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

We remember three individuals the field of Radio and Television Broadcasting who we lost in February of 2015. Gary Owens, the legendary announcer best remembered for his announcing role on "Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In", died on February 12th. He is also very well remembered for his local radio work in Los Angeles. Mr. Owens' baritone voice was unmistakable, and we still remember him telling us about "Beautiful Downtown Burbank" on the old Laugh-In show. Stan Chambers, the legendary TV personality who spent decades at KTLA Channel 5 in Los Angeles, passed away on February 13th. Mr. Chambers began working at KTLA in 1947 and stayed until 2010. He covered many historic events in that span of years, from natural disasters that occurred in Southern California, to A-Bomb tests, to assassinations, riots, and many other historic events. Finally, we remember Bob Simon of CBS news. He died on February 11th. Mr. Simon was the victim of an automobile accident in downtown Manhattan. His assignments took him to many places in the world, facing danger in the field, and at one time actually was taken hostage along with others during the Persian Gulf War. It is ironic that he should lose his life in Manhattan after having faced so many dangerous situations around the world. Join us as we remember and we salute these giants of broadcasting on this edition of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network.

On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, Mike B offers us a review of a very interesting book he recently read. The book is titled "Beatleness", by Candy Leonard. This interesting book tells the story of the Beatles invasion fifty years ago, through the eyes of fans who share their memories. The input by regular folks from that time period, who were kids during that era when the Beatles were in force is a refreshing perspective in contrast to other compilations that feature the opinions of experts. Listen in to hear this interesting review. Next we remember Ian Rose, who was a contributor to Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site back in 2010-2011. Ian passed way on December 30, 2014 after several years of recurring health issues. We look back at his career and his contributions to our program. In addition, we play a clip of Ian's first appearance on our shows. Long-time listeners will remember Ian and the many feature pieces he did on our show. We thank Ian for his contributions and remember him and his role in our early shows. Finally we look back at the pedal cars of the 1950s and 60s. These toys that kids would ride in and were powered by little legs. These pedal or kiddie cars are very collectible and we look back at the history of these toys and share memories of how kids enjoyed these neat toys in the past. Our Retro-Commercial is for Pepto-Bismol from the 1950s, featuring a catchy jingle for this perennial stomach medicine. We look forward to having you with us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

This episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site marks our fifth anniversary of being with you and sharing memories of our early years. We thank our listeners for being with us these past five years, and we have many more shows planned that are coming up so please stay with us for more memories from the past. On the second half of our show, we remember Richard C, Hottelet who passed away in December of 2014. He was a CBS broadcast journalist for many years from the 1940s to the 1970s. Mr. Hottelet was the last of the "Murrow Boys", the elite group of broadcast journalists assembled by Edward R. Murrow during World War II. We look back at his career and at the way news was reported in earlier times when facts and information were more important than flashy show biz. Our Retro-Commercial is for Golden Fluffo brand shortening, with the late Mike Wallace telling us about this shortening and the delicious pies it would make. Thanks for being with us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we remember the great TV Network Variety shows of the past. Throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s, there were many variety programs on TV that presented a great variety of acts, from singers to comedians, to great dramatic artists. Such programs as The Ed Sullivan Show, Your Show of Shows, and such artists as Perry Como, Dean Martin, and Jackie Gleason are well-remembered to this day. The variety show is seldom seen these days, the idea of the entire family watching a program with something of interest for everybody has almost disappeared, but join us as we look back to those days when television would bring the whole family together. Next, we talk about Scandal Magazines and Gossip Magazines, those magazines and papers you would buy at your local newsstand that featured strange, seedy, and bizarre stories designed to intrigue readers and make imaginations go into overdrive. Such magazines as Peephole, Whisper, and Confidential were best sellers and widely read by everyday people looking for adventure and the latest scoop on celebrities and well-know individuals. We look back at these cheap magazines that provided so much entertainment back in the day. Finally we look back at the School Dance. Those events which were trying and exciting at the same time. Junior High Dances are recalled as being a time of anxiety for many, unless you were an extroverted dancer or perhaps a member of the group playing the music. All in all we look back to those fun days of the School Dance. Our Retro-Commercials are for Colgate Dental Cream and for Maxwell House Coffee. Put on your dancing shoes and join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

It's Christmas time at Galaxy Nostalgia Network, and in the spirit of the season, we look back at some of our favorite classic holiday movies of the past. We remember such classics as "It's a Wonderful Life", and "Miracle on 34th Street", as well as a few others that may not immediately come to mind such as "The Shop Around the Corner", and "A Holiday Affair". Listen in as we review some great Christmas films of times past that are still very enjoyable. Next we talk about some of our favorite Thanksgiving and Christmas parades. Such parades as the Hollywood Christmas Parade, The Macy's Thanksgiving Parade, and The Rose Parade are all parades we recall, either seeing them in person and watching them on TV. Everyone loves a parade so join us for all the fun! Our Retro-Commercial is for Cheerios cereal. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

This episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site takes us back to our early TV memories. Do you remember Gumby, the little green clay figure with the slanted head and his pal Pokey, the red pony? We travel back to memory lane to revisit them and all the other characters from their TV show, which originated on the Howdy Doody Show, back in the 50s. All through the later 50s and into the 60s and 70s, Gumby and his pals could be seen frequently on TV. We also look back at Art Clokey, the creator of Gumby and an innovator in the process of Claymation. We recall some our favorite Gumby episodes as well as look at many of the toys and dolls marketed during that time period. Listen in and remember this show from our early years. Next we talk about some recent passings in the musical and movie world. We remember Jack Bruce from the musical group "Cream", Mike Nichols the famed motion picture director, and Jimmy Ruffin, who was a member of the Temptations. Their popularity and their place in entertainment history are recalled. Finally we look back at the National Geographic Specials from the 60s and 70s. For one hour, when these specials would air, we would be transported to exotic places around the world, as well as to the highest mountaintops and the depths of the sea. Such scientists as Louis Leaky, Jane Goodall, and Jacques Cousteau became well-know as a result of these programs. Narrators as Rod Serling and Alexander Scourby added to the enjoyment of the programs. We also look back at the National Geographic Magazines which have been with us for so many years. Most household had a library of these magazines and are still very well remembered. Our Retro Commercials are for Almond Joy candy bars and for Coca Cola. Join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

The spy genre of TV shows was very popular in the 1960s, and on this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, we look back to those programs from that time period when spies, international intrigue, and mysterious adventures were the norm for TV watchers. Fifty years ago, this type of programming became very popular, due to the popularity of the James Bond films. Among the programs we remember are The Man From U.N.C.L.E.; Secret Agent; The Prisoner; I Spy; Get Smart; and many more. These programs allowed viewers to escape into a fantasy world of spies and mystery. Many of these programs had a British influence, again stemming from the James Bond series. Listen in and recall your favorite spy program from the past. Our Retro-Commercial is for Kentucky Fried Chicken, voiced by the late Colonel Harland Sanders himself. The Galaxy Guys follow up with an engaging conversation involving family dinners in the 60s and 70s featuring KFC, recalling a different time period when families dined together, and the Southern Hospitality of Colonel Sanders' Restaurants. Finally we report on the San Diego Press Club's Excellence in Journalism Awards. Galaxy Nostalgia Network was a contender once again, and we report how we did this year. Join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, Smitty and Mike welcome back Tom McCoy, owner of Tom McCoy's Mantiques, in Santee, California. Tom is our newest Galaxy Good Guy, and he brings his expertise on collecting, antiques, and values of lots of items that people like to collect. On this program, Tom talks to us about novelty radios, that is, radios disguised as other things, such as car batteries, orange juice cans, stuffed animals, and many other household products. We also talk about some of the larger bar and smoker radios of the past. We look into the collectibility of these items, and also look into other related items that folks collect. Tom will be with us on future programs talking about collectibles and also will tell us about some of the neat things that come into his store. Our Retro-Commercial is a great musical number for Pepsi-Cola. Join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

Mike and Smitty welcome our newest Galaxy Good Guy, Tom McCoy to this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site. Tom is owner and proprietor of Tom McCoy's Mantiques. Tom sells collectibles and antiques at his store, things that a guy might want to have in his man cave. Tom tells us about his collecting and about some of the interesting things he sells in his store. He never knows what a person might bring in, since Tom buys things as well. People find all kinds of items that they bring in to the store for Tom to evaluate. Tom also shares advice for people who want to begin collecting. If you've found a new collectible interest. listen in and hear about it from Tom McCoy. Listen in, Tom will be heard regularly on future episodes as well! Our Retro-Commercial is for Awake Breakfast Drink. Join us on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On June 20, 2014, Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site broadcast a three-hour live program over KOPA-FM, Rez Radio in Pala, California. The broadcast originated at the San Diego County Fair, at Del Mar, California. On this third and final part, Smitty and Mike are joined by Rez Radio's John Fox, and Noted Los Angeles Radio Historian Bill Earl. Topics discussed are a look back at the 50th anniversary of the British Invasion, noting many of the musical groups that appeared at that time. We look at Los Angeles radio of that time period, and share memories of radio listening when we were kids. We'll also spin some tunes from that time period as well as listen to some great Retro-Commercials. In addition, some other friends drop by to visit with us, including a well-known radio personality from San Diego Radio History. Join us on this fun live broadcast of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On June 20, 2014, Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site broadcast a three-hour live program over KOPA-FM, Rez Radio in Pala, California. The broadcast originated at the San Diego County Fair, at Del Mar, California. On this second part, Smitty and Mike are joined by Rez Radio's John Fox, and Noted Los Angeles Radio Historian Bill Earl. Topics discussed are a look back at the 50th anniversary of the British Invasion, noting many of the musical groups that appeared at that time. We look at Los Angeles radio of that time period, as well as spin some tunes from that time period as well as listen to some great Retro-Commercials. In addition, some other friends drop by to visit with us. Join us on this fun live broadcast of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On June 20, 2014, Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site broadcast a three-hour live program over KOPA-FM, Rez Radio in Pala, California. The broadcast originated at the San Diego County Fair, at Del Mar, California. On this first part, Smitty and Mike are joined by Rez Radio's John Fox, and Noted Los Angeles Radio Historian Bill Earl. Topics discussed are a look back at the 50th anniversary of the British Invasion, noting many of the musical groups that appeared at that time. We recall the life of Casey Kasem, who had recently passed away. We look at Los Angeles radio of that time period, as well as spin some tunes from that time period as well as listen to some great Retro-Commercials. In addition, some other friends drop by to visit with us. Join us on this fun live broadcast of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site presents its 150th episode! Mike and Smitty look back at some of their favorite episodes across five years of Galaxy programs. In these programs, we have presented many, many topics of interest to Baby Boomers and those who are interested in the past. Topics such as TV shows, radio, motion pictures, toys, school days, just to name a few, have been covered. We've also been fortunate to have some great guests on our program over the years. The best thing for our listeners, is that all of our past shows are available on iTunes and Mixcloud for listening on demand! We look forward to the next 150 shows, and keeping you , our listeners informed about the past! Mike tells us about his recent forays into the garage sale and estate sale circuit. So many of the items now being sold at sales such as this, are the result of elderly people passing away and the families liquidating an estate. A lot of the items sold are of historical interest, and the people who owned them would certainly have interesting stories to share about all of these items. We look back at how many items from more recent years such as the 70s and 80s are now becoming collectible. He also tells us about a trip to Sacramento, California and a visit to the train museum there. We also announce that we are once again contenders for the Excellence in Journalism Awards presented by the San Diego Press Club. We'll have news of the results when we receive them. Our Retro-Commercial is for Peach Thrill Dishwashing Liquid. (How many of you remember this?!) Join us as we celebrate 150 episodes of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

As we continue to look back at the end of summer and beginning of fall in years past, Smitty and Mike look back to the beginning of the fall TV season. We recall the days when after the summertime, the new programs would debut. We look back at the TV program "Happy Days", which was a staple program for many of today's boomers back in the day. Tuesday nights on ABC, this highly popular program looked back at the Cunningham family and their lives they lived in 1950s America. This program led to other spin-offs such as "Laverne and Shirley", which were just as popular. We also look back at the life of Robin Williams, who recently passed away. The multi-talented Williams is well remembered for his work in both TV and motion pictures. We also look toward the beginning of the fall season, the days get shorter, the leaves start to turn, and the weather gets cooler as we head into the holiday season. We recall the anticipation of those days which we still remember with lots of fondness. Our Retro-Commercial is for Sanka Coffee with Robert Young, having his coffee at an auction! Join us for lots of fun memories on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, on the Galaxy Nostalgia Network!

On this episode of Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site, Mike and Smitty recall the back to school season when we went shopping with mom or dad for our new school supplies and clothes. We all have memories of those days, the anticipation of getting new clothes, and carrying our new books and folders to school. The newness eventually wore off, but the memories remain. Join us! We also recall some more individuals who recently passed away. Among them are James Garner and Lauren Bacall, who are so well remembered for their work over the years. Our Retro-Commercial is for Skippy Peanut Butter voiced by Annette Funicello. Join us as we say good bye to summer 2014 and recall school memories on Galaxy Moonbeam Night Site!