBTV. "A local inventor and rumoured time traveler. We have built his office and time machine. The museum is located one hour outside Oslo, in Aurskog Mall, and is open on request, with guided tours available. Lots of costumes, props, vintage toys, Disney animation, etc. etc. I'm sure u recognize stuff. ;) Had a few American visitors already, saying it was great. ;) A shop full of vintage NIB items as well. ;)"
The museum includes a Michael Jackson display, and these are original items, such as clothing the pop star actually wore. Bjørn says that BRBTV's "Dynasty High" book is displayed, too -- super-cool!
What a breathtaking collection! Thanks, Bjørn, for sharing it with us!
Photos courtesy of Bjørn; please do not copy without permission.
August 26, 2022
Catch the newest episode of "Reanimated"
Our motley crew of survivors executes a bold new plan for survival in the latest episode of the web series "Reanimated," from talented Michigan filmmaker John Vincent. This is a zombie apocalypse, after all, so if ever there was a time for a bold plan ...
It's the Season 1 finale, and you can watch all the episodes at the playlist on the Evil Genius Entertainment channel. The series has been a joy for this author to be involved in!
August 23, 2022
Terrific non-TV Toys: Batgirl True Moves figure, Mattel, 2018
I guess this one had been on the store shelves a while before I snagged it in April 2021, as some research produced a 2018 release date for it. And it's yet another lovely addition to the Batgirl collection at BRBTV headquarters. It's a 12-inch figure by Mattel, but a Barbie it is not, and it's the focus of the latest episode of the Terrific non-TV Toys series ...
