There's even some classic television at the Smithsonian

Wow, what a great weekend it was. This author and her good bud Andrea not only did Awesome Con at the convention center in downtown D.C. (see yesterday's post) but we also did some sightseeing around our fair capitol of Washington. It had been a long time since Andrea had been to these sights, and it was just so much fun. We logged 8.5 miles walking in the blazin', throttlin' heat (the kind that closes right around you when you step outside) -- how's that for an Iron Woman Challenge??? Lunch at Hard Rock Café, the monuments including the World War II Memorial and Lincoln Memorial, and a couple Smithsonians. A great day.

And can you believe, we found items at the Smithsonian related to some great classic TV shows???? It made the day even better! Here are some shots from Sunday, starting off with the authentic model of the Starship Enterprise used on the original "Star Trek," at the National Air and Space Museum ...

Next, here's what we found at the Museum of American History ...

Archie and Edith Bunker's chairs were there, of course, but Fonzie's jacket must be in storage. And where's that Farrah exhibit I've been so anxious to see???? Ryan O'Neal donated several items from Farrah Fawcett's belongings a few years ago -- including the famous red one-piece swimsuit from the poster -- and I've never been able to see them on display! Pleeeeezzzz, Smithsonian!

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Some sights and sounds from Awesome Con!

Another awesome year of Awesome Con D.C. It was packed, packed, packed on Saturday -- we waited in line an hour just to get in the door, badge in hand! Wow. We found all kinds of fun stuff, and some of it of a TV nature! From purple Yvonne Craig-inspired Batpurses, to lots of Wonder Woman everywhere, to Shazam and more, here's a tour in photos ...

Velma and Daphne -- second stop in a world tour (first was the Motor City show), aka Andrea and BRB.

Kudos to this Shazam cosplayer -- we posted this one on the SHAZAM ! // ISIS TV SHOW GROUP on Facebook.

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

Copying with credit is OK; a link would be grand

Terrific TV Toys: A dazzling "Dukes of Hazzard" room!

In an episode of Terrific TV Toys last month, you got to see the very artistic and detailed "Dukes of Hazzard" scale models hand-crafted by T.J. of Michigan. This time, we take you inside T.J.'s collection of "Dukes" memorabilia, and boy, is it a doozy. Take a deep breath, then take it all in ...

Fleetwood Country Cruize-In: Dropping in on a couple "Dukes" cast members

This past weekend, the Fleetwood Country Cruize-In event at the Steve Plunkett estate near London, Ontario, Canada, served up another heapin' helpin' of "Dukes of Hazzard" fun. This author took in the show a couple years ago when it hosted several "Dukes" cast members for meet-and-greets, and this year was just as big and fun. I got to chat with Don Pedro Colley ("Sheriff Ed Little") again, first time I'd seen him in a couple years, as well as Sonny Shroyer. They were kind enough to sign some items for friends: a glovebox door for Jason, photos for Mike, and a jacket for T.J.

Terrific TV Toys: Batgirl doll by Hasbro, 1998

Sometimes an action figure is truly more of a doll, as is the case with this week's featured toy on the Terrific TV Toys series, as well as the first episode you'll see next month. It's a two-part series of sorts, a look at two dolls that seem quite a lot alike, since they both portray the Barbara Gordon version of Batgirl as she appeared in "The New Batman Adventures" series first airing in 1996. This one is by Hasbro, and was part of a series for that show.



Stay tuned, because next month you'll see a Mattel tribute to Batgirl, in our continuing 50th anniversary celebration for this beloved character, but for next week, we return to Hazzard County!

Some more photos of the "Dynasty" dollhouse

As a follow-up to yesterday's post, here are some more photos inside the handmade "Dynasty" dollhouse and Carrington foyer replica, which avid "Dynasty" fan Bjørn jokes cost more than his car, and for which a single bannister ornament was eight dollars alone ...

One of the photos above is during construction of the dollhouse, as is this contrasting shot:

Photos courtesy of Bjørn Erik; please do not copy without permission.

A video peek inside a dazzling "Dynasty" mansion model

In the October 25, 2014 post of this blog, you saw some photos of an absolutely exquisite model replica of the Carrington mansion of "Dynasty." What better time to have another look at such models than now, as a "Dynasty" TV reboot looms on the fall horizon for the CW.  Bjørn, who shared with us some other "Dynasty" goodies he owns in the May 24, 2014 and September 20, 2013 posts, now sends us what you see below ... a video tour of sorts inside another handmade "Dynasty" replica he owns -- a miniature of the Carrington mansion that is different from what you saw in October 2014 because it's an interior view. This is a roombox of the Carrington mansion foyer, on a 1:12 scale ...

"One of the best dollhouse-makers in the world built it on my commission," Bjørn says of this fantastic peace of workmanship. "Others have done the furniture. Krystle is made by one of the best dollmakers. This thing costs more than my car!" he jokes.

Tune in tomorrow for a whole bunch of great pics from this amazing dollhouse!

UPDATE: Check out our May 21, 2018 post for the Carrington figures that go inside this amazing house!

Video and image courtesy of Bjørn Erik; please do not copy without permission.

Motor City Comic Con: Joseph Gatt talks "Z Nation" and more

Joseph Gatt has had the chance to work on blockbusters such as "Thor" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness," but you might know him as The Man / Emile Hunter on "Z Nation." He's also appeared on "Game of Thrones" and "The 100." The London-born and very buff actor has a distinctive look about him that translates well for certain roles.

Gatt talked with Cousin Don at last weekend's Motor City Comic Con about the differences between working on those movie and TV projects, as well as what has been his biggest challenge so far, as an actor. Hear what he has to say in the latest video on the BRBTV channel ...

Motor City Comic Con: Shannon Elizabeth is on a mission

Shannon Elizabeth is a woman with a cause, and that cause is our four-legged friends. The actress, known for the "American Pie" movies and "That '70s Show," is involved in Animal Avengers, a dog and cat rescue that has turned its efforts more toward broader animal conservation. She chats with Don and BRB about her work on- and off-screen, what has been her most rewarding role, the benefit event coming up in the New York City this week, and why you should never buy a pet ...



Many thanks to Ms. Elizabeth for talking with us, and special thanks to Andrea for the assist with the camera! Stay tuned for another great MCCC interview in the next couple days.

Motor City Comic Con rolls out the geeky fun

Wowzers, another great Motor City Comic Con is still going on right now at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. This author has had two great days at the con, Friday and Saturday, with yesterday being every bit the splash and fanfare of previous years. This show still seems to get  bigger every year -- we're not done riding this comic-con popularity wave just yet, in our vast and varied pop culture!!! In fact, it looks like some more parking was added to the event this year, and an expansion of the venue is planned for next spring. But on to the show itself!

Oh, wow, the cosplay!!!! So many creative ideas, all around us. We saw a Gilligan (a different Gilligan from three or four years ago, the only other time we've seen this character cosplayed). But let's first see the one that we vote best-of-show ...

Yes, that's "Planet of the Apes," and before you ask (in case you're a really hard-core Apes fan), he's from the movies, not the short-lived TV show of the early 1970s that I've been really digging on MeTV in recent months. This guy rocked!!!! Good job with that costume!!!

Andrea LOVES Minions, so she got this cool photo opp with one!

It was 10 years ago this weekend, at this very event, when I first met my bud Andrea, and possibly Don, too (though we can't remember for sure). At any rate, it was 10 years ago this weekend that we all first hung out together, so we decided to mark the milestone with a little Scooby cosplay!

OK, can I designate two best-in-show awards for cosplay???? Because seriously, this classic "Twilight Zone" homage right ranks up there for best cosplay ever! At least until I get that Aunt Esther costume together ("Sanford and Son," if you were wondering).

Nothing like a 1966 Green Hornet -- and a very big and tall Kato!!! Had to love it!

We certainly saw a lot of Wonder Women -- the movie version in particular -- along with an abundance of all manner of superhero. (And there were a lot of "Walking Dead" Negans there, complete with Lucille -- what's up with that???)

The shopping was fabulous, as usual! Picked up a couple Christmas gifts, and found a few other items almost too tempting ...

A friggin' Freddie Mercury action figure????? Who knew??? Not me, until I then looked it up online. Again, just wow ...

This is just the beginning! Look for more coverage of the 2017 Motor City Comic Con on this very blog this week, with three very cool celeb interviews, including the very nice gentleman below (he's not as gruesome as you saw on this classic TV show!!!!) ...

Photos by Billie Rae Bates / BRBTV

except for the Scooby trio photo, courtesy of Don Covell Jr.

And in "Dynasty" news ...

Have you been reading about the "Dynasty" reboot slated for the CW's fall schedule? The news broke earlier this month, and we eagerly await what the network will do with this beloved classic TV show, other than the fact that they'll take a different approach from TNT's "Dallas" reboot," which was more of a continuation of the original series. The new "Dynasty" will see everyone recast. Here's a little roundup 'round the web, in case ya missed it ...

Hollywood Reporter: 'Dynasty' Reboot, Military Drama 'Valor' Ordered to Series at The CW

Associated Press: CW to reboot 'Dynasty,' '80s prime-time soap opera, in fall

The Washington Post: CW fall lineup gambles on 'Dynasty' reboot

TV Guide: Watch the trailer for the CW's Dynasty

"Melrose Place" and "Ryan's Hope" alum Grant Show is smashing as patriarch Blake, Krystle / Cristal looks a whole lot edgier than the original character made famous by Linda Evans, the catfights will definitely be played-up, Sammy Jo is a guy (wow!!!!), and Fallon even bites off the top of the wedding cake topper, a direct reference to the original "Dynasty" pilot. This reboot is definitely rebooting from Day 1 of the original series!

This author would've LOVED to have seen the same continuation approach as with "Dallas," since like that rival show, all the kids born on "Dynasty" would be the perfect age for the audience the CW is going for ... but hey, we'll take it! We'll be there!!!!

Meanwhile, in other "Dynasty" news, one of the most iconic settings of the original series has just gone up for sale. It was the site of the well-remembered lily pond catfight scene between Alexis and Krystle, and you can snag it for a cool $25 mil ...

Pasadena Home Featured in ‘Dynasty,’ ‘Duck Soup’ and ‘Knight Rider’ Selling for $28 Million

"Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! A BRBTV Report" gets an update!

That lovable canine just keeps moving -- we can hardly keep up. New TV shows all the time, new video releases. New merchandise! We figured it was about time we updated the Kindle publication "Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! A BRBTV Report," the sixth in the series of BRBTV Reports.

There are quite a few pages added with this update, since there are a batch of juicy color photos added of Scoob merchandise, everything from ballcaps to banks! And you'll see some new text in places, as well. This author hopes you enjoy! Snag it on Amazon, and accept no pirated copies out there on other sites -- they're now out-of-date, anyway!

Terrific TV Toys: Isis figure by Mego, 1970s

It's another one of those banner moments -- the kind of moment when, as an adult, you can right a wrong of your childhood, aided by that wonderful modern invention called the Internet. As a kid, this author absolutely loved the Saturday-morning live-action TV series "The Secrets of Isis," the companion superhero series to the popular "Shazam!" that had been on the air for a  year at that point. At the time in the 1970s, Mego Corp. was rolling out scads of great superhero action figures and added an Isis figure to their line in 1976. Boy, did I soooooooo want that Isis figure. Queue the adulthood, where all things are possible on the Internet!!!

It's this week's Terrific TV Toys episode ...



Here's the Isis cosplayer mentioned in the episode, spotted on Free Comic Book Day a week or so ago in Michigan:

Seriously adorable, along with the Ms. Riddler!

Motor City Comic Con premieres film by pink Power Ranger Amy Jo Johnson, plus a host of guest panels

Guardians of Galaxy, Weird Science, Freaks and Geeks, Rob Schneider, Ron Perlman among many more to headline panels at Motor City Comic Con 2017 

 

More media and comic guests added to lineup; and for the first time ever

Comic Con will present the Michigan premiere of a full-length feature film

 

Novi, MI (May 10, 2017) – Comic fans and pop culture enthusiasts from all over are gearing up for what is set to be one of the best Motor City Comic Con events yet with exciting panels and several recently added guests unveiled to the public today (follow this link to see the panel schedule). Stars from Weird Science, Guardians of the Galaxy, Arrow, Freaks and Geeks, American Pie, among others will be featured in panel discussions. Several media guests have also been added to this year’s lineup including Rob Schneider, Ron Perlman, Barbara Eden, Sean Astin, Herbert Jefferson Jr., Robin Lord Taylor, Ross Marquand, Kristy Swanson, James Remar, Marky Ramone, Ani-Mia and many more. For the first time at Motor City Comic Con, the Michigan premiere of a full-length feature film, The Space Between, by Amy Jo Johnson, who played the pink Power Ranger in the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, will be featured. This year’s Motor City Comic Con will take place Friday, May 19 (12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.), Saturday, May 20 (10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.) and Sunday, May 21 (10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at the Suburban Collection Showplace, located at 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi. Complete information about the event, tickets, panels and VIP passes is available at http://www.motorcitycomiccon.com/.

 

The weekend event features more than 300 creators, writers, illustrators and actors who will greet the fans, sign autographs, take pictures, and provide panels and Q & A discussions, while many super fans are dressed in their pop culture best. A popular event is Saturday’s cosplay contest where a mix of celebrity judges determine the best costume winners, presenting prizes and gift packages. Motor City Comic Con’s annual Saturday night bash celebrates comic con weekend with entertainment, refreshments, and light hors d’oeuvres for the public. Sunday is Kid’s Day featuring kid-friendly activities.

In addition to the previously announced guests, newly added Motor City Comic Con guests feature:

Aly Michalka: Actor and musician known for her film appearances in Easy A, Bandslam, Sequoia, and Weepah Way for Now. Television appearances include: iZombie, Hellcats and Two and a Half Men.

Ani-Mia: An International Cosplayer who writes for Otaku USA Magazine – the premier anime and manga magazine in the U.S., makes appearances at conventions and judges costume contests.

Amy Dumas: An American professional wrestler and singer, better known as Lita, is currently a WWE analyst. She performed as a WWE wrestler from 2000 to 2006 and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014.

Austin Amelio: An actor and writer best known as Dwight on The Walking Dead, Nesbit in Everybody Wants Some!!, Thomas in Putting the Dog to Sleep, and David in Over Again.

Billie Piper: The UK singer, dancer and television star is best known for her role as Rose Tyler in Doctor Who. Piper can also be seen on Penny Dreadful. Other television film roles include: The Ruby in the Smoke, The Shadow in the North and Secret Diary of a Call Girl.

Dennis Rodman: A retired NBA basketball star who played for the Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks. Nicknamed “The Worm”, Rodman is recognized as a Detroit Pistons’ Bad Boy and as one of the best rebounding forwards in NBA history. Rodman was a New World Order wrestler in the 1990s and appeared in the television show The Rodman World Tour, and in the action films Double Team and Simon Sez.

Frank Cho: An American comic strip creator, writer and illustrator best known for his work on the professionally syndicated strip Liberty Meadows. Cho was also the writer and illustrator of the first story in the Marvel NOW! Savage Wolverine series.

Hannah Kasulak: Known as Casey Rance in FOX Network’s The Exorcist, Kasulak has appeared in Filthy Preppy Teens, The Fosters, How to Get Away with Murder, True Blood and Nashville.

James Remar: Known for his various film and television roles from over the last four decades, Remar has appeared in The Warriors, 48 Hours, The Cotton Club, Django Unchained, Dexter, Mortal Kombat Annihilation, Tales from the Darkside, Sex And the City, 2 Fast 2 Furious, among many others. He can also be seen in the upcoming second season of Hulu’s The Path.

Jason Douglas: Known for his role as Tobin in seasons five and six of The Walking Dead and for his recurring appearances on Breaking Bad, Nashville, and Revolution, among others. Douglas has voice lead nearly 200 characters like, Beerus in the Dragon Ball Z films as well as Krieg the Psycho in Borderlands 2.

John E.L. Tenney: A Michigan native, Tenney is an author and one of the most recognized investigators of UFO, paranormal and occult phenomena in the U.S. Tenney is co-host on the paranormal reality show Ghost Stalkers and has appeared in Unsolved Mysteries, Paranormal State: The New Class, Ghost Adventures and Paranormal Lockdown.

John Francis Daley: An actor, screenwriter, film director and musician best known for his role as Sam Weir on Freaks and Geeks and as Dr. Lance Sweets on Bones. Daley plays keyboards and sings for the band Dayplayer, and he co-wrote Horrible Bosses and will be a co-writer for the upcoming Spider Man: Homecoming film.

Jordan Trovillion: An actor, singer and Michigan native known as the host of the comic book and nerd culture TV show Comics Continuum. She has also appeared in Comedy Central’s Detroiters, Lifetime’s Secrets in the Walls, among others. Upcoming projects include The Life and Death of John Gotti and Mercy.

Joseph Gatt: A U.K. native known for his roles in Pulse, Chuck, Eagleheart, Game of Thrones, From Dusk Till Dawn, The 100, Banshee, Second Chance, Teen Wolf, True Detective, Star Trek Into Darkness and Thor. Gatt can currently be seen as The Man in Z Nation.

LaVar Burton: Best known as Geordi La Forge in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Nemesis; host for PBS’s Reading Rainbow, and as Kunta Kinte in Roots. Burton is also an accomplished director and has directed episodes for Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Enterprise.

Martin Starr: Known for his role as Bill Haverchuck on Freaks and Geeks, Starr has appeared in Knocked Up, This is The End, King of The Hill, among others. He is currently reprising his roles as Gilfoyle on the third season of Silicon Valley.

Nicola Scott: An Australian comic book artist who has worked exclusively for DC Comics. Her work has appeared in titles such as Wonder Woman, Batman, Teen Titans, Superman, Birds of Prey and Secret Six, among others.

Ross Marquand: Known for his breakout roles as Aaron on The Walking Dead and as Paul Newman on Mad Men. He is also an accomplished voice over actor and has worked on productions such as Phineas & Ferb, Conan, among others.

Scott Wilson: An American actor known for his appearances in nearly 50 films such as Harvey Oberst in the 1967 film In the Heat of the Night, and Dick Hickok in the 1967 adaptation of Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood, among many others. Wilson is also known for his role as Dr. Hershel Greene on The Walking Dead.

Tim Bradstreet: Known as Marvel’s go-to cover artist, Bradstreet is an Inkpot Award-Winning artist and is known for his work in Vampire: The Masquerade, The Punisher, The Punisher MAX, John Constantine: Hellblazer, among many others.

Tom Payne: A U.K. native known for his roles as Paul “Jesus” Rovia on The Walking Dead, Leon Micheaux in Luck, and Rob Cole in The Physician. Payne has also appeared in several U.K. television series such as Skins, Casualty and Waterloo Road.

Tony Todd: A horror and sci-fi film icon best known for his roles in The Candyman, Sleepwalk and Platoon as well as roles in the Hatchet and Final Destination franchises. Todd can also be seen in Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen, The Rock, The Crow, Lean on Me, Bird, Night of The Living Dead, and Star Trek: The Next Generation, among many others.

Vic Mignogna: Best known for his prolific voice over work in the anime industry involving Japanese anime characters and video games. Mignogna’s most notable character is Edward Elric from the Fullmetal Alchemist series, and he was the voice role of Broly in the Dragon Ball Z films.

Wil Wheaton: An actor, writer and voice actor known for his roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Flubber, The Guild, Eureka, and The Big Bang Theory. He also appeared in Stand by Me, Toy Soldiers and Criminal Minds, among others.

For more information regarding Motor City Comic Con guests and events, visit the website. For photo galleries, visit https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fye4o7g1iikkoj9/AADZZ0yXX2fKac-1kLS9Vt3Xa?dl=0. To apply for a press pass credentials, go to http://motorcitycomiccon.com/press-passes-2016/