FAREWELL, LORETTA SWIT

You became part of popular culture as Major Margret "Hotlips" Houlihan on television's M*A*S*H.

You expanded that popular role through other programs and features, including The Best Christmas Pageant Ever; the Cagney & Lacey pilot; Deadhead Miles; Stand up and Be Counted; Policewoman 1974; Freebie and the Bean; S.O.B.; Beer; Whoops Apocalypse; Forest Warrior; Play the Flute; Beach Movie; Mannix; The Last Day; Bonanza; Gunsmoke; Hawaii Five-O; The Love Boat; Win, Lose or Draw; Match Game; Pyramid; Password; Hollywood Squares; The Muppet Show; The Tony Orlando and Dawn Show; and hosted Those Incredible Animals and Korean War--The Untold Story. 

You were also in one of the most significant horror-thrillers to play the 1970s' drive-in circuit, Race with the Devil, in which you costarred with Peter Fonda, Warren Oates and Dark Shadows' Lara Parker. 

For the decades of entertainment you gave us, Ms. Swit, we are most grateful. You did what most performers only hope to do: You brightened and enriched people's lives, with a body of work that will surely continue to be appreciated for may years yet to come. 

TALKING SMALL PRESS: STEVE KEETER INTERVIEWS THE LATE LARNED JUSTIN

Get set for another satisfying Talking Small Press Comics Podcast (#86), hosted by those small-press-comics giants, Steve Keeter & Larned Justin.

This episode focuses on Larned, as interviewed by Steve. The fellows cover Larned's long career, returning to the early likes of Rap Sheet, moving through Spacefalcon and straight into the recent Candid Cartoons. 

Larned's passion for detective yarns is acknowledged and how such influenced his spoof, Dirk Tricky. His time with White Buffalo Gazette (WBG) is spotlighted, with many examples shared from his quirky humor, the latter having elevated him to cult status. And as a special treat, Larned's impressive, painting style is displayed, which holds a different texture from his comics work. 

Steve's questions are deft, and Larned's answers are insightful, fortifying an impressive episode for those interested in the former's legendary contributions.

Listen at 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_rF1Pd8LEY

R.I.P. LARNED JUSTIN

I was just getting to know you from your Talking Small Press Comics podcasts with Steve Keeter, warming up to your expertise, knowledge and kindness. 

I can certainly say that you were an everyman, who when the opportunity arose (and it did often), excelled well beyond that relegation, with publications and cartoons that bedazzled, excited and made one laugh (the latter often tapping the top-shelf buffoonery of Mad and National Lampoon). 

On this basis, your concoctions went far beyond the confines of restricted, modern DC and Marvel, in that they came straight from your heart, pleasing all who gazed upon them.

You're going to be missed, Mr. Justin, and in ways you may have never fathomed. In this regard (and in the scope of each and every small-press delight), you touched our lives and in so doing, made them all the better. 

FOR THE FUN OF IT:

 

GOODBYE, ED GALE

You were a behind-the-scenes legend, helping to enact the likes of Chucky (in Child's Play, Child's Play 2 and Bride of Chucky) and the ill-fated, cinematic Howard the Duck. 

You also brought to life the titular Dolly Dearest, Tasha the Dinosaur on the Land of the Lost, television revival, Uncle Bobby in Tiptoes, Little Eddie in a popular episode of My Name is Earle and the creepy Oscar the Dummy in Friday the 13th: the Series' "Read My Lips."  

In addition, you contributed to Lifepod, Phantasm II, The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle 2000, The Polar Express, The Jungle Book 1994, Spaceballs, Chopper Chicks in Zombietown, The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas, Santa Preys X-mas, The Christmas Secret, Call Me Claus, Santa Jr., The Dreamer of Oz, O Brother Where Art Thou?, The Gold and the Beautiful, L.A. Dicks, Marksman, Emerald Acres, Speed-Dating, The Amateur Monster Movie, Deadly Attraction, Pandemonic, 365 Days, Mikeyboy, Crazy Town and the documentary, In Search of Tomorrow.

Further television appearances can be found in 3rd Rock from the Sun, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Bones, Just Shoot Me!, Baywatch, Townies, The Norm Show, Pig Sty, Family Matters, Grounded for Life, First Monday, The District, The Hughleys and Weird Science. 

Alas, you had your share of unsettling (unforgivable) charges aimed against you (to which you've admitted absolute blame), but despite this, Mr. Gale, many may still appreciate your contributions, and with hope, it will be that, and not your horrid history, that shall prevail among those who crossed your unscrupulous path. 😞

DONNA (POWER GIRL) UPDATE & BEYOND

I ran into an old pal at the supermarket who asked me how Donna was doing. Alas, I haven't posted updates on her in a spell (once more, due to some derisive commentary aimed at Donna and I via email and snail mail, plus some vengeful tinkering on our Facebook, blogger and medical accounts), but I relayed with confidence that my gorgeous Power Girl is doing well. She's sharp in cognition, sticking to her appointments, exercising, and preparing lots of fine food for our appreciative family.  

Of course, like so many in my vicinity (including my pal at the supermarket), my Power Girl and I often struggle, thanks to Governor Phil "the Vulture" Murphy's callous interference. It's a tough period to engage, especially when we're doing everything by the book, only to be crushed by further expenses, including a mind-numbing ton of taxes and high, medical insurance which, just when you need it most, doesn't cover you. But rest assured, those who refuse to work are catered to a hundredfold in my upside-down realm. 

With that said, I know a certain moocher who reads my posts. No doubt he's sneering from ear to ear learning of our plight, while he gets his "charitable" handout for having a condition that makes him (ahem) too afraid to work, and then blames everyone else for his absurd circumstance, saying we have it far too good for our own good. Ah, the irony. 

Perhaps you know someone like him, a clueless clod who at one moment apologies for the insults he hurls and then turns right around and feigns ignorance of the wrong he's done. He's the type who clearly dislikes you (no doubt hates you) and still asks to resume a dialogue to besmirch you (and those you love). This one, in particular, has the gall to support a costumed troupe that's supposed to bring comfort to those in need. I guess expressing negativity is what this cadger truly wants: the emblematic behavior of a bully, if ever there was. 

And so, I say to this bully, this coward, if you believe it's right to belittle us, why not do so on this forum? (There's a reply section right below; hit the "no comments" section and eureka, there you go.) Really, what do you have to lose, ol' chum, beyond revealing your true colors? I'm certain your costumed compatriots would find your crass commentary quite the eye-opener. In rebuttal, maybe Donna and I can land you a part-time job. In this way you can get a taste of how the other half lives: that is, the half you say has no right to complain, even though it's our job-bound existences that pay yours. See where this is going?

In the interim, Donna and I will continue to survive and do so, despite your contempt. And to those who've shown us kindness with a prayer or passing hello, we'll be glad to reciprocate: just a little respect to those yet brave enough, yet powerful enough, to survive the too often ridiculed daily grind.   

TERRIFIC TEAM-UP IMAGE: HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER/TEENAGE CAVEMAN

 

GOODBYE, MARA CORDAY

You were one of the most striking women to grace the silver screen, first a Playmate (Playboy, Oct 1958) and overall, girlie-mag sensation, later becoming a veritable scream queen long before the term had caught on. 

Your presence in monster movies is most significant in this respect, and three, big ones they are: Tarantula, The Black Scorpion and The Giant Claw.

For movies of another sort (westerns, comedy, intrigue and exotica), you were as visible, accumulating such titles as Toughest Man in Arizona, Man Without a Star, Man from Bitter Bridge, Drums Across the River, A Day of Fury, The Quiet Gun, Naked Gun, Raw Edge, Tarzan and the She-Devil, Son of Ali Baba, Yankee Pasha, Girls on the Loose, Undersea Girl, Sea Fire, Foxfire, Dawn at Socorro, Francis Joins the W.A.C.S., Playgirl, Sweethearts on Parade, So This is Paris, Money from Home, The Lady Wants Mink and such television shows as The Adventures of Kit Carson, The Man from Blackhawk, Tales of Wells Fargo, The Restless Gun, Peter Gunn, Surfside 6, Adventures in Paradise and Craig Kennedy, Criminologist.

On a special note, the bond you formed with Clint Eastwood, who cameos in Tarantula, led to appearances in several of his movies: Sudden Impact, The Gauntlet, Pink Cadillac and The Rookie. 

There's no debate: You hit it outta the park each and every time, Ms. Corday: a larger-than-life, glamour gal who rubbed elbows with the higher, Hollywood echelon, and now you'll soar even higher than that, as you rub wings among the angels.