The Baby Boomer Radio, TV, Movies, Magazines, Music, Comics, Fads, Toys, Fun, and More Show!

On today's show we look back to our early years as kids, when we began to explore the nearby world around us. As we grew older, the world that once consisted of our backyard expanded to other neighborhood streets and surroundings. We wondered what was to be found on the next block or nearby streets...uncharted territories we hadn't explored before. Walking, or riding our bikes around the neighborhood, we wondered what we might find, or what residents we might meet that lived in the homes beyond our own block. With adventure of discovery on our minds, occasionally we'd even be intrigued by a discarded item found in a neighbor's trash can,an alley, or a vacant lot. Join us as we share these fond memories on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

We remember those "Back to School" days on this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site. While those easy, lazy days of summer vacation were winding down, we began to see the tell-tale signs that a return to school was back on the horizon. Going to get new school clothes was usually the first step in getting back into the classroom. Then the first day of school would arrive: new books, new teachers, perhaps some new friends and seeing old friends from previous school years. The sensory stimulation of new smells and sights are often what we remember best about those days. With some excitement and some trepidation, the new school year began. Join us as we look back to those memories here on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network.

Remember getting the prize inside a box of Cracker Jacks, or perhaps going to the gas station with mom or dad and getting one of the company's antenna balls? On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we look back upon the simple little prizes and premiums that made us happy as kids. Whether it was a prize inside a cereal box, or sending away some bubble gum wrappers and getting a toy in the mail, it was fun to get something just for us. It made us feel special to look inside a box of our favorite food or treat and find a prize. Or to go somewhere and receive a gift or toy that was fun for kids but also generated good will for the parents. All of us have memories of these fun things and we share them with you here on this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

Still Going Strong Half a Century Later!

On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, Mike and Smitty look back to the golden days of do-it-yourself. 30, 40, 50 years ago or more, it was common for our dads, granddads, uncles, or friends and neighbors to tackle a repair job themselves. Whether it was fixing a washing machine, putting in a door, tuning up a car, or any other household jobs, that task was likely handled by the homeowner himself. Why was this? Many of our dads and granddads were products of the depression-era, when you learned to take care of things yourself. Another factor is that many things lent themselves to being repaired, unlike so many of the products we use today that disposable. An interesting look back to a different era and a different way of doing things that surely will bring back memories for many. Bring your tool kit and join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On January 29, 2017, we lost our dear friend Jack Vincent, who passed away at his home at the age of 99 years. Jack worked in radio for many years, notably working the overnight air shift at KCBQ in San Diego from the 1950s to the 1970s. He worked at other stations previously, and also worked as an engineer at KCBQ. He was truly the Dean of San Diego Radio Broadcasters. On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, Smitty and Mike are joined by their good friend "Shotgun Tom" Kelly, who was a lifelong friend of Jack's. Together, they remember Jack and his many accomplishments in life by reflecting on Jack's own words, taken from a 2011 interview which Galaxy Nostalgia Network had the privilege of conducting with him. We look back on Jack's beginnings in Youngstown, Ohio, his start in radio, his military service during the Second World War, and his memories of working those overnights for so many years. Join us in this tribute to Jack Vincent here on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network.

Welcome to Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site! On this episode, we look back at Garage Bands, particularly in the Los Angeles area. These were groups of young guys who would put together a band and rehearse and play in their garages. Dreams of stardom and fame were ever-present. Next we look at the golden age of Train Travel. There was a time when traveling by train was a popular way to see the country or visit relatives in far away cities. Finally, we look at Black and White versus Color TV and Movies. Some of our favorite films and TV shows are in color, some in black and white. We look at the contrasts between these two, and how some of the films and TV shows we can't imagine if they were shot the opposite way. Our Retro-Commercials are for Coca-Cola featuring Jan and Dean, and for Wrigley's Doublemint Gum. Join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

Our 200th episode! Begun seven years ago, Galaxy Nostalgia Network has covered the gamut in topics of interest to Baby Boomers and those interested in mid 20th century history. We thank all of our listeners for the continued support and we look forward to having many more years with you. Next, we remember the mail-order book and record clubs. Filling out a simple post card brought us our favorite books and records each month. Who could resist the offer of 10 records for a penny...or a selection of fine books for just a few cents? As much fun as it was to receive these in the mail each month, there were also pitfalls to these activities; paying the balance each month, or forgetting to return the 'no thanks" card, then receiving an unwanted LP or book that was now in your possession. All in all a fun experience that we recall from days past. Our Retro-Commercial is for Burger Chef restaurants. Join us as we celebrate 200 episodes and seven years of memories and fun on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On today's show we remember Sunday nights from years ago, when we tuned in our town's NBC TV station to watch Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom. Before Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color, and Bonanza, we's journey to faraway lands with our grandfatherly host, Marlin Perkins. Wild Kingdom aired on NBC from 1963 to 1971, and for many years thereafter in syndication. Wildlife in the jungles of Africa, South America, the Northern Lapland, and here in our own United States would be presented, at a time when color TV programs were new, and the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat was not easy. Wild Kingdom, with Marlin Perkins as our guide offered entertainment, education, and adventure. Next we look at the life of broadcasting legend Art Astor, who passed away in December. We had the privilege of interviewing Mr. Astor in 2011; (He is a featured guest on Galaxy program number 93. We review his life and career in radio station ownership and broadcasting. We recall a visit to the wonderful Astor Museum, where Mr. Astor's unrivaled collection of vintage radios, TVs, motor vehicles and 19th and 20th century Americana is housed. Our Retro-Commercial is for 1970 Chrysler automobiles, featuring a great musical background and narrative by Ken Nordine.

We remember two well-loved actresses who we lost at the end of 2016 on this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site. The mother and daughter, Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher. It was on December 27th, 2016 that Carrie Fisher passed away, and the following day, December 28th Debbie Reynolds followed her daughter in death. We look back on their respective careers in motion pictures and television. Their collective body of work is impressive, and one that provides entertainment through such movies as Singing in the Rain, How the West Was Won, When Harry Met Sally, and Post Cards From the Edge. Join us as we look back on their careers. Next we are pleased to announce the re-release of two books by Dr. V. E. "Bill" Haloulakos, father of our own George Haloulakos. George tell us about these two books which are relevant to our Galaxy listeners. One book is on the history of mathematics, and the other is on how some of the 1960s Sci-Fi epics provided a window into future developments in space travel and exploration, melding Science Fiction with Science Fact. Listen in and George will tell us all about these fun books and how you can get your own copies. Our Retro-Commercial is for Amoco Oil from the early 1970s. We hope to see you here on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

We continue to wind down 2016 on this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, as we look at a story about CBS leaving the radio broadcasting business. CBS has been in existence for nearly 90 years, and it was announced that the corporation would cease being a major player in radio. We look back at some of the history and highlights of CBS Radio, and we look at how communications has changed over the years, prompting decisions such as this and others which have resulted in the disappearance of other radio networks. Next, we turn to the topic of Late Night Talk Radio, those personalities and programs that air or have aired in the wee hours of the night. There is a whole different audience and community that are regular participants in these programs, and these individuals often drive the content and quirkiness of these programs. We look back at the earlier talk programs of the 1960s and how they evolved into the programs that are on the air today whether national or regional. Finally we remember an American hero, John Glenn, who passed away on December 8, 2016. The accomplishments in his lifetime are remarkable: Decorated United States Veteran, Astronaut, and U.S. Senator. We look back on the life and achievements of this great American. Our Retro-Commercials are for Zenith Radios from the 1960s, and Bavarian Beer from the 1950s. Join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we remember the brick and mortar catalog stores from the past. In particular we recall going to Pep Boys, an iconic auto parts store that issued a regular catalog featuring all of the neat and useful items you could purchase at their stores. Pep Boys was much more than just a place to get motor oil or a set of spark plugs, it was a place where you could get radio tubes, bicycle parts, camping gear, electric fans, or a myriad of other household things. In addition to Pep Boys we also remember such places as Allied Radio, and the stores where you could redeem those books of trading stamps, be they S&H Green Stamps or Blue Chip Stamps. Deciding what to redeem those trading stamps for was a fun task, going through the catalog, and making decisions. This is a nostalgic look back to a time when these stores were very important for all of us. Our Retro-Commercial is for Lafayette Radio Electronics. Join us as we make our way downtown to shop, here on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

In 2016, the iconic TV series Star Trek celebrated its 50th anniversary. Today the Galaxy Guys look back upon this series and how influential it was for its time. Beginning in 1966 on NBC-TV, Star Trek became a weekly must-see for a devoted fan base who wanted to join Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and all of the travelers aboard the Starship Enterprise as they traveled around space encountering adventures and other alien worlds. We look back at the actors, the stories, the genius of Gene Roddenberry, and the program's place in history, arriving in the middle of the tumultuous 1960s. Still today, the series continues to attract new viewers who weren't around when the series first aired. Our Retro-Commercial is a musical jingle for K-Mart Stores from the 1960s. Join us as we boldly go...to Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network! Click here to download show: http://bit.ly/2iwhXXT

Mike, Smitty, and George look back to the Sears Wish Books of 1964 and 1976, particularly the toys that would enchant and excite us as kids. We'll recall the benefits offered by some of the toys, games, and other kid-oriented Christmas gifts of the 1960s and 1970s. (Remember the social engagement with friends and family while playing board games, and building project toys such as models and handicraft items?) Also featured is a preview of our 2017 season. We also introduce Los Angeles based TV actor and Galaxy Good Gal, Lisa Dinkins (photo), a life-long lover of nostalgia and Boomer collectibles. During the coming year, Lisa will share many of her happiest memories of growing up as a Baby Boomer. (Check out her Facebook page @LisaDinks).

Remember all the characters from the past that were so memorable in helping us to recall all of our favorite products we used? Everything from giant doughnuts, to dinosaurs advertising gasoline, to Big Boy holding up a hamburger, these are all icons that we instantly associate with a product or service. On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, Smitty and Mike look back to these icons and recall how even today, many years later, we remember them and the products they sold. As kids, we saw many of these icons while out riding in the family car with mom and dad. There were thousands of these iconic figures back then, and today many of these figures are still with us. Join us as we think back to our favorite advertising icons on this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network.